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FROM 

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:;>  c-c    /  A  0. 


J  JXJ-  •..- .  ■- 


The  Best  Accident 

Insttrance--A  Pahr  of 

Hansen's   Gloves 

Your  future  depends 

on  your  hands;  take  care 
of  them.   Give  them  the 

good  treatment  they  deserve 
— protection  from  fire,  steam, 
and  the  danger  and  discom- 
fort   of    stiff,    unwieldy 
gloves.  To  work  well, with 
comfort  and  ease  you  need 
the  personal  insurance  pro- 
vided by  Hansen's  Gloves, 
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but  soft  as  velvet,  and  built  to 
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nimble  action  of  fingers  and  wrist. 

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are  the  result  of  twenty-five  years  of  honest  effort  to  make  the  best  glove 
for  all  working  and  sporting  purposes.  Made  of  horse-hide  leather,  not 
only  the  finest  skins,  but  the  desi  part  of  them.  They  are  impervious  to 
moisture, and  warranted  never  to  shrink  nor  shrivel, harden, crack  nor  peel. 

They    are  **built   like   a  hand''   and  built  exactly  to 
suit   all   lines   of  labor,  with   the   individual  needs  of 
every  worker  carefully  looked  after  in  detail. 

Railroad  men  will  appreciate  the  durable  "Pec- 
cary," a  glove  made  of  the  hide  of  the  Mexican  pig; 
or  the  *'slip-off*'  Switchman's  mitten;  or  the  horse- 
hide  Protector  Gauntlet,  heat  and  steam-proof,  afford- 
ing absolute  protection,  yet  pliable  and  snug.  When 
soiled  or  j2fre;isy,  wash  them  in  gasoline,  and  they  will  be 
as  soft  and  shapely  as  new.  They  'ire  economical,  too,  because 
they  cost  no  more  but  out-last  the  ordinary  glove. 

Wvifa  far  Frpa  Rnnb     Send  your  name  and  address 

rr  rite  lor  rree  dqor   ^^  ^  p^gt,^!  ^or  our  book 

of  the  Hansen  Styles— illustrating  a  glove  tor  every  ma.n. 
Fours  is  there.     Write  today. 

O.  C.  Hansen  Mfg.  Co.,  ^^^^^^^^ 

lid  Detroit  Street,  Milwaukee,  Wis.      ^^^0RMHMoOQIc 


I     ■      L^^^  UNION         MADE  ^    ^        ■ 

MftDE  IN  BOTH  ELASTIC  SUSPENDER  AND  HIGH  BACK  STYLE 
li  Your  Dealer  Cannot  Supply  the  Style  You  Want  Send 
us  $2^  and  We  Will  Forward  You  Complete  Suit  d^^^riHJ  ) 

(Express  Prepaid  Anywhere  in  U.S. 


HiGH 
BACK 
STYLE 


VERY  BROAD  SUSPENDERS,  FULL 
SEAT,HIGH  WAIST, WIDE    LEGS 
LARGE   POCKETS   NO  SKIMPING 
OF  CLOTH.     THERE'S    COMFORT 
IN  EVERY  WRINKLE." 


DETACHABLE 
ELASTIC 

SUSPENDER 
STYLE 


. 

^^^^^P          1 

1   i 

HB^ 

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V    ^ 

^^^^Hp<^ 

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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HBfrL --. . 

^HBIb 

INED^  CARTER    &.  CQt.ecS^^^SI'r"*'^''* 


u.  s.^ 


But  of  the  Fibms  Who  Aovertisb  in  the  Joubnax. 


12%  DIVIDEND 

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will  get  yMr  4M4taiis  pftaptly  every  qvarter. 

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The  Railway  Realty  and  Invest- 
ment Company 

Incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of 
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Saite  27»-280^1. 1.  W.  HdlaMa  BaO^iar 
The  Best  alRefefvaccs.  LOS  ANGOIS,  CAL 


UNDERSTAND 

BROTHER  UNIONIST 

That  the  best  made  shoes  —  the 
shoes  made  under  the  best  man- 
ufacturing: conditions — the  shoes 
that  best  stand  wear — bear  the 
Union  Stamp,  as  shown  herewith 

Ask  your  dealer  for  Uaioi  Stamp  Sbaes,  and 
if  lie  caaaot  sapfily  yoa  write 

Boot  and  Shoe  Workers'  Union 

246  SvMier  Street,  B«stMi»  Mass. 


ASBESTOi: 
GLOV& 
ux  action 
stands'- 
tfic  test! 


Think  of  It ! ! ! 

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Comfort 

Economy 

Protection 

when  you  wear 

"ASBESTOL" 

Gloves  and  Mittens 

Will  stand  heat,  steam  or  cinder  tests;  dry  soft 
after  washing  and  outlast  others.     Perfectly  sani- 
tary and  made  with  railroad  men's  needs  in  view. 
The  tannage  of  the  leather  used  in  **Asbestol" 
Eisendrath^s  Celebrated  Horse- 
hide,  is  a  secret  process  never 
equalled  for  imparting  strength 
and  softness.    A  trial  pair  will 
convince  you. 

If  ooi  at  your  dealer's,  write  nt.  Wt*Il 
tea  you  are  supplied  through  him  or 
anuther  and  send  R.  R.  time  book  (ree. 

Elsendrath  Glove  Co. 
Dept.  S  Chicago 


ErSElNDRATH'S 

CELEBRATED 

HORSE  HIDE 


^PHiif 


^mmim 


—  ■»#!<«■■     «&J.      Va 


THE   JOURNAL 

' 

OF  THE  SWITCH- 
MEN*S  UNION  OF 
NORIH  AMERICA 

W.  H.  THOMPSON,  bmtoii  and  mana«bii 

HhUAad    monthly 

Vakm  ml  at   BrI*. 
k».  BMc^  Bo&lo. 
ET. 

SobserlptloD 

prieOUn  per  year 

In  advance. 

•tBoflklOMMOOilA. 

W.  R.  QUm,  a«T^ 
tiaiasACMt. 

THOSK  WHO  BKAJt  KQUALLV  THK  BURDKNS  OF  OOVKIINMKNT  SHOULD 
■OUALLV    PARTICIPATK    IN    ITS    BKNBFITS  —  THOMAS    JBPFKRSON 


nuLXfr 


JANUARY,  1912 


No.  1 


mift  ^tm  frar  M\m 

Bt  Amob  R.  Wells. 

Svery  year's  a  hidden  mine, 
Stoutly  up  and  work  it! 

What  tho'  anxious  toil  is  thine. 
Never  think  to  shirk  it 

Half  the  mine,  as  I  am  told» 
Harbors  dust  and  ashes; 

Half  the  mine  is  precious  gold, — 
Ah,  how  bright  it  flashes! 

Sink  the  shaft  of  Lazy  Mind, 

(What  a  dreadful  bore,  sir! ) 

Dust  and  ashes  you  will  find. 
That  and  nothing  more,  sir! 

Sink  the  shaft  of  Earnest  Heart, — 
Lo,  the  treasures  glances, 

Gleaming  gay  in  every  part 
Where  your  pick  advances! 

See,  my  lad,  the  New  Year  Mine 
Bright  with  promise  flashes! 

Will  you  dig  for  treasure  flne» 
Or  only  dust  and  ashes? 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  8WITCHMBNN3  UNION. 

PRESCRIPTIVE  RIGHTS. 


Bt  a.  a.  Qbaham,  Tofeka,  Kan. 


At  common  law,  a  user  ripened  into 
a  right  in  twenty-one  years;  among  us, 
fifteen  years  is  often  a  sufficient 
period;  while  five  years'  payment  of 
taxes  on  the  property  of  another  is 
sufficient  to  procure  a  deed. 

The  application  of  this  principle  to 
modem  conditions  is  what  I  purpose 
to  discuss  in  this  article. 

A  young  man»  just  out  of  school,  de- 
siring to  go  railroading,  applies  for  a 
Job  at  the  nearest  division  point.  The 
only  work  he  can  get  is  shoveling 
cinders  out  of  the  pit,  and  imagining 
that,  to  know  all  about  railroading, 
there  is  nothing  like  beginning  at  the 
bottom,  he  goes  to  work  in  good  spirit 
at  this  literal  and  figurative  bottom  of 
all  railroad  work.  Being  strong,  will- 
ing and  enthusiastic,  he  soon  clears  the 
pit,  and  is  given  other  and  more  desir- 
able work  to  fill  in  the  remaining  day. 
This  continues  for  some  months,  when 
he  is  given  a  Job  in  the  roundhouse — 
an  all-round  helper  first,  then  to  spe- 
cial work,  such  as  fire  building,  wiper. 
Inspector  and  on  through  tne  rounds, 
then  hostler-helper,  and  finally  hostler. 
Now  he  wants  to  gp  on  the  road; 
he  takes  the  examination  for  a 
fireman,  passes,  is  assigned  to  a  switch 
engine,  then  to  the  extra-board  on 
the  road.  His  ambition,  just  now 
attained,  is  almost  immediately  super- 
ceded by  his  desire  to  become  an  en- 
gineer; and  an  engineer  he  finally  does 
become,  an  engineer  on  the  extra- 
board,  the  most  trying  time  of  his  life, 
when  he  gets  a  few  of  the  most  unde- 
sirable runs  in  the  worst  weather, 
finds  himself  practically  without  em- 
ployment for  several  years,  himself 
and  family  sufFering  almost  for  the 
necessaries  of  life,  until  finally,  at  the 
end  of  what  had  seemed  a  hopeless 
case,  he  is  assigned  to  a  steady  run  at 
the  bottom  of  the  list,  a  third  class 
train.  After  serving  several  years 
here,  he  gets  to  running  second  class 
trains,  and  at  last  extra  man  on  pas- 
senger, where  he  thinks  he  again  sees 
the  acme  of  his  ambition  only  to 
realize  that  he  is  again  almost  without 
a  job,  until  at  last,  as  seems,  for 
the  last  time,  he  is  running  steady 


on  passenger.  This  Job  he  holds  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  finally  gets  the 
choice  of  a  preferred  run,  where  he 
goes  out  in  the  morning  and  returns 
in  the  evening,  drawing  a  good  check 
every  month. 

What  toil,  what  privations,  what  pa- 
tience and  what  hoping  have  been  his 
lot  for  the  twenty  or  thirty  years  re- 
quired to  reach  his  present  station  only 
a  man  who  has  gone  through  can  ap- 
preciate. 

Now  come  along  times  when  busi- 
ness is  dull  because  crops  have  been 
poor,  or  because  of  the  coming  on  of  a 
Presidential  election,  or  because,  as 
the  situation  now  is,  the  railroad 
companies  want  to  show  the  public 
what  they  can  do,  if  the  public  dare 
lay  hands  on  them  to  regulate  them— 
to  make  them  serve  the  public  instead 
of  continuing  their  unbridled  manipu- 
lation in  the  interest  of  stockjobbing 
schemes. 

Then  come  retrenchments;  men  are 
laid  off  right  and  left,  irrespective  of 
the  pressing  demands  of  immediate 
needs;  conditions  become  bad,  worse, 
despicable;  the  division  master  me- 
chanic, in  charge  of  the  terminals 
where  our  engineer  has  been  raised, 
educated,  made  and  lives,  resigns  be- 
cause he  feels  his  reputation  and  per- 
sonal responsibility  for  the  lives  of  the 
employes  and  the  public,  every  day  be- 
coming more  hazardous  in  the  general 
calamitous  conditions,  will  not  stand 
for  this  situation  against  which  he 
has  so  long  and  so  often,  but  in  vain, 
protested. 

Along  comes  a  boomer  master  me- 
chanic, with  no  reputation,  no  con- 
science, no  care,  and  no  knowledge.  He 
sits  down  and  does  nothing  because  he 
is  incapable  of  doing  ansrthing,  and 
also  because  there  is  nothing  his  offi- 
cials will  permit  him  to  do  to  better 
conditions. 

Things  keep  on  going  down :  the  road- 
bed and  track  have  been  all  shot  to 
pieces  by  the  "battleships"  constantly 
passing  over;  the  cars  have  t)ecome 
rattletraps;    the  engines  scrap  heaps. 

Our  engineer,  in  this  state  of  afCalrs, 
returns  from  a  trip,  leaving  a  work 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHMBN'S  UNION. 


ticket  for  repairs  to  his  engine;  next 
day,  when  he  comes  down  to  take  out 
his  Tvai,  he  finds,  the  work  not  done; 
he  goes  to  the  end  of  his  run,  there 
makes  temporary  repairs,  returns, 
teaves  another  work  ticket,  but  still 
nothing  done.  When  he  returns  from 
his  next  trip,  he  leaves  another  work 
ticket;  and,  this  time,  he  finds  the  flues 
"corked"  up,  only  because  the  engine 
was  leaking  so  badly  as  to  almost 
drown  out  the  fire.  Then  succeed  a 
few  runs  with  varying  conditions, 
until  finally  he  reports  the  engine  for 
general  repairs,  unsafe,  and  liable  to 
blow  up;  but,  next  day,  when  he  comes 
down  to  take  out  his  run,  there  is  his 
same  old  engine;  he  seeks  the  master 
mechanic,  finds  him,  and  protests,  but 
is  told  that  they  have  no  engine  to 
take  its  place,  and  that  other  engines 
on  the  mn  are  in  worse  condition  than 
that  one.  Our  engineer  does  not  want 
to  go  out  on  the  engine,  but  the  train 
is  on  time,  no  other  engine  available, 
and  no  extra  man  at  hand.  Our  en- 
gineer still  protests,  but  is  promised 
nothing;  and  the  conference  is  brought 
to  an  abrupt  ending  by  the  statement 
of  the  master  mechanic  to  the  engineer 
that  if  he  did  not  want  to  take  the 
engine  out  in  that  condition,  he  would 
get  somebody  who  would.  The  Lim- 
ited is  now  whistling  for  the  station, 
and  no  other  engine  and  no  otJher  en- 
gineer available,  what  shall  our  en- 
gineer do?  If  he  refuses  to  go,  he 
loses  his  Job,  a  job  he  has  worked  a 
lifetime  to  hold  and  enjoy;  if  he  goes, 
his  engine  is  liable  to  blow  up  and 
kill  him.  He  goes;  his  engine  does  ex- 
plode; he  is  killed;  his  wife  and  chil- 
dren get  nothing.  He  knew  the  dan- 
ger; he  took  the  risk.  The  law  now 
steps  in,  and  says  that  he  alone  is 
responsible  for  his  own  death.  Queer 
law,  this! 

Where  is  that  man,  that  sagely  wise 
man,  who  says  in  this  free,  and,  I  will 
add,  beautiful,  country  of  ours  the 
laws  give  equal  protection? 

If  he  is  present,  I  wish  he  would 
Just  step  out  in  the  alley  with  me  for 
about  three  minutes!  I  think  I  could 
re-shape  the  outside  of  his  head  in  that 
time,  seeing  that  no  reform  is  possible 
to  the  inside. 

But,  hold  on  here!  What  has  be- 
come of  what  I  was  going  to  say  as 


the  conclusion  of  this  article?  My 
Irish  got  the  best  of  me  for  a  moment, 
and  I  forgot  where  I  was.  I  wanted 
to  lick  somebody. 

The  sacred  right  of  home  has  always 
been  considered  greater  than  individ- 
ual or  personal  rights,  even  life,  al- 
ways freely  laid  down  in  the  defense 
of  home. 

Now  if,  in  twenty,  fifteen,  nay,  even 
five  years,  your  home  may  be  taken 
away  from  you,  by  a  user  ripening  into 
a  right,  ought  not  a  personal  service, 
ripened  into  a  user,  resolve  into  a 
right,  some  sort  of  a  right,  as  in  the 
case  of  our  engineer  stated?  Tes,  yes, 
yes,  and  yes,  again. 

The  verdict  of  the  world  in  this  case 
has  already  been  rendered,  but  the 
courts  are  right  there  prohibiting  the 
issuance  of  an  execution  for  the  en- 
forcement. 

Verdict,  rendered,  courts,  prohibit- 
ing, execution, — ^what  words  of  terrible 
Import  they  have  always  been! 


To  Wives  of  Uniofi  Men. 

Have  you  ever  stopped  to  think  that 
It  is  from  our  homes  that  the  next  gen- 
eration of  "working  people"  come?  It 
Is  our  boys  and  girls  that  go  forth  into 
the  factory,  the  office  and  the  shop  to 
"earn  their  own  living." 

Knowing  what  your  husband's  union 
has  done  for  him  and  his  fellow  work- 
ers—given them  better  hours,  better 
pay  and  better  working  conditions — 
why  is  it  you  do  not  urge  with  all  your 
strength  upon  your  son  and  daughter 
the  advisability  of  Joining  a  union  as 
soon  as  they  enter  the  labor  world? 

Of  course,  you  rather  expect  your 
son  will  eventually  Join  a  union  be- 
cause he  is  in  industry  to  stay,  and  in 
order  to  earn  the  best  wages  and  work- 
ing conditions  it  is  to  his  advantage  to 
belong  to  a  union! 

But  what  of  your  daughter?  When 
you  send  her  out  for  a  position  you 
figure  she  is  only  working  for  a  few 
short  years  (till  she  marries)  and  sal- 
ary is  not  of  much  importance. 

How  do  you  figure  this?  Does  it 
cost  you  less  to  clothe  and  feed  your 
daughter  than  it  does  your  son?  Is 
your  daughter  so  much  stronger  physic- 
ally that  she  is  able  to  work  ten  to 
fifteen  hours  for  small  pay,  where  your 
son  works  only  eight  hours  (if  a  mem- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITGHMBN'S  UNION. 


ber  of  an  organization)  and  for  the 
best  pay  that  collective  bargaining  can 
produce? 

Have  you  considered  that  your 
daughter  working  for  less  than  a  liv- 
ing wage  is  not  only  bringing  down 
the  salary  of  self-supporting  women 
who  are  working  all  the  time,  but  is 
also  in  many  instances  competing  with 
your  son  and  bringing  down  his  wages 
to  a  lower  standard? 

Wherever  unionism  has  entered  it 
has  made  conditions  better,  and  its 
powers  in  this  direction  are  unlimited 
if  you  give  it  proper  support. 

Do  you  ask  for  the  union  label  when 
you  buy  family  supplies? 

The  next  time  you  go  out  shopping 
and  see  "cliteap  goods''  on  a  bargain 
counter  before  you  buy  stop  and  con- 
sider if  they  really  are  cheap. 

Isn't  it  time,  for  the  protection  of 
your  home  and  your  family,  that  you 
demand  the  union  label  and  urge  upon 
your  daughter  the  vital  necessity  of 
Joining  a  union? — A  Union  Man's  Wife, 
in  Life  and  Lahor. 


Button  Workers  Strike. 

Stella  May  lone  and  Ruth  McMinn  of 
Muscatine,  Iowa,  are  in  the  city  tell- 
ing organized  workers  of  the  big  strikie 
now  being  fought  by  250O  men  and 
women  in  the  button  indiiBtry  of  the 
western  city. 

The  girls  visited  the  Union  Leader 
office  Monday,  and  talked  of  the  strike. 
"Oondiitlons  in  the  button  industry  are 
maintained  by  robbery  and  force,"  de- 
clared Miss  Maylone.  And  Ruth 
nodded  assent.  "Button  workers  are 
paid  one  cent  a  gross  for  the  finished 
product.  The  bosses  don't  figure  that 
a  gross  is  144.  Their  kind  of  figuring 
makes  a  gross  16iS.  After  these  but- 
tons are  finished  by  us,  they  are  turned 
over  to  an  inspector,  who  examines 
them  under  a  microscope.  If  the  sllglht- 
est  defect  is  found  the  button  is  thrown 
out.  We  are  not  paid  for  these,  ^but 
the  boss  sells  them  for  second  grade 
and  pockets  the  labor  cost.  In  some 
cases  girls  have  been  forced  to  accept 
200  and  often  250  as  a  gross,  after  the 
inspector  has  taken  what  his  fancy 
suits,  and  for  which  we  receive  no  pay. 
The  inspectors  sort  out  18  different 
grades,  and  pay  us  wliat  is  left  In  the 
first  grade. 

"You    must    remember,"    continued 


Miss  Maylone,  "that  thio  is  our  second 
strike — or  rather  lockout.  We  won  our 
first  strike  and  secured  union  recogni- 
tion and  the  right  to  be  present  when 
our  product  was  counted.  Our  wages 
jumped  skyward  as  a  result.  I  made 
$11  the  first  week  after  the  strike.  In 
about  three  weeks  things  looked  squal- 
ly for  a  continuance  of  these  condi- 
tions, and  in  one  factory  30  of  our 
most  active  unionists  were  discharged. 
We  domanded  their  reinstatement,  and 
on  refusal  struck  the  shop.  When 
unionists  in  other  shops  began  support- 
ing this  demand  that  the  bosses  live 
up  to  their  agreement,  these  workers, 
also,  were  discharged.  Now  the  sec- 
ond strike  is  on,  for  the  bosses  are  de- 
termined to  smash  that  union,  which 
stands  for  dishonest  countsin&— <5rook- 
edness  that  has  made  the  employers 
rich. 

"The  business  men  are  against  us. 
In  the  first  strike,  they  favored  us,  but 
now  they  are  opposing  us,  and  have 
agreed  to  trust  no  one.  Our  union 
maintains  a  commissary  and^  also  a 
restaurant. 

"Don't  forget  the  farmers,"  injected 
Mies  McMinn. 

"The  farmers  are  with  us  to  a  man. 
EiVery  day  we  have  calls  from  the  men 
of  the  soil.  They  supply  our  store  and 
restaurant  with  goods  at  prices  way 
below  the  market  rate,  and  ofttimes 
they  give  it  without  cost.  Muscatine 
business  men  are  finding  out  t%ey  ajre 
not  being  supported  in  their  position, 
and  an  electric  line,  now  building,  will 
help  Davenport,  30  miles  away.  Al- 
ready many  farmers  are  boycotting 
Muscatine,  and  tell  the  reason  why. 

"There  are  2500  strikers  out.  One 
half  of  them  are  girls.  But  others  are 
involved,  for  you  must  remember  that 
scores  of  families  take  buttons  from 
the  factories  to  their  homes,  and  every- 
body, from  dad  down,  work  all  hours 
of  the  day  and  night  to  make  a  few 
pennies,  only  to  be  cheated  out  of  them 
by  the  company  who  tells  you  you  have 
only  so  many  good  buttons,  and  if  you 
won't  take  what  they  offer,  you  get 
nothing. 

"When  I  think  how  we  have*  been 
robbed  it  makes  me  more  determined 
than  ever  to  stick.  We  will  never  go 
back  without  our  union.  Last  week 
we  heard  from  our  officers,  and  they 
tel!  us  that  settlement  moves  are  on, 
but  we  have  heard  so  many  of  these 
stories.     We  know  the  spirit  of  our 


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strlkere,  and  If  the  unioniets  of  Amer- 
ica will  only  give  us  help— if  each  will 
contribute  a  few  pennies,  we'll  defeat 
the  Muscatine  button  trust  Aliready 
one  Arm  has  failed." — Ex. 


The  Unemployed  and  the  Unemployable 

Ton  meet  on  the  street  a  man  you 
knew  years  before  as  one  in  the  crowd 
in  your  trade.  He  is  woe-begone.  His 
clothes  tell  his  story  at  a  glance.  His 
sad  and  care-worn  and  perhaps  thin 
face  confirms  the  story  in  detail.  He 
is  out  of  work.  He  most  probably 
avoids  you,  though  you  were  always  on 
good  terms  with  him.  so  far  as  you 
had  anything  to  do  with  him,  dn  the 
old  days.  You  know  he  shrinks 
from  "How  are  you,  old  man?" 
"How  goes  it?"  or  "Where  are 
you  now?"  He  hates  to  explain.  His 
very  appearance  is  a  confession  that 
he  has  fallen  behind  hand;  he  is 
averse  to  adding  to  it  a  verbal  admis- 
sion of  failure.  If  you  are  moved  to 
sympathize  with  him,  however,  and 
take  him  by  the  hand  and  try  to  pre- 
tend you  don't  see  any  difterenoe  in 
him,  he  may  give  in  and  talk.  He 
knows  very  well  the  pious  lie  you  are 
acting,  but  passes  it  by  without  men- 
tion, feeling  you  are  actuated  by  a 
friendly  spirit. 

He'll  tell  you  what's  the  matter  with 
him.  He  was  "let  out"  when  "the 
firm,"  "the  company,"  or  "the  T^oes"— 
where  he  worked  when  you  knew  him 
— introduced  new  machines,  or  reogan- 
ized,  or  increased  the  proportion  of  ap- 
prentices, or  of  younger  men  or  women. 
For  the  first  time  in  years  he  then 
found  himself  on  the  street.  Past  the 
age  to  qualify  himself  without  much 
trouble  for  another  occupation,  handi- 
capped by  the  lack  of  the  adaptiveness 
of  youth,  bun<Shed  together  with  the 
others  of  his  occupation  "laid  off"  for 
various  reasons,  he  has  since  been  liv- 
ing 'twixt  hope  and  fear,  searching  for 
work.  His  days  of  enforced  idleness 
have  stretched  into  weeks,  the  weeks 
Into  months. 

What  has  happened  to  thJs  man?  He 
may  try  to  think  he  is  the  same,  as  a 
human  being  and  a  workman,  that  he 
was  when  he  fell  out  of  his  Job.  He 
is  not.  Far  from  it.  He  has  gone 
backward  and  downward  every  d&y. 
He  has  lost  in  nerve,  for  he  has  seen 
how  he  is  only  one  of  the  many  down 
and  out.    He  has  lost  in  tSie  confidence 


he  had  in  his  knowledge  of  his  trade, 
for  in  looking  about  him  he  has 
learned  how  methods  have  changed. 
He  has  lost  in  self-respect,  for  he  feels 
every  hour  that  men  may  speak  to  him 
as  not  having  made  good.  He  has  lost 
flesh  and  even  strength,  for  he  has 
been  economizing  on  his  bodily  susten- 
ance. He  has  suftered  every  day  in 
hie  pride;  where  once  it  moved  him 
as  a  man  it  now  merely  stirs  him  to 
irritability. 

When  a  man  In  this  condition  of 
mind  and  body  finds  a  job,  his  diffi- 
culties in  keeping  up  with  the  others 
on  a  force  are  almost  insuperable.  He 
balks  at  any  task  that  is  new  to  him, 
lacking  self-confidence.  He  fears  every 
day  that  a  new  lay-oft  may  be  await- 
ing him.  He  resents  the  foreman's 
eye,  or  a  fellow  worker's  show  to  help, 
or  the  silent  sizing-up  he  knows  he  is 
getting  from  the  crowd  about  him.  He 
has  the  sensation  that  they  are  saying 
he  has  lost  his  hold.  It  is  a  question 
in  his  own  mind  whether  he  really 
ever  can  "come  back"  or  catch  on 
again. 

It  is  a  social  truth  that  the  first 
thing  a  man  in  such  plight  needs  is  a 
kind  of  medicine.  If  he  can  be  placed 
In  circumstances  in  which  he  can 
stand  upright  and  do  good  work  the 
rest  of  his  days,  a  new  suit  of  clothes, 
a  little  feeding  up,  a  helping  hand  at 
the  right  moment  at  his  work,  a  good 
natured  bluffing  In  response  to  his  ir- 
ritable moods,  an  acknowledgment  by 
those  about  him  that  hard  luck  is  wait- 
ing at  any  and  every  one's  dOor,  the 
nerve  action  that  ensues  upon  good 
stiff  work,  and  the  re-establishment  of 
the  discipline  of  routine — with  such 
medicine  the  worker  who  quailed  in 
fear  lest  he  might  be  relegated  to  the 
human  scrap  heap  may  become  a  man 
again.  But  if  his  chance  hangs  off  too 
long,  his  fate  is  to  "lay  down."  He 
is  "gone."  Somehow,  death  often 
comes  opportunely  in  such  cases.  The 
real  man  having  passed  away,  the  poor 
remains  to  succumb,  in  its  weakness, 
to  one  of  the  hundred  forms  of  illness 
into  which  watchful  death  is  ready  to 
lead  him. 

How  many  g^ood,  honest  men  every 
one  of  us  among  the  elders  have  seen 
passing  through  these  sufferii^s,  each 
a  sacrifice  to  an  imperfect  civilization. 
On  the  other  hand,  as  if  to  prove  that 
the  dead  ones  were  so  sacrificed,  how 
many  other  men.   Just  of   about  the 


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JOURNAL  OF  THE  8WITCHMBN'6  UNION. 


aame  general  character,  we  hATe  seen 
picking  themselves  up  through  finding 
a  job  in  the  nick  of  time,  fully  reoov- 
ering  their  loot  ground,  and  Wring 
happily  witb  their  families  thereafter 
a  good»  kmg  lifetime! 

Fellow  union  men,  as  you  have  read 
these  lines  have  you  not  been  refleot- 
ing,  as  have  we,  upon  the  tact  that 
when  your  union  was  weak,  or  lack- 
ing in  out-of-work  or  (other  funds,  you 
saw  a  far  greater  proportion  of  men 
going  down  and  out  in  the  struggle 
than  since  your  union  has  1>eoome 
strong?  It  baa  become  helpful  to  Us 
temporarily  unfortunate  members.  But 
tell  us,  you  men  among  the  tinorgan- 
iised,  where  can  you  look  for  help  in 
your  trade  when  you  lose  your  job, 
fall  sick,  go  wandering  in  search  of 
work,  or  need  insuranoe  of  eny  kind 
against  the  misfortunes  wbich  the 
wage  workers  of  your  occupation  must 
face  in  common? — Samuel  Oompera,  in 
the  Weekly  Bulletin  of  the  Clothino 
Trades. 


Debs  on  Oratory. 

No  man  ever  made  a  great  speech  on 
a  mean  subject. 

Slavery  never  inspired  an  immortal 
thought  or  utterance.  SelAshn^es  Is 
dead  to  every  art  The  love  of  truth 
and  the  passion  to  serve  it  light  every 
torch  of  real  eloquenoe. 

Had  IngersoU  and  PMllipe  dievoted 
their  lives  to  the  practice  of  law  for 
pay^  this  divine  fire  within  them  would 
have  burned  to  ashes  and  they  would 
have  died  in  mediocrity. 

The  highest  there  is  to  oratory  is  the 
highest  there  is  in  truth,  in  honesty^ 
in  morality.  All  the  virtues  combined 
in  expressing  themselves  im  beautiful 
words,  poetic  phmses,  glowing  periods 
and  moving  eloquenoe. 

The  loftiest  peaks  rise  from  the  low- 
est  depths  and  their  shining  summits 
glorify  their  hidden  foundations. 

The  highest  eloquence  springs  from 
the  lowliest  sources  and  pleads  trum- 
pet-tongued   for  the   children   of   the 


Denial  of  one's  better  self  seals  the 
lips  or  pollutes  them.  Fidelity  to  con- 
viction opens  them  and  truth  blossoms 
In  eloquence. 

There  is  no  inspiration  in  evil  and 
no  power  except  for  Its  own  destruc- 
tion. 

He  who  aspires  to  master  the  art  of 


expression  must  first  of  all  oonseorate 
himself  completely  to  some  great  cause, 
and  the  greatest  cause  of  all  is  the 
cause  of  humanity.  He  must  learn  to 
feel  deeply  and  think  clearly  to  ex- 
press himself  eloquently.  He  must  be 
absolutely  true  to  the  best  there  is  in 
him,  if  he  is  to  stand  alone. — From  the 
*'8ecret  Efficient  Expression,**  by  Eu- 
gene V,  Debs,  in  the  Coming  Nation, 


A  Good  Union  Man. 

Well-meaning  men  sometimes  have  a 
wrong  idea  of  what  constitutes  a  good 
union  man.  A  good  union  man  is  not 
the  one  who  always  boasts  of  his  un- 
dying 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  all  to  pieces 
and  have  no  more  to  do  with  it,  be- 
cause so-and-so  made  a  better  sugges- 
tion in  the  meeting,  which  was  adopted 
instead  of  his. 

He  is  not  the  one  who  goes  around 
abusing  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  wilfully  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  the  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  criti- 
cizes 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  officer  and  others  who  ad- 
dress the  meeting. 

The  good  union  man  is  he  who,  while 
insisting  on  just  wages  and  working 
conditions,   also   has    respect   for   the 


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rights  of  his  employer,  and  does  not 
regard  him  necessarily  in  the  light  of 
an  enemy. 

He  who  is  charitably  disposed  to- 
ward the  faults  of  others,  and  tries 
hard  to  live  up  to  the  true  conception 
of  a  good  union  man. 

He  is  not  so  selfish  hut  that  he  can 
give  due  credit  to  the  conscientloub 
work  and  utterance  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  getting  others  to  join  it. 

He  who  does  not  divulge  the  busi- 
ness of  the  union  to  outsiders. 

He  who  loves  peace,  preferring  not 
to  fight  the  employer,  yet  who  is  sensi- 
tive to  unjust  treatment,  and  who  is  no 
coward. 

He  who  is  not  afraid  to  go  to  his 
employer,  and  in  a  straightforward 
manner  point  out  injustice,  and  insist 
upon  having  the  same  righted. 

He  who  opposes  strikes,  and  con- 
sents to  them  only  when  all  other 
means  of  righting  wrongs  have  utterly 
failed. 

He  who,  when  he  goes  out  on  a 
strike,  stays  out  until  the  wrong  is 
righted. 

He  whose  card  is  always  clear. 

He  who  is  not  a  knocker,  but  by 
force  of  logic  opposes  all  foolish  mo- 
tions and  insists  upon  the  passage  of 
all  good  ones. 

He  who  is  mentally  broad  enough 
to  admit  that  there  are  others  besides 
himself. — Ex, 


Value  of  Trade  Unions. 

The  following  sterling  article  is 
from  the  pen  of  James  Johnson,  Jr., 
Associate  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  State  of  Ohio: 

The  value  of  labor  organizations  in 
the  general  movement  for  growth  and 
progress  is  no  longer  doubted.  Their 
proper  and  legitimate  purposes  and 
the  scope  of  their  operations  are 
being  better  and  better  understood, 
niere  is  a  general  and  cordial  recog- 
nition of  the  vast  influence  of  these 
organizations  in  the  bringing  about 
of  reforms  of  very  great  benefit  to  the 
whole  people  within  the  last  few 
years.    Among  these  reforms  are  laws 


limiting  the  kind  and  time  of  labor 
for  women  and  children;  for  the  safe- 
guarding of  dangerous  machinery;  for 
the  protection  of  factories  and  build- 
ings of  all  kinds  from  fire;  for  the 
improvement  of  sanitary  conditions  in 
mercantile  establishments  and  work- 
shops, and  similar  legislation.  Then 
there  is  the  intelligent  and  determined 
study  of  the  problem  of  Employers' 
Liability  laws. 

All  of  these  things  show  that  or- 
ganized labor  has  been  exercising  in 
wholesome  and  powerful  infiuence  In 
practical  matters  of  Importance.  But 
I  think  one  of  the  best  and  most  last- 
ing of  the  benefits  of  these  organisa- 
tions is  the  educational  feature  as 
affecting  the  members  themselves. 
The  very  fact  that  a  man  is  a  mem- 
ber of  an  organization  which  is  study- 
ing Important  questions  and  pressing 
reforms  in  matters  affecting  the  whole 
social  fabric,  compels  him  to  study  and 
think  and  become  informed. 

As  his  information  is  extended,  his 
method  of  thought  and  study  will  be 
fixed  on  better  and  surer  lines,  and 
his  influence  in  the  community  will  be 
greater.  Both  the  membership  and 
the  organization  will  become  more  in- 
fiuential,  but  with  the  increase  of 
knowledge  and  power  and  infiuence 
the  responsibility  of  the  organization 
also  increases.  The  very  greatest  care 
should  be  exercised  not  to  commit  the 
organization  to  policies  or  movements 
which  are  not  well  thought  out  or 
which  do  not  rest  on  sound  and  Just 
foundations. 

The  leadership  can  do  no  better 
thing  to  increase  the  infiuence  of  their 
organization  than  to  create  slowly,  but 
surely,  the  impression  that  every  posi- 
tion has  been  taken  after  careful 
study,  and  that  when  taken  it  will  be 
sustained  by  open  and  intelligent  dis- 
cussion in  the  interest  of  the  general 
advance.  The  results  already  accom- 
plished along  this  line  are,  I  hope,  a 
sufficient  guaranty  that  in  the  future 
the  effort  will  be  to  proceed  on  sober, 
cautious  and  still  higher  planes.  La- 
bor organizations  are  strong  in  other 
countries,  and  constantly  compel  recog- 
nition and  concelsions.  But  I  think 
in  this  country  it  should  be  the  deter- 
mined aim  to  put  the  movement  on  a 
higher  basis  than  is  possible  else- 
where. Every  member  should  be 
made  to  feel  that  his  duty  as  a  citizen 


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of  the  republic  brings  responsibilities. 
He  should  be  made  to  feel  that  he 
must  strive  to  become  in  some  degree 
a  master  of  every  subject  on  which  the 
organization  acts,  and  that  nothing 
shall  receive  his  support  which  does 
not  meet  the  approval  of  his  judgment. 
—The  Union  Leader. 


te  Vacdne  Virus  Pure  7 

Joseph  P.  Rinn,  secretary  of  the  Met- 
ropolitan Pathological  Society  of  New 
York  and  a  welKo-do  commission  mer- 
chant is  offering  to  wager  |1000  with 
any  physician  oir  physicians  that  no 
active  vaccine  virus  sold  in  the  mar- 
ket is  pure,  or  in  other  words,  free 
from  bacterial  taint  of  sepsis,  tetanus 
or  other  bacterial  contamination  as  is 
asserted  by  the  medical  profession. 

The  virus  will  be  purchased  In  the 
open  market  of  nine  or  ten  cities,  the 
same  being  that  offered  to  the  medical 
profession  and  if  more  or  less  bac- 
terial taint  is  not  found  in  85  per  cent, 
of  the  purchase.  Mr.  Rinn  Is  to  lose. 
Those  desiring  to  wager  are  to  com- 
municate with  Harry  Weinberger,  at- 
torney for  Mr.  Rlnn^  No.  261  Broad- 
way, New  York  Cflty. 

These  challenges  are  always  met  by 
silence  on  the  part  of  the  medical  pro- 
fession. It  pays  best  that  way.  Should 
anyone  directly  approach  them  as  to 
the  reason  for  their  silence  they  scorn- 
fully ask,  "What!  wager  with  an  ig- 
norant layman?" 

If,  as  sometimes  happens,  the  chal- 
lenge comes  from  one  of  the  pirofeeslon 
who  has  seen  the  erroar  of  hla  ways 
and  is  honest  enough  to  say  so,  their 
reply  is,  "What!  wager  with  a  quack?" 

Let  the  government  manufacture  the 
virus,  deliver  it  free  to  physicians  on 
oondi>tion  that  it  is  administered  free, 
and  all  after  ill-effects  treated  free  and 
"quacks"  would  quickly  multiply.  It 
isn't  the  50  cents  or  $1.00  charged  for 
the  initial  operation  which  pays,  but 
the  after  sickness  which  requires  a 
doctor's  care  and  attention. 

An  illustration  of  the  love  of  silence 
on  the  part  of  the  medical  profession 
was  brought  out  recently  in  Portland, 
Oregon.  The  women's  societies  were 
anxious  to  have  a  child  welfare  con- 
press  for  the  enlightenment  <rf  parents. 
The  Health  Defense  League  wrote,  ask- 
ing that  an  address  on  vaccination 
should  be  one  of  the  features.    This 


was  refused  as  all  the  women  were  not 
unanimous  upon  the  question  and*  Uke 
a  few  other  retrogade  women's  socie- 
ties they  did  not  wish  any  controversial 
subjects  to  mar  the  pink  tea  effect  but 
they  compromised  by  agreeing  to  allow 
an  address  from  a  member  of  the 
Health  Defense  League — not  on  vac- 
cination though. 

They  then  resorted  to  the  fashdon- 
able  but  nevertheless  abominable  prac- 
tice of  asking  the  city  for  financial 
support  to  carry  the  project.  To  this 
the  Health  Department  said  in  effect, 
"No  support  unless  you  cut  our  your 
Health  Defense  lecturer."  The  lec- 
turer was  cut  out  and  everything  was 
again  smug,  cosy  and  respectable. 

Even  to  the  one  "on  the  fence"  such 
conduct  on  the  part  of  the  medical 
profession  looks  "dicky."  If  vaccina- 
tion is  so  good  why  such  silence  when 
it  is  attacked?  When  local  men  actu- 
ated no  doubt  by  the  faith  that  is  in 
them  have  run  from  the  cover  of  the 
medical  association  and  said  a  few 
words  in  defense  of  their  practice,  the 
wise  men  of  the  profession  have  called 
them  down  and  under.  Better  "hide 
your  light  under  a  bushel"  or  the 
world  will  see  that  it  is  but  a  dark 
lantern  under  cover  of  which  a  trust- 
ing public  is  robbed  of  health  and 
money,  is  the  principle  of  the  modem 
medico. — The  Voice. 


The  Morals  of  "Domestics." 

"One  great  danger  which  threatens 
the  children  of  the  upper  classes  is 
the  immorality  of  domestics,"  so  I  read 
in  a  bourgeois  sheet*  The  immoral- 
ity of  servant  girls!  I  cannot  refrain 
from  putting  the  question  to  you, 
"Have  you,  when  you  served  as  a  do- 
mestic in  some  'upper  class'  family, 
ever  endangered  the  morals  of  the 
children  intrusted  to  your  care?  Have 
they  been  harmed  through  you?"  The 
small  ones  who  clung  to  me  as  they 
would  to  their  mother,  because  their 
mother  had  little  time  left  after 
her  onerous  duties  at  her  toilet 
stand!  No!  To  the  charge  of  im- 
pairing the  morals  of  children,  I 
plead  not  guilty!  Yet  because  I  was 
once  "in  service."  I  have  thought  the 
matter  over,  and  another  question  is 
floating  in  my  mind:  "Who  so  often 
endangers  the  morals  of  young  maid 
servants?" 


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And  then  I  look  back  at  myself  as 
a  14-year-old  orphan,  standing  at  the 
railroad  station,  holding  in  my  hand 
a  little  package  containing  all  my 
worldly  possessions.    With  exactly  the 

|4  fare  to  H ,  with  a  prayer  book 

and  God's  blessing,  they  sent  me  sail- 
ing on  the  sea  of  life.  I  was  engaged 
as  a  general  houseworker  for  $16  a 
year.  My  "master,"  a  stately  looking 
man  about  fifty  years  old,  shook  hands 
with  me  when  I  arrived,  and  said: 

"Here  you  are  at  last!  If  you  are 
industrious  and  faithful,  I  will  not 
only  be  a  kind  master  to  you,  but  a 
good  father  as  well." 

No  one  had  spoken  to  me  like  that 
for  years.  I  felt  obliged  to  kiss  his 
hand  for  his  kindness.  He,  the  great 
gentleman,  wanted  to  be  a  father  to 
me!  Yes.  that  was  when  I  was  four- 
teen years  old.  Before  I  was  sixteen 
years  old  my  kind  master  stood  shak- 
ing with  passion  before  my  bedroom 
door.  He,  who  wanted  to  be  a  father 
to  me! 

With  the  help  of  the  authorities  of 
my  home  town  I  found  a  new  position 
as  quickly  as  I  could,  a^d  when  I  went 
away  the  man  had  the  assurance  to 
say  unctuously  to  a  visitor  who  arrived 
Just  then:  "She  came  as  an  innocent 
child,  and  she  goes  as  an  innocent 
child."    Truly  it  was  no  fault  of  his. 

My  next  position  was  with  a  young 
married  couple.  The  husband  was  a 
lawyer.  The  bed  chamber,  which  I 
shared  with  the  cook,  was  back  of  the 
kitchen,  and  also  served  as  a  closet 
for  the  family's  soiled  clothing.  To  get 
to  the  water  closet,  they  had  to  pass 
through  our  bed  room!  So  the  door 
could  never  be  locked  at  night.  The 
lawyer,  after  returning  from  his  club 
in  the  evening,  was  in  the  habit  of 
passing  through  our  room  to  the  toilet. 
For  a  young  girl,  it  is  not  a  very  sooth- 
ing sensation  to  know  that  every  night 
a  man  is  passing  through  her  bed 
room.  Of  the  unhygienic  and  oftensive 
side  of  the  near  neighborhood  of  the 
closet,  I  shall  say  nothing,  for  in  those 
days  every  house  did  not  have  bath 
and  toilet  rooms.  But  to  get  back  to 
the  subject.  Awakened  and  blinded  by 
a  light  one  night,  I  opened  my  eyes 
and  saw  a  very  Jolly  Prussian  officer 
standing  by  my  bed  with  a  lighted 
candle  in  his  hand.  The  man  of  the 
house  stood  by  him,  and  almost  burst 
with  laughter.    As  soon  as  possible,  I 


turned  my  back  on  this  "hospitable" 
house,  and  by  good  luck  got  a  position 
in  the  family  of  a  rich  manufacturer. 
I  Jumped  from  the  frying  pan  into  the 
fire. 

Man  and  wife  had  made  a  marriage 
of  convenience,  and  were  only  kept  to- 
gether by  the  pressure  of  external  cir- 
cumstances. As  the  hot  weather  drew 
near,  my  gracious  lady  sought  coolness 
at  a  seashore  resort  The  two  young- 
est children  and  the  grass  widower 
were  left  to  my  tender  care.  I  sensed 
danger  in  the  situation,  and  my  fears 
were  justified.  Right  before  his  chil- 
dren, the  "gentleman"  made  me  the 
most  shameless  "declarations  of  love." 
When  no  promises  of  any  kind  brought 
him  what  he  was  looking  for,  he  tried 
force  one  day  when  we  were  alone  in 
the  house.  I  got  the  best  of  him  with 
great  difficulty,  and  for  all  time.  I  had 
had  enough  of  the  much-praised  mor- 
ality of  the  "upper  classes."  From 
that  time  on  I  earned  my  bread  as  a 
factory  worker. — Anna  Mosegaard  in 
Die  Oleichheit. 


"Judge  Not,  That  Ye  Be  Not  Judged." 

By  the  Rev.  Chables  Stelzle. 

When  the  average  man — on  the 
other  side — thinks  of  organized  labor, 
his  mind  reverts  to  acts  of  lawless- 
ness committed  by  members  of  trades 
unions.  When  he  thinks  of  corpora- 
tions, he  recalls  the  acts  of  shame 
done  In  the  name  of  "big"  business. 
When  he  thinks  of  the  church,  he 
flings  at  you  the  weak  or  insincere 
actions  of  a  handful  of  men  in  history 
or  men  in  present-day  life.  And  It's 
always  a  cheap  way  of  praising  one's 
own  virtues,  or  the  virtues  of  one's 
class. 

If  the  whole  truth  were  known,  it 
would  stand  out  in  condemnation  of 
the  self-righteous  critics  of  their  fel- 
low-men. Trades  union  and  corpora- 
tion and  church  have  each  been  guilty 
of  enormous  offences,  but  each  may  be 
proud  of  prodigious  endteavor  to  make 
for  the  right  and  the  true. 

Just  now  orgamized  labor  is  in  the 
crucible.  It  has  been  there  before, 
but  it  has  never  failed  to  come  out 
cleaner  and  purer.  That's  what  a 
crucible  is  for.  The  hotter  the  fire 
the  purer  the  gold.  The  discussion  of 
the  alleged  evils  in  the  trades  union 


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U  sure  to  result  in  a  discuBsion  of 
the  good,  and  the  pointing  out  of  the 
weakness  will  unquestionably  develop 
its  points  of  strength.  For  the  men  of 
labor  are  no  fools.  They  naturally  re- 
sent the  implication  of  weakness — for 
aren't  they  human — but  they  them- 
selves are  not  so  blind  but  what  they 
see  wherein  they  look. 

Meanwhile — and  this  is  a  general 
injunction,  issued  by  the  Great  Ruler 
—"Judge  not  that  ye  be  not  Judged." 


The  Unit  of  the  Stale. 

The  citizen  is  so  closely  allied  to 
and  so  nrach  a  part  of  the  Qovemment 
of  the  United  States  that  the  very  eiq- 
i0tenoe  of  the  latter  depends  upon  the 
intelligence  and  integrity  of  the  lk>r- 
mer.  It  is  not  so  much  in  the  head 
that  t!he  genius  of  legislation  has  its 
seat  as  in  the  heaort 
'  If,  as  always  baa  been  talDon  for 
granted,  that  man  is  the  head  of  the 
govemmont,  it  must  be  conceded  that 
woman  is  the  heart  of  the  nation.  The 
organic  difficulty  in  our  government 
today  is,  that  the  heart  1e  inactive 
while  the  head  is  overworked.  If  we 
would  have  a  healthful  polltioal  body 
distribute  the  burden  of  the  State 
equally  upon  the  head  and  upon  the 
heart.  This  would  be  the  logical  means 
to  the  end  of  developing  a  public  con- 
science  which  is  quite  as  essential  as  a 
public  puiree. 

Although  our  form  of  government 
placed  the  sovereign  power  in  the  will 
of  the  people,  yet  the  men  people  in- 
terpreted the  right  to  express  thits  will, 
according  to  mediaeval  theory  of 
household  representation.  The  hus- 
band cast  the  ballot  and  the  liamily 
was  considered  the  unit  of  the  State. 
This  placed  the  wife  and  adult  daugh- 
ters in  the  position  of  persons  whose 
opinions  are  unworthy  of  considera- 
tion. 

Since  household  representation  Is 
not  the  American  idea  of  civil  govern- 
ment, then  it  must  be  conceded  that 
the  individual  citizen,  irrespective  of 
sex,  is  the  unit  of  the  State  and  en- 
titled to  the  free  and  full  exercise  of 
the  ballot. 

The  determined  effort  of  the  suffra- 
gists of  California  to  secure  the  en- 
franchisement of  women,  is  but  the 
natural  result  of  the  evolution  of  the 
idea  of  personal  liberty.    It  is  the  re- 


volt of  the  native  spirit  of  western  in- 
depend^ice  against  social  oufftoms  long 
since  outgrown. 

It  is  an  appeal  for  equality  of  oppor- 
tunity, which  is  our  sovereign  right. 
The  possession  of  the  suffrage  is  neces- 
sary to  complete  the  education  for  the 
suffrage.  This  appeal  is  based  on  the 
double  principle  which  runs  through 
all  our  institutions,  namely,  that  all 
the  intelligence  in  the  State  nnist  be 
enlisted  for  its  welfare,  and  that  all 
the  weakness  in  the  community  must 
be  represented  for  its  own  defense. 

But,  we  are  told  that  womeoi  lack 
l>olitical  sagacity  and  have  no  creative 
faculty.  We  reply>  that  Intuition  to 
grasp  the  situation  and  meet  its  de- 
mands is  woman's  epecial  gift,  and 
that  genius  is  not  a  sporadic  gift.  In 
every  case  the  creative  power  has  been 
developed  by  careful  training.  Had 
men  been  shut  out .  from  mechanical 
arts  and  technical  drill,  the  American 
people  would  never  have  become  world 
famous  for  mechanical  inventions  and 
labor-saving  machines.  Up  to  180^  no 
patent  for  invention  had  been  issued 
to  a  woman.  But,  as  her  opportunities 
for  more  general  education  and  more 
varied  activities  enlarged,  her  crea- 
tive power  developed,  and  since  1650 
thousands  of  patents  have  been  issued 
to  women. 

As  still  larger  opportunities  have 
opened,  the  home  has  been  first  to  feel 
the  beneficent  influence  of  the  new 
womainhood.  Never  before  hBB  house- 
keeping been  conducted  on  such  broad 
scientific  methods.  The  training  <^ 
children  is  conducted  on  the  highest 
philosophical  and  moral  principles. 
Truly,  if  the  feminine  soul  is  eDlarged 
that  larger  life  is  applied  to  every 
sphere  of  activity. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  greatest 
discovery  of  the  last  century  was  wo- 
man's discovery  of  herself.  The  next 
step  forward  is,  for  man  to  discover 
that  the  individual  citizen  —  not  the 
family  —  is  the  unit  of  the  State,  and 
by  his  vote,  on  Senate  Amendment  8, 
declare  that  woman  has  the  same  in- 
herent right  to  the  ballot  that  he  has, 
because  she  fulfills  all  the  conditions 
which  the  State  requires  for  the  elec- 
tor. 

The  ballot  and  the  bullet  have  long 
been  In  partnership.  They  have 
brought  waste,  war  and  machine  poli- 
tics. The  ballot  without  the  bullet 
would  hasten  the  coming  of  that  day 


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wliere  intellectual,  moral  and  spirHual 
forete  will  supersede  the  reign  of  brute 
power. 

Snflrasieta  do  not  claim  tli«t  the 
Cranehiae  wUl  suddenly  eonrect  all  the 
acMsial  or  p<riMical  eTlls  of  today,  or 
sa^denly  double  the  wages  of  working 
wcHoen.  We  do  observe  that  a  dis- 
fraiM^iaed  class  is  always  underpaild. 
In  the  world's  work,  woman  Ib  an  eoo- 
nomie  factor  and  needs  the  ballot  to 
protect  her  interests. 

Aak  the  work&ngman  of  fihiirlaad 
wbat  save  him  the  first  guarantee  !be 
erer  had  of  his  brotherhood  with  man. 
▲ale  the  workin^man  of  America  why 
all  polltieal  parties  are  eagerly  asking 
what  they  desire,  and  why  labor  Quee- 
tionB  mocre  and  more  are  appearing  in 
gOTemanent  They  will  respond — the 
power  of  the  ballot. 

Ttie  "busineae  of  politics/'  has  bee/O: 
defined  as  the  "highest  of  human  con- 
cema,'*  hence  there  can  be  no  logical 
reason  for  excluding  women  from 
these  exalted  privileges. 

Give  woman  the  ballot  Charge  her 
with  the  responsibility  of  state  aJfalra, 
and  her  fancied  disabilities  iHll  vaiir 
Isli  Hkie  cbaff  before  the  wind^  because 
tbere  Js  no  force  that  develops  brain 
power  like  the  stem  necessity  of  cre- 
ating: new  energy  and  forcing  unknown 
poeaibilities  into  action. 

The  state  government  needa  the  un- 
used resop'rces  of  woman's  genius  and 
tenderness,  united  with  the  energy  of 
man's  atemer  reasoning  facuKy  and 
0Cemer  executive  ability,  to  adjust  the 
vexed  questions  of  this  restless  period 
in  our  political  life. — Ex. 


Hard  Weric  for  Women. 

The  series  of  shocks  which  American 
women  tourists  in  Burope  report  to 
their  friends  that  they  receive  on  see- 
ing the  outdoor  female  laborers  at 
w^ork  in  the  streets  and  the  fields,  on 
tbe  railroads  and  in  the  building 
trades*  in  various  continental  coun- 
tries, is  a  matter  of  some  marvel  to  ex- 
perienced wageworkers  in  America  who 
bxH>w  the  conditions  under  wh;lch  many 
iwomen  work  in  these  United  States. 
An  American  "syndicate"  writer  has 
recently  done  what  he  oould  to  pass 
tlw  slioeks  around  amon«r  the  stay^at- 
bOHiea,  devoting  one  of  his  letters  from 
Bvrope  to  a  description  "of  the  stsrange 
and  often  iftiocking  sights"  he  himself 


has  witnessed  with  women  day  labor- 
ers as  the  object  of  hia  sympaithy.  We 
transcribe  some  of  his  statements: 

Women  are  found  working  in  the 
fields  everywhere.  They  break  stone 
for  ballast  for  railways.  They  serve 
as  switchmen  and  flagmen  at  railway 
crossings.  In  Poland,  Bohemia,  Ba- 
varia and  other  parts  of  Surope  they 
work  as  section  hands  in  building  and 
repairing  tracks.  I  have  never  seen 
women  laying  brick  or  cutting  stone, 
but  many  a  time  have  I  seen  them  mix- 
ing mortar  and  carrying  hods  filled 
fvdth  bricks  up  ladders  to  bricklayers 
at  work  on  top  of  the  wall.  All  of  that 
sort  of  work  done  upon  the  latest  hotel 
built  at  Carlsbad  wea  by  women.  They 
were  paid  an  average  of  3^  cents  a  day. 
In  most  of  the  Ehiropean  cities  the 
women  clean  the  streets.  In  Holland 
they  tow  and  push  canal  boats.  In 
Belgium  they  haul  loaded  carts  and  are 
often  hitched  up  with  dogs.  Once  I 
saw  a  woman  hitched  up  in  a  harness 
with  a  cow  to  a  heavy  cart  loaded  with 
produce,  on  its  way  to  market  I  have 
heard  people  say  they  have  seen 
women  hitched  to  plows.  All  through 
Europe  women  do  most  of  the  harveet- 
ing  and  all  other  kinds  of  farm  labor. 
Last  spring  as  we  were  motoring  about 
I>almatia  the  fields  were  full  of  women 
planting  grain  and  vegetables  and  scat- 
tering manure.  All  along  the  northern 
coast  the  wives  of  the  fishermen  clean 
and  pack  their  catch.  It  is  considered 
the  province  of  the  women  to  haul 
.  farm  produce  to  market  or  caory  them 
in  hampers  on  their  backs.  When  their 
loads  are  disposed  of,  they  sling  their 
baskets  over  their  shoulders  andi  walk 
home,  sometimes  five  or  six  miles,  in 
a  great  hurry,  so  as  to  be  in  time  to 
miik.  In  Montenegro,  women  walik  fif- 
teen m.iles  with  packe  of  vegetaoles  on 
thetr  backs,  cUmb  down  a  precipice 
more  than  9000  feet,  and  climb  up 
again,  making  the  Journey  of  thirty 
miles  two  or  three  times  a  week  on 
market  days. 

The  latest  census  returns  of  Ger- 
many show  that  more  or  less  women 
are  engaged  in  every  one  of  the  la- 
borious occupations.  In  the  manufac- 
ture of  bricks,  26  per  cent,  of  the  per- 
sons employed  are  women,  30  per  cent, 
in  st<Hi€  quarries,  29  per  cent,  of  the 
employes  in  iron  foundries,  ^  per  cent, 
in  breweries,  15  per  cent,  in  shipping 
and  handling  freight,  10  per  cent,  of 


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the  workers  engaged  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  tin  were  women,  and  ^  per 
cent,  of  the  employes  of  the  Tailways. 
Bighty-two  per  cent,  of  the  total  num- 
ber of  persons  engaged  in  cleaning 
streets  and  51  per  cent  of  the  farm 
hands  are  women.  The  women  show 
the  same  muscular  stren^^th  and  en- 
durance as  the  men  and  work  side  by 
side  with  them.  But  they  do  not  re- 
ceive the  same  wages.  Where  a  man 
employed  to  maike  or  repair  a  highwajr 
in  Burope  will  get  40  or  60  cents  a  day, 
a  woman  doing  the  same  kind  of  work 
at  the  same  spot  will  get  '26  or  30  cents. 

In  our  fihiropean  trip  two  years  ago 
we  observed  the  conditions  above  de- 
scribed and  later  recorded  them  in  our 
book,  "Labor  in  EMrope  and  America." 
We  even  photographed  many  women  at 
mnghi  outdoor  work,  but  we  never  pre- 
tended to  be  surprised  and  shocked  or 
to  pass  the  shock  around.  We  knew  of 
conditions  among  the  hidden  indoor 
workers  In  our  own  country. 

These  details  of  rough  work  dione  by 
women  form  unpleasant  leading  to 
people  not  accustomed  to  seeing  woman 
in  the  attitude  of  the  outdoor  male  lar 
borer  and  exerting  the  muscles  re- 
quired by  his  task.  But  it  seems  to  us 
that  a  shock  with  a  genuine  basis 
might  come  to  the  observer  who  notes 
the  Httle  reason  that  American  women 
tourists,  or  readers  of  Biuropean  let- 
ters, have  for  being  shocked*  at  any 
spectacle  whatever  of  hard-worked 
women  abroad. 

Women  certainly  ou^t  not  to  en- 
gage in  any  labor  that  may  endanger 
the  normal  development  of  the  human 
race,  or  any  part  of  it.  This  is  the  test 
by  which  occupations  for  women  may 
be  approved  or  condemned.  What  work 
shortens  the  lives  of  women  workers, 
or  stunts  their  growth,  or  unfits  them 
for  motherhood?  This  is  the  question 
that  goes  to  the  point,  and  not  whether 
a  woman's  labor  is  what  we  have  been 
accustomed  to  regard  as  man's.  And 
on  this  point  our  syndicate  writer 
says: 

An  investigation  of  the  effect  of 
manual  labor  upon  the  health  of  wo- 
men, with  particular  reference  to  the 
birth  rate,  provoked  a  report  that  out- 
door labor  is  much  more  helpful  for 
wives  and  mothers,  and  especially  for 
young  girls,  than  employment  in  fac- 
tories and  other  indoor  occupations.  It 
was  also  demonstrated  that  the  birth 
rate  is  higher  and  the  death  rate  is 


lower  in  localities  where  a  larger  ratio 
of  women  are  employed  in  outdoor 
occupations. 

Perhaps  the  shock  to  our  tenderly- 
reared  American  women  traveling 
abroad  on  witnessing  women  engaged 
at  outdoor  labor  over  there  might  be 
lessened  if  before  going  to  see  the 
strange  countries  they  would  take  a 
tour  in  some  of  our  home  factories  or 
even  make  some  inquiries  as  to  the 
conditions  in  which  many  of  our  shop- 
girls work.  Is  there  anything  in  Burope 
much  worse  than  the  striking  Chicago 
garment-worker  girls'  every-day  exper- 
ience in  some  of  the  big  factories? 
How  as  to  conditions  at  stockyards,  in 
laundries,  in  textile  mills?  How  as  to 
long  hours  in  the  big  stores,  in  the 
milliners'  and  dressmakers'  work- 
rooms? If  we  go  to  the  extremes  of 
suffering  at  indoor  work  for  women, 
we  shall  find  results  worse  than  those 
to  be  found  in  the  extremes  at  outdoor 
work.  Inquiries  by  the  British  govern- 
ment into  the  deterioration  of  the 
workers  in  certain  factory  industries 
have  brought  to  light  a  menace  to  the 
race  such  as  could  hardly  be  possible 
at  any  outdoor  labor.  Tuberculosis, 
lead  poisoning,  match-makers'  dis- 
eases, the  ailments  incident  to  many 
dangerous  indoor  occupations — from 
these  the  open-air  worker  is  compara- 
tively exempt. 

We  are  far  from  indiscriminately 
commending  all  outdoor  work  for  wo- 
men. But  we  are  certain  that  we  have 
seen  many  happy  women  enjoying  gar- 
den and  light  field  work,  and  we  have 
felt  sure  they  were  better  off,  physic- 
ally, mentally,  and  morally,  than  they 
would  have  been  if  compelled  to  take 
up  with  the  hardships  and  uncertainties 
of  factory  life  as  it  is  seen  in  most  of 
our  manufacturing  centers.  The  objec- 
tion to  outdoor  work  for  women  does 
not  lie  in  its  resemblance  to  man's 
work.  The  limits  of  the  sphere  for 
woman's  labor  come  when  the  work  to 
be  done  is  beyond  her  strength,  or  her 
capacities,  or  her  powers  for  s^lf-pro- 
tection.  Measured  by  these  standards, 
one  may  see  why  certain  outdoor  occu- 
pations for  women  are  to  be  regarded 
as  intolerable  while  others  are  not  only 
acceptable  to  the  well-wisher  for  wo- 
man-kind, but  preferable  to  many 
forms  of  indoor  work.  Because  hod- 
carrying,  railroad  section  work,  and 
stone-breaking  on  the  highway  are  be- 
yond the  limits  of  the  toil  permissible 


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JOURNAL  OF  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


13 


to  women,  one  need  not  shiver  and  be 
shocked  at  seeing  girls  handling  the 
hay  rake  and  the  garden  hoe,  or  even 
taking  tickets  on  the  "tram." — Ameri- 
can Federationist, 


Union's  Value  is  Dlucational. 

The  person  who  is  blind  and  can- 
not see  should  not  be  blamed  for  fail- 
are  to  remedy  conditions  concerning 
which  he  knows  nothing,  but  for  the 
person  who  sees  the  needs  of  the«worId, 
its  miseries  and  its  woes,  and  makes 
no  effort  to  soften  or  relieve  them,  no 
condemnation  can  be  too  severe. 

Economic  blindness  is  gradually 
being  cured.  Light  is  forcing  its 
way  into  eyes  formerly  barred  against 
it  by  Ignorance  and  greed.  Many  per- 
sons today  are  viewing  the  industrial 
world  from  a  practical,  common-sense 
standpoint,  who,  a  few  years  ago,  saw 
it  only  through  prejudiced  eyes  because 
of  the  lack  of  education  in  this  direc- 
tion. Men  who  formerly  stormed  and 
raved  about  the  troufble-making  unions, 
today  sing  the  praises  of  these  institu- 
tions because  they  are  able  to  see  what 
a  benefit  the  organizations  of  labor  are 
to  the  world. 

Labor  unions  are  the  greatest  educa- 
tional influence  in  the  world  today — 
greatest  because  of  the  vast  number 
who  in  this  way  acquire  a  degree  of 
education,  a  certain  amount  of  learn- 
ing, which  they  could  have  obtained  in 
no  other  way — mainly  because  of  lack 
of  opportunity,  but  partly  because  t 
lack  of  inclination.  The  unions  have 
been  the  instruments  responsible  for 
instilling  in  many  minds  a  craving  for 
knowledge  which  otherwise  would  have 
been  dormant,  idle  minds.  The  organ- 
izations of  labor  start  their  members 
to  thinking,  and  when  men  think  the 
world  moves.  The  direction  in  which 
the  channel  of  thought  flowing  through 
the  trade-union  movement  runs  can  be 
naught  but  helpful  to  the  world  at 
large,  and  those  whose  desire  is  for 
the  improvement  and  uplift  of  human- 
ity have  come  to  know  this,  and  many 
without  the  pale  of  labor  organizations 
are  today  bending  their  efforts  toward 
assisting  the  unions  in  the  march  of 
progress.  Many  persons  having  at 
heart  the  interests  of  the  human  fam- 
ily are  now  bidding  the  unions  god- 
speed in  their  mission  of  improvement 
and  advancement  of  the  world's  work- 
ers.   And  for  this  condition  of  affairs 


the  trade  unionists  have  themselves  to 
thank — they  are  responsible  for  the 
line  of  thought  which  has  produced 
this  valuable  result. 

We  have  not,  however,  yet  reached 
the  Elysian  flelds.  There  is  still  need 
for  the  best  efforts  of  each  of  us.  The 
ranks  are  stiU  thin  and  the  recruiting 
must  continue  even  though  many  of 
the  discouraging  obstacles  have  been 
removed.  The  world  has  plenty  for 
you  to  do  in  the  realm  of  organized 
labor,  and  the  educational  processes 
must  be  continued  until  intellectual 
blindness  concerning  industrialism  has 
been  completely  wiped  out.  It  must  be 
continued  until  even  the  greedy,  selflsh 
individual  who  refuses  to  see  will  not 
dare  to  feign  blindness.  It  must  be 
continued  until  the  retrospective  view 
to  you  will  yield  as  great  satisfaction 
with  the  advancement  of  your  period 
as  the  past  presents  to  the  old  pioneers 
of  the  movement.  Don't  be  satisfled 
with  good  enough — make  things  better, 
because  if  there  is  no  advancement, 
you  may  rest  assured  there  will  be 
retrogression.  There  can  be  no  stand- 
ing still  in  this  world— the  flower 
either  blossoms  or  dies  and  the  labor 
movement  is  too  valuable  to  be  per- 
mitted to  die  while  there  are  so  many 
things  in  the  industrial  world  waiting 
for  attention. 

The  greatest  school  of  them  all — the 
trade-union  hall.  We  need  thee  every 
hour. — Labor  Clarion. 


WlM  Creates  Wcdtfi? 

In  this  article  we  have  taken  up  the 
question,  "Who  creates  wealth?" 

We  have  found  that  wealth  does  not 
consist  of  money,  stocks,  bonds,  rail- 
roads, factories  or  mines.  That,  with 
all  these,  the  people  might  still  be  in 
want. 

We  have  found  that  wealth  consists 
of  good  and  sibundant  food,  good  and 
suitable  clothing,  good  and  comfort- 
able homes,  clear  and  intelligent 
minds,  freedom  to  enjoy  and  develop 
life. 

Now  let's  see  who  makes  it  possible 
to  have  these  things— tiie  things  that 
constitute  wealth. 

Labor  creates  food. 

The  possessors  of  money,  stocks  and 
bonds,  the  owners  of  the  earth,  only 
consume  food,  but  do  not  create  it 

Labor  goes  forth  and  tills  the  soil, 


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14 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHIOSN'S  UNION. 


reaps  the  grain,  grinds  it  into  flour, 
bakes  it  into  bread. 

Labor  berds  tbe  cattle  and  she^, 
slaughters  the  beef,  and  cooks  the 
meals. 

Labor  plants  the  trees,  grows  the 
fruit,  ships  it  out,  and  serves  it  at  the 
table. 

Can  you  point  to  one  thing  in  the 
process  of  obtaining  food  under  pree^ 
ent  conditions  that  is  not  accom- 
plished by  the  brain  and  muscle  of 
labor? 

Labor  creates  clothing. 

The  owners  of  the  cotton  planta- 
tions and  sheep  ranches  and  silk- 
worms do  not  create  clotning.  The 
owners  of  the  cotton  gin,  the  textile 
mills  and  the  tailoring  establishments 
do  not  work  in  them.  Stocks  and 
bonds  and  money  cannot  raise  a  single 
pod  of  cotton,  a  pound  of  wool,  or 
produce  a  yard  of  silk. 

Labor  raises  and  shears  the  sheep, 
raises  and  spins  the  cotton,  gathers 
and  weaves  the  silk. 

Labor  cuts  and  sews,  fits  and 
presses,  distributes  and  furnishes 
every  garment,  from  the  plain  over- 
alls that  labor  itself  wears  to  the 
costly  wardrobes  of  the  millionaire 
spendthrifts. 

Labor  creates  the  hats  and  the 
shoes,  the  broadcloth — everything  used 
for  the  body  of  man,  woman  and  child, 
while  on  Mother  Earth  atid  when 
dead,  from  the  baby's  long  dresses  to 
the  shroud  of  our  loved  ones  when 
they  are  laid  in  the  sleep  of  death.' 

Labor  creates  shelter. 

Money  cannot  build  as  much  as  a 
wigwam.  It  cannot  chop  down  a  tree 
or  turn  over  a  stone. 

Labor  goes  into  the  forest,  fells  the 
timber,  saws  it  into  boards,  laths  and 
brick,  makes  the  steel  and  iron  frame- 
work, cuts  and  polishes  the  granite, 
laths  and  plasters,  paints  and  deco- 
rates. 

Labor  makes  the  furniture,  and  the 
instruments  of  music,  curtains  and 
carpets,  stoves  and  furnaces. 

Ten  million  dollars  could  not  build 
a  corn  crib  without  labor. 

Labor   makes   possible   intelligence. 

Dollars  and  checks  cannot  write 
books  or  build  libraries.  Stocks  and 
bonds  cannot  teach  scbool  or  run  uni- 
versities. 

Labor  brings  about  experience  and 
writes  books,  delves  into  science  and 


the  arts,  probes  into  the  mysteries  of 
life. 

Labor  prints  and  preserves  our  lit- 
erature, builds  our  libraries  and  school 
houses,  teaches  our  children,  and  de- 
velops the  young  folks. 

Without  labor  there  would  not  be 
one  single  school,  not  one  newspaper 
or  magazine,  not  a  doctor  nor  an 
architect,  not  a  painter  nor  a  sculp- 
tor. 

Labor  makes  possible  freedom. 

The  time  required  to  get  the  mate- 
rial necessities  of  life  is  the  period  of 
our  enslavement 

Labor,  by  its  inventive  genius  and 
its  ability  to  harness  nature  and  make 
her  do  most  of  our  work,  has  virtually 
become  the  giver  of  liberty. 

Labor  can  in  two  or  three  hours 
each  day  provide  the  material  necessi- 
ties for  the  whole  race.  Our  period 
of  enslavement  can  be  reduced  still 
further,  and  will  finally  be  eliminated 
altogether. 

Labor  thus  makes  it  possible  for  the 
race  to  be  free  from  anxiety  and 
worry,  and  to  acquire  such  mental, 
moral  and  social  qualities  as  only 
union  men  can  picture. — The  Advo- 
cate. 


The  Tramp  Printer. 


The  Chicago  Public  has  this  to  eay 
of  the  old  tramp  printer:  '"Those  of 
us  who  can  recall  the  country  printing 
office  of  fifty  years  ago,  will  honor  in 
memory  the  'tramp  primter*  of  thai 
time.  A  good  workman,  a»  a  rule,  he 
could  give  the  apprentice  leeeons  and 
'ye  editor*  pointers,  and  was  a  com- 
panionable shopmate  besides.  He  was 
about  as  other  men,  except  for  his  ob- 
session by  the  'wanderlust,'  which  kept 
him  from  staying  long  in  a  plax:e.  His 
exchequer  replenis/hed  wiith  a  few  days' 
vrork,  off  he  would  go,  along  the  rail- 
way times:,  or  on  the  canal  towpath,  or 
down  the  dirt  road>,  or  across  the  fields. 
But  he  was  no  criminal  and  no  beggar. 
For  wihait  he  got  he  gave  full  value. 
He  simply  wouldn't  'stay  put.' " 


Captain — So  you  want  a  job  on  this 
boat  for  the  summer?  Do  you  know 
anything  about  the  business? 

Applicant — Yes,  Indeed.  I  sang  nau- 
tical melodies  on  the  college  glee  club 
quartet  for  two  years. — Brooklyn  Life. 


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THE  McNAMARAS  CONfCSSCD  GUILT. 

The  McNamara  brothers,  after  an 
imprisonment  of  several  months  in 
Jail  at  Los  Angeles,  having  confessed 
to  the  crimes  of  -which  they  were  ao- 
cufied,  have  received  their  aemtenceo — 
one,  life  imprisonment;  a  fifteen-year 
term  for  the  other.  While  capitalist 
associations  will  endeavor  to  make 
much  out  of  this,  with  which  to  hlight 
the  progress  of  organized  labor's  on- 
ward march,  those  confessions  will 
avail  them  but  little.  Indeed,  indicar 
tions  are  fairly  well  established  that 
their  vitriolic  efforts  to  railroad  those 
men  to  the  gallows,  through  the  kid- 
napping, packed  jury  route,  was  abat- 
ed at  the  opportune  time,  for  political 
reasons,  and  to  prevent  the  murder- 
ous investigations  being  turned  into 
a  boomerang  against  those  who  insti- 
tuted the  charges  against  those  men, 
and-  p4*osecuted  them  with  such  bulil- 
dog  persistency  and  tenacity.  If 
fully  ferreted  out,  this  case,  as  others, 
would  doubtless  lead  a  bunch  of  pious 
philanthropists,  well  in  the  shadows, 
out  into  the  limelight  and  nauseous 
gaze  of  the  world,  as  well  as  those 
brothers  who  have  confessed  guilt.  It 
looks  to  one,  not  the  best  Informed, 
as  though  fear  of  the  recoil  had  much 
to  do  with  the  hurry-up  confessions 
and  lenient  sentences.  Whether  so  or 
not,  by  their  own  confessions  they 
are  guilty  of  the  crimes  charged  to 
them,  and  the  dignity  of  the  law  has 
been  upheld  and  the  accused  meted 
out  their  punishment  for  the  crimes 
committed.  On  account  of  protesta- 
tions of  innocence,  organized  labor 
came  to  their  assistance  to  the  extent 


of  insiartlng  upon  a  fair  trial  for  their 
brothers,  stating  at  the  time,  if  after 
such  they  were  proven  guilty,  they 
should  be  punished  according  to  their 
guilt  Organized  labor  is,  and  should 
be.  Interested  in  any  of  its  accused 
brothers  to  that  extent,  and  the  re- 
grettable thing  it  must  ever  contend 
with  is  the  sacrifice  of  so  much  of  its 
time,  energy  and  money,  in  its  en- 
deavor to  secure  a  fair  trial  for  its 
army,  many  of  whom  are  goaded  to 
the  point  of  committal  of  acts  of  de- 
predation for  a  prison  for  shelter  and 
a  place  to  eat.  In  this  case,  as  in  any 
other,  it  only  asked  that  the  accused 
be  given  a  fair  opportunity  of  vindi- 
cating themselves  of  the  accusations 
charged  against  them.  What  a  sad 
anomaly  to  the  supposedly  simple  and 
equitable  rules  of  adjudication  sup- 
posed to  prevail  in  the  Judicial  depart- 
ment of  our  government,  when  it  be- 
comes necessary  to  sacrifice  so  many 
hard-earned  dollars  to  establish  the 
guilt  or  innocence  of  any  one.  Surely 
the  acme  of  judicial  confusion  and 
pillage  has  been  reached  in  our  coun- 
iiy  when  two  hundred  thousand  dol- 
lars are  required  to  secure  a  confes- 
sion in  an  initiatory  court  proceed- 
ings. Regardless  of  the  guilt  or  inno- 
cence of  those  brothers,  every  known 
scheme  in  the  art  of  Judicial  treach- 
ery and  connivance  was  invoked  by 
the  man-hunters  to  thwart  the  ends 
of  justice,  even  tliougb  these  men  he4 
been  perfectly  guiltlese  of  the  charges 
preferred  against  them.  The  same 
gruesome  tactics  were  invoked  during 
the  Moyer,  Haywood  and  Pettibone 
trial  a  few  years  ago,  and  they  would 


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16 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  SWITCHMBN'S  UNION. 


doubtless  all  have  been  hanged  had 
not  labor's  hoste  come  to  their  rescue. 

The  same  would  doubtless  have  been 
true  in  this  case,  regardless  of  guilt 
or  innocence,  had  the  courts  and 
judges,  which  we  are  educated  to  be- 
lieve are  infallible,  met  with  no  pro- 
test on  the  part  of  the  workers.  Labor 
has  no  special  apologias  to  offer  in  re- 
gard to  these  men  whom  they  endeav- 
ored to  Bee  get  a  fair  trial.  It  has, 
however,  many  condemnations  to  pro- 
nounce upon  the  big  business  group 
in  the  arrangement  of  a  system  we  are 
asked  to  meekly  submit  to,  and  see 
thousands  of  our  brothers  and  sisters 
murdered  annually  in  just  as  hideous 
and  atrocious  fashion  as  were  those 
pressmen  in  the  Otis  plant  a  year  ago. 
That  portion  of  them  who  are  not 
murdered  upon  railroads,  in  mines, 
factories  and  mills,  by  explosions  and 
unprotected  dangerous  machinery,  are 
requested  by  this  small  group  of  sages 
and  benefactors  (?)  to  journey  by  the 
slower  and  more  economical  route, 
that  of  starvation. 

To  cure  the  cause  of  such  privations 
of  these  millions  of  despondent  souls, 
who  know  not  from  wlience  their 
morrow  day's  provender,  raiment  or 
shelter  shall  come,  is  the  world's 
greatest  work  of  today.  It's  a  vast 
concourse,  this  army  of  dejected  souls 
forlorn  in  the  expectancy  of  ever  se- 
curing an  equitable  share  of  life's 
blessings,  in  such  abundant  profusion 
all  about  them  and  which  their  hands 
have  provided.  They  apparently  only 
worked  to  produce  it  for  those  who 
labor  not,  but  who  have  control  of 
everything. 

The  thought  of  it  all  is  not  extra 
salubrious  to  this  ever-increasing  army 
of  emasculated  souls.  Occasionally, 
one  loses  his  control  of  temper  to  the 
extent  of  placing  a  bomb,  a  bullet,  or 
knife  under  a  building,  or  into  the 
heart  for  the  purpose  of  avenging 
himself  of  impositions  practised  upon 


him  or  hls<  class,  but  the  ill-advised 
placing  of  such  instruments  inevit- 
ably strikes  terror  into  their  own 
hosts  instead  of  where  intended,  as  in 
the  incident  just  closed.  Labor  is  not 
seriously  crime  infected,  but  the  group 
of  benefactors  (?)  who  seek  to  crush 
it  is  alive  with  life^lestrbying  germs. 
Labor  says  go  on  with  the  criminal 
investigations  and  turn  on  the  full 
light.  Let  the  whole  truth  come  out, 
and  let  the  guilt  be  placed  upon  every 
one  who  is  guilty  and  mete  out  justice 
alike  to  all  who  are  guilty.  Big  busi- 
ness says  enough,  spare  the  lives  of 
those  confessing,  and  transfer  the 
weird  ordeal  to  Indianapolis.  Turn  It 
over  to  the  government,  for  the  stench 
of  it  all  is  both  sickening  and  expen- 
sive. Let  the  goveimment  handle  it, 
and  if  necessary,  place  its  entire  army 
out  and  exterminate  it.  But  extermi- 
nate the  cause  of  it  all — never.  The 
timing  of  the  confession  was  as  ac- 
curately and  efficiently  done  as  was 
the  dynamiting,  and  it  exploded  with 
the  same  well-calculated  precision  as 
did  the  dynamite.  It  had  to,  or  it 
would  never  have  been  placed  as  it 
was  and  exploded  in  the  manner  it 
was.  What  wisdom  there  is  in  the 
reserve  mental  cells  of  the  benevolent 
ones  is  nev^r  known  untili  the  psycho- 
logical moment  arrives.  But  it's 
there  with  divine  (?)  guardianship 
propensities  actuating  the  distrlbu/tion 
of  life's  blessings  per  the  require- 
ments of  the  need  of  the  different 
classes  which  means  millions  of  gold 
for  themselves  and  bones  and  crusts 
for  the  rest. 

But  it  is  wrong  to  do  violence,  to 
even  a  dumb  brute,  and  there  are 
laws  preventing  it,  and  humane  so- 
cieties to  see  that  such  laws  are  en- 
forced. In  this  respect  the  dumb  ani- 
mal is  somewhat  in  advance  of  the 
dumb  human  animal.  But  the  human 
race  lives  in  hopes  of  eventually  over- 
taking the  lower  animal  kingdom  in 


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this  respect  and  with  the  slight  ad- 
vantage of  not  yet  being  slaughtered 
for  tallow,  bone  or  hide  purposes,  it 
may  eventually  evoke  as  sacred  care 
and  protection  from  the  master  minds 
as  the  bird,  fish  or  quadruped.  We 
are  living  in  an  age  of  progress,  so 
this  is  likely  to  happen,  or  at  least  is 
a  possibility.  Labor  seeks  not  to  en- 
throne itself  through  crime,  but 
through  peaceful  ends.  These  horrid 
rare  cases,  as  the  one  in  qestion  here, 
are  as  pebbles  along  the  beach  of  the 
ocean,  in  comparison  with  the  miurder- 
ous  sins  of  the  aristocracy  of  this 
land.  Labor  seeks  not  condkmemesit 
for  its  crimies.  It  asks  only  a  fair  op- 
portunity in  regard  to  the  question  of 
Hvin«:.  It  will  be  aati»fied  with  noth- 
ing l€0e,  anid  win  continue  to  page  a 
peaceful  warfare  for  its  rights  to  the 
end.  Its  real  battle  is  just  begun.  T^e 
scales  are  beginning  to  be  brushed 
aside  from  our  eyea,  and,  presently, 
we'll  be  able  to  see  the  horridness  of 
the  patri<}ity  in  society  about  us,  and 
arise  to  the  opportunities  within  our 
rea<^  and  apply  the  disinfectants  that 
will  forever,  let  us  hope;  remove  its 
nauseatiiig  stench  from  the  earth,  and 
that  to  be  dione  through  peaceful  means 
which,  in*  this  country,  have  not  yet 
been  taken  from  us. 

The  recent  elections  afforded  an  ex- 
cellent privilege  for  labor  to  register 
an  expression  in  regard  to  whether  or 
not  it  still  desired  to  kiss  the  hand 
that  smites  it,  or  those  who  will  pro- 
tect and  uphold  it.  In  April  many 
municipalities  wiU  choose  guardians 
over  civic  affairs,  and  who  will  have 
control  over  police  regulations,  which 
means  the  placing  of  clubs  and  guns 
in  the  hands  of  friends  or  enemies. 
Just  as  labor  chooses.  In  November 
the  greatest  of  such  privileges,  the 
quadrennial  total  eclipse  of  our  life's 
opportunity,  awaits  us,  at  wliAch  time 
labor  will  have  the  power  to  peace- 
fully, quietly  and  lawfully  cast  aside 


those  who  have  endeavored  to  crush 
and  crucify  it  This  will  be  the  goflden 
opportunity  for  an  expression  upon 
such  matters.  The  laborers  may,  if 
they  will,  overcome  much  of  their  dif- 
ficulties by  a  full  confession  of  past 
edection  sins  and  by  taking  advantage 
of  political  exigencies  at  that  time,  as 
was  done  recently  at  Los  Angeles 
when  the  McNamaras  confessed  guilt. 


use  OF  THE  BAUOT. 

The  ballot  is  civilization's  best  sub- 
stitute for  brute  force.  It  is  a  privi- 
lege to  those  in  possession  of  their 
normal  intellect,  that  is  priceless  in 
value  when  measured  by  any  standiards 
of  exchange.  It  represents,  when  fair- 
ly placed  and  counted,  the  expression 
of  public  will  upon  public  matters  com- 
ing before  the  citizenship  requiring  a 
choice  of  policies  and  method  under 
which  humanity  desires  to  live.  The 
full  possession  and  enjoyment  of  its 
use  should  be  accorded  to  every  nor- 
mal adult,  as  it  practically  is  in  this 
country.  The  result  of  its  proper  use 
means  the  highest  opportunities  of 
life,  while  improper  use  of  it  indicates 
the  reverse. 

The  study  of  the  duties  and  con- 
ditions of  citizenship,  with  a  view  of 
aiding,  as  far  as  possible  in  always 
having  them  at  the  highest  state  of 
perfection,  is  one  that  shouiU  receive 
the  careful  attention  of  everyone,  for 
all  have  to  contribute  to  enjoy  or  en- 
dure the  conditions  afforded  by  the 
government.  So  It  is  of  the  highest 
importance  that  each  have  a  voice  in 
all  matters  that  affect  the  status  of 
citizenship.  The  ballot  affords  the  best 
means  of  giving  expression  to  matters 
of  state.  Its  use  should,  therefore,  be 
afforded  to  all  upon  public  questions 
and  all  should  show  appreciation  of 
this  privilege  by  availing  themselves 
of   its   use   at   every   opportunity   af- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


forded.  By  its  use  recent  expressions 
were  given  upon  questions  of  state  and 
fitness  of  character  for  custodianship 
of  state  positions  of  trust  During  the 
month  of  April  another  opportunity 
will  be  afforded  in  many  states  Of  giv- 
ing still  further  expression  upon  pub- 
lic questions  and  preference  for  public 
servants,  and  every  one  eligible  to  the 
use  of  the  ballot  should  be  duly  regis- 
tered and  give  expression  upon  the 
choice  of  policies  and  characters  they 
believe  best  suited  to  the  general  wel- 
fare. The  right  of  its  use  and  applica- 
tion to  such  questipns  by  the  common 
people  is  one  that  has  taken  ages  to 
accompliiA.  Now  that  it  is  available 
to  all,  its  use  should  become  general 
and  no  opportunity  neglected  to  make 
its  results  par  excellence. 


AS  YOU  STRIVE  FOR  THINGS  SO  SHAU 
YOU  ENJOY  THCM. 

While  it  affords  pleajsant  memories 
to  reflect  over  past  achievements  and 
anticipations  of  still  greater  ones,  yet 
it  is  today  we  are  living,  and  today's 
actions  govern  our  conditions  with 
our  fellowmen.  The  glories  of  being 
the  descendant  of  a  Battle  Creek  or 
Bull  Run  hero  will  avail  one  but  little 
in  the  battle  for  provender  today. 
Every  advantage  gained  for  the  work- 
ing classes  is  the  outcome  of  a  present 
active  force  exerted  towards  the  result 
sought.  What  you  did  last  year  or 
what  you  intend  to  do  next  will  not 
satisfy  your  present  needs  or  relieve 
your  legitimate  necessities  for  this 
year.  Conditions  are  ever  changing  in 
regard  to  the  needs  of  life,  as  well  as 
the  means  of  securing  them,  and  to  be 
abreast  with  them  there  must  be  con- 
stant and  persistent  activity  among  the 
workers  at  all  times,  lest  the  oppor- 
tunities of  securing  that  which  belongs 
to  them  escape  from  them  and  condi- 
tions become  worse  instead  of  better. 
The  world's  labor  forces  must  continue 


to  battle  for  their  full  share  of  their 
productions.  Failure  on  their  part  to 
do  so  means  increased  suffering  for  the 
necessities  of  life  which  their  hands 
produce  and  which  is  in  abundance  on 
every  side,  but  for  the  securement  of 
which  many  must  beg,  fight  and  starve. 
Not  only  must  they  be  an  active  con- 
stant force  in  their  union  work,  but 
enter  just  as  actively  into  the  political 
arena.  It  is  only  through  these  two 
avenues  that  there  is  any  hope  for  the 
working  host  ever  realizing  the  com- 
forts of  life  as  it  was  intended  they 
should  enjoy,  but  which  they  have 
never  secured.  A  new  year  has 
dawned  upon  us  and  it  is  pregnant 
with  opportunities  for  the  betterment 
of  humanity.  Shall  we  think  and  work 
for  the  attainment  of  an  appropriate 
share  of  these  blessings  nature  has  so 
lavishly  placed  upon  every  side  of  us? 
Or  shall  we  strive  to  see  how  many 
of  them  our  minds  and  hands  can 
produce  and  then  suffer  for  the  want 
of  them  when  in  such  abundance  all 
about  us?  The  year  just  closed  will 
perhaps  be  rated  as  the  most  produc- 
tive one  in  regard  to  worldly  comforts 
for  mankind  when  the  complete  com- 
mercial data  are  tabulated.  It  will  also 
likely  be  recorded  in  the  world's  his- 
tory as  one  of  worst  if  not  the  hard- 
est suffering  by  the  human  race  for 
the  necessities  of  life.  Shall  it  be  the 
purpose  of  the  workers  this  year  to 
merely  produce  abundance  for  all,  or 
shall  it  be  our  aim  not  only  to  pro- 
duce it,  but  get  possession  of  and  en- 
joy the  full  increment  of  pleasures  re- 
sulting from  the  labor  expended  in  the 
production  and  distribution  of  it? 
The  answer  to  these  live  questions  can 
be  given  twelve  months  hence  accord- 
ing to  the  efforts  we  exert  to  produce 
and  to  enjoy  the  production.  What- 
ever of  our  efforts  of  the  old  year  that 
were  useful  should  be  carried  forward 
on  the  ledger  of  Time  and  appropri- 


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19 


ated  to  the  new  year.  Whatever  of  It 
that  aerved  baneful  purposes  should 
be  cast  aside.  It  Is  only  the  useful 
that  should  be  most  urgently  and  per- 
sistently sought  for,  regardless  of  the 
eircumstances  or  environments  woven 
all  about  us  to  impede  labor's  onward 
march.  As  you  strive  for  them,  so 
shall  you  enjoy  them. 


ALL  MEMBERS  SHOULD  AID  NEWLY 
ELECTED  OrriCERS. 

The  officers  of  all  subordinate 
lodges,  having  been  duly  elected,  per 
Sections  1&5  and  156,  and  soon  to  be 
installed,  per  Section  164  of  the  con- 
stitution of  subordinate  lodges,  should 
receive,  as  they  deserve  to,  every  pos- 
sible encouragement  from  those  who 
elected  them  to  their  positions  of 
trust,  as  well  as  those  who  were  un- 
able to  be  present  and  perform  this 
important  part  of  a  member's  duty. 
The  brothers  selected  for  and  elected 
to  those  offices  have  accepted  the 
trusts  confided  to  their  keeping,  real- 
izing the  responsibilities  now  incum- 
bent upon  them.  These  officers  oom- 
prise  only  a  small  part  of  the  mem- 
bership. It  is,  therefore,  an  import- 
ant matter  to  the  organization  that 
the  vast  majority  of  non-officered 
memibers  realize  the  full  importance 
of  their  duties  to  the  cause,  as  well  as 
to  those  elected  to  occupy  the  official 
chairs  during  the  year.  FaiithfulaeaB 
to  duty  in  every  reasonable  manner 
Is  as  obligatory  upon  one  member  as 
another.  The  too  general  prevailing 
idea  that  upon  its  officers'  shoulders 
rest  the  eortire  iresponsiibillty  of  an 
organization,  is  altogether  erroneous 
and  should  be  discarded  and  must  be 
if  we  are  to  aocomplish  the  best  re- 
sults in  the  labor  world,  for  which 
purpose  the  organization  found  its 
birth.  The  officers,  as  a  rule,  will  be 
found  at  their  respective  posts  of  duty 
earnestly  and  conscientiously  endeav- 


oring to  promote  the  best  interests  of 
the  union.  All  other  members,  as  far 
as  possible,  should  be  at  the  meet- 
ings, do  committee  work  assigned  to 
them  and  perform  such  other  func- 
tions as  may  be  requested  of  them  by 
the  lodge.  All  members  in  switching 
service  have  realized  and  are  now  en- 
joying most  substantial  benefits  that 
have  accrued  to  them  as  the  result  of 
their  membership  in  and  the  efforts 
exerted  through  the  organization  in 
their  behalf,  and  all  should  show 
proper  appreciation  of  the  fact  by  en- 
listing into  the  work,  as  it  becomes 
every  true  unionist  to  do — all  should 
be  live  wires.  Only  by  activity  in  the 
cause  on  the  part  of  aM  are  the  best 
results  possible.  There  should  be  no 
drones  in  our  hive  during  this  year 
of  our  Lord,  1912.  Come  out  to  the 
installation  exercises  and  do  every- 
thing reasonable  within  your  power 
during  the  entire  year  to  make  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America 
a  better,  stronger  organization  than 
ever  before  and  see  how  it  will  grow 
and  prosper  and  with  how  much  bet- 
ter conscience  you  will  be  the  pos- 
sessor of,  due  to  your  faithful  efforts 
and  sacrifices  to  promote  a  cause  that 
has  already  been  instrumental  in 
affording  enlarged  opportunities  of 
life  for  you  and  those  dependant  upon 
you. 


PENSIONS  FOR  MOTHERS. 

Seldom  is  there  any  body  of  legisla- 
tors or  other  society  meetings  for  the 
purpose  of  making  laws  or  introducing 
reforms  for  the  benefit  of  humanity, 
but  thftt  perform  some  useful  aervice, 
even  though  a  major  portion  of  the 
acts  of  such  representative  bodies  be 
of  no  avail  for  public  good.  At  least 
one  human  act  was  done  by  the  Illinois 
lawmakers  last  year,  whetiier  con- 
sciously or  accidentally,  that  was  In 
drafting  and  passing  a  bill  providing 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHMSN'S  UNION. 


at  least  for  temporarily  pensioning  or 
assisting  fathers  and  mothers,  and 
especially  widowed  mothers,  left  with 
the  care  of  small  children  with  no 
means  of  supporting  them.  However, 
remiss  it  was  in  attending  to  other 
matters  of  reform  and  progress^  some 
of  which  it  was  ordained<  to  ao  by  the 
expressed  opinion  of  a  majority  of  the 
citizenship  of  the  state,  such,  for  in- 
stance, as  the  adoption  of  the  initia- 
tive,  referendum  and  recall,  yet  it  es- 
tablished a  precedent,  so  far  as  we 
know,  in  a  wise  provision  flor  the  pre- 
vention of  disrupting  homes  where 
small  children  are  left  to  mothers  who 
are  unable  to  provide  the  necessities  of 
life  for  them  and  who,  before  the  pass- 
age of  this  act,  had  no  other  recourse 
than  placing  their  offspring  upon 
the  charity  of  the  world  by  either  plac- 
ing them  in  the  poor  house  or  giving 
them  out  for  adoption,  either  process 
of  which  is  a  heart-breaking  experience 
and  home-disrupting,  home-breaking 
•process  to  a  respected  mother,  whose 
only  offense  is  her  poverty  due  to  laws 
and  conditions  not  of  her  own  making, 
and  in  which  she  has  been  denied  a 
vote.  The  sacrednees  of  the  home  and 
its  moralizing  influence  upon  the  body 
politic  has  been  heralded  as  the  great- 
est factor  in  the  moulding  of  the  char- 
acteristics of  society  that  were  worth 
the  while  of  humanity  to  aspire  to  or 
hope  for.  Tet,  through  history  it  has 
been  the  rule  when  death  or  other 
grave  misfortune  has  robbed  the  bread- 
winner of  his  ability  to  care  for  his 
children,  the  home  has  been  broken  up 
and  the  Innocent  ones  cast  adrift,  los- 
ing the  beneflts  of  the  best  character 
developing  lessons  possible  to  secure 
from  their  best  teacher  on  earth — the 
mother. 

The  provisions  of  this  new  law  read 
as  follows:  "If  the  parent  or  parents 
of  such  dependent  or  neglected  child 
are  poor  and  unable  to  properly  care 


for  said  child,  but  are  otherwise 
proper  guardians,  and  it  is  for  the  wel- 
fare of  such  child  to  remain  at  home, 
the  court  may  enter  an  order  finding 
such  facts  and  fixing  the  amount  of 
money  necessary  to  enable  the  parent 
or  parents  to  properly  care  for  such 
child,  and  thereupon  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  county  board,  through  its 
county  agent  or  othewise,  to  pay  to 
such  parent  or  parents^  at  such  times 
as  said  order  may  designate,  the 
amount  so  specified  for  the  care  of 
such  dependent  or  neglected  ohild 
until  the  further  order  of  the  court." 
Doubtless  the  most  avowed  enthusi- 
ast in  support  of  the  measure  fully 
realized  that  the  bill,  if  passed,  would 
at  best  afford  but  a  small  measure  of 
relief  along  the  humane  ends  sought, 
yet  he  realized  it  was  a  beginning  of 
a  real  charity  which  would  expand 
and  in  the  end  be  of  vast  magnitude 
on  account  of  its  real  merit  and  the 
end  sought.  The  idea  of  costly  elee- 
mosynary institutions  in  the  hands  of 
questionable  qualified  custodians,  sub- 
ject to  every  political  change  of  local 
sentiment,  is  encountering  serious  op- 
position in  many  sections  of  the  coun- 
try on  account  of  the  belief  that  such 
relief  could  be  more  equitably  en- 
trusted in  the  hands  of  those  most 
directly  interested  in  the  ones  to  re- 
ceive such  bounties.  Dollars  in  imb- 
lic  official  hands  will  not,  as  a  rule» 
be  as  economically  and  intelligently 
expended  for  the  care  of  children  as 
in  a  mother's  hands.  When  this  truth 
is  taken  into  consideration,  together 
with  the  great  benefit  that  will  accrue 
to  society  by  the  preservation  of  the 
blessings  to  the  public  in  the  way  of 
unbroken  homes  and  hearts,  the  prin- 
ciple is  one  that  should  receive  the 
careful  attention  of  every  citizen. 
Every  life  that  comes  to  the  home  is 
part  of  the  human  family  that  Is 
worthy  of  proper  nurture  and  care  and 


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any  country  lax  In  its  provisions  for 
a  decent  opportunity  to  care  for  those 
upon  whom  its  future  destinies  rests, 
is  derelict  of  a  most  important  duty. 
So,  whether  consciously,  unconscious- 
ly or  accidentally  it  happened,  Illinois 
has  taken  a  forward  step  in  its  ar- 
rangement to  proTlde  a  means  to  pro- 
tect the  home  of  its  deserving  poor  by 
aiding  in  the  preservation,  not  only 
of  the  child  at  home,  but  of  tiie  home 
itself,  and  however  crude  the  plan  as 
arranged  may  be,  there  is  a  principle 
involved  that  is  worthy  of  emulation 
and  enlarging  upon  until  its  pro- 
visions shall  have  reachea  every 
hearth  in  the  land  where  such  assist- 
ance Is  needed.  There  is  no  form  of 
pensions  we  can  conceive  of  more 
meritorious  than  pensions  for  mothers. 


TCLEGRAPHCRS'  GAIN  IMPORTANT 
CONCESSIONS  FROM  ROADS. 

The  Order  of  Railroad  Telegraphers 
were  recently  successful  in  their  wage 
controversies  with  the  Soutnem  and 
B.  A  O.  R.  R.  Co.'s.  With  the  former 
company  the  agreement  was  reached 
through  conferences  between  the  gen- 
eral manager  of  the  company  for  the 
road  and  the  adjustment  committee  of 
the  telegraphers  for  the  employes.  The 
result  was  an  average  increase  of 
twelve  per  cent  in  pay  for  the  opera- 
tors of  the  system,  besides  the  enjoy- 
ment of  improved  working  conditions. 
The  settlement  of  the  B.  St  O.  con- 
troversy was  referred  to  Judge  Martin 
A.  Knapp  of  the  United  States  Court 
of  Commerce  and  Charles  P.  Neill, 
Commissioner  of  Labor,  who  acted  as 
a  board  of  mediators.  In  this  case  the 
employes  were  awarded  an  increase  of 
six  per  cent  in  wages,  besides  a  read- 
justment of  working  conditions,  one  of 
which  was  a  reduction  of  working 
hour  shifts  in  which  all  those  who  had 
been  required  formerly  to  work  eleven 
hour  shlfto,  are  now  required  to  work 


but  ten  hours.  By  these  peaceful  set- 
tlements, in  which  substantial  in- 
creases in  wages  and  other  adv€uitage8 
were  gained  for  the  employes,  another 
useful  lesson  is  placed  before  the  labor 
world  as  a  fitting  testimonial  to  the 
need  of  labor  organizations  in  the  set- 
tlement of  labor  disputes  through  col- 
lective bargaining,  instead  of  the  non- 
union plan  or  individually.  It  also  af- 
fords another  demonstration  of  the 
progressiveness  o^  the  order  of  Rail- 
road Telegraphers,  the  agency  through 
which  so  much  has  been  accomplished 
for  the  "key  men"  of  this  country  dur- 
ing the  last  few  years.  There  should 
be  no  "no-biU"  operators  in  this  coun- 
try after  all  operators  receive  the  bene- 
fits they  do  through  the  membership 
of  this  union.  There  should  be  no 
hesitancy  in  every  employe  in  that 
branch  of  service  to  affiliate  himself 
with  the  order  that  has  greatly  en- 
hanced his  opportunities  of  enjoying  a 
means  of  securing  a  more  decent  live- 
lihood than  was  ever  before  afforded 
in  this  vocation. 


NEW  LODGES. 

Last  month  three  new  lodges  were 
instituted;  one  at  Ft.  Dodge,  la.,  by 
Vice-President  Clohessy,  one  at  Cairo, 
111.,  by  Vice-President  Connors,  and  one 
at  Braddock,  Pa.,  by  Vice-President 
Porter.  Each  of  these  lodges  start  off 
under  favorable  auspices,  and  we  hope 
all  the  members  in  each  fully  realize 
the  f^ct  that  a  large  portion  of  the 
success  of  their  new  lodge,  or  its  fail- 
ure, depends  upon  each  member  who 
enrolled  his  name  upon  the  new  char- 
ter. The  affairs  of  this  organization 
are  and  will  continue  to  be  just  as  its 
membership  makes  them.  If  all  mem- 
bers, or  a  very  large  percentage  of 
them,  are  thoroughly  active  in  its  be- 
half, its  progress  will  be  great  If 
they  are  careless  and  neglectful  in  re- 
gard to  securing  members,  or  in  en- 


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22 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNI6N. 


deavorlng  to  couasel  their  members 
wisely  upon  questions  of  policy  that 
govern  the  actions  of  men  trying  to 
obtain  as  good  conditions  as  possible 
under  whleh  to  work  and  live,  then  lt£: 
advancement  will  not  be  what  It  should 
be.  Oftentimes  the  best  of  Institutions 
fall  to  accomplish  the  results  they 
should  have,  and  could  have  done,  on 
account  of  the  spirit  of  Indifference 
that  existed  among  their  membership. 
We  hope  each  member  of  these  new 
lodges  has  enlisted  his  best  energies  to 
the  cause  he  has  now  taken  up.  Names 
of  their  officers  will  appear  In  the 
roster  In  February  Joubnal.  To  each 
of  these  lodges  goes  the  best  wishes  of 
every  lodge  in  the  union  upon  the  ad- 
vance step  they  have  taken  in  the  labor 
world. 


MORE  WIRELESS  OPERATORS. 

Mr.  Bryan  learned  a  lesson  from  the 
wreck  of  the  "Joachim."  He  believes 
this  lesson  ought  to  be  utilized  for  the 
protection  of  the  public.  The  passen- 
gers on  the  vessel  owe  their  rescue  to 
the  wirelessw  Without  it  they  would 
now  be  on  Atwoods  Key,  the  little 
island  near  which  their  ship  went  upon 
the  rocks;  and  as  the  island  is  about 
thirty-three  miles  off  the  line  of  travel 
they  might  have  been  there  for  some 
time.  But  while  the  wireless  brought 
a  ship  they  learned  that  the  smaller 
ships  have  but  one  operator,  and,  as  he 
must  have  time  for  sleep,  there  is  a 
part  of  the  time — approximately  one- 
third — ^when  a  distress  signal  can  not 
be  heard,  no  matter  how  near  a  ship 
may  be  to  the  scene  of  the  accident. 

Take  this  particular  case,  for  in- 
stance; the  ship  went  upon  the  rocks 
at  3.45  a.  m.  The  wireless  operator  at 
once  signalled  for  help.  He  received 
an  answer  from  New  York  and  from 
six  other  stations  scattered  along  the 
coast  between  New  York  and  western 
Cuba,  but  could  not  get  into  connec- 
tion with  any  ship,  for  the  reason  that 
the  operators  rest  from  1.30  to  6  a.  m. 
In  this  case  the  danger  was  not  imme- 
diate and  a  few  hours  did  not  make 
any  difference,  but  an  hour  might  mean 
life  or  death  to  all  on  board.  It  is  the 
opinion  of  all  the  passengers  on  the 


"Joachim"  and  officers  as  well  as  pas- 
sengers share  the  opinion,  that  pro- 
vision should  be  made  for  at  least  two 
operators  on  each  ship  so  that  signals 
of  distress  could  be  heard  at  all  hours. 

This  matter  should  be  brought  to  the 
attention  of  the  appropriate  commit- 
tees of  the  Senate  and  House. 

The  hours  that  passed  between  3.45 
and  the  answer  from  the  relief  ship 
were  anxious  ones  for  the  "Joachim" 
passengers,  and  It  Is  easy  to  Imagine 
the  greater  anxiety  that  would  have 
been  felt  If  the  ship  had  been  sinking. 
— The  Commoner. 

Mr.  Bryan  has  learned  a  good  labor 
lesson,  even  though  he  came  so  near 
drowning  to  learn  it.  The  advent  of 
wireless  telegraphy  has  rendered  life 
much  more  secure  than  before  Its  use 
upon  the  sea.  Some  large  ships  have 
gone  to  the  lower  depths  whioh  had 
they  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  the  wire- 
lees,  their  crews  and  passengers  might 
have  been  saved.  The  one  here  re- 
ported as  wred^ed  upon  the  rocks  at 
Atwoods  Key,  and  considerably  out 
of  the  course  of  usual  sea  romtea, 
wouM  have  been  helpless  to  afford 
contort  to  thiose  aboard  her  or  have 
been  able  to  send  them  promptly  on 
their  journey  without  it.  But  with 
all  the  possibilities  of  life-saving .  ad- 
vantages of  the  wireless  service,  it  is 
useless  without  operators,  and  very 
dangerous  without  a  full  complement 
of  them,  that  will  enable  vessel  crews 
being  in  hailing  communication  with 
other  ships  at  all  times.  From  this  re* 
port  of  experience  of  short-handed 
crews,  where  lives  are  fraught  with 
dianger,  we  shoukB  naturally  Mfer  Air. 
Bryan  was  in  favor  of  fully-equipped 
crews  on  all  life-carrying  agencies  and 
those  encountered  by  them,  such,  for 
instance,  as  long  railway  trains — on 
the  road, — and  long  trains  in  switch- 
ing terminals,  upon  the  proper  move- 
ment of  which  the  safety  of  thonsands 
of  lives  depend.  There  is  no  doubt, 
Mr.  Bryan,  your  life  was  in  great  peril 
many  times  right  in  your  native  land. 


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28 


due  to  the  fact  of  short-handed  crews 
on  trains  you've  met  and  short-handed 
switching  crews  your  trains  have  en- 
countered at  terminal  points.  Oh 
many  of  them  It  was  Impossible  for  the 
members  of  those  crews  to  always  he 
in  signal  communication  with  each 
other  and  with  the  engine  crews,  and 
your  life  was  imperiled  on  account  of 
it,  and  while  your  life  was  spared 
thousands  of  others  were  not.  If  you 
believe  in  full  crews  for  such  great  life- 
destroying  agencies,  your  services 
would  be  greatly  appreciated  at  the 
present  time,  if  through  Tfie  Com- 
moner  or  other  available  servicee  at 
your  command  you  wouM  espouse  Bill 
H.  R.  13911,  now  pending  in  Congress. 
This  is«a  bill  "to  provide  the  least 
number  of  men  who  must  be  assigned 
to  each  engine  or  locomotive  engaged 
In  handling  cars  used  In  inter-state 
commerce  and  in  switching  cars  in  any 
railroad  or  on  railroad  track  in  the 
States  and  Territories  of  the  United 
States,"  etc.,  etc.  Your  influence,  if 
exerted  in  the  same  manner  as  upon 
such  questions  as  the  tariff,  recipiocl'ty, 
guaranteed  bank  deposits,  the  inltia- 
tive»  referendum,  recall,  etc.,  would 
greatly  aid  in  crystalizlng  public  senti- 
ment upon  the  question  of  greater 
safety  to  the  public  and  railroad  em- 
ployes, and  in  securing  of  suitable  stat- 
utes, enforcing  the  roads  to  have  crews 
of  not  less  than  an  engineer,  fireman 
and  three  switchmen  with  every  engine 
allowed  to  be  used  in  yard  service.  In 
many  places,  Mr.  Bryan,  there  is  great 
need  for  safety's  sake  of — more  switch- 
men. 


According  to  the  president's  r^ort 
at  the  last  convention  of  the  Interna- 
tional Association  of  Machinists,  that 
organization  was  engaged  in  152 
strikes  during  the  last  two  years,  a 
major  portion  of  which  were  won  for 
the  union.  The  report  also  shows  that 
the  amount  paid  out  during  the  same 


Interval  of  time  for  strike  benefits  was 
$584,400.29.  This  militant  organiza- 
tion has  learned  well  the  policy  of 
prepiaring  for  war  in  times  of  peace,  a 
fact  that  doubtless  had  had  much  to  do 
in  averting  strikes  when  conducting 
many  of  their  grievances,  as  well  as 
affording  them  a  means  of  successfully 
waging  such  conflicts  when  It  becomes 
necessary  to  engage  in  a  strike.  Few 
labor  organizations  have  so  wisely  ar- 
ranged for  such  contingencies  as  have 
the  International  Association  of  Ma- 
chinists. It  would  be  well  for  all  la- 
bor organizations  to  study  well  the 
advisability  of  preparedness  for  such 
conflicts,  as  much  as  they  may  be 
dreaded  and  sought  to  be  avoided. 
Present-day  attitude  of  corporations 
often  forces  these  strikes  upon  organi- 
zations and.  In  the  event  of  one,  a  well- 
filled  exchequer,  is  one  of  the  most  es- 
sential attributes  to  a  successful  termi- 
nation of  it 


Theodore  Roosevelt  has  all  the  poli- 
ticians of  all  the  parties  guessing. 
None  of  them  seem  to  know  Just  where 
he  stands  or  what  he  means. — The 
Minnesota  Union-Advocate, 

There  was  no  doubt  where  he  stood 
on  the  steel  (?)  merger  question,  on 
the  question  of  trying  to  hang  Moyer, 
Haywood  and  Pettlbone  and  put  the 
Appeal  to  Reason  out  of  commission. 
However  much  guessing  there  may  be 
among  the  different  political  factions, 
as  to  his  bearings,  there  is  none  when 
it  comes  to  a  show  down  with  the 
United  Steel  Corporation,  for  he  speaks 
out  in  no  UAcertain  tones.  He  is  for 
the  trust  every  time. 


A  recent  item  coming  from  Boston 
papers  announces  the  fact  of  a  perma- 
nent memorial  in  the  form  of  a 
$1,000,000  hospital  for  animals,  to  the 
memory  of  George  T.  Angell,  founder 
of  the  Society  for  the  Prevention  of 
Cruelty  to  Animals,  soon  to  be  built  in 


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24 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITGHMmTS  UNION. 


Boston.  We  greatly  admire  the  life 
work  of  Mr.  Angell  and  the  crusade 
he  was  able  to  so  successfully  wage 
against  cruelty  to  the  dumb  animal 
kingdom.  His  good  work  should  be 
emulated  and  carried  on  throughout 
all  ages  and  every  species  of  the  ani- 
mal kingdom  receive  adequate  protec- 
tion in  order  to  perform  the  functions 
in  the  divine  plan  for  which  they  are 
placed  here,  namely,  the  protection  as 
well  as  food  and  raiment  for  mankind. 
In  order  that  this  may  be  done  they 
should  be  properly  safeguarded  against 
the  hunter  and  the  abuser.  But  is  not 
the  generosity  of  the  large  contribu- 
tors of  that  million  dollar  home  for  the 
dumb  animals  Just  a  bit  out  of  gear 
when  a  great  number  of  the  dumb  ani- 
mals are  in  the  enjoyment  of  so  much 
better  conditions  than  those  enjoyed 
by  their  less  fortunate  human  guar- 
dians? With  all  our  love  for  the  ani- 
mals it  rather  appears  this  n^iUion  of 
dollars  could  be  much  more  humanely 
expended  in  the  erection  or  a  few  hos- 
pitals for  the  care  of  a  multitude  of 
sick  and  decrepit  of  the  human 
race  who  are  refused  admission  to 
present-day  hospitals  on  account  of 
their  poverty.  Our  love  for  the  animal 
should  ever  be  in  our  minds,  but  a  still 
greater  love  should  find  expression  for 
the  human  race.  But  according  to 
present  modes  of  society  the  hospitals 
are  not  constructed  for  them. 


There  is  a  standing  notice  in  the 
Journal  stating  that  letters  Intended 
for  publication  will  not  be  printed  un- 
less they  have  the  signature  of  those 
sending  them  in.  But,  apparently,  this 
notice  is  not  given  the  attention  It 
should  receive  by  some  contributors, 
as  we  occasionally  receive  anonymous 
letters.  We  would  very  much  like  to 
print  these  letters,  but  cannot  do  so 
unless  name  of  sender  is  attached 
thereto  as  an  evidence  of  good  faith. 


Your  name  will  not  appear  at  end  of 
communication  if  you  request  it,  but 
it  is  necessary  that  we  know  who  you 
are.  So  if  any  letters  Intended  for  the 
JouBNAL  are  not  published,  you  will 
know  of  at  least  one  reason  why  it 
was  not  printed  if  you  failed  to  sign 
your  name.  Please  remember  this 
when  writing  letters  for  the  Joitbnal. 


Many  good  resolutions  of  good  in- 
tent fell  wide  of  the  mark  during  the 
year  just  ended.  But  do  not  allow  that 
fact  to  deter  you  from  making  them 
again,  nor  discourage  you  in  your  ef- 
forts to  try  to  fulfill  them  this  year. 
Bspeclally  would  it  be  well  for  all 
those  who  last  year  resolved  them 
selves  into  a  committee  of  oife  to  se- 
cure a  new  member  during  the  year, 
to  rearrange  the  dates  of  the  resolu- 
tion and  apply  it  to  the  new  year  we 
are  now  embarking  upon.  Most  every 
member  could  be  instrumental  in 
bringing  a  new  convert  to  the  altar  of 
this  union  this  year  if  he  would  be- 
come sufficiently  interested  In  the 
work.  An  honest  eftort  should  be 
made  to  do  this  all  along  the  line. 


There  should  be  no  misunderstand- 
ing relative  to  the  special  convention 
assessment  of  one  dollar,  payable  with 
the  January  dues,  as  provided  for  in 
Section  W  of  the  constitution,  due  no- 
tice for  which  was  given  Dy  the  Grand 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  In  last 
month's  Jovbnal. 


According  to  press  reports,  ex- 
Presldent  Roosevelt,  when  news  of  the 
MoNamaras  confession  had  reached 
him,  stated  for  the  benefit  of  the  pub- 
lic that  murder  is  murder.  Murder 
wee  alBo  murder  at  the  time  o(  the 
Moyer,  Haywood  and  Pettlbone  trial  a 
few  years  ago  when  courts,  law  cus- 
todians and  even  the  chief  executive 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


of  the  land  were  bent  upon  their  de- 
struction. But  they  came  clear  of  the 
accusationB  against  them.  Tes,  mur- 
der is  murder,  and  it  is  often  a  strenu- 
ous taBk  to  find  who  the  real  culprit 
is.  Sometimes,  though,  it  happens 
that  definition,  promulgation  and 
sharp  shooters  are  not  very  highly 
rated  by  the  advocates  of  dumb  ani- 
mal protection  advocates,  and  there 
have  been  instances  recorded  where 
they  were  not  over  scrupulous  when  in 
war  as  to  what  direction  their  lone 
human  targets  were  moving  when  fir- 
ing upon  them.  But,  as  a  matter  of 
fact,  murder  is  murder. 


Every  member  of  this  union  should 
be  a  live  force,  fully  charged  from  the 
battery  of  determinedness  to  do  as 
much  efficient  work  as  possible  for  the 
organization.  Of  dead  or  decayed  tim- 
ber there  is  ever  an  abundance  In  all 
institutions.  Its  the  live  ones,  though, 
that  count  in  its  progress.  So  be  a 
live  wire  and  keep  yourself  well 
charged  at  all  times. 


Dr.  David  Starr  Jordan,  in  a  series 
of  lectures  delivered  in  Buffalo,  is  said 
to  have  brought  a  nice  point  pertain- 
ing to  the  unseen  empire  of  finance  as 
being  the  real  power  which  controls  the 
destinies  of  nations  and  decides 
whether  there  shall  be  peace  or  war. 


In  order  that  a  labor  union  may  be 
the  success  it  should  be,  it  is  necessary 
for  every  member  of  it  to  do  his  full 
duty  to  make  it  such.  Disinterested 
ness  in  its  affairs,  or  knocking  against 
it  continually,  will  avail  nothing  to- 
wards progress  or  better  conditions  of 
its  membership.  But  faithful  support 
of  the  policies  of  an  organization  and 
an  ^ort  on  the  part  of  each  member 
of  it,  will  avail  much  for  the  weal  of 
the  entire  body  it  represents.    Inaction 


or  half-hearted  action,  when  exerted 
and  applied  towards  anything  by  work- 
ers, beget  oppressive  and  unbearable 
conditions;  while  the  fruits  of  vic- 
tories from  a  solid  membership,  all  of 
whom  are  applying  their  energies  to- 
wards the  advancement  of  the  cause, 
count  mightily  for  the  uplift  of  the 
conditions  of  all.  Be  a  worker  in  the 
cause;  there's  always  enough  knockers 
and  disturbers  on  the  outside. 


The  suit  recently  instituted  by  Presi- 
dent Jfis.  M.  Lynch  of  the  Typograph- 
ical Union  against  the  editor  of  the 
Michigan  Tradesmen  at  Grand  Rapids 
for  $25,000  damages  has  been  com- 
promised out  of  court  The  editor  of 
the  Tradesmen  has  made  a  public 
apology  and  agreed  to  pay  the  ^ourt 
costs.  The  controversy  was  over  a 
libelous  article  appearing  in  the  Trades- 
man practically  charging  Mr.  Lynch 
with  the  blame  for  the  Los  Angeles 
Times  explosion. 


The  maintenance  of  way  employes, 
through  their  union,  have  been  suc- 
cessful In  their  recent  wage  controversy 
with  the  Norfolk  ft  Western  Railroad 
for  an  increase  in  wages,  with  the  re- 
sult that  advances  were  secured  which 
in  the  aggregate  will  amount  to  $176,- 
000  per  annum  on  that  road  in  in- 
creased pay  checks  to  employes  in  that 
branch  of  service.  This  is  a  feat  of  no 
small  magnitude,  and  the  organization 
bringing  about  such  results  is  certainly 
worthy  of  the  assistance  and  co-opera- 
tion of  every  trackman  in  the  country. 


James  O'Connell,  formerly  president 
of  the  Intematioinal  Association  of 
Machinists,  has  been  elected  president 
of  the  Metal  Trades  Department  of  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor,  and 
will  devote  his  entire  time  to  that  de 
partment.     Meetings    of   the   affiliated 


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JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


metal  trades  bodies,  of  which  this  d' 
Pftrtment  is  composed,  wlTa  be  heM  fre- 
quently in  order  bo  secure  a  closer  plau 
of  ooK>peratioa  between  the  dilferent 
branehes  in  the  department.  Besides 
Preeidlent  James  OXJonnell,  the  other 
newly-elected  officers  of  the  department 
are:  First  vioe-presidenit,  J.  F.  Valen- 
tine, president  of  the  Moiders'  Unkm; 
second  vice-president,  J.  W.  KWne,  pres- 
ident of  the  Brotherhood*  of  Black- 
smiths; third  vice-president,  J.  F. 
Franklin,  prestdent  of  the  Brotherhood 
of  Boilermakers;  fourth  vice-president, 
F.  D.  Daly,  president  of  the  Metal  Pol- 
ishers; secretary,  A.  J.  Berres,  Pattern 
Makers'  League. 


Lodge  No.  5S  extends  an  invitation 
to  aU  S.  U.  men  and  their  friends  in 
Chicago  to  attend  their  eleventh  an- 
nual ball,  to  be  held  at  Vorwaerts 
Turner  Hall,  2431  West  12th  Street, 
Saturday   evening,   January   20,  1912. 

The  committee  on  arrangement 
promises  a  good  time  to  all  who  attend. 
The  following  brothers  compose  the 
committee  of  arrangements:  W.  J. 
Sweeney,  T.  T.  Sample  and  H.  Baugh. 


Pay  your  dues  promptly,  and  there'll 
be  no  question  about  your  standing 
with  the  union.  If  possible  to  do  so, 
you  should  pay  the  treasurer  person 
ally  and  get  the  receipt  from  him. 
Occasionally  money  entrusted  to  others 
with  which  to  pay  dues  and  assess- 
ments fail  to  reach  the  treasurer  in< 
time,  if  at  all,  and  the  member  find- 
himself  suspended.  Such  incidents  are 
most  regretable,  but  in  most,  if  not  in 
all,  cases  they  could  have  been  avoided 
had  the  brother  made  it  his  own  busi- 
ness to  have  attended  to  the  matter 
himself,  instead  of  entrusting  it  to  an- 
other. Members  who  live  a  long  dis- 
tance from  their  treasurer  and  are  un- 
able to  attend,  but  who  live  near  the 
poetofflce.  can  purchase  a  mon«y  order 


up  to  the  amount  of  $3  for  the  amount 
plus  three  cents.  A  two-cent  stamp  on 
a  properly-addressed  envelope  will  en- 
sure it  reaching  its  destination  prompt- 
ly. Some  avail  themselves  of  this 
means  of  being  on  the  safe  side.  Many 
others  should. 


rrom  IVesident  lleberling. 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  have  passed  from  the  year  1^1 
to  19^12.  Let  us  all  review  our  work 
during  the  old  year  and  profit,  as  much 
as  possible,  through  the  lessons  learned 
on  account  of  any  errors  made  and  ap- 
ply the  knowledge  thus  secuired,  in  our 
endeavor  to  do  better  during  19<12 
than  was  done  in  the  previous  year.  A 
mental  exercise  of  this  nature  could  be 
profitably  indulged  in  by  every  mind 
when  passing  from  the  old  to  the  new 
year,  or  from  the  old  to  the  new,  in 
any  feature  of  work  or  duty  we  have 
to  contend  with  in  life.  Many  have 
done  their  best  in  the  past  to  promote 
the  best  interests  of  the  millioDS  of 
toilers  in  this  and  ot!her  lands.  Those 
who  have  been  neglectful  and  indif- 
ferent, or  who  have  not  used  their  best 
efforts  to  lighten  labor's  burdens, 
should  now  endeavor  to  do  better  in 
the  future.  There  is  no  room  in  labor 
unions  for  the  drone.  SIvery  member 
should  be  a  consistent,  active  worker, 
to  build  up  the  organi^sation  and  do 
his  full  share  of  the  necessary  work  to 
promote  the  best  interests  of  tjhe  man 
or  woman,  who  does  useful  work,  with 
brain  or  brawn. 

Let  every  member  of  this  union  put 
forth  his  best  efforts  to  make  this  the 
banner  year's  growth  in  its  history. 
The  time  is  at  hand  to  build  for  tho  fu- 
ture protection  of  all  yardmen,  and,  if 
every  member  does  his  full  duty  to 
himself,  as  well  as  to  the  union  that 
has  been  instrumental  in  obtaining  bet- 
ter wages  and  working  conditions  for 
him,  there  is  no  90od  reason  wliy  the 
membership  shouldn't  increase  one 
hundred  per  cent,  during  the  next 
twelve  months.  I  have  Just  visited  a 
large  section  of  this  country  and  find 
many  men,  who  are  becoming  mem- 
bers, who,  toT  years  have  opposed  us. 
They  have  learned,  through  the  school 
of  experience,  that  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America  is  built  upon 


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27 


proper  foundations  and  are  now  in  ac- 
cord with,  and  brieve  in  its  doctrine- 
Justice  to  all  men.  We  solicit  mem- 
berafaip  from  those  working  in  yard 
service,  who  are  eligible  to  become 
members  according  to  the  provisions 
Gt  our  laws  governing  the  un4on,  feel- 
ing assured  their  Int^ests  can  be  and 
are  beet  being  promoted  and  protected 
when  enlisted  under  the  banner  of  this 
union.  We  ask  for  members  upon  our 
merUs  and  do  not  depend  upon  the  co- 
ercive methods  of  minor  railroad  offl- 
oials  to  keep  the  yards  organized.  We 
stand  on  a  clean  record  of  fair  dealing 
and  accompliflfhments  that  should  ap- 
peal to  all  fair-minded  men  in  swdtoh- 
Ing  service,  and  we  invite  every  com- 
petent yardman,  who  is  oliglble,  to  be- 
come a  member  of  the  union  of  his  own 
craft  that  does  things  which  materially 
benefits  him. 

S.  E.  Hebbrling. 


Utter  fTOaiyke-Pmidenl  MiseiilielUr. 

EnrroB  SwrrcHicsir'B  Joubnal: 

I  will  try  my  hand  again  in  behalf 
of  Joubnal  readers,  this  time  for  the 
benefit  of  afll,  but  the  ladies  in  par- 
ticular, as  I  am  sure  the  men  will 
fare  well  at  the  hands  of  other  con- 
tributors. But  before  getting  to  the 
gist  of  the  subject,  }  will  pause  long 
enough  to  remark  that  I  do  feefl  it 
the  duty  of  every  member  of  this 
unkm  to  write  at  least  once  or  twice 
a  year  for  the  Joubnal,  if  you  can't 
write  any  oftener.  Now,  I  sometimes 
hear  a  brother  remark  that  he  doesn't 
believe  In  a  woman  huving  anything 
to  do  with  a  union  or  any  other  kind 
of  a  union.  I  really  don't  know  what 
kind  of  a  world  it  would  be  if  all  men 
thought  the  same  way  about  it.  For 
one,  I  feel  they  have  Just  as  much 
good  "horse  sense"  and  other  good 
intellectual  endowments  as  men,  and 
that  they  are  entitled  to  the  same 
protection  and  consideration  in  all 
matters  pertaining  to  society  and  the 
home  as  are  men.  In  but  few  states 
has  she  the  right  of  suffrage,  yet  in 
every  state  she  must  conform  herself 
to  the  conditions  imposed  upon  her. 
She  must  pay  taxes  on  her  property 
and  may  be  enslaved  or  sold  as  cattle 
if  the  laws  of  man  so  ordain  it 
Though  an  indispensable  part  of  so- 
ciety, she  has  no  equitable  opportunity 
of  maintaining  for  herself  or  children 


the  prestige  or  opportunities  in  life, 
which  her  protection  and  advance- 
ment decree  she  should  have,  yet 
which  the  laws  of  man  have  failed  to 
accord  to  her.  In  six  states  in  this 
great  union  women  can  go  to  ballot 
and  record  their  will  as  to  who  stiall 
be  the  public  servants,  as  well  as  in 
re^rd  to  the  policies  of  state  under 
which  they  must  live.  In  no  Instance 
can  I  think  of  has  this  important  trust 
been  debased  or  the  general  good 
standing  of  the  state  lowered  on  ac- 
count of  this  privilege  having  been  ac- 
corded to  them.  In  every  Instance  it 
has  had  the  effect  of  a  moralizing  and 
uplifting  influence  npon  society,  so 
much  so  that  students  of  sodolqgy 
are  compelled  to  recognize  it,  and  ere 
long  unless  present  indications  are 
greatly  at  variance  -  from  the  hand- 
writing on  the  wall,  She  will  have  re- 
ceived this  privilege  in  every  state  in 
the  Union.  She  values  such  privi- 
leges much  more  than  men,  and  you 
can't  buy  her  vote  for  a  drink  of  "rot- 
gut  whiskey,"  neither  can  you  per- 
suade her  to  go  to  the  polls  and  vote 
to  sell  either  herself  or  daughter  into 
''white  slavery,"  or  for  her  son  to  €U5t 
as  agent  for  such  traffic.  It  is  the  work 
of  moral  (?)  man  to  attend  to  some 
things,  and  how  well  they  have  at- 
tended to  them  can  be  attested  by  a 
visit  to  any  modem  city.  It  is  from 
the  mothers  that  the  best  characteris- 
tics and  traits  in  life  are  developed, 
and  It  is  to  the  wives  we  go  for  many 
decisions  of  grave  questions,  yet  the 
world  insists  she  is  not  worthy  of  the 
ballot.  Think  back  through  your  en- 
tire life,  and  what  lessons  impress  you 
as  those  received  from  her  who  gave 
birth  to  you.  None  others  have  left 
their  lasting  impress  in  your  mind  as 
have  those.  Thousands  of  others  have 
faded  away,  but  mother's  never;  it's 
still  there,  and  there  to  stay.  Why  this 
indelibility  of  heart  teachings  upon 
your  mind  all  through  life  and  so  little 
of  it  from  any  other  source  so  retained 
and  ready  for  recall  from  memonr's 
storehouse?  The  answer  is  easy:  She 
was  right,  and  right  will  receive  at- 
tention and  prevail  where  all  else  f&ils. 
True,  there  is  a  lot  of  good  men  in  the 
world,  but  somehow  they  seem  to  be  so 
imbued  with  that  old  theory  that  wo- 
men are  fit  for  nothing  but  cooking, 
washing,  sewing,  etc.,  that  their  cran- 
iums     have     become     calloused     and 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


dwarfed  \ipon  those  subjects,  but, 
thanks  to  the  twentieth  century  en- 
llghtenment,  many  of  them  have  be- 
come cracked  sufficiently  to  admit  of  a 
few  beams  of  the  light  of  Justice  and 
resBon  therein,  with  the  result  that 
they  are  awakening  to  the  fact  that 
women  are  Just  as  much  human  as 
men,  and  that  they  should  have  the 
same  opportunities  in  life  as  men  en- 
Joy.  Am  I  right  or  wrong  in  regard  to 
this  matter?  I  wouldn't  for  the  life  of 
me  forget  the  ledsons  learned  from 
mother  in  childhood,  nor  would  I  feel 
that  I  had  the  attributes  of  a  man 
should  I  say  she  was  not  entitled  to 
every  privilege  of  citizenahip  as  my- 
self. .  .  .  The  Ladies'  Auxiliary,  in 
their  efforts  to  assist  us  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  better  blessings  in  life,  are 
engaged  in  a  cause  that  is  worthy  of, 
and  should  receive,  the  earnest  consid- 
eration and  assistance  of  every  brother 
in  our  union.  Many  a  heart's  trouble 
has  been  soothed  already  as  the  result 
of  membership  therein,  and  mi^ny 
others  will  be.  Their  benellts  are  most 
liberal,  when  compared  to  the  charges 
for  dues  and  membership,  and  I  feel  It 
is  the  duty  of  every  brother  to  encour- 
age them  in  every  way  they  can,  and 
make  their  good  work  as  pleasant  as 
possible  for  them.  It  is  well  worthy 
of  your  earnest  consideration,  and  it 
should  have  a  conspicuous  place  in 
your  new  year  resolves.  Whatever 
doubts  there  may  have  existed  at  the 
time  of  the  inception  of  the  auxiliary 
as  to  the  possibility  of  its  permanency, 
or  its  need,  should  deter  no  one  now 
in  Joining  it,  for  it  has  long  since 
proved  its  worth.  Give  it  every  en- 
couragement you  can»  and  if  your  wife 
is  not  already  a  member  of  it,  induce 
her  to  become  a  part  of  It  There  are 
no  duties  on  earth  that  are  more 
worthy  of  encouragement  than  those  of 
giving  encouragement  to  the  develop- 
ment and  upbuilding  of  those  who  are 
to  rear  our  children  and  give  to  us  the 
best  home  comforts,  and  every  one 
should  do  all  he  can  to  aid  in  this  hu- 
mane work.  Now,  switching  to  the 
men  again  before  closing.  Some  did 
all  they  could  during  the  old  year  for 
their  noble  union,  but  many  did  not. 
I  hope  the  new  year  will  find  each 
member  endeavoring  to  do  better  work 
for  the  union,  if  it  be  possible  to  do  so, 
during  the  new  than  he  did  during  the 
old  year.     With  an  earnest  efTort  on 


the  part  of  all  to  mark  progress,  the 
organization  is  bound  to  grow  and 
prosper.  It  should  be  the  desire  of  all 
that  this  should  be  the  most  prosper- 
ous year  in  the  history  of  the  organ- 
ization. Let  us  each  do  our  part  to 
see  that  it  is.  With  a  happy  new  year 
wish  and  other  good  wishes  for  all,  I 
remain,       Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

T.  J.  MiSENHELTEB. 


Letter  from  Vloe-Presidcfit  Pdftcr. 

NOTTINOHAIC,  O. 
BdITOB    SWITOHli£N*S    JOUBNALI 

It  has  been  some  time  since  I  have 
written  for  the  Joubnal,  so  I  feel  that 
I  should  say  a  few  words  through  its 
columns,  since  it  is  the  only  medium 
that  reaches  all  the  membership  of  the 
only  union  that  can  hope  to  secure 
proper  working  conddtiona  for  the  men 
who  are  following  the  hazardous  occu- 
pation of  switching  for  a  livelihood,  or 
in  which  they  can  guard  themselves 
against  their  money  being  used  for 
the  protection  of  road  schedules  and 
working  conditions,  instead  of  those 
governing  themselves.  The  fact  of  the 
matter  is  that  switchmen  do  not  take 
the  interest  in  themselves  that  they 
should  for  their  own  special  benefit 
by  taking  advantage  of  the  opi^ortuni- 
ties  before  them'  to  build  up  the  or- 
ganization. I  believe  it  is  the  general 
consensus  of  opinion  among  our  mem- 
bership that  if  the  rank  and  file  be- 
come inactive  and  indifferent,  the 
union  can  not  prosper  as  it  should  if 
all  were  actively  working  in  its  be- 
half. If  there  be  any  hard  feelings  in 
the  minds  of  any  in  reference  to  by- 
gone differences  of  opinion  in  regard 
to  personalities  or  policies  pertaining 
to  its  past,  cast  them  aside.  What- 
ever of  the  past  that  has  been  of  use- 
ful service  to  us,  let  us  apply  to  our 
future  methods  of  procedure,  but  past 
grievances,  however  meritorious  they 
were,  will  not  alone  solve  our  future 
problems.  New  conditions  are  arising 
continually  which  require  our  thought- 
ful consideration  and  earnest  atten- 
tion and  no  other  policy  but  a  long 
pull  and  a  strong  pull  altogether  will 
overcome  them  as  we  meet  up  with 
them.  Such  a  course  of  procedure  is 
absolutely  necessary  in  the  attainment 
of  the  best  results,  and  that  is  cer- 
tainly   what    every    member    of    the 


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29 


union  is  anxious  to  obtain,  otherwise 
he  is  in  the  wrong  place.    So  I  beg  of 
all  members  to  lay  aside  all  past  dif- 
ferences, whether  of  a  local  or  general 
nature,  for  they  form  no  asset  in  the 
capital    stock   of   this   or   any    other 
union,  but  well-meaning  constructive 
energy  rightly  applied  means  every- 
thing to  its  welfare,  which  means  the 
welfare  of  all  those    switching    core 
for  a  livelihood.     It  is  realized  as  a 
strong   organization    by   the   railway 
officials  of  the  country  and  cAioolid  be 
by  its  membership  as  well.    Its  power 
for  good  could  be  greatly  enhanced, 
however,    by    increasing    its    forces 
numerically,  and  this  every  member 
should  make  it  a  point  to  do  by  avail- 
ing himself  of  every  opportunity   of 
securing  members.     For  this  purpose 
each  member  should  always  carry  an 
application    membership    blank    with 
him  and  endeavor  to  convince  the  non- 
brother  with  whom  he  works  of  the 
fact  that  this  organization  best  repre- 
sents his  real   interests.     The  fellow 
you  work  with,  like  yourself  is  sus- 
ceptible to  conviction  and  conversion 
to  our  cause  if  you  but  get  after  him 
in  the  right  spirit  and  at  the  right 
timQ,   and   this   everyone   should    en- 
deavor to  do.     But  it  requires  atten- 
tion   and    diligent    effort    and    this 
should  be  readily  given  to  the  cause 
to  which  we  all  owe  so  much  for  the 
conditions     enjoyed     today     by     the 
switchmen.      So,    regardless    of    any 
other  organizations  to  which  you  may 
belong,   you  should  manifest  unques- 
tioned allegiance  to  this  one,  for  it 
represents   the   calling   from   whence 
your  supplies  to  support  life  and  fam- 
ily  are  derived   from.     Therefore   it 
should  be  a  very  earnest  and  active 
question  with  every  meml>er  of  this 
organization  to  do  all  in  his  power  to 
see  that  it  is  maintained  and  built 
up  to  the  highest  possible  point  of 
^Ociency,  which  all  realize  cannot  be 
done  unless  every  component  part  of 
its   membership   has   been   converted 
into   a   working  force   in   its  behalf. 
Any  member  can  appreciate  the  truth 
fulness  of  this  statement  if  he  will 
only    give    it    a    moment's    thought 
Sometimes   a   great   machine    is    im- 
paired, or  even  put  out  of  commission 
on  account  of  the  breaking  <rf  a  single 
cog,   and    while   the   comparison   be- 
tween the  machine  and  our  union  (or 
any  other   society   for   that  matter) 


may  seem  a  little  strong,  yet  when 
applied  to   it   it  carries  much  truth 
with  it,  and  unlessf  alJl  Joitn  In  and  aid 
in  making  progress,  we  will  not  pros- 
per as  we  should.     But  in  our  case 
every  member  or  part  of  the  undon 
has  received  advantages  and  benefits 
which  would  not  have  come  to  him  in 
any  other  manner,  other  than  through 
this  organization.    Hence  there  should 
be  a  constant  effort  on  the  part  of 
everyone  within  its  fold,  not  only  to 
add  to  its  forces  numerically,  but  to 
its  general   knowledge  and  construc- 
tive powers  as  well.     New  faces  are 
daily  entering  the  switciiaig  service 
in  tJie  various  terminal  points  to  re- 
place those  who  have  sacrificed  their 
lives  in  their  efforts  to  keep  commerce 
moying,  as  well  as  those  who  have  be- 
come decrepit  and  cast  aside  on  that 
account     We  must  get  to  this  new 
force  and  win  them  to  our  cause,  for 
they    are    each    deriving    substantial 
benefits  through  the  past  and  present 
efforts  of  this  union.     In  order  that 
these  benefits  may  be  maintained  and 
improved  upon  from  time  to  time,  it 
should  behoove  every  member  to  make 
it  his  business  to  approach  those  en- 
tering this  service  and  explain  to  them 
the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  en- 
trance therein.    They  are  susceptible 
to  argument  and  reason  and  if  a  rea- 
sonable effort  is  made  to  reach  them 
they  will  gladly  Join  our  ranks  and 
become  active  workers  in  the  cause  to 
which  they  are  already  under  lasting 
obligations.  So,  brothers,  don't  neglect 
the  non-member  and  especially  the  one 
Just   entering  the  switcmng  service. 
Everyone  knows  the  meaning  of  ma- 
jorities in  yards,  and  in  aiU  yaidlB  of 
a  raiload  system  and  all  should   do 
all  within  their  power  to  get  in  the 
majority    with    our    membership    in 
them.     Where   that   condition    exists 
good    wages    and    working    schedules 
may  easily  be  secured  that  are  impos- 
sible in  any  other  mftnner.     No  one 
else  will  trouble  themselves  to  secure 
for  switchmen  the  conditions  desired 
by  them   but  themselves.     This  was 
well  demonstrated  by  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
for  several  years.  Notwithstanding  its 
large  membership  and  numerous  sched- 
ules with  the  various  roads,  for  some 
reason  or  other  the  yardmen  came  in 
for  but  little  consideration,  otherwise 
they  might  not  have  had  any  oppo- 
sition in  the  field  after  the  year  1894. 


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80 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


But  switchmen  doing  the  most  import- 
ant part  of  the  work  and  assuming 
the  greatest  hazards  connected  with 
railroads,  will  not  quietly  submit  to 
their  brothers  on  the  road  getting  all 
the  good  things  at  their  expense. 
This  has  been  their  lot  until  this  or- 
ganization came  upon  the  field,  but 
with  its  advent  conditions  have  great- 
ly changed  and  when  the  yardmen  all 
open  their  eyes  to  the  importance  of 
getting  into  an  organization  represent- 
ing their  vocations,  how  much  better 
it  will  be  for  both  the  men  and  the 
companies.  Our  members  are  armed 
with  the  best  of  arguments  to  upbuild 
the  organization  if  they  will  only 
make  use  of  them.  With  best  wishes 
for  the  success  of  the  union  and  all 
its  members^  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  H.  PORTEB. 


From  Vke-Presidciil  GMinort. 

Chicago,  111. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

Before  thi»  appears  in  print,  the  year 
Idll  wUl  have  passed  imto  hdstory.  In 
looking  back  over  the  last  twelve 
months,  with,  all  its  ups  and  downs, 
disappointments  and  pleasures,  joys 
and  sorrowB,  we  have  reason  to  be 
proud  of  tJhe  record  made  by  our  union. 
We  have  had  a  year  of  peace,  in  which 
our  membership  has  increased  and  is 
still  increasing;  this  deeplte  the  fact 
that  there  has  been  a  severe  depres- 
sion in  the  industrial  world. 

An  legitimate  claims  have  been  set- 
tled promptly,  thus  bringing  assistance 
to  the  home  of  many  a  brother,  wlio 
has  been  disabled,  and  to  the  widows 
and  orphans  of  the  brother,  who  has 
been  called  away  by  death. 

The  greatest  increase  in  membership 
is  shown  in  the  Chicago  district,  and 
in  looking  fo<r  a  reason  for  thJs  we 
must  give  muo/h  credit  to  the  district 
council.  The  delegates  to  that  body 
are  doing  a  good  work  and  they  meet 
once  a  month  to  discuss  ways  and 
means,  and  submit  propositions  for  the 
good  of  all  lodges  in  the  district.  They 
have  their  legislative  committee,  which 
is  keeping  in  touch  with  legislation 
that  will  be  of  greatest  benefit  to  men 
employed  in  yard  service.  The  legis- 
lative committee  has  drawn  up  resolu- 
tions indoreing  the  "Full  Crew  Bill," 
introduced  in  Congress  at  t^e  last  ses- 


sion by  I.  R.  Sherwood  (H.  R.  l^H), 
and  have  sent  copies  to  every  congress- 
man and  senator  in  the  State  of  Illi- 
nois. They  propose  to  keep  tab  oa  the 
records  and  learn  who  their  friends 
are  in  Congress.  The  oommlttees  are 
also  posting  themselvea  regaording  the 
laws,  that  are  already  on  the  statutes, 
for  the  purpose  of  seeing  to  it  that 
they  are  lived  up  to  in  the  apirit  in- 
tended. 

Every  lodge  in  the  distrJct  cOiould 
elect  delegates  to  this  body,  who  will 
attend  the  meetings  and  asaist  in  the 
work  undertaken.  If  every  lodge  wiU 
take  an  active  part  in  carrying  out  the 
good  work,  in  a  few  more  years  we 
shall  have  a  better  and  stronger  union, 
which  means  better  wages,  better  con- 
ditions under  which  to  toil,  a  better 
education  for  the  children  of  every 
switchman,  and  a  happier  home  and 
fireside. 

Now  is  t!he  time,  waiting  will  not  ac- 
complieh  it,  deferring  till  ainother  time 
will  not  secure  it  Let  us  concentrate 
our  efDorta  towards  organizing  the 
switcfhmen  and  when  within  our  own 
ranks,  let  us  contest  fairly  and  openly 
for  Justice,  a  living  wage,  a  shorter 
workday,  etc.  Switchmen  should  know 
that  trade  uaionB  are  the  reflects  in 
organized  crystallized  form,  ot  the  beet 
thoughts  within  us.  They  represent 
the  discontent  and  unrest  of  the  work- 
ing men  and  womem  tn  regard  to  ex- 
isting economic  social  aoid  political 
misrule  and  abuse,  as  well  as  the  best 
means  for  the  cure  of  su6h>  ilHs.  Trade 
unions  are  Just  exactly  what  the  mem- 
bers may  please  to  n^e  them — ^noth- 
ing more,  nothing  less — active  or  slug- 
gish; keen  or  dull;  narrow  or  broad- 
gauged.  Just  as  the  members  are,  in- 
tellectually or  otherwise,  so  will  be 
their  unions,  and  all  should  remember 
that  old  adage,  God  helps  those  who 
help  themselves,  is  as  true  today  as 
when  first  expressed. 

I  have  Just  returned  from  the  con- 
vention of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  held  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  as 
your  delegate  to  that  body  I  will  make 
a  partial  report.  The  convention 
opened  on  the  morning  of  Nov.  13th, 
with  President  Gompers  in  the  chair. 

Hon.  Courtland  S.  Winn,  IBfayor  of 
Atlanta,  was  introduced  and  in  a  very 
neat  speech  welcomed  the  convention 
to  the  city  of  Atlanta,  and  assured  the 
delegates  the  freedom  of  the  city  dur- 
ing their  stay.  He  was  followed  by 
Governor  Hoke  Smith,  who  welcomed 


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the  delegates  to  the  State  of  Oeorgia. 
He  was  followed  by  Bro.  N.  H.  Kirk- 
patrick,  president  of  the  Atlanta  Fed- 
eration of  Labor,  who  also  made  a  very 
interesting  address,  welcoming  the 
delegates  to  the  city  and)  state,  on  be- 
half of  the  organized  workers. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was  followed  by  our 
genial  friend  and  brother,  Jerome 
Jones  of  Atlanta,  the  man  who  worked 
so  hard  for  and  succeecled  M  bringing 
the  convention  to  that  city.  President 
Gompers  responded  to  the  speeches  of 
welcome  in  his  usual  eloquent  fasfhion, 
and  the  convention  got  down  to  busi- 
ness. The  credential  committee  sub- 
mitted its  report,  the  delegates  were 
seated  and  the  grind  begun.  Presi- 
dent Gompers'  report  was  an  interest- 
log  document  and  was  listened  to  wi^ 
orach  interest.  It  showed  a  gain  in 
members>hip  for  the  fiscal  year  as  fol- 
lows: International  undone,  Z\  city 
centred  bodies,  61 ;  local  trades  unions, 
'207;  federal  labor  unions.  55 — making 
a  total  of  3:2€  unions  added*  to  tihe  A. 
F.  of  L.  in  a  year,  representing  sev- 
eral thousand  wage  earners.  There 
were  over  four  hundred  delegates  pres- 
ent, wiho  had  as  many  difTerent  views. 
Some  of  them  were  there  to  use  their 
best  efforts  to  advance  the  trades-union 
movement,  others,  under  false  pre- 
tenses, not  for  the  advancement  of 
trades-unionism,  but  to  advance  and 
air  their  political  views,  even  if  the 
trades-union  movement  be  destroyed. 
Resolutions  were  introduced  to  create 
dissensions  in  the  ranks  and  to  give 
certain  individuals  a  chance  to  display 
their  oratorical  ability  and  vent  their 
spleen  upon  men  and  measures  that 
did  not  concur  in  their  views.  A  re^ 
Mition  was  Introduced  to  compel  Presi- 
dent Gompers  and  others  to  withdraw 
their  membership  from  tbe  National 
Civic  Federation,  and  those  who  intro- 
duced it  made  a  dismal  failure  when  it 
came  to  showing  why  these  men  should 
withdraw  from  that  body.  The  reso- 
Itrtion  was  defeated  four  to  one.  The 
connnlttee  on  adjustment  gave  miidh 
consideration  to  the  jurisdictional  dis- 
putes which  have  been  long  occupying 
tbe  time  and  attention  of  the  delegates 
at  prior  conventions.  The  United 
Brotherhood  of  CSarpenters,  the  Amal- 
gamated Society  of  Carpenters,  and  the 
Amalgamated  Wood  Workers  nmat 
amalgamate  within  ninety  days,  or  the 
AmaJgamated  Society  of  Ceirpenters 
and  Woodworkers  will  lose  their  char- 


tcxrs  in  the  A.  F.  of  L.  The  dispute 
Ijetween  the  Electrical  Workers  was 
threshed  out  again,  and  the  McNulty 
faction  got  the  beet  of  the  argument. 
Brother  Richardson  of  the  Association 
of  Car  Workers  attempted  to  have  the 
Brotherhood  of  Car  M^i  thrown  out, 
but  failed.  He  turned  in  the  charter 
of  his  organization,  but  President 
Gompers  ruled  that  Bro.  Ridhardson 
was  usurping  a  power  that  was  vested 
only  In  the  rank  and  file,  and  turned 
the  charter  over  to  Secretary  Morri- 
son, with  instructions  to  notify  the 
secretary  of  the  Car  Workers'  organiza- 
tion that  the  charter  was  so  held. 

On  November  25th  the  conventioi^ 
adjourned,  to  meet  In  the  city  of  Roch- 
ester, N.  Y.,  in  1912-.  All  the  old  of- 
ficers were  re-elected  without  opposi- 
tion. G.  L.  Berry^  president  of  the 
Printing  Pressmen's  Uniion  and  John 
H.  Walker  of  tbe  Illinois  Miners  were 
elected  as  fraternal  delegates  to  the 
British  Trade  Union  Congress  of  Great 
Britain;  John  T.  Smith  of  Kansas 
City,  a  cigarmaker,  was  elected  to  rep^ 
resent  the  A.  F.  of  L.  to  the  Dominion 
Trades  and  Labor  Congress  of  Canada, 
which  will  be  held  in  Guelpii,  Ontario, 
next  September.  I  left  Atlanta  on  No- 
vember 26th  and  stopped  at  Cairo,  111., 
on  my  way  back  and  organized  a  lodge. 
I  found  the  prospective  members  all 
ready  when  I  got  there.  I  predict  "tSiat 
this  will  be  a  good  lodge,  as  tbe  memr 
bers  are  men  whose  interests  are  all  in 
that  city.    I  think  you  will  see  it  grow. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Jas.  B.  Connobs. 


Dishonesty. 

Dishonesty  never  bou^t  a  minute's 
peace  of  mind;  never  built  an  inch  of 
the  wall  of  character;  never  won  the 
respect  or  support  of  any  person  whose 
respect  or  support  is  worth  having.  As 
a  plain  business  proposition  honesty  is 
profitable.  As  a  moral  proposition  it 
gives  about  the  best  and  largest  return 
a  man  can  get  for  expenditure  of  time, 
strength  and  effort. 


It  Is  better  to  reconcile  an  enemy 
than  to  conquer  him.  Your  victory 
may  deprive  him  of  his  power  to  hurt 
for  the  present;  but  reconciliation  dis- 
arms him  even  of  his  will  to  injure. 


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Gonini«Blo«ttoBs  for  th«  JOURNAL  mast  be  r«o«lv«4  BEFORE 
ikm  15tk  of  (h«  monik  to  lM«r«  pahllcuMoB.  All  ComnHBlca- 
ttoBs  for  (h«  JOURNAL  nast  b«  acoonpaalad  by  tb«  aaai* 
of  ihm  saador*  aad   wriUaB  oaly   on  oaa  slda  of  tba   papar. 


rarg o,  N.  D. 

Bditob  Switohmsn's  Journal: 

In  tbe  November  issue  of  the  pink 
book  I  find  the  first  protest  from  the 
rank  and  file  in  regard  to  some  of  the 
changes  made  in  the  constitution  at 
the  St  Paul  convention.  Bro.  Carlus 
of  Lodge  No.  113  raises  the  question 
of  the  advisability  of  Section  No.  199. 
As  the  introducer  of  the  section  as 
originally  presented,  I  suppose  it  is 
up  to  me  to  start  something.  The  first 
resolution  did  call,  as  the  brother  sug- 
gests, for  no  amendments  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  constitution  during  the 
convention.  Delegates  will  remember 
that  opened  up  an  argument  that  was 
of  deep  interest  to  the  writer  and,  if 
I  remember  rightly,  an  amendment 
was  offered  by  Bro.  Lockwood  of 
Lodge  No.  83  granting  the  right  to 
offer  amendments  during  the  first  two 
days  of  the  convention  which,  in  my 
opinion,  is  the  proper  thing  and  let 
me  state  my  reasons  why.  In  the  first 
place,  those  of  you  who  are  officers  of 
local  lodges  know  that  it  is  almost  an 
impossibility  to  get  the  attendance  at 
meetings  that  you  are  entitled  to  and, 
therefore,  can  not  get  the  expression 
of  the  majority  of  the  memoers.  Sec- 
tion No.  199  says:  "All  amendments 
to  the  constitution  shall  be  submitted 
to  the  Board  of  Directors,  then  com- 
piled and  returned  to  all  local  lodges." 
Bro.  Carlus  has  evidently  overlooked 
the  returning  of  all  amendments  to  all 
locals  for  them  to  express  an  opinion 
on.  In  the  writer's  opinion  that  is  the 
only  way  the  delegates  can  get  an  idea 
of  what  a  majority  of  the  members 
desire.  What  a  great  help  it  would 
have  been  to  the  delegates  at  St.  Paul 
to  have  had  such  an  expression  from 
the  rank  and  file  when  the  great  ques- 


tion of  the  advisability  of  raising  the 
insurance  came  up.  I  tell  you,  broth- 
ers, it  made  all  of  the  delegates  get 
their  pencils  out  and  do  some  figuring 
as  to  whether  or  not  it  could  be  done 
without  a  very  great  increase  to  the 
cost  per  member.  In  the  second  place 
there  will  in  all  probability  be  two 
months  after  the  amendments  are  sub- 
mitted to  the  locals  before  the  conven- 
ing of  the  convention.  In  the  mean- 
time there  may  arise  something  that, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  local,  had  been 
overlooked  and,  if  they  were  not  per- 
mitted to  offer  them  to  the  convention, 
would  work  a  hardship  on  the  organi- 
zation and  I  believe  it  was  the  inten- 
tion of  the  author  of  the  amendment 
to  so  cover  that  point.  However,  I  am 
not  going  to  defend  him,  as  he  is  well 
able  to  protect  himself.  As  to  Bro. 
Carius  waiting  until  the  opening  of 
the  convention  to  offer  any  amend- 
ments he  thinks  are  of  benefit,  the  sec- 
tion is  Just  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
him  a  chance  to  submit  his  recommen- 
dations to  all  locals,  thereby  heading 
off  any  possibility  of  some  fiowery  ora- 
tor spreading  the  beautiful  sunshine 
and  carrying  the  convention  by  his 
wonderful  vocabulary,  for  where  is  the 
delegate  who  would  vote  against  the 
wishes  of  the  majority  of  the  rank  and 
file?  Section  No.  199  is  practically  a 
referendum  vote  and  in  addition  does 
away  with  an  expense  that  has  no 
value  whatever,  and  by  that  I  mean 
the  constitution  committee,  which  in 
the  past  has  cost  probably  $250.00  at 
each  convention.  Those  of  3^u  who 
were  at  the  last  convention  well  know 
how  much  attention  was  paid  to  their 
recommendations,  and  they  had  some 
mighty  good  ones^  too.  But  I  maintain 
the  same  could  have  been  presented  by 
complying  with  the  new  Section  No. 


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IM  and  the   same  result  would  have 
^leen   accompllslied    wltbout    the    ad- 
ditional expense.      I  tell  you,  brothers, 
with  our  increased  Insurance  without 
any  Increased    cost,   it  behooves  us  to 
watch  our  expense  account.     The  sug- 
gestion of  Bro.  Carlufi  In  regard  to  ac- 
UTe  membership    opens    up   an   argu- 
ment of  wide   scope.     Come  on,  boys! 
I  know  of  no  better  way  to  get  Ideas 
than    by     getting    the    other     fellow 
started.       There     are    many    brilliant 
minds    among    the    switchmen.      Quit' 
Mbemating   and   get  busy   with   your 
pQwlls;     the  time  is  ripe  for  red-hot 
vgnmeuts. 

I  am  four  hours  behind  on  sleep  so 
I  will  close,  wishing  you  all  a  happy 
ud  prosperous  New  Year  and  let  us 
4fl  resolve  to  make  this  the  banner 
l«aT  for  the  S.  U. 

Yours  ia  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.   B.    HOGAN. 


U  Salle,  III. 

£brroB  SwiTCHMEx's  Journal: 

We'll  try  and  **slam  a  few"  for  the 
JoinsAi.  while  making  up  the  "cut." 

WelK  winter  is  upon  us  again  and 
vith  it  comes  all  of  the  hardshlpn 
viiich  a  switchman  is  compelled  to  en- 
sure, but  does  not  enjoy,  for  they 
aate  life  one  long  chance  to  him,  so 
ke  breathes  a  sigh  of  relief  when  the 
Mpring    time    puts    In    its    appearance 


Held  our  annual  elections  of  officers, 
ind  nothing  would  do  hut  put  the  same 
old  officers  back,  for  they  are  all  there 
vteA  the  roll  is  called  and  have  noth- 
iag  imt  ^ood  cheer  and  a  broad  smile 
vith  them. 

President  Kerwick  is  there  with  the 
"modJ^*  when  It  comes  to  giving  a  flne 
tee  <if  talk  on  how  we  all  should  work 
to  get  members  and  have  peace  and 
hftrmony  in  our  lodge,  as  it  means  so 
much  for  our  advancement. 

Had  a  candidate  to  ride  the  goat  and 
a  lot  of  other  business  to  transact  at 
the  last  meeting;  also  a  very  good  at- 
tendance. Some  of  the  brothers  we 
fctve  not  seen  in  a  month  of  Sundays. 

Brother  Davis  has  more  business 
than  a  "cranberry  merchant"  at  this 
writing,  and  all  leave  it  to  him  to 
•fetch"  results  out  of  it.  and  he  will 
or  "bust"  his  Sunday  galluses,  which 
ire  milon  made  and  will  stand  some 
itrain. 


Brother  F.  A.  Bowers,  who  haa  been 
OIL  the  ftick  liet,  la,  glad  to  Bear,  hack 
on  the  footboard  again. 

Brother  Goebel  was  at  the  meeting. 
What  do  you  know  about  thai?  Come 
again.  Jack,  we  like  to  see  you  often. 

Had  a  delegation  of  clerks  up  to  see 
U6  who  want  us  to  help  them:  in  their 
cauee,  and  claim  if  all  union  men  were 
like  the  switchmen  they  would  have 
clean  sailing,  as  they  always  demand 
union  clerks  to  wait  on  them. 

Who  had  on-  that  fine  new  union- 
made  euit  ait  the  last  meeting?  I  wont 
teU  this  time,  but  if  its  wearer  is  as 
proud  at  the  next  one  I  will  have  to 
teU. 

Brother  Kast  was  also  with  us  and 
says  he  doesn't  have  to  work  so  much 
Sundays  and  will  try  and  be  there 
with  his  solemn  look  and  eive  us  all 
his  blessing.  You  make  a  fine  cfhap- 
lain,  Thomas! 

Brother  Qardner  still  has  the  saad 
run  and  "fetches"  her  riigbt  along. 

Brother  TreviUian  0tiU  does  his 
lapse  at  Utica. 

Business  at  this  point  is  very  good 
and  everyone  is  getting  all  that  is  oom- 
ing  to  him. 

We  still  have  Brother  Olibbons  hold- 
ing his  office  at  tfhe  county  farm  and  he 
says  he  put  in  an  extra  supply  €i  spuds 
for  any  swKohman  who  wants  to  make 
hiis  home  there  for  the  winter.  Not 
for  us,  Ned,  even  if  the  cost  of  living 
goes  up  a  couple  of  more  notches,  hut 
much  obliged ;  might  take  dinner  some 
oold  day. 

Brother  Klabel  forgets,  when  he  gets 
his  store  closed,,  where  the  switchmen 
meet,  and  i^  too  much  of  a  society  man 
to  tafk  such  a  small  question,  when  and 
whore  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  meet?  We'H 
extend  you  an  invitatloni,  Bro.  FVits, 
for  our  next  regular. 

We  have  steam  heat  in  our  meeting 
hall,  and  so  Brother  Charles  Woods 
has  lost  his  Job  as  coal  heaver  to  the 
crtove.  All  he  does  now  is  sit  close  to 
one  of  the  radiators  and  see  the  good 
work  go  on. 

Now,  a  few  words  to  you  stay-at- 
homes:  Why  don't  some  ot  you  break 
that  habR  of  staying  at  home  and  come 
out  and  enjoy  yourselves  with  the  rest 
of  the  brothers?  Have  had  some  awf)ul 
dealing  going  on  and  wouM  like  to 
have  had  you  had  a  voice  in  the  mat- 
ter so  you  would  not  have  any  Idck 
ooming  after  it  was  all  said  and  done. 
We,  who  were  there,  did  our  best  to 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


do  wthat  was  right  and  just  to  aJl.  So 
next  meeting  let  everyone  put  on  his 
Qiew  store  clothes  and  see  what  a  big 
meeting  we  can  have.  It  doesn't  take 
Long  to  do  the  business.  Let  every 
member  appoint  hjiimself  a  committee 
of  one  to  "bring"  himself  to  the  next 
meeting.  If  you  do  we  will  make  a 
record.  It  will  enooui-age  your  officers 
and  be  beneficial  to  the  entire  local. 

Before  this  letter  appears  ini  print 
Christmas  and  New  Tear's  will  have 
come  and  gone,  so  I  will  wish  all  broth- 
ere  a  Merry  Christmas  and  a  Happy 
New  Yeaa^-and  many  of  them. 

Let  us  all  work  this  year  as  we  !have 
never  worked  before  for  the  grand  old 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  We  did  good  work  last 
year,  so  let  us  do  still  better  this  year 
and  see  what  a  grand  total  number  of 
members  we  can  show.  We  must  all 
work  with  mig^t  and  main,  if  we  wojit 
to  make  thds  organization  second  to 
none.  It  can  be  done  by  all  getting 
their  shoulders  to  the  wheel  and  keep 
pushing  till  we  have  pushed  her  up 
where  cOie  will  stand  alone— above  all 
— for  the  time  is  surely  going  to  come 
when  your  bosoms  will  swell  more 
than  they  do  now  when  you  hear  of 
some  of  the  good  work  the  Switch- 
men's  Union  has  done.  It  has  worked 
wonders  and  will  continue  to  do  00  as 
long  as  it  stands,  for  we  have  good 
workers  at  our  head  and  we  should 
help  them  along.  We  sbould  co-oper- 
ate with  them  to  make  things  hum.  So 
be  up  and  doing  whdle  the  doing  is 
good. 

Will  ring  off  for  this  time. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Flat  Wheel. 


Ludifigtofiy  Mich. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

Having  Just  been  appointed  Joubnai. 
agent  for  Lodge  No.  75,  I  will  see  if 
I  can't  make  a  little  noise. 

We  just  gave  our  third  annual  ball 
and  it  proved  to  be  a  good  success 
socially  and  financially.  I  believe  the 
switchmen  have  the  reputation  of  giv- 
ing good  balls  the  country  over,  and 
at  this  place,  at  least,  we  hope  to 
keep  up  its  good  record  in  that  re- 
spect. 

Now  I  desire  to  say  a  few  words  uiwn 
that  much-discussed  subject,  poor 
lodge  attendance.     It  seems  to  be  a 


disease  that  is  prevailing  in  several 
parts  of  the  country  and  one  that  is 
hard  to  cure.  There  are  members  who> 
do  not  go  to  the  meeting  and  they  are 
all  the  while  kicking  at  what  is  going 
on.  The  lodge  room  is  the  place  to 
do  all  this  kicking.  For  there  every- 
one is  given  an  opportunity  to  say  his 
little  piece.  It  sometimes  makes  a 
fellow  feel  like  we  have  the  most 
complainers  in  the  whole  country,  but 
then  I  suppose  there  are  others.  It 
would  be  a  god  plan,  though,  for  them 
to  come  out  and  take  an  active  pcut: 
in  the  meetings  and  bear  their  share 
of  the  responsibilities.  There  are  no* 
preferred  runs  in  this  business.  Ail 
belong  in  the  chain  gang  and  all 
should  get  actively  into  the  work.  If 
all  this  kicking  that  is  going  on  was 
turned  into  real  active  work  for  the^ 
advancement  of  the  union,  you  could 
not  generate  enough  steam  pressure  to 
keep  it  from  booming.  I  suggest  that 
we  try  it  and  see  if  I  am  not  right 
in  my  opinion.  As  this  is  my  first  at- 
tempt, it  will  be  all  for  this  time. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  J.  Hanson. 


Oikago,  UL 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

I  will  endeavor  to  write  a  letter  for 
the  benefit  of  the  brothers  and  let  all 
know  how  we  are  getting  along. 
I  feel  that  Lodge  No.  68  has  performed 
her  part  in  the  great  work  of  the 
union  well  during  the  year  and  I  feel 
sure  she  will  be  able  to  report  good 
progress  at  its  close.  At  least  she- 
will  if  all  the  members  will  try  and 
do  their  duty  as  they  should  and  as. 
we  believe  they  will.  Our  lodge  is  tak- 
ing in  new  members  at  most  every 
meeting,  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  that 
we  have  more  suspensions  than  we- 
should  have  and  which  could  be 
avoided  somewhat  if  members  would 
exercise  proper  care  in  regard  to  pay- 
ment of  their  dues  at  the  right  time. 
Let  us  all  have  this  mater  among  the 
resolutions  we  make  at  the  beginning' 
of  the  new  year.  The  suspension  of 
members  means  lapsing  of  insurance 
which  In  turn  means  privation  and 
destitution  to  wives  and  children  in 
the  event  of  death  overtaking  them 
before  reinstatement.  The  thought  of 
this  should  sink  deep  into  every  broth-^ 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  fifWiTCHMEN'S  UNION. 


35 


^r'a  heart  The  thought  of  being  on 
the  right  side  of  the  ledger  at  all 
times  should  be  uppermost  in  the 
minds  of  all.  At  the  last  meeting  the 
•election  of  officers  took  place  and  a 
goodly  number  of  members  were  pires- 
<ent.  Bros.  Pratt  and  Lyons  were  re- 
jected to  their  old  positions  and  I 
feel  sure  that  all  believe  they  were  se- 
lected upon  thir  merits,  for  both  have 
been  most  active  workes  in  the  cause. 
Tice-President  J.  B.  Connors  was  with 
us  at  this  meeting  and  all  were  glad 
to  have  him  present.  He  favored  us 
^with  one  of  his  interesting  talks, 
which  was  very  much  appreciated  by 
all  who  heard  hinu  Bros.  Wilson  and 
Landers,  of  Lodge  No.  79,  were  also 
present  and  both  addressed  the  lodge, 
Slving  much  good  advice  to  all.  Ck>me 
again,  brothiers;  you  are  always  wel- 
•come. 

Well,  brothers,  your  last  year's  let 
ters  are  all  in  now  and  it  is  now  time 
that  we  put  our  shoulders  to  the  wheel 
for  1912  and  try  to  double  our  pres 
eat  membership.  All  that  is  required 
to  turn  the  trick  is  for  each  of  us  to 
l>riiig  in  a  new  member.  Trusting 
that  all  have  enjoyed  a  Merry  Christ- 
mas and  that  all  will  be  blessed  with 
irood  health  and  good  fortune  during 
the  new  year,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

John  Cole. 


ISditob  SwrroHMsiT's  Joubnal: 

It  is  some  time,  since  anything  ap- 
peared from  Lodge  No.  17.  While 
there  are  many  intelligent  members 
with  us,  it  seems  they  are  all  working 
overtime  and  don't  feel  like  sitting 
down  to  a  task  of  this  kind.  For  be- 
lieve me,  it  is  a  task  for  a  switchman, 
and  knowing  it  should  be  done,  I'll 
make  another  try. 

Now,  brothers,  a  few  words  for  the 
officers  first.  Since  joining  No.  .17  I 
have  watched  every  move  made  by  the 
officers  and  by  this  I  don't  mean  to 
infer  that  I  watched  for  dishonesty, 
bnt  for  competency.  I  must  say  that 
since  my  membership  we  have  had  a 
fair  set  of  men  handling  our  affairs, 
but  without  any  offence  to  past  officers 
(as  I  am  one  of  them)  I  want  to  take 
oft  my  hat  to  the  brother  who  has 
lumdled  the  gavel  for  the  past  year. 
Ftorless  In  his  rulings  at  all  times 
and  rery  seldom  wrong,  if  so,  he  is 


always  ready  to  adjust  or  stand  for  a 
correction,  the  lodge  has  done  well  in 
retaining  him  to  guide  them  for  an- 
other year.  Brother  Fisher  has  made 
many  friends,  and  I  find  no  enemies, 
while  in  this  position.  He  has  care- 
fully watched  over  every  transaction 
wherein  the  funds  had  any  part,  as- 
sisted his  committees  and  has  taken 
an  active  part  with  the  board  of  di- 
rectors; in  fact  he  has  kept  in  touch 
with  every  part  of  the  machinery  in 
this  lodge.  Plainly  speaking,  there  is 
no  hypocrisy  in  Bro.  Fisher's  makeup, 
and  the  financial  condition  of  the 
lodge  today  is  sufficient  evidence  of 
his  sincerity  and  ability.  Of  course 
he  could  not  handle  this  machine  with- 
out a  little  assistance,  and  in  my  opin- 
ion he  had  three  or  four  cogs  that 
never  slipped,  because  we  have  also 
been  fortunate  in  having  the  assistance 
of  other  good  officers.  Bro.  William 
Adams  has  given  us  the  best  service 
and  I  am  sorry  to  say  he  will  not  ac- 
cept office  for  at  least  another  term,  be- 
cause we  could  do  no  better.  So  hav- 
ing to  select  his  successor  out  of  the 
many  good  members  who  could  do  jus- 
tice to  the  office,  Bro.  Whitney  was  se- 
lected and  no  doubt  will  give  a  good 
account  of  himself.  But  there  was  one 
old  timer  trying  to  slip  through  his 
collar,  Bro.  G.  H.  Hoss,  and  who  should 
have  known  we  would  not  stand  for 
any  grame  like  that,  and  I  am  here 
taking  the  liberty  of  serving  notice 
on  him  that  he  has  a  regular  job;  we 
could  not  afford  to  drop  two  cogs  at 
one  time.  So  starting  Jan.  1,  1912,  our 
machine  is  ready  for  a  year's  journey. 
Now  let  me  say,  brothers,  you  all 
know  these  are  facts.  This  lodge  has 
been  run  by  four  or  five  members  for 
a  long  time.  Now  stop  and  think  if 
four  or  five  can  do  as  well  holding  out 
against  such  odds  as  we  have  for  the 
past  four  or  five  years.  What  would 
be  the  result  if  every  man  would  put 
his  shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  do  his 
part.  T  know  we  could  double  our 
membershio,  because  you  have  lots  of 
^ood  material  to  work  on  in  the  South 
Chicago  district.  T  have  just  finished 
reading  a  letter  from  Bro.  (Meaney  of 
Buffalo.  Anv  brother  will  have  to 
admit  that  the  first  part  of  his  letter 
tells  the  plain  truth;  a  few  of  the 
faithful  do  all  the  work  while  the 
others  stand  around  and  knock.  1 
have  attended  meetfiifirs  of  ne«rly 
every  lodge  in  this  district,  including 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


36 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


Peoria  and  Joliet,  and  I  find  it  more 
or  less  the  same.  I  wrote  a  letter 
some  time  ago  of  this  gang  lodge  busi- 
ness, but  it  had  no  effect  at  the  la«t 
meeting  of  No.  17.  There  were  men 
wiio  had  not  attended  since  the  last 
election  of  officers,  and  some  who  have 
not  attended  since  the  election  of  dele- 
gates. We  have  members  who  lose 
two  or  three  nights  a  month  to  attend 
meetings  of  their  fraternal  organiza- 
tions. Now,  brothers,  I  am  a  member 
of  one  of  those  since  1907  and  never 
attended  a  meeting.  I  joined  it  for 
the  insurance  when  I  secured  an  in- 
crease in  my  wages  through  the  efforts 
of  the  Switchmen's  Union,  and  if  I 
have  any  days  to  lose  to  attend  meet- 
ings it  will  be  a  meeting  of  the  union 
that  increased  my  wages,  making  it 
possible  financially  for  me  tx>  get  tihe 
other  insurance.  Bro.  Meaney  makes 
mention  of  many  good  things,  and 
every  member  should  read  his  letter 
and  if  he  has  any  suggestions  to  make 
do  so  through  tiie  Joubnal.  The  ob- 
ject being  a  good  one  to  reduce  the 
running  expenses  of  the  union  while 
I  have  nothing  to  offer  at  this  time, 
however  will  do  so  in  the  near  future. 
Now,  brothers,  let's  get  out  and  hustle 
and  let  every  member  do  his  fair 
share  and  make  1912  the  banner  year 
of  our  existence.  This  can  only  be 
accomplished  by  the  united  efforts  of 
all.  I  want  to  thank  the  members  for 
their  assistance  given  me,  and  while  it 
is  their  constitutional  duty  to  patron- 
ize union  labor  and  the  product  there- 
of, many  forget  their  duty  in  this  re- 
spect, as  in  many  others.  Every  other 
man  will  have  a  paper  of  scab  tobacco 
in  his  pocket  and  every  article  of  cloth- 
ing without  a  label.  Brothers,  those 
are  some  of  the  things  you  are  re- 
minded of  at  the  meetings,  so  come, 
start  off  right  with  the  new  year,  see 
the  officers  installed  and  after  you  at- 
tend a  few  and  get  used  to  it,  notihing 
can  keep  you  away.  Hoping  you  all 
had  a  merry  Christmas  and  a  happy 
new  year,  T  am,  with  best  wishes, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

R.    J.   MANT.Y. 


we  would  like  to  give  our  readers 
some  idea  of  what  the  above  men- 
tioned lodge  is  doing,  I  take  great 
pleasure  in  sending  you  a  few  facts^ 
hoping  that  they  will  appear  in  next 
month's  edition. 

Business,  of  course,  is  not  what  it 
should  be  at  this  time  of  the  year. 
Although  the  N.  P.  is  working  seven 
and  eight  engines  and  carrying  a 
number  of  extra  men,  most  of  whom 
we  expect  to  have  as  members  as  soon 
as  possible.  The  extra  men  have  been 
fairly  lucky  in  working  under  present 
conditions. 

Our  lodge  gave  their  twenty^second 
annual  ball  on  the  eighteenth  of  Oc- 
tober at  German-American  Hall,  Main 
street,  and  proved  to  be  very  success- 
ful financially  as  well  as  socially.  The 
hall  was  packed  to  its  fullest  capacity 
and/  was  decorated  with  palms  and 
American  flags,  also  in  our  lodge  col- 
ors. The  orchestra  played  all  the  up- 
to-date  popular  pieces  and  ended  with 
the  usual  "Home,  Sweet  Home." 
Elverything  went  along  very  smoothly. 
Much  credit  is  due  to  the  committee 
who  had  charge  of  the  affair  and  who 
tried  hard  to  make  the  evening  enjoy- 
able for  all  who  attended.  The  fol- 
lowing brothers  were  in  charge:  J.  J. 
O'Connor,  J.  Maloney.  F.  Russet  had 
charge  of  the  door.  The  arrangement 
committee  consisted  of  Thomas  Reyn- 
olds, chairman;  J.  J.  OXk)nnor,  J.  J. 
Smith,  T.  V.  Newell,  E.  C.  Dowlman 
and  President  J.  W.  Fleming,  who  was 
in  sight  at  all  times  and  as  busy  as  a 
bee.  Among  the  prominent  guests 
present  were  Genercd  Tardmaster  C.  L. 
Titus  and  Trainmaster  J.  W.  Canteen. 
A  few  of  the  old-time  switchmen  at- 
tended, namely,  J.  W.  Crotty  and  his 
brother  Martin  Crotty  and  several 
others  representing  lodges  of  different 
roads.       Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  W.  Fleming. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

EDITOR  SwrrcHMEN*s  Journal: 

Not  having  seen  an  article  in  the 
dwiTCHMAN's  Journal  of  late  relating 
to  Nickel  Plate  Lodge  No.  220,  and  as 


Rock  Island,  M. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

For  some  reason  or  other.  Lodge  1^ 
continues  to  be  absent  from  the  col- 
umns of  the  Journal,  so  I  will  en- 
deavor to  break  the  silence  by  writing 
a  little  for  January  issue,  and  it  wouM 
probably  be  a  good  plan  to  have  thi0 
sort  of  composition  work  included  in 
is  this  true  in  regard  to  No.  1S3,  but 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


37 


at  that  ive  mean  weU,  aod  hi  fact  are 
doing  well.  We  liope,  though,  to  do 
better  in  the  future,  both  In  regard  to 
being  heard  from  and  in.  getting  mem- 
bers. We  have  much  good  material  in 
our  lodge  and  when  once  w«  get  it  in 
^KKkL  earnest  in  regard  to  our  cause 
how  the  good  work  will  advance.  We 
have  several  who  should  write  a  line 
occasionally  to  let  the  brothers  know 
liow  w€  are  getting  along,  as  it  is  only 
by  this  means  that  we  are  enablod  to 
get  the  news  that  is  going  on  among 
our  lodges  throughout  the  country. 
Especially  should  lodges  like  this  be 
heard  from,  for  we  have  the  largest 
membership  of  any  in  the  middle  west 
I  hope  to  see  numerous  letters  during 
the  new  year,  as  we  look  with  interest 
for  the  news  from  aU  lodges,  and  it's 
only  fair  we  should  contribute  our 
share  for  t3ie  benefit  of  others.  We  are 
gaining  ground  here  and  with  lees 
Imocking  and  more  boosting  we  would 
soon  liave  them  all  in  line.  I  would 
suggest  that  every  crew  take  It  upon 
themeelves  to  bring  in  a  new  member 
during  the  year  and  in.  so  doing  we 
would  soon  have  a  soUd  yard.  We  will 
have  a  new  set  of  officers  in  the  chair, 
and  I  hoipe  the  attendance  will  pick 
up,  as  it  was  very  poor  during  the 
year  1911.  Every  brother  should  at- 
tend at  least  one  meeting  a  moniUbi. 
Dates  are  so  arranged  that  it  iB  pos- 
sible to  come  up  like  we  did  ten  years 
ago,  and  I  am  sure  all  would*  enjoy  it 
if  you  came  out,  and  in  this  way  yon 
could  actually  get  acquainted  with 
those  with  whom  you  work»  for  we 
don't  have  the  opportunity  of  doing 
thds  on  the  job  any  more,  but  I  really 
think  we  should  in  some  manner,  some 
where,  become  acquainted  with  each 
other,  as  well  as  with  the  object  and 
aim  of  the  union ;  and  the  lodge  room 
Is  a  mighty  good  place  to  do  so.  If  it 
wasn't  for  the  buttons  we  wore  one 
half  of  the  brothers  wouldn't  know 
that  the  other  half  belonged;  so  I 
think  it  would  be  a  capital  idea  to  get 
the  lodge-attending  habit  a  little  more 
thoroughly  imbedded-  Into  our  minds, 
and  I  am  sure  we  would  all  be  better 
off  as  the  result  of  it.  Members  with 
grievances  always  find  their  way  to 
meetings,  and  if  all  who  oould  would 
attend  all  the  meetings  they  oould 
there  would  be  less  cause  for  some  of 
the  grievances  that  arise  from  time  to 
time.  Now  I  have  broken  the  ice  and 
I  hope  others  will  jump  right  in  and 


do  their  "lapse,"  in  regard  to  all  their 
duties,  and  especially  writing  to  the 
Journal  occasionally-  "fou  owe  that 
much  respect  to  your  editor,  your  or- 
ganization and  to  yourselves.  So  dont 
forget  this  injunction. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  for  a  most 
successful  year,  I  remain^ 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and'  P., 

OsoAB  Bell. 


El  Reno*  OMahonia. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  I  have  not  written  an  item  for 
Lodge  IZi  for  some  time  I  will  now 
try  and  give  all  the  news  from  Bl 
Reno. 

Our  International  President,  Bro.  S. 
B.  Heberling  paid  us  a  visit  Nov.  28th. 
Two  special  meetings  were  called, 
which  were  well  attended.  Bro.  Heb- 
erling made  a  good  talk  and  we  took 
the  liberty  to  ask  him  a  lot  of  ques- 
tions regarding  some  of  the  psoblems 
which  have  arisen  here  in  El  Reno. 

Bro.  Heberling  was  voted  a  good  fel- 
low and  a  good  talker  and  he  is  always 
welcome  to  visit  No.  124  any  time. 

We  were  visited  last  week  by  our 
general  grievance  man,  Dan  Smith, 
who  was  called  here  by  Lodfce  124  to 
settle  several  grievances  whldi  were 
being  put  upon  the  switchmen  by  petty 
officials  and  yardmasters. 

We  are  glad  to  state  tliat  Bro.  Smith 
settled  everything  in  a  short  time  and 
in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  all  con- 
cerned. 

Bro.  Smith  is  an  A  No.  1  grievance 
man  and  thoroughly  understands  the 
business. 

Lodge  No.  124  wishes  to  extend  to 
Bro.  Smith  their  thanks  for  his  aid  to 
them,  and  any  time  he  is  in  El  Reno 
he  will  be  sure  of  a  royal  welcome. 

The  strike  on  the  C,  R.  I.  ft  P.  has 
all  cleared  up  and  I  believe  that  it  was 
for  the  best  for  the  men  and  their  fam- 
ilies, as  the  railroads  were  pretty  well 
prepared  for  a  strike  and  would  have 
worked  scabs  and  got  along,  as  busi- 
ness is  not  extra  heavy  this  year. 

I,  for  one,  think  that  it  will  only  be 
but  a  short  time  until  strikes  wiU  be 
a  thing  of  the  past.  A  strike  works  a 
hardship  upon  employer  and  employee, 
and  It  also  hurts  the  general  public, 
and  public  sentiment  rules. 

Another  deal  like  the  MdNamara 
case  would   ruin   union   labor  for  all 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


38 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


time  to  come,  and  ae  H  Is  the  unloiUB 
haye  fallen  50  per  cent,  im  the  estima- 
tion of  the  public. 

If  union  labor  has  to  resort  to  an- 
archy to  gain  their  ends,  they  might 
better  rise  in  open  rebellion  and  let 
the  matter  be  settled  one  way  or  the 
other. 

If  the  McNamaras  had  taken  revenge 
on  the  men  who  were  fighting  them  in- 
stead of  fellow  workers,  men  with  fam- 
ilies depending  upon  them  for  support, 
it  would  have  been  a  different  thing. 
As  it  is  they  merely  destroyed  a  few 
thousand  dollars'  worth  of  brick  and 
mortar  and  took  the  lives  of  twenty- 
one  laboring  men.  The  whole  thing 
was  wrong  and  union  labor  does  not 
have  to  resort  to  dynamiting  and  de- 
stroying life  and  property. 

There  is  a  way  to  gain  our  ends  and 
that  is  through  the  ballot  box. 

Brothers,  when  you  go  to  vote  next 
presidential  election  you  should  vote 
only  for  the  party  that  can  give  assur- 
ance of  a  square  deal  to  the  labor 
world.  If  you  cannot  vote  for  your 
own  rights  don't  vote. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  an<d  P., 

Dact  Hovbnden, 
Journal  Agent  of  124. 


rort  Wayne  Ind. 

EnrroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  missed  the  December  Joubnal 
with  a  letter  from  this  part  of  the 
system.  I  got  my  uates  mixed  and 
thought  I  had  time  until  the  20th. 

We  are  still  at  work  here  and  are 
increasing  the  roster  of  Lodge  No.  78. 
We  have  added  several  new  members 
to  the  roll  and  some  old  ones  by  trans- 
fer card.  We  hope  to  keep  this  up  and 
make  a  good  showing  in  the  near  fu- 
ture. 

A  short  time  ago  a  telegram  from 
Vice-President  Connors  gave  us  a  very 
short  notice  to  arrange  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  Bro.  Hallo  way.  We  hustled 
and  did  the  best  that  was  in  our  power 
under  the  circumstances. 

Lodge  No.  78  has  been  called  upon 
to  render  aid  and  sympathy  to  the 
aged  mother- and  three  sisters  of  our 
beloved  brother,  A.  Sellers,  who  lost 
a  limb  on  the  evening  of  November 
18,  1911,  and  died  the  next  morning  at 
St.  Joseph's  Hospital  in  this  city. 
Bro.  Sellers,  at  the  time  of  his  injury. 


was  temporarily  employed  on  the  way- 
freight  of  the  Wabash  Railroad^  the 
work  in  the  yard  being  slack  at  that 
time.  This  good  brother  was  generous 
and  kind  amongst  his  fellow-workers 
and  we  will  certainly  miss  him  from 
our  meetings,  and  yet  our  loss  is  not 
as  much  as  the  loss  the  loved  ones  at 
his  own  fireside  sustained.  One  dear 
and  loved  one  he  thought  of  most — 
his  aged  mother — to  whom  his  insur- 
ance certificate  was  made  payable. 
This  will  be  a  solace  in  her  declining 
years.  Lord,  grant  eternal  rest  to  the 
soul  of  Bro.  Sellers. 

Bro.  Meaney  has  started  the  ball 
arolling.  He  has  offered  several  good 
suggestions  for  us  to  consider,  but  T 
will  not  say  any  more  of  them  now. 
But  why  not  have  our  conventions 
held  at  headquarters  at  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.  Why  is  it  necessary  that  we  go 
Junketing  all  over  the  country  to  hold 
them?  If  we  hold  them  at  the  Buffalo 
headquarters  we  will  do  away  with 
the  handling  of  the  reports,  etc.,  and 
it  is  as  easy  for  the  delegates  to  reaci) 
Buffalo  as  it  is  to  reach  San  Antonio 
or  any  other  city,  and  I  wish  our  sis- 
ter lodges  would  vote  to  make  Buffalo. 
N.  Y.,  our  permanent  convention  meet- 
ing place,  not  those  all  over  this  land 
of  ours. 

I  would  also  like  to  make  a  little 
kick  about  our  Grand  officers  who 
write  us  occasionally  and  tell  us  of 
some  legal  affair.  Give  us  a  history 
of  doings  of  our  brothers,  their  trials 
and  general  welfare  as  they  are  mat- 
ters all  the  members  like  to  read 
about.  Legal  matters  can  be  given  us 
on  the  editorial  page. 

Wishing  all  the  brothers  and  our 
cause  success,  I  am  still  your  well- 
wisher  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Bo. 


Bkie  btond,  IN. 


BnrroB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

It's  time  for  Joxtbnal  correspondents 
to  be  hustling,  if  they're  to  get  in  on 
the  first  issue  of  the  new  yeair,  so  in 
order  to  at  least  make  a  good  begin- 
ning, I'll  endeavor  to  write  a  little  for 
January  Joubnal  readers. 

Lodge  No.  29  is  doing  fairly  well,  all 
things  considered,  but  we  hope  to  do 
still  better  during  the  year  we  are  now 
starting  upon.  We  have  several  appli- 
cations outstanding  that  will  material- 


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JOURNAX.  OF  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


ly  increase  our  membership  when  the 
parties  who  have  them  appear  for  ini- 
tiation, as  we  expect  them  to  do  in  the 
near  future.  Every  brother  should 
watch  after  the  applications  they  hand 
ont  with  the  same  carefulness  as  a 
trained  cat  watches  for  the  mouse  it 
has  scented.  It  is  important  for  all 
concerned  that  there  be  no  ''fall  downs'* 
in  regard  to  this.  Every  member 
should  be  a  coacher  for  the  prospec- 
tive member  to  whom  he  has  given  an 
application,  and  there  Is  no  doubt  but 
what  the  organization  fails  to  get  sev- 
eral members  through  neglect  of  this 
kind,  and  which  our  brothers  shouH 
try  in  every  way  to  avoid. 

Our  ball  was  the  best  ever — not  only 
so  considered  by  the  switchmen,  but  by 
others  as  well.  Trainmaster  Speer 
Claimed  he'd  never  before  seen  such  a 
fine  bunch  of  "rough  necks"  together 
at  one  time.  He  is  so  accustomed  to 
seeing  and  hearing  only  the  grievance 
side  of  their  life  and  characteristics, 
that  he  was  bewildered  at  the  Jovial, 
sunshiny  elements  that  enter  into  their 
lives  as' well.  We  were  pleased  to  have 
him  present  and  to  demonstrate  to  hlhi 
that  finding  and  following  the  proper 
trail  for  cars,  around  great  termina* 
points,  was  not  the  only  functions  in 
which  the  modem  switchmen  could 
give  others  a  little  worthy  rivalry  occa- 
sionally. Tes,  it  was  a  grand  affair, 
hall  arrangements,  decorations,  com- 
mittee work,  and  all  else  that  enter 
into  the  enjoyment  and  success  of  such 
an  event.  One  hundred  and  eighteen 
couples  were  in  line  in  the  grand 
march,  and  300  more  were  watching 
them  as  they  marched,  so  there  was  no 
question  as  to  the  attendance.  All  the 
Blue  Island  yardmasters  were  present 
and  enjoyed  themselves.  We  were  un- 
able to  detect  a  symptom  of  worry  or 
care  as  to  congestion  of  traffic,  crippled 
engines,  delay  reports,  per  diem  re- 
ports, or  even  time  slips;  for  they  all 
acknowledged  everything  was  O.  K. 

A  number  of  visiting  brothers  were 
in  evidence,  and  we  were  pleased  to 
have  them  present.  Among  them  were: 
Bro.  Frank  McCormick  of  Des  Moines, 
la.,  (formerly  our  old  president),  who 
was  shaking  hands  all  night;  Barrett 
of  Lodge  No.  208,  Helmen  of  Lodge  No. 
36.  Kuebne  of  Lodge  No.  3  (Joliet), 
and  Griffin  of  Kansas  City.  We  are  in- 
debted to  the  engineers,  firemen,  con- 
ductors and  brakemen  for  the  pleasure 
and  encouragement  afforded  us  by  the 


presence  of  so  many  of  their  members 
on  this  occasion. 

Bro.  Hansen  desires  all  who  haven't 
settled  for  their  tickets  to  do  so  as 
soon  as  possible,  in  order  that  he  can 
make  complete  report  to  the  lodge. 
Some  have  never  settled  for  their  boat 
tickets,  used  at  our  outing  last  sum- 
mer. Let's  "tote  fair"  and  clear  this 
matter  up  in  a  creditable  manner,  as 
we  should.  All  the  revenue  received 
from  their  sale  will  be  used  for  the 
good  of  the  order,  and  one  stands  as 
good  show  as  another  to  derive  the 
benefits  of  it,  for  no  one  ever  knows 
who's  next. 

Our  ball  was  not  the  only  social 
event  transpiring  during  November 
among  our  families  here.  On  Nov.  22d 
Bro.  .William  Ferguson  was  married  to 
Miss  Mamie  Roach  (sister  of  our 
worthy  president),  and  left  that  night 
for  their  honeymoon  trip  to  Denver,. 
CJol.  Bro.  Jack  NefTs  daughter.  May, 
was  married  to  Mr.  F.  Walsh  on  No^. 
25th,  and  spent  their  honeymoon  vaca- 
tion at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  Both  couples  are 
now  at  home  to  their  friends,  and  both 
have  the  sincere  good  wishes  of  all  our 
members  in  their  journey  through  life. 

At  our  last  meeting  the  following  offi- 
cers were  elected  for  the  ensuing  year: 
President,  W.  J.  Roach;  vice-president, 
B.  E.  Hansen;  secretary,  H.  N.  Allen; 
treasurer,  T.  Earner;  chaplain,  J.  D. 
Sullivan;  board  of  directors,  A.  Ander- 
son, T.  O'Brien,  and  F.  Shebeck. 

If  we  do  as  well  as  last  year,  no  one 
can  kick,  but  if  we  do  our  best,  we 
will  do  better.  Every  brother  should 
be  a  hustler  for  the  union,  for  every- 
one is  benefited  by  it.  While  on  this 
subject.  I  desire  to  thank  Bro.  Charles 
Johnson  of  Lodge  No.  133,  who  is  ever 
working  for  us,  and  who  has  led  sev- 
eral applicants  to  Dr.  Davis  for  us.  To 
the  Grand  Lodge  officers  and  all  mem- 
bers, I  wish  you  a  merry  Christmas 
and  a  happy  New  Year,  and  may  the 
year  1912  be  a  record-breaker  for  the  S. 
tr.  of  N.  A.    I  remain. 

Yours  in  B,.  H.  and  P., 
JouBNAL  Agent  No.  29. 


Pcoria»  III. 

Editor  Swttohmen's  Journal: 

Another  year  has  passed  and  the 
doors  of  a  new  year  have  just  been 
opened  upon  us  again  and  let  us  hope 
that  it  will  be  at  least  as  good  as  the 


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40 


JOURNAL  OF  THBS  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


one  Just  finiBhed.  We  should  all  en- 
deavor to  do  our  utmost  to  make  It 
brighter  and  better  to  all  through  our 
organization,  for,  as  the  years  have 
been  slowly  passing,  the  laboring  men 
ot  this  nation  have  been  advanced 
both  morally  and  intellectually,  while 
their  working  conditions  and  compen- 
sation have  been  bettered  and  in- 
creased that  they  might  live  in  a  man- 
ner that  somewhat  becomes  their  de- 
gree. Tet,  in  this  civilized  and  en- 
lightened age  there  are  many  men  and 
women  who  are  working  under  the 
most  dire  conditions  and  for  a  pit- 
tance of  pay,  whose  only  encourage- 
ment when  they  ask  for  what  is  right. 
Is  starvation.  Every  union  man 
should  help  this  class  to  endeavor  to 
reach  a  higher  plane,  that  all  may  see 
that  that  text  of  scripture,  "The  la- 
borer is  worthy  of  his  hire,"  was  not 
written  In  vain. 

In  the  year  just  past,  labor  has  been 
grossly  deceived  and  the  laws  of  Ood 
and  our  nation  violated  in  a  most  ter- 
rible manner  by  men  not  worthy  to 
have  even  woven  the  cloak  of  labor. 
By  declaring  themselves  innocent  of 
the  crime  charged  against  them  and 
appealing  to  the  honest  and  law-abid- 
ing workers  for  aid  and,  in  response 
to  that  appeal  the  union  toilers 
throughout  the  land  cast  their  mite 
for  the  defence  of  those  whom  they 
supposed  unjustly  wronged.  Great  was 
their  surprise  when  the  press  an- 
nounced that  these  men  had  pleaded 
guilty.  Then  did  the  union  toilers 
arise  and,  as  in  one  voice  cry  out,  that 
the  maximum  penalty  be  imposed 
upon  men  who  resort  to  such  crimes 
to  accomplish  their  ends  and  that  they 
be  safely  locked  behind  prison  bars 
or  that  they  be  hung. 

It  has  been  my  lot  to  take  the  oath 
in  four  labor  unions  during  my  life 
and  in  each  of  them  I  solemly  swore 
that  I  would  not  violate  the  laws  of 
my  country  or  commit  any  act  of  vio- 
lence, and  I  am  sure  that  all  other 
union  men  take  the  same  obligation. 

Now  let  us  all  hope  that  this  new 
year  will  bring  not  only  glad  tidings 
and  good  cheer  to  all,  but  will  bring 
within  the  fold  the  many  stragglers 
who  are  wandering  outside  its  fold. 

Every  member  of  this  union  should 
read  Bro.  Thomas  G.  Meaney's  letter 
in  the  December  number,  as  it  applies 
to  each  of  us,  one  way  or  the  other. 


If  the  shoe  fits,  let  us  wear  it  and  in 
wearing  it  let  us  endeavor  to  walk  in 
the  light  and  reflect  as  much  credit 
and  honor  upon  organized  labor  as 
we  go  along  that  is  in  our  power  to 
cast 

Wishing  you  one  and  all  a  happy 
and  bright  New  Year,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

James  H.  Bbown. 


Victory  Lodge  No.  1 6  Condcmiis  McNamora 
BroCliera  as  Disgrace  to  Unioii  Labor. 

At  the  last  regular  meeting  of  Vic- 
tory Lodge  No.  16,  held  December  7, 
1911,  the  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  passed,  condemning  the 
deeds  of  the  McNamara  brothers  and 
characterizing  them  as  a  disgrace  to 
the  cause  for  which  union  labor  stands: 

Whebeas,  It  has  been  shown  us 
through  reliable  sources  that  the  Mc- 
Namara brothers  have  confessed  their 
guilt  regarding  the  charges  preferred 
against  them;    and 

Whereas,  By  their  confession  they 
have  acknowledged  that  they  are  the 
murderers  of  twenty-one  souls;  there- 
fore be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  condemn  such 
men  as  being  detrimental  to  the  cause 
of  union  labor  and  a  disgrace  to  the 
principles  for  which  it  stands  and  be- 
lieve that  capital  punishment  should 
be  the  penalty  for  such  a  crime;  and 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be 
printed  in  our  Journal  and  have  it 
shown  that  Victory  Lodge  go  on 
record  as  being  opposed  to  such  an- 
archism;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting. 

C.  B.  Eames, 

Ohairman. 
B.  F.  Fisher, 

E.   K.   COBBS, 

Committee. 


Sincerity  is  to  speak  as  we  think, 
to  do  as  we  pretend  and  profess,  to 
perform  and  make  good  that  which  we 
promise,  and  really  to  be  what  we  ap- 
pear to  be. 


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THE    LADIES 
TO    THE    S. 


'   AUXILIARY 
U.    OF    N.   A. 


Clcvclaiid,0. 

BoiTOB  SwiTOHiiXN'8  Joubhal: 

Not  seeing  a  letter  for  some  time 
from  Lodge  No.  10  in  our  Joubnal,  1 
presume  our  Journal  figent  has  gone 
to  sleep  or  thinks  she  is  not  it  any 
longer.  I  am  not  the  Joubnal  agent 
for  Lodlge  No.  10,  but  I  am  a  Grand 
Lodge  olBcer,  and  as  all  the  officers  and 
delegates  have  promised  a  letter  every 
three  months,  I  think  it  is  time  I  was 
getting  busy.  Since  the  convention  I 
have  been  busy— not  asleep,  I  assure 
you — although  not  working  at  all 
times  for  our  order.  You  know  there 
are  other  duties  we  ladies  have  to  per- 
form and  any  of  you  who  have  a  dear 
old  mother  living  will  side  with  me 
when  I  tell  you  that  she  comes  first 
After  the  convention  I  went  to  her  in 
Toungstown  and,  as  summer  is  the  only 
time  she  can  get  out,  we  started  to 
travel,  so  that  she  might  pay  a  visit 
to  her  other  children  once  a  year  and 
it  was  the  latter  part  of  September  be- 
fore I  got  settled  for  lodge  business. 
Lodge  No.  10  is  still  living  and  hust- 
ling and,  although  our  membership  is 
not  large  we  are,  nevertheless,  holding 
our  own.  We  held  a  card  party  and 
drawing  on  the  20th  of  November 
which,  I  am  pleased  to  say,  was  a  suc- 
cess, both  socially  and  financially. 
The  lady  who  won  the  beautiful  knit 
shawl  sent  in  her  application  to  be- 
come a  member  and  we  hope  to  receive 
many  more  applications  before  the 
first  of  the  year.  We  have  been  hold- 
ing card  parties  at  different  homes  for 
quite  awhile  until  one  of  our  young 
sisters  decided  to  change  the  program 
and  now  it  has  been  showers.  Our  best 
wishes  go  out  to  this  sister,  as  she  is 
about  to  sail  on  the  sea  of  matrimony. 
Congratulations,  Alice! 

Well,  sisters,  it  is  about  time  for 
our  election  of  officers  and  I  hope  that 
every  auxiliary  will  put  in  officers  who 
will  attend  to  their  duties.  You  all 
know  that  a  good  officer  is  always  to  be 
found  at  her  post  of  duty  and  it  is  very 


hard  for  a  president  to  perform  her 
various  duties  without  co-operation  of 
the  other  officers  on  the  staff.  There  is 
a  duty  for  each  one  of  us  to  perform 
and  it  is  a  very  hard  matter  for  the 
president  to  hold  a  meeting  and  trans- 
act business  without  the  membership 
turning  out,  and  as  we  have  now  en- 
tered a  new  year,  let  us  all  resolve  to 
turn  over  a  new  leaf  by  being  more 
prompt  in  'attending  the  meetings  and 
taking  more  interest  in  the  affairs  of 
the  lodge.  Let  us  try  to  greatly  in- 
crease our  membership  before  the  next 
convention  occurs.  You  all  know  that 
an  increase  in  our  membersnip  means 
a  larger  amount  in  our  benefits  with- 
out paying  an  extra  assessment,  so  get 
to  work  and  let  us  strive  to  make  the 
year  1912  a  banner  one  for  our  aux- 
iliary. 

Wishing  all  the  auxiliaries  success, 
and  all  the  members  a  happy  New 
Year,  I  remain 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Mabt  Stbwabt, 
First  Vice  Grand  President 


G>uiici  Bluffs,  lo%va. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  am  glad  to  tell  you  that  Hiawatha 
Lodge  No.  3  is  in  good  condition.  We 
gave  an  oyster  supper  recently  and, 
let  me  tell  you,  sisters,  if  you  want  to 
make  some  money  give  an  oyster  sup- 
per, for  all  the  brothers  like  oysters. 
We  had  the  luck  to  get  possession  of  a 
restaurant  through  one  of  our  mem- 
bers and  we  certainly  had  something 
to  do  for  awhile.  We  kept  open  house 
until  twelve  o'clock  in  order  to  give 
the  brothers  who  work  nights  a  chance 
to  get  a  bowl  of  hot  soup,  and  they 
came  in  large  num'bers  for  it  was  a 
cold  night.  The  brothers  were  good 
at  selling  tickets,  one  brother  selliiig 
seventy-nine,  another  forty-one,  an- 
other twenty-four  and  many  sold  eight, 
ten  and  five  tickets.    We  tried  to  see 


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42 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  BWITCHMBN'Sf  UNION. 


that  all  had  a  good  time,  especially 
the  old  bachelors  that  Sister  dark 
spoke  of.  I,  for  one,  did  all  I  could. 
In  order  to  encourage  you  to  hold  an 
oyster  supper,  I  will  tell  you  that  we 
cleared  over  fifty  dollars  as  a  result 
of  the  supper.  Now  is  the  time  to 
give  something  like  an  oyster  supper 
for  the  weather  is  too  cold  for  ice 
cream  and  cake.  By  the  way,  the 
brothers  forgot  to  give  their  annual 
ice  cream  social  this  summer,  but 
maybe  they  will  have  it  next  summer. 
Let  us  hope  so  anyway. 

Bro.  and  Sister  Bruegeman  and  Bro. 
and  Sister  Frame  are  rejoicing  over 
the  arrival  of  little  daugnters.  I  hope 
they  will  be  membera  of  Lodge  No.  3 
some  day. 

We  have  had  good  me^lngs  ever 
since  we  were  organized  and  I  hope  it 
will  continue  and  that  the  attendance 
will  Increase.  We  receive  some  very 
encouraging  letters  from  Sister  Clark 
which  helps  a  great  deal. 

Lodge  No.  6  is  taking  in  new  mem- 
bers at  every  meeting,  which  means 
more  work  for  the  sisters. 

I  will  now  bring  my  letter  to  a  close 
with  best  wishes  to  all. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

SiSTEB  Babada. 


Detroit,  Midi. 

Editob  Switohmbn's  Joubnal: 

Just  a  few  lines  to  let  all  the  sis- 
ters know  how  lodge  No.  32  is 
progressing.  At  our  last  meeting  we 
obligated  seven  and  acted  on  two  ap- 
plications, with  a  whole  lot  more  to 
hear  from.  Now,  sisters,  it  behooves 
each  and  everyone  of  you  to  get  busy. 
Tou  will  find  plenty  of  material  to 
work  on.  Detroit  contains  two  switch- 
men lodges  and  only  one-tenth  of  the 
wives,  mothers,  etc.,  belong  to  the 
auxiliary.  So  go  and  invite  some  of 
the  eligible  ones  to  join.  It  will  cost 
you  nothing  but  a  little  time  and  you 
will  be  surprised  at  the  results  of 
your  work.  I  went  over  to  Windsor 
and  was  very  successful.  I  am  going 
again  and  I  am  pretty  sure  of  good 
results.  The  entertainment  committea 
gave  a  pedro  party  at  our  liall  which 
netted  us  a  nice  little  sum.  A  pedro 
party  was  also  held  at  my  home  which 
made  us  two  dollars  richer.  So  you 
see  we  are  busy  all  the  time.    When 


this  letter  reaches  the  readers  of  the 
Joubnal  it  will  be  in  order  to  instal 
our  officers  and  I  hope  that  all  the 
members  will  make  it  a  point  to  be 
present  and  encourage  the  new  offi- 
cers. It  looks  very  easy  to  sit  in  the 
background  and  imagine  that  if  you 
had  this  or  that  office  how  much  bet- 
ter you  could  fill  it  than  the  present 
incumbent.  Instead  of  criticizing,  do 
all  you  can  to  lighten  the  officers' 
burdens  and  show  by  your  attendance 
and  interest  in  the  meetings  that  you 
have  no  grouch.  All  cannot  be  offi- 
cers, but  most  anyone  can  be  pleasant. 
We  have  been  having  splendid  meet- 
iLgs  and'  I  hope  they  wilH  continue. 
Remember  our  watchwords  are  "Unity. 
Honor  and  Justice."  Wishing  you  all 
a  Happy  New  Year,  I  remain. 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  audi  J., 

Mabt  M.  Whttkman. 


Grand  Rapids,  Midi. 

Bditob  Switohksh's  Joubnal: 

As  the  year  1911  is  now  nearly  a 
thing  of  the  past,  so,  too,  will  my  privi- 
leges as  correspondent  for  Lodge  No. 
12  be  no  more  and  so  I  shall  try  to 
make  good  this  month.  This  year  has 
been  a  pleasant  one  for  the  auxiliary 
and  its  officers  and  workers.  They  can 
all  look  back  with  the  satisfaction  that 
comes  with  non-shirking,  where  duty 
is  concerned. 

Our  new  officers  were  elected  last 
meeting  and  a  few  changes  made,  but 
as  we  are  to  have  a  public  installation 
I  shall  leave  the  list  with  my  succes- 
sor and  she  wiH  tell  you  how  we  cele- 
brated installation. 

Lodge  No.  12  has  not  passed  through 
the  year  1911  without  sorrow,  as  well 
as  pleasure.  In  the  first  month  of  the 
year  we  lost  by  death  one  of  our  oldest 
and  up  until  sickness  came,  one  of 
our  best  workers  in  our  order,  and 
whose  death  was  a  hard  blow  to  the 
lodge.  Sister  Carrie  Gillerman  was 
one  of  our  dearest  sisters.  We  have 
had  sickness  as  well  and  we  have  on 
the  sick  list  several  members,  and  we 
aU  hope  for  their  speedy  recovery. 

Now  Just  a  word  more,  sisters.  At 
home  we  are  having  a  series  of  card 
parties  and  I  am  pleased  to  say  they 
are  proving  very  successful,  yet  I  can't 
help  wishing  we  could  see  more  aux- 
iliary ladies  there,  whether  you  come 


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to  lodge  or  not»  also  non^uxiliary 
ladies.  You  are  moet  welcome,  and 
we  herein  extend  to  you  an  earnest 
invitation. 

Now  I  see  the  usual  is  happening, 
and  when  I  once  begin  to  write  I  can't 
quit,  seemingly,  but  I  shall  juat  wish 
you  all  a  very  happy  new  year,  as 
Christmas  will  be  a  thing  of  the  past, 
and  may  you  all  prosper,  is  the  sincere 
wish  of  a  sister. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Journal  Agent  No.'  12. 


South  Chkago,  IN. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

As  our  president  and  Joubnal  agent. 
Sister  Sine,  is  sick,  I  thought  I  had 
better  try  and  write  a  few  lines  and  let 
Journal  readers  know  that  I  am  still 
in  the  field.    Am  sorry  to  see  such  few 
letters  from  the  L.  A.  every  month,  as 
I  know  we  must  now  have  about  forty 
lodges  and  there  are  only  three  or  four 
letters  every  month.     It    is    a    good 
.  thins  that  Bro.  Editor  don't  have  to 
depend  upon  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  for 
correspondence;  hQ  wouldn't  last  long 
in  business  if  he  did.    Now,  sisters,  as 
the  new  year  is  approaching,  let  us 
take  a  little  more  interest!     Remem- 
ber, it  is  for  your  own  good.    It  is  not 
sufficient  that  you  have  become  a  mem- 
ber, but  come  out  and  give  us  a  helping 
hand  once  in  awhile.    Try  and  make  a 
name  for  your  lodge  and  for  yourself. 
How  would  your  husband  like  it  if  you 
didn't  take  any  interest  in  your  family 
or  in  your  home?    They  would  soon 
tire  of  it.    Well,  it  is  the  same  with 
the  officers  of  the  lodge;  they  get  tired, 
too,  when  the  members  don't  even  take 
trouble  to  come  to  the  meetings  and 
express  their  opinion  on  the  different 
subjects  that  are  brought  up  in  the 
meetings.     I   suppose   you   will   say: 
••Well,  I  can't  work  for  my  home  and 
for  the  lodge,  too";  but  you  can  surely 
give  two  or  three  hours    every    two 
weeks  for  a  good  cause,  for  some  day 
we  are  going  to  receive  some  benefit 
from  it,  and  if  we  don't  our  loved  ones 
will.    So,  please  try  and  do  better  this 
coming  year.    Now.  don't  think  I  am  a 
knocker,  for  I  am  only  talking  for  the 
good  of  the  cause. 

Well,  I  must  tell  you  that  our  worthy 
President  Sister  Sine's  husband  met 
with  a  very  nalnful  accident  last 
month,  and  it  will  be  some  time  before 


he  will  be  able  to  return  to  his  duties^ 
but  he  is  able  to  smile  at  you  when  you 
call  on  him.  That  is  not  all,  but  Sister 
Sine  is  sick  also.  You  know  it  never 
rains,  but  pours  down.  Brother  and 
Sister  Sine  have  the  sympathy  of  Calu- 
met Lodge  No.  15  and  with  best  wishes 
for  a  speedy  recovery. 

As  Sister  Sine  told  you  about  our 
dance  in  her  last  letter  I  won't  say 
very  much,  but  in  behalf  of  Calumet 
Lodge  No.  15  I  wish  to  thank  the  broth- 
ers of  lodges  Nob.  17,  58,  36,  208,  230 
and  68  for  their  assistance  by  purchas- 
ing tickets  that  we  sent  them.  I  also 
wish  to  thank  Bro.  Flynn  of  Lodge  No. 
91,  to  whom  the  tickets  came  too  late 
for  their  meeting,  but  who  was  kind 
enough  to  dispose  of  the  tickets  and 
send  us  the  money.  Also  thanks  to 
Bro.  Landers  of  Lodge  No.  79,  whose 
heart  is  in  the  right  place,  and  to  the 
brother  lodges  that  received  the  tickets 
too  late,  I  wish  to  say  that  it  was  not 
my  fault,  but  it  would  take  too  much 
time  to  explain  the  reason.  Much 
credit  to  Bro.  Casey  for  looking  after 
the  ladies'  wraps  the  night  of  our  ball. 
Last,  but  not  least,  do  we  want  to 
thank  Bro.  Manley  for  the  interceding 
he  has  done  for  Calumet  Lodge  No.  15 
and  for  the  great  interest  he  has  in 
the  welfare  of  our  order. 

At  out  last  meeting  we  elected  the 
following  officers  for  the  ensuing  year: 
Past  President,  Jennie  Sine;  president,. 
Margarete  Barrett;  vice-president, 
Frances  Kreinbaum;  recording  secre- 
tary. Rose  Casey;  treasurer,  Anna 
Olson;  chaplain.  Alma  Stone;  guard, 
Isabella  Meno;  conductress,  Henrietta 
Jorhan;  board  of  directors,  Robinson. 
McComsey  and  Lynn;  pianist,  Rose 
Casey. 

With  best  wishes  for  a  happy  New 
Year  and  a  record-breaking  attendance, 
I  am.  Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Anna  Olson. 


Oetweifl,  Iowa. 

Edffob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

This  is  the  third  letter  to  the  Jour- 
nal since  our  little  band  of  earnest 
workers  was  organized  last  May.  The 
switchmen  and  Nobility  Lodge  have 
rented  a  hall  large  enough  for  both 
lodges,  on  account  of  a  large  parlor 
which  the  ladies  use;  there  is  also  a 
dining-room  and  kitchen  in  connection 
with  the  hall,  so  we  have  plenty  of 


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room,  all  on  the  same  floor.  We  meet 
on  the  same  night,  which  makes  it 
pleasant  for  all.  I  think  both  orders 
will  have  better  attendance  at  their 
meetings. 

We  initiated  two  candidates  at  our 
last  meeting,  making  twenty-four  mem- 
bers at  present  time. 

On  Nov.  28th  we  gave  a  ball  in  our 
new  hall.  It  was  a  social  as  well  as 
a  financial  success.  We  are  going  to 
use  the  money  to  buy  badges  and 
dishes  to  be  used  when  we  serve  re- 
freshments. We  feel  considerably  en- 
couraged to  think  we  have  such  a  nice 
hall,  also  6ur  badges  and  dishes.  We 
expect  to  have  pleasant  times  this  win- 
ter after  our  meetings. 

We  elected  our  ofllcers  for  1912  on 
the  evening  of  Dec.  5th,  and  will  hold 
our  installation  exercises  the  first 
meeting  In  January. 

We  wish  all  the  switchmen  of  North 
America  and  their  Auxiliary  a  merry 
Christmas  and  happy  New  Year. 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Susan  MoGuibe, 
Journal  Agent  Lodge  No.  2. 


IN  MCMORIAM. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Milwaukee 
Lodge  No.  10,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  fol- 
lowing  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebbas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  call  into  everlasting  life 
our  beloved  Bro.  G.  A.  Herbold,  who 
on  Oct.  21, 1911,  met  an  untimely  death 
while  in  the  performance  of  his  duties 
as  switcftiman  on  the  C.  M.  A  St.  P. 
R.  R.;  and 

Whebbas,  The  sudden  removal  of 
this  bright  life  from  his  beloved  wife 
and  child  leaves  a  vacant  place  and 
sad  remembrance  in  the  hearts  of  his 
family  and  friends;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  sin- 
cere sympathy  in  their  great  atBiction 
and  bereavement;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  family,  one  to 
the  JoTTBNAL  for  publication  and  a 
copy  be  spread  on  the  minutes  of  our 
lodge.  Gust  Cullen, 

Geoboe  Gabdineb, 
Alex.  McRat, 

Oommittee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Success  Lodge  No.  37,  L. 
A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  call  from  the  home  of 
our  highly  esteemed  members,  Sister 
and  Bro.  A.  J.  Morris,  their  dear 
mother,  Mrs.  Eliza  A.  Morris,  whose 
death  occurred  Nov.  13,  1911;    and 

Whebeas,  She  had  long  been  a  lov- 
ing member  of  their  family  and  by 
her  death  sadness  has  been  brought 
to  the'  relatives  and  friends  on  account 
of  the  removal  of  such  an  exemplary 
character  from  their  midst;  and 

Whebeas,  On  account  of  her  inti- 
mate relation  with  their  family,  her 
counsel  and  friendly  association  will 
be  sadly  missed  in  their  home,  and  it 
is  deemed  befitting  by  our  lodge  at 
this  time  to  give  expression  of  our 
sympathy  to  them;   therefore  be  It 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  sin- 
cere sympathy  to  the  sorrowing  family 
in  this  their  sad  hour  of  bereavement; 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  record  of 
this  meeting  and  one  be  sent  to  the 
bereaved  family  and  one  to  the  Joub- 
NAL  for  publication. 

MiNKiE  Whitteb, 
Maboabet  Goble, 
Mtbtlb  Bbown, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were  unan- 
imously adopted  at  a  regular  meeting 
of  Buckeye  Lodge  No.  116,  held  Sun- 
dniy>  Dec.  3d: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  take  from  us  our  beloved 
brother,  J.  R.  O'Oonnell,  whom  we  have 
long  held  in  very  high  esteem  on  ac- 
count of  his  admirable  traits;  and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  a  bereaved 
wife  and  children  now  mourn  the  sad 
loss  of  his  support  cumI  kincK  advice; 
and, 

Whebeas,  We  feel  this  lodge,  of 
which  he  had  for  some  time  been  an 
active  member,  should  make  fitting 
mention  upon  Its  recotrdlgi,  as  to  his 
death  and  the  respect  in  which  he  was 
held  by  the  members;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Buck- 
eye Lodge,  in  meeting:  assembled,  that 
our  sincere  sympathy  be  extended  to 


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tbe  bereaved  wife  and  children  In  this 
tbeir  sad  time  of  sorrow;  be  it,  ftirtber 

Retolved,  That  our  lodge  cfharter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a 
mark  of  respect  to  his  memoiy;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  epread  upon  the  records  of 
thie  meeting,  one  be  aent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  one  to  the  Joubnal  for 
pablication. 

A.  J.  Gbaok, 
F.  QUINN, 

B.  W.  Bbewbb, 

Oommittee. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Victory 
Lodg^  No.  16,  held  December  7, 
1911,  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  again  call  from  us  one 
of  our  beloved  brothers,  Peter  Kelley, 
who  was  injured  in  the  L.  R.  R.  yard 
on  October  27,  1911,  and  died  on  the 
same  date;    and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  his  dear  wife 
and  friends;    and 

Whebeas,  This  lodge  has  lost  a 
loyal  member  and  the  city  an  upright 
citizen;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  that  the 
sympathy  of  its  members  be  extended 
to  the  bereaved  widow  in  this,  the 
time  of  her  sad  misfortune;  and' be  it 
farther 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  be  draped 
in  mourning  for  a  period  of  thirty 
days  as  a  tribute  of  respect  to  his 
memory;  and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  Joubnal  for 
publication,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved widow  and  one  be  spread  on 
the  minutes  of  this  lodge. 

J.  B.  WmTB, 
P.  M.  Hetfebn, 

B.   K.   Ck>BB8, 

Oommittee. 


Whereas,  Our  heavealor  Father  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  deemed  fit  to 
remove  from  our  midst  Bro.  A.  F.  Zel- 
lars,  who  sustained  fatal  injuries  oo 
Nov.  18th,  while  in  the  performance  of 
hds  duties,  and  from  which  he  died  on 
Nov.  19t,  1911;    and. 

Whereas,  We  deeply  deplore  and  are 
Mlcewise  grieved  at  his  death;  there- 
fore, be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  hJa  be- 
reaved mother  and  sister  omr  sincere 
sympathy  in  this  the  hour  of  their 
S^ef ;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  Ft.  Wayme  Lodge  No. 
78  drape  ite  charter  for  30  days  as  a 
mark  of  respect  to  his  memory;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reeo- 
hitions  be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  sent  to  the  bereaved 
mother  and  sisters,  and  one  to  the 
Joxtbnal  for  publication. 

G.  T.  SXTNLET, 

L.  H.  Banet, 

C.  0.  WOBTON, 

Oommittee. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  26, 1911. 
Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  dearly  beloved  brother,  Joseph  Mel- 
lody,  who  died  of  typhoid-pneumonia, 
after  an  illness  of  two  weeks;  and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death,  a  bereaved 
wife  and  seven  children  now  mourn  the 
sad  loss  of  a  loving  husband  and  fa- 
ther, whose  every  endeavor  was  to  pro- 
vide the  necessities  and  comforts  of  life 
for  them;  and 


Ft.  Wayne,  Ind.,  Dec.  6,  1911. 
At  a  r^ular  meeting  of  Ft.  Wayne 
Lodge,  No.  78,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  fol- 
lowing reeo^tions  were  adopted: 


Whebeas,  His  membership  in  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  Aiii<»rir;i 
for  ten  years,  and  his  associations  with 
its  membership,  had  greatly  endeared 
him  in  the  hearts  of  his  large  acquaint- 
ance among  its  members;  and 

Whebeas,  We  realize  the  union  has 
lost  one  of  its  truest  friends  and 
workers,  and  the  city  an  upright  citi- 
zen; therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge  extend  tbeir  sincere  sympathy  to 
the  bereaved  wife  and  children,  in  this 
their  time  of  great  sorrow;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 


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this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  Joub- 
NAL  for  publication;  and  be  it  further 
Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  thirty  days  as  a  mark  of 
respect  to  his  memory. 

Geobge  J.  Hamilton, 

J.  R.  DiGMAN, 

J.  M,  Kellet, 

Committee, 


Indianapolis,  Dec.  11,  HdH. 

Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  the  last  regular  meeting  of  In- 
dianapolis Lodge,  No.  146:     . 

Whebeas,  It  has  been  the  desire  of 
our  Almighty  Fattier  to  remove  from 
us  one  of  our  worthy  brothers,  CSharlee 
Hazelrigg;    and, 

Whereas,  By  his  dea;th  a  devoted 
wife  and  large  family  are  left  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  a  good,  true  and  loving  hus- 
band and  father;    and 

Whebeas,  This  local  has  lost  a 
brother  who  never  ceased  tx>  talk  of 
the  benefits  derived  from  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Switchmen's  Union  until 
deattii  closed  his  Mps;    therefiore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  remaiuing  mem- 
bers of  this  local  extend  to  the  be- 
reaved family,  relatives  and  friends 
their  heartfelt  sympathy  during  this 
trial,  and  may  God  heOip  and  comfort 
them  through  their  life;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  o(^y  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  ttve  bereaved  family, 
one  to  our  Journal  anid  one  spread 
upon  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  and 
in  respect  to  the  memory  of  our  de- 
ceased brother  that  our  charter  be 
draped  in  mourning  for  the  next  thirty 
days. 

Owen  Qxholet, 
H.  L.  Hicks, 
J.  Sherman, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Golden  Rule 
Lodge  No.  17,  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  the 
following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whereas,  The  angel  of  death  has 
entered  our  order  and  taken  from  us 
our  esteemed  sister,  Alice  Tobie,  and 
realizing  our  loss  and  the  greater  loss 
sustained  by  those  nearest  and  dear- 
est to  her,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  lodge  extend  to 
the    bereaved    family    its    sympathy. 


While  they  mourn  the  loss  of  an  aftoe- 
tionate  mother,  a  gentle  wife,  a  kind 
daughter  and  sister,  we  mourn  the  loss 
of  a  good  and  faithful  member.  And 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days* 
that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be 
sent  to  the  family,  one  spread  upon 
the  minutes  of  our  lodge,  and  one  sent 
to  the  Journal  for  publication. 

Oft  we  tread  the  path  before  us 

With  a  weary,  burdened  heart; 
Oft  we  toil  amid  the  shadows 

And  our  fields  are  far  apart. 
But  the  Saviour's  "Come,  ye  blessed,'" 

All  our  labors  will  repay. 
When  we  gather  in  the  morning, , 
When  the  mists  have  rolled  away. 
ViRoiwiA  Flaitaoan, 
Maud  Mielke, 
Annte  Posta, 

Committee, 


Caras  of  TiHMilcSa 

Chioago,  ni. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt  and 
sincere  thanks  to  the  members  of  Jack- 
son Park  Lodge  No.  79  and  to  the  em> 
ployes  of  the  C.  R.  A  P.  Ry.,  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offering  and  other 
manifestations  of  kindness  shown  to 
us  in  our  late  bereavement,  the  death 
of  our  dear  father  and  husband, 
Adam  J.  Bepler,  who  was  killed  at 
Blue  Island,  111.,  on  Sept.  4th,  1911. 
With  best  wishes  to  the  employes  with 
wliom  he  labored  and  the  union  of 
which  he  was  a  member,  we  remain, 
Yours  sincerely, 
Mrs.  a.  J.  Bepler  aito  Familt. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  extend  my  sincere  thanks 
to  all  the  sisters  of  Nobility  Lodge  No. 
2  of  Oelwein,  la.,  for  the  beautiful 
flowers  and  cards  of  cheer  they  sent 
me  during  my  recent  illness  at  Roch- 
ester, Minn.  I  also  wish  to  thank  them 
in  behalf  of  my  mother  for  the  kind- 
ness they  showed  her  while  I  was  away. 
I  also  thank  Sister  Becker  for  attend- 
ing my  books  at  the  meetings,  and  all 
the  sisters  for  the  many  pleasant  calls 
they  have  made  since  I  came  home. 
The  kindness  the  sisters  have  shown  in 


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so  many  ways  is  hilghly  appreciated 
and  will  iong  be  remembered.  May 
God  bless  them  all. 

Sincerely  yours, 

Alice  Rule, 


Chicago,  111. 
EraroB  SwiTcifjMEX's   Joubnal: 

I  wish  to  thanK  the  members  of 
Chicago  Lodge  Ko.  199.  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
for  their  kindness  during  my  recent 
bereavement  in  ttxe  loss  of  my  hus- 
band, John  TeaharL,  also  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  offering,  also  desire  to 
Aink  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt 
KtUement  of  insurance  claim.  May 
God  watch  over  and  bless  every  mem- 
ter  of  your  noble  lodge  is  the  wish  of 
Mrs.   Jeknie  M.  Teahen. 


Blue  Island,  Nov.  20. 
Editob  S\vitch:mex*s  Journal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  officers  and  members  of  Blue 
Island  Lodge  No.  29,  also  Joliet  Lodge 
No.  3,  for  the  beautiful  floral  offer- 
ings and  other  kindnesses  shown  me 
in  nay  bereavement  in  the  death  of  my 
beloTBd  husband,  Joseph  Haller.  I  also 
desire  to  express  my  gratitude  to  the 
officers  and  members  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment  of  the 
policy,  which  I  received  Nov.  20,  1911. 
Stay  success  cro^^n  the  work  of  all 
aKDbers  of  the  S.  U.  of  X.  A.,  is  the 
wish  of. 

Yours   sincerely, 

Mrs.   May   Haller, 


Blce  Island,  Nov.  23. 
a>rroR  Switch:mi:x's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  thank  the  members  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union,  Lodge  No.  29,  and 
my  friends  for  their  kindness  shown 
me  in  my  trouble  during  the  long  sick- 
ness and  death  of  my  beloved  wife, 
also  for  the  floral  offering.  May  they 
li?e  long  and  die  happily,  is  the  prayer 
of,  Yours  truly. 

Fka>'K  Shkbi:(  k  am>  Cinr,mu:x. 


Seattle,  Wash.,  Dec.  8. 
EmioB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish    to    express  my  most  sincere 
thanks  to  Queen  City  Lodge  No.  71  for 


beautiful  floral  offering  and  kindneM 
Bbown  uB  in  our  time  of  sorrow  and 
bereavement,  at  the  death  of  our  dear 
huBband  and  father,  Joseph  P.  Hanson; 
and  to  thank  the  officers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  payment  of  policy,  which  I 
received  Nov.  25th. 

May  success  crown  the  work  of  all 
members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Sincerely  yours, 

Mrs.  Cassie  Hanson  and  childben. 


Clevkland,  O.,  Dec.  4,  1911.    , 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal:  ♦ 

We  wish  to  express  our  most  sincere 
thanks  to  members  of  M.  J.  Naughton 
Lodge  No.  11  for  the  beautiful  floral 
offering  and  prompt  payment  of  the 
policy.  Also  to  employes  of  the  C,  C, 
C.  ft  St.  L.  R.  R.  for  their  beautiful 
floral  offering  and  kindness  shown  us 
in  the  death  of  our  beloved  father, 
Patrick  H.  Moran. 

Grace  and  Wm.  P.  Moran. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Kelley.  . 


To  the  Officers  and  Members  of  8.  V. 
of  N.  A.: 

I  wish  to  express  my  heartfelt 
thanks  for  obtaining  from  the  Benevo- 
lent Board  $750.00  for  me.  I  am  now- 
a  Class  A  member,  and  hope  to  con-' 
tlnu0  so.  Wishing  you  all  the  success 
possible,  I  am, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Kyrle  T.  Garrett, 
Member  Lodge  No.  11. 


Chicago,  111.,  Dec.  4,  1911. 
I  wish  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
the  payment  of  my  claim  for  the  loss 
of  my  arm.    I  also  wish  to  thank  B.  D. 
Brough  and  the  rest  of  the  members  of 
Lodge  No.  199  and  my  friends  for  the 
kindness  shown  me  since  my  accident. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
James  Higgins, 
Lodge  No,  199. 


East  St.  Louis,  111. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  thank  the  brothers  of  Vlc- 
tpry  Lodge  No.  16  for  the  kindness 
shown  me  in  my  sad  bereavement — the 


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JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMBN'a  UNION. 


death  of  my  husband.  I  also  thank 
\yhit6  Rose  Lodge  No.  27  for  the  floral 
design  and  likewipe  th«  brothers  of 
Lafayette  Lodge  No.  143  for  the  assist- 
ance rendered  at  Lafayette.  I  also 
wish  to  thank  the  Grand.  Lodge  for 
the  promptness  of  settlement  of  in- 
surance claim.  With  best  wishes  to 
all  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  16  and 
prosperity  to  the  8.  U.  of  N.  A.,  I  am. 
Sincerely  yours, 


MoClce. 

Bro.  G.  A.  Morton,  of  El  Reno  Lodge 
No.  124,  lost  his  December  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  receipts  and  traveling  card  on 
train  No.  11,  while  going  from  El  Reno 
to  Fort  Worth.  Anyone  flnding  same 
will  please  return  them  to  Harry 
Merse,  Secretary  El  Reno  Lodge  No. 
124,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  El  Reno,  Okla. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  Wil- 
liam H.  Cullen,  formerly  a  member  of 
Lodge  No.  35,  will  confer  a  great  favor 
by  sending  same  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  W. 
H.  Cullen,  716  West  Twenty-third 
street,  Kansas  City,  Mo. 


The  receipts  of  Bro.  W.  B.  Parry 
member  of  Lodge  No  225,  for  Decem> 
ber,  1911,  and  January,  1912,  and  trav- 
eling covering  same,  have  been  either 
lost  or  stolen.  If  found  he  requests 
same  be  sent  to  Bro.  W.  A.  Hethering- 
ton,  1348  Annunciation  street,  New  Or- 
leans, La. 

Jasper's  Musings,  About  Persons  and 
OCher  Things. 

Here's  Jasper  again,  and  boys  I  feel 
That  it's  high  time  I  was  making  a 

speel, 
For  our  Joubnai.  agent  is  rather  slow 
To  write  for  the  Joubt^al  about  things 

we  should  know. 
And  there's  no  reaeon  why  he  couldn't 

find  time 
To  write  for  the  Journal,  at  least  Just 

a  line; 
He  is  a<  good  fellow  and  am  sure,  if 

he  would, 
He  might  write  a  good  letter — I  know 

that  he  could. 
So  wake  up  Old  Timer,  crawl  out  of 

the  mire, 


And  just  show  the  lads  you  are  a  live 

wire; 
But  if  he  won't  try,  why  I'll  make  a 

bluff 
And  do  what  1  can  to  write  up  some 

stuff. 
And  will  say,  dear  friends,  now,  'fore 

I  start, 
1  hope  what  I  write  you  will  take  in 

good  part, 
Of  the  things  that  I  write,  though,  L 

don't  mean  any  harm, 
When  I  say  Mickey  Perry  moved  out 

on  a  farm. 
Though  he's  stiH  on  the  Job  and  has 

bought  an  old  skate. 
That  will  land  him  on  time  at  the 

Swedetown  gate. 
But  Mickey  is  wise  and  will  fool  them 

all 
When  he  drives  into  town  with  his 

produce  next  fall; 
And    he'll   surely   make   good,   as   a 

farmer  he's  bound 
To  raise  a  good  crop  on  his  small 

piece  of  ground. 
But  Stewart  and  Begely  have  ttiem  all 

beat. 
For  raising  game  chickens  they've  got 

something  on  Pete; 
They  both  won  prizes  at  the  late  Poul- 
try Show, 
And  along  that  line  they're  not  very 

slow; 
Though  our  brother  John  Carroll  and 

Mike  Madden,  too. 
Are  some  poultry  raisers,  I  can  tell 

you. 
Business    is   good    for   Blink   at   the 

Park. 
He  and  Jess  Potter  are  working  for 

Clark; 
On  the  track  where  they  work,  it's 

crooked  and  steep, 
And  Clark  complained  that  Blink  has 

cold  feet. 
But  Blink's  not  afraid  and  saye  that 

he  could 
Make  it  in  one  yoump,  if  he  had  a 

good  place  to  stood. 
He  asked  boss  Abner  to  take  a  ride 

up  the  hill, 
"i  guess  not."  says  Abner,  "not  on  that 

mill." 
"I've  got  on   my   boots   and   John,   I 

think 
That  I'd  rather  walk  up  than  to  ride 

with  you  Blink." 
Our  old  friend,  Bert  Miliner,  we  wish 

him  all  Joy, 
He  is  the  proud  daddy  of  a  fine  baby 

boy; 


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And    Bert,    old    scout,  we  look  for  a 

treat 
Or  a  smoke  on  the  boy,  next  time  we 

meet. 
We  won't  fsorget  Oley.  well,  I  »hould 

stty  not. 
For  Caxl  one  dny  »aw  a  red  dog  get 

Bliot: 
And    Seamens  and  Taggart,  they  flg- 

nred  that 
The  dos"  vs^B£  not  shot,  but  only  shot 

at. 
i  dare  not  w^rke  much  of  our  brother, 

Clias    Kain, 
For  his  -wife  gave  me  fits  and  thought 

it  a  sham« 
To  srtxo'w  h  Im  up  to  be  s-uch  a  flirt, 
Forgrive  me,  dear  Charles,  for  I  know 

tliat  it  hurts, 
And    believe  me,  old  pal,  before  It's 

too  late. 
Take    my    advice  and  don't  niake  a 

date. 
I'd  like   to   make  mention,  and  while 

I've  got  time. 
Of    th«     Ladies'    Auxiliary,    to    write 

Just  a  line. 
They   have  a  good  lodge  and  twice  a 

-  month   meet, 
At  the    home  of  a  member,  or  with 

Sister  Sweet; 
They    have    sociatls  and   parties   and 

good  times  galore, 
And  picnics  hi  summer  on  Lake  Erie's 

shcn-e. 
Our  friend.   Sister  Madden,  she's  one 

of   the  bunch. 
When     they    met    at   MoCarty's    and 

while  they  had  lunch, 
She  informed  the  members,  and  I  got 

the  tip. 
That  our  dear  Sister  Comfort  was  go- 
ing east  on  a  trip. 
All  praise  to  the  ladies, 'they're  sure 

all  alive. 
And  got  it  all  over  our  Lodge  Ninety- 
five. 
They*re  taking  in  members  and  keep 

the  goat  fat 
On    tin    cans    and   papers,   and   such 

things  as  that. 
Dear   ladies,    I've  "wrote"  enough  of 

this  diope, 
Suc^  as  it  ifi.  to  suit  you,  I  hope; 
And  I  leave  it  to  you  to  judge  as  you 

may. 
It  Is  all  I  can  think  of  to  write  you 

today. 
Just  one  more  wwd,  and  then  I  will 

close* 
1  forget  Sister  Stevens,  but  then,  I 
suppose. 


As  your  JouaxAt  ag^nt,  she  can  write 

for  herself; 
So  don't  ?ook  to  Jasper,  to  secure  any 

help. 
Now,  brothers  and  sisters,  I  think  I 

am  done. 
Don't  mean  any  offense,  just  wrote  all 

in  fun, 
And    to    the   Ladies'    Auxiliary   and 

Lodge  Nltiety-five 
I  wish  you  s-uccess  and  hope  you  all 

thrive.  Jasper. 


Amoag  the  WllB. 

He  Didn't  Get  a  Chance. 

Defeated  Candidate — You  encouraged 
me  to  run  for  the  office.  You  know  you 
did.  You  said  you  thought  I  wouMn't 
make  a  bad  alderman. 

Trusty  Henchman— Well,  the  returns 
seem  to  show  that  I  was  right— Bo«*on 
Transcript. 

Food  fob  the  Bugs. 

"Did  you  manage  to  raise  anything 
worth  eating?" 

"I  think  so,"  replied  the  an^^eur 
gardener.  'The  cutworms  and  cater- 
pillars all  thought  well  of  It:'— Wash- 
ington Star. 


Ultimate  Vexation. 

"There  is  nothing  more  unsatisfac- 
tory than  a  boarding-house  beefsteak," 
growled  the  chronic  grumbler. 

"Oh,  I  don't  know,"  rejoined  the  im- 
pieseionable  young  man.  "Did  you 
ever  get  a  kiss  from  a  pretty  girl  over 
the  telephone?"— Tif-Bt^«. 


Force  of  Habit. 

"You   know  that  pretty  salesgirl   I 
took  home  from  the  dance?" 
"Yes." 

"Well,  I  stole  a  kiss." 
"What  did  she  say?" 
"  'Will  that  be  all?'  "—Judge. 


Changed  His  Mind. 

"You  are  charged  with  larceny.  Are 
you  guilty  or  not  guilty?" 

"Not  guilty,  judge.  I  thought  I  was, 
but  I've  been  talkin'  to  my  lawyer,  an' 
he's  convinced  me  that  I  ain't. — Catho- 
lic Neics. 


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SHALL  POISONING  CONTINUE? 

Match  Workers'  Pate  Depends  on  Esch  Bill. 


One  of  the  first  bills  the  present  Con- 
gress will  be  asked  to  consider  is  the 
Esch  Bill,  which  was  referred  to  the 
Ways  and  Means  Committee  last  year. 

The  Esch  Bill  provides  for  a  pro- 
hibitive tax  on  white  phosphorus 
matches.  The  use  of  this  poison 
causes  phosphorus  necrosis  or  "phossy 
jaw."  Every  year  65  per  cent,  of  all 
the  match  workers  in  this  country  are 
exposed  to  it.  Among  these  are  many 
women  and  children.  Infection  takes 
place  through  the  mouth  and  the  teeth 
decay  and  fall  out  and  the  Jaw  bone 
literally  rots  away.  The  jaw  has  to  be 
cut  out  and  in  many  oases  a  bandage 
worn.  A  liquid  diet  must  be  used  for 
the  rest  of  life  and  indistinct  mum- 
bling takes  the  place  of  words.  Some- 
times the  mind  is  affected. 

Phossy  Jaw  Now  an  American 
Disease. 

The  United  States  is  behind  almost 
every  civilized  country  in  the  world  in 
regard  to  legislative  prevention  of 
"phossy  jaw,"  which  is  now  called  an 
American  disease.  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland,  France,  the  Netherlands,  Fin- 
land, Italy,  Madagascar,  Spain,  many 
of  the  countries  in  Africa,  even  the 
Fiji  Islands,  supposedly  most  uncivil- 
ized of  places,  have  laws  protecting 
match  workers  from  phosphorus  pois- 
oning. This  legislation  in  some  places 
was  enacted  over  forty  years  ago. 

France,  taking  over  the  production 
of  matches  as  a  government  industry, 
found  that  all  revenue  was  used  up  in 
damages  which,  under  the  workman's 
compensation  law  of  France,  had  to  be 
paid  annually  to  sufferers  from 
"phossy  jaw."  Every  sanitary  measure 
known  was  rigidly  enforced  in  an 
effort  to  stop  the  disease.    When  these 


were  found  unsuccessful,  the  French 
Government  conducted  investigations 
which  resulted  in  finding  a  substitute 
for  the  poisonous  white  phosphorus. 
This  sesquesulphide  of  phosphorus  is 
now  used  all  over  the  world.  The  pas- 
sage of  the  Esch  Bill  by  prohibiting 
the  poisonous  phosphorus  would  make 
its  use  general  here. 

Prohibitive  Laws  Necessary. 

When  the  American  Association  for 
Labor  Legislation  started  a  campaign 
for  the  Esch  Bill  it  was  pointed  out 
that  the  right  to  use  this  substitute 
in  the  United  States  was  held  by  the 
Diamond  Match  Company,  and  that  in- 
dependent manufacturers  might  be  put 
out  of  business  by  the  passage  of  the 
bill. 

Cancelled  Patent  Not  Sufticiext. 

Upon  the  personal  request  of  Presi- 
dent Taft  the  Trust  has  cancelled  this 
patent  and  the  substitute  is  now  avail- 
able to  all  other  factories. 

But  until  a  law  is  passed  prohibiting 
the  making  of  matches  with  the  poison 
it  will  continue  to  be  used.  For  even 
if  all  the  present  factories  in  the  coun- 
try should  enter  into  an  agreement 
against  it,  as  matches  so  made  are  a 
little  cheaper  new  factories  using  the 
poison  would  at  once  spring  up. 

The  annual  increase  in  the  cost  of 
matches  made  without  the  poison  has 
been  estimated  at  one  cent  to  every 
match  user. 

Workers'  Fate  Depends  on  Esch  Bill. 

While  the  manufacturers  are  willing 
that  the  Esch  Bill  be  passed,  the  work- 
ers are  terribly  anxit>U9  for  it.  Upon 
its  fate  depends  their  future.  With 
the   awful    examples   before   them   of 


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61 


fellow-workers  who  have  been  afflicted 
they  are  never  free  of  the  fear  that 
their  turn  may  be  next  One  of  the 
dreaded  effects  is  the  disfigurement* 
which  makes  hideous  oaricaturesr  of  hu- 
man beings,  drawing  face  and  mouth 
out  of  shape  and  sometimes, distorting 
it  into  a  horrible  grimace.  To  hide  the 
loss  of  his  jaw  and  the  holes  in  his 
face  caused  by  the  phosphorus  ab- 
scesses,  a  man  often  lets  his  beard 
grow  and  owing  to  the  condition  of 
his  face  this  gives  the  terrible  gro- 
tesque effect  of  a  person  swallowing  a 
beard.  Women  who  are  the  worst  dis- 
figured refuse  to  be  photographed  and 
the  outside  world  never  knows  what  a 
horrible  creature  a  poor  woman  may 
be  made  to  look  by  this  "phossy  jaw." 


What  "Phossy  Jaw"  Means. 


A   young  widow,  Rose 


-,  who 


went  to  work  in  a  match  factory  in 
Ohio,  was  affected  by  phosphorus  pois- 
oning. It  made  her  teeth  drop  out  and 
developed  ulcers  which  opened  into  her 
mouth.  With  two  small  chil(Jren  to 
support,  she  could  not  give  up  till  It 
was  necessary  for  her  to  go  to  a  hos- 
pital and  have  her  jaw,  or  rather  what 
was  left  of  it,  taken  out.  While  help- 
less in  her  sufferings  she  had  to  have 
money  for  hospital  expenses,  and  the 
company  gave  her  $400  upon  her  sign- 
ing a  paper  relieving  them  from  all 
obligation. 

When  she  came  out  of  the  hospital 
she  tried  desperately  hard  to  get  other 
work  to  do  to  support  her  two  chil- 
dren. She  was  only  thlrty-slx  years 
old,  but  the  poison  had  so  devitalized 
her  that  she  looked  sixty.  She  can 
never  eat  any  solid  food  and  she  can- 
not speak.  The  roof  of  her  mouth 
rests  on  her  tongue. 

How  It  Disfigures. 

The  injurious  effects  of  this  poison 
are  perhaps  more  horrible  than  that  of 
any  other  known  occupational  disease. 
The  disfigurement,  odor,  humiliation, 
and  permanent  disability  are  even 
worse  than  the  acute  agony  which  Is 
usually  a  matter  of  a  few  years. 

One  Wisconsin  woman,  however,  has 
been  sick  for  the  past  nine  years  and 
the  bones  of  her  mouth  are  still  break- 
ing up  with  the  dread  necrosis.  They 
pass  away  in  the  form  of  pus  which 
keeps  her  in  a  state  of  nausea  and  re- 
quires constant  sanitary  attention  In 


order  to  keep  It  from  dripping  into 
her  throat. 

-Science,  government  and  private  re- 
search, precedent  in  other  countries, 
both  the  employees  and  the  employers 
are  on  the  side  of  the  Esch  Bill.  It  is 
an  amazing  array  of  arguments. 

What  Can  Labob  Hope? 

If  in  the  face  of  aJl  this,  legislation 
cannot  be  secured  In  regard  to  this  ^ 
awful  menace  to  health,  what  hope  has 
labor  that  Its  good  Is  ever  to  be  con- 
sidered by  (yongress? 

Commenting  on  the  failure  of  the 
last  Congress  to  pass  this  blU,  the  New 
York  Times  said  editorially,  Dec.  5, 
1911: 

"No  more  senseless  and  harmful  ac- 
tion than  this,  by  a  Republican  Con- 
gress, could  have  been  taken  against 
the  best  interests  of  the  public.  Will 
the  Democratic  Congress,  In  which 
Mr.  EiSch's  bill  will  be  reintroduced, 
refuse  In  Its  turn,  to  impose  an  inter- 
nal revenue  tox  so  high  that  no  manu- 
facturer can  use  the  pernicious  and 
only  slightly  cheaper  process?" 

The  American  Association  for  Labor 
Legislation  Is  planning  to  take  some 
"phossy  Jaw"  victims  to  Washington 
when  the  Esch  Bill  comes  up  for  a 
hearing.  Only  those  near  Washington 
can  come,  however,  as  the  odor  from 
the  disease,  even  with  the  greatest  per- 
sonal attention  to  cleanliness,  is  so  un- 
speakable that  transportation  by  rail- 
road is  out  of  the  question. 

How  TO  Help  Pass  This  Bill. 

The  American  Association,  for  Labor 
Legislation  asks  that  citizens  write  to 
their  representatives  In  Congress  and 
to  the  Ways  and  Means  Committee  of 
the  House,  Representative  Underwood, 
chairman,  urging  the  passage  of  the 
Esch  Bill. 


Books. 

The  Boy  with  the  U.  S.  Census,  by 
Francis  Holt.  Lothrop,  Lee  &  Shepard, 
publishers,  Boston,  Mass.  Price,  $1.50. 
This  interesting  book,  arranged  in  ten 
chapters  reciting  the  experiences  of 
census  enumerators,  as  depicted  by  the 
author,  renders  It  most  useful  to  those 
not  familiar  with  what's  to  be  con- 
tended with  in  finding  and  tabulating 
such  data  for  the  government.  This 
particular  gatherer  of  facts,  Hamilton 


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JOURNAL  OF  THE  8WITCHMBN'6  UNION. 


Day,  whose  eagerness  for  knowledge, 
urbanity  of  manner  and  adaptability 
to  the  varying  stratas  of  society  en- 
countered, and  the  impressions  stamped 
upon  his  mind,  makes  each  chapter  so 
entertaining  one  can  scarcely  lay  it 
aside  until  having  read  it  all. 


Much  Ado  About  m  Letter. 
Bt  Mas.  Obobgb  Hughes. 

"Well,  I  guess  I'll  get  Jeremiah's 
meeting  coat  and  sew  up  that  air 
pocket  that  I've  been  layin'  out  to  do 
fer  the  last  week.  Beats  all,  anyhow, 
the  way  men  folks  do  go  through 
clothes.  Always  a-mendin'  or  a-damin'. 
Never  no  rest  fer  the  women  folks. 
The  old  coat's  beginnin'  to  look  pretty 
shabby,  after  all.  Guess  he'll  have  to 
be  layin'  out  to  git  him  a  new  one  after 
he  sells  the  hogs.  What's  this  in  this 
'ere  pocket?  A  letter,  I  declare.  Who's 
he  writ  to  I  wonder?  Hain't  put  the 
directions  on  the  envelope  yet." 

Sarah  Ann  Smith  turned  the  lette? 
over  several  times,  and  still  hesitated 
in  opening  It.  Her  face  began  to  red- 
den, and  her  eyes  to  flash  with  anger 
(for  Sarah  Ann  was  quick-tempered). 

"I  guess  I've  got  a  right  to  know 
something  about  this  writing.  Ain't  I 
his  wife?" 

She  hastily  snapped  the  end  oft  the 
envelope,  and,  to  her  surprise  and  con- 
sternation, read  the  following: 
My  dear  Mollie: 

I  think  you  are  the  purtiest  girl  in 
Slocumville.  I  admire  your  rosy 
cheeks  and  purty  eyes,  and  I  love  you 
and  would  like  to  come  to  see  you  of 
a  Sunday  evening.    May  I  come? 

J.  S. 

If  you  love  me  as  I  love  you, 

No  knife  can  cut  our  love  in  tew. 

J.  S. 

Sarah  Ann's  breath  came  hard  and 
quick.  She  stared  at  the  letter,  and 
again  read  it.  The  words  seemed  to 
dance  before  her  eyes.  Then,  with 
sudden  fury,  she  threw  the  coat  from 
her. 

"Can  I  believe  my  eyes!  Jeremiah 
Smith — 60  odd  years  old— and  a  deacon 
in  the  church,  up  to  sich  doin's.  An' 
me  ar«lavlTi'  and  a-goln'  without,  to  be 
a  help  to  him.  An'  him  a-writin'  that 
love-sick  letter  to  that  good-fer-nothin' 
huzzy,  Molly  Jones.  Old  enough  to  be 
her  grandfather,  too.     I  can't  believe 


it,  I  can't  believe  it    But  here's  the 
letter  to  show." 

Sarah  Ann's  countenance  began  to 
twist,  and  her  breast  to  heave.  Great 
•tears  filled  her  eyes.  She  picked  up 
the  coat,  buried  her  face  in  it,  and  sobs 
shook  her  frame  as  she  again  and  again 
repeated,  "I  can't  believe  it,  I  can't  be- 
lieve it." 

She  raised  her  head  and  again  threw 
the  coat  from  her.  She  ceased  crying 
and  stared  hard  at  the  letter.  Then  a 
sudden  fury  took  possession  of  her. 

"I'll  fix  him.  I'll  let  him  know 
whether  rosy  cheeks  an'  purty  eyes 
will  slave  an'  contrive  as  I  have  in  the 
past  forty  years.  I'll  let  him  know 
whether  rosy  cheeks  an'  purty  eyes 
will  wash  an'  iron  an'  bake  an'  stew, 
split  kindlin',  carry  water,  an'  make 
fires  in  winter  in  that  tumble-down  old 
kitchen  that's  boilin'  in  summer  an* 
cold  enough  to  freeze  the  hair  off  a 
cast-iron  ^og  in  winter.  An'  he  too 
close  to  hev  it  fixed,  an'  me  a-puttin* 
up  with  it.  An'  him  gettin'  crabider 
every  day.  I'll  fix  him,  so  I  will.  Him 
an'  his  rosy  cheeks  an'  purty  eyes." 

With  grimness  and  determination 
she  stalked  into  the  pantry.  She  gath- 
ered up  the  pies,  cake,  bread  and  left- 
overs from  morning.  Everything  in 
the  way  of  provisions  she  carried  out, 
and  threw  into  the  swill-barrel.  Next 
she  went  down  cellar,  came  up  with 
a  large  basket  of  canned  fruit,  jellies 
and  preserves,  and  carried  them  up- 
stairs into  the  attic  and  hid  them 
under  the  eves  behind  a  lot  of  old 
rubbish.  She  made  trip  after  trip  until 
the  cellar  was  emptied. 

Next  she  stripped  the  bed  of  bedding, 
and  that,  together  with  the  mattress, 
she  dragged  into  the  attic.  Also  all 
sheets,  pillow-slips  and  every  bit  of 
bedding  found  space  there.  She  locked 
and  nailed  up  the  door. 

She  then  put  on  her  old  black  dress 
and  hat  that  had  done  duty  for  Sunday 
beet  for  years,  packed  an  old  valise 
with  sundry  articles,  stalked  out  the 
door,  grim  and  silent,  walked  hurried- 
ly to  the  station,  boarded  a  train,  and 
was  gone. 

*  ♦  *  ♦  * 

"Well,  fer  goodness  sake,  does  my 
eyes  deceive  me?  Sarah  Ann,  what  on 
alrth  brought  you  here?" 

"My  feet,  an'  three  dollars  an'  fifteen 
cents,  Melinda.    I've  left  Jeremiah." 

"Left  Jeremiah?    Sarah  Ann;    what 


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on  airth's  the  matter?  What's  he  been 
dolnT' 

•Td  rather  not  tell  you,  if  yon  don't 
mind,  Melinda— but  I've  left  him  an' 
come  to  stay  with  you  a  Spell  if  you'll 
take  me  in." 

"We're  awful  poor,  Sarah  Ann;  but 
I  guess  ye  won't  make  much  diiference. 
Air  ye  sure  ye  wa'n't  anyways  to 
blame  yerself.  Ye  know  ye  were  allers 
fiery-tempered  like." 

"I  don't  intend  to  be  a  burden  to 
you,  Melinda.  I  haven't  worked  during 
the  past  forty  year  like  a  nigger  not  to 
be  able  to  get  my  llvln'  now.  I  only 
want  to  stay  a  spell,  till  I  look  'round. 
I  have  a  little  money  yet — enough  to 
balance  what  I  eat.  An'  I  can  help 
you  a  sight  aroun'  the  house,  Melinda." 

"Sarah  Ann,  I  guess  I  won't  begin 
grudgin'  my  own  sister  a  bite  of  vittlee. 
Only  we  ain't  very  well  fixed,  that's  all, 
with  Samuel  bein'  laid  up  so  much 
with  lumbago.  But  we  hain't  starved 
yet  Now  take  off  yer  bonnet,  an'  sit 
down  an'  rest  ye  till  supper's  ready. 
Now,  don't  ye  go  fer  ter  cry,  Sarah 
Ann.  Ye  know  ye  allers  git  mad  in  a 
hurry,  an'  mebby  it  ain't  so  bad  after 
all.  Jeremiah  allers  seemed  like  a 
right  good  man  to  ye,  if  he  is  a  bit 
close.  But  lots  of  men-folks  is  af- 
flicted with  that  disease,  Sarah  Ann. 
Only  when  they  sot  their  heads  fer 
something  fer  theirselves  then  they're 
mighty  liberal.  But  we  hev  ter  take 
the  critters  as  they  be,  an'  make  the 
best  on  'em.  So  don't  go  fer  ter  cry — 
but  rest  ye." 

•  *  *  *  ♦ 

Jeremiah  Smith  '  came  home  from 
town,  tired,  hungry  and  cross. 

"I  hope  Sarah  Ann's  got  supper 
ready.  I'm  all-fired  hungry.  I  hate  to 
wait.  Beats  all  how  some  women  folks 
lags  about  gettin'  meals  on  time. 
Sarah  Ann's  pretty  prompt,  though.  I 
wonder  if  she's  slopped  the  hogs.  I 
don't  see  no  smoke  out  the  chlmbly. 
Don't  look  like  she's  started  any  sup- 
per yet.  Beats  all,  a  man  can't  have 
his  supper  when  he's  hungry." 

As  he  entered  the  kitchen,  and  the 
scene  of  devastation  met  his  eyes,  he 
drew  back  in  alarm. 

"What  on  airth's  the  meaning  of 
this?  Sarah  Ann,  where  air  ye?  Air 
ye  killed?    Sarah  Ann!" 

There  was  no  response.  He  went 
from  the  kitchen  into  the  sitting-room, 
and  thence  into  the  bed-room — bureau- 


drawers  pulled  out,  bed  divested  of 
every  bit  of  bedding,  everything  topsy- 
turvy. 

Robbers  was  what  immediately  en- 
tered his  mind.  Robbers  had  been 
there,  and  perhaps  killed  Sarah  Ann. 
But  where  was  she?  Almost  frantic 
with  fl'ight,  he  rushed  here  and  there, 
falling  to  remember  that  this  was  not 
quite  the  way  robbers  would  set  to 
work.  After  his  excitement  had  some- 
what subsided,  he  took  in  the  situation 
a  little  more  calmly.  For  a  moment 
he  stopped  and  considered,  then  re- 
membered the  cellar.  He  would  go 
down  there.  He  looked  with  amaze- 
ment at  the  cellar  shelves;  everything 
stripped.  Even  the  bung  had  been  re- 
moved from  the  cider  barrel,  and  the 
cider  fiooded  the  cellar  floor.  Tears 
filled  his  eyes  at  the  sight  of  his  pre- 
cious cider  all  ruined.  For  a  moment 
he  quite  forgot  Sarah  Ann. 

After  coming  up  out  of  the  cellar  he 
went  into  the  pantry.  Everything 
gone.  Not  a  livin'  bit  of  vittles  in  the 
house.  He  came  out  of  the  pantry  and 
glanced  at  the  clock.  Why — what  was 
that  sticking  to  the  clock?  Some  kino 
of  a  letter.  He  reached  up  and  took  it 
down.  Sarah  Ann's  handwriting!  He 
jerked  It  open  and  read: 
Jeremiah  Smith: 

I've  worked  and  slaved  fer  you  fer 
the  last  forty-odd  years,  an'  now  I'm 
done.  You  kin  git  along  the  best  you 
kin.    I'm  done  with  ye.    Sarah  Ann. 

Not  understanding — and  in  a  dazed 
manner — he  looked  at  it;  turned  it 
over  and  over. 

"So  Sarah  Ann  hes  quit,  hes  she? 
Well,  its  true  she  worked  'tarnal  hard, 
an'  wasn't  much  hand  to  complain, 
either.  Mebby  now,  I  hain't  done  just 
the  square  thing  by  her.  But  she  never 
asked  fer  anything  I  didn't  git  fer  her. 
Mebby  I  held  out  a  little  longer  than  I 
should  sometimes — but  if  ye  let  women 
hev  their  way  with  yer  pocket-book 
always,  they'd  ruin  ye.  An'  my  cider 
all  spilt.  An'  ye  had  one  of  yer  tan- 
trums before  ye  left.  Ye  hadn't  ought 
ter  have  done  it,  Sarah  Ann.  But  I'm 
'tarnel  glad  I  was  out  of  sight  during 
yer  rearing  around,  I  be  so.  So  I'll  hev 
ter  batch  it,  will  I?" 

*  *  *  ♦  * 

The  days  went  on  and  Sarah  Ann 
took  sick.  In  bed  she  lay  for  eight 
straight  weeks.  Her  sister  and  the 
rest  w^ere  kind  to  her  in  a  way,  but 


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she  would  often  hear  them  complain  of 
their  small  means  and  their  poverty. 
She  felt  herself  a  burden.  Just  to  be 
home  again  with  Jeremiah  and  his 
fault  •  flndin^T  and  crabidneee  would 
seem  like  heaven.  Then  she  thought 
of  the  "rosy  cheeks"  and  the  "purty 
hair."  No — she  would  never  forgive 
that.  With  stem,  set  features  she 
would  turn  on  her  pillow  and  try  to 
forget 

She  had  Just  begun  to  get  around  a 
little,  when  one  day  Samuel  said  to 
her: 

"Sarah  Ann,  this  morning  I  seen  Abe 
Hawkins,  from  Slocumville,  an'  he  was 
tellin'  me  that  Jeremiah  hez  bed  the 
rhumatiz  nigh  on  to  three  weeks.  Kin 
hardly  git  around.  An'  old  Betsy 
Riddle's  there  keepin'  house  fer  him. 
An'  she's  makin'  a  turrible  mess  of  it. 
(Ye  know  she's  pretty  old.)  An*  Jere- 
miah's in  a  turrible  state  about  ye. 
Wants  ye  the  worst  way.  I  didn't  say 
where  ye  was,  though,  as  ye  didn't 
want  me  to." 

♦  ♦  *  *  ♦ 
Shortly  after  having  finished  dinner, 

Sarah  Ann  said: 

"Melinda,  what  time  does  the  train 
start  for  Slocumville  in  the  afternoon?" 

"In  Just  an  hour,  Sarah  Ann.  Why 
do  ye  ask?  Ye  wan't  thinking  about 
going  home,  air  ye?" 

"Yes,  Melinda,  I'm  goln'  home,  and 
start  that  fat,  good-fer-nothing  Betsy 
Riddle  off  in  short  order.  Her  cookin' 
would  ruin  any  man's  digestion;  not 
saying  anything  about  her  dirty,  slack 
housekeeping." 

"Sarah  Ann.  yer  not  able  to  go,  an' 
ye'U  not  stir  out  of  this  house  today." 

"But,  Melinda,  Jeremiah's  sick  with 
rhumatiz,  and  Betsy  Riddle  don't  know 
anything  about  how  to  take  care  of 
anyone  that's  sick.  I'm  a-goin',  an' 
I'm  a-goin'  now." 

♦  ♦  ♦  ♦  ♦ 
Jeremiah  had  limped  over  to  the  win- 
dow, where,  dubious  and  sullen,  he 
was  gazing  out  and  cursing  his  luck 
and  women  in  general.  Happening  to 
glance  up  the  road,  he  saw — Sarah 
Ann,  limp  and  draggled,  coming- 
laden  with  the  big  valise.  She  was 
coming  slowly,  as  if  too  tired  to  walk 
another  step.  Jeremiah,  mute  with 
surprise,  seemed  unable  to  move. 

In  a  moment  or  two  Sarah  Ann  en- 
tered and  stood  for  a  moment  looking 
at  Jeremiah.    Then  went  over  to  him. 


and,  first  of  all  lootfldd  him  straight  in 
the  eyes,  and  said,  holding  out  the  let- 
ter she  had  found  in  his  Sunday  coat: 

"Jeremiah,  before  ye  say  one  word, 
explain  this!" 

He  took  the  letter  from  her,  and  in 
a  puzzled  manner  turned  it  over  sev- 
eral times,  then  looked  again,  as  if 
something  strangely  familiar  had  sud- 
denly came  to  his  mind.  He  read  it; 
then  a  smile  broke  out  all  over  his 
face 

"Why,  Sarah  Ann,  was  this  what  all 
the  trouble  was  about?  Why— that's 
the  letter  I  writ  fer  that  half-baked 
Jed  Sanders,  who  wanted  I  should 
write  him  a  love-letter  to  send  to 
Mollie  Jones  (ye  know  he  can't  write). 
1  knowed  she  wouldn't  hev  nothing  to 
do  with  him,  but  I  writ  it  to  please 
him,  anyhow,  and  was  goin'  to  give  it 
to  him  first  time  I  seen  him." 

"Oh— Jeremiah — ^will  you  ever  for- 
give me!" 

"I'll  fergive  ye  anything,  Sarah  Ann, 
only  ter  git  ye  back  agin." 

Betsy  Riddle— who  had  been  looking 
on  in  open-mouthed  astonishment  — 
now  said: 

"You  two  old  fools  make  me  sick. 
As  ye'll  hev  no  further  need  fer  me, 
I'm  goin'.  An'  glad  am  I  to  be  rid  of 
the  Job.  Of  all  the  fault-finding, 
crabbid.  cantankerous  bodies  to  git 
along  with,  that  miserable  little  dried- 
up  pea-stick  takes  the  cake." 


Union  Made. 

That  there  is  a, steady  increase  in 
the  sale  of  union  made  goods  is  be- 
yond doubt,  as  strong  evidence  of  this 
comes  to  our  notice  almost  every  day. 
Yet  the  sale  of  union-made  goods  in 
all  lines  is  far  short  of  what  it  really 
ought  to  be  in  view  of  the  costly  and 
ceaseless  agitation  and  advertising 
which  are  directed  in  this  channel. 

Men  and  women  who  are  members 
of  trade  unions  and  who  are  strong 
advocates  of  the  trade  union  cause  are 
daily  ignoring  the  union  label  when 
making  purchases,  not  because  they 
do  not  know  better,  not  because  they 
do  not  believe  that  union-made  goods 
are  as  good  if  not  better  than  the 
other  kind,  but  simply  because  they 
do  not  think  or  see  far  enough  ahead 
to  know  that  each  time  they  insist  on 
purchasing  none  but  union-made  goods 
they  are  strengthening  themselves  and 


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65 


titeir  union,  as  well  as  the  union 
whose  lAbel  tUey  are  carelessly  neglect- 
ing. 

Tliat  this  neglect  is  deliberate  we 
do  not  charge,  but  even  if  it  is  not  de- 
liberate the  result  is  just  the  same. 
If  it  i»  a  false  sense  of  pride  that  de- 
ters them  from  asking  for  union  la- 
Med    goods    it   should  be  overcome  at 

The  same  people  who  neglect  to  de- 
Band  the  union  label  would  become 
saduly  excited  and  very  likely  would 
do  any  one  physical  harm  if  they 
'Were  charged  with  "scabbing"  on  their 
lilovrs  ^when  they  buy  non-union 
grnds,   but   isn't  this  really  what  they 

It  is  nothing  to  our  credit  that  we 
fctve  to  impose  fines  on  our  members 
la  have  them  do  that  which  should 
Ml  only  he  a  duty  but  a  pleasure  to 
Iheon,  by  insisting  that  the  union  la- 
id appear  on  everything  they  pur- 
■^n-nr  It  has  been  said  by  some  peo- 
|te  unfriendly  to  our  cause  that  we 
lie  willing  to  destroy,  but  not  to  build 
vp^  and  sometimes  it  would  appear 
ftere  is  some  truth  in  this  charge,  and 
the  onI>'  way  to  effectually  refute  it 
is  to  consistently,  insistently  and  per- 
astently  demand  and  exchange  our 
money  for  nothing  but  union-made 
5oods*  Get  in  line  and  be  a  "booster." 
Tou  will  be  surprised  how  easy  it  is. 
— WeeJcl^f  Bulletin  of  Clothing  Trades, 


General  Railway  Items. 

S,  S.  Butler  has  received  the  ap- 
pointment of  vice-president  of  the  St. 
Louis  &  San  Francisco,  in  charge  of  its 
lines  in  Louisiana  and  Texas,  with 
"b^idquarters  at  Houston,  Tex. 

J.  C.  ^'allace,  formerly  special  exam- 
iner of  the  Interstate  Commerce  Com- 
Minion,  has  been  appointed  auditor  of 
^teborsements   of  the  Big  Four,  with 

~       at  Cincinnati,  O. 


E,  E.  Stoupt  has  received  the  ap- 
pointment of  trainmaster  of  the  Chi- 
^.go  Great  Western,  with  office  at  Des 
Moines,  la. 

P.  S.  Rockwell  has  been  appointed 
trainniaster  of  the  Chesapeake  &  Ohio 
at  Covington,  Ky. 

E.  R-  Blssell  has  received  the  ap- 
pointment of  assistant  general  super- 
intendent of  the  Lake  Shore  &  Michi- 
gan Southern  at  Chicago. 


Joseph  Lindsay  has  been  appointed 
superintendent  of  the  Great  Northern, 
with  office  at  Sioux  City,  la. 

W.  W.  Strickland  was  recently  ap- 
pointed assistant  freight  auditor  of  the 
Atchison,  Topeka  ft  Santa  Fe  at  To- 
peka,  Kans. 

J.  F.  Sims  has  been  appointed  super- 
intendent of  the  St.  Louis  ft  San  Fran- 
cisco (St.  Louis  division),  with  head- 
quarters at  Springfield,  Mo. 

The  Southern  is  preparing  plans  to 
build  a  new  roundhouse,  machine  shop 
and  blacksmith  shop  at  East  St.  Louis, 
111. 

The  Lehigh  Valley  has  entered  into 
an  agreement  with  the  city  of  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  to  purchase  the  old  Hamburg 
canal  strip  for  $500,000  and  make  nu- 
merous improvements  around  its  city 
terminals  at  that  point,  among  which 
will  be  a  new  passenger  station,  eleva- 
tion of  a  portion  of  its  tracks,  elimina- 
tion of  grade  crossings,  etc. 


female  Workers  in  America. 

Just  think  of  it — 55c  a  day  the 
average  wages  paid  in  American  fac- 
tories to  girls  under  16  years  of  age. 
Three  dollars  and  thirty  cents  per 
week  to  clothe  and  feed  themselves 
and  live  respectably!  Of  course,  there 
are  many  girls  who  earn  good  wages 
and  work  under  favorable  conditions. 
We  do  not  lose  sight  of  the  fact,  but 
these  Are  not  in  the  class  we  are  deal- 
ing with  in  this  article.  There  are 
many  thousands  of  them,  but  they 
form,  after  all,  a  small  minority  in- 
deed in  our  industrial  system.  Thous- 
ands of  girls  of  16  years  of  age  earn 
less  than  $3.30  per  week,  a  vast  army 
of  them  get  no  more  than  $2  per  week, 
and  some  even  less  than  this.  Even 
this,  bad  as  it  is,  is  not  the  worst  fea- 
ture, either.  The  majority  of  these 
girls  work  in  unsanitary  workshops, 
the  more  favored  working  ten  hours 
per  day,  the  less  fortunate  longer.  Is 
it  any  wonder  that,  living  under  sucb 
inhuman  conditions,  tuberculosis  car- 
ries off  its  victims  by  the  hundreds? 
Is  it  any  wonder  that,  discouraged  and 
hopeless,  thousands  of  these  girls  drift 
out  upon  the  street?  Is  it  any  won- 
der that  scores  of  them  commit  sui- 
cide every  year?  How  is  it  possible 
for  a  girl  to  live  on  such  wages,  or  to 


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lead   a   moral   life   under   such    con- 
ditions? 

Why  should  not  society  be  honest 
and  face  this  question  squarely?  The 
trades  unions  have  not  hesitated  to 
take  up  the  battle  of  these  despairing, 
unfortunate  women;  they  have  not 
shirked  their  duty  in  this  matter. 
They  have  demanded  that  in  the  so- 
called  closed  or  union  shop  the  female 
worker  get  the  same  remuneration  as 
men  for  the  same  service  performed. 
Organized  labor  in  the  union  shop  se- 
cures for  female  labor  equal  pay,  equal 
treatment,  and  self-respecting  con- 
ditions. In  the  matter  of  women 
workers,  the  trade  unions  alone  cham- 
pion the  cause  of  humanity  and  mor- 
ality, and  insist  upon  the  golden  rule. 
Let  the  enemies  of  unionism  just 
study  up. — Industrial  Banner, 


Journeymen  Barbers  Express  Thanks. 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 
To  Trades  and  Labor  Councils — QreeU 
ing: 

The  Journeymen  Barbers'  Interna- 
tional Union  of  America  takes  this  op- 
portunity of  extending  to  you  and 
through  you  to  your  affiliated  local 
unions  its  sincere  appreciation  for  the 
generous  moral  assistance  rendered  it 
during  the  year  1911. 

Our  organization  stands  for  the 
sanitary  shop,  for  courteous  and  hon- 
est treatment  of  its  patrons  and  is 
opposed  to  the  impositions  and  over- 
charges characteristic  of  the  non- 
union shop  with  no  fixed  schedule. 

Through  agitation  for  our  union 
shop  card,  members  of  organized  la- 
bor have  done  much  to  assist  us  in  or- 
ganizing a  large  portion  of  the  barbers 
of  our  country  and  by  so  doing  the  la- 
bor movement  has  to  a  great  degree 
aided  us  in  stamping  out  the  dread 
disease  tuberculosis,  so  prevalent 
among  our  craft,  caused  by  the  long 
hours  of  labor  and  Sunday  slavery. 

There  are  still  many  baroers  in  your 
city  unaflElliated  with  us  and  we,  there- 
fore, earnestly  appeal  to  you  to  aid 
us  in  our  campaign  for  a  more  per- 
fect organization.  We  trust  that 
you  will  Join  us  in  a  united  efltort  to 
create  a  greater  demand  for  union- 
made  products  and  by  so  doing  aid 
materially  in  organizing  the  unorgan- 


ized workshops  of  all  crafts  through- 
out the  country. 

Again  thanking  you  for  your  assist- 
ance, trusting  that  we  may  continue 
to  have  your  enthusiastic  co-operation 
during  the  year  1912,  hoping  that  you 
will  give  this  communication  more 
than  passing  notice  and  wishing  you 
one  and  all  a  happy  and  prosperous 
New  Year,  I  am. 

Fraternally  yours, 

J.  C.  Shanbsst, 
General  Organizer. 


TheWaslKOyL 

The  night  was  dark  and  stormy; 
The  rails  were  wet  with  rain; 
The  engine,  she  struggled. 
With  a  long  and  weary  train. 
The  coal  was  bad  and  full  of  slate 
And  the  train  was  running  two  hours 

late. 
They  pulled  in  the  siding  for  No.  9 — 
Two  cars  to  set  out  and  we'll  be  on 

our  way — 
For  it  is  getting  nigh  on  to  break  of 

day. 
He  told  the  fireman  not  to  fear. 
Said  he,  "All  you  got  to  do  is  keep 

her  hot 
And  we'll  be  in  about  four  o'clock." 
But  when  they  came  to  the  whistling 

post 
The   engineer   turned    as    pale   as   a 

ghost 
Up  the  track,  not  far  away, 
The  bridge  had  been  washed  away. 
He  threw  her  over,  but  it  was  all  io 

vain,^ 
For  the  engine  collided  witn  an  un- 
known train. 
When  the  smoke  had  cleared  away 
They    found    the    engineer   fifty    feet 

away. 
They  brought  him  to  the  light; 
He  died,  but  he  saved  five  hundred 
Souls  from  death  that  night. 
He  stayed  at  his  post  when  the  rest 

had  fled. 
But,  after  the  crash,  the  poor  fellow 

was  dead. 
Regretful  though  it  happened  thus, 
'Tis  one  more  broken  link. 
Why    were    we    made    life's   joys    to 

know? 
Why  were  we  made  to  think? 

Harrt  Beesox. 


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THEY  REFUSE  TO  MAKE  GOOD. 


57 


The  press  dispatches  last  month  con- 
talned  this  item: 

New  York,  Nov.  1.— Suit  brought  by 
Janes  M,  Lynch,  president  of  the 
latemational  Typographical  Union, 
against  John  KIrby,  Jr.,  and  the  board 
irf  directors  of  the  National  Assoc ia- 
tle&  of  Manufacturers,  arising  out  of 
■a  alleged  libelous  resolution  passed  a 
jar  ago,  in  connection  with  the  Los 
Asgeles  Times  explosion,  was  dls- 
^ised  today.  Justice  Newburger,  of 
li  Supreme  Court,  sustained  the  de- 
Brrer  of  the  defendants,  and  said  he 
&aed  to  find  that  the  resolution  con- 
amed  any  reference  to  the  plaintiff  as 
It  Individual. 

On  the  13th  day  of  October,  1910,  the 
terd  of  directors  of  the  National  As- 
aodatlon  of  Manufacturers  adopted  the 
Mowing  preamble  and  resolution: 

Whereas,  The  long-continued,  cow- 
ardly and  recklessly  Illegal  determina- 
tten  of  the  International  Typographical 
Union  to  destroy  the  business  of  the 
Los  Angeles  Times  and  the  influence  of 
i£s  owner.  Gen.  Harrison  Gray  Otis,  in 
kls  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  principles 
rf  Industrial  freedom  has  terminated  in 
the  destruction  of  the  Times  plant  and 
building  by  dynamite,  the  murder  of 
more  than  a  score  of  employes  of  the 
paper  and  the  Injury  of  many  others; 
and 

Whereas,  The  plot  contemplated  the 
simultaneous  destruction  of  the  homes 
of  General  Otis  and  F.  J.  Zeehandelaar, 
at  no  matter  what  sacrifice  of  life; 
therefore,  be  It 

Resolved,  That  this  board  recognizes 
this  act  of  destruction  of  life  and  prop- 
erty as  in  line  with  the  general  policy 
of  criminal  unionism,  as  exemplified 
bf  innumerable  cases  of  resort  to. the 
tise  of  dynamite  to  enforce  Its  doctrine 
of  rule  or  ruin,  and  that  it  places  the 
responsibility  therefor,  not  alone  upon 
the  human  tools  who  actually  per- 
petrated the  crime,  but,  in  due  propor- 
tion, upon  those  who  in  any  manner 
foster  an  organization  whose  line  of 
conduct  leads  to  such  results. 

Immediately  on  the  publication  of 
this  resolution  the  president  of  the  In- 
ternational Typographical  Union,  under 
instructions  from   the  executive  coun- 


cil, brought  it  to  the  attenlon  of  our 
attorney,  Martin  M.  Hngg,  and  after 
examination  of  the  libel  contained 
therein,  and  consideration  of  the  fact 
that  the  International  Typographical 
Union  is  an  unincorporated,  voluntary 
organization,  it  was  decided  that  suit 
should  be  brought  against  the  National 
ABBOciation  of  Manufacturers  by  Presi- 
dent Lynch  in  his  official  and  individ- 
ual capacity.  The  matter  was  then  re- 
ferred  to  Alfred  J.  Talley  of  New  York, 
who  for  years  had  acted  as  attorney 
for  Typographical  Union  No.  6.  Suit 
for  $100,000  damages  was  later  brought 
by  President  Lynch  against  John 
Kirby,  Jr.,  individually  and  as  presi- 
dent; Francis  H.  Stillman,  individually 
and  as  treasurer;  George  S.  Boudlnot, 
individually  and  as  secretary;  John  O. 
Battelle,  C.  S.  Brantlngham,  Hiram  S. 
Chamberlain,  George  T.  Coppins.  Henry^ 
S.  Hale.  C.  C.  Hanch,  Charles  M.  Jarvis, 
Henry  B.  Joy,  H.  E.  Miles.  Ludwig 
Nissen,  William  H.  Parlin,  David  M. 
Parry,  Enos  Paullin,  Charles  W.  Post, 
Daniel  C.  Ripley,  F.  C.  Schwedtman„ 
George  D.  Selby,  Giles  H.  Stillwell, 
Daniel  A.  Tompkins  and  James  P. 
Bird,  individually  and  as  directors  of 
the  National  Association  of  Manufac- 
turers of  the  United  States  of  America. 
From  the  first  it  was  recognized  that 
the  one  weak  point  in  our  case  related 
to  the  right  of  President  Lynch,  or  any 
other  officer  or  member,  to  bring  suit. 
as  it  was  an  unincorporated  society,, 
and  not  its  officer,  that  was  slandered, 
but  it  was  hoped  that  as  the  repreeenta- 
tives  of  the  National  Association  of 
Manufacturers  had  declared  that  "the 
long  continued,  cowardly  and  reckless;- 
ly  Illegal  determination  of  the  Interna- 
tional Typographical  Union  to  destroy 
the  business  of  the  Los  Angeles  Times** 
had  "terminated  in  the  destruction  of 
the  Times  plant,"  and  that  it  "places 
the  responsibility  therefor,  not  alone 
upon  the  human  tools  who  actually^ 
perpetrated  the  crime,  but,  in  due  pro- 
portion, upon  those  who  in  any  manner 
foster  an  organization  whose  line  of 
conduct  leads  to  such  results,"  they 
would  welcome  the  opportunity  to  go 
Into  a  court  of  Justice  and  present 
their  nroof.  We  are  not  surprised  that 
the  National  Association  of  Manufac- 


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turers  raised  the  legal  technicality  so 
that  it  might  escape  legal  accountabil- 
ity for  its  intemperate  and  untruthful 
assertions,  but  we  are  keenly  disap- 
pointed at  the  outcome  of  the  case.  We 
promptly  accepted  the  challenge,  picked 
up  the  gage  of  battle,  right  eagerly  pro- 
ceeded to  the  combat,  only  to  find  Uiat 
our  boastful  and  arrogant  antagonists, 
like  the  veriest  cowards,  had  flown  to 
the  protection  of  a  legal  technicality. 
This  association  of  employers,  this 
preacher  of  morality  and  fair  dealing, 
this  critic  of  the  trade  union  cause  and 
its  leaders,  when  put  to  the  test  of 
courage  and  sincerity,  immediately  run 
up  the  white  flag.  But  our  suit  is  use- 
ful, and  the  victory  is  with  us,  never- 
theless. We  did  not  want  money,  but 
we  did  desire  vindication.  That  we 
have  achieved  our  object  is  apparent  to 
all  fair-minded  men.  In  a  suit  against 
the  editor  of  the  Grand  Rapids  Trades- 
man  we  compelled  that  libeler  to  apol- 
ogize for  maliciouB  and  untrue  state- 
ments. Now  we  compel  the  representa- 
tives of  a  rich  and  powerful  associa- 
tion of  employers,  who  have  uttered 
slander  against  the  International  Typo- 
graphical Union,  to  seek  the  protection 
of  a  legal  technicality.  From  now  out 
the  anti-union  associations  wHl  be  care- 
ful in  their  treatment  of  our  union. — 
The  Typographical  Journal. 


factors  in  m  WofM  Peace. 

The  idea  of  a  possible  world  peace 
is  not  new.  It  has  been  the  hope  of 
the  optimists  of  almost  every  age,  and 
now  seems  to  be  coming  more  and 
more  to  the  front  as  a  possible  fulfill- 
ment. Reference  is  often  made  to  the 
beautiful  scriptural  sentiment  ex- 
pressed in  the  words,  "And  they  shall 
b^at  their  swords  into  plow  shares 
and  their  spears  into  pruning-hooks ; 
nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against 
nation,  neither  shall  they  learn  war 
any  more."  These  words  sum  up  the 
ideas  that  go  to  make  the  ideal  state 
of  society  and  the  nations  of  the  world 
at  large  as  regards  matters  of  mutual 
Interest.  Possible  differences  are  not 
supix)sed  to  disappear,  but  in  their 
settlement  recourse  is  presumed  to  be 
made  along  lines  other  than  those  of 
warfare  and  all  that  is  linked  with 
it.  In  6ther  words,  difficulties  are  to 
be  adjusted  as  business  propositions, 
each  claimant  receiving  a  just  consid- 


eration and  in  the  final  round  up, 
popular  sentiment  is  to  maintain .  and 
sustain  peacQalble,  sane  and  human!- 
tarian  methods  as  a  common  practice 
in  the  intercourse  of  people  with  peo- 
ple throughout  the  world. 

We  do  not  wish  to  appear  out  of 
harmony  with  this  view  of  the  for- 
ward movement  of  civilization.  On 
the  contrary,  'we  endorse  it,  and  fur- 
thermore, insist  that  ideals  are  an  ab- 
solute necessity  for  success  and  prog- 
ress, not  only  for  nations,  but  indi- 
viduals as  well.  "Old  men  must  see 
visions  and  young  men  dream 
dreams."  There  must  be  a  goal  .to- 
ward which  to  strive,  an  end  wMch 
we  should  constantly  endeavor  to  at- 
tain. Any  nation  that  loses  its  ideal 
will  retrograde  and  ultimately  perish. 

But  what  are  some  of  the  factors 
that  enter  into  the  problem  of  a  world 
peace?  It  goes  without  saying  that 
a  nation  or  commonwealth  will  be 
stroiig  or  weak,  according  to  the 
strength  or  weakness  of  the  individ- 
uals that  make  up  that  people.  Hence, 
at  least  a  large  majority  of  the  citi- 
zenship of  the  world  will  have  to 
reach  such  a  high  plane  of  living  and 
thinking  that  as  a  result  they  can 
dominate  in  world  affairs,  and  swing 
public  sentiment  to  such  a  degree  that 
desirable  policies  of  conduct  in  inter- 
national and  civil  affairs  shall  be  the 
rule.  This  certainly  looks  like  a  big 
undertaking  to  say  the  least.  But 
such  things  should  not  daunt  the  hope- 
ful, nor  intimidate  the  stout-hearted. 
The  load  Is  on  our  shoulders  to  do  our 
part.  Some  may  entertain  the  idea 
that  responsibilities  such  as  these  lie 
with  the  rulers  and  those  in  author- 
ity. This  Is  true  In  part.  It  is  the 
business  of  those  at  the  head  of  af- 
fairs to  blaze  the  way  for  progress  and 
mold  sentiment  according  to  the  high- 
est motives  that  can  prompt  the  mind 
of  man.  Yet.  we  must  recall  the  ad- 
monition, "Put  not  your  trust  in 
princes."  We  have  great  faith  in  the 
prince  qualities  of  some  leaders,  but 
we  can  not  pin  all  our  hopes  to  a  few 
designated  men  who  happen  to  be  in 
authority  at  any  one  time.  Our  hope 
Is  In  an  exalted  democracy.  Unless 
the  people  as  a  whole  are  lifted  up, 
are  educated,  self-controlled,  and  ra- 
tional, there  Is  not  much  likelihood 
for  a  worldwide  peace,  either  civil  or 
International.  Onr  plea  Is  then,  tak- 
ing the   world   as  a  whole,  that  the 


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59 


hope  far  the  dlsa^ppearance  of  strife 
mnst  be  measured  b>'  the  degree  of 
iadirldual  growth  and  progress.  And 
tliis  Tiew  leads  us  to  reflect  that  the 
task  is  still  a  prodigious  one,  for  the 
large  majority  of  ttie  world's  inhabi- 
tanU  are,  we  fear,  still  living  on  a 
plMe,  intellectually,  physically  and 
Borally,  that  falls  sliort  of  the  ideal 
■Kessary  to  vouchsafe  the  disappear- 
iftce  of  discord  and  the  ushering  in 
of  hannony   and    unity. 

But  there  is  another  phase  to  this 
■ttject  that  we  cannot  ignore.  While 
nrfare  is  and  has  been  a  mighty 
Imre  in  world  affairs,  we  are  forced 
H  conclude,  how-ever,  that  an  all  in- 
tieive  world  peace  ncieans  much  more 
tB  humanity  than  battles  and  arnia- 
mt  The  disarmament  of  nations 
8  truly  a  grand  theme,  one  that  en- 
»?5s  our  loftiest  imagination.  Rut 
'tat  shall  we  say  of  affairs  that  have 
CB  do  with  the  relations  of  man  with 
^n  in  his  immediate  environment? 
Bftw  about  the  unrest  in  the  social 
mt&e?  Is  there  not  a  social  and  in- 
iMtrial  world  that  is  still  without 
temony?  Have  ^ve  the  right  to  say, 
■^ce.  peace,  ^when  there  is  no 
peace?"  Is  this  a  question  of  less  pro- 
pertion  than  the  other?  We  believe 
w>t.  and  not  only  that,  but  we  are  in- 
eflned  to  assert  that  unless  the  turbu- 
tot  voices,  the  murmiirings  and  clam- 
ors that  rise  from  almost,  yea  every 
quarter  of  this  old  w^orld  today  are 
ijuieted  and  satisfied,  the  cry  for  a 
»orld  peace  is  useless.  Had  we  indus- 
trial and  social  harmony  and  equity, 
Had  we  the  long  expected  Utopian 
brotherhood  of  man.  then  might  we 
well  expect  a  possible  Introduction  of 
world  harmony. 

One  thought  further,  and  that  is 
<«ie  that  may  seem,  paradoxical,  espe- 
cially in  this  connection.  It  is  barely 
possible  that  a  world  peace  may,  after 
all,  be  less  desirable  than  at  first 
thought  it  may  appear.  "I  come  not 
to  bring  peace,  but  a  sword,'*  are  the 
words  of  the  Master-Spirit.  Something 
mast  put  us  on  our  mettle.  Enemies 
to  progress  will  never  be  eliminated 
from  civilization  as  long  as  human 
aature  remains  as  it  is.  This  is  our 
firm  conviction.  There  will  always 
be  something  for  civilization  to  do — 
at  least  as  long  as  we  have  any  con- 
nection with  it.  The  most  that 
w«  can   hope    for    is  to  discharge   our 


plain  duty  in  the  time  and  place  in 
which  we  live.  Certainly  our  share  of 
work  in  the  preaent  state  of  affairs 
is  not  all  in  the  sunshine.  We  are 
under  the  clouds  of  unrest  and  dis- 
cord for  a  part  of  the  time  at  least 
Let  us  acquit  ourselves  like  men.  If 
fight  we  must,  let  us  take  up  the 
cudgel  with  a  manly  purpose,  present 
a  bold  front  to  the  enemies  of  social 
and  industrial  fair  play,  and  cheer- 
fully lend  a  hand  in  fighting  for  what 
may  some  day  be  peace  and  harmony 
even  though  it  be  for  a  far  removed 
posterity. — The  United  Miners'  Jour- 
nal, 


Unity  vs.  ractioiis. 

If  one  man  works  in  a  factory 
among  hundreds  of  other  employes 
and  feels  that  the  wages  or  condi- 
tions of  his  labor  are  not  satisfactory 
to  him,  and  should  go  to  the  employer 
and  state  his  case,  it  is  about  one 
hundred  to  one  that  he  would  be  dis- 
charged, or,  if  not  discharged,  he 
might  be  told  that  there  would  be  no 
change  ma,de  of  the  character  request- 
ed, and  that  he  could  continue  at  work 
and  keep  his  mouth  shut  or  be  dis- 
charged. 

'  This  sounds  rather  elementary,  no 
doubt,  because  it  has  been  so  well 
known,  at  least  in  the  shoe  factories 
for  a  generation  or  more,  that  indi- 
vidual requests  of  this  character  have 
for  some  years  been  practically  un- 
known. 

Long  years  ago  the  shoe  workers 
discovered  that  for  one  man  to  make 
an  application  for  more  wages  or  bet- 
ter, conditions  on  a  branch  of  the 
work  where  there  were  a  number  of 
hands  employed  on  the  same  operar 
tlon  really  meant  that  that  shoe 
worker  was  marking  himself  in  the 
estimation  of  his  employers  as  the 
one  dissatisfied  man  on  the  job  and  a 
man  whom  it  would  be  wise  for  the 
foreman  to  get  rid  of. 

There  is  another  element  that  makes 
his  case  hopeless,  and  that  is  that  the 
employer  knows  that  if  he  gives  one 
operative  out  of  ten  performing  the 
same  operation  an  advance  in  wages, 
the  other  nine  will  want  one  also,  and 
therefore  when  the  individual  work- 
man shows  his  head  the  employer, 
figuratively  speaking,  knocks  his 
block  off,  knowing  that  one  man  does 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITGHMSN'S  UNION. 


not  amount  to  much,  and  the  shoe 
workers  have  come  to  realize  this 
much. 

On  this  question  at  least  the  reas- 
oning power  of  the  shoe  maker  seems 
to  be  developed  far  enough  so  that 
he  can  think  straight,  and  we  may 
fairly  assume  that  the  shoe  workers 
generally  realize  that  it  is  futile  for 
any  one  of  them  to  think  that  he  can 
improve  his  wages  and  conditions  of 
labor  by  acting  alone. 

The  necessity  of  concerted  action 
having  become  apparent,  the  next 
question  is  how  shall  it  find  expres- 
sion. And  here  is  where  a  great  many 
shoe  workers  make  a  fundamental 
mistake,  which  is  that  they  organize 
as  a  department  of  a  factory,  inde- 
pendent of  all  other  departments, 
which  places  them  absolutely  at  the 
mercy  of  the  employer  in  case  he 
<:hooses  to  take  a  stand  against  them. 

There  is  no  more  reason  why  one 
department  should  be  organized  alone, 
and  should  stand  alone  independent 
of  all  other  departments,  than  that 
one  man  should  stand  alone  in  one 
department  and  attempt  to  fight  his 
1}attles  without  the  assistahce  of  his 
fellow  workers. 

Furthermore,  when  one  department 
of  a  factory  is  organized  and  gets  into 
difnculties  with  the  employer  it  goes 
out  on  strike,  and  throws  the  other 
departments  out  of  work  without  their 
"being  consulted  in  the  matter,  as  a 
result  of  which  they  do  not  entertain 
the  warmest  feelings  of  sympathy  for 
those  who  caused  them  to  be  out  of 
work. 

The  department  organized  inde- 
pendently, even  if  it  includes  all  the 
workers  in  that  branch  in  the  city, 
lias  no  claim  u]ion  the  other  branches 
of  the  trade  for  assistance  or  support, 
"because  it  has  declared  its  independ- 
ence, and  that  it  would  go  it  alone, 
and  as  a  matter  of  fact  has  gone  it 
alone  in  entering  Into  the  trouble 
without  consulting  the  employes  of 
the  other  departments. 

This  independent  department  Idea 
"has  very  little  more  chance  to  succeed 
than  the  independent  man  Idea,  be- 
cause, even  though  all  the  workmen 
In  that  branch  in  the  city  were  or«:an- 
Ized  as  an  independent  department,  in 
case  all  the  manufacturers  of  the  city 
should  declare  against  their  recogni- 
tion, and  should  lock  them  out.  they 
"have  no  claim  for  the  moral  or  finan- 


cial support  of  workmen  of  the  aiaine 
department  from  other  cities,  because 
they  have  declared  their  indepenidence 
of  all  workmen  in  similar  departments 
in  all  other  cities. 

As  stated  before,  this  is  thei  point 
at  which  numerous  shoe  makers  i>efirin 
to  think  crooked  in  relation  to  their 
union  affairs. 

Some  seek  to  retrieve  this  false  step 
by  taking  another  false  step,  whicli 
goes  to  show  that  when  one  sets 
started  thinking  wrong  there  is  no 
limit  to  the  amount  of  wrong  thinkingr 
that  he  can  do. 

The  folly  of  the  independent  depart- 
ment organization  having  become 
manifest  the  shoe  worker  of  independ- 
ent proclivities  then  seeks  to  organ- 
ize all  the  departments  of  the  factory 
into  an  independent  union,  the  theory 
being  that  when  all  the  employes  of 
the  factory  are  organized  then  the 
manufacturer  will  be  compelled  to 
treat  with  them,  or  cease  making 
shoes,  and  they  assume  that  he  will 
always  concede  and  settle  instead  of 
fight. 

This  assumption  is  not  always  well 
founded;  once  in  a  while  they  get  a 
surprise,  and  even  though  they  con- 
trol all  the  factories  in  the  city  they 
may  yet  lose,  because  all  the  manu- 
facturers of  the  city  may  take  a  united 
stand  and  lock  them  all  out  at  once, 
in  which  case  they  must  readily  be 
starved  into  submission,  because  they 
have  no  affiliation  with  the  workers 
of  their  industry  in  other  places,  or 
with  the  workers  of  other  trades  in 
other  places.  Consequently  they  are 
neither  in  the  position  of  procuring 
financial  aid  from  themselves,  because 
they  are  all  out  of  work,  nor  from 
others,  because  they  are  not  affiliated 
with  them. 

They  have  no  right  to  expect  finan- 
cial support,  because  they  have  de- 
clared themselves  independent,  and 
they  must  meet  with  a  destructive  de- 
feat the  first  time  the  employers  are 
disposed  to  give  it  to  them. 

Even  though  the  workers  of  an  en- 
tire trade  all  over  the  country  adopted 
the  independent  union  idea,  and  be- 
came thoroughly  organized  in  such, 
they  would  still  have  no  show  in  case 
the  employers  organized  nationally 
and  opposed  them,  and  this  would  be 
true  for  the  reason  that  they  would 
have  no  right  to  expect  aid  from  the 
unions  of  other  trades  who  believe  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


61 


the  4mity   idea,  and  who  for  that  rea- 
soa   are    affiliated   with  the  American 
Federation  of   I-abor.     No  matter  how 
large  or  strong  an  independent  organi- 
raiion  of  labor  may  be,  no  matter  if  it 
ii  part   of  a  shop's  crew  or  the  work- 
ers in    a   city   of  a  given  tra4e.  there 
mast    eventually    come    a    time    when 
their   own   resources  are  not  sufficient 
to   meet      an     emergency    which    they 
toald    not    foresee,   and    in   that   hour 
tbe  absence    of  the  support  they  need 
Bay  very  likely  doom  them  to  a  crush- 
ii^    defeat,     usually    followed    by    an 
^irlr  dissolution. 
^Tien   a  man  who  knows  he  cannot 
1    fiid  alone   as  an  individual  gets  the 
m.  into    his   head  that,  with  his  few 
\    iftyir-employes   in  his  department  of 
I    M   factory     can    stand    alone,    he    Is 
Kg^kins    at    cross  purposes;     and.    If 
HPoirrles      this    misleading    line    of 
PKaght    a    notch   further,   in  the   for- 
'    aition  of  all  the  employes  in  the  fac- 
Hry  into  one  independent  union,  he  Is 
[    Itog  still   further  astray;    and,  if  he 
'    *»fc^  the   workers  of  all  the  factories 
flf  the  city  Into  his  Independent  union 
Kheme.      he      is     becoming   more    and 
»ore   threatened   with  disaster;     and, 
if  he  extends  it  to  the  extent  of  mak- 
iBg  it  an    Independent  national  union, 
&e  is  erecting  what  must  prove  to  be 
I  monnmental  failure,  carrying  down 
with    it     in     ruin    the    material    well- 
being  of   the   workers  in  the  Industry. 
The   fundajmental  fact  that  the  shoe 
worker    should   get  firmly  fixed  In  his 
mind  Is  that  every  single  shoe  worker 
seeds  the  loyal  support  of  every  other 
iboe     worker    at    all    times,    In    fair 
▼eather     and     in     foul.      He    further 
needs    to    understand    that    after    the 
shoe   workers  are  banded  together  as 
ise.  their  union  must  be  a  part  of  the 
?reat  family  of  unions  embracing  the 
onions    in     all    trades,    the    American 
Federation    of  Labor. 

When  the  national  union  is  in  amlia- 
t;on  with  all  other  national  unions,  it 
is  giving  its  support  and  strength  to 
the  labor  movement,  it  is  helping  the 
labor  movement  to  be  strong  in  order 
that  the  labor  movement  may  return 
ta  ft  all  the  strength  it  ever  gave  mul- 
tiplied  one  hundred-fold. 

We  had  a  pretty  clear  Illustration 
of  how  this  Idea  works  out  In  the  re- 
cent hatters'  lock-out.  Now,  the  hat- 
ters had  a  very  complete  and  efficient 
organ ixati on.  its  members  practically 
all  the  men   employed   In  the  fur-felt 


hat  making  industry.  They  had  the 
members  and  they  had  considerable 
money,  but  the  employers  t)y  locking 
them  out  prevented  any  of  them  from 
contributing  funds  to  support  the 
members,  and  the  employers  farther, 
by  legal  proceedings,  attached  the 
money  in  the  treasury,  and  thus  placed 
the  Hatters'  Union  in  the  position  of 
being  compelled  to  fight  for  its  very 
life,  with  practically  every  memrber 
out  of  work  and  its  treasury  funds 
unavailable. 

Unquestionably  the  one  thing  that 
saved  the  Hatters'  Union  in  this  emer- 
gency was  the  fact  that  it  was  affili- 
ated with  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  and  that  because  of  such  affili- 
ation the  hat  makers'  union  received 
substantial  financial  assistance  which 
carried  them  through  the  fight  suc- 
cessfully and  enabled  them  to  win  an 
uncompromising  victory. 

If  the  hat  makers  had  tieen  an  inde- 
pendent union  they  could  not  possibly 
have  received  such  aid,  for  the  reason 
that  in  the  eyes  of  the  orthodox  union- 
ist one  who  believes  in  union  for  him- 
self, but  not  for  others,  or  in  union 
by  himself,  but  not  with  others,  is  not 
a  union  man,  but  that  he  is  simply  a 
selfish  egotist,  acting  for  his  own  bet- 
terment and  without  the  slightest  re- 
garii  for  the  welfare  of  others. 

Such  a  man,  or  such  a  union,  can 
not  possibly  be  permanently  success- 
ful. The  only  effect  they  can  have 
upon  the  lafbor  movement  is  to  weak- 
en it  by  division,  not  intentionally 
perhaps,  but  certainly,  nevertheless, 
because  by  the  very  act  of  creating 
or  maintaining  an  Independent  fac- 
tion they  set  up  opposition  of  rival 
camps  in  the  labor  of  the  trade,  and 
not  only  this,  but  which  is  of  vastly 
more  importance,  they  prevent  the 
legitimate  union  movement  in  the 
trade  from  deriving  the  full  measure 
of  benefit  that  accrues  to  any  move- 
ment from  the  presence  of  harmony 
and  unity  and  from  the  absence  of  di- 
vision and  factional  strife. 

These  are  some  of  the  essential 
points  of  difference  between  unity  and 
factionalism,  and  no  matter  what  form 
these  manifestations  may  take  the 
whole  structure  is  built  upon  the  foun- 
dation of  error,  laid  when  the  worker 
first  realizes  his  impotence  as  an  in- 
dividual, but  does  not  think  clearly 
enough,  or  see  straight  enough,  to 
realize  that  the  same  logic  must  com- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


62 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


pel  him  to  organize  conclusively  with 
everyone  in  his  industry,  and  with 
everyone  in  all  other  industries,  so 
that  the  power  of  labor  may  be  great, 
and  its  victories  satisfactory  and  bene- 
ficial to  all  who  toil. 


JudiGial  Decadence. 

No  Judge  has  a  right  to  dictate  to 
me  from  the  bench  how  I  shall  think, 
or  feel,  or  act.  There  is  no  authority 
given  him  either  from  heaven  or  earth 
to  prescribe  for  men  how  I  shall  work 
for  my  own  good.  Then,  if  he  has  no 
right  to  dictate  to  me,  it  follows  that 
he  has  no  right  to  dictate  to  my  broth- 
er. Then,  if  he  has  no  right  to  dic- 
tate to  two,  he  has  no  right  to  dic- 
tate to  20,000.  The  injunction  means, 
in  the  last  analysis,  that  no  man  has 
a  right,  either  legal  or  human,  that  is 
not     subject     to     the     commands     of 


judges.    Ip  the  last  three  years  theBe 
inji^nctions   from   the   bench   against 
organized  labor  have  grown  more  and 
more  frequent     It  is  coming  to   tbe 
point  when  labor  cannot  withdraw  its 
labor  power  that  some  judges,  acting 
in  the  interests  of  the  capitalist  class, 
does  to  strike  at  it  with  an  injunc- 
tion.    Now,   what   is   the   cumulative 
effect  of  these  incessant  injunctions  T 
In  effect  they  mean  that  manufactur- 
ers  may   combine   as   much   as    they 
please  to  sell  their  manufactures,  but 
workingmen  must  not  combine  to  sell 
their  labor  power.    We  hear  much  talk 
these  days  of  lawlessness — of  "lawless 
labor  leaders"  and  "lawless  agitators.*' 
The  fact  is  that  there  is  no  laibor  lead- 
er, no  agitator,  so  lawless  as  the  cap- 
italist judge  who  presumes    to    limit 
the  rights  of  a  portion  of  the  popula- 
tion in  direct  defiance  of  the  provision 
of    the    Constitution. — Chas.    Edward 
Russell. 


THE  WANDERER. 


By  Geokge  H.  Simmons. 


There  are  some  things  that  we  would 
not  wish  everybody  to  know  about. 
There  are  but  few  who  would  like 
everybody  to  know  their  every  thought. 
There  Is  undoubtedly  a  dark  spot  some- 
where in  every  person's  heart,  and  that 
spot  will  be  dark  until  the  light  of  f 
judgment  day  reveals  it.  There  is  none 
good;  no  not  one,  so  says  the  scrip- 
tures. So  there  is  no  difference  be- 
tween individuals  of  the  human  race. 
And  there  is  no  character  so  black  but 
what  there  is  a  white  spot  somewhere 
to  be  found.  There  is  no  heart  so  hard 
that  cannot  be  softened  by  some  means 
or  other.  There  is  no  life  so  vile  that 
cannot  be  cleaned.  And  there  is  no 
man  so  low  down  but  what  can  be 
raised  up.  A^d  there  is  no  man  so  far 
away  but  what  can  be  brought  baclc  to 
himself  again. 

I  wish  to  press  this  question  home  to 
every  heart,  for  it  is  a  question  that 
comes  near  to  every  home.  But  few 
homes  today  among  the  working  class 
that  are  not  affected  more  or  less  by 
what  I  am  going  to  say  in  this  letter. 

I  hear  some  man  or  woman  saying: 
Bah!  Bah!  We  have  heard  that  old  tale 


so  many  times  until  we  are  sick  of  it. 
That  may  be  so,  my  friend,  yet  it  is 
true  for  all  that.  I  want  to  quote  a 
line  or  two  that  I  have  often  heard 
sung  in  the  different  churches  all  over 
this  great  country  of  ours: 

Go  for  my  wandering  boy  tonight 
Go  search  for  him  where  you  will. 

Bring  him  to  me  with  all  his  faults 
And  tell  him  I  love  him  still. 

That  boy  is  the  thorn  in  the  flesh 
that  is  piercing  the  heart's  blood  from 
many  a  dear  old  mother's  breast  to- 
night. If  you  will  only  pause  for  a 
few  moments;  cast  your  head  back  in 
that  good  old  rocking-chair;  close  your 
eyes  very  closely,  then  look  abroad 
through  the  streets  and  valleys  of 
every  city,  every  town  and  every  ham- 
let, and  nearly  every  farmhouse  you 
will  see  the  same  sign.  A  light  in  the 
window  waiting  for  John  or  Sarah.  In 
those  homes  there  is  aching  hearts, 
lonely  days  and  dreary  nights,  and  I 
hear  the  bitter  cry  of  that  dear  old 
feeble  mother:  "Where  is  my  boy  to- 
night," and  I  listen  almost  with  tears 
welling  from  my  eyes  to  that  dear  old 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


63 


fattier  as  I  hear  him  sob:  "Where  is 
Sarah  tonight?" 

If  that  boy  or  girl  should  knock  at 
your  door  during  these  cold  wintry 
days  or  nights,  please  do  not  kick 
them;  neither  hand  them  over  to  the 
police.  Remember,  that  they  have  been 
displaced  by  the  machinery  in  the  shop 
and  in  the  mine  and  on  the  farm. 

Let  me  first  drop  another  word  or 
two  right  here.  Those  boys  and  girls 
are  as  good  and  possibly  a  little  better 
than  our  own  boys  and  girls,  if  you 
only  knew  the  truth  about  them.  Did 
it  ever  occur  to  you,  my  friends,  that 
many  of  these  boys  and  girls  were  dis- 
placed, to  make  room  for  your  boy  and 
girl,  because  your  boy  and  girl  got 
their  board  and  room  on  the  back  of 
dear  father  and  mother,  they  could  af- 
ford to  work  for  less  wages  and  are 
doing  so  all  along  the  line. 

Thus  I  appeal  to  you  never  kick  a 
boy  or  girl,  because  they  are  going 
down  the  hill,  for  you  know  not  the 
day  or  hour  when  your  boy  or  girl  will 
take  their  turn  in  the  bread  line.  I 
wish  to  bring  this  question  still  nearer 
home  to  us.  We  might  carry  that 
burden  still  a  little  further  along  the 
journey  of  life.  We  might  have  gone 
down  into  the  grave  in  sorrow  and 
tears,  leaving  them  in  the  hands  as  the 
preacher  would  say  of  a  loving  father. 
But  it  is  a  continual  hell  ringing  in  my 
ears  as  I  listen  to  the  weeping  wife 
and  children  as  they  bend  the  knee  at 
bed-time  in  agony,  asking  where  is 
father  tonight.  He  may  be  lying  in  a 
box  car  with  a  brick  or  rock  for  a 
pillow.  Lying  under  a  tree  for  shelter 
with  a  fire  at  his  feet  to  keep  him  from 
freezing  to  death,  like  the  great  son  of 
man  not  having  a  place  where  to  lay 
his  head,  you  will  find  him  in  the  sand 
houses  at  every  Junction  of  the  great 
railways  of  this  vast  country.  You 
win  find  him  hungry,  tattered  and  torn. 
Tou  will  find  him  kicked  from  poet  to 
pillar.  You  will  find  him  dragging  his 
weary  feet  along  the  streets  of  our 
iH'eat  cities  and  our  small  ones  also. 

Could  you  only  look  through  the  dis- 
tant mist,  you  would  see  the  man  just 
as  the  machine  and  your  legal  tenders 
have  made  him.  God  made  him  as 
pure  as  the  morning  dew,  but  you,  my 
friends,  with  your  ballot  have  made 
him  what  he  is.  God  made  him  a  Judge 
to  Judge  angels,  but  you  have  made 
him  appear  like  a  demon  of  Hades. 


How  long  will  it  be  that  the  working- 
men  of  this  great  country,  so  blest  with 
abundance,  continue  to  sell  their  birth- 
right for  a  mess  of  pottage?  How  long 
will  the  workers  ke^  their  eyes  closed 
to  the  fact  that  the  machine  is  one  of 
God's  greatest  blessings  to  mankind, 
when  rightly  used  by  man  for  use  and 
not  for  profit.  It  would  bless  the 
world,  would  bring  all  the  wandering 
boys  home  to  mother  and  all  the  girls 
to  father,  and  all  the  hobos  would  fiee 
from  the  sandhouses,  the  box  cars  with 
a  brick  for  a  pillow. 

Indeed,  I  have  been  all  along  that 
very  bitter  pathway  I  have  drunk  to 
the  very  dregs  that  cup  of  misery.  No 
one  that  knew  me,  will  tell  you  that  T 
was  anything  else  but  a  hard  worker, 
I  cared  for  nobody,  no  not  I,  and  no- 
body cared  for  me.  When  it  came 
down  to  a  day's  work,  I  was  Johnny- 
on-the-spot.  Still  my  life  has  been  any- 
thing but  a  bed  of  roses,  and  I  may 
tell  you  that  there  are  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  as  good  men  as  I  ever 
dared  to  be,  still  out  in  the  cold  wori' 
— out  on  the  street  shivering  from  cold 
with  bare  naked  feet,  hungering  for 
bread  and  some  place  to  sleep. 

For  once  in  your  life,  my  brother, 
do  sever  the  knot  that  binds  you  to 
your  past  old  life  of  stupidity. — TJniteci 
Mine  Workers*  Joumah 


Living  Man  Who  Saw  the  face  of  George 
Washington. 

Marvelous  as  it  may  seem,  it  is  still 
a  fact  that  at  Washington,  D.  C,  there 
lives  a  man  today  who  nas  actually 
gazed  upon  the  face  of  the  immortal 
George  Washington,  the  father  of  his 
country.  This  man  is  John  Lane,  a 
plain  United  States  citizen  and  not  yet 
ninety  years  old.  John  Lane  was  not 
bom  until  a  quarter  of  a  century  after 
the  death  of  Washington;  but  when  it 
is  explained  that  the  tomb  of  Washing- 
ton was  opened  and  the  lid  taken  off 
the  coffin  thirty-four  years  after  the 
body  was  placed  in  the  vault  at  Mt. 
Vernon,  and  that  Mr.  Lane  was  present 
at  this  ceremony,  the  apparently  im- 
possible is  made  possible  and  it  is 
shown  how  a  man  who  was  born 
twenty-four  years  after  Washington 
died  still  remembers  perfectly  all  the 
lineaments  of  his  face  and  every  line 
of  his  countenance.      Mr.    Lane    says 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


64 


JOURNAL  or  THB  8WITCH1CBNNB  UNION. 


that  the  strongest  Impression  that  he 
brought  away  with  him  after  he  had 
seen  the  face  of  Washington  was  that 
of  the  Immense  size  of  the  dead  Presi- 
dent. The  head  and  cnest  appeared 
herculean.  The  face  seemed  very  much 
as  it  had  In  all  the  pictures  which  he 
had  seen  of  Washington  and  the  boy 
said  at  the  time  that  he  would  have 
recognized  him  anywhere.  "There 
seems  but  slight  reason/'  says  Mr. 
Lane,  "to  believe  that  the  body  of 
Washington  is  not  in  exactly  the  same 
condition  now  as  it  was  when  I  gazed 
upon  it  seventy-four  years  ago.  The 
alcohol  in  the  leaden  casket  at  that 
time  covered  the  body  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  slight  place  on  the  cheek. 
Since  that  time  the  hermetlcelly  sealed 
casket  has  prevented  the  entrance  of 
air  and  the  consequent  evaporation  has 
therefore  been  very  slight." — Leslie's 
Weekly. 


Remittance  RoN  of  Honor  f or  the  Montfi  off 
December,  1911. 

The  following  is  a  liet  (by  mumbeni) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  G.  S.  and  T.  dur- 
ing the  first  part  of  December: 

Dec.  1— Lodges  38,  142,  ITS. 

Dec.  2— Lodges  65,  102,  141,  169,  194, 
216. 

Dec.  4— Lodges  2,  6,  20,  32,  34,  40, 
41,  44,  60,  61,  69,  72,  73,  74,  77,  80, 
80,  92,  97,  98,  lOO,  103,  112,  113,  115, 
147,  174,  188.  189,  193,  201,  20«,  214, 
220,225. 

Dec.  5— Lodges  14,  18,  19,  21,  23,  29, 


38,  39,  51,  52,  78,  94,  106,  11«,  117,  126, 
126,  144.  146,  15(2,  16i6w  17^,  190,  200. 
217. 

Dec.  6— {Lodges  1,  3.  6,  9,  10,  15,  02, 
28,  42,  43,  53,  54,  56.  59,  68,  82v  86,  88, 
90,  91,  95,  104,  107,  110,  114,  119,  120, 
122,  123,  129,  130,  137,  149,  151,  154, 
175,  179,  199.  202,  218,  228. 

Dec.  7— 'Lodges  8,  12,  24,  26,  36,  36, 
37,  45,  49,  50,  64,  65,  70,  71,  79,  84. 
96,  124,  128,  133,  134.  145,  168,  177, 
180,  181,  1«2,  222,  224. 

Dec.  8— Lodges  13,  17,  46,  47,  75,  83. 
105,  108,  111,  138,  191,  192,  198,  210, 
229. 

Dec.  9^Lodge8  4.  7.  11,  58,  68,  67. 
85,  155,  172,  223,  230. 

Dec.  11— Lodges  30,  48,  57,  62,  93, 
99,  101.  135,  140,  143,  209,  211,  219, 
221,  226. 

Dec.  12— Lodge  25. 

Dec.  13— Lodges  16,  184,  206. 

Up  to  the  time  of  going  to  press 
(Dec.  15th)  lodges  31  and  87  have  not 
arrived. 

Members  should  interest  themselvef^ 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their 
lodges  are  on  the  honor  roll  every 
month. 

Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per 
capita  shall  be  Imposed  upon  all 
lodges  whose  reports  are  not  received 
by  the  Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 
by  the  tenth  day  of  each  month,  and 
if  received  late  for  two  or  more 
months,  then  the  officers  shall  be 
asked  to  remove  the  cause  for  such 
delay. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Journal  promptly  and 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 

2lame Lodge  No 

Street  Toiim...* State 

Ha$  moved  to Street 


Town, 


State. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


jOtJRMAL  OF  THB  BWITOHMBN'S  UNION. 


6( 


Staimmmnt  of  Ctatm$  Paid  During  the  Month  of  Dec,  1911 


JS^AUK 


Date 
Proof 
Pap«n 

oeived 


Date 
Paid 


PAID  TO 


KEBIDBNCB     Amt 


1458  Harry  £.  Bohms 
1400  Wm.  Kerna 

1463  Wm.  W,  Womeldorf 

1464  H.  D.  Holloway 

1466  H.  E.  Ensworth, 

1467  Thoe.  U.  Hall 
14es  R.  J.  McDonnell 
1469  Robert  Norton 
1470J.  R.  0'CX>nnell 
1473  A.  H.  ZeUers 
M74J.I.  Kuhns 
1{75  Chas.  Hazel  rigg 


Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Dis. 

Death 

Deatb 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 


1M7-U1 
n-18-ni 

n-i;vn 

11-17-Ml 
11-18-' 11 
1M6-'U 

ii-i8-»n 
u-2:vii 

IM7-'11 
U-29-'ll 
12-  7-' 11 
12-  8-'ll 


12-18-*11 
12-18-*  11 
12-18-Ul 
12-18-'ll 
12-18-'ll 
12- 18-' 11 
12-18-'11 
12-18-' 11 
12-18-'n 
12-18-' U 
12-18-' 11 
12-18.'ll 


Mary  Clautfenf  sister 
Wm.  E.,  son 
Bertha,  wife. 
Hattte.  wile 
Ulmseir 
Cella,  wife 
Maggie,  wife 
lAHce,  wife 
Gertrude,  wife 
Mar>',  mother 
Margaret,  wife 
Alice,  wife 


Port  Huron, Mich, 
ClnelnnAti,  O. 
Chickorba,  Okla. 
Buffalo.  N.  Y. 
Chicago,  111. 
St.  Paul,  Minn. 
Kansas  City.  Uo. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Conneaut,  O. 
Ft  Wayne,  Ind. 
St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Indianapolis,  Ind, 


$1,500 
1,600 

760 

1,500 

1,600 

I   1,500 

1,600 

750 
1,600 
1,600 
1,600 
1,500 


FMTkmily  imortad .. 
Fmid  iliioa  iMt  report . 
Reftinded  Intaruioe. 


.tl,414,a06.00 

16,500.09 

90.00 


116,600 


Total 11,481,126.00 

Jieknowiedgment  of  Claims  Paid  In  November,  1911 

Mrs.  Bertha  Smith,  Bamao,N.  Y 9  800 

Mrt.GarrieHanien,8eatUe,Waah 1,600 

Mrt.  Katherine  Bethel,  Oinoiimatl,  0 1,600 

Mn.  Mary  HeUer,  Blue  Island,  lU 1,600 

Mrs.  Sarah  Lewis,  Fort  Worth,  Tex 1,600 

James  Hisglns,  Chicago,  HI 1,600 

Mrs.  Rose  Oehler,BafflUo,N.Y 1,600 

Mrs.  Margaret  Roaoh,  Sedalia,  Mo 1,600 

A.  O.  DeBiay,  Detroit,  Mloh. 1,600 

Mrs.  Laoile  Williams,  Beaamont,  Tex 760 

Miss  Anna  a.  Moran,  Cleveland,  Ohio 1,600 

Mrs.  Mary  Herold,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 760 

Mrs.  Btisabeth  Kelly,  B,  St.  Louis,  Rl 760 

Mrs.  Mlna  Madden,  BuflMo,  N.  Y 876 


'Md^^.iZc^ 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurw, 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 

GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BmrFAiK),  N.  Y.,  January  1, 1112. 
BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treasurer  or 

1  Seoretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  month  (see  SeoUon  218) .     Grand  dues 

are  fifty  cents  (60o)  per  month j  members  holding  class  "  B  "  certificate,  unsnss 
ment  12.00;  class  ^A''  certificate,  assessment  $1.00:  class  "C"  certificate, 
assessment  60o  (see  section  88).  A  failure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  Is 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  nirther  notice  (see  Sections 
214447  Subordinate  Lodge  Oinstltution).  The  purpose  of  the  asseaunent  Is  to 
pay  beneficiary  rlainks  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Orand  Lodge. 
Oiand  dues  and  aasessments  collected  finom  members,  as  above  provided,  not 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182). 
YoursinB.,  H.  AP., 

M.  R.  WELCH, 

arand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


But  of  the  Firms  Who  Advebtise  in  the  Joubnal. 


i 


:i  <niifFA'' vK,  ^od/,^  I; 


OMMKtB,.    APWL  y-.^  1898 


T 


BANNERS 


Made  o(  fine  imported  banner  lOk;  fined  wilfa  satb; 
lettered  in  gold,  with  dw  organirerinn*!  emblem  in  ibe 
centre  painted  hf  hand  in  oil  colon.  Fine  gik  laoe  en  lop 
and  sides,  with  fringe  and  tasseb  at  the  bottom.  Furnished 
complete  vrith  solid  black-wabnt  pole,  wkh  doable  screw- 
joint  and  brass  eagle;  also  black-wabut  cross-bar  with  brass 
spear  poinli;  and  wUi  bell  and  coiver. 


SIZE 

SINGLE 

DOUBLE 

30s40  inches 
36«54    " 
40x60     " 

$  73.00  each 
90.00   •• 
10500  " 

$lt5.00eael 
135.00    " 
I45U»    - 

These  prices  are  absohitalr  net 


M.  R.  WELCH,  Cmnmral  Sme.  and  Trma; 

326  Brisbane  Buildmg.  BoUh  N.  Y. 


i 


NORTn    AMERICA^ 


OUR    MOTTO 


I 


BUFFALO  LODGl 
H?4 


OUR  OFFICIAL  BADGE 

FIFTY  CENTS  EACH,  NET 


W|^ffl8^Pl2ORM0RE 


nAA/r0i»»im.n   nwr  /i/l«i««»#<*««*«     am^ 


>i#Ma     #&i«      r.mu... 


Do  You  Know  the  Real  Story 
of  Your  Railroad  Order? 


Every  Railroader   is  Interested   in  the  History  and   Development 

of  His  Organization 

miLROAD  MANS  MAGAZINE 

is  telling  the  story  of  American  railroad  workers  in  a  remarkable  series 
of  articles  describing  their  labor  organizations.  The  history  of  every 
great  order  in  America,  the  circumstances  surrounding  its  formation,  its 
struggles  and  its  triumphs,  vividly  described  in  these  masterly  discussions. 
It  is  the  first  time  that  the  actual  stories  of  the  great  organizations  have 
been  told  in  a  magazine.     The  articles  will  describe  : 

Tke  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers  The  Switchmen's  Union 

The  Brotherhood  of  Raikoad  Trainmen  The  Express  Service 

The  Order  of  Railroad  Telegraphers  The  Raihroad  Employees 

The  Order  of  Railway  Conductors  The  Order  of  Railway  Qerks 


These  articles 


YOU 


are 


printed   in    YOUR   interest. 
The  Railfhad  Man's  Maga- 
zine  is  your  magazine. 

The   series   begins  with  "The 

Order  of   Railway  Conductors"   in 

February  issue.     Get  the  first  of  the 

articles  and  read  them  all.    "The 

Brotherhood  of  Railroad  Trainmen  " 

follows  in    March.     You  will   find 

ihe    magazine    the   biggest   budget   of    railroad 

literature  in    the  world.      192    pages,    profusely 

illustrated,  covering  every  phase  of  your  work, 

for  10  cents  a  copy,  or  $i.(X)  a  year. 

If  your  newsdealer  is  out  of  the  Railroad  Man's 
Magazine  send  your  order  direct  to  the  Publishers, 


THE  FRANK 

175  Fifth  Avenue 


A.  MUNSEY  COMPANY 

•  Digitized  by  Vat    ^ew  Yoik  Oty 


But  or  thx  Pibms  Who  Advebtisk  hi  the  iomHAL 


Ball  Watches 

The  Railroad  Standard 

flBall  Watches, 

among  railroad  men, 
are  recognized  as  the 
accurate,  reliable, 
strong  and  simple 
time  piece  that  stands 
up  to  its  dutj;  year 
after  year  without 
expense  beyond  the 
yearly  cleaning  and 
oiling.  A  Ball  Watch 
means  no  repair  bills. 

1  The  Railroad   Standard  is 

the  Ball   Watch. 

It  is  standard  in  all  the 
things  a  railroad  man's 
watcn  should  be — and  it  is 
sold  at  standard  retail 
prices,  everywhere  the 
same.  When  you  buy  a 
Ball  Watch  you  get  full 
watch  value. 

WriU  for  Free  Ptus  Holder  and 

BookUt  that  Tells  Why  Ball 
Watches  are  the  Railroad  Standard 

The 

Webb  C.  Ball 

Watch  Co. 

400  Ball  Building,  Cleveland 
600  Railway  Exchange,  Chicago 


PATENTS 

THAT  PROTECT  AND  PAY. 
BOOKS.  ADVKS.  SEARCH  AND)    FRFF 

usTo^iNVDmoNs wanted)  riULC 

Send  sketch  or  model  for  learch.  Highett  Refer* 
ences.    Best  Resulti.    Promptness  Asrared. 

WATSON  E.  COLEMAN,      Patent  Uwyar 

622  F  SlMot  N.  W.  WsiMntnn,  D.  C 


"What's  the  bill  for  fixing  my  autor* 
afiks  the  Btrange  patron. 

"It  figures  up  to  $110,  sir/'  replies 
the  garage  man. 

"Whew!  ril  have  to  giire  you  a 
check.  I  left  all  my  money  in  my  drug 
store." 

"Why,  are  you  a  druggist?" 

"Yes  " 

"Oh/ In  that  case  the  bill  will  be  a 
dollar  and  a  quairter.  We  feHows  ought 
to  stand  together."— OWcai^o  Tont. 


OVER  66  YEARS' 
EXPERIENCE 


Trade  Marks 
Designs 
CopvRiaHTS  Ac. 
Anyone  sending  e  sketeh  and  deserfptkm  may 
qnloklf  asoertaln  oar  oi»lnlon  ftee  whetlier  an 
InTenUon  is  probably  pMentebM     ^ 
tlons  strtoC|;r  oonlldendaL  HANDS 


1  aceney  f or  seoartocpatents* 

Patents  taken  tEronah  Mann  mJa 
9peeltUnoUc$t  wltbont  enarve.  In  we 

Sdeiuiflc  JUtterkaii. 

▲  liandsomely  flinstrated  weekly.  I«anrest  eir. 
eolation  of  any solentUlo  loamaL  Terms, lie 
year  i  f oar  months.  SL  Sold  byiril  newsdealese. 

hi!!i&6oi*J!±^NewYork 

ttaaob  Ofllee,  OS  F  St.  Washlnffton.  Du  OL 

BE  A  DETECTIVE  JiSTS 

$300.00  per  month,  travel  all  over  the 
world.  Write  C  T.  LUDWIG,  1814 
Scarritt  Bailding ,  Kaneae  City,  Mo. 

WESHIP««IPPMVIL 

wUk«Ht  a  €tnt dt^sU,vm^%^  ffr«lCBt 
sad  Allow  10  DAYS  FIHW  TMAL. 

IT  ONLY  COSTS  oa«  c«it  to  taMBjNr 
mUttmrd  ^f  print  sad  mmryKlmu  qg^9 
on  hlghert  giMle  191a  biwM  McycNs. 

FACTORY  PRICES  ^^£;f£Z 

ft  pttlr  of  tins  fron  any»n*  M  mty/rif 
until  you  wrlM  for  our  largo  Art  Catalae 
•ad  \munwawoHdtr/^iprpp0Mitiem9mUm, 
taaplo  bicydo  folaff  to  jrour  towa. 

RIDER  ARENTS  srntTS 

OMoey  oxMMtiBf  aad  •ellteff^ow  bkyclM. 
We  Sell  ehoapcr  thu  Mv  oibor  ftcta>ik 
_       TIRSS.  Ceaater^«fce  tearybegla, 
lUDDO.  fopidn  Md  all  MBdrlo*  at  JMT  «w*MM/<'<K«fc 


Bdt  of  the  Fibms  Who  Advebtibk^ih  the  Jotjbnal. 


WRITE  TO  THIS 


W  YOU  WANT  TO  STOP  A  MAN 
FROM  DRINK 


S«VM«I  Of  Hmr  Hmlghbon  and  Promirtod 
by   H«r  llMtorfd   H«     ' 


OMMrmwIy  Off  ors  to  toll  Yoo  of 

tko  Slmplo,  Inoxpoiiolvo  Rom- 

odythat  oho  oo  Suooooo- 


For  orer  20  yean  the  husband  of  Mn. 
Maiiiazet  Andenom  was  a  hard  drinker,  but 
nine  years  ago,  by  using  a  simple  remedy,  she 
stopped  his  drinkuig  entirely.  He  has  not 
tooeaed  a  drop  since. 


MRS.  MARQARCT  ANDERSON 

Hit  Will  Ttll  You  How  To  Stop  a  Man  From  Drink 
The  remedy  can  be  given  secretly,  so 
tiiere  is  no  publicity  of  yonr  private  affairs. 
She  wsnts  overv  man  or  woman  who  has 
dnmkenness  in  their  home  to  write  to  her  so 
die  csn  tell  them  just  what  remedy  she  used. 
Hondreds  have  freed  their  homes  from  drink 
In  using  the  information  she  cave  them,  bat 
there  are  still  hundreds  of  others  who  need 
lad  shoald  have  it,  so  we  eamestlv  advise 
«sch.  one  of  oar  readers  who  has  a  dear  one 
vhodrfanks,  to  drop  her  a  line  to-day. 

The  proofSi  of  the  hondreds  of  really  re- 
■siksble  results  are  too  strong  to  be  doubted 
«  denied.  Yet  sho  makes  no  charge  for  her 
bel|L  (she  asks  for  no  money  and  accepts  none) 
ss  tners  is  no  reason  why  you  should  not 
write  her  at  once.  She  only  requests  that 
yon  sre  personally  interested  in  saving  one 
who  drfaucs.  Send  your  letter  with  confidence 
to  her  hofio.    Here  is  her  address: 

Mrs.  Margarol  Andoraon. 
SM  RmmiAvmnm;       MHbani.liowYorfc. 

A^;  (WfUgytmr/uil  name  and  address  plainly-' 
do  not  delay.) 


lUs  Edison 

FIresfde  MochI 
Phonograph 

Shipped 
FREE! 

•sad  This  Great 
NOV  Offer 


Shipped  FREE! 

The  latest  andjn>eatestofferontheGenuine 
Edison.  This  oner  is  for  everv  one  who  has 
not  yet  heard  onr  Edison  in  his  own  home— for  yon  to 
hear  concerts  and  entertainments  by  the  world-fkmous 
musiciana— just  such  entertainments  as  the  metropoli- 
tan theaters  are  producing. 

■aif  Arrra  I^in  send  you  this  Genuine 
MY  |||i|it|f  EdisonFfresideOutfitCnewest 
III  I  V  F I  Lit  modeDcomplete  with  1  doxen 
EdisonGoldMouldedandAm- 


berol  Records,  for  an  absolutely  Frie 


I  don*t  I 


iiy  money  down  or  in  advance.  There  are  no  C.  O.  D. 
Biiipments;  no  leases  or  mortgages— absolutely  nothing 
but  a  plain  out-ond-out  offer  to  ship  you  this  pbono- 


fniph  together  with  a  doten  records  of  your  own  selec- 
ion  on  a  free  trial  so  that  you  can  hear  it  and  play  it 
in  your  own  home. 

Why  i  Want  to  iMd  Von  This  Phomgraph 

I  know  tliat  there  are  thousands  of  people  who  hare  nerer  heard  th« 
Genuine  Ellison  Phonograph.  Now,  there's  only  one  way  to  convince 
peoi>l<>  tliat  t  he  Mdison  is  superior,  and  that  is  to  let  them  actually  see 
and  liearthb  remarkable  instrument  for  themselves.  That  l«  urtiy  I 
•MB  maklNa  laie  oHmtm  The  only  w<iy  /*  maktyou  acttuUfy  rtai' 
ise  iht  f  things  far  yoitrsfi/is  to  ioanyou  m  GtMtutu  £dison  r' 
graph /re€  and  let  you  try  it» 


All  Vah  iija4a«l  Wkm.  AU  I  ask  you  to  do  Is  to  Invite  m 

Ai  I ou  Need  Do  £si'ys5SSi5'p!;Sd?!st.» 

I  feel  absolutely  certnin  that  out  of  the  number  of  your  friends  who  will 
hear  yniir  machine  tliere  will  be  at  least  one  and  probably  more  who 
will  want  an  Edison  ot  his  own.  If  there  Isn't  (and  this  Bometlmes 
hapiiens)  I  won't  blame  you  in  the  least.  You  won't  l)e  asked  to  act 
as  our  agent  or  even  assist  In  the  sale  of  a  single  instrument. 

I  that  It  If  yoa 

I  you  wish  to 

~- gr- ,, , remit  US  the 

price  in  full,  or  if  you  prefer,  we  will  allow  you  to  pay  for  it  on  the 

easiest  kind  of  payments. 

Osr  Easy  Payment  PbM  2S?..nE'^nte?.!J'S 

lease  or  mortgage  of  any  kind,  no  gu.-irantee  from  a  third  party,  no 
going  before  a  notary,  no  publicity  of  any  kind,  and  the  paymentsare 
so  wy  small,  and  our  terms  so  liberal  you  never  notice  the  i 


If  Yoa  Wantto  KeepthePhsnotraph;^', 

make  the  phonograph  your  own,  you  may  do  so.    EiUier  remit 


FREE! 


y 


.EDISON 


Just  sign  this  coupon  now  and 

mail  it  to  us.    I  will  send  you  _ 

our  Edison  Phonograph  Catalog,  the 

very  latest  li<;t  of  Edison  Gokl  Moulded 
and  Amberol  Records  (1 500  of  them)  and  our  Free     « 
Trial  Certificue  entitling  you  to  this  grand    JP 
offer.    Sign  this  coupon  or  send  postal  or    JT 
letter  now.    No  obligatSons— get  cat^og.    J^ 

Fm  K.  Babson,  J^  EtfMBBioaiLGUcMs.nL 

EDISON  PHONOGMPH        JT    — ^"-""^'"^ 


Dspt25n 


DISTMBUTERS 


Fleaee  aend  me,  without  any  ob> 
^1^'  hgatlons.  your  New  Edison  Phono. 


JT    srnph  Catalog.  list  ot  Edison  Gold 

P^     Jr    Moulded   and  Amberol  Records  and 

,„         v.*      ^  d  J       J^  Pree  Trial  Certilkate  enUtUng  me  to  yoot 
Western  Otfice:  65  Post      ^        •  -  - 


M; 


Wn  ,  CMcas*.  IIL 


Street.  Snn   Frands<      ^r 
CO.  California.  Can*     JT 


J^     grand  offer,  all  free. 


WinnTptj^. 


Md^irmmm^ 


Wh€n  addressing  our  advertisers^  mention  this  Journal, 


Google 


But  of  the  Fibms  Who  Adyebtisk  nr  the  Joubhal. 


LIGHT   UP! 


You  can  transform  any  kerosene  (coal  oil)  lamp  or  lantern 
into  dazzling  brilliancy  with  our  wonderful  Brlgbt  Light 
Burner.  50  candle  power  invisible  and  uabreakable 
Steel  Maatle.  Brighter  than  electricity,  better  than  gas 
or  gasoline,  and  perfectly  sale.  No  generating — simply 
light  Uke  any  kerosene  lamp.  Nothing  to  get  out  of  order. 
Positively  will  not  smoke  or  flicker. 

AI^FIVTQ  l^AlVTFfl  everywhere.  SelU  Uke  wUdfire. 
**'J*-'^^  *  "^  '*  ^^^^  '■  *-'*'  An  opportunity  of  a  life  time,  work 
all  or  spare  time.  Kxperiunce  unnecessary.  Make  bitr  money — be  indepen- 
dent. Write  today.  Act  quick — territory  gointf  fast.  Complete  sample,  post- 
paid, 30c»    4  lor  $1.00.    Money  liack  if  not  satisfactory. 

BRIGHT  LIGHT  CO.,  Dept.  2S5-r,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 


Ji 


Double  Roller  Watches 
That  Pass  Inspection 

21   JEWCLCD  HAMPDEN  ^f%^ 

with  a  20  year  gold  filled  case 9^0 

21   JEWELED  HAMILTON  ^^ 

with  a  20  year  gold  filled  case ^O 

21   JEWELED  BUNN  SPECIAL  ^^ 

with  a  20  year  gold  filled  case ^O 

21   JEWELED  ELGIN  ^^ 

*  with  a  20  year  gold  filled  caac ^O 

We  guarantee  every  watch  we  aell  to  pasa  railroad  laapectloa, 
and  to  keep  it  in  repcur  free  of  charge  for  two  yeara. 

Sand  for  catalogue. 
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THE   JOURNAL 

OF  THE  SWITCH- 
MEN'S UNION  OF 
NORTH  AMERICA 

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In  advance. 

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TMOSK  WHO  SKAR  KOUALLY  THK  SURDKNa  OF  OOVKKNIIKNT  SHOULD 
SQUALLY    PARTICIPATa    IN    ITS    •KNBFITS  —  THOMAS    JKPFKRSON 


VOL,  3^ 


FEBRUARY,  1912 


No^2 


Abralfaitt  Uittrnbt 

THC  UrC  MASK 

Bt  Stuabt  Stbbne. 

Ah,  oountlese  womdere,  brought  from  every  zone, 
Not  all  your  wealth  could  turn  the  heart  awa«r 
From  that  one  semblance  of  our  common  clay, 

The  brow  whereon  the  precious  life,  long  flown, 

Leaving  a  homely  glory  all  its  owm, 
Seems  stilli  to  linger  with  a  mournful  play 
Of  light  and  shadow! — ^His,  who  held  a  sway 

And  power  of  magic  to  himself  unknown. 
Through  what  is  grranted  but  God's  chosen  few. 

Earth's  crownless,  yet  anointed  kings, — ^a  soul 
Divinely  simple  and  sublimely  true 

In  that  unconscious  greatness  that  cAiall  bless 

This  petty  world  while  stars  their  courses  roll, 

Whose  finest  flower  is  self-forgetfulness. 


VaatfUtstoit 


For  tho'  the  years  their  golden  round 

O'er  all  the  lavish  region  roU. 

And  realm  on  reahn,  from  pole  lo  pole, 
In  one  beneath  thy  stars  be  bound, — 
The  far  off  centuries  as  they  flow. 
No  whiter  name  than  this  shall  Imowl 

—Frances  T,  PaJgrave, 


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68 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


THE  UNITED  STATES  GOVERNMENT. 


BY  JOHN  G.  BIOBDAN    (79),  CHICAGO,   ILL. 


Many  of  the  reacters  of  the  Joubnal 
lack  the  knowledge  to  uoderstandi  the 
organization  of  the  federai  sovem- 
ment,  its  powers  and  Umitations,  and 
wonder  in  amazement  at  some  of  the 
acts  of  our  goyernment  which  eeem 
abeurd'  to  them.  But  after  a  careful 
studiy  of  the  diilerent  branches  of  the 
federal  government,  it  la  not  so  hard 
to  un<ler8tand  the  reaBons  for  these 
acts.  To  enable  tho  reader  to  more 
fully  understand  the  fundamental 
principle  of  the  fedleral  goyemment, 
its  co-ordl!nate  branches,  and  their  pow- 
ers and  duties,  it  wiU  be  necessary  to 
go  back  to  the  "Ootoniial  form  of  Ooy- 
ernanent"  and  point  out  tihe  changes 
that  took  place  in  ^e  early  form  of 
goyernment  in  the  United  States  be- 
fore our  present  Constitution'  was 
adopted. 

Preyious  to  1776,  the  inhabited  por- 
tion of  the  territory  now  occupied  by 
the  United  States  was  divided  between 
thirteen  cokmies,  all  of  which)  were 
under  the  goyernment  control  of  Ens- 
land.  The  cohmdes  were  aUowed  cer- 
tain rights  of  self-goyemment,  most  of 
them  haying  a  Jocal  legistative  body, 
wliose  laws  might,  howeyer»  be  de- 
feated by  the  royal  governor  of  .the  col- 
ony, by  a  mere  refusal  to  give  his  as- 
sent to  them.  The  royal  governor  of  a 
colony  was  appointed  by  the  British 
crown.  The  Shi^lish  parliament,  how- 
ever, reserved  and  exercised  the  right 
to  legislate  for  the  ootonies  when  they 
felt  disposed  to  do  so. 

Each  colony  was  distinct  Ua  its  form 
of  government  from  every  other,  but 
had  at  various  times  sent  delegates  to 
general  conyentions  or  congresses 
which  were  called  for  the  purpose  of 
discussing  proTisions  for  their  common 
defense  against  the  Indlians.  anSi  otiier 
matters  pertaining  to  their  general 
welfare. 

In  1774  a  regular  series  of  these  as- 
semblies began,  under  llie  name  of 
"Continental  Congresses,"  and  it  was 
one  of  these  congresses  which,  in  177^, 
as  representative  of  the  people  of  the 
colonies,  issued  the  Deolaration^  of  In- 
dependence. In  this  instrument  the 
colonies  formaUy  renounced  all  alle- 


giance to  the  British  crown.  The  enact- 
ing clause  of  the  declaration  was  as 
follows:  "We,  therefore,  the  represen- 
tatives of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, in  general  congress  assembled,  ap- 
pealing to  the  Supreme  Judge  of  tlie 
world  for  the  rectitude  of  our  inten- 
tions, do,  in  the  name  and  by  the  au- 
thority of  the  good  people  of  these  col- 
oDles,  soJemnly  publish  and  declare 
that  these  united  colonies  are,  and  of 
right  ought  to  be,  free  and  independent 
slates;  that  they  are  absolved  from  aU 
allegiance  to  the  British  crown;  and 
that  all  political  connection  between 
them  and  the  state  of  Great  Britain  is, 
and  ought  to  be  totally  dissolved;  and 
that,  as  free  and  independent  states, 
they  have  full  power  to  levy  war,  con- 
clude peace,  contract  alliances,  estab- 
lish commerce,  and  to  do  all  other  acts 
and  things  wliich  indlependlent  states 
may  of  right  do.  And  for  the  support 
of  this  declaration,  with  a  firm  reli- 
ance on  the  protection  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence, we  mutually  pledge  to  each 
other  our  Dives,  our  fortune  and  our 
sacred  honor." 

After  the  colonies  declared'  their  in- 
dependence from  the  British*  crown 
they  entered  into  a  €k>nfederatlon  of 
States,  or  a  confederacy,  whicli  is  the 
name  applied  to  a  number  of  states 
which  have,  by  treaty,  agreed  to  act  in 
common  concerning;  certain  matters. 

The  Articles  of  Confederation  con- 
sisted of  a  mere  compact  between  the 
states,  in  which  it  was  plainly  stated 
that  "each  State  retains  its  sovereignty 
freedom  and  independence,  and  every 
power,  Jurisdiction  and  ris^t  which  is 
not,  by  this  confederation,  expressily 
delegated  to  the  United  States  in>  con- 
gress assembled." 

Under  these  articles  the  confedera- 
tion was  a  loose  league  between  the 
States.  It  was  soon  found  that  the 
general  government  did  not  have  suf- 
ficient power  to  adequately  perform  its 
functions;  this  led'  to  the  adbption  of 
the  Constitution. 

Judge  Cooly  in  his  works  on  Ccmeti- 
tutional  Law,  p.  15«  sums  up  the  d<e- 
fects  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation 
in  the  follk>win«:  manner:     "The  Con- 


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JOURNAL,  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


federation  was  given  authority  to 
make  laws  on  some  subjects,  but  it 
had  no  power  to  compel  obedience.  It 
migbt  enter  into  treaties  and  alliances 
whicli  the  States  and  the  people  could 
disregard  with  impunity.  It  might  ap- 
portion pecuniary  and  military  obliga- 
tioEs  among  the  States  in  strict  ac- 
cordance with  the  provisions  of  the 
articles;  but  the  recognition  of  the 
obligations  must  depend  upon*  the  vol- 
untary action  of  thirteen  States,  all 
more  or  less  jealous  of  each  other,  and 
all  likely  to  recognize  the  pressure  of 
home  debts  and  home  burdens  sooner 
than  the  obligations  of  the  broadler  pa- 
triotism Involved'  in  fidelity  to  the 
I'nion.  It  might  contract  debts,  but  it 
could  not  provide  the  means  for  satis- 
fying theno.  In  short  it  had  no  power 
tc  leiry  taxes,  or  to  regulate  trade  or 
*  commerce,  or  to  compel  uniformity  In 
the  regulations  of  the  States.  The 
judgments  rendered  In  pursuance  of 
its  limited  judicial  authority  were  not 
respected  by  the  States.  It  had  no 
touTts  to  take  notice  of  Infractions  of 
ilB  laws  and  It  had  no  executive.  It 
became  at  last  difficult  to  enlist  suf- 
Ment  Interest  in  its  proceedtinge  to 
keep  up  the  forms  of  government 
throogh  the  meetings  of  congress  and 
of  the  executive  committee." 

The  recognition  of  the  deficiency  of 
the  Articles  of  Confederation  led  to 
the  summoning  of  a  convention  of  dele- 
gates from  the  several  States  to  meet 
in  Philadelphia,  in  May.  1787,  for  the 
purpose  of  revising  the  Artlclee  of 
Confederation.  The  delegates,  realiz- 
ing the  loose  form  of  government  they 
had,  thought  it  best  to  formulate  a  new 
plan  of  government.  Accordingly,  they 
prepared  the  Instrument  which  was 
then  called  and  is  still  referred  to  as 
the  **Constitution  of  the  United  States 
of  America." 

This  constitution  was  adopted  by  the 
States  and  went  into  effect  March  4, 
178$. 

It  is  purely  a  written  consJtitution. 
It  is  not  limited  by  any  unwritten 
rules,  except  those  relating  to  its  In- 
terpretation. Many  countries  have 
what  Is  called  "Unwritten  Constitu- 
tions."  By  this  is  meant  that  their 
govemments  are  regulated  by  rules 
which  are  not  embodied  in  any  one 
WTittai  or  formal  document.  The  rules 
that  go  to  make  up  an  "Un,written  Coup 
atitutiofi"  are  traditional  or  customary, 


and,  although  oometimes  rediuoed  to 
writing,  in,  the  hlBtorioal  papers  and 
records  of  the  nation,  yet  sfuch  records 
are  usually  fragmentary,  and>  valuable 
only  as  evidence  of  what  the  rules 
really  are  rather  than  having;  any  in- 
trinsic authority.  In  the  United  States, 
however,  the  Constitution  is  written, 
and  ifl  the  source  of  all  government 
regulation.  The  Confititution  of  Eng- 
land is  a  notable  example  of  an  "Un- 
written Confititution." 

The  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
created  a  strong  central  government, 
known  as  the  "Federal  Govemonent/' 
Each  State,  in  adopting  it,  sur- 
rendered to  this  central  govern- 
ment a  certain  portion  of  Its 
autliority.  Among  the  various  func- 
tions whicfh  each  State  delegated  to  the 
government  are  the  oondtuct  of  all  in- 
ternational affairs;  the  carrying  on  of 
war;  the  regulation'  of  foreign,  and  in- 
terstate commerce;  the  ooinage  of 
money;  the  conduct  of  a  postal  sys- 
tem; patent  andi  copjrright  matters; 
and  n/umerous  fun«ctions  which  pertain 
to  the  state  at  large.  Ail  international 
affairs  being  within  the  control  of  the 
Federal  Government,  foreigni  nations 
do  not  recognize  the  indtividlual  States, 
as  sovereign  nations.  That  portion  of 
the  sovereignty  which  pertains  to  for- 
eign relations  is  exercised  through  the 
Federal  Qovemment,  the  sovereignty 
in  respect  to  all  other  matters  of  mere 
local  importance  finds  its  exercise 
through  the  State  govenument. 

The  sovereignty  itself  is  in  the  peo- 
ple; but  the  people  have  ordlainedl  that 
it  shall  be  exercised  throu^  two  49if- 
ferent  instruments — the  Fecteral  and 
State  govemments. 

In  order  that  the  readier  may  be  able 
to  draw  the  line  between  the  Federal 
and  State  government  it  may  he  well 
to  diefine,  briefly,  the  relations  of  the 
State  and  Federal  govemment 

The  powers  of  the  Fed>eral  govern- 
ment in  the  Undted  States  are  limited 
to  those  grranted  to  it  either  expressly 
or  by  implication  in  the  United  States 
Constitution.  All  other  powers  are  re- 
served to  the  State  government. 

There  has  been,  at  different  times, 
various  views  entertained  as  to  the 
proper  interpretation  to  be  applied  to 
the  Federal  constitution,  but  it  is  now 
generally  agreed  that  its  oonstmction 
should  be  liberal;  that  the  Fedsral 
government  shouM  be  allowed  to  ex- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


ercfee,  not  only  the  powers  expresBiliy 
(Delegated!  to  it,  but  all  those  incidiental 
powers  necessary  to  cany  the  express 
powers  into  execution.  The  Federal 
oonetitutlon  also  coataine  certain  re- 
etrictions  on  the  several  States.  Among 
the  more  important  ones  are  as  fol- 
lows: '^No  State  shaU  enter  into  any 
treaty,  alliance  or  confederation;  ^lant 
letters  of  marque  or  reprisal  (a  com- 
mdesion  issued  by  tftie  authority  of  a 
sovereign,  to  one  or  more  subjects,  au- 
thorizing the  seizure  of  tiie  property 
of  the  subjects  or  sovereign  of  an  of- 
fending nation,  and  its  detention  as  a 
pledlge,  until  satisfaction  for  the  in- 
jury complained  of  is  made)  coin 
money;  emit  bills  of  credit  (sending 
forth  paper  issued  by  the  authority  of 
the  State,  on  the  faith  of  the  State, 
and  diesigned  to  circulate  as  money) ; 
make  anything  but  gold-  and  silver 
coin  a  tender  in  payment  of  diebt;  pass 
any  bills  of  attainder  (a  bill  which  for- 
feited the  property,  corrupted  the  blood 
so  tjhat  nothing  could  pass  by  inherit- 
ance to  or  from  the  persom,  and  his  in- 
ability to  sue  or  be  sued),  or  to  bear 
witness  in  a  court  of  law);  pass  ex 
post  facto  laws,  or  laws  impairing  the 
obligation  of  contracts,  or  grant  any 
title  of  nobility."  (An  **Ex  post  facto 
law"  is  a  law  which  renders  an  act 
done  before  its  enactment  punAshable 
as  it  was  not  punishable  when*  it  was 
done.) 

"No  State  shall,  without  consent  of 
congress  lay  any  impost  or  duties  on 
imports  or  exports  except  what  may 
be  absolutely  necessary  Cor  executing 
its  inspection  laws,  and  the  net  produce 
of  adl  such  duties  and  imposts  laid  by 
any  State  on  imports  or  exports  shall 
be  for  the  use  of  the  United  States 
Treasoiry;  and  all  such  laws  eOiall  be 
subject  to  the  revision  and  control  of 
congress. 

'*iNo  State  shall,  without  the  consent 
of  congress,  lay  any  duty  on  tonnage, 
keep  troops  or  ships  of  war  in  time  of 
peace,  enter  into  any  a^eement  or 
compact  with  another  State  or  with  a 
foreign  power,  or  engage  in  war  un- 
less actually  invaded  or  in  such  immi- 
nent dianger  as  will  not  permit  of  de- 
lay." 

The  State  and  Federal  governments 
are  two  distinct  parts  of  the  same  sys- 
tem. They  are  vitally  united,  yet  so 
distinct  in  their  powers  that  there  is 
no  conflict  in  the  exercise  of  these 


functions.  A  particular  citizen  owes 
allegiance  to  the  Federal  govenuneot 
in  national  matters  alone.  In  aU  other 
matters  he  is  under  the  control  of  his 
own  State 

There  is  ordinarily  no  appeal  in  lo^ 
cal  affairs  from  the  State  to  the  Na- 
tional government.  The  decision  of 
the  State  courts  on  matters  pertaining 
to  those  affairs  are  supreme  so  long  as 
they  do  not  encroach  upon  the  powers 
delegated  to  the  United  States,  or  vio- 
late the  LTnited'  States  €k>nstitutioQ. 

The  State  is  not  a  mere  instrument 
of  government  established'  by  and  un- 
der the  controd  of  the  Federal  govemr 
ment,  but  is  an  independent  political 
organization,  equally  as  permanent, 
equally  as  supreme  in  matters  within 
its  jurisdiction,  as  the  Federal  govern- 
ment itself. 

The  Federal  government  performs 
its  functions  through  the  establish- 
ment and  execution  of  laws.  It  has  been 
deemed  best  for  the  attainment  of  the 
highest  excellence  in  the  performance 
of  these  functions  tlhat  the  duties  of 
making  and  applying  and)  executins 
the  laws  should  be  distributed  between 
different  bodies  of  oflkers,  hence  the 
Federal  Constitution  provides  for  and 
distributes  the  powers  of  the  Federal 
government  between  three  co-ordinate 
branches  caaied  the  "legislative,"  "ju- 
dicial" and  "executive"  branches. 

The  "legislative"  powers  are  exer- 
cised by  a  (Congress  which  consists  of 
two  distinct  bodies,  known,  respective- 
ly, as  the  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. 

The  "executive"  power  is  vested  in 
a  President  of  the  United  States  and 
his  subordinate  executive  oflicers. 

The  "Judicial"  power  is  vested  in  a 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States 
and  in  such  other  inferior  courts  as 
Congress  may.  from  time  to  time,  or- 
dain and  establish. 

The  Senate  is  sometimes  referred  to 
as  the  upper  house  of  Congress,  and  is 
made  up  of  two  Senators  from  each 
State,  chosen  by  the  Legislature  there- 
of. The  Federal  constitution  guar- 
antees to  each  State  its  equal  suffrage 
in  the  Senate. 

Unlike  the  Senate,  the  members  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  are 
elected  by  a  direct  vote  of  the  people, 
and  for  the  purpose  of  securing  a 
proper  distribution  of  representatives, 
each  State  is  divided   into   wliat  are 


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71 


called  "Congressional  districts/'  each 
district  electing  one  representatlTO. 
The  lower  house  being  the  direot  repre- 
Bentatives  of  the  people,  the  Constitu- 
tion provides  that  it  shall  have  ezdu- 
siTe  power  to  originate  all  bills  for  the 
purpose  of  raising  revenue. 

The  President  is  the  Chief  Executive 
of  the  United  States  government,  and 
as  such  controls  the  administration  of 
the  laws.  In  addition  to  his  executive 
function,  he  plays  an  important  part 
In  legislation.  When  a  bill  has  passed 
both  houses  of  Congress,  it  is  necessary 
that  it  receive  his  approval  before  it 
can  become  a  law,  unless,  after  he  has 
declined  to  approve  it,  it  be  again 
passed  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  both 
houses;  if,  however,  a  bill  passed  by 
Congress  be  neither  vetoed  nor  ap- 
proved by  the  President  within  ten 
dajTs  after  its  passage,  it  becomes  a  law 
without  his  approval.  This  power  of 
the  President  is  called  tne  "^eto 
power'*  because  he  communicates  his 
refusal  of  assent  to  any  law  by  writing 
upon  it  the  word  "veto,"  meaning  "I 
forbid." 

The  President  also  has  the  power,  by 
and  with  the  advice  of  the  Senate,  to 
appoint  the  justices  of  the  various 
courts  of  the  United  States,  as  well  as 
many  of  the  subordinate  executive  offi- 
cers. 

The  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States  is  the  higher  court  of  appellate 
jurisdiction  in  the  Federal  system,  and 
is  supplemented  by  various  subordinate 
courts.  One  of  the  most  characteristic 
functions  of  the  Supreme  Court  is  of  a 
quasi  legislative  character.  In  it  is 
vested  the  power  of  determining 
whether  the  laws  passed  by  Congress 
or  any  State  legislature  are  in  har- 
mony with  the  Federal  Constitution  or 
not 

If  Congress  or  a  State  legislature 
pass  any  law  in  excess  of  its  powers^ 
or  in  any  way  conflicting  with  that 
Constitution,  such  a  law  is  called  an 
'Unconstitutional  law." 

The  jurisdiction  of  the  courts  of  the 
Federal  government  are  limited  to  'Vtll 
cases  in  law  and  equity  arising  under 
the  Federal  Constitution,  the  laws  of  the 
United  States  and  treaties  made,  or 
which  shall  be  made,  under  their 
aetfaority;  to  all  cases  affecting  ambas- 
sadors, or  other  public  ministers  and 
counsels;  to  controversies  to  which  the 
Unltad  States  shall  be  a  party;  to  oon- 
trov9i«i60  between  two  or  more  States. 


between  a  State  and  citisen  of  another 
State;  between  citizens  of  different 
States;  between  citizens  of  the  same 
State  claiming  land  under  a  grant  of  a 
different  State,  and  between  a  State  or 
the  citizens  thereof  and  foreign  States, 
citizens  and  subjects." 


The  Application  of  Insurance  to  the  Extra 
Hazardous  Occupations. 

Bt  A.  A.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kans. 

The  application  of  insurance  to  U*e 
extra-hazardous  occupations,  particu- 
larly those  of  the  public  service  cor- 
porations whose  rates  of  charges  are 
subject  to  regulation  by  law,  is  my 
theme. 

Insurance  by  companies  as  a  busi- 
ness on  ristfs  is  not  what  I  have  in 
mind,  but  a  system  whereby  public 
service  corporations,  or  others  for  that 
matter,  might  carry  their  own  risks, 
and  provide  a  fund  out  of  the  income 
from  their  operation  to  pay  the  losses 
Incurred  by  their  employes  from  acci- 
dents and  Injuries. 

Railroad  companies,  for  instance,  as 
carriers  of  passengers,  are,  except  as  to 
the  acts  of  God  and  the  public  enemy, 
practically  insurers  of  the  safety  of  their 
passengers,  in  that  the  passengers  pay 
for  safe  conveyance;  and,  if  injured,  are 
entitled  to  compensation.  This  may 
sound  more  like  the  application  of  the 
principles  of  contract  than  insurance; 
but,  however,  when  we  consider  that  a 
part  of  the  fare  paid  is  for  the  purpose 
of  covering  the  risk  of  loss,  then  It 
sounds  more  like  insurance. 

If  this  arrangement  were  put  in 
operation  as  to  the  employes  in  extra- 
hazardous occupations,  the  greatest  of 
all  difficulties  with  its  endless  caUuni- 
ties  would  at  last  be  solved. 

'{lie  corporations  should  be  allowed 
to  charge  for  the  service  performed  a 
rate  to  cover  this  loss  to  the  employe 
as  well  as  in  the  case  of  the  passenger. 

If  public  service  corporations  were 
required  to  submit  to  a  commission  an 
aniiual  budget  of  estimated  expendi- 
tures, based  on  previous  occupation 
and  experience,  and  be  compelled  to 
make  that  the  basis  of  their  scheduled 
rates,  this  would  be  bringing  such  en- 
terprises to  the  correct  methods  of 
legitimate  business;  and,  if  a  sum  were 
included  necessary  to  meet  the  casual- 
ties to  their  employes,  this  the  pnbUc 


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72 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMBN'S  UNION. 


would  moBt  willingly  and  cheerfully 
pay  in  the  rates  of  charges  made. 

The  great  trouble  has  always  been, 
and  the  reason  why  dues  and  fares  are 
often  paid  with  so  much  regret  is  that 
the  money  is  not  put  to. legitimate  use, 
so  much  of  it,  for  instance,  finding  its 
way  to  New  York,  there  to  be  ''wasted 
in  riotous  living,"  or,  what  Is  worse, 
leaves  the  country  entirely  to  rehabili- 
tate decaying  European  royalty  that 
some  American  fool  may  have  a  title. 

If,  Instead,  this  money  were  expend- 
ed for  improvements  and  betterments 
and  to  keep  the  property  in  a  decent 
state  of  repair  as  well  as  to  pay  a  fair 
income  on  the  capital  actually  invested, 
all  the  difficulties  existing  between  the 
people  and  the  public  service  corpora- 
tions would  at  once  disappear. 

If,  further,  these  corporations  would 
use  that  portion  of  their  income,  pro- 
vided for  in  their  rates  of  charges,  to 
pay  losses  suffered  by  their  employes 
in  the  extra-hazardous  occupations, 
using  therefor  that  sum  the  public  so 
willingly  provided,  the  item  of  general 
distress,  nay,  calamity,  incident  to 
their  operation  would  be  met  as  fbr  as 
human  efforts  are  capable,  and  the 
people,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that 
they  themflelves  have  provided  the 
money,  and  made  such  public  service 
corporations  only  their  agents  or  trus- 
tees for  its  proper  distribution, — ^the 
people,  I  say.  under  such  circumstances, 
would  lose  sight  of  their  own  important 
part,  and  in  harmony  with  human  de- 
sire to  always  find  a  hero,  would 
ascribe  all  the  credit  to  such  public 
service  corporations  themselves. 

But  no.  no,  no;  unsjrmpathizing  and 
soulless  greed  Is  too  insatiable  and 
despicable  to  even  distribute  the  bounty 
provided  by  another,  and  would  rather 
view  pain,  suffering  and  death  Itself 
to  its  own  inconvenience  than  comfort, 
happiness  and  life  at  the  expense'  of 
another. 


SudibUfc 

A  Dutchman,  addressing  his  dog. 
said:  "You  vas  only  a  dog,  but  I  vish 
I  vas  you.  Ven  you  go  mit  your  bed 
in,  you  8hu8t  turn  round  dree  times 
und  lay  down;  ven  I  go  mit  de  bed  in. 
I  have  to  lock  up  de  blace.  und  vind  up 
de  clock,  und  put  de  cat  oud,  und  on- 
dress  myself,  und  my  frau  vakes  up 
and  scolds,  den  de  baby  vakes  up  und 


cries,  und  I  have  to  valk  him  mit  de 
house  round,  den  maybe  ven  I  get  my- 
self to  bed  it  is  time  to  get  up  .again. 
Ven  you  get  up  you  shust  stretch  your- 
self, dig  your  neck  a  lettle  und  you  vas 
up.  I  haf  to  light  de  fire,  put  on  de 
kettle,  scrap  some  mit  my  wife  already, 
und  get  myself  breakfast.  You  blay 
around  all  day  and  have  blenty  of  fun. 
I  haf  to  work  all  day  und  have  blenty 
of  drubble.  Ven  you  die  you  vas  dead : 
ven  I  die  I  haf  to  go  to  hell  yet  maybe." 
— The  Plasterer. 


IMroadfaig  to  be  Fowidcd  mn  the  Pliysicel 

tion  or  at  Least  Suspensiofi  of  the 
Stockjobbing  Propositiofi. 

BT  A.  A.  OBAHAM,  TQPEKA,  KAN. 

Filtered  through  tbe  great  dailiesi,  I 
have  before  me,  in  tbe  llmpldl  wash  of 
a  focal  paper,  somewhat  of  an  article, 
attributed  to  the  Railtoay  Age  Oazette^ 
OfD  the  f  undiamental  necesedtyv  just  dte- 
oovered  by  the  rallroadla,  that  much 
depemlB  upon  having  efficient  track 
foremen,  and,  IncidentaMy,  rather  than 
neceesarily,  efficient  track  laiborers 
also. 

This  is,  indeed,  a  great  dliscovery, 
and  one  that  could  be  onlQr  mad<e  by 
the  very  blghest  and  most  extrava- 
gantliy  paid  railix>&d  official  of  todlay — 
a  man  so  high  in  financial  propositlone 
that  he  is  not  9uppo96d  to  ^  anything, 
or,  indeed,  to  know  anything  drawing 
hlo  salary  onJy  on  account  of  his  abi>^ 
itiea,  whicfh,  however,  he  is  not  called 
upon  to  use.  Living  so  h\t^  above  the 
wants  of  the  vulgar,  he  has  heretofore 
had  no  need  to  even  concern  himself 
about  their  existence;  waving  in  the 
breath  of  popularity,  Mke  the  topmost 
branch  of  a  majestic  tree  in  the  even- 
ing breeze,  he  was  not  conBcloua  tfhot 
his  foundations  were  in  the  mud;  but 
now,  as  the  esteemed  Oazette  informs 
us  he  has  become  a  philosophic  investi- 
gator after  fundamental  facts. 

These  filtrations  of  the  press  remove 
the  mud  from  ideas,  are  a  great  con- 
veu'ience,  nay,  almost  a  necessity^  to 
tbe  general  reader,  and'  are  to  litera- 
ture what  dissection  is  to  anatomor, 
the  laying  bare  of  the  ikeleton;  bat 
the  diry  bones,  Just  found  by  the  "mao 
higher  up,"  have  been  filling  the  ears 
of  the  genera!  public  with  a  sepulchral 


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JOU^tNAL  OF  THB  8WITCHMS^^8  UNION. 


78 


rattle;  lo,  these  many  yeare.  If  we 
were  still  Mviiig  in  the  as:e  of  ghastB, 

we  mig-bt  well  imagine  each  mile  of 
railroad  patrolled  by  the  shadowy  form 
o?  one  sacrificed  to  bad  track,  lament- 
ing his  fate,  that  he  knew  the  danger, 
and,  ther^ore.  took  the  risk,  while  the 
Iiigh  official,  not  knowing  these  things, 
took  no  chances  and  his  shade  found! 
rest  In  this  country.  Ignorance  as 
well  as  idiocy  makes  us  immune  from 
the  coasaequences  of  our  own  acts. 

I  would  fain  pursue  this  imaginative 
strain  until  poetic  justice  was  reached; 
bot  as  few  people  appreciate  poetic 
inagery,  and  fewer  still  appreciate 
mine,  I  "will  leave  this  realm,  with  the 
flection,  that  the  same  diacovery,  the 
ttme  sJceieton  awaits  the  "man  higher 
ip,'*  not  only  in  every  other  depart- 
mtnt  of  the  railroad  world,  but,  also, 
in  aU  the  other  great  Imdiietries  and 
eBterprt-ses  of  today. 

Briefly,  for  I  must  be  brief,  railroads 
hsre  always  heretofore  been  operated 
li  teancial    propositions  and  never  as 
MoBtrial    concerns.      Not    to   disturb 
accient  recollections,  I  will  go  back  no 
tether    than    the    period   of   receiver- 
sMpe.  approximately  from  1&89  to  1897. 
vfaen  failure  was  as  fashionable  In  the 
taancial  world  as  fainting  and  languor 
fa  women  had  once  been.     Then  came 
oa  a  period,  lasting  to  the  present,  of 
Kwonted     prosperity,    during    which 
nflroad^  have  made  money  in  spite  of 
the  worst  possible  managements  by  the 
BH>$t  Incom-petent  official©,  when,  every- 
tfcing  has  been  done  left-handed,  back- 
wards and    upnSfide-dOwn,  and  with  an 
actraTagance   theretofore  unparalleled- 
!b  the  commercial  world.     ITie  talent 
developed  during  the  receiverships  was  ' 
swept  aside  as  no  longer  necessary  to 
sliow  large  earnings,  and  the  thereto- 
fore  responsible    position®   were   then 
ftven  to  flunkies  of  the  interests,  wlth- 
(Tot  any  sort  of  knowledge  or  experl- 
poce  in  the  business  of  railroad'ing  in 
my  of  its  branches,  men  who  eat  out 
of  the  hand  of  some  New  York  finan- 
cial institution  controlling  a  majority 
of  the  stock. 

Prosperity  as  well  as  adversity,  like 
some  dHeeasee,  seems  to  be  a  contagion, 
destined  to  run  a  certain  course,  so 
that  we  might  conclude,  if  we  diid  not 
aee  tbe  Mgns,  that  the  present  wave 
of  prosperity  was  breaking  on  a  very 
Todqr  shore.  The  rallroadis  this  time 
will  not  be  able  to  again  pass  through 


receiyerabips  to  the  adraatage  of  the 
apeculatlve  owner,  because  their  ac- 
oounts  are  now  pubMc  information 
through  the  Interstate  Commerce  €k>m- 
miaalon.  Confronted  with  thle  situa- 
tion as  we)]  also  that  the  crop  of 
"lambs"  on  the  New  York  stock  ex- 
dhan^e  has  been  short  for  some  time, 
and  the  supply  oonstantly  diminishing, 
the  manai^ements  of  the  roads  are  com- 
pelled, in  order  to  make  their  usual 
showing,  to  turn  their  attentioQ  from 
the  financial  proposition  to  the  Indus- 
trial coQcem.  Other  men,  however, 
ti!an  those  now  in  control  must  com- 
plete the  work;  and  we  are,  in  my 
judgment,  about  to  enter,  for  the  first 
time  in  our  history,  upon  the  main- 
tenance  and  operation  d  railroadb  as 
business  concerns. 


ProMcms  of  Labor  L^islalion. 

A  goyemment  has  many  wide  and 
important  functions.  It  is  the  creature 
of  the  state  and  exists  In  order  that  the 
purposes  of  organized  society  may  be 
carried  out.  Among  these  are  included 
the  preservation  of  ord)er,  the  protec- 
tion of  the  liberties  of  the  people,  the 
promotion  of  the  general  welfore,  and 
in  other  ways  the  adiranioement  ol  the 
varied  interests  of  civilization/.  It  can 
be  seen  at  a  glance  tJhet  these  objects 
of  goYemment  impinge  upon  the  labor 
problems  of  our  people  at  many  defin- 
ite and  important  points. 

In  promoting  the  general  weUiare  of 
a  community  It  is  clearly  evident  tbilT 
steps  must  be  taken  to  reduce  U%  a 
minilmnm  those  condiitlone  that  tend 
to  engender  misery,  pauperism  and 
crime.  Of  course  the  causes  leadling 
up  to  such  shortcomings  ore  numerous. 
I<)lene8s,  shiftlessness,  ignorance,  Im- 
morailiity,  and  tlie  like,  figure  ln>  the 
problem,  but  prolific  sources  are  also 
to  be  found  in  the  economic  conditions 
surrounding  those  that  must  engage  in 
constant  toil  to  maintain  an  existence. 

With  the  invention  of  machinery  and 
the  consequent  inpdnstrial  change  to 
the  factory  system  of  manufacture 
there  has  been  ushered  in  a  new  situa- 
tion in  the  Ittbor  worl^d.  Of  course  there 
are  yet  many  sections  of  the  slobe 
where  handhlahor  still  prevails.  If  we 
compare  these  oountries  with  the  great 
manufacturing  centers,  such  as  Ger- 
many, England;,  America,  etc.,  we  see 
what  a  vast  cliange  in  the  labor  situa- 


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74 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION; 


tion  has  taken  place.  Early  In  the  last 
century  we  find  comdiitlona  of  factory 
emptoyes  prevaUing  that  were  a  seri- 
ous menace  to  the  progress  of  society. 
Women  and  children  were  comipelled  to 
work  for  a  period  of  hours  that  seri- 
ously affected'  their  (health  and  re- 
tardted  their  growth.  As  a  toglcal'  se- 
quence to  such  a  state  of  affairs  efforts 
haye  been  put  forth  In  enillghtened 
communities  to  restrict  tihe  empk>y- 
ment  of  children  below  a  certadn  age 
and  to  limit  the  number  of  hours  that 
they  may  consecutively  be  kept  at 
their  work.  It  Is  by  no  means  clear 
that  this  phase  of  the  question  has  met 
with  a  complete  and  satisfactory  solu- 
tion. Surely  It  Is  the  duty  of  the  state 
to  see  that  all  children  are  afforded 
sufficient  education  to  fortify  them  for 
the  struggles  that  may  He  before  them. 
Compulsory  edyncation  'baa  this  end*  In 
view.  But  how  Bong  ehould  chlldtren 
be  retained  in  sdhoot?  Is  the  common 
age  Umit,  fourteen  years,  the  on?  that 
satisfies  the  needs?  The  answer  Is  not 
obvious,  to  say  the  least  This  Is  one 
of  the  problems  confronting  serious 
thinkers  on  the  subject.  It  Is  certain 
that  a  child's  edtucatlon  Is  far  from 
complete  at  that  age.  Four  more  years 
of  Yralning  would  go  far  toward  prop- 
erly equipping  him  with  the  rudilmentB 
of  a  well-ordered  career.  Furthermore, 
what  should  be  the  character  of  this 
education?  Should  it  be  literary,  tech- 
nical or  vocational?  And  wihat  shall 
be  done  in  those  instances  where  par- 
ents are  unable  to  keep  their  children 
in  school  at  an?  Shall  the  children  be 
separated  from  the  home  oircle  and 
scattered  here  and<  there  as  wards  of 
the  state?  Are  they  to  be  d(enled  the 
sacred  heritage  of  a  mother's  tender 
care  and  oversight?  Does  not  the  state 
lose  In  character  and  citizenship  w^hen 
tbe  child  loses  the  same?  The  prob- 
lem is  by  no  means  a  simple  one*  and 
deserves  profound  and  unselfish  con- 
sideration. 

Closely  allied  to  the  above  topic  is 
that  of  the  employment  of  married 
women.  Perhaps  the  welfare  of  society 
is  not  greatly  i^^snAcedl  by  conditions 
arlski^r  out  of  thds  problem,  yet  It  is 
certainly  desirable  that  a  mother 
should  not  be  comfpelled  to  forsake  t^e 
ftoilly  hearth  from  morning  ttU  n^igiht 
to  toil  in  factories  in  order  to  help 
clothe  and  feed  the  little  ones.  That 
such  is  the  case  in  a  much  larger  die- 


gree  than  we  like  to  admit  is  only  too 
true.  What  can  the  state  do  to  miti- 
gate the  evil?  Though  a  problem  pri- 
marily of  the  home,  it  falls  clearly 
within  the  domain  of  this  discuseion. 
It  wouM  be  a  welcome  day  Indeed 
when  mothers  and  chUdren  wild  no 
longer  be  found  tolling  in  our  work- 
shops. 

Magnificent  strides  have  been  made 
in  recent  years  in  legislation  bearing 
on  employers'  Mabllily.  While  we  con- 
gratulate our  people  for  these  hard- 
won  victories,  yet  we  cannot  dismiss 
from  mind  the  fearful  toU  that  is  being 
exacted  from  our  ranks  annnaliiy  oa 
account  of  the  lack  of  proper  precau- 
tions for  the  protection  of  life  and 
limb.  The  horrors  of  the  mine  disas- 
ters that  recur  with  such  unfailing 
persistency  are  so  indelibJy  stamped  on 
the  memory  that  we  are  almost  in  con- 
tinaial  dread.  Fabherless  children  are 
far  too  numerous  in  our  industrial 
ocmmunitles,  and  when  in  addition  tc 
this  we  must  charge  the  fact  to  negli- 
gence and  Indifference  on  the  part  of 
operators  and  employers,  society  is 
Justly  aroused  to  its  utmost  in  endeav- 
ors to  set  right  such  flagrant  outrages 
against^  the  sacredness  of  life,  health 
and  ihappinesB. 

That  the  matter  of  HabiUty  legisla- 
tion is  not  a  simple  one  we  are  frank 
to  admit.  Matters  involving  fine  legal 
distinctions  arise  at  almost  everr  turn. 
The  common-law  practice  prevailing  in 
America  and*  abroad  was  found  inap- 
plicable in  many  cases  and  needed 
modification  and  readjustment.  In  the 
case  of  one  workman  receiving  an  in^ 
jury  through  the  neglect  of  another  at 
his  side,  the  question  of  responsibility 
is  one  affording  room  for  dlifferenoes  of 
opinion.  Theni,  too,  the  matter  of  free- 
diom  of  contract  on  the  part  of  an  In- 
dividual forms  an  interesting  factor  in 
devising  labor  legislatlcii.  Further- 
more, the  fact  that  such-  large  numbers 
of  people  are  employed  in  so  many  oc- 
cupations makes  it  necessary  that  leg- 
islation be  general  in  its  character, 
leaving  it  to  courts  to  decide  upon  in- 
dividual cases  as  they  arise.  The  crea- 
tion of  state  departments  to  handle 
matters  of  a  specific  kdnd,  and  the  ap- 
pointment of  Inspectors  by*  the  state 
for  a  definite  work  relating  to  the  sub- 
ject are  commendable  movements  In 
the  modem  trend  of  legislation. 

After  ail  the  goal  towaid  wlii<^  Vbm 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  mriTCHMEN'8  UNION. 


76 


nboie  situation  (lirects  o<ur  thought  is 
the  eeooomlc  security  of  the  wa^e- 
etrner.  How  can  the  state  bring  about 
eooditlcms  that  wiH  obviate  destitution, 
want  and  misery  in  the  declining 
yeaii  ^Ji  v/LU-  iiard-working  poi>ulatiou? 
Movements  such  as  tliose  In  Germany 
and  England  at  the  present  time  are 
pertinent  to  t"he  thought  and'  of  para- 
mount Interest.  We  refer  to  compul- 
wry  insurance  and'  old  age  pensions. 


These  measures  are  ethioal  as  well  as 
eoonom^ic  in  tJieir  bearings.  That  they 
will  prove  to  be  a  complete  panacea  for 
the  disorders  attending  our  industrial 
s^'Btems  we  are  not  inclined  to  believe, 
but  we  do  feel  that  they  are  manifesta- 
tions of  an  active  spirit,  full  of  good 
portents  for  the  future,  gUmmerings, 
so  to  speak,  of  the  dawn  of  a  day  of 
better  things  for  mankind.  —  United 
Mine  Workers*  Journal, 


THE  RECALL  Of  JUDGES. 


Br  A.  A.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kas. 


A  govemment  Is  a  corporation,  a 
iOTereign  corporation,  with  powers  or 
jrepogatives  for  the  doing  of  certain 
things  in  like  manner  as  a  corporation 
treated  by  law  possesses  certain  rights. 
lere  called  franchises,  and  neither  can 
let  except  through  human  agency. 

At  the  present  time,  all  the  govern- 
fflents  of  the  world,  although  differing 
SreatJy  in  detail,  may  yet  be  cast  into 
two  classes,  limited  monarchies  and  re- 
pQbllcs. 

In  lim-ited  monarchies,  the  sovereign 
lowers  or  prerogatives  are  exercised 
by  a  crown,  usually  hereditary,  a  par- 
fiament  by  wto-tever^  particular  name 
feaown,  and  the  courts. 

In  republic,  these  powers  and  pre- 
rogatives are  exercised  by  an  elective 
oecutive,  usually  called  a  president,  a 
J^latlve  body  in  all  essentials  slmi- 
^  to  the  parljaments  of  monarchies, 
ui4  courts  with  similar  powers  also. 

The  chiief  difference  between  these 
two  forms  of  government  Is,  therefore, 
seen  to  he  in  the  tenure  by  which  the 
*iead  of  the  nation  holds  his  office.  In 
*ttstitution,  three  similar  depart- 
awBts  exist  In  both  forms  of  govern- 
ment, a  head  or  executive,  a  numerous 
^y  or  legislative  and  a  select  number 
^  judicial ;  but,  in  operation,  govem- 
*«t8  now  consist  of  but  two  co-or- 
«i»te  parts,  one  to  make  and  the 
oth€r  to  execute  the  laws,  so  that  the 
executive  and  the  judicial  are  In  the 
«ercise  of  the  same  prerogatives,  the 
executive  directing  and  the  judicial 
perfonmlng. 

Having  enacted  the  law,  which  Is  but 
^expression  of  the  public  will,  tihe 
!j™atlve  prerogative  cases  and  the 
Wicial,  under  direction  of  the  execu- 
^^e,  beglna  to  construe,  to  refuse  en- 


forcement, to  unmake,  to  annul,  with- 
out restraint  or  limitation. 

In  intention  the  courts  are  to  use 
the  instrumentalities,  the  laws,  pro- 
vided by  the  legislature,  but,  in  prac- 
tice, they  have  full  range  to  do  as  they 
please,  even  to  the  complete  destruc- 
tion of  the  legislative  will. 

Courts  are  thus  seen  to  exercise  a 
power  over  the  legisJature  instead  of 
being  the  means  for  carrying  into 
effect  the  acts  of  the  legislature;  and« 
from  being  only  servants,  they  have  de- 
throned their  master,  usurped  the  do- 
minion and  rule  according  to  their 
own  pleasure. 

Here  is  that  law-making  power 
usurped  by  our  courts,  so  long  and  so 
univensally  condemned  by  the  people, 
but  to  no  purpose,  a  custom  making 
our  government  partake  so  much  the 
character  of  a  despotism.  No  harm,  of 
course,  results  where  the  courts  are 
just,  but,  with  the  same  force,  we  can 
say,  if  all  men  were  just,  then  no  or^ 
ganized  political  government  would  be 
necessary. 

If  a  government  be  popular,  how- 
ever, the  will  of  the  people  must  be 
the  supreme  law  of  the  land,  and  what 
is  supreme  is  not  susceptible  of  a 
judgment  of  right  or  wrong,  but  must 
be  right,  because  supreme.  If,  now,  in 
government,  the  people  supremely  will 
a  thdng,  that  thing  must  be.  This  Is 
sovereignty  and,  without  sovereignty, 
there  cannot  be  a  nation. 

As  a^general  rule  the  ciuzens  of  a 
country  submit  to  the  public  law  and 
the  ofitee-holders  and  the  criminals  are 
the  only  peoide  seeking  to  avoid  the 
sovereignty,  each  desiring  a  latitude 
of  personal  action  not  to  be  judged  by 
the  law  of  the  land.    We  are,  therefore. 


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obliged  to  legicflate  against  the  crlmi- 
nal  and  the  office-holder  alike.  Outaide 
theee  two  olasses  no  objection  to  the 
recall  of  public  offlciala  before  the  ex- 
piration of  their  term  of  office  Is  made 
lf»  in  the  judgment  of  a  majOiiiy  of 
the  electore,  occasion  exists  therefor, 
exce8>t  as  to  Judges,  and  here  the  peo- 
ple, mostly,  I  think,  from  a  mistaken 
notion  of  the  real  intention  of  tne  office 
and  the  public  tluty  of  the  incumbent, 
are  not  unanimous. 

Some  object  to  the  recall  of  Judges 
on  the  ground  that  the  office  should  be 
removed  as  far  as  possible  from  party 
politics,  but  the  fact  is,  as  every  one 
should  know,  that  Judges,  as  a  rule, 
are  our  chief  politicians;  and,  if  we 
take  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States  38  our  illnstration,  we  see 
Judges  created,  formerly  with  a  view 
only  to  the  poaitical  control  of  the 
court  by  the  dominant  party,  but  now 
with  a  view  to  the  interests  of  die 
trust-<H>ntrolled  business  of  the  coun- 
try, private  interests  having  predomi- 
nated over  political  policies. 

The  same  condition  prevails  in  the 
ap(pointment  of  all  other  United  States 
Judges;  and  our  state  courts  are  not 
much  differently  constituted,  although 
here  a  man's  local  reputation  is  not 
altogether  overlooked. 

Others  oppose  the  recall  of  Judges 
because  if  the  office  be  divested  of  its 
life  or  long  term  tenure  and  abso- 
lute political  independence,  m^i  of 
ability  cannot  be  had;  but  this,  in 
view  of  present  conditions,  is  witiiout 
force,  for,  at  the  present  time,  as  well 
86  during  all  past  time,  in  none  of  the 
states,  nor  yet  in  the  United  States  is, 
or  has  been,  any  knowledge  of,  or  any 
experience  in  the  practice  of  the  law  a 
prerequisite  to  appointment  or  election 
to  a  Judgeship;  and  the  fact  is  that, 
not  many  years  ago,  a  Justice  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  Unite^  States, 
not  even  a  lawyer,  was  elevated  to  that 
august  tribunaa. 

As  migbt  have  been  expecteu,  the 
American  Bar  Association,  at  the  an- 
nual meeting  held  last  summer  in  Bos- 
ton,  voted  unanimously  against  the  re- 
call of  Judges,  but  against  the  weight 
of  that  decision  must  be  poised  the 
tact  that  every  member  of  that  associa- 
tion is  either  a  Judge  or  a  lawyer  waCnt- 
ing  to  become  a  Judge. 

Our  objectors  do  nothing  but  object; 
they   claim   the   old   remedy   of   im- 


peachment adequate;  they  will  not  ad- 
mit the  existence  of  an  exigency  for  a 
new  remedy;  but  cling  to  the  old  with 
a  tenacity  known  only  to  prejudi<ce  or 
ignorance  steeped  in  superstition. 

Impeachment,  however,  is  slow  and 
expensive  and  can  never  be  a  remedy 
where  relief  is  most  needed.  Often 
the  unimpeachable  things  done  by  a 
Judge  are  those  most  dangerous  to  gov- 
ernment and  society,  the  Uiings  we 
know  and  cannot  prove  by  .that  compe- 
tent and  proper  evidence  required  by 
the  law  as  sufElclent  As  a  general 
proposition,  however,  if  people  knew 
only  what  they  can  prove,  human 
knowledge  would  be  much  more  lim- 
ited and  conversely  if  we  couia  prove 
all  we  know,  our  knowledge.  Indeed, 
might  not  be  much  increased,  but 
many  more  rogues  would  be  brought 
to  Justice.  The  failure  of  Justice  in  so 
many  cases  in  our  courts,  and  courts 
of  impeachment  are  no  exception,  is 
not  due  to  technicality,  as  popular 
clamor  assumes,  but  to  the  Impossi- 
bility of  adducing  such  logical  proof  as 
Jealousy  for  individual  rights  demands. 
Here  is  where  a  vote  of  confidence,  un- 
known among  us,  but  of  sucu  efficiency 
in  almost  every  European  government, 
comes  in  good  play.  A  vote  to  recall 
a  public  official  is  a  vote  of  confidence; 
if  the  people  vote  that  they  have  no 
confidence  in  hlnw  he  should  not  con- 
tinue in  his  office;  but,  if  he  still  re- 
tain confidence  in  himseif,  he  will  al- 
ways have  the  satisfaction  of  martyr- 
dom to  the  public  cause  and  a  clear 
conscience.  No  harm,  therefore,  has 
been  done. 

Wthile  we  can  never  expect  InfaMl- 
btlity  as  to  things  human;  yet,  if 
Judges  are  to  enjoy  Inviolability,  they 
should,  at  leaat,  possess  a  higher  de- 
gree of  accuracy  in  rendering  their  de- 
cisions; but  what  is  the  fact?  Ap- 
proximately a  third  of  our  reported 
cases  are  reversed  for  errors  of  law 
ocourring  at  the  trial,  for  mistakes  of 
the  Judge,  speaking  a  little  more  plain- 
ly, for  his  lack  of  knowleage  of  the 
law,  speaking  candidly,  for  his  ignor- 
ance, speaking  bluntly. 

For  the  'purpose  of  affording  a  baste 
of  comparison,  what  other  profession, 
business  or  calHng  oould  fiouriiAi 
where  a  third  of  all  the  things  done 
were  wrong,  and  this  throned  ignor- 
anoe?  None,  absdlutely  none,  exc^t, 
perhaps,  the  practice  of  the  law  itself. 

In  conclusion,  let  us  state  a  case,  a 


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iiypotthetical  caae,  ao  that  the  Imimta- 
tion  of  pereonailty  cannot  arise: 

Talke  an  unprincipled  lawyer,  (this 
is  no  crime)  derated  to  the  bendh  by 
the  iiMted  efforts  of  all  the  great  busi- 
ness concerns  having  litigation  in  his 
court;  (this  Is  not  even  impeac^ble) 
immediately  his  holdings  and  decisions 
are  seen  to  favor  the  interests  giving 
bim  hia  office,  (this  is  only  paying 
political  debts);  suppose  also  this 
judge  to  be  a  gambler  and  frequently 
engaged  In  games  of  poker  with  law- 
yers and  their  clients  (having  litigation 
in  Ills  court  viQio,  under  certain  circum- 
stances, might  have  no  regrets  if  the 
Judge  raked  in  the  Jackpot;  (this  oc- 
curred very  quietly  at  the  club  and 
nobody  dare  teill);  suppose  he  also 
drinks  heavily,  as  his  face  betrays,  al- 
though never  seen  drunk  In  public; 
(no  man  can  be  convicted  on  his 
face) ;  suppose  this  Judge  to  be  quite 
a  hunter  and  fisher  too,  every  year 
spending  oonslderaMe  time  engaged 
in  these  sports  in  company  with,  at  the 
expense  of,  and  by  invitation  as  the 
guest  of  certain  lawyers  representing 
the  great  interests  always  having  liti- 
gation in  his  court;  (this  is  only  the 
association  of  gentlemen  for  sport). 

This  Judge  is  unimpeachable. 


Imporls  and  Exports  of  Potatoes, 
1901-1911. 

T4io  recent  announcement  thait  large 
quantities  of  potatoes  are  being  im- 
ported into  the  United  States  lends  in- 
terest to  a  statement  prepared  by  the 
Bureau  of  Statistics,  Department  of 
Commerce  and  Labor,  showing  the  im- 
ports and  exports  of  potatoes  during  a 
term  of  years.  While  the  production  of 
poitatoes  in  the  United  States  is  usually 
suflfcient  to  meet  the  requirements  of 
its  population,  there  have  been  a  num- 
ber of  occasions  following  short  crops 
in  the  United  States  on  which  consid- 
erable quantities  were  imported.  On 
other  occasions,  wfhen  there  were 
shortac^  abroad  and  large  crops  in 
tb«  United  Btates,  considerable  quanti- 
ties were  exported.  The  total  imports 
of  potatoes  into  the  United  States  in 
the  last  ten  years  aggregated  22,845,634 
bushels,  valued  at  110,985,770,  or  about 
48c  per  bushel,  this  valuation  being 
based  upon  the  wholesale  maricet  price 
in  tike  countrtes  from  which  imported 
and  does  not,,  therefore,  include  the 


dost  of  txansportation  or  duties  paid, 
the  rate  of  duty  being  25c  per  burtiel 
of  60  pounds,  both  under  the  present 
law  and  its  immediate  predecessor. 
The  exports  of  potatoes  from  the 
Undted  States  during  the  same  decade 
amounted  to  10,900,566  bushels,  valued 
at  $8,413,675,  an  average  of  77c  per 
bu^el. 

Potatoes  imported  into  the  United 
States  come  chiefly  from  C^ada, 
Mexico  and  Bermuda  in  America, 
and  Scotland,  England,  Ireland,  Ger- 
many and  Prance  in  Europe,  wlhile 
in  recent  years  small  quantities 
have  also  been  brought  from  CHiina. 
Australia  and  the  Canary  Islands. 
The  potatoes  exported  go  chiefly  to 
the  West  Indies,  Central  America 
and  Canada,  the  largest  quantities 
usually  to  Cuba,  Canada  and  Panama, 
and  lesser  quantities  to  other  Central 
American  States  and  tftie  West  Indian 
Islands.  Small  quantities  have  also 
been  sent  in  recent  years  to  China. 
Hongkong,  British  Guiana,  the  Philip- 
pine Islands,  French  Ooeanica  and  cer- 
tain of  the  South  American  countries, 
but  practically  none  to  Europe  which, 
although  a  large  consumer  of  potatoes, 
is  also  a  large  producer. 

The  world's  potato  crop,  so  far  as  it 
can  be  measured  statistically,  runs  be- 
tween five  and  six  billion  oushels  per 
annum,  but  these  figures  do  not  include 
the  production  of  China,  North  Africa 
and  most  of  South  America,  the  orig- 
inal home  of  the  ♦potato,  which  was 
found  under  cultivation  in  South  • 
America  by  the  Spanish  discoverers 
and  transplanted  to  "Spain  and  thence 
to  other  parts  of  Europe.  Germany  is 
by  far  the  largest  single  producer  of 
potatoes,  her  total  crop  for  1909,  tue 
latest  available  figures,  being  1,716  mil- 
lione  bushels,  against  1,173  in  Euro- 
pean Russia,  618  mdllion  in  France,  480 
milHon  in  Austria,  184  million  in  Hun- 
gary, 137  million  in  Great  Britain,  120 
million  in  Ireland,  99  million  in  Can- 
ada and  377  million  in  the  United 
States. 

New  York  is  the  largest  potato-pro- 
ducing State  in  the  United  States,  her 
product  in  1910  being  44^  million 
bushels  against  35  million  in  Michigan, 
28  miiaiion  in  Maine,  28  miUaon  in 
Pennsylvania,  25  million  in  Wisconsin. 
15  mdllUon  in  Ohio,  12%  mdliion  in  Illi- 
nois, 12^  million  in  Iowa,  and  about 
10  mdl'llon  bushels  each  in  Minnesota 
and  New  Jersey,  whil^  practically  all 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


the  remaining  States  are  represented 
with  totals  ranging  from  one  million 
to  eight  milUon  bushele  each. 

The  largest  importation  of  potatoes 
daring  the  past  decade  occurred  in 
1909,  being  8%  million  bushels;  the 
largest  exports  of  the  decade  occurred 
in  1911,  being  2%  mill*lon  bushels. 


Importance  of  Proper  I>cscr%»tioa  of  Mcr- 
diandbe  Offered  for  Cxporlatioa. 

Expointers,  manufacturers  preparing 
material  for  exportation,  and  transpoi^ 
tation  comipanies  carrying  merdhandise 
of  this  character  will  be  interested  in 
a  circular  Juet  issued  by  the  Bureau  of 
Statistics,  Department  of  Commerce 
and  Labor.  It  calfai  the  attention  of 
persons  forwarding  merchandise  from 
the  interior  for  exportation  at  the  sea- 
board or  border  ports  to  the  import- 
ance of  accomipanying  the  same  with  a 
proper  and  detailed  dascription.  The 
offloial  "£3xport  manifest"  supplied  to 
the  colleotor  of  customs  by  the  export 
agent  or  other  person  at  the  port  at 
which  the  merdhau'rise  leaves  the  coun- 
try is  necessarily  the  sole  reliance  of 
tiie  collector  of  customs  for  the  descrip- 
tion Which  he  forwards  to  the  Bureau 
of  Statistics,  and  upon  which  that 
bureau  must  base  the  information 
which  it  gives  to  the  public  regarding 
the  dharacter  of  merchandise  exported. 
Thousands  of  copies  of  this  circular 
are  being  distributed  to  exporters,  a 
large  proportion  of  them  being  for- 
wiarded  by  the  transportation  com- 
panies and  export  agents.  It  is  the 
desire  of  the  Bureau  of  Statistics  that 
all  persons  engaged  in  or  contemplat- 
ing entering  the  export  trade  should 
carefully  study  and  comply  with  «he 
law  and  regulation  governing  the  de- 
scription of  exi>orts.  The  importance 
of  a  thorouerh  understanding  of  this 
subject  is  Illustrated  by  the  following 
extracts  from  the  laws  and  regulations 
quoted  by  the  circular  letter  in  ques- 
tion: 

"Before  a  clearance  shaN  be  granted 
for  any  vessel  bound  to  a  foreigiv  place 
(or  nondontiguous  territory  of  the 
United  States)  tiie  collector  of  customs 
shall  require  the  owners,  shippers,  or 
consignors  of  the  cargo  to  deliver  to 
him  manifests  of  the  cargo  or  the  parts 
thereof  shipped  by  them,  respectiv^y, 
whdeh  manifests  shall  specify  tiie 
kiiulB  aad  quantities  of  articies  shipped 


by  them,  respectively,  the  value  of  tlie 
total  quantity  of  each  kind  .  . 
and  the  foreign  country  in  which  saoh 
cargo  is  truly  Intended  to  be  landed. 
The  manifests  shall  be  verified  by  tlie 
oath  of  the  person  by  whom  they  are 
respectively  made  and  subscribed." 
(Revised  Statutes,  337,  and  Act  of 
April  29,  1902;  Customs  RegulatioiiB 
1908,  Art  1606). 

"The  merchandise  must  be  described 
in  specific  and  not  in  general  terms. 
Sudh  designations  as  'fruit,'  'pro- 
visions,' 'girooeries,'  'meats,'  'canned 
goodSk'  ^hardware,'  'machinery,'  etc.,  or 
any  other  general  term  must  not  be 
used.  .  .  .  The  quantities  In  all 
cases  where  practicable  .  .  .  must 
be  specdfled."  (Customs  Regulations 
1908,  Art  1606). 

"Agents  of  steami^ips,  transporta- 
tion companies  and  others  at  points  of 
shipment  on  the  seaboard  to  whom  is 
consigned  merchandise  on  through 
bills  of  Icuiing,  or  otherwise  from  in- 
terior ports  for  export,  should  require 
the  owner  or  shipper  at  the  interior 
or  initiail  point  of  shipment  to  accom- 
pany the  merchandise  wltii  a  list  there- 
of or  transmit  by  mail  such  list  to  the 
consignee  or  agent  who  Is  to  clear  t&e 
merchandise  at  the  seaboard  port  for 
bis  information  In  preparing  a  proper 
manifest  for  the  cdearance  of  the 
goods.  This  list  will  show  the  kinds, 
quantities,  values  and  country  or  ulti- 
mate destination  of  the  articles." 
(Customs  Regulations  1908,  Art  1607). 

Persons  desiring  a  copy  or  copies  of 
the  circular  above  described  may  ob- 
tain the  same  free  of  charge  by  appli- 
cation to  the  Bureau  of  StatistioB^  De- 
partment of  Commerce  and  Labor. 


Whoble 

We  have  a  social  organdsation,  a  ma- 
chine which  is  so  badly  eonacmcted 
that  it  turns  out  yearly  thousands  of 
physically  and  mentally  unlit  haman 
creatures.  Seeing  this^  all  our  wise 
racial  improvers  say,  "Let  us  sesr^ 
gate  these  unfortunate  products  of  our 
social  organization,  let  us  prevent 
them  from  becoming  pcurents,  and  in  a 
few  generations  the  race  win  improve 
and  all  will  be  weU." 

What  a  beautiful  tiieory  for  those  ex- 
perts wbo  delight  in  plannlmg  and  or> 
dering  the  Hves  of  die  "lower  classes." 

How  nice  for  those  on  top,  tor  those 


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fbo  life  wittoot  working.  How  nice 
tat  thmb  who  derlye  their  Income  out 
flf  die  energy  ci  othere  andr  whoae  eaoe 
ii  baiK  up  on  the  blood*  and  sweat  and 
tun  of  the  toilix^  manor.  How  it 
sist  comfort  them  to  think  that  they 
em  fa  such  a  way  get  rid  of  the  foul 
Mot  OQ  the  eecutoheon  4^  the  sorstem 
ilieh  proTldes  them  kixarianee  and 

TlJri.ii 

lesore. 

Bat  that  any  such  playing  with  the 
poUems  of  onfltnesB,  witii  all  its  ugU- 
ttfii  tnd  horror  should  comimand  seri- 
Ml  attention  is  incomprehensiblie. 

For  the  real  remedy  is  so  cleai^  ob- 

He  aoeial  organization  is  based 
qoo  priTate  property  owned  and  coof 
traOed  tor  private  i^n.  Men,  women 
nIohiMren  are  therefore  regarded  by 
^mmers  and  controllers  of  property 
*  n  nuny  tools  and  instruments  to 
^ued  in  the  sacred  business  of  profit- 
vldBg.  Working  people  live  in  a 
wid  owned  by  others— 
"V^  fa&t  and  faster,  their  iron  mas- 

J"' 

Tlte   thing    they    madie,    forever 

drives, 
^  them  grind  treasure  and  fashion 

Pteasare, 
For  other  hoipeB  and!  other  lives." 
Being  constructed  upon  the  principle 
^  profit  before  ali  else  t^e  social  ma- 
Alw  fawvitably  produces  men,  women 
J^dilldren  who  are.  Judged  by  any 
veent  standard*  unfit 
^T»  is  to  blame?    The  poor  wrecks 
JMMelves.  the  "goKi  crushed  hungry 
Wl,"  or  ttie   machine  which  makes 
«(n?-rfce  New  World. 


'^Hef  Signo  Vifices?"  Says  the  Medical 
ApdogisL 

Some  of  the  proponents  of  a  Nation- 
«  Board  of  **Health"  state  the  case 

tins; 

"A  fanner  has  a  sick  hog.  He  sends 
j«  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  and 
^GoTemment  at  once  sends  him  an 
?I«rt--a  hog  doctor— to  attend  to  the 

"A  poor  woman  has  a  sick  child. 
m  appeals  to  the  Government,  but 
^  OoYemment  has  no  department 
J^  will,  or  can.  do  anything  for 
•"^fstftering  baby. 

J'Sbameful!  We  need  a  Department 
^Medicine  (or  call   it  'Health')    to 


protect  our  babiee  as  we  protect  our 
hogs.*' 

Now  this  is  an  alluring  argument. 
I  admit  its  appeal,  and  I  should  dearly 
love  to  believe  in  it,  for  the  protection 
of  childhood  is  a  tender  point  in  all 
rightly  constituted  minds,  and  if  a  "pa- 
ternal government"  really  were  pater- 
nal, or  better  still,  maternal— there 
might  be  something  in  the  argument. 

But,  as  a  matter  of  fact,  a  Govern- 
ment is  not  a  God,  beneficent  and  om- 
niscient, as  some  people  seem  to  think. 
It  is  man-administered  and  is  no  bet- 
ter than  you  and  I  make  it,  by  constant 
attention  to  the  making. 

Once  we  let  go  of  it  and  leave  it  to 
some  public  official  to  make  it  for  us, 
we  are  pretty  certain  to  suffer,  and 
we  always  let  go  of  it  when  it  becomes 
departmentcU  government 

It  is  80  easy  to  shirk  every  question, 
every  personal  and  public  responsibil- 
ity, and  say:  "O,  let  your  Uncle  Sam- 
uel take  care  of  it!"  One  would  think 
that  Uncle  Samuel  really  existed  as  a 
kindly  old  gentleman,  without  passions 
or  prejudices,  without  self-interests, 
or  self-seeking  associates  —  just  a 
lovely,  lonely  relative  longing  to  do  us 
good. 

This  conception  is  all  very  well  for 
poetic,  artistic  or  oratorical  purposes, 
but  we  are  practical  men  and  women, 
and  we  have  had  too  many  'Andes'* 
anxious  to  "do  us,"  good,  and  so  we 
refuse  to  put  ourselves  or  our  children 
in  hock  to  any  uncle. 

"But  shall  our  hogs  have  protection 
and  our  children  none?"  piteously 
pleads  the  Medical  Apologist. 

It  depends  upon  what  you  mean  by 
"protection,"  but  if  you  mean  the  gov- 
ernmental control  of  children  with  the 
same  authority  over  them  that  Govern- 
ment has,  or  can  have,  over  hogs  (as 
your  argument  plainly  indicates)  I  an- 
swer: "Protect  our  hogs,  but  spare 
our  children." 

You  who  are  impressed  by  the  hog 
argument,  suppose  you  follow  it  to  Its 
logical  conclusion. 

If  cholera  breaks  out  among  your 
hogs,  the  Government  can  step  in  and 
kill  them.  That's  part  of  the  hog  pro- 
tection game.  Or.  if  the  governmental 
killing  of.  hogs  with  cholera  be  un- 
usual, certainly  the  killing  of  other 
diseased  animals  is  not  If  your  horse 
has  glanders,  if  your  cow  has  tubercu- 
losis,- the  government  knocks  them  on 


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80 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


the  head  to  protect  other  horses,  other 
cattle.  Well  and  good,  perhaps,  but 
does  that  strike  you  as  a  practical  plan 
to  apply  to  children?  Would  you  like 
to  have  your  children  killed  off  by  a 
Government  official  for  their  "protec- 
tion," should  they  become  diseased? 

Don't  say  this  is  absurd.  Of  course 
it  i8  absurd  to  a  mind  which  refuses 
the  hog  argument,  but  if  you  accept 
the  hog  argument  it  is  the  logical  de- 
duction and  Just  a  little  more  absurd 
than  your  original  hog  argument,  be- 
cause carried  further  in  order  that  you 
cannot  escape  seeing  its  absurdity. 

Then  when  your  little  hogs — I  beg 
pardon,  I  mean  your  children — ^become 
older,  you  may  have  expert  advice  from 
the  Government  as  to  how  to  breed 
them,  how  to  marry  them,  how  to  cross 
them  so  as  to  get  better  children — or 
hogs — than  have  been  produced  thus 
far.  Perhaps  your  children  are  white 
and  your  hogs  are  Poland  Blacks,  while 
your  neighbor's  children  are  black  and 
his  hogs  are  Chester  Whites.  Along 
comes  a  Government  expert,  i>erhap8, 
and  advises  you  that  you  can  obtain 
hogs  and  children  better  able  to  re- 
sist certain  diseases  if  you  cross  your 
children  and  your  hogs  with  your 
neighbors.  What  would  you  do  to  the 
expert?  Hold  on!  You  wouldn't  do 
any  such  thing  as  you  are  saying  you 
would.  You  have  been  crying  audibly 
because  the  Government  wouldn't  ad- 
vise you  about  children  as  It  does  about 
hogs,  and  now  that  it  gives  you  advice 
about  human  offspring  along  the  same 
lines  it  advises  about  hog  offspring,  you 
ought  to  accept  it  gratefully.  Stand 
by  the  hog  argument  and  accept  its 
logical  deduction! 

Heaven  forbid  that  I  should  resur- 
rect the  race  question  in  this  contro- 
versy, or  add  one  finger-weight  to  race 
prejudice.  But,  while  I  utterly  abhor 
miscegnation,  I  am  not  prepared  to  say 
— (is  anyone  prepared  to  say?) — ^that 
a  mixture  of  race  bloods  might  not 
produce  a  physically  superior,  a  better 
disease-resistant  race.  At  least,  it  is 
easily  conceivable  that  some  Govern- 
ment expert  might  eventually  work  out 
some  such  theory  in  his  laiboratory, 
and  if  children  are  to  be  considered  as 
hogs,  he  would  be  thoroughly  justified 
in  improving  the  breed  by  exercising 
such  departmental  authority  as  hs 
would  possess. 

The  answer  to  the  hog  argument  is 


obvious.  It  consists  of  four  words: 
Children  are  not  hogs.  —  Edmund 
Vance  Ooohe,  Medical  Freedom. 


Paper  Making. 

There  seems  to  be  a  great  deal  of 
misapprehension  as  to  the  conditions 
in  the  making  of  paper  as  affecting 
the  men  employed. 

In  the  United  States  there  are  near- 
ly eight  hundred  establishments  manu- 
facturing all  kinds  of  paper,  ana  the 
material  which  goes  into  the  paper  it- 
self, like  soda  and  sulphite  pulp. 
There  is  very  little  conception  of  the 
magnitude  of  the  paper  business.  The 
value  of  the  product,  according  to  the 
United  Statee  census  for  1909,  was 
nearly  two  hundred  and  seventy4ve 
million  dollars  for  one  year's  output 

The  great  bulks  of  paper  manufac- 
tured in  tons,  of  course,  is  in  the 
cheaper  grades,  like  newspaper,  wrap- 
ping paper  and  board.  The  fine  manu- 
facture is  confined  almost  exclusively 
to  New  England,  and  this  grade  of  pa- 
per is  known  as  fine  writing,  ledger, 
bond  paper,  and  specialty,  wltu  a  daily 
production  of  nearly  five  hundred  tons. 
These  mills  are  operating  on  what  is 
known  as  the  two-tour  (tower,  as  it  is 
pronounced)  system,  as  distinguished 
from  the  three-tour  system.  The  tttree- 
tour  system  is  employed  in  about  20 
mills  manufacturing  newspaper  and 
book  paper  in  the  east.  The  hours  of  the 
eastern  mill  manufacturing  fine  grades 
of  paper,  operating  on  the  two-tour 
basis  are  as  follows:  Beginning  at 
seven  o'clock  Monday  morning,  their 
workmen  are  employed  from  seven  a. 
m.  until  six  p.  m.,  with  one  hour  off 
for  dinner,  until  Saturday,  when  the 
mdlls  shut  down  for  Sunday  at  five 
o'clock.  The  night  tour  operates  five 
nights  a  week,  from  six  p.  m.  until 
seven  a.  m.,  with  one  hour  off  at  mid- 
night for  lunch.  The  men  are  paid  for 
the  five  nights'  work,  or  tours,  as  much 
as  the  day  men  receive  for  their  work, 
the  five  nifl^ts  being  supposed  to  equal 
the  six  days,  and  they  alternate  each 
week  so  that  the  night  tour  men  of 
one  week  work  days  the  next  week, 
thus,  the  men  working  the  uay  tour 
and  those  working  the  night  tour, 
average  sixty  hours  per  week  of  ten 
hours  per  day.  Owing  to  conditions 
inherent  in  the  industry  the  seeming' 
ly  long  hours  of  the  tour  are  nece»- 


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JOURNAL  OP  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


81 


sary,  but  not  over  fifteen  per  cent,  of 
the  total   num-ber  of  the  paper  mill 

*  workers  are  so  employed.  Paper  mak- 
ing as  practiced  by  the  tour  workers 
is  an  art  rather  than  a  trade  through 
every  part  of  the  operation.  Prom  the 
time  the  rags  are  put  into  the  wash- 
ers until  the  finished  paper  is  run  off 
the  machine,  individual  skill  and  Judg- 
ment play  a  predominant  part.  No 
two  men  given  the  same  stock  can 
produce  exactly  the  same  result,  and 
it  is  only  by  dint  of  long  practice  and 
cooperation  that  the  prodoiction  of  the 
night  and  day  tours  does  not  vary  ma- 
terially. Most  of  the  troubles  affect- 
ing the  printer  and  user  of  paper  can 
be  traced  directly  or  Indirectly  to  this 
peculiarity.  The  operation  of  prepar- 
ing stock  for  making  paper  is  so  long 
continued  that  it  is  not  possible  to  eco- 
nomically run  a  mill  running;  days 
only,  as  the  preparation  of  the  stock 
must  run  into  the  night,  or,  if  started 
in  the  evening,  must  extend  into  the 
Dext  day.  This  stock,  if  stationary  for 
any  length  of  time,  undergoes  certain 
changes  wliich  make  it  dlflicult  to  run; 
even  the  Sunday  shut-down  being  like- 
ly to  cause  all  unfinished  material  left 
to  deteriorate  considerably.  In  gen- 
eral, the  fewer  men  handling  the  ma- 
chines or  beaters,  the  better  the  re- 
snlts,  and  these  facts  make  the  strong- 
est reasons  against  changing  from  two 
to  three  tours,  in  fine  paper  making. 

About  eighty-five  per  cent,  of  the 
operatives  of  these  mills  are  day  work- 
ers, and  work  nine  hours  per  day,  or 
else  work  five  days  of  ten  hours,  and 
Saturday  five  hours,  for  whiuu  they 
are  paid  as  if  they  worked  sixty  hours. 

These  conditions  have  existed  since 
1901,  when  the  mills  in  Holyoke  short- 
ened their  hours  of  labor  and  aban- 
doned the  sixty  hour  week,  and  their 
lead  was  followed  by  other  mills  in 
New  Ehigland,  and  today  practically  all 
the  mills  making  fine  writing  iilaper 

•  are  operating  under  these  conditions. 

Knob  Central  Stfte. 

The  management  of  the  Illinois  Cen- 
tral Railroad  has  gone  to  infinite  pains 
and  great  expense  to  present  its  side  of 
the  present  controversy  be^jween  itself 
and  its  employes  by  issuing  a  state- 
ment in  magazine  form  and  trying  to 
present  reasons  justifying  its  refusal  to 
meet  repreeentativeB   of  the   System 


Federation.  Great  stress  is  laid  upon 
the  fact  that  it  had  contracts  with  the 
various  unions  going  to  make  up  this 
Federation  and  it  alleges  that  the  com- 
pany had  not  been  notified  by  them  of 
a  desire  to  change.  This  is  an  evident 
effort  on  the  part  of  the  management 
to  dodge  responsibility  for  bringing 
about  the  strike. 

The  company  had  been  informed 
months  before  the  strike  was  called 
that  a  Federation  had  been  formed  by 
the  organizations  enumerated  and  that 
they  wanted  to  terminate  their  present 
agreements  and  make  a  new  one  em- 
braoing  changes  desired  by  them.  This 
waB  signed  by  the  officers  of  the  Fed- 
eration of  Employes;  the  men  were 
acting  in  good  faith  in  giving  notice 
in  this  form,  and  the  management  did 
not  inform  them  at  the  time  that  it  did 
not  consider  this  as  a  proper  notice, 
but  waited  until  matters  came  to  a 
climax,  and  it  had  definitely  refused  to 
meet  the  Federated  Trades  that  this 
was  brought  forward  and  even  then 
they  were  asked  if  this  point  was  con- 
ceded and  a  new  notice  given,  would 
they  meet  the  Federation,  and  the  man- 
agement admitted  It  would  be  the  same 
with  them.  They  sought  to  find  an  ex- 
cuse justifying  them  in  bringing  about 
this  strike,  but  they  have  utterly  failed. 
The  Harriman  Lines,  of  which  the  Illi- 
nois Central  is  a  part,  is  a  refutation 
of  the  arguments  put  up  by  the  road's 
officers  against  Federation.  If  it  was 
wise  and  proper  for  Mr.  Harriman  and 
his  associates  to  consolidate  the  vari- 
ous roads  which  constituted  the  Harri- 
man System,  and  place  them  under  one 
management,  there  is  no  argument 
they  can  honestly  put  forward  that 
will  convince  any  fair-minded  man  that 
the  employes  have  not  a  right  to  lollow 
the  example  set  by  the  roads  them- 
selves. It  is  but  following  the  eternal 
laws  of  the  universe,  the  law  of  weights 
and  balances.  As  the  roads  consolidate 
their  resources  they  naturally  increase 
their  ability  to  circumvent  the  efforts 
of  the  men  to  secure  better  conditions 
and  more  of  the  wealtii  they  help  to 
produce,  unless  they  can  place  them- 
selves more  nearly  on  an  equal  footing 
with  the  roads  and  this  can  only  he 
secured  by  consolidating  the  forces  of 
labor. 

The  management  of  the  Illinois  Cen- 
tral, as  well  as  the  other  parts  of  the 
Harriman    System,    have    no   earthly 


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82 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHMBN'S  UNION. 


right  to  arrogate  to  Itself  rights  that 
it  would  deny  to  its  employes  and  the 
American  principle  of  fair  play  see 
that  justice  is  accorded  to  the  em- 
ployes, the  special  pleading  of  the  man- 
agement and  its  subsidized  press  clip- 
pings to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 
— The  Boiler  Makers*  Journal, 


Ifidiffcrcfil  Union  Men. 

There  are  different  kinds  of  union 
men.  One  kind  Is  the  man  who  pays 
his  dues  and  considers  that  lie  lias 
fulfilled  all  his  obligations  to  Ms  or- 
ganization by  so  doing.  He  is  never 
seen  at  a  meeting  of  his  union  unless 
some  matter  is  coming  up  for  aciim 
which  would  affect  his  pocket.  An- 
other kind  is  the  mnn  who  earns  good 
wages  under  union  conditions  and 
spends  the  money  so  earned  for  non- 
union products.  He  does  not  take  the 
trouble  to  even  ask  for  union  label 
goods.  But  the  king  pin  of  all  is  the 
man  f^ho  Joins  the  union,  not  because 
he  wants  to,  but  because  by  so  doing 
he  can  benefit  financially— can  enjoy 
the  better  conditions  brought  about  by 
the  unselfish  devotion  of  real  union 
men  to  the  cause  of  trades  unionism, 
and  who  have  given  of  their  time  and 
money  to  make  it  what  it  is  today — 
one  of  the  greatest  forces  for  the  up- 
lift of  mankind  in  this  world  of  ours. 
— Newark  Labor  Bulletin. 


Asleep  at  His  Desk— Lincoln  Worn  Out,  But 
Hadn't  rorgotten  His  Caler. 

One  day  a  very  energetic  ladly  called 
on  me  to  take  her  to  tbe  Preeidlent  and 
aid  her  to  get  a  private  soldier  pa]> 
doned  who  had!  been  sentenced  to  death 
for  desertion  and  was  to  be  shot  the 
very  next  morning.  It  was  late  in  the 
aiftenioon  when  we  got  there,  and*  ttte 
cabinet  was  still  in  session.  I  sent  my 
name  in  to  Mr.  Linooln<,  and  he  came 
out,  evid<ently  in  profound  thought  and) 
fuH  of  some  great  subject.  I  stated) 
the  object  of  our  call  andi,  leavinig  the 
tady  in  one  of  the  ante-chambers,  re- 
turned to  the  Senate,  which/  had  not 
yet  adjourned. 

The  case  made  a  deep  impression 
upon  me,  but  I  forgot  it  in>  the  excite- 
ment of  the  debate  and  the  work  of 
my  office  until  perhaps  near  10  o'clock 
that  night,   when    my   female  friend 


came  rushing  into  the  room,  radiiant 
with  dieMght,  the  pardon  in  her  hand. 

"I  have  been  up  there  ever  since," 
she  said.  *'The  cabinet  adiioumied,  and 
I  sat  waiting  for  the  President  to  come 
out  and  tell  me  the  fate  of  mj  poor 
soldlier,  whose  case  I  placed  in  Ms 
hands  after  you  left.  But  I  waited  in 
vain — there  was  no  Mr.  Lincoln.  So 
I  thought  I  would  go  up  to  the  door 
of  the  cabinet  room  and>  knock.  I  did 
so,  and  as  there  was  no  answer  I 
opened  it  and  passed  in-,  and  there  was 
the  worn  Presidlent  asleep  with  his 
head  on  the  table  restiiie:  on  his  arms 
and  my  boy's  pardon  signed  by  his 
side.  I  quietly  waked  him;,  blessed 
him  for  his  good  deed  and  came  here 
to  tell  you  the  glorious  news."— ^o*w 
W.  Forney,  in  "Anecdotes  of  Public 
Men:* 


Before  it  b  Too  Lata. 

If  you've  a  gray-haired  mother 

In  the  okD  home  far  away. 
Sit  down  and  write  the  letter 

You  put  oft  from  day  to  day; 
Don't  wait  until  her  tired  steps 

Reach  heaven's  pearly  gate. 
But  show  her  that  you  think  of  her 

Befqre  it  is  too  late. 

If  you've  a  tender  message 

Or  a  loving  word  to  say. 
Don't  wait  till  you  forget  it. 

But  whisper  it  today. 
Who  knows  what  bitter  memories 

May  haunt  you  if  you  wait? 
So  make  your  loved'  ones  happy 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

We  live  but  in  the  present, 

The  future  is  unknown; 
Tomorrow  is  a  mystery. 

Today  is  all  our  own. 

The  chances  fortune  leads  us  to 

May  vanish  while  we  wait. 
So  spend  your  life's  rich  pleasure 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

The  tender  word  unspoken. 

The  letter  never  sent. 
The  long-forgotten  messages. 

The  wealth  of  love  unspent. 
For  these  some  hearts  are  breaking. 

For  these  some  loved  ones  wait 
So  show  them  that  you  care  for  them 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

—Mrs.  E,  Matthews,  in  the  Railway 
Conductor, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


WINTRY    ELEMENTS    NOW   SEVEREST - 
SWITCHING  HAZARDS  INCREASED. 

Fram  nearly  every  section  of  the 
eoimtry  have  come  recent  reports  of 
very  low  temperature  weather,  which 
not  only  severely  tests  the  "steel"  of 
which  switchimen  are  constructed,  but 
sod  to  the  dangers  of  their  very  haz- 
ardous position,  even  under  the  most 
ao&picious  elements.  At  eeveral  points 
the  mercury  has  fallen  below  zero  and 
in  some  instances  as  low  aa  from  20  to 
X  Iwlow  zero.  The  zero  and  below 
lero  part  of  this  statement  may  not 
app^l  very  strongly  to  some  minds, 
femiMar  with  north  temperate  and 
fH^id  zone  inhabitants,  as  extremely 
oold  weather  in  which  to  perform  their 
^nter  work  duties.  Perhaps  it  may 
BOL  be  to  those  sufflclently  wrapped  in 
furs  and  not  far  from  their  homes, 
where  they  have  ready  access  to  warm 
fir^  to  thaw  out  at  brief  intervals 
when  a  feeling  of  the  necessity  foi 
such  treatment  comes  over  them.  It 
Is  the  usual  lot  of  the  switchmen,  how- 
ever, to  he  assigned  to  tasks  of  any- 
wiiere  from  10  to  15  hoursi*  of  oontinu- 
oas  duration  wxixk  tests,  with  only  any 
certainty  of  from  30  to  60  minutes  for 
lonch  and  thawing  out  purposes  during 
these  long  days.  If  all  the  work  were 
^ne  upon  the  ground,  where  the  jump- 
ing about  privilege  could  prevail  all 
the  while,  it  wouldn^t  be  quite  so  bad. 
But  a  considerable  portion  of  his  du- 
ties is  transfer  work,  or  the  delivering 
of  connecting  line  business  from  the 
company's  yard,  where  he  is  employed, 
to  the  yards  of  the  companies  with 
which  an  interchange  of  business  is 
done,  necessitating  in  some  instances 


several  milesi'  ride.  Ob  aoooimt  of 
poorly  arranged  yard  constniction,  and 
blockades  where  properly  arranged, 
much  of  this  work  Is  dtone  ehoylng 
these  "d^ags"  of  cars  to  such  oonnec- 
tions,  and  when  so,  all  the  switching 
crew,  with  exception*  of  the  fireman 
and  engineer,  must  he  on  "deck," 
where  they  not  only  get  tShe  fuH  effect 
of  the  zero  zephyrs  fannbig  .tiiem  as 
they  ply  back  and  forth,  at  consider- 
able speed  to  dio  their  "lapse,'*  and 
which  speed  accelerates  air  currents 
and  render  them  all  the  more  Intense 
and  severe.  No  one  who  has  not  ex- 
perienced them  on  a  zero  wintry  day, 
for  a  considerable  duration  of  time.  Is 
quite  able  to  understand  the  lot  of 
those  who  must  be  rugged  and  sturdy 
to  withstand  such  climatic  elements,  to 
say  nothing  of  ln<;^eased  danger  ele- 
ments, the  resuKant  of  extra  low  ther- 
mal atmosphere,  wtdle  doln^r  such 
work.  Some  time  next  summer  when 
you  see  the  report  from  the  Interstate 
Commerce  Commission,  you  will  ob- 
serve that  the  death  and  injured  list 
of  switchmen  was  larger  for.  the  win- 
ter months  than  they  were  for  corre- 
sponding periods  of  time  during  the 
summer  months.  Thds  is  largely  at- 
tributable to  the  extra  dangers  on  ac- 
count of  the  low  temperature  elements 
just  alluded  to  and  the  necessity  of 
extra  heavy  clothing  that  must  be  worn 
to  protect  the  body  while  in  the  per- 
formance of  those  duties.  Every  ad- 
ditional garment  augments  daneers  by 
retarding  the  movement  and  affording 
more  opportunity  of  beins  caught, 
thrown,  bruised  or  mangled,  as  the  re- 
sult of  this  added  Increment  of  wear- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'6  UNION. 


iag  apparel  nee^d  for  protection 
against  the  cokL  Aside  from  inoreaaed 
perii,  attributable  to  caueee  Just  men- 
tioned, the  snow  and  ice  are  to  be  con- 
tended with,  and  each  render  footing, 
handihoids,  clearancee,  etc.,  more 
treacherous  and  fatal  during  winter 
than  in  summer  moaths.  So,  after  all, 
It's  no  wonder  that  you  find  a  few 
switohmen,  with  the  migratory  bird  inr 
stincts,  hieing  himself  to  the  sunny 
south  land  and  there  remaining  until 
late  3Pringtime. 

Put  there  is  no  dearth  of  men  to  at- 
tend to  these  duties,  even  in  winter, 
and  they  are  wllHng  to  attend  to  these 
duties  upon  which  the  public  is  so  de- 
pendent, and  they  do  attend  to  them 
regaordlesB  of  the  elements  of  peril  to 
be  contended  with,  but  sometimes  the 
public  is  just  a  trifle  inappreciative 
of  their  services.  Their  pay  is  not 
commensurate  with  services  rendered, 
nor^  in  many  cases,  are  the  crews 
manned  with  a  sufllcieat  complement 
of  men  to  keep  the  hazards  of  the  oc- 
cupation or  the  dangers  to  the  public 
down  to  the  lowest  possible  minimoim 
as  it  should  be;  and  as  a  result  there 
is  a  greater  loss  of  life  to  both  the  em- 
ployes aud  the  public  than  there  should 
be.  Some  diay,  let  us  hope,  the  public 
will  compel  these  great  interstate  and 
Intrastate  carriers  to  equip  all  their 
crews  with  a  force  sufflcientliy  large,  to 
safeguard  as  far  as  possible,  both  the 
public  and  tho  employes.  If  Congress 
would  adjourn  and  all  its  members  get 
a  job  of  switching  for  the  next  two 
months,  there  would  be  littie  trouble 
experienced  in  getting  iMr.  Sherwood's 
Pull  Crew  Bin  (H.  R.  13^11)  passed. 
We  hope  to  be  able  to  secure  its  pas- 
sage anyhow  at  this  session  of  Ck>ng- 
ress.  But  its  passage  by  both'  Houses 
would  be  much  more  certain  of  passage, 
if  all  those  suffering  from  the  zero 
weather  while  performing  these  duties 
would  write  to   their   representatives 


and  senators  at  Washington  and  insist 
upon  the  necessity  of  its  passage.  It 
is  a  most  humane  act  and  should  be- 
come a  law  before  Congress  adjourns. 
At  any  rate  it  is  especially  hazard- 
ous lust  now  switching  cars,  and  those 
engaged  in  the  performance  of  those 
duties  should  exercise  every  possible 
precaution  to  guard  against  personal 
injury.  Make  no  record  speed  stunts, 
for  either  love  or  money*  for  care  will 
be  moving  when  you  cu*e  dead  and 
gone.  But  be  fair  with  the  company 
and  yoursel'ves  as  welk  But  you  are 
unfair  to  yourself  if  you  take  any 
more  of  ,the  danger  risk,  than  you  are 
obliged  to.  Remember  the  elements 
are  now  fiercest  and  the  hazatrds  great- 
est. 


PROTECT  THC  CnaD  AND  SAFEGUARD 
HUMANITY. 

It  is  the  aim  and  insistent  demand 
of  the  union  hosts  of  the  world  that 
children  be  of  more  Importance  to  the 
country  than  mere  profits  for  manu- 
facturers, and  that  they  shall  not,  with- 
out a  serious  battle  on  the  part  of  or- 
ganized labor,  be  exploited  of  their 
proper  development  and  strength  for 
profit.  Human  life  is  not  to  be  reck- 
oned as  mere  property,  or  as  some- 
thing to  be  produced  and  maintained 
for  the  convenience  and  gain  of  those 
who  now  pose  as  masters  of  business, 
and  whose  God  is  their  gold.  The  very 
strong  tendency  of  the  workers  of  the 
world  to  the  belief  that  they  were  all 
placed  on  this  mundane  sphere  for  the 
purpose  of  having  the  privilege  of  a 
decent  opportunity  to  live  as  becomes 
a  human  being.  Is  gaining  recruits  each 
day,  and  ere  long  will  have  become  so 
firmly  entrenched  In  the  minds  of  the 
world  that  no  human  life  bom  into  the 
world  will  be  i>ermltted  to  have  Its 
talents  and  strength  dwarfed  and  Its 
life  jeopardized  on  account  of  being 
placed  in  mines  and  factories  before 


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JOPBNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHBIBSN'S  UNION. 


haying  arrived  at  an  age  when  their 
physical  strength  and  mental  develop- 
ment are  such  as  will  render  them  im- 
mune from  overtaxing  their  strength 
when  entering  upon  those  duties.  Un- 
less qualified  by  age  and  strength  to 
understand  them  and  endure  the  strain 
incident  to  such  duties  they  should  not 
be  allowed  to  enter  upon  such  work. 
That  much  respect  is  surely  due  to 
every  human  creature,  and  organized 
labor  is  right  in  insisting  that  that 
degree  of  right  treatment  be  given  to 
all.  Forcing  the  importance  of  the 
child  labor  question  upon  legislators 
has  already  been  the  means  of  the 
enactment  of  many  good  laws  and  af- 
fording greater  protection  for  that  part 
of  our  population  who  were  helpless 
and  at  the  mercies  of  exploiters  until 
labor  took  up  the  fight  in  their  behalf. 
While  much  has  been  done  in  this  re- 
gard, in  giving  the  matter  publicity 
and  securing  the  enactment  of  some 
legislation,  the  real  battle  to  extermin- 
ate the  evil,  by  having  more  stringent 
laws  passed  and  have  them  all  strictly 
enforced,  is  but  begun,  and  it  behooves 
every  worker  of  the  world  to  interest 
himself  in  this  problem,  for  upon  its 
proper  solution  rests  the  fate  of  every 
child.  Guarding  the  interests  of  the 
child  is  safeguarding  the  destiny  of 
mankind. 


rCBRUARY,  THE  BIRTH  MONTH  Of 
WASHINGTON  AND  LINCOLN. 

"Bvery  month  in  the  cidendar  is 
noted  for  its  illuatrious  characters 
bom  within  its  duration.  But  none 
during  the  year  has  witnessed  or  been 
recorded  the  birtih  of  any  of  the 
world's  Illustrious  characters  in  this 
country  that  are  held  in  such  sa^ed 
reverence  and  respect  and  the  mile- 
stone of  the  anniversary  of  their  birth 
heing  so  generally  observed  by  the  peo- 
ple as  have  those  of  George  Washing- 
ton and  Abraham  Lincoln. 


Though  a  period  of  180  years  has 
elapsed  since  the  advent  of  the  former 
and  103  years  since  that  of  the  latter, 
yet  their  lives  have  been  so  interwoven 
in  the  hearts  of  the  citizenship  of  this 
country  on  account  of  their  work  for 
the  advancement  of  humanity,  the 
story  of  which  has  been  handed  do^n 
to  eadh  succeeding'  generation  since 
their  deaths,  that  they  are  living  large- 
ly in  the  lives  of  our  people  today. 
The  recurrence  of  their  birth  anni- 
versaries is  anticipated  by  the  adher- 
ents of  almost  every  race,  creed,  polit- 
ical or  other  social  association  with  a 
degree  of  pride  and  veneration  that  is 
marvelous  in  the  extreme.  Perhaps  in 
no  other  country  have  any  other  char- 
acters received  the  degree  of  homage 
and  respect  in  such  universal  profu- 
sion from  the  citizenship  of  their  coun- 
try as  have  Washington  and  Lincoln 
in  this  country.  History  is  so  arranged 
that  no  human  traits,  however  aocom- 
pliahed  or  useful  they  may  have  ren- 
dered their  possessor,  nor  however 
valuable  they  were  to  the  advancement 
of  mankind,  unless  they  pertained  to 
war  events,  received  but  scant  appre- 
ciation, since  the  major  portion  of  its 
pages  are  devoted  to  the  narration  of 
the  world's  battles  and  those  conduct- 
ing them.  It  thus  happens  that  many 
of  the  greatest  benefactors  to  hu- 
manity are  practically  unknown, 
though  their  battles  for  peaceful  and 
progressive  truths  were  of  far  more 
consequence  towards  the  advancement 
of  civilization  than  were  many  of  the 
conflicts  of  wars,  the  leaders  of  which 
are  familiar  to  every  reader  of  elemen- 
tary  history. 

In  this  respect  Washington  and  Lin- 
coln are  no  exception  to  this  rule  and, 
while  it  took  a  most  dreadful  war  in 
each  Instance  to  bring  them  prominent- 
ly into  the  hearts  of  their  countrymen, 
yet  each  was  averse  to  wars  and  each 
showed  his  true  nature  more  brightly  in 
his  efforts  for  peace  and  prevention  of 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


hoBttiitleB,  than  when  planning  for 
battlefield  conflicts,  and  their  peaceful 
attributes  to  prevent  hostilities  and 
their  causes  are  being  more  extensive- 
ly enlarged  upon  and  brought  to  light 
by  biographers  and  students  of  peace- 
ful heroes  as  the  years  go  by. 

At  the  close  of  the  revolution  as  at 
the  termination  of  the  rebellion,  we 
find  these  master  minds  uttering  their 
immortal  gems  of  truth  and  eounael- 
ing  their  countrymen  to  forsake  mili- 
tary pursuits  and  take  up  conservative 
and  productive  ones.  Bac(h  was  en- 
dowed with  a  remarkable  degree  of  fore- 
sight concerning  grave  state  problems, 
as  they  also  were  in  reading  human 
characteristics  abounding  in  wondrous 
diversity  about  them  that  were  to  be 
reckoned  with  and  reconciled,  other- 
wiee  the  fruition  of  wars  they  were 
connected  with  would  fail  in  aooom- 
plishing  the  ends  sought  The  lessons 
learned  by  each  of  those  illustrious 
characters  in  early  life  in  their  strug- 
gles for  peaceful  progress  and  the 
vicissitudes  incident  to  the  early 
career  of  each  made  them  masters  in 
the  art  of  reading  human  characters, 
masters  in  diplomacy,  humanely  con- 
sistent and  compassionate  in  their  ac- 
tions with  those  who  were  amenable 
to  their  commands^  firm  and  deliberate 
when  once  convinced  of  the  Justice  of 
their  conviction  as  to  the  right  or 
wrong  of  the  grave  problem  with 
which  they  were  confronted. 

E&eh  appeared  upon  life's  voyage  at 
an  epoch-making  period  in  this  coun- 
try— the  one  to  appropriate  his  talents 
toward  marshaling  together  the  dis- 
gruntled forces  here,  as  the  result  of 
foreign  oppression,  into  an  autonomy, 
the  characteristics  of  which  would  be 
the  embodiment  of  truest  principles  of 
liberty  and  precepts,  as  well  as  of 
peaceful  modes  of  the  administration 
of  rules  of  justice  and  equity,  based 
upon  their  convictions  of  them  and 
which   had  been   propagated   through 


ages  of  persecutions  on  account  of  mis- 
government  in  fatherlands— the  other 
to  preserve  and  hold  intact  the 
autonomy  of  tiie  central  government 
greatly  enlarged  since  its  inception, 
thougftk  severely  embarrassed  as  t» 
whether  or  not  it  could  be  perpetuated 
as  launched  due  to  sectional  strife 
relative  to  questions  of  state  rights 
propagation  and  extension  of  slavery, 
etc. 

In  each  case  the  blending  together 
of  discordant  sections  proved  to  be  be- 
yond their  power  to  accomplish  in  a 
peaceful  manner  so  aggressive  war 
tactics  were  resorted  to  to  achieve  the 
ends  sought.  The  powerful  influence 
of  Washington  towards  holding  to- 
gether the  volunteer  patriots  during 
the  revolution  and  the  voluntary  re- 
sponses to  Lincoln's  call  for  men  to 
prevent  a  dissolution  of  existing* gov- 
ernment and  their  lofty  display  of  un- 
selfish patriotism  and  leadership  dur- 
ing the  time  of  those  great  conflfcts 
will  remain  dear  to  the  hearts  of  the 
people  of  the  world  so  long  as  the  love 
of  liberty  continues  to  be  a  live  spark 
in  their  hearts.  A  day  each  year  de~ 
voted  to  the  commemoration  of  the 
chief  characteristics  of  such  lives  will 
find  its  reward!  In  keeping  fresh  in  the 
hearts  of  our  citizenship  loftier  con- 
ceptions and  ideals  of  liberty  and  pa- 
triotism and  the  promotion  of  a  peace- 
ful struggle  for  a  better  application 
of  the  golden  rule  in  the  affairs  of  in- 
dustrial and  national  life. 


SWITCHMEN  or  BUrPALO  rORM 
DISTRICT  COUNOL. 

After  considerable  meditation  upon 
the  question,  the  delegates  appointed 
for  the  purpose  of  meeting  and  dis- 
cussing the  advisability  of  the  forma- 
tion of  a  district  council,  to  be  com- 
posed of  the  lodges  of  this  union,  lo- 
cated in  the  city  of  Buffalo,  held  a  pre- 
liminary   meeting    at    Grand    Lodgs 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHlfBirS  UNION. 


87 


lieadqiiarters  on  the  eyenlng  of  Jan. 
ISth,  for  tho  purpose  of  ascertaining 
the  sentiment  of  the  varloas  lodges  tn 
regard  to  the  question  of  the  establbth- 
xnent  of  an  affiliation  of  this  naAure 
1>etween  the  lodges  of  Buffalo.  The 
question  of  a  district  conndl  had  been 
discussed  among  the  membership  of 
the  different  lodges  for  some  time,  and 
the  matter  received  so  much  encourage- 
ment that  a  short  time  ago  a  letter  was 
sent  to  each  of  the  lodges  suggesting 
that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  meet 
at  the  time  and  place  above  indicated 
for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the  mat- 
ter, and,  if  deemed  advisable,  to  formu- 
late plans  for  a  permanent  organiza- 
tion. The  meeting  was  called  as  ar- 
ranged for,  and  so  favorable  was  the 
belief  that  such  an  organization  of  this 
nature  was  needed  to  promote  the  in- 
terests of  the  switchmen  of  Buffalo 
that  it  was  deemed  appropriate  to  form 
a  permanent  organization,  to  be  known 
as  Buffalo  District  Council  No.  2, 
which  was  done.  The  following  named 
were  selected  as  officers:  President, 
Thomas  G.  Meaney,  Lodge  No.  89;  vlce- 
preeldent,  O.  G.  Roth,  Lodge  No.  201; 
secretary,  Frank  Bristol,  Lodge  No. 
209;  treasurer,  W.  F.  Schleus,  Lodge 
No.  99.  Arrangements  have  been  made 
to  meet  at  McCarthy's  Hall,  comer 
Seneca  and  Walter  streets,  on  second 
Wednesday  evening  of  each  month.  Six 
of  the  eight  lodges  in  the  city  were 
represented  at  this  meeting,  and  It  was 
the  expressed  hope  of  all  present  that 
all  the  lodges  would  bcome  actively  in- 
terested in  the  movement.  The  broth- 
ers present  were  fortunate  in  having 
Bro.  S.  A.  Fogarty  of  Chicago,  III.,  pres- 
•ent  at  this  meeting.  He  explained  the 
manner  in  which  the  switchmen's 
council  of  Chicago  was  conducted  and 
gave  the  brothers  some  excellent  ad- 
vice relative  to  detail  workings  of  such 
bodies,  as  gathered  from  experience  of 
the  one  in  his  home  city.    It  is  to  be 


hoped  the  same  good  spirit  of  fellow- 
rtilp  will  prevail  in  all  subsequent 
meetings  of  this  body,  as  was  mani- 
fested in  their  initial  meeting.  The 
time  and  place  of  meetings  and  names 
of  officers  will  appear  in  Journal  roster 
beginning  with  this  issue. 


•-STICK  UP^  POR  YOUR  VOCATKW-- 
ir  YOU  DONX  NO  ONC  CLSC  WILL. 

It  is  well  for  a  mam  to  respect  his  i 
own  vocation;    and  to  think  hlmsellf 
bound  to  uphold'  it,  and  to  claim  for  it 
the  respect  is  deservea— Little  Doritt. 

The  forms  of  society  that  have  best 
promoted  the  Interest  of  their  adher- 
ents, are  those  in  wliich  their  consti- 
tuents have  taken  the  greatest  care  to 
vouchsafe  the  fundamental  tenets  or 
cardlina!  precepts  upon  whiich  they  base 
their  appeals  for  adiherents  from  those 
among  whom  they  must  look  for  main- 
tenance and  expansion  of  their  influ- 
ence until  they  have  reached  the  ulti- 
mate ends  souefbt. 

It  wouM  be  unfair  to  expect  anj  one 
to  espouse  a  cause  of  any  nature  where 
those  most  aftected  wouUf  not  them- 
selves champion  it  Whdle  the  pur- 
port of  all  useful  work  in  society  is 
the  provision  of  a  means  of  healthful 
and  prodtuctive  exercise  of  brawn  and 
muscle  upon  nature's  works,  and  an 
appropriation  of  the  resulits  of  such  ef- 
forts to  the  uplift  of  humanity.  Tet 
the  bounties  of  nature  are  of  such  va- 
riety and  so  profusely  distributed  that 
the  task  of  gathering  them  together  in 
form  and  season  to  gratify  the  long- 
ings and  neediB  of  all  humanity,  is  the 
world's  useful  work.  Every  associa- 
tion or  form  of  society  formed  with  an 
honest  purpose  of  contributing  towards 
the  fulfinment  of  an  active  part  in 
this  work,  is  a  useful  adjunct  in  the 
onward  march  of  civilization  and  wor- 
thy of  support  and?  encouragement.  If 
you  are  a  member  of  an  organization 
that  seeks  to  make  better,  happier  and 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHMBrrfl  UNION. 


more  progxessive,  tli<e  lot  of  aU  thoee 
representing  a  yocation,  then  It  le  well 
that  you  do  all  you  can  to  make  it 
worthy  of  the  respect  of  each  ono  en- 
gaged In  such  Yocatlon  as  a  means 
of  securing  a  livelihood.  Do  wliat 
you  can  to  see  that  it  Is  establiahed 
upon  a  proper  foundation,  so  it  will  be 
worthy  of  the  respect  of  aU  those  it 
endteavors  to  represent  Havkig  found 
it  measures  up  to  proper  fineness,  as  to 
'  purpose  of  intent,  it  shoukL  then  re- 
ceive tho  respect  an-di  support  of  ^acfa 
of  its  'ad'herents  who  shouM  olaim:  for 
it  the  fulil  respect  it  should  receive. 
Tliis  amount  of  respect  is  diue  from 
each  member  of  an  organization  before 
it  has  a  r4ght  to  demauid  full  respect 
from  those  with  whom  it  dealB  and 
from  it  desires  to  obtain  Just  conoee- 
sione  from.  As  we  respect  our  own  in- 
terests 80  may  we  expect  to  be  re- 
spected by  others.  How  true  are  tlie 
wordb  of  Little  Dorltt 


DON'T  NEGLECT  SECUMNG  THE  GOOD 

WILL  or  THAT  YOUNG    BROTHER 

WHO  IS  WORKING  WITH  YOU. 

Now  that  New  Tear  resolves  have 
been  made  in  good  faith,  let  every 
member  of  this  union  make  it  a  point 
to  try  as  faithfully  as  possible  to  bring 
that  new  candidate  to  the  altar  for  the 
obligations  of  the  union.  But  that 
bright  young  man  the  company  has 
Just  hired,  and  whose  interests  you 
must  safeguard  in  order  to  protect  your 
own,  would  like  you  to  explain  the  ob- 
jects and  aims  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  to  him,  and  you  should  do  this. 
A  little  good  advice  and  encourage- 
ment on  your  part,  at  the  time  of  en- 
tering service  with  the  company,  will 
mean  much  to  you  and  the  organiza- 
tion as  well  as  to  the  young  brother  in 
a  very  short  time.  Every  possible 
effort  should  be  made  to  direct  those 
young  minds  beginning  their  railroad 
career  to  become  a  part  of  the  move- 


ment to  which  they  owe  so  much,  and 
which  represents  their  chosen  occupa- 
tion. No  one  well  worn  by  the  trials 
and  vicissitudes  of  the  strenuous  life 
of  a  switchman  will  know  the  plefts^ 
ures  of  getting  young  minds  directed 
in  right  channels,  unless  he  has  had  a 
part  in  so  directing  someone.  Don't 
neglect  this  young  army  of  recruits 
that  are  annually  appearing  on  the 
scene  of  action,  for  yotfll  find  them 
the  stanchest  friends  you  ever  had  if 
you  give  them  the  courteous  and  fair 
treatment  to  which  they  are  ^titled, 
and  which  others  gave  you  when  you 
began  such  duties.  Some  middle-aged 
men  in  switching  service,  who  have 
discouraged  rather  than  encouraged 
their  young  brothers  when  entering 
such  service,  must  now  rely  upon  them 
to  protect  the  conditions  under  which 
the  work  as  well  as  their  grievances  are 
conducted.  All  were  young  themselves 
at  one  time,  and,,  whether  willing  to 
confess  the  fact  or  not,  they  were  Just 
as  inexperienced  as  the  young  man 
who  today  enters  such  service,  and 
some  "old  head"  had  to  break  them  in, 
too.  But  some  people  do  not  seem  to 
remember  such  fact,  or  harbor  a  very 
great  extent  of  gratitude  for  those  who 
so  readily  assisted  them  at  a  most 
critical  time  in  their  lives.  Don't  neg- 
lect to  cultivate  the  good  will  of  the 
young  workers  with  you,  for  you  can 
ill  afford  to  do  60.  Get  them  into  your 
union  and  they  will  render  you  most 
valuable  service  in  the  promotion  of 
your  interests.  The  life  of  any  organ- 
ization, having  as  one  of  its  basic 
tenets  perpetuity  of  existence,  should 
and  must  cater  to  the  acquirement  and 
assimilation  of  the  young  blood  that  is 
ever  being  infused  into  the  channels 
through  which  such  society  must  de- 
pend for  its  very  life.  Elxplain  the 
principles  of  your  union  to  the  young 
brother  Just  appearing  upon  the  work. 
It's  a  duty  you  owe  both  to  him  and 
yourself,  and  if  you  do  this  duty  he 


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will  love  and  respect  you  for  It.  Not 
only  will  he  do  that,  but  he  will  gladly 
affiliate  himself  with  it  and  become  its 
most  active  supporter.  He  will  realize 
the  necessity  of  his  association  with  it, 
for  the  promotion  of  his  best  interests, 
and  likewifie  you  should  give  encour- 
agement to  him,  for  in  so  doing  you 
are  not  only  repaying  a  debt  of  grati- 
tude of  long  standing  you  owe  to  some 
kindly-disposed  co-worker  for  similar 
assistance  in  bygone  days,  but  besides 
you  owe  it  to  him  as  the  only  means 
of  having  any  fair  degree  of  protection 
In  holding  your  Job  until  too  old  to  fur- 
ther perform  the  required  duties.  So 
It  resolves  Itself,  when  brought  to  a 
final  analysis,  into  not  only  a  question 
of  duty,  but  one  of  self-preservation  as 
well,  to  champion  the  cause  of  the 
young  man  entering  service  with  you. 
We  must  look  this  matter  squarely  In 
the  face,  and  avail  ourselves  of  the 
benefit  of  fair  play  In  the  premises,  or 
else  suffer  seriously  by  an  untenable 
attitude  In  reference  to  it.  The  young 
man  Is  here,  both  by  right  and  neces- 
sity. He  has  a  right  to  live  and  to 
work  at  any  vocation  his  mind  dictates 
he  should  pursue.  He  also  is  the  fu- 
ture life  and  energy  of  every  element 
In  useful  society,  and  the  doors  of  them 
an  should  afford  him  a  hearty  welcome 
therein.  So,  as  a  matter  of  policy  and 
a  deserved  tribute  of  love,  don't  neglect 
securing  the  good  will  of  that  young 
brother  who  is  working  with  you. 


GCT  TOGETHCR  IN  YOUR  OWN 
ORGANIZATION. 

The  possibilities  for  promotion  of 
the  welfare  of  thoee  following  the  vo- 
cation of  switching  cars  for  a  liveli- 
hood can  never  be  fully  realized  until 
0nch  time  as  they  are  all  enlisted  In 
the  work  aiming  towards  such  ends 
There  are  approximately  forty  thous- 
and men  engaged  In  this  kind  of  work 
for   their   means  of   support   in  this 


country  and  the  service  they  perform 
is  of  the  highest  importance  to  the 
proficient  management  of  a  railroad, 
as  well  as  a  very  eseentlal  feature  in 
the  expedltement  and  convenience  of 
the  world's  commercial  business  and 
social  life.  Whether  in  giving  trans- 
port business  Its  first  start  from  fac- 
tory, mill,  team  track,  or  receiving  K 
from  connecting  terminals  and  plac- 
ing It  In  a  train  for  Its  onward  Jour- 
ney, or  on  a  team  track  or  freight 
house  to  be  unloaded,  it  matters  not, 
it  is  work  of  a  very  essential  nature 
to  the  road  and  for  the  public.  Tou 
can  observe  this  work  from  every  pos- 
sible angle,  and  you  will  find  it  is  such 
that  requires  the  most  careful  atten- 
tion to  perform.  The  assorting  of 
cars  for  the  multitudinous  usages  and 
diversity  of  routings  to  which  they 
are  subjected,  and  the  accuracy  and 
dispatch  with,  which  the  work  is  done, 
clearly  Indicate  to  the  mind  of  any 
one  giving  the  matter  9  careful 
thought,  thai  it  Is  not  of  the  haphaz- 
ard variety,  nor  can  it  be  successfully 
done  without  experience  and  skill  of 
the  highest  type.  It  has  been  and  may 
be  done  by  the  novice,  but  only  at  ter- 
rible cost  and  delay,  for  every  move- 
ment from  start  to  finish  Is  fraught 
with  peril  to  those  doing  the  work,  as 
wen  as  to  great  damage  loes  to  the 
company.  A  wrong  signal,  or  a  mis- 
taken signal,  though  of  but  a  mo- 
ment's duration,  may  mean  the  loss  of 
life,  or  serious  damage  to  property. 
The  duties  required  of  the  men  doing 
this  work  are  arduous  and  dangerous 
and  require  a  constant  degree  of  con- 
centration of  mind  to  the  work,  else 
all  Is  in  confusion  and  the  yardmaster 
and  "the  higher  upe"  are  in  purgatory 
as  the  result  Such  is  a  meagre  purport 
of  t/he  Importance  of  the  task  assigned 
to  the  switchmen  In  the  way  of  keeping 
some  of  the  comjplexities  of  a  railway 
system  in  normal  condition.  But  It 
was  not  so  much  the  intent  of  these 


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remarks  to  demoBstrate  how  import- 
ant a  part  these  switchmen  performed 
iR  doing  a  neceaeary  work  for  those 
gigantic  corporations  as  to  try  and 
convey  the  idea  of  those  40,000  or 
more  of  men  doing  this  important 
work,  the  power  they  possess  for  the 
promotion  of  their  own  interests,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  railroads  and  the 
public  they  now  do  if  they  would  util- 
ize a  fair  iOiare  of  their  mind's  energy 
in  uniting  into  a  compact  band  to- 
gether under  the  banner  of  the  organi- 
zation that  was  Instituted  for  the  pro- 
motion of  their  special  welfare — ^the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 
While  it  lays  no  claim  to  having  a 
majority  of  the  switchmen  of  the  coun- 
try, it  does  claim  that  it  is  the  only 
onganization  In  existence  that  was  or- 
ganised for  the  sole  purpose  of  looking 
after  and  promoting  the  special  inter- 
ests of  switchmen  and  that  it  does 
promote  them  better  than  any  other. 

That  it  has  had  a  continual  struggle 
since  its  conception  and  advent  among 
the  railroad  organizations  in  the  labor 
world,  none  will  dispute  or  deny,  but 
it  has  forged  its  way  on  in  spite  of  the 
whale  trying  to  swallow  it  and  in  spite 
of  all  other  obstacles  cast  on  every 
side  of  it  to  ensnare  and  lead  it  into 
pitfalls  and  use  It  for  the  promotion 
of  other  Interests  to  the  detriment  of 
its  own.  It  has  stonned  them  all  and 
though  its  membership  has  not  in- 
creased as  rapidly  as  hoped  for,  yet  it 
has  held  its  own  even  in  tnat  regard 
and  has  allowed  nothing  to  deter  it  in 
its  onward  march  for  the  securement 
of  brighter  and  better  opportunities  in 
life  for  those  engaged  in  switching 
service.  It  has  never  yet  entered  into 
collusion  with  railroad  companies  re- 
quiring certain  percentages  of  switch- 
men in  their  service  to  be  members  of 
this  union  as  a  condition  of  continu- 
ance in  service  In  that  capacity  with 
the  company.  Instead  of  endeavoring 
to  ezerciae  such  coercive   tactics  to 


bolster  up  its  membership,  it  has 
sought  and  still  seeks  recruits  from 
those  entering  switching  service  pure- 
ly on  the  merits  of  the  organization, 
believing  whenever,  if  ever,  the  switch- 
men of  North  America  will,  when  once 
they  get  their  thoughts  focused  upon 
the  basic  aim  of  our  principles  which 
consists  of  a  belief  that  the  40,000 
men,  engaged  in  this  kind  of  work, 
could  best  promote  their  own  Interests 
in  an  organization  composed  of  only 
themselves,  rather  than  a  slue  issue 
in  one  having  no  special  interest  in 
any  of  its  component  parts  but  a  gen- 
eral supervisor  over  all,  the  switchmen 
will  be  in  position  to  get  Just  results, 
and  not  till  then.  It  is  not  adverse 
to  the  Idea  of  federations  or  affllia- 
tions»  but  Is  opposed  to  disruption  of 
the  autonomy  of  a  single  craft  union 
to  form  or  maintain  one,  believing  that 
no  craft  or  class  of  workmen  under 
one  should  sacrifice  their  identity  or 
entrust  the  arrangement  of  wage  and 
working  conditions  to  the  care  of  any 
federated  body,  or  even  any  single  or- 
ganization endeavoring  to  legislate  for 
them  that  either  seeks  to  or  does 
eliminate  such  lines  in  its  mode  of 
administration  of  Jurisdiction  over 
them.  Tihs  organization  believes  the 
future  destiny  of  switchmen  rests 
more  largely  upon  It  than  any  other 
agency.  It  further  believes  they  will 
not  be  able  to  grasp  the  opportunities 
ever  before  them  to  secure  that  Just 
and  equitable  portion  of  life's  blessings 
which  their  labor  earns  and  to  which 
they  are  entitled  without  enlisting 
their  support  to  the  principles  It  ad- 
vocates, and  along  the  lines  It  seeks 
to  obtain  them,  by  getting  all  the 
switchmen  together  in  one  union,  with 
the  affairs  of  switchmen  as  its  work 
to  attend  to.  The  old  saying  that  "No 
one  will  attend  to  your  business  as 
well  as  yourself,"  is  Just  as  true  today 
as  it  ever  was,  and  Just  as  true  in 
switchmen's  matters  as  in  those  of  any 


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91 


other.  Interests  are  beet  promioted 
and  possibilities  of  greatest  success 
best  insured  when  working  class  forces 
get  together  solidly  in  looking  after 
.  ISieir  interests. 

We  beUeve,  therefore,  that  all 
switchmen  sbould  enroll  tbemselves 
for  the  promotion  of  their  best  inter- 
nets when  the  greatest  rewards  will 
come  to  them  as  a  result  of  such  unity 
of  effort  ESvery  switchman  is  invited 
to  inquire  into  the  merits  of  this  union 
and  if  be  feels  switchmen  should  legis- 
late for  switchmen,  he  should  become 
a  part  of  it,  as  we  believe  it  is  his  duty 
to  80  do.  We  trust  all  its  members 
will  make  a  special  effort  during  the 
year  now  entered  upon  to  explain  its 
objects  to  those  with  whom  they  work, 
bdieviucr,  if  they  do,  that  it  will  find 
luany  of  them  added  to  its  ranks  and 
working  in  harmony  with  those  now 
associated  with  it,  all  of  whom  are 
seeking  the  best  obtainable  rewards 
for  those  who  follow  this  vocation  for 
a  livelihood. 


BEGGING  rOR  A  PRISON  HOMT. 

A  most  shocking  incident  was  that 
of  Kermit  McDonald  before  Judge  Ap- 
pelton  in  a  recent  night  court  session 
In  New  York  City,  when  he  implored 
a  jail  sentence  from  His  Honor  to  pre- 
vent starvation.  He  gave  as  his  reason 
for  this  request  that  he  had  no  money 
or  employment,  nor  was  he  able  to  get 
either  in  an  honorable  manner,  and  he 
would  be  arrested  if  found  begging. 
This  incident,  and  it  is  a  prototype  of 
the  condition  of  thousands  of  other 
citizens  of  our  fair  land,  where  we  hear 
80  much  about  equal  opportunities  and 
possibilities  of  becoming  President  of 
the  United  States,  happened  on  Christ- 
mas eve  in  a  country  where  there  is  no 
necessity  for  suffering  of  this  nature, 
as  we  are  in  the  midst  of  plenty.  Is  it 
possible  the  chance  to  earn  an  oppor- 
tunity to  live  is  so  remote  and  has  de- 


generated to  the  disgraceful  depth 
where  an  industrious  man  must  beg  to 
get  into  prison  in  order  to  secure  food 
and  raiment?  Certainly  our  "God 
knows"  statesmen 'and  philanthropists 
have  gotten  the  worker's  opportunities 
of  hoping  for  his  larder,  to  contain  a 
day's  or  week's  rations  in  Qen.  Sher- 
man's war-definition  fix,  when  the  best 
he  can  find  in  sight  is  an  option  to 
beg  for  a  Jail  sentence  rather  than  beg 
for  bread  and  raiment  or  starve.  But 
it's  our  will  that  it  be  so,  as  deplorable 
as  it  is.  Instead  of  building  a  govern- 
ment with  available  opportunities  for 
eyeryone  willing  to  work  to  secure 
everything  necessary  to  sustain  life 
and  properly  develop  mind  and  body, 
we  have  assisted  in  the  construction  of 
a  system  whereby  we  receive  one-fifth 
of  our  earnings  and  turn  the  other 
four-fifths  over  to  those  we  choose  to 
smite  us,  and  ofPer  to  us  as  a  reward 
for  the  products  of  our  toil  the  choice 
of  seeking  an  asylum  or  freezing  and 
starvation.  When  exploitation  of  the 
laborer  is  abolished  there  will  be  no 
necessity  of  such  requests  as  that  of 
Kermit  McDonald;  and  it  will  never  be 
abolished  nor  even  held  in  what  little 
restraint  with  which  it  is  now  prac- 
ticed unless  we  awaken  to  the  import- 
ance of  our  ability  and  the  urgent 
necessity  of  arising  altogether  and 
crushing  the  system  under  which  it  is 
possible  to  exist 


UABIUTY  ACT  SUSTAINED  BY  SUPREME 
COURT  Of  UNITED  STATES. 

After  pending:  before  the  United 
States  Supreme  Court  for  about  a  year, 
that  tribunal  has  declared  the  Ehn- 
ployers*  Law,  passed  by  Co(n«ress  in 
190S,  to  be  oonstitutional. 

This  aot  was  similar  in  purport  to 
an  act  of  Congress  passed  prior  to  that 
bill  and  which  had)  been  d<eclared  to 
be  unconstitutional. 

The  court  decision,  In  the  present 


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inotanice,  waa  unanlmiaua  in  opinion 
amd  by  it,  tbe  ooimUy  is  afforded  an- 
other sample  of  that  auguot  tribunal 
reversing  itself  uiiton  oonetitntional 
Questions,  easendaOy  adibe  in  their  en- 
tirety. If  this  dieoision  is  to  stand  as 
a  perpetual  criterion  upon  the  question 
of  liability,  in  case  of  personal  injuries, 
then  a  great  burden  will  have  been  re- 
moyedi  from  those  reoeivimg  induries, 
from  the  fact  that  as  approved  by  4}hi0 
court,  the  corporations  will  not  be  able 
to  hide  their  guilt  under  the  cloak  of 
'fellow  servant  doctrine."  By  it  tihe 
"assumption  of  risk"  feature  to  the 
employes  is  also  greatly  reduce^  so 
that  the  aesumiption)  of  the  usuatl  risiks 
of  a  vocation  would  not  bar  employes 
sustaining  injuries  from  receiving 
Judgment  in  courts,  commenaurate 
with  nature  of  injury,  and  employes 
engaged  in  any  vocation  are  not  sui- 
cidally Inclined  to  anor  appreciable  ex- 
tent. This  decision  comes  at  an  op- 
portune time  and  should  have  a  salu* 
tary  effect  upon  liability  andf  oompen- 
sation  legislation  now  before  Oongress, 
and  the  improved  forms  in  which  they 
win  api>ear  before  it,  from  time  to 
time.  With  the  right  of  Oongress  thor- 
oughly established,  to  properly  legis- 
late for  the  safety  of  employes  by  con- 
cerns engaged  in  the  manufacturing  of 
and  transportation  of  intensrtate  com- 
merce business,  and  laws  passed  and 
enforced  by  it  forcing  them  to  give  up 
monetary  benefits  commensurate  for 
oondlitions  in  which  employes  were  left 
after  having  sustained  injuries  due  to 
Eonr observance  of  proper  safeguards  to 
prevent  them  on  the  part  of  companies 
employing  them,  then  will  one  of  the 
greatest  waves  of  precautionary  and 
preventive  methods  ever  known  be 
worked  out  by  those  concerns.  For, 
when  it  pays  best  financially,  to  oper- 
ate industries  safely,  safety  will  be  one 
of  their  chief  assets  for  profit  and 
things  will  be  arranged  about  them 


with  a  view  of  conforming  to  it,  in  or- 
der to  get  the  highest  possible  net  re- 
sults. 

So  long  as  lives  are  ccmsidiered 
cheaper  than  mules,  cars  or  a  foot  or 
so  of  soil  to  provide  suitable  clear- 
ances, etc..  Just  so  long  win  elements 
of  personal  injury  or  deaths  attrib- 
utable to  themi,  fail  to  be  of  much  con- 
cern- to  corporations,  but  Just  the  mo- 
ment d)eath>  and  injuries  become  un- 
profitable there  will  be  drastic  efforts 
nuidc  to  prevent  them. 

So  every  act  with<  a  view  c^  securing 
Just  compensation  must  not  only  carry 
with  it  compensations  for  injuries  to 
employes,  but  to  suc!h  an  extent  that 
f^tft.tiHfl.1  loss  to  the  corporations  will 
be  so  great  that  they  can't  afford  such 


MAVC  YOU  GIVCN  PROPER  SUPPORT  TO 
THE  fUU  CRCW  BILL? 

The  Full  Crew  Bill  should  not  be  lost 
sight  of  by  our  members,  since  there  is 
no  legislation  before  the  people  of  more 
interest  to  them  at  this  time.  If  bill 
(H.  R.  13911),  as  introduced  by  Repre- 
sentative Sherwood  of  Ohio,  becomes  a 
law  it  would  compel  all  switching 
crews  to  have  a  working  force  of  not 
less  than  an  engineer,  a  fireman,  a 
foreman  and  two  helpers  on  every  en- 
gine used  in  switching  service,  hand- 
ling interstate  business,  which  would 
include  practically  all  engines  used  in 
switching  service. 

The  same  would  be  true  in  regard  to 
road  crews  in  train  service.  So  this 
Full  Crew  Bill  is  of  much  importance 
to  both  road  and  yard  men,  and  cftiould 
have  their  most  earnest  support.  The 
Uves  of  both  the  employes  and  the 
public  in  general  have  long  been  placed 
in  undue  peril  owing  to  the  fact  of 
short-handed  crews,  or  those  with  less 
men  thereon  than  were  actually  neces- 
sary to  transact  the  work  in  a  manner 
that  would  afford  a  proper  degree  of 


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safety  to  employes  and  the  public. 
True,  a  large  percentage  of  the  crews 
doing  such  service  now  h&'ve  'the  neces- 
sary complement  of  men  with  engines 
assigned  to  such  duties,  but  the  disre- 
gard to  safeguard  the  employes  and 
the  public  in  such  matters  is  of  such 
magnitude  that  it  is  necessary  that  a 
bill  of  (this  kind  be  enacted  into  law  to 
compel  all  roads  to  have  a  properly- 
manned  crew  on  all  engines  thus  used. 
Five  men  is  none  too  many  for  any 
engine,  and  not  enough  for  some,  but 
nothing  less  than  that  number  should 
be  allowed  to  be  used  as  a  working 
crew  with  them.  While  there  is  no 
accurate  data  relative  to  the  loes  of 
life  and  damcige  to  property  attribut- 
able to  improperly  manned  engine 
crews,  it  would  be  a  sad  chapter  in  our 
history  if  it  were  all  told  or  known. 
Whenever  it  is  impossible  for  members 
of  a  wolfing  force  of  this  kind  to  be  in 
signal  communication  with  each  oither 
at  all  times  when  doing  such  work,  as 
it  even  is  sometimes  with  the  number 
of  men  called  for  in  this  bill,  the  lives 
of  employes,  the  public,  and  risks  of 
damage  to  property  is  imperiled  to  an 
extent  that  calls  for  ptiblic  attention  to 
the  extent  of  placing  legal  restrictions 
upon  companies  compelling  them  to 
place  sufficient  men  on  switching  crews 
to  keep  such  dangers  down  to  the  low- 
est possible  minimum.  In  November 
JoiTBNAL  the  text  of  this  bill  was 
printed  for  the  benefit  of  Joubnal 
readers,  and  was  commented  upon  in 
editorial  columns.  Prior  to  that  time 
President  Heberlii^  sent  a  copy  of  the 
bill  to  each  lodge  with  the  request  that 
it  take  active  interest  in  the  bill,  and 
express  their  sentiment  in  form  of  k 
resolution,  or  private  letters  to  their 
Congressmen  and  Senators,  urging 
upon  them  the  necessity  of  aiding  in 
its  passage.  If  all  have  taken  <his  ad- 
vice in  r9gard  to  the  matter  it  will 
have  an  effect  for   good   towards   its 


passage.  Together  with  representa- 
tives of  other  organiaztions,  Bro. 
Heberling  is,  at  the  time  of  this 
writing,  in  Wcishington  doing  what  he 
can  towards  trying  to  convince  Con- 
gress of  the  importance  of  the  enact- 
ment of  such  a  law.  The  success  they 
will  meet  with  will  be  in  proportion  to 
the  interest  that  was  taken  by  the 
members  and  lodges  in  the  various 
sections  of  the  country  by  the  different 
organizations.  If  they  have  been  active 
in  regard  to  it,  the  representatives 
now  in  Washington  have  many  letters 
and  resolutions  in  their  possession, 
and  are  convinced  of  the  merits  of  the 
affair,  and  will  in  all  probability  give 
it  their  support,  but  if  they  have  re- 
ceived no  notice  from  their  constit- 
uents, they  will  not  support  it  with 
the  spirit  they  would  had  it  been  urged 
upon  them  by  those  electing  them  to 
their  positions.  More  and  more  is  it 
becoming  demonstrated  to  the  thought- 
ful workers  of  the  world  that  not  all 
of  their  victories  are  won  from  work- 
ing agreements,  negotiated  with  com- 
panies for  which  they  work.  No  vic- 
tory of  that  nature,  however  meritor- 
ious it  may  be,  is  ever  obtained,  but 
that  it  may  be  rendered  nil  if  those 
with  whom  the  agreement  was  entered 
can  handle  the  reins  of  State.  So  la- 
bor must  advocate  its  demands  in  a 
legislative  way,  as  well  as  in  the  com- 
mittee. Here  is  an  opportunity  of  espe- 
cial great  value  to  all  road  and  yard 
men  of  the  country  to  display  their 
political  power  to  their  great  advan- 
tage, and  if  it  is  not  done  they  must 
suffer  the  results  of  such  inaction.  The 
f^e  of  this  humane  bill  is  now  in  the 
hands  of  Congress.  Have  you  given 
the  matter  your  proper  support? 


Every  little  helps.  You  can  give  a 
kind  word  of  encouragement  to  the 
man  with  whom  you  work.  Ton  can 
get  a  memiber  for  your  union.     Ton 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHBfENTS  UNION. 


<;an  help  yousr  officers  by  encouriigiiig 
them  with  your  presence  at  meetiiigs. 
You  can  help  the  organization  and 
world  very  materially  by  doing  your 
duty  faithfully  and  conscientiously 
and»  in  doing  aill  this,  you  are  helping 
your  own  standing  in  society  and  your 
own  pereonal  conditions  and  welfare 
of  your  loved  ones  depenu<ent  upon 
you. 


LfOdge  No.  199  will  hold  its  annual 
reception  and  ball  at  the  Masonic  Tem- 
ple Drill  Hall  on  the  seventeenth  floor, 
comer  State  and  Randolph  jstreets,  on 
Thursday  evening,  Feb.  22d  at  eight 
o'clock.  Tickets  are  $1.00  and  admit 
lady  and  gentleman.  A  good  time  is  as- 
sured to  all  who  attend. 


Ono-tenth  of  the  people  of  this  coun- 
try have  four-fifths  of  the  things  pro- 
duced by  the  hands  and  brains  of  the 
working  people.  A  large  per  cent  of 
the  other  nine-teofths  of  the  population 
are  suffering  for  the  things  they  have 
produced  In  such  abundance  and  whioh 
they  have  not  or  can  not  secure  under 
present  acceipted  rules  of  unrestricted 
rights  of  ownership  of  land  and  con- 
ditions of  securing  therefrom  life«us- 
taining  products  and  distribution  of 
them  and,  though  the  c(haracter  and 
extent  of  land  area  in  the  United 
States  is  such  as  will  support  millions 
more  people  than  now  inhabit  it 
in  ample  plenitude,  yet  such  are  the 
present  conditions  that  there  are  no 
less  than  four  millik>ns  of  the  popula- 
tion who  are  either  paupers  or  who 
live  on  tho  charity  of  those  about 
them.  Over  a  million  children  are 
taken  from  the  public  schools  to  be 
placed  in  factories,  mines  and  miflls 
whore  their  proper  mdnd  and  physical 
development  is  brought  to  an  end  for 
the  average  reward  of  about  60c  per 
day  and  where  they  were  brought  for 
the  pwipose  of  ddsplacing  men  and  wo- 


nven  now  to  be  turned  out  to  die  for 
want  of  means  of  earning  a  livelUiood, 
and  all  this  too  for  the  purpose  of 
maintaining  in  luxurious  pomp  those 
parasites  who  appropriate  to  them^ 
selves  the  products  of  other  hands. 


At  a  recent  convention  of  the  Min- 
nesota Baptists  at  Duluth  a  resolution 
was  adopted  establishing  a  minimum 
salary  of  $700  per  year  for  unmarried 
ministers  and  $900  for  those  married. 
While  ministers  as  a  rule  give  but  lit- 
tle attention  to  advocacy  of  decent 
working  and  wage  conditions  of  the 
toilers,  it  is  a  good  iKtfe  wager  that 
those  of  the  Baptist  denomination  in 
Minnesota  were  not  averse  to  the  mini- 
mum wage  scale  arranged  for  them. 
It  was  fortunate,  though,  that  the  in- 
crease in  salary  was  secured  through 
their  union  and  that  they  were  not 
compelled  to  strike  for  it  Now  that 
they  are  provided  with  a  minimum 
scale  of  wages  for  themselves,  to  what 
extent  are  they  willing  to  plead  from 
their  pulpits  for  a  $10  per  week  mini- 
mum wage  in  that  state  for  factory 
and  store  employes?  If  they  will 
"tote*'  fair  for  such  a  proposition,  tiiey 
have  a  power  for  much  good  along  such 
a  course  of  action,  but  the  eflicacy  of 
secret  prayer  will  not  avail  in  its  ac- 
compllshmenit  Much  agitation  and 
exhortation  are  needed  to  convert  un- 
scrupulous concerns  to  a  policy  of  this 
kind,  but  we  hope  those  ministers  who 
have  their  own  minimum  daily  bread 
allowances  improved,  wiill  do  all  within 
their  power  to  aid  those  less  fortunate 
in  establishing  theirs. 


The  recent  convention  of  the  Ameri- 
can Federation  of  Labor  at  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  raised  the  per  capita  tax  of  na- 
tional and  international  unions  from 
one-half  cent  to  two-thirds  of  a  cent 
per  member  per  month.  This  increase 
was  deemed  necessary  in  order  to  ex- 


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tend  the  activities  of  the  Federauon 
Thia  action  wae  Tecommendea  by  the 
laws  committee. 


Are  yoQ  an  observer  or  a  non-ob- 
aerveorT  The  one  sees  the  things  nap- 
pening  about  (hdm  and  Is  alert  and 
awake  to  the  imiportance  of  applying 
the  useful  ones  to  the  advantage  of 
himsdf  and  his  fellow-m«n.  The  other 
sees  but  little,  nor  does  what  he  sees 
give  liim  any  ooncem.  Wouldn't  this 
be  a  miserable  old  world  without  ob- 
serversT  We  have  both  kind  in  our 
union — ^tlie  former  are  coniinually 
boosting  its  welfare,  the  latter  retard- 
ing its  growth.  When  all  become  good 
observers  and  actors,  how  our  union 
will  grow  and  proq;>er! 


rroni  Vic&4Vuidciit  Qohcssy* 

Council  Bluffs. 
BDnoB  SwrroHMEN*8  Joubnal: 

I  hope  by  the  time  this  letter  is  pub- 
lished in  the  Joubnal  that  the  severe 
cold  weather  will  have  passed  away,  as 
there  is  no  suffering  half  as  bad  as 
that  which  is  caused  by  intensely  cold 
weather,  especially  in  poor  neighbor- 
hoods, where  few  have  the  necessary 
money  to  buy  fuel  enough  to  keep 
their  cabins  warm. 

In  traveling  through  tae  country 
and  visiting  difPerent  yards  and  lodges, 
I  find  that  on  some  roads  the  officials 
are  training  their  guns  on  the  mem- 
bers of  this  union  and  are  determined 
not  to  give  employment  to  our  broth- 
ers if  they  can  get  along  without  them. 
On  a  number  of  the  systems  running 
out  of  St  Paul  and  Minneapolis  a  man, 
in  order  to  secure  a  posiuon  as  a 
switchman  must  make  a  sworn  affi- 
davit that  he  is  not  a  member  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  and  this  he  must 
do  in  the  presence  of  a  notary  public. 

Now  this  is  damnable  stuff  and 
should  not  be  tolerated  by  any  com- 
munity, either  in  this  or  any  other 
country,  and  when  the  officials  of  great 
corporations  will  stoop  to  such  low 
tactics  in  order  to  force  the  members 
of  this  union  into  another  organiza- 
tion, they  are  depriving  men  of  their 
liberty  and  driving  them  to  despera- 
tion. 


The  officials  recognize  the  fact  that 
the  Switchmen's  Union  is  a  progressive 
organization  and  when  the  time  comes 
that  the  switchmen  are  entitled  to  an- 
other raise  of  pay,  the  representatives 
from  the  difPerent  yards  will  be  knock- 
ing on  their  doors  and  demanding  that 
a  Just  compensation  be  given  in  re- 
turn for  their  labor. 

The  managers  cannot  retard  the- 
growth  of  this  union  by  flgnting  it  in. 


55r??^H 

^^^H 

■H 

1 

1    M 

K 

^TH 

1 

m!w 

THOMASTCLOHKSY 
Vice-President 

the  dark,  for  every  man  that  becomes-* 
familiar  with  the  above  describeo 
form  of  system,  will  condemn  it, 
whether  he  is  an  S.  U.  man  or  not.  He- 
will  readily  understand  that  the  rea- 
son the  companies  are  opposing  this 
organization  is  because  it  is  a  good 
thing  for  the  men,  and  the  reason  that 
they  are  favoring  the  other  organiza- 
tion, is  because  it  is  a  good  thing  for 
the  companies. 

The  announcement  from  Washington 
that  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States  has  upheld  the  employers'  lia- 
bility law  in  all  cases  brought  before 
it,  is  one  of  the  most  important  bits 
of  news  given  to  the  workers  for  some- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWTTCHIiDN'fi  UNION. 


time.  It  is  the  final  notice  that  the 
effort  to  cure  a  great  evil  in  our  In- 
dustrial system  of  legislation  is  not 
repugnant  to  the  law  of  the  land. 

Students  of  the  problem  have  long 
maintained  that  the  practice  under 
which  society  was  compelled  to  bear 
the  burden  of  industrial  accidents  was 
wrong.  The  principle  is  too  well 
founded  to  admit  of  dispute.  Efforts 
to  secure  its  recognition  have  met 
with  opposition  from  interested  sources. 

A  law  passed  by  Congress  prescrib- 
ing the  liability  of  common  carriers 
and  other  employers  engaged  in  other 
state  business,  was  attacked  in  the 
courts  and  defeated.  A  new  act,  from 
which  the  fatal  defect  was  removed, 
was  also  attacked  in  court  and  it  is 
on  the  validity  of  this  latter  act  that 
the  court  has  now  passed.  Its  effi- 
ciency and  constitutionality  is  now  es- 
tablished, with  the  added  advantage 
that  state  courts  may  enforce  that  act 
where  local  laws  are  appropriate. 

Burdened  employes  have  long  recog- 
nized the  principle  involved  and  it 
seems  now  that  it  will  not  be  a  very 
long  time  until  it  is  generally  opera- 
tive. 

Now,  if  we  had  the  full  crew  law 
and  an  eight-hour  day  and  60c  an  hour, 
I  think  we  would  be  satisfied  for  a 
while.  But,  brothers,  we  cannot  even 
think  of  getting  some  of  the  above 
needed  concessions  until  we  are  better 
organized. 

We  have  the  best  organization  on 
the  railways  and  the  only  thing  lack- 
ing now  is  that  we  have  not  got  the 
membership.  So  I  ask  every  man  to 
put  his  shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  Just 
shove  a  little.  Ton  will  not  have  to 
exert  much  strength — only  Just  be  per- 
sistent and  keep  your  mind  on  your 
work.  With  best  wishes  to  all,  I  i:e- 
main,       Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thomas  Clohesst. 


From  Vice-President  Porter. 

Editob  Switchmkn's  Joitbhal: 

As  the  year  of  1911  has  passed  into 
history  and  1912  is  here,  with  good 
prospects  in  sight  for  the  noble  order 
we  represent,  it  is  the  duty  of  every 
good,  loyal  switchman  to  grasp  every 
opportunity  of  advancing  its  welfare 
as  fast  as  they  present  themselves,  and 
they  should  go  forth  without  fear  and 
with  a  determined  resolution  to  attend 


all  lodge  meetings  they  possibly  cslmx, 
and  hand  to  the  secretary  at  least  oixe 
application  with  his  *  recommendation 
that  same  be  accepted  for  memberslilp. 
If  all  the  brothers  enrolled  on    tli.o 
roster  of  the   Switchmen's  Union    of 
North  America  will  endeavor  to  comply 
with  this  request  and  plan  of  proced- 
ure what  a  difference  there  will  be  1a 
our  numerical  strength  when  the  3rea.ir 
of  1913  is  "rung  Jn  on  us."    No  man 
knows  how  long  he  is  to  enjoy   tlie 
earthly  things  that  surround  him,  and 
each  one  who  is  enjoying  the  fruits  of 
our  noble  order  should  try  to  pay  Izijto 
the  treasury,  that  It  may  be  able    to 
provide  more  happiness  for  you  in  tlie 
future,  as  we  cannot   accomplish  ouir 
most  earnest  desire  without  your  help ; 
neither  is  it  right  for  you  to  expect  in- 
creased blessings  without  lending  your 
financial  aid  toward  securing  them,  no 
more  than  the    grocer    without   your 
trade. 

Now,  my  good  brothers,  if  you  bougrlit 
stock  in  a  gold  mine,  or  some  corporar 
tion,  to  the  value  of  fifteen  hundred 
dollars,  would  you  not  try  to  increase 
the  amount  if  you  possibly  could?   You 
would  not  stay  at  home  while  the  busi- 
ness was  being  done,  would  you?      I 
believe  T  am  safe  in  saying  you  would 
be  waiting  for  the  doors  to  open  to  let 
you  in  to  protect  your  intereet.  Before 
the  first  day  of  July,  1911,  you  only 
placed  yourself  liable  for  twelve  hun- 
dred dollars  for  every  Class  B  certifi- 
cate,  six   hundred   dollars   for   every 
Class  A  certificate,  and  three  hundred 
dollars  for  every  Class  C  certificate  you 
issued.    Now.  since  July  1.  1911.  yoo 
have  placed  yourself  liable  for  fifteen 
hundred  dollars  for  Class  B  certificate, 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  a 
Class  A  certificate,  and  three  hundred 
and  seventy-five  dollars  for  Class  C  cer- 
tificate, without  asking  a  greater  pre- 
mium.   I^  means  you  will  have  to  work 
harder  in  your  own  interest  than  you 
did  before  July  1, 1911.    I  wish  to  state 
that  you  can  only  enroll  about  forty- 
five  thousand  if  you  had  all  those  who 
are  eligible  and  whom  we  desire  obli- 
gated to  aid  in  the  protection  of  their 
investments  through  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America.    So  get  busy, 
for  you  have  made  yourselves  liable  to 
the  widows  and  orphans,  and  you  do 
not  know  just  when  you  will  be  sum- 
moned, and  your  loved  ones  receive  the 
reward  due  from  your  investment. 

Now,  brothers,  I  believe  I  have  made 


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your  obligations  and  duty  plain,  and  1 
wish  to  also  state  that  the  protection 
feature  of  our  union  is  the  part  you 
paj  to  enable  It  to  earn  enough  to  keep 
Qp  all  expenses  and  pay  its  liabilities; 
that  it  is  also  the  condition  under 
which  you  are  compelled  to  work,  so 
that  forbearance  will  not  cease  to  be  a 
Tlrtue,  and  when  you  are  done  with 
your  daily  toil  both  you  and  your  em- 
ployer will  be  satisfied  that  the  con- 
tract you  entered  into  was  the  meeting 
Ql  two  minds  to  accomplish  all  of  this. 
Ton  will,  therefore,  have  to  keep  in 
mind  the  fact  that  loyalty  to  your  or- 
pmization,  close  observation  of  its 
working,  is  an  important  part  of 
■aking  secure  the  funds  you  have  in- 
iwted  for  the  protection  of  yourself 
ad  those  dependent  upon  you.  There- 
fere,  you  must  attend  lodge  meetings, 
ply  promptly  into  the  treasury  from 
which  all  comes  to  you  and  me  alike 
TOUT  part  necessary  to  maintain  the 
tmA  with  which  to  do  it.  As  I  have 
■id  before,  you  are  as  much-  owner  and 
vnear  the  ground  floor  as  any  member 
Wonging  to  our  noble  order — the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 
Wishing  you  all  a  happy  and  prosper- 
QOB  new  year,  I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  H.  Porter. 


Union  Men. 

Are  you  doing  your  best  for  union- 
ism? Are  you  striving  to  work  in  har- 
iDony  for  the  bettering  of  working  con- 
ditions? Better  conditions,  shorter 
working  day,  and  better  wages  can  be 
brought  about  only  by  working  in  ac- 
cord, with  no  i>ersonal  feeling  and^  jeal- 
ousy. 

Remember  we  are  not  working  only 
for  ourselves,  but  for  our  wives'  and 
cMldren.  The  union^  has  accom.pl  i^ed 
mnch  in  the  past,  but  there  is  far  more 
to  be  done  in  the  future. 

A  man  earning  $1&  to  $20  a  week  Is 
a  better  man  to  the  city,  to  the  mer- 
cjiant,  to  his  home  and  society,  than 
one  earning  $8  to  $12  a  week. 

And  it  seems  to  us  the  ^>oner  the 
working  men  are  all  alive  to  this  fact 
ihe  better  by  far  will  be  the  economic 
conditions  of  our  people. 

We  have  a  right  to  complain.  Every 
n^cesBity  of  life  is  high  in  price,  and 
the  Inzuries  are  entirely  out  of  our 
reach. 


Thore  is  no  use  railiing  against  tbe 
trusts.  Thoy  are  practically  diefyiiig 
the  government  The  solution  lies  in 
a  large  measure  with  ourselves.  In  soU- 
dAFlty  of  unionism  tihere  is  strengtfi. 
The  comimon  interests  of  the  working 
man  Is  the  interest  of  aliL  Apply  union 
principles  in  our  dfealiings  with  each 
other  and  right  and  reason  wilil  win« 


How  Lonct  Oh  Lord? 

Behokh    us   standl^ng    in   the    market 
place. 
With    tear-dilmmed   eyes   and   faces 
wan  and  pale; 
Behold   us  here,  the  workers  of  the 
race, 
Whose  brawn  and  blood  are  offered 
now  for  sale. 
Just  give  us  work.  Just  give  a  chance 
to  toil. 
Though  we  be  slaves^  these  rights  to 
us  belong; 
Would  you  from  us  this  last  resource 
despoil?— 
How  long,  oh  Lord,  how  lone? 

We  gave  you  of  our  ripest  years, 
We  labored  late  and  early  in.  your 
marts; 
You  coined  in  gold  our  agonies  and 
tears. 
You  trafficked  in  our  life  blood  from 
OUT  hearts; 
And  now  your  maw  Is  cramimed  with 
food  we  made, 
From   slum   and'  den   we   cry   our 
ancient  wrong. 
How  Ions  for  us  this  sorry  trade? 
How  long,  oh  Lord,  how  long? 

— /.  W.  8,  Cogie. 


Chinese  Polileness. 

A  Chinese  editor,  in  rejecting:  a  MS. 
thus  wrote  to  the  author,  so  we  learn 
from  a  Paris  contemporary:  "We  have 
read  your  MS.  with  infinite  delight 
By  the  sacred  ashes  of  our  ancestors^ 
we  swear  that  we  have  never  read  sudh 
a  splendid  piece  of  writiag.  But  if 
we  printed'  it  his  majesty,  the  emperor, 
our  most  high  and  most  mi^ty  ruler, 
would  order  us  to  take  this  as  a  model, 
and  never  print  anything  inferior.  As 
this  would  not  be  possible  in  less  than 
a  thousand  years^  we,  with  great  re- 
gret, return  thy  ddvlne  MS.  and  ask  a 
thousand  pardons." — London  Globe, 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHBOBN'S  UNION. 


Amons  the  Wits. 

"The  mlaunderatamdiing  between  cap- 
ital and  labor  is  the  cause  of  it" 

"What  is  the  difference  betwemi  capi- 
tal and  Uborr 

''Well,  if  you  borrowed  |2i&  fnmi  nue^ 
that  would  be  capital— for  you.  And 
if  you  tried)  to  get  it  back  tfliat  would 
be  labor." 


Tbe  tough  cuertomer  was  etrugsline 
with  a  tough*  Bteak  in  a  tough  re0ta(U- 
rant 

''Say,  you!"  he  flnaUy  roared  at  a 
waiter.  "I  ain't  used  to  eatinT  rhinoc- 
eros hide.  Fetch  me  something  a  Httle 
more  nourishin'  in  a  hurry!" 

"Aw,  fade  away,  litUe  one!"  said  the 
pugilist  waiter,  witheringly.  "What 
do  you  fink  this  joint  is-^  diet 
kitchen?" — Seattle  Post'IntelUgencer, 


Little  Eleanor,  who  was  very  fond 
of  dhick^i,  stood  crying  over  a  diead 
rooster.  Thinking  that  something  «:ood 
ought  to  be  said,  she  remarked  between 
her  sobs:  "He  was  always  so  glad 
when  one  of  the  hens  laid  an^egg." — 
Woman's  Journal, 


Ruflon  Wratz — ^Is  they  anything  in 
this  yere  socialism,  d'ye  reckon? 

SaymoM  Storey  (having:  had  an  un- 
usually generous  handout) — ^Not  for 
us,  ole  scout  We're  gittin^  our  sfhare 
right  along,  'thout  ihayin'  t'  work  fur  it. 


A  tramp  called  at  the  house  of  a 
gentl>eman  and  said: 

"I've  walked  many  miles  to  see  you, 
sir,  because  people  told  me  that  you 
was  very  kind  to  poor  chape  like  me." 

"Oh,  they  said  so,  did  they?"  ' 

"Yes,  sir;   and  tiiat's  why  I  came." 

"And  are  you  going  ba6k  the  same 
way?" 

"Yes,  sir." 

"Then,  in  that  case,  wild  you  be  good 
enough  to  contradict  this  rumor?" — 
California  Christian  Advocate. 


"Tbe  American  people,"  began  the 
new  United  States  senator;  but  the 
presiding  officer  rapped  him  to  order. 

"The  senator  will  confine  himself  to 
matters  of  interest  to  this  body." 

The  senate  tiien  went  into  committee 
of  the  whole  for  the  consideration  of 


the  anticipated  size  of  dividendlB  froani 
their  holdings  for  the  comin«r  y<eer. — 
Puck, 


He — Do  you  approve  of  dancincT? 

She — ^No.       J 

He— Why  not? 

She — ^Why,  it's  mere  huggins  set  to* 
music. 

He — ^Well,  what  is  there  about  tliat 
you  don't  like? 

She— The  miusic. — TiP-Bits, 


The  professor  of  elocution  was  in- 
structimg  an  ambitious  youn^  man/  in 
the  art  of  public  speaking. 

"When  you  have  finished  your  lec- 
ture," he  said,  "bow  gracefully  and. 
leave  the  platform  on  tiptoe." 

"Why  on  tiptoe?"  queried  tOie  saxt- 
bitious  young  mam 

"So  as  not  to  wake  the  audlienoe/' 
replied  the  professor. — Exchange, 


"Have  you  noticed,  my  f  riend^  how 
many  fools  there  are  on  earth?" 

"Yes,  there's  always  one  more  than 
you  think." 


"The  object  of  the  average  ezptorer 
seems  to  be  to  acquire  enough  material 
for  a  lecture." 

"Yes;    that  is  my  wife's  aim  when 
she  explores  my  pocket" — Louisville - 
Oourier-Joumal, 


"There's  only  one  way  to  make  avia- 
tion safe,"  said  the  man  who  toves  le- 
gal formalities. 

"What's  that?" 

"Get  some  good  attorney  to  prove 
that  the  law  of  gravitation  is  uncon- 
j^itutional." — Washington  Btar, 


Pedestrian — Hey!     You  Just 
me  by  an  inch. 

Chauffeur — Be  patient.     I'm  coming 
back  directly. — Puck, 


"What's  all  this  trouble  about  tSie 
long  and  short  haul)?"  demanded  the 
secretary  of  the  woman^'s  club. 

"It's  this  way,"  explained  the  treas- 
urer.   "Some  dressmakers  say  a  train 
ought  to  be  six  feet  in  lencrth.    Othera  . 
say  three  feet  is  enough." — Washing- 
ton Herald. 


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CoMm«Bll»ttoM  lortk«  JOUINAL  mat  ba  mo«Iv*4  BBPOIB 
tk«  Idth  of  th«  MiOBtk  to  tesvM  pvbllcottoit.  All  CoravBlco- 
MoBS  lor  tii«  JOUINAL  aiMt  ba  aoooaipoBUd  by.th«  mm* 
of  tb«  SMidOT,  oad   wrIttM  oaljr  on  •«•  sU*  of  lb*   pap«r. 


aOcafOylll. 

E^nttt  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  desire  to  inform  Joubnal  read- 
ers that  we  are  still  doing  business  at 
the  old  place  (128  West  Randolph 
street),  seccmd  Sunday.  7.30. p.  m.,  and 
fourth  Sunday,  1.30  p.  m.,  each  month, 
and  our  goat  was  busy  at  most  of  the 
meetings  during  the  year  which  has 
just  closed.  There  were  but  few  meet- 
ings during  1911  that  we  failed  to  have 
candidates  for  initiation,  and  it  is  our 
purpose  and  expectation  to  continue 
this  good  worh  ui^il  the  supply  of  ma- 
terial is  exhausted.  We  have  many 
applications  on  file  at  the  present  time, 
as  a  result  of  which  we  expect  to  con- 
siderably enlarge  our  membership  dur- 
ing the  year  1912.  More  than  25  per 
cent  of  these  prospective  members 
have  been  to  the  doctor  for  examina- 
tion, BO  we  feel  assured  there'll  be 
something  doing  in  Lodge  No.  199  in 
this  year  of  our  Lord,  for,  as  a  rule, 
when  a  body  of  men  become  sufficiently 
interested  to  make  preparations  of  this 
nature,  it's  usually  a  fairly  good  sign 
they  are  convinced  of  its  merit  and 
will  take  advantage  of  its  opportuni- 
ties, as  we  hope  all  these  applicants 
will  do.  We  need  their  co-operation 
and  assistance  in  this  good  work,  and 
they  need  ours  in  an  equal  degree;  but 
it's  best  for  all  that  we  get  together  in 
one  order,  and  in  that  one  which  was 
instituted  for  the  special  promotion  of 
switchmen.  So  we  have  excellent  hopes 
for  the  new  year  we  have  entered 
upon,  aind  are  going  to  do  all  we  can 
towards  doubling  our  membership  be- 
fore its  close. 

At  our  meeting  on  Dec.  24th  we  had 
the  pleasure  of  having  with  us  Vice- 
Presidents  James  B.  Connors  and 
Thomas    Clohessy.      We    were    much 


pleased  to  have  them  with  us,  and  both 
gave  us  much  valuable  information  and 
advice  relative  to  matters  pertaining 
to  the  welf^e  of  the  union,  and  which 
we  hope  all  will  give  proper  heed  to. 
We  desire  both  of  these  Grand  Lodge 
officials,  or  any  otiiers,  not  to  forget  to 
call  on  Lodge  No.  199  when  in  the  city 
on  its  meeting  nights.  We  are  also 
glad  to  be  able  to  state  that,  as  a  rule, 
our  meetings  have  been  very  well  at- 
tended for  some  time,  and  that  all  seem 
willing  to  do  their  part,  so  there  is  a 
good  manifestation  of  interest  all  the 
while  and  the  work  doesn't  fM  on  Just 
a  few.  We  feel  this  is  as  it  should  be, 
and  we  sincerely  trust  all  members 
will  continue  to  take  an  active  part  in 
all  matters  pertaining  to  the  union 
that  come  before  the  lodge.  They 
affect  all  alike,  and  all  should  have  a 
like  interest  in  them,  which  they  can 
only  do  by  attending  meetings  and 
familiarizing  themselves  with  them. 

The  following  brothers  were  elected 
as  our  officers  for  1912:  President,  J. 
J.  Clyne;  vice-president,  W.  Sheehy; 
secretary,  J.  W.  Hemen;  treasurer,  B. 
D.  Brough;  chaplain,  W.  Daniels; 
board  of  directors,  W.  Sheehy,  J.  J. 
Maher,  and  W.  C.  Dorbin. 

Before  closing,  I  desire  to  call  the 
attention  of  all  members  in  the  city  to 
the  t&ct  that  Lodge  No.  199  will  hold 
its  annual  reception  and  ball  (an- 
nouncement of  which  will  be  found 
elsewhere  in  this  Journal)  on  Thurs- 
day evening,  Feb.  22  (Washington's 
birthday),  at  Masonic  Temple  Drill 
Hall,  17th  floor.  State  and  Randolph 
streets  entry.  Exercises  will  begin  at 
8  p.  m.  Tickets,  admitting  gentleman 
and  lady,  are  one  dollar.  A  good  time 
to  all  is  assured,  and  we  hope  every 
member  will  do  himself  credit  by  aid- 
ing in  every  way  possible  in  giving 


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publicity  to  this  affair,  as  well  as  in 
the  sale  of  tickets,  etc.  We  have  long 
held  an  enviable  record  for  giving  good 
entertainments  of  this  nature,  and  we 
should  all  be  anxious  to  see  that  this 
is  the  best  yet  given.  The  revenue  de- 
rived from  it  will  go  towards  reimburs- 
ing our  treasury  for  funds  used  for 
necessary  expenses  of  the  local  lodge, 
a  good  portion  of  which  has  been  used 
to  aid  those  having  the  misfortune  to 
receive  injuries,  etc.  ' 

Wishing  all  members  of  the  union  a 
prosperous  year,  assuring  all  visiting 
members  of  a  hearty  welcome  to  all 
our  meetings,  for  it  is  both  helpful  and 
interesting  to  have  them  present  and 
hear  how  other  lodges  are  getting 
along,  I  remain,  with  beet  wishes  to 
all.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  W.  Hemen, 
Secretary  Lodge  No.  199. 


Bditor  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

I  trust  all  members  will  excuse  me 
for  not  having  kept  them  better  ad- 
vised in  regard  to  matters  pertaining 
to  the  events  and  news  in  Lodge  No.  68 
•of  late,  and  am  sorry  not  to  have  more 
to  write  at  the  beginning  of  the  new 
:year  we  are  now  working  in.  I  feel, 
though,  they  will  pardon  me  for  it, 
^hen  I  explain  to  them  the  cause  for 
my  silence.  There  are  times  when  it 
seems  impossible  to  write,  and  I  have 
just  experienced  one  of  them.  The  re- 
cent death  of  my  mother,  the  one  I  owe 
so  much  to  for  her  long  years  of  care 
and  devotion  to  me,  has  cast  a  deep 
oloud  of  gloom  over  me,. as  a  result  of 
which  I  have  not  felt  in  the  frame  of 
mind  I  should  to  write.  Many  who 
have  mothers  with  them  realize  Uie 
debt  of  gratitude  they  owe  them  for 
the  years  of  care  and  devoted  watch- 
fulness such  mother  has  sacrificed  for 
them.  It's  a  debt  that  can  never  be  re- 
paid. She  was  your  best  friend,  even 
when  all  others  had  forsaken  you.  She 
never  turned  you  down  when  you  went 
to  her  with  an  honorable  request.  She 
aided  you  in  every  way  possible  to 
make  a  useful  boy  and  man  of  you. 
These  are  mother  thoughts  and  mother 
aspirations  for  her  child.  It  was  so 
with  your  mother,  and  it  has  been  so 
with  mine.  But  how  sad  when  we 
must  become  reconciled  to  the  truth 
and  the  thought  that  she  is  gone  for- 
ever.   We  feel  very  grateful  to  all  our 


brothers  and  sisters  for  their  kindness 
to  us  during  the  time  of  her  sickness 
and  at  the  time  of  funeral  and  it  will 
never  be  forgotten  by  us.  It  proves 
the  possession  of  a  fraternal  spirit  in 
our  organization  that  is  worthy  of  emu- 
lation and  a  credit  to  any  society  im- 
bued with  such  lofty  conceptions  of  re- 
spect and  duty  towards  its  members. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

John  Ck>LE. 


Editob  Switchmen's  Jottrnal: 

fn  looking  over  the  December  Joub- 
NAL  I  was  much  pleased  with  Bro. 
Henderickson's  letter  on  the  questioD 
of  national  federation,  as  this  has  been 
one  of  my  hobbies  for  seven  or  eight 
years,  and  I  have  written  several  let- 
ters on  the  subject  to  the  Journal. 

Railway  organizations  are  not  pro 
gressive  and  will  not  be  until  we  have 
a  national  federation,  and  I  believe  I 
will  see  it  with  five  organizations, 
namely,  the  B.  of  L.  R,  B.  of  L.  P.  * 
B.,  B.  of  R.  T.,  O.  R.  C,  and  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.    And  why  not? 

It  is  true  that  the  constitutions  of 
some  of  those  organizations  will  have 
to  be  changed  somewhat,  but  not  to 
any  great  extent;  and  no  change  In 
Grand  Lodge  oifioers.  Have  the  five 
orders  federate  and  appoint  two  mem- 
bers from  each  organisation  to  form  a 
board  of  adjustment  to  handle  all 
grievances  to  be  referred  to  them. 
Understand,  each  organisation  to  re- 
main  and  continue  to  handle  their 
grievances  as  they  now  do,  and  when 
a  general  grievance  committee  has  ex- 
hausted all  efTorts  and  cannot  receive 
justice,  it  shall  then  be  handed  to  the 
board  of  adjustment  for  final  argu- 
ments. No  doubt  there  will  be  several 
brothers,  after  reading  this,  who  will 
say  impossible.  I  know  there  is  noth- 
ing impossible.  We  were  confronted 
with  probably  the  same  brothers  on  the 
question  of  the  concerted  movement. 
It  was  made  possible,  and  the  queetion 
of  National  Federation  should  not  be 
any  greater  question  for  solution. 
What  is  needed  is  agitation  on  this 
question  through  the  columns  of  their 
respective  journals,  and  this  must  be 
done  through  the  rank  and  file. 

What  does  National  Federation 
mean?  It  means  the  eliminating  of 
strikes;  it  means  the  eliminating  of 
no-bins;     it  means  one  happy  family 


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10 


in  the  transportation  department  on 
railroads  as  far  as  the  five  aforesaid 
organizations  are  concerned. 

Yonrs  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

S.  A.  FOGABTT. 


ESditob  SwrrcHMBN's  Joxtbnal: 

Well,  it  has  been  quite  a  while  since 
anything  appeared  in  the  Joubnal 
from  Lodge  No.  36,  so  I  will  attempt 
to  write  a  few  lines  to  let  you  all 
know  that  we  are  still  on  the  map  and 
doing  business.  We  are  stui  taking 
in  new  members  at  almost  every  meet- 
ing. 

Well,  brothers,  as  this  is  the  first 
of  the  new  year,  let  us  all  get  to- 
gether and  put  our  shoulders  to  the 
wheel  and  make  this  year  the  most 
prosperous  one  that  the  S.  U.  has  ever 
had  and  let  us  strive  to  get  as  many 
"no-bills"  as  possible  around  here  up 
to  the  lodge  room  to  ride  the  goat,  as 
the  goat  is  not  now  working  overtime, 
notwithstanding  that  we  take  in  a 
couple  of  new  members  at  almost 
every  meetin^T. 

We  had  a  fairly  good  sized  attend- 
ance last  meeting  night  and  we  would 
like  to  see  many  more  of  the  broth- 
ers up  to  some  of  these  meetings,  as 
no  doubt  some  of  you  have  not  been 
up  to  a  single  meeting  since  the  day 
you  were  initiated.  Oome  up,  broth- 
ers, and  get  acquainted  with  some  of 
us,  as  we  will  all  welcome  you  the 
same  as  if  you  had  been  at  every  meet- 
ing for  the  past  year  or  so.  Do  not 
forget  that  we  meet  the  first  and  third 
Sunday  of  every  month  at  5444  Went- 
worth  Avenue. 

We  have  elected  and  installed  the 
finest  set  of  oflicers  of  any  lodge  in 
the  Switchmen's  Union  and  they  are 
as  follows: 

President — Joseph  Murphy. 

Vice-President — ^Joseph  Bennett 

Treasurer — ^William  Langan. 

Secretary — ^William  Girouz. 

Chaplain — E.  Carr. 

Guard— Ed.  Wilkins. 

Conductor— 'Ed.  Corrigan. 

Board  of  Directors — ^Wm.  Bennett, 
M.  Merriman  and  T.  Maloney. 

Well,  brothers,  as  you  all  well 
know,  the  weather  is  not  any  too 
warm  and  as  a  result  of  the  intense 
cold,  there  Is  much  suffering  endured 
by  men  following  the  vocation  of  a 
switchman  at  present.  Most  all  the 
railroads  are  tied  up  more  or  less  on 


account  of  the  snow  and  cold  weather 
and  most  all  of  the  brothers  are  work- 
ing now.  Those  who  are  not,  will  soon 
be  able  to  get  a  job,  for  when  this  cold 
wave  breaks  up  the  railroads  will  be 
looking  for  men. 

Well  I  think  I  have  written  suflici- 
ent  for  this  time  and  will  endeavor  to 
write  frequently  in  the  future  and  i 
will  therefore  bring  my  letter  to  a 
close,  hoping  to  see  as  many  of  our 
members  as  can  come,  present  at  our 
next  meeting.  With  best  wishes  to  all 
the  lodges  and  members  of  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.,  I  remain, 

Tours  in  B.,  H.,  a^d  P., 

H.  P.  Wilkins. 


Buffalo,  N.Y. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

It  has  been  some  time  since  we  have 
heard  from  Lodge  No.  220  until  our 
worthy  Bro.  J.  W.  Flemming  took  cour- 
age and  gave  us  a  little  boost  Now, 
we  have  a  Joubnal  agent  who  is  up-to- 
date  if  he  feels  that  way,  but  poor  old 
Jake  was  taken  off  the  lamps  because 
he  couldn't  keep  them  burning,  so  prob- 
ably he  feels  a  little  discouraged  over 
this.  So  I  thought  I  would  scribble  off 
a  few  lines. 

Now,  brothers,  business  is  very  good 
at  present,  but  this  is  customary  every 
winter  on  the  Nickel  Plate,  and  all  the 
boys  are  working  steady.  We  have 
about  35  or  40  extra  men  who  are  also 
working  every  day  or  night,  and  every- 
one seems  satisfied. 

Well,  brothers,  I  am  sorry  to  state 
that  our  worthy  president,  J.  W.  Flem- 
ming, was  forced  to  give  up  his  office 
on  account  of  his  health  failing  him, 
so  we  have  elected  a  tried  and  true 
member,  Bro.  Homer  C.  Dewett,  to  the 
office.  I  sincerely  hope  every  brother 
in  Lodge  No.  220  will  give  him  their 
eameet  support,  as  he  is  deserving  of 
it,  and  with  it  he  will  deliver  us  the 
goods.  As  we  have  elected  a  new 
board  of  adjustment  we  look  for  good 
results  from  Bros.  Dewett,  Butler  and 
Reynolds. 

I  would  also  like  to  hear  from  Bro. 
Maloney,  our  inside  guard,  at  our  next 
meeting.  He  is  not  sick  and  Is  a  mar- 
ried man,  so  I  cannot  figure  out  what 
ails  him.  I  think  the  Academy  Thea- 
ter has  got  possession  of  his  goat. 

Bro.  Ed  Madigan  is  still  plugging 
along,  but  he  takes  it  good-naturedly; 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHIIBN'S  UNION. 


but  tbmt  is  always  the  way  of  poor  old 

Dad:     everything    goes.      So    I    will 

scribble  off  a  little  verse  or  two  to  his 

credit: 

Te  can  scarce  pick  up  a  paper 

An*  ite  "Poets'  Comer"  greet, 
'Cept  you'll  see  a  pretty  poem 

'Bout  the  mother,  saintly  sweet 
But  you'll  have  a  time  a-searchlng, 

Eyes  will  be  er-achln'  bad, 
Bre  you'll  overtake  a  poem 

At  this  time  fdr  poor  old  dad. 

No,  it  isn't  wilfull  in  'em. 

Them  that  write  of  mother  dear. 
That  there^s  never  notice  taken 

Of  her  old  man  sitting  near. 
No,  it's  never  meant  to  slight  him. 

But  it  looks  a  Uttle  sad- 
All  the  bouquets  made  for  mother. 

Not  a  bloom  for  poor  old  dad. 

True,  our  mother  watched  above  us 

TiU  her  dear  old  eyes  would  ache; 
But  old  dad  humped  himself  to  feed  us 

Till  his  back  would  nearly  break. 
Mother  crooned  above  the  cradle. 

Gave  devotion,  all  she  bad; 
Still  that  wasn't  any  circus 

At  this  time  for  poor  old  dad! 

Do  not  take  one  line  from  mother 

When  you  write  the  soul-sweet  song; 
But  if  there's  a  word  for  father 

Now  and  then  it  won't  be  wrong. 
Poor  old  soul!   he's  bent  and  wrinkled. 

An'  I  know  'twould  make  him  i^ad 
If,  while  you're  praisin'  mother. 

Something's  said  for  poor  old  dad. 

Trusting  this  will  not  find  tl^e  wa^e 
basket,  I  will  draw  to  a  finish.  I  re- 
main.       Tours  in  B..  H.  and  P., 

J.  J.  Smtth. 


Bditos  SwrroHMKN's  Joubnal: 

In  the  November  issue  Bro.  Carlus 
of  Lod^  113  takes  exception  to  action 
of  last  convention,  in  making  it  com- 
pulsory that  a  member  be  actively  emr 
ployed  in  switching  service  to  be  eli- 
gible to  reoreeent  his  lodge  as  diele^te. 
He  cites  the  case  of  Bro.  Fate  of  In- 
dianapolis as  an  instance.  In  the  De- 
ceniber  issue  Bro.  Hendrickson  of  Cha- 
nute,  Kan.,  takes  up  the  cudgel  in  be- 
half of  the  delegates,  and  says  the  rea- 
son this  was  done  was  that  one  not 
actively  employed'  in  handling  cars 
wouM  not  know  the  desires  of  the  men 
he  was  representing.     I  am  greatly 


afraid  he  did  not  give  the  matter  very- 
serious  consideration  before  writing 
his  letter,  or  else  he  Jumped  at  conclu- 
sions andl  liet  It  go  at  that  Anyone 
who  has  had  the  experience  in  yard 
work  that  Bro.  Fate  has  hadi  will  be 
fully  (qualified  to  represent  his  consti- 
tuents, either  in  oonfvention  or  <m  sl 
committee,  for  oooidlitioiLB  will  not 
change  very  materially  in  our  Une  of 
business  in  the  next  ten  yean  unless  it 
is  to  try  and)  drive  the  men  a  little 
faster  in  order  to  accomplish  more 
work.  And  this  is  something  I  don^ 
believe  will  ever  occur,  for  switchmen 
nowadays  are  working  to  the  nmiC. 
consistent  with  safety  to  themselves 
and  their  fellow  employes.  But  it  was 
noc  at  St  Paul  this  law  was  first  intro- 
duced. Delegates  who  were  present  at 
the  Detroit  and  Peoria  conventiona 
will  recall  that  this  same  measure  was 
introduced  and  caused  much  fricUon. 
The  delegates  felt  it  was  simply  a  per- 
sonal and  selA^  measure,  framed  by 
men  who  were  in  office  and  a  few  more 
who  wanted  to  get  in  and  who  wanted 
to  keep  all  other  aspirants  to  office  out. 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Bro. 
Fate  at  several  conventions  and  can 
say,  without  exaggeration,  if  delegates 
were  all  of  the  same  caliber  as  he  our 
conventions  would  be  more  fruitful 
and  the  work  accomplished  of  more 
direct  benefit  to  the  rank  and  file — ^who 
bear  the  expenses  of  the  conventions. 
If  Bros.  Fate,  Jackson  or  any  other 
brother,  through  good  luck  or  by  per- 
severance, succeeds  in  elevating  him- 
self to  a  better  position,  wishes  to  con- 
tinue his  membership  in  our  union 
and  pay  a  higher  premium  for  his  in- 
surance than  he  would  have  to  in  ^ny 
other  society,  why  should'  he  not  be 
eligible  to  represent  his  constituents 
at  a  convention'?  Are  we  Jealous  of 
our  brother's  good  fortune?  It  looks 
that  way.  Must  a  member  be  in  line 
to  get  lulled  or  maimed  before  he  is 
eligible  to  a  Grand  Lodge  office?  The 
Switchmen's  Union  was  organized  by 
switchmen*,  for  the  benefit  of  switch- 
men, and  every  member  of  the  organi- 
zation should  be  eligible  for  election  to 
any  position  in  it,  regardless  of  what 
his  present  vocation  might  be.  It  was 
iiever  intended  for  a  certain  few  to 
hold  office  all  their  Uves  and  we  should 
be  too  broadminded  to  make  laws  that 
will  make  fish  of  one  and  fiesh  of  the 
other. 

Other  organizations  put  a  premium 


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on  1)rain».  ShouM  the  Switcbmen's 
Union  put  a  ban  on  them?  Brothers, 
instruct  your  delegate  bo  Houston  to 
TOte  to  repeal  that  unjust  law. 

Bro.  Woods  of  80  advocates  keeping 
in  touch  with  the  press  and  giving  the 
workers^  side  of  the  story.  This  would 
he  all  right  If  the  press  would  print 
what  was  sent  it  and  the  way  it 
was  sent,  but  when  the  article  is  per- 
used by  the  editor  he  blue-pencils  most 
of  thr  good  points  and  boils  down  the 
balance  until  the  writer  would  not  rec- 
ognire  his  own  article.  The  press  of 
today,  as  a  whole,  is  as  prejudiced 
against  the  working  class  as  is  the  ju- 
diciary and  while  the  reporters  and 
editors  are  seemingly  with  us,  yet,  as 
they  arc  slaves  of  capital  and  must 
work  for  a  livelfhood,  they  must  be 
careful  to  allow  nothing  bo  creep  into 
print  that  would  be  obnoxious  to  their 
masters;  consequently  the  boilini:- 
down  process.  On  the  other  hand  you 
will  read  in  large  headlines  of  the  aw- 
fnl  depredatiiHis  and  crimes  of  strikers 
throughout  the  country,  notwithstand- 
ing it  l8  a  deliberate  He,  and  they  know 
it  beforcband.  Bro.  Woods,  just  so 
long  aa  workingmen  denounce  the 
press,  Tei  continue  to  buy  the  papers 
which  shower  epithets  without  number 
(mostly  deserving,  although  many  are 
unprintable)  upon  capitalists  and 
judges  for  364  days,  and  then*  on  the 
3fSth  go  to  the  polls  and  vote  the 
tickets  that  make  and  keep  those  same 
fellows  in  power,  just  so  long  will 
workingmen  be  the  slaves  and  serfs  of 
unscrupulouo  masters.  If  they  do  this 
they  should  not  kick,  because  they  are 
instrumental  in  making  those  condi- 
Uons.      • 

For  one,  thoui^  I  may  be  wroni:,  I 
fail  to  see  any  great  benefit  in  being 
afllliated  with  the  A.  F.  of  L.,  but  be- 
lieve a  federation  with  the  other  train 
men  would  be  the  ideal  thin^:.  But 
when  a  federation  of  that  kind  is  men- 
tioned the  Switchmen's  Union  is  not 
mentioned.  That  consists  of  the  so- 
called  Big  Five— Engineers,  Firemen, 
Conductors,  Brakemen  and  Telegraph- 
ers— so  I  guess  the  poor  switchmen  will 
have  to  form  a  federation  of  their  own. 
And  say,  brothers,  what  a  one  we  could 
form  if  we  had  all  the  men  switching 
cars  in  this  country  in  our  organiza- 
tion; 50.000  fighting  switchmen.  Just 
think  of  it.  The  35c  and  40c  per  hour 
we  now  receive  would  not  be  one-half 
of  what  we  wouM  get  if  we  were  solid. 


The  railroad  managers  today  are  more 
afraid  of  our  little  organisation*  than 
of  the  entire  membercrtiip  of  the  Big 
Five  put  together,  and  you  know  it, 
for  they  don't  deny  it.  Then,  brothers, 
let  us  stop  this  pleading  to  the  other 
fellows  to  take  us  in.  If  they  ever  go 
up  against  the  strike  game  the  switch- 
men will  be  invited  to  participate  fast 
enough  to  suit  us  all.  Same  as  the 
old  S.  M.  A.  A.  was  In  1887  on  the  C, 
B.  ft  Q.  But  as  we  are  a  Httle  older 
now,  perhaps  we  won't  be  as  fooliifti 
as  we  were  then.  Maybe  we  would 
let  them  go  It  alone  and  just  otfer  them 
our  sympathy.  That  is  the  food  switch- 
men have  ^0  live  on  when  they  are  out 
on  strike. 

With  the  coming  of  the  new  year  let 
every  member  of  the  organization 
make  a  firm  resolution  to  secure  at 
least  one  new  member  during  1912; 
also  to  attend  meetings  and  help  the 
officers  transact  the  business  of  the 
lodge  in  a  manner  satisfactory  to  all. 
If  we  do  this  we  will  build  up  our 
membership  to  35,000  or  40,000,  and 
be  in  a  position  to  demand  a  fair  day's 
pay  for  eight  hours^  work.  Then,  and 
not  till  then. 

In  taking  up  the  questiooi  of  discoor 
tiDuin«r  the  biennial  conventions  I 
want  to  say  there  are  many  arguments 
that  coUM  be  presented  to  prove  that 
our  conventions  as  now  handled  are 
simply  a  waste  of  hard-earned  money 
in  return  for  which  we  get  very  little 
good  results.  I  am  going  bo  dwell  on 
what  I  considier  the  two  most  Importr 
ant  ones  In  this  issue:  The  cost  of  the 
convention  and  the  results  achieved. 
The  meeting  at  St  Paul  cost  this  or- 
ganization between  |28,000  and  |30,- 
000,  and  what  was  accomplished,  sim^ 
ply  the  changing  of  a  few  Grand  Lodge 
ofllcers;  the  raising  of  our  insurance 
policies  and  a  few  minor  changes  in 
our  constitution,  also  a  pretty  good 
time  for  200  delegates  who  enjoyed  the 
hospitality  of  the  Twin  Cities  at  ybur 
expense  and  who,  to  show  their  appre- 
ciation of  that  good  time,  also  with 
strong  hopes  of  seeing  more  of  our 
beautiful  country  in  the  same  manner, 
voted  to  hold  the  next  convention  in 
Houston,  Tex.,  because  it  will  take 
longer  to  go  and  come,  besides  there 
are  lots  who  were  never  down  in 
Texas.  It  is  too  bad  that  Los  Angeles 
or  San  Francisco  did  not  put  In  a  bid, 
possibly  we  would  have  decided  to  go 
there,  same  as  the  delegates  at  Mil- 


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wankee  did  in  1901,  and  then  had  to 
have  a  referendum  vote  of  the  lodges 
in  order  to  select  some  other  city  be- 
cause they  had  not  figured  on  we  ex- 
penses and  the  possibilities  of  securing 
transportation,  and  that  brings  us 
right  back  to  the  starting  place.  If  we 
took  a  referendum  vote  to  change  the 
place  of  holding  our  convention,  why 
couldn't  we  take  a  vote  on  eyerything 
else  in  the  same  way.  Why  shouldn't 
every  member  have  a  vote  as  to  who 
will  be  our  leaders,  what  their  salaries 
will  be,  what  insurance  we  will  pay 
in  the  different  classes  and  what 
amount  we  will  pay  for  those  classes? 
In  fact,  the  rank  and  file  of  the  or- 
ganization should  have  the  say  in  any 
and  all  changes  of  our  organization- 
Brothers,  this  is  no  innovation  in  la- 
bor organizations,  for  there  are  many 
organizations  affiliated  with  the  A.  F. 
of  L.  who  practice  those  conditions 
and  find  them  practicable,  else  they 
would  not  continue  them.  Amongst 
the  most  prominent  of  these  are  the 
Leather  Workers,  Machinists,  Metal 
Polishers,  Quarry  Workers,  Roofers, 
Boilermakers,  Carriage  Workers,  Cigar- 
makers  and  many  more  who  have 
adopted  the  referendum  system  and 
find  it  satisfactory.  Why  can't  the 
Switchmen's  Union?  If  we  do  not  de- 
sire the  referendum  vote  why  not  fol- 
low the  lines  of  many  of  the  older  or- 
ganizations, such  as  the  Bakers,  Barb- 
ers, Electrical  Workers.  Hatters,  Tail- 
ors and  others  and  hold  our  convention 
every  four  years.  We  will  accomplish 
Just  as  much  and  the  money  saved 
would  soon  furnish  a  home  for  old  and 
disabled  switchmen,  would  build  a 
Grand  Lodge  office  building,  which 
would  do  away  with  large  rent  bills, 
besides  bringing  in  a  tidy  sum  in  rent 
from  the  offices  and  stores  we  would 
not  occupy  ourselves.  This  Income 
would  make  a  fine  defense  fund  in  a 
few  years  in  case  of  a  strike,  in  fact, 
would  make  the  Switchmen's  Union  an 
organization  that  would  be  the  envy  of 
the  other  railroad  brotherhoods  and  all 
this  could  be  accomplished  without  any 
additional  expense  to  the  members. 

The  second  article  under  discussion 
is  the  selection  of  cities  for  holding 
conventions.  It  is  a  well-known  fact 
that  the  delegates,  when  voting  on  this 
proposition,  do  not  always  use  their 
best  Judgment.  Many  are  influenced 
by  sentiment,  others  by  the  arguments 
put  forth  by  brothers  who  are  inter- 


eeted  in  some  particular  city  and  who 
come  to  the  convention  armed  With 
piles  of  beautiful  literature  describing 
sights  and  scenes  from  his  nome  city. 
He  also  graphically  describes  tne  pro- 
gram  of  entertainment  outlined  for  the 
delegates  by  his  home  lodge  and  city 
officials,  should  the  delegates  declue  on 
his  city  for  the  next  convention.  Then 
come  letters  from  the  governor  of  the 
state,  mayor  of  the  city,  the  council. 
Chamber  of  Commerce  and  all  the  lead- 
ing lights  of  the  community,  until  the 
poor  delegate  commences  to  swell  up 
and  imagine  they  really  are  of  some 
importance  and,  with  a  little  selfish 
hope  of  being  among  the  lucky  on^ 
next  year  and  a  pardonable  desire  to 
see  some  of  the  country  on  the  easy 
payment  plan,  casts  all  thoughts  of  ex- 
penses to  the  winds  and  votes  to  go  as 
far  west  or  south  or  east  as  possible. 
There  is  one  argument  presented  by 
all  contestants  for  conventions  Imd  it 
is  this  (and  I  want  to  say  right  now 
that  it  is  all  rot  and  no  convention  has 
ever  proven  it  any  different)  they  say 
bring  the  convention  to  our  city  and 
it  will  build  up  our  membership  and 
that  of  the  surrounding  country  won- 
derfully. But  I  have  failed  to  ever  see 
it  accomplished  and  the  membership 
of  the  cities  securing  conventions 
failed  to  show  it.  Why  do  the  mer- 
chants and  business  men  of  the  dif- 
ferent cities  want  conventions?  Sim- 
ply to  boom  their  cities  and  to  have 
the  switchmen  spend  their  money 
there,  for  they  all  acknowledge  they 
are  the  best  spenders  of  any  of  the  or- 
ganizations, and  I  guess  they  are  right 
Now,  how  are  we  going  to  put  a  stop 
to  this  spending  of  the  switchmen's 
money?  Why,  by  simply  adopting  the 
plan  of  Bro.  Bo  of  Fort  Wayne,  Ind., 
who,  in  last  month's  Journal,  told  you 
to  hold  the  conventions  where  the 
Grand  Lodge  is  situated,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.. 
and  stop  carting  a  carload  of  records 
all  over  the  country,  besides  paying 
railroad  fare  for  the  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers and  office  force.  The  money  so 
expended  would  go  a  long  way  in  pay- 
ing some  poor  fellow  his  claim  or  keep 
a  widow  and  orphans  through  many  a 
cold  and  dreary  night. 

If  any  switchman  desires  to  travel 
about  the  country,  let  him  do  so  at  his 
own  expense.  If  the  members  of  our 
organization  give  this  question  the 
serious  consideration  it  is  entitled  to. 
they  will  readily  see  that  It  will  be  to 


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106 


tbeir  advantage  to  have  as  few  conven- 
tlonB  as  possible.  If  it  becomes  neces- 
sary to  hold  a  convention^  it  will  be  an 
easy  matter  to  call  one  by  a  refer- 
endum vote.  The  work  done  by  200 
delegates  in  ten  or  twelve  days,  could 
be  done  by  twenty-five  delegates  in 
three  or  four,  and  in  a  more  satisfac- 
tory manner. 

Now,  brothers,  let  us  hear  from  some 
of  the  other  members  on  this  subject. 
I  have  given  my  own  opinion  and  in 
my  own  way.  I  may  be  wrong,  but 
until  such  time  as  I  am  convinced  that' 
I  am,  I  will  continue  to  believe  that  I 
am.  right. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thomas  G.  Mbanet. 


EraroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Well,  here  is  a  starter,  Just  to  show 
that  B^ffalo  Lodge  No.  4  is  etill  in  the 
liuid  of  the  live  ones  and  prospering. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  night  men,  on 
Dee.  24th,  a  rising  vote  of  thanks, 
esteem  and  regard  was  given  to  our  re- 
tiring president  and  chairman  of  griev- 
ance committee,  Bro.  H.  W.  Duly,  to 
show  their  appreciation  of  the  good 
work  he  had  done  during  the  past  year. 
At  the  meeting  on  Jan.  5th,  our  newly- 
elected  officers  were  duly  installed  by 
International  President  S«  B.  Heberling, 
he  and  the  Editor  of  the  Joxtrnal  being 
present  at  the  meeting.  Ob  retiring 
from  the  office  of  president  and  chair- 
man of  grievance  committee,  Bro.  Duly 
was  presented  with  a  handsome  dia- 
mond ring  as  a  token  of  regard  and 
esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  the  mem- 
bership of  Lodge  No.  4,  and  apprecia- 
tion for  the  good  hard  work  he  has 
performed  for  the  organization  and 
Lodge  No.  4  in  particular  in  the  past. 
After  a  very  neat  presentation  speech, 
the  ring  was  presented  to  him  on  be- 
half of  the  lodge  by  Bro.  J.  R.  Digman. 
Althotigh  Bro.  Digman  does  not  lay 
claim  to  the  possession  of  special  ora- 
torical endowment,  yet  he  is  right  there 
with  the  line  of  talk  that  puts  heart 
and  spirit  in  a  man.  Bro.  Duly,  in  his 
speech  of  acceptance,  said  he  would 
always  cherish  and  keep  the  ring  all 
his  life,  unless  somebody  took  it  away 
from  him — ^which  was  done  In  less  than 
ten  minutes  after  it  had  been  given  to 
him,  by  Bro.  George  Hamilton,  who 
read  the  inscription,  "From  Buffalo 
Lodge  No.  4  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  to  H.  W. 


Duly,  January,  1912."  After  Ustening 
to  a  few  brief  remarks  from  our  Inter- 
national President,  S.  E.  Heberling,  the 
meeting  was  adjourned  by  our  new 
president,  Martin  Colgan,  otherwise 
known  as  "Plughat." 

Now,  brothers,  we  are  starting  a  new 
year,  and  it  is  up  to  us  to  support  and 
help  our  newly-elected  officers  better 
than  the  retiring  officers  were  sup- 
ported. This  we  can  do  by  attending 
meetings  as  many  times  as  possible. 
Let  us  see  if  we  cannot  overcome  this 
feeling  of  dissension  and  indifference 
which  has  prevailed  for  some  time. 
We  have  a  new  adjustment  committee 
starting  in  to  fight  our  battles  for  us, 
and  it  is  up  to  us  to  give  them  the 
strongest  kind  of  support. 

Well,  at  last  we  finally  landed  Bro. 
Low  a  daylight  Job,  and  he  is  Jumping 
the  hurdles  from  16  to  7  and  back 
again.  Bro.  Low  says  it  is  bad  for  the 
gout. 

I  am  sorry  to  report  that  Bro.  Pat 
McCarthy  is  in  the  Deaconess'  Hos- 
pital with  a  chronic  spinal  trouble. 

Bros.  Roy  Williams  and  Dolph 
Natzle  are  with  us  again,  after  being 
laid  up  for  a  few  days  with  slight  in- 
juries. 

Bro.  Fischer  was  with  us  at  our  last 
regular  meeting.  We  are  glad  he  is  on 
the  mend. 

Bro.  Jimmle  Marron  has  been  re- 
ported as  being  very  sick. 

I  did  not  get  a  chance  to  see  any  of 
the  B.  R.  ft  P.  or  B.  0.  boys  in  time 
for  this  month,  but  will  make  an  effort 
to  fret  aroutfd  among  them  for  next. 

Well,  hoping  this  does  not  find  Its 
way  Into  the  waste  basket,  I  remain, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gib. 


Newport,  Ky. 

EnrroB  SwrrcHMEN's  Journal: 

In  the  January  Journal  Bro.  Hogan 
quotes  a  protest  from  the  writer  to 
Sec.  199.  I  agree  with  the  brother  In 
some  things  and  In  others  I  differ.  His 
original  amendment  was  a  good  one, 
even  If  the  members  do  not  come  to 
meetings  to  hear  about  what  Is  pro- 
posed. But  isn't  It  a  fact  that  the 
amendment  he  sneaks  of  as  being  of- 
fered bv  Bro.  Lockwood  counter  to  his 
(Bro.  Hogan's)  amendment  kills  It.  If 
you  allow  delegates  to  bring  In  amend- 
ments the  first  two  days  yot|  do  not 


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give  those  interested  members  and 
delegates  time  to  study  their  merits,  as 
would  be  the  case  In  the  original 
amendment.  In  other  words,  how  are 
you  going  to  comply  with  this  section, 
which  says  "All  amendments  to  the 
Constitution  sTwll  be  submitted  to  the 
Board  of  Directors,  then  compiled  and 
returned  to  all  Local  Lodges."  How,  I 
ask  you,  are  you  going  to  do  this  17  you 
admit  amendments  during  the  first  two 
days  of  the  convention? 

Another  point  I  wish  to  make  is  the 
fact  that  we  don't  think  rapidly 
enough.  The  delegates  at  St.  Paul 
voted  for  Houston,  Tex.,  as  the  next 
place  of  convening.  I  wonder  if  any 
of  them  have  since  thought  of  the  enor- 
mous expense  their  decision  will  make. 
Rock  Island  would  have  been  the  most 
logical  point  if  they  had  stopped  to 
consider  ways  and  means.  But  this 
only  goes  to  show  the  point  I  have 
raised:  a  flowery  talk  and  lack  of 
knowledge  make  men  vote  at  variance 
with  the  interests  of  the  organization. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  T.  Camus. 


Editob  SwrrcHHEN's  Joubnal: 

I  have  hunted  high  and  low  for  my 
la«t  Joubnal  and  could  not  find  it  and 
I  wanted  it  very  much.  Just  to  answer 
a  brother  whose  name  and  place  of 
residence  I  can  not  recollect,  but  who 
so  kindly  took  "a  friendly  fall  out  of 
Bro.  Carius"  because  I  objected  to  that 
clause  of  the  constitution  which  makes 
one  of  the  qualifications  of  a  delegate 
to  be  a  person  in  practical  service. 
Now,  brother,  you  say  a  man  who  is 
out  of  the  service  cannot  be  familiar 
with  the  conditions  that  exist.  I  have 
only  been  in  service  ten  years,  but  I 
am  of  the  opinion  that  if  I  lived  to  be 
as  old  as  Methuselah  I  would  never  for- 
get what  I  have  put  through  in  those 
ten  years,  nor  do  conditions  change  so 
rapidly  as  you  think.  I  believe  you  or 
anyone  could  leave  the  service  for  ten 
years  and  oome  back  at  the  end  of 
that  period  and  find  things  Just  about 
as  you  left  them.  Might  I  ask  what 
you  terms  conditions?  Don't  you  con- 
sider coupling,  uncoupling,  riding  an^*, 
"cooning"  cars,  the  hours,  the  pay  and 
the  elements  conditions?  Now  in  what 
way  do  you  expect  these  conditions  to 
change?  Do  you  expect  the  seasons 
to  change?  Do  you  look  for  an  eight- 
hour  day  with  the  organizations  as 


inimical  as  they  are?    Do  you  see  any 
chance  for  them  to  come  together. 

Now,  don't  hesitate  to  take  a  fall  out 
of  me  any  old  time  you  please,  because 
that  is  the  very  thing  I  depend  on 
most  for  existence.  If  someone  didnt 
take  a  fall  out  of  me,  I  would  soon  die. 
In  some  respects  I  am  like  a  rubber 
ball,  the  harder  you  slam  me,  the 
higher  I  bounce.  So,  come  on  you 
Kansan  and  find  a  Kentuckian  worthy 
of  your  steel. 
\  Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  T.  Cabius. 


Valey  Junction,  Iowa. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

It  has  been  a  long  while  since  Lodge 
No.  174  has  been  represented  in  our 
pink  book,  a  circumatance,  I  hope,  will 
never  occur  again.  But  I  have  noticed 
in  our  Joubnal  for  December  and 
January  that  there  are  several  Joub- 
nal agents  who,  it  appear  to  me,  must 
have  lost  their  pencils! .  Brothers,  you 
must  get  busy  corresponding  to  our 
Joubnal,  for  that  is  the  only  manner 
in  which  we  may  expect  to  find  out 
how  our  lodges  are  prospering  througti- 
out  the  country.  So,  Joubnal  agents, 
get  busy!  Do  not  neglect  the  duty  of 
the  office  to  which  you  were  appointed. 
The  members  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary 
are  uQt  afraid  to  use  the  pencil  to  let 
the  brothers  know  that  they  are  al- 
ways in  good  spirits  and  working  for 
the  benefit  of  their  organization  at  all 
times.    Let  us  do  likewise. 

Now  I  am  going  to  try  to  tell  the 
brothers  what  I  can  about  Lodge  No. 
174.  We  are  still  doing  business  at 
the  same  old  stand.  Vice-President 
Cloihessy  paid  us  a  visit  on  Jan.  9th. 
We  were  all  glad  to  meet  nim.  At 
our  last  meeting,  Sunday  evening,  Jan. 
7th,  we  initiated  two  new  members 
and  balloted  on  one  more. 

The  Ladles'  Auxiliary  held  a  meet- 
ing and  installed  their  officers  in  our 
hall  in  the  early  part  of  that  evening. 
Several  visiting  members  from  Oel- 
wein,  Iowa,  were  present. 

After  the  ladies  adjourned  we  held 
our  meeting  and  also  installed  our  re- 
spective officers  and  I  must  say  I  feel 
that  they  are  well  able  to  fill  the  offices 
to  which  tiiey  were  elected.  After  we 
adjourned  and  started  to  go  to  the 
ante-room,  the  big  double  doors  were 
thrown  open  by  the  ladles  and  they  in- 


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formed  us  tbey  were  going  to  serve 
UB  with  an  oyster  supper,  which  they 
did,  with  an  abundance  of  all  other 
kinds  of  eatables,  which  we  cerUinly 
enjoyed.  We  will  never  forget  it. 
After  supper  there  were  some  grand 
musical  sti ections  rendered  by  some  of 
the  members  and  their  wives  and,  to 
complete  the  evening's  exercises,  the 
men  held  a  smoker  in  honor  of  our 
newly-instaUed  offlcers. 

Hoping  that  all  the  brothers  of  other 
lodges  enjoyed  their  installation  ezer- 
I  as  well  as  we  did,  I  remain. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  F.   SAJCMOIf, 

Journal  Agent. 


SI*  LoMSy  Mo* 
E»T(tt  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  we  have  all  bade  farewell  to  the 
old  year,  during  which  many  happy 
erents  occurred  with  many,  while  sor- 
rows were  intermingled  with  a  great 
many  more.  But  the  thoughts  of  many 
things  that  took  place  in  the  last 
twelve  months  will  remain  in  our 
minds  for  years  to  come.  The  new 
year  is  now  before  us  with  fifteen  hun- 
dred people  destitute  in  the  city  of  St 
Louis,  located  in  this  grand  nation  of 
ours  amidst  a  world  of  plenty.  And 
this  is  H  small  item  compared  with 
larger  cities.  Picture  in  your  own 
mind  these  conditions  of  affairs  and 
flien  ask  yourself  the  question  if  you 
are  a  free  American-born  citizen  in 
the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of 
tbe  brave  that  boasts  of  equal  rights 
to  all  and  special  privileges  to  none. 
Is  this  true  or  not?  If  it  is  true,  then 
tlie  wage-earners  of  the  United  States 
should  demand  justice  and  equal  rights 
and  they  ^ould  demand  it  in  this  new 
year  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  Novem- 
ber, 1912.  Organized  labor  must  arise 
and  get  into  action  in  the  political 
Add  and  elect  men  from  their  own 
ranks  to  fill  the  public  offices.  We 
have  been  dupes  long  enough,  let  us 
resolve  to  be  dupes  no  longer.  CiEipital 
to  trying  to  exterminate  union  labor 
and  is  spending  large  amounts  of 
money  to  acc<MiH>lish  their  aim.  Near- 
ly every  paper  of  the  capital  element 
70U  pick  up  contains  articles  denounc- 
ing organized  labor.  Labor  has  done 
Boiliins  to  be  ashamed  of.  Was  capi- 
tal denounced  for  the  Cherry  Mine 
disttter  by    the   capitalistic   papers? 


No;  and  the  reason  that  all  this  mud 
is  being  slung  at  union  labor  is  to  try 
to  poison  the  public's  mind  against 
the  toilers  of  the  naUon.  Did  they 
sling  any  mud  at  the  capitalists  or  the 
standing  army  that  pulled  off  that 
grand  stunt  in  Colorado  a  few  years 
ago  when  women  and  young  girls  were 
insulted  by  this  army  of  thugs  and 
jabbed  with  bayonete  when  they  re- 
fused to  submit  to  there  wishes.  No; 
we  all  have  not  forgot  those  things  so 
soon.  These  women  were  the  wives 
and  daughters  of  workingmen.  Where 
there  is  one  crime  committed  by  mem- 
bers of  labor  unions,  there  are  a  thous- 
and committed  by  these  slave  driving 
industrial  associations.  Labor  will  not 
retreat  so  easy  in  years  to  come  if 
they  will  properly  look  to  their  own 
interest  These  are  times  that  try 
men's  souls  and  the  time  has  come 
when  labor  must  speak  in  no  uncer- 
tain tones,  for  upon  the  dauntless  cour- 
age of  the  workingmen  and  women  of 
this  nation  depends  tbe  life  of  the  re 
public.  Remember  that  the  principles 
of  the  Manufacturer's  Association  is 
the  destruction  of  all  labor  unions. 
They  wiU  resort  to  all  manner  of  trick- 
ery and  they  will,  in  an  underhanded 
way,  secure  the  appointment  of  men 
to  federal  position  who  are  favorable 
to  their  ideas  of  the  destrdction  of  la- 
bor unions  and,  if  they  do  not  help  to 
exterminate  labor  unions,  they  will 
have  them  removed  from  office  and 
make  room  for  someone  else  who  is 
willing  to  carry  out  their  plans  and 
ideas.  I  suggest  that  all  union  men 
subscribe  for  a  labor  paper.  There  are 
plenty  of  them  printed  and  I  say  cut 
out  supporting  this  thins  of  support- 
ing something  that  is  trying  to  picture 
labor  unions  as  a  band  of  anarchists. 
I  read  quite  a  lengthy  article  in  the 
November  issue  from  the  pen  of  Bro. 
Misenhelter  in  regard  to  the  boy  scout 
movement  and  I  agree  with  him  on 
some  of  the  points  he  makes  in  the 
letter.  If  the  capitalists  want  boys 
drilled  in  army  tactics  in  order  to  en- 
courage them  to  become  tin  soldiers, 
let  them  pick  them  out  of  their  own 
ranks.  I  also  agree  with  him  about 
poor  attendance  at  lodge  meetings, 
which  seems  to  be  epidemic  all  over 
the  country.  I  know  of  some  members 
who  belong  to  the  S.  U.  and  who  think 
that  all  they  need  to  do  to  be  good 
union  men  is  to  pay  their  dues,  and 
some  of  them  are  a  month  or  two  be- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


hind  in  doing  that  But  at  the  same 
lime  they  have  got  the  change  when  it 
j)pn3es  to  decorating  the  ma,hogan7 
chiffonier  with  silverware  and  can  al- 
ways manage  to  attend  two  or  three 
shows  a  week,  and  some  of  them  will 
even  lay  off  to  go.  But  if  you  should 
ask  one  of  them  to  lay  off  to  attend  a 
lodge  meeting,  he  will  tell  you  an  aw- 
ful hard  luck  story.  Some  members 
have  bad  luck  and  still  try  to  keep 
up  their  dues.  There  are  exceptions 
and  men  who  are  really  unfortunate 
are  excused,  but  when  a  young  man 
who  has  a  regular  Job  and  has  no  fam- 
ily to  care  for,  cannot  pay  his  dues,  it 
looks  rather  suspicious. 

Well,  Bro.  Editor,  I  will  now  bring 
my  letter  to  a  close  by  wishing  success 
to  all  brothers  of  ttie  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

"R.  I.  Shjsjtleb.  • 


OicHiyte,  Kan. 

Edttob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

In  December  issue  of  Joubnal  we 
had  a  letter  from  Lodge  No.  77,  which 
encouraged  us  considerably,  so  we  will 
try  again.  In  the  other  letter  we 
touched  upon  the  subject  of  national 
federation  i^nd  did  not  get  any  encour- 
agement or  criticism,  so  we  will  now 
try  another  subject.  First,  allow  us 
to  introduce  a  news  item  from  the 
Chanute  Tribune  of  Dec.  27,  1911: 

COERCION  ACT  IS  VOID. 
Bmploteb  Has  Right  to  Dischabgb 
Union  Employe. 
Independence,  Kans.,  Dec.  27. — ^The 
new  Kansas  Coercion  Act  met  its 
Waterloo  here,  when  Judge  Thomas 
Planelly  of  the  District  Court  held  it 
unconstitutional  and  void,  basing  his 
decision  upon  similar  decisions  relat- 
ing to  similar  statutes  enacted  in  other 
States  and  upon  a  decision  of  the 
United  States  Supreme  Court  He  laid 
down  the  principle  that  it  was  as  much 
the  right  of  an  employer  to  discharge 
an  employe  as  it  is  for  an  employe  to 
quit  unsatisfactory  employment.  The 
bases  bringing  forth  the  decision  were 
those  of  the  State  vs.  Bundy,  a  Mis- 
souri Pacific  foreman,  who  discharged 
men  for  belonging  to  a  labor  organisa- 
tion, and  the  State  vs.  Rossman  and 
others  of  the  American  Zinc  ft  Smelt- 
ing  Company,    who   discharged    men 


from  their  plants  at  Caney  and  Dear- 
ing.  In  this  county,  for  Joining  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor.  The 
Federation  took  a  hand  In  the  prosecu- 
tion, and  the  cases  have  been  closely 
watched  all  over  the  State. 

Now,  brothers,  what  are  we  going  to 
do  about  such  court  decisions?  If  such 
holds  good,  we  are  none  of  us  safe  in 
our  unions,  so  let's  get  busy  with  our 
ballots  this  coming  year  and  oust  such 
Judges  from  the  bench  and  consign 
them  to  the  scrap  bin  where  they  be- 
long. We  have  tried  the  two  old  parties 
now  for  many  years  and  have  got  no 
relief:  let'e  see  wliat  we  can  do  in  an- 
other direction.  In  the  first  place,  what 
is  the  use  of  electing  some  politician  to 
go  up  to  Washington  to  make  laws  for 
us  and  then  hiring  one  of  our  labor 
leaders  to  go  up  there  and  beg  him  to 
make  them  In  our  favor,  and  then  he 
does  not  do  It?  Instead,  let  us  elect 
our  man  to  go  there  and  make  the  laws 
for  us,  and  Instruct  him  to  do  so,  and 
not  have  to  beg  him.  If  he  does  not 
fairly  represent  us,  we  know  what  to 
do  with  him  the  next  time.  And  the 
first  law  that  he  makes  should  be  one 
to  do  away  with  the  Supreme  Court. 
If  Congress  and  the  Senate  can  make 
those  laws  they  can  also  repeal  them, 
if  not  satisfactory  to  the  people. 

Now,  brothers,  we  want  you  to  look 
at  this  in  the  right  light  and  offer 
anjrthing  you  have.  You  can  pick  up  a 
daily  paper  any  day  and  see  Just  as 
rank  decisions  against  labor  In  all 
parts  of  the  country  as  this  two-by-four 
Judge  handed  out  in  the  cases  we  have 
Just  quoted. 

Bro.  Meaney,  we  wish  to  congrratu- 
late  you  on  your  letter  in  the  Decem- 
ber Journal.  You  certainly  hit  the 
nail  on  the  head  in  most  oases,  but  we 
will  have  to  take  exception  to  some  of 
them.  Now,  the  one  we  have  in  mind 
is  giving  a  delegate  the  power  to  vote 
the  strenprth  of  his  lodge,  such  as  500 
or  less  votes.  Do  you  not  see  that  If 
this  was  so  two  or  three  large  lodges 
could  control  the  convention,  and  that 
Is  what  the  switchmen  do  not  want.  It 
would  be  too  much  one-man  power: 
but  if  it  could  be  arransred  so  we  could 
have  a  referendum  vote  we  think  It 
would  be  satisfactory  to  all. 

Another  thing  we  wish  to  mention 
is  the  privilege  of  laborers  having  a 
chance  to  vote  at  all  elections.  There 
Is  a  law  in  this  country  to  that  effect. 


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but  it  is  not  lived  up  to.  We  have  in 
mind  two  different  elections  here, 
where  men  were  denied  the  time  to  go 
and  vote»  and  no  doubt  things  did  not 
go  to  suit  all  of  them.  But  they  do 
not  care  to  bring  it  before  the  courts 
for  various  reasons  best  known  to 
themselves.  The  matter  will  be  taken 
up  with  the  officials  at  the  head  of  the 
deimrtments  under  which  those  men 
work,  and  we  predict  there  will  be 
something  doing  with  some  of  the 
smaller  fry.    We  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

No.  77. 


MHwaukee,  Wis. 

BDrros  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Business  is  good  on  the  St.  Paul 
here  and  also  on  the  Northwestern,  our 
only  roads.  Everybody  is  working 
that  cares  to.  The  Northwestern  has 
Just  put  their  new  Butler  yard  in  oper- 
ation and  are  using  men  from  the  Mil- 
waukee yard  as  switchmen  there. 

This  lodge  has  been  unlucky  this 
winter  in  having  so  many  members  in- 
jured. We  now  have  Prank  (Happy) 
Rule,  J.  P.  (Big  Noise)  Murphy,  and 
Henry  Whipple.  They  are  all  doing 
well  and  expect  to  be  back  to  work 
soon. 

W.  J.  Clemens,  formerly  vice-presi- 
dent of  Lodge  No.  10,  is  now  night 
general  yardmaster  in  the  Northwest- 
em  yard. 

On  the  night  of  Feb.  22d  we  will 
celebrate  Washington's  birthday  with 
our  third  annual  ball.  The  tickets  are 
going  at  a  nice  rate  and  it  is  already 
an  assured  success,  and,  as  usual,  we 
expect  to  profit  by  the  affair  and  have 
our  usual  good  time.  (Committee:  Alex 
McRae,  Orval  Bedenkopf,  Charles  Lum- 
low,  Joseph  Kelly,  and  William  Her- 
ser. 

The  following  have  been  elected  as 
our  officers  for  1912:  President,  Maur- 
ice Collins;  vice-president,  J.  P. 
Murphy;  treasurer,  Fred  Glese;  secre- 
tary, William  Herzer;  chaplain,  Charles 
Lumlow;  conductor,  John  Kermis. 

Max  Strehlow  has  been  laid  up  with 
tjrphoid  fever  for  over  a  month,  but  is 
now  on  the  mend. 

Pat  Glenn,  an  old  P.  A  P.  U.  man,  is 
here  and  working  f^r  the  N.  W. 

Former  Bro.  McGinnis,  also  an  old 
Peoria  boy,  is  back  in  the  N.  W.,  and 


will  line  up  in  Liodge  No.  10  before 
this  reaches  the  members. 

On  Thanksgiving  night  Lodge  No.  39 
L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  gave  their  an- 
nual ball.  The  boys  attended  in  a  body 
and  certainly  enjoyed  themselves.  Matt 
Corean  was  there,  as  usual,  a  silent 
but  absorbed  s];)ectator.  He  says  he 
likes  music. 

Heine  Reed  was  there,  and  danced 
with  all  the  girls  in  the  hall  from  6 
years  to  60  years  of  age. 

Hank  Ck>rmeley  was  there,  as  usual, 
and  showed  us  how  the  Virginia  reel 
should  be  danced. 

"Sunny  Jim,"  the  St.  Paul  switch- 
tender,  was  there,  and  afforded  his 
usual  amount  of  entertainment. 

The  auxiliary  cleared  a  nice  amount, 
and  intend  to  give  another  affair  this 
winter. 

Right  here  I  want  to  say  the  broth- 
ers should  take  more  interest  in  the 
Ladies'  Auxiliary  cmd  line  their  wives, 
mothers,  sisters  and  daughters  up  in 
Lodge  No.  89. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Charles  Collins, 
Journal  Agent. 


Detroit,  Mich. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  have  entered  upon  a  new  year's 
work,  and  I  hope  it  may  be  an  active 
one  In  the  affairs  of  this  union,  but  it 
will  only  be  so  to  the  extent  of  interest 
we  manifest  in  its  welfare.  For  as  we 
work  and  strive  to  advance  the  cause, 
just  so  will  it  prosper  and  increase  in 
membership  or  suffer  for  the  want  of 
such  work  and  attention.  Its  destiny 
is  in  the  hands  of  the  individual  mem- 
bers, and  none  can  neglect  to  give  it 
his  personal  attention  without  retard- 
ing its  proper  development  and*  influ- 
ence. No  one  in  it  is  so  small,  or  of 
so  little  consequence  to  it,  but  that  he 
has  an  influence  that  will  be  of  value 
to  it  if  but  placed  in  operation  and 
kept  centered  upon  the  work  it  is  con- 
stantly engaged  in:  that  of  promoting 
the  interests  of  all  who  are  engaged  in 
the  occupation  of  switching  cars  for  a 
livelihood.  Much  has  been  accom- 
plished through  its  efforts  for  them  all 
during  the  last  few  years,  and  all  owe 
a  lasting  debt  of  gratitude  to  it,  which 
can  be  paid  in    no   other    way    than 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


espousing  its  cause  and  becoming  and 
remaining  actively  identified  with  its 
work.  Let  all  look  at  this  matter 
fairly  and  squarely  and  do  his  full  part 
in  the  work.  This  done,  nothing  can 
mar  its  onward  progress.  .  It  ill  be- 
comes any  one  to  become  derelict  in 
regard  to  duties  of  this  nature,  when 
we  are  so  apt  to  suffer  evil  results  as 
the  consequence  of  so  doing.  So  let 
the  slogan  for  1912  be:  More  interest 
than  ever  in  the  good  cause  that  has 
brought  so  much  benefit  to  us.  Too 
many  of  our  members  here  have  ac- 
quired the  much-complained-of  habit  of 
remaining  at  home  on  meeting  night, 
with  the  result  that  there  are  entirely 
too  many  TS/cant  chairs  at  our  meet- 
inga  This  is  most  discouraging  to  the 
offlcers  who  are  endeavoring  to  trans- 
act lodge  business  as  best  they  can. 
But  in  their  efforts  to  do  this  they  are 
often  handicapped  for  much-needed 
assistance  from  those  who  absent  them- 
selves, when  they  should  lend  the 
lodge  their  encouragement  and  assist- 
ance by  their  presence  and  manifesta- 
tion of  willingness  to  perform  such 
duties  as  called  upon  to  do  towards 
promoting  the  success  of  the  business; 
We  should  all  certainly  endeavor  to 
make  a  substantial  improvement  in  re- 
gard to  this  feature  of  the  work  this 
year  over  what  it  was  last.  A  lack  of 
proper  interest  in  Lodge  No.  13  during 
the  last  three  or  four  months  has  mani- 
fested itself,  as  a  course  of  disinterest- 
edness always  will,  in  a  reduction  of 
its  membership,  and  it  should  be  a 
principle  firmly  fixed  in  the  mind  of 
every  member  of  Lodge  No.  13,  so  long 
noted  for  activity  in  the  councils  of 
the  old  S.  M.  M.  A.,  while  it  remained 
a  part  of  railroad  labor  organisations, 
the  same  as  it  so  far  has  during  the 
history  of  this  union,  that  it  shall  not 
lag  back  for  want  of  interest  on  part 
of  its  members.  We  can  not  lose  "an 
inch  of  ground"  acquired  through  our 
membership,  by  allowing  it  to  go  down- 
ward instead  of  upward,  as  it  has  late- 
ly been  doing.  Let's  all  look  this  mat- 
ter squarely  "in  the  face"  and  deter- 
mine that  we  will  make  the  upward 
brand  of  progress  rather  than  the 
retrogressive  sort  our  motive  of  action. 
If  we  don't,  we'll  surely  suffer  evil  re- 
sults as  a  consequence.  Our  newly- 
elected  officers  have  been  Installed,  and 
will  endeavor  as  beet  they  can  to  per- 
form their  respective  duties,  but  the 


officers  represent  but  a  very  small  part 
of  the  membership,  and,  unaided,  can 
do  but  little  towards  accomplishing  the 
work  to  be  done  in  this  city  pertaining 
to  what  should  and  what  must  be  done 
to  maintain  the  respect  and  enviable 
standing  we  have  in  this  section  of  the 
country,  and  which  we  not  only  must 
preserve,  but  improve  and  enlarge 
upon.  I  feel  that  the  Grand  Lodge  offl- 
cers are  doing  all  they  can  to  carry  on 
the  work  of  the  union  in  every  part  of 
the  country,  and  am  pleased  to  note  in 
the  correspondence  columns  of  the 
JoxTBNAL  where  several  of  the  lodges 
are  reporting  considerable  progress  in 
their  work.  I  sincerely  hope  this 
spirit  of  progressiveness  will  become 
general,  and  that  altogether,  when  the 
year's  work  has  been  concluded,  it  will 
have  been  the  best  for  results  obtained 
of  any  in  the  history  of  the  organiza- 
tion, and  Uiat  each  subordinate  lodge 
will  have  contributed  its  full  share  of 
energy  towards  the  accomplishment  of 
such  a  year's  work.  With  best  wishes 
to  all  lodgto  in  their  efforts  to  advance 
the  cause,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gboiob  C.  Hess. 


Erie,  PS. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

One  of  my  New  Tear's  resolutions 
was  to  write  oftener  for  the  JovKfAL, 
and  while  it  is  still  fresh  in  my  mind 
I  am  going  to  tell  the  brothers  about 
Lodge  No.  38. 

We  have  a  membership  now  of  about 
sixty-two,  and  <me  to  initiate  at  our 
next  meeting. 

Business  has  been  rather  dull  on  the 
L.  S.  ft  M.  S.  as  compared  with  other 
years  at  this  time,  as  flar  as  the  yard 
is  concerned,  but  at  that  the  extra  men 
have  done  fairly  well. 

I  am  heartily  in  favor  of  the  ideas 
expressed  by  Bro.  Bell  of  Rock  Island 
in  our  January  Journal,  when  he  ex- 
horts the  members  to  attend  lodge 
more  often.  Now,  as  he  says,  we  don't 
have  time  while  at  work  on  the  foot- 
boards any  more  to  talk  over  our  af- 
fairs; we  are  too  busy.  Therefore,  we 
should  arrange  to  attend  meetings,  at 
least  one  of  the  two  meetings  eiach 
month,  and  become  familiar  not  only 
with  the  doings  of  our  own  lodge,  but 
also  with  what  is  going  on  in  a  general 


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Ill 


imj  ameag  other  lodges  and  other 
bnMliee  of  organised  labor  through- 
o«t  the  eoontry- 

It  is  Tsry  often  the  case  in  our  own 
MIse,  and  It  seems  to  he  a  disease 
whieh  is  spreading  among  our  mem- 
ban  aceerdins  to  the  letters  to  the 
MnrnKAL,  that  a  great  many  brothers 
aie  so  very  good-natured  and  generous 
that  they  feel  satisfied  with  whatever 
the  eOeuv  may  do,  that  they  feel  as 
dioogh  tilings  would  not  go  on  any 
better  by  their  attendance.  Such 
AeeJd  not  be  the  oaee.  An  organise- 
tisn  of  tiiis  nature  should  be  composed 
oi  men  who  feel  that  they  are  needed 
la  the  struggle,  who  have  an  inborn 
taire  to  h^p  with  the  moral  and 
tasneial  uplift  of  the  whole  order. 

When  Bro.  Porter  was  with  us,  not 
lag  ago,  he  told  us  that  when  each  one 
VIS  called  upon  for  his  little  say  for 
&e  good  and  welfare  of  the  union,  that 
kt  should  get  up  and  say  it,  for  it  may 
Kart  in  the  mind  of  some  other  brother 
as  idea  that  may  do  the  members  the 
vorld  of  good.    I  second  the  motion. 

I  cannot  go  any  further  without  say- 
!ag  something  of  our  smoker,  which 
«t  held  on  Jan.  4th.  In  answer  to  an 
ianltatioB  sent  to  him,  our  Intema- 
tloQal  President,  Bro.  Heberllng,  came 
t»  Srie  and  attended  our  regular 
■esttng;  installed  the  officers,  and 
Bsde  the  brothers  f^l  as  though  we 
bsd  a  minion  members.  Each  one  felt 
at  tiioogh  we  could  accomplish  as  much 
ty  our  steady  puO  if  we  only  kept  pull- 
lag.  He  told  us  that  no  outside  force 
cuM  disrupt  our  union;  that,  if  it  was 
•ver  done,  internal  dissension  would  do 
it  and  nothing  else. 

After  our  meeting  was  over,  Bros. 
Havey,  Flemmlng  and  Gooley  had  a 
apraad  arranged,  which  made  us  think 
v»  were  back  agadn  to  Thanksgiving 
day.  With  Bro.  Heberllng  at  the  head, 
and  such  old-timers  as  Bros.  Simmons, 
Ridiards,  Dundon  and  Havey,  the 
lunch  sped  downward  to  the  strains  of 
violin  music  which  was  rendered  by 
Mr.  George  Lawson,  son  of  Bro.  John 
lAwson.  accompanied  by  Bro.  Flem- 
mlng on  the  piano. 

During  the  evening  the  brothers 
were  kept  in  a  laughing  mood  by  the 
Irish  reel,  by  Bros.  Harris  and  Clifford, 
who.  In  soite  of  their  long  term  as  citi- 
KBs  of  this  country,  can  st^  it  off  as 
w^  as  the  day  they  landed. 

We  must  not  forget  Bro.  Bd  Zeigler, 


the  "one-man  band,"  who  waa  the  right 
man  in  the  right  place.  He  it  was 
who,  after  some  delay  caused  by  broken 
string,  chained  it  up  and  made  some  of 
the  old  masters  look  like  a  kit  of  organ 
grinders. 

The  evening  dosed  with  a  number 
which  easily  outshone  everything  out- 
side of  Bro.  Heberling's  speeeh,  and 
that  was  the  beautiful  rendition  of 
"Hostler  Joe"  by  Bro.  Patterson,  who 
made  a  deep  impression  upon  us  all  by 
his  redtation. 

We  thank  Mr.  George  Lawson  and 
Mr.  Krause,  who  aided  us  in  making 
this  the  success  it  was,  each  in  his  dif- 
ferent capacity. 

We  were  glad  to  have  been  able  to 
see  and  hear  Bro.  Heberllng,  and  we 
hope  the  brothers  will  benefit  by  his 
remarks,  and  we  also  hope  that  he  will 
be  able  to  call  oftener. 

Bach  and  every  brother  should  put 
his  shoulder  to  the  wheel  and,  with 
our  increased  insurance,  try  to  make 
the  year  1912  a  record-breaker.  Help 
your  officers,  and  we  will  have  a  better 
and  larger  organization  of  switchmen 
at  the  beginning  of  1913. 

Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  A.  GOOLKT, 

Journal  Agent  Lodge  No,  S8, 


BorroB  SwrrcHMEN's  Joubnal: 

Omaha  Overland  Lodge  has  again 
been  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  of 
her  oldeet  and  best  members,  Bro.  Fred 
A.  Wemmer,  who  was  instantly  killed 
while  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as 
switchman  on  Dec.  21,  1911.  His  re- 
malne  were  laid  to  rest  In  Bvergreen 
Cemetery  on  Sunday,  Dec.  24th.  Bro- 
Wemmer  was  one  of  the  oldest  mem- 
bers of  the  S.  U.  In  Omaha,  being  a 
member  of  Lodge  No.  6  long  before  It 
consolidated  with  Lodge  No.  54,  and  at 
our  last  regular  election  of  officers  was 
elected  president  of  Lodge  No.  5  for 
1912.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the 
Eagles  and  A.  O.  U.  W..  many  of  whose 
members  attended  his  funeral.  He 
leaves  three  daughters  and  many 
friends  to  mourn  his  loss. 

Well,  Lodge  No.  5  held  Its  annual 
ball  on  Dec.  18th,  and,  of  course,  had 
a  big  crowd  and  a  good  time.  Every- 
body was  happy,  especially  Bro.  Stal- 
der,  who  got  a  few  hundred  dollars  to 


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112 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHBiBN'B  UNION. 


put  in  his  strong  box  for  the  new  year 
to  help  Lodge  No.  5  over  the  rough 
spots. 

The  lads  who  switch  cars  for  a  living 
are  sure  earning  their  money  this  kind 
of  weather,  with  lots  of  snow  and  ice 
and  the  thermometer  from  10  to  28  be- 
low zero.  As  I  see  them  go  by,  I  say 
to  myself,  Jack,  old  boy,  you  ought  to 
be  happy  you  can't  herd  the  box  cars 
any  more.  But,  all  the  same,  I  get  the 
blues  once  in  awhile  because  I  can't 
be  out  among  the  lads,  chasing  around 
the  yards  all  day  and  calling  the  hog- 
head  pet  names  to  keep  my  blood  in 
circulation. 

Business  here  is  pretty  dull  and  no 
boomers  on  the  wing,  so  they  muet  all 
be  working. 

With  best  wishes  cmd  a  happy  new 
year  to  the  S.  U.,  and  the  same  for  the 
Auxiliary,  I  am, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

The  Landlord. 


Odweifi,  Iowa. 

Bditob  SwrrcHMEN*8  Jottbnal: 

As  there  hasn't  been  anything  in  the 
JouBNAL  from  Lodge  No.  84  for  some 
time  past,  will  try  and  give  the  readers 
some  idea  of  what  has  taken  place 
here  in  Oelwein.  Our  meetings  are 
being  attended  a  little  better  than  they 
were  a  while  back,  but  there  is  still 
room  for  lots  of  improvement.  It  may 
be  that  some  of  the  brothers  think  we 
haven't  room  enough  for  them  all  to 
attend  lodge  at  one  time,  but  if  they 
would  all  come  up  some  nig^t  they 
would  find  out  there  was  lots  of  room 
for  them  and  several  clear  tracks  be- 
sides, for  we  have  the  nicest  lodge  hall 
in  the  city  with  plenty  of  room  for  all. 
The  Ladles'  Auxiliary  beats  us  two 
to  one  in  attendance,  and  when  the 
ladles  can  turn  out  to  lodge  these 
frosty  nights  I  can't  see  why  there 
Isn't  more  of  the  brothers  out.  There 
is  always  something  doing  on  lodge 
nights.  The  ladies  meet  the  same  night 
we  do  in  an  adjoining  hall,  and  often 
when  the  two  meetings  are  over,  there 
is  a  good  feed  in  sight  in  the  dining- 
room.  And  the  ladies  are  some  cooks, 
too.  If  you  doubt  my  word,  Just  hap- 
pen up  to  meeting  some  night  and  see 
if  my  Judgment  along  this  line  Isn't  the 
best. 

We  had  a  •*blow-out"  for  "fair"  last 
Tuesday  night,  when  we  had  a  Joint 


installation  of  officers  of  the  two  lodges, 
and  the  time  we  had  was  something 
great.  First  thing  on  the  program  was 
a  supper  by  the  ladies,  served  from  6 
until  8  o'clock,  and  everybody  did  them- 
selves Justice,  especially  our  president, 
who  ate  so  much  that  he  complained 
all  next  day  on  account  of  stomach- 
ailments,  but  he  thinks  he  will  re- 
cover all  right  But  he  promises  never 
again  to  try  and  eat,  at  one  time,  every- 
thing that's  on  the  table. 

The  following  officers  were  elected 
for  the  coming  year:  J.  R.  Nichols, 
president;  C.  S.  Sooles,  secretary  and 
treasurer;  B.  Borland,  conductor;  C. 
G.  Becker,  chaplain.  These  officers 
were  installed  and  all  took  up  their 
work  as  though  they  Intended  to  make 
Lodge  No.  84  a  banner  lodge  of  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  These  brothers  all  fUled 
the  same  offices  last  year  and  proved 
to  be  Just  the  ones  for  the  offices,  each 
one  performing  his  duties  to  the  letter. 
With  the  help  of  the  other  brothers,  I 
don't  see  why  Lodge  No.  84  can't  make 
a  record  in  1912  that  will  make  a 
shining  page  in  the  history  of  the  S.  U. 

We  are  always  taking  In  new  mem- 
bers here;  there  is  hardly  a  meeting 
night  that  there  isn't  someone  going 
in.  We  have  three  applications  for 
next  meeting.  This  is  a  good  place  to 
capture  the  "outsiders,"  for  we  have 
lots  of  new  ones  here  to  call  on  most 
of  the  time.  Our  president  is  one  of 
the  hardest  workers  we  have  along  the 
line  in  getting  new  members.  He  has 
a  way  of  going  after  them  that  brings 
them  across  without  much  talking,  and 
he  makes  them  show  their  credentials, 
or  tell  why  they  haven't  any. 

Now,  if  every  brother  in  Lodge  No. 
84  win  get  one  new  member  in  1912  it 
will  make  the  Grand  officers  smile,  at 
least.  Let  us  try  and  do  this,  and  find 
out  who  the  hard  workers  are.  This 
will  tell  who  has  the  interests  of  the 
S.  U.  at  heart 

Wishing  you  all  a  happy  and  prosper- 
ous 1912,  and  with  best  wishes,  I  re- 
main.       Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
G.  D.  Gibbons, 
Journal  Agent. 


Michigan  Qty,  Ind. 

E2DIT0B  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

It  has  been  a  long  time  since  there 
has  been  anything  in  the  Joubnai. 
from  Clipper  Lodge  No.  74,  but  we  ore 


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118 


still  among  the  living  and  are  doing 
fine^  having  at  present  a  membership 
of  forty-seven  and  still  taking  In  new 
oness  and  they  are  a  jolly  bunch — that 
is  some  of  them  are. 

It  is  all  right  Bro.  Mattlx!     It  will 

soon  be  spring  and  the  bluebirds  will 

be  telling  you  to  discard  a  few 

•rtides     such     as,     for     instance,     a 

daunois  vest,  three  woolen  shirts,  one 

doth  vest,  one  sheepskin  vest,  one  knit 

^cket,  one  coat,  one  overall  jacket,  three 

pairs  of  trousers,  two  pairs  of  stock- 

iBss,  one  pair  of  shoes,  one  fur-lined 

«p,  one  overcoat  and   nine  pairs   of 

kftTy  mittens,  etc.    But  the  tempera- 

tiffe  has  been  so  severe  that  It  has  not 

a^  required  much  extra  wearing  ap- 

jwel,  but  unusual  precaution  to  pre- 

▼ttt  personal  injury,  freezing,  etc.,  on 

aaonnt  of  the  severe  wintry  weatber 

»e  are  now  having  to  contend  with. 

h  certainly  takes  courage  and  grit  to 

jerform  switching  duties  at  this  sea- 

im  of  the  year.     But  the  work  must 

h  done  and  we  are  willing  to  do  it, 

RSardleas  of  the  cold  or  heat,  but  we 

#  want  and  should  have  as  favorable 

flteditions  as  possible  under  which  to 

pHform  our  duties. 

Hoping  this  will  escape  the  waste- 
Ittket  so  I  will  have  courage  to  write 
I  remain,  very  truly. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
EciroES  FROM  Wonderland. 


Wichita,  Kan. 

Switchmen's  Journal: 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Lodge  No. 
85.  held  the  last  Wednesday  In  Decem- 
ber, the  following  officers  were  elected 
for  the  year  1912: 

President — J.  E.  Ceurorst. 

Past-President — J.  E.  McKeen. 

Vice-President — George  Bertsche. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer — A,  W. 
Bnms. 

Chaplain — L,,  Z.  Johnson. 

Conductor — M.  J.  Dwyer. 

Guard— Clarence  Sturm. 

Jonmal  Agent — D.  W.  Entsmlnger. 

Very  nearly  all  the  officers  have 
served  as  officers  for  this  lodge  during 
the  past  year  and  we  hope  that  the 
coming  year  will  be  very  prosperous 
to  all.  Let  everybody  work  as  they 
iiave  never  worked  before  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  order  and  all  brothers. 

Business  Is  very  slack  in  this  section 
ind  most  of  the  members  are  working 


on  the  night  shift,  and  some  crews  are 
only  working  two-thirds  time.  Pros- 
pects for  business  this  summer  looks 
very  good  at  present. 

Our  worthy  International  President, 
S.  E.  Heberling,  paid  us  a  visit  on 
Not.  26,  1911.  A  special  meeting  was 
called  and  was  well  attended.  Bro. 
Heherling  explained  several  things  to 
us  which  were  not  clearly  understood 
by  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  85. 

Let  us  all  put  our  shoulder  to  the 
wheel  and  make  this  year  a  banner 
year  for  new  members  and  see  if  we 
cannot  secure  more  new  members  this 
year  than  ever  before. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

JOXTBNAL  AOBIfT. 


1,0. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Having  been  elected  Joubnai.  agent 
for  the  coming  3^ear,  I  will  try  to  let 
the  brothers  know  that  Lodge  No.  130 
is  still  in  existence.  The  same  old  offi- 
cers were  elected  for  the  year  1912 
and  will  be  on  hand  to  faithfully  dis- 
charge their  duties,  as  they  have  done 
in  the  past. 

The  menvbershlp  in  the  lodge  has 
fallen  off  considerably,  due  to  members 
being  layed  off,  or  leaving  the  city. 
Business  on  the  C,  H.  ft  D.  Ry.  is  very 
dull  and  any  brothers  coming  this  way 
expecting  to  land  a  job,  had  better 
"high-ball"  the  town.  But  if  they  are 
in  need,  let  them  stop  here  and  they 
will  not  go  away  wanting. 

Much  has  been  said  lately  In  regard 
to  poor  attendance  at  meetings.  There 
have  been  several  times  here  that 
there  could  be  no  meeting.  The  ones 
who  do  come  are  the  same  faces  to  be 
seen  there  at  every  meeting. 

As  this  is  my  first  attempt  as  Joub- 
nal agent,  I  will  sign  up  for  this  time 
and  will  have  more  news  next  time. 
With  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers, 
I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

C.  W.  Cahalanb. 


Braddock^Pto. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  I  have  not  read  anirthing  in  our 
Joubnal  from  Braddock  Lodge  No. 
212,  I  have  taken  the  time  to  write 
these  few  lines  to  let  you  know  that 


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114 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


we  had  Bro.  L.  H.  Porter  in  our  dis- 
trict and  he  planted  the  banner  of  the 
good  old  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  in  this  section 
and  it  promises  to  become  a  good,  big 
local,  88  we  have  several  candidates 
for  our  next  regular  meeting.  We 
were  well  pleased  to  see  this  good 
hard  worker  drop  off  here  and  put  his 
shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  start  things 
booming  here.  Anyone  who  ever  met 
him  knows  that  he  is  a  tireless  worker 
and  is  always  on  the  go  tor  new  mate- 
rial. iHe  traversed  a  large  territory 
while  here  and  has  done  a  lot  of  good 
while  amongst  us,  for  which  let  ue 
give  thanks  to  the  delegates  of  the 
last  convention  for  placing  such  a 
grand  old-timer  in  the  field,  as  he  is 
built  of  the  kind  of  material  that  is 
needed  to  bring  the  S.'  U.  of  N.  A.  to 
its  proper  footing — above  all  others — 
and  we  all  Join  in  wishing  him  the 
best  success. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

P.  H.  OnxiuM. 


TcfreHaiile»  hud. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

There  must  be  a  great  many  brothers 
who  are  not  aware  of  the  tact  that  we 
have  a  lodge  in  this  city,  as  we  haven't 
been  represented  in  the  Journal  for  a 
long  time,  but  I  shall  try  and  convince 
them  of  the  fact  that  we  have  a  very 
lively  bunch  of  "snakes"  at  this  place. 
At  a  recent  meeting  we  had  our  an- 
nual election  of  officers,  when  the  fol- 
lowing brothers  were  elected  to  look 
out  for  the  good  and  welfare  of  our 
union  for  the  ensuing  year:  Past 
president,  E.  F.  Baldwin;  president, 
James  Snyder;  vice-president,  A.  L. 
Goodwin;  recording  secretary,  Duston 
Crawford;  treasurer,  H.  H.  Bylngton; 
chaplain,  O.  P.  McGrew;  inner  guard, 
J.  Lee;  outer  guard,  B.  W.  Branham; 
conductor,  H.  Smith;  Joubnal  agent, 
F.  D.  Ball;  board  of  directors,  Duston 
Crawford,  E.  F.  Baldwin,  A.  L.  Good- 
win. 

After  the  regular  business  wais  trans- 
acted the  entire  bunch  engaged  in  a 
regular  old  switch-shanty  rag-chewing. 
All  kinds  of  things  were  proposed,  but 
nothing  definitely  settled,  although  we 
appointed  a  committee  to  find  If  there 
are  enough  half-dollars  at  large  in  this 
city  to  Justify  us  giving  a  ball  in  order 
to  capture  them.    Many  of  us  are  await- 


ing a  favorable  report.  Business  liere 
is  at  a  standstill,  practically  notlilns 
at  all  doing.  As  soon  as  things  pick 
up  here,  we  are  sure  of  increasing:  our 
membership  a  great  deal,  althongii  in 
spite  of  the  fact  that  a  great  many  of 
the  boys  are  up  against  it,  our  mem- 
bership has  increased  steadily  for  the 
past  few  months.  There  has  beea 
hardly  a  meeting  that  we  haven't 
gained  one  or  two  new  members. 

Miss  Rhoda  Welding  gave  us  a  nice 
little  talk  at  a  recent  meeting  in  belialf 
of  the  Red  Cross  Society,  and  succeed- 
ed in  selling  quite  a  number  of  Red 
Cross  seahk 

All  branches  of  organised  labor  here 
are  considering  the  erection  of  a  laher 
temple.  Delegates  have  been  appointed 
from  all  locals,  and  I  for  one  sincerely 
hope  to  see  such  an  institution  in  tiie 
near  future. 

Now,  brothers,  you  are  no  doubt  worn 
out  by  this  time,  as  this  is  my  first 
attempt,  so  hoping  some  of  the  other 
brothers  will  consider  it  their  duty  to 
write  you  next,  I  will  close  for  thle 
time.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Fbank  D.  Ball, 
Journal  Agent  Lodge  No.  9^. 


PienMifi  PsflCy  HI* 


E^DrroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

With  the  year  of  1912  it  is  hoped 
that  we  will  have  something  for  the 
Joubnal  every  month. 

Everything  was  in  fine  shape  at  the 
close  of  1911  at  Kolze,  where  the  Soo 
Line  yards  are  everything. 

Lodige  No.  193  is  supposed  to  be  a 
Joint  lodge  composed  of  I.  H.  Bell  men 
here,  and  Soo  Line  men  at  Kolze  and 
South  Water  street,  but  at  the  present 
time  we  have  only  three  I.  H.  B.  men 
as  members,  while  we  are  ninety  per 
cent  strong  at  Kolse  and  ^tting 
stronger.  Our  grievance  committee 
has  not  had  much  to  do.  They  have 
one  case  now  with  all  indications  of  a 
satisfactory  settlement 

At  our  last  meeting  the  lodge  made 
a  change  from  the  first  Sunday  and 
third  Monday  to  the  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  as  meeting  nights,  said  meet- 
ings to  be  held  at  the  same  place  as 
usual,  Switchmen's  Hall,  at  Franklin 
Park. 

Upon  looking  through  the  Joubnal 
for  January  I  see  where  the  different 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITGHfiiBN'8  UNION. 


115 


Tke-pr^identB  have  been  visiting 
Taiious  lodges  in  tlie  country,  but 
lone  ever  comes  near  Lodge  No.  l^o, 
not  Uiat  we  especially  need  them  out 
here,  but  it  does  not  do  sometimes  to 
alight  anyone. 

We  contemplate  holding  our  annual 
dance  in  the  near  future,  of  which 
farther  notice  will  be  in  the  Joubnal. 

Accompanying  this  letter  you  will  find 
A  lew  lines  from  our  old  friend  Jack 
SeftiB.  But  since  writing  It  the  ther- 
icometer  has  been  registering  ten  be- 
low zero  and  the  super-heaters  have 
not  been  quite  so  good  as  they  were. 
Yours  In  B..  H.  and  P., 

J.  J.  B. 


OW    THE    SUPER-HEATKB   LiNE. 

We  started  out  of  Kolze  one  cold  and 

stormy  night 
With  eighty  cars  of  dead  freight 
And  a  few  of  "expedite." 
Tlie  "snakes"  they  closed  the  switches 
As  we  crossed  o'er  at  Fair  View 
And  hit  it  up  for  Wheeling 
For  a  meet  on  No.  2. 

We  snatched  a  little  water 

As  the  orders  they  were  read, 

To  pick  up  fifty  more  at  Leithtou, 

So  the  dispatcher  said. 

(M  Mart  was  at  the  throttle 

And  said  he  didn't  care 

If  die'd  start  them  out  of  Leithtou 

She  would  take  them  anywhere, 

For  she   was  a  super-heater  and   was 

steaming  fine, 
And  they  only  need  the  railroad 
To  get  to  Fon  du  Lac  on  time. 
The  tallow-pot  was  surely  there. 
For  he  didn't  own  the  coal, 
Or  have  time  to  stick  his  head  out 
As  the  train  began  to  roll. 

The  head  Shack  had  the  winaow  closed 
So  he  wouldn't  get  the  breeze 
As  he  kicked  off  lots  of  mileage 
With  his  head  between  his  knees. 
He  was  dreaming  of  the  happy  past 
And  waiting  for  the  time 
When  he*d  become  an  O.  R.  C. 
On  the  Super-heater  Line. 
You  don't  have  to  be  a  speed-merchant, 
Or  make  the  "Velvet  Special's"  time. 
But  reach  in  and  grab  a  hundred 
And  beat  it  up  the  line. 

J.  S.  Sbabs. 


Idleness  Is  only  the  refuge  of  weak 
minds  and  the  holiday  of  fools. — Ches- 


ThcOMcslR^HriMd. 

The  traveler  who  leaves  Plymoutb 
for  London  by  the  Great  WeBFtem  rail- 
way will  notice,  when  he  Ims  proceeded 
two  and  three^iuarter  mllee  and  U* 
paaeiikg  the  two  hondred  an<d  forty^ 
fourth  mile  poet  from  Paddlncptoa,  that 
the  train  crooooo  a  einsle  line  of  rail- 
road almost  at  a  right  angle  on  tiie 
level.  To  it  ImmedAately  eaoceedis  an 
over-brid^,  and  then,  on  the  left  hand 
or  "off"  Bide,  may  be  seen  the  single 
line  in  qnefition,  laid  upon  rough  stone 
blocks,  but  presenting  a  decidedly  out- 
of-date  appearance.  Perchance  a  train 
of  four  or  five  little  trucks  loaded  with 
square  lumps  of  cfhina  okty  and  drawn 
by  a  couple  of  horses  may  be  seen,  but 
in  half  a  mile  the  old  Une  trendls  away 
northward  amd'  Is  lost  sight  of.  It  be- 
longs to  the  oldest  railroad  company  in 
the  worlds 

The  Plymouth  &  Dartmouth  railway 
was  incorporated  on  July  2,  1819,  for 
''making  and  maintaining  a  Traonroad 
or  Iron  Railway  for  the  Passage  of 
Wagons  and  other  Carriages  from 
Crabtree  to  near  the  Prisons  of  War 
on  Dartmoor."  These  prisons  had 
been  erected  about  ten  years  before,  on 
the  loneliest  and  wildest  tract  of  land 
that  could  be  found,  to  accommodate 
the  French  prisoners  of  war  who  in^ 
conveniently  crowded'  Plymouth  Sound 
in  hulks.  The  prospector  of  the  line, 
however.  Sir  Thomas  Tyrwhitt,  had  a 
great  idea  that  Dartmoor  was  capable 
of  cultivation. 

The  Plymouth  &  Dartmouth  Railway 
Company  was  dissolved'  and  re-incor- 
porated by  an  act  of  18$5,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  brin-gln-g  it  under  the  pro- 
visions of  modem  acts  as  to  using 
steam  power,  etc  The  old  rates  were 
revised  and  power  taken  to  carry  pas- 
sengers. It  then  owed  75,000  pounds 
sterling  to  the  mortgagees,  Messrs. 
Jo^lmson,  who  released  it  on  being  paid 
in  shares.  The  company  has  sii)ce  con- 
structed some  Docal  lines  near  Ply- 
mouth,»  which  are  worked  by  the  Great 
Western  and  the  London  and  South- 
western; in  fact,  it  is  virtually  a  Joint 
line  now.  Still,  though  it  owns  no 
roDing  stock,  it  has  nominally  an  in- 
dependent existence,  receives  its  rents, 
maintains  a  London  office,  and  may  un- 
doubtedly be  considiered  the  oldest  rail- 
way company  in  the  world. — Railroad 
Gazette. 


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THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


■  Oft  Woftn^  T< 


BlXITQB  SWITOHMBNlB  JOUINAL: 

Well  sisters,  another  year  has  come 
and  gone  and,  as  we  look  back  oyer 
the  days  that  have  gone  by,  we  can 
see  many  things  wherein  we  would  do 
differently  if  we  had  the  opportunity  of 
going  over  1911  again,  which  is  im- 
possible. But  we  now  haye  a  bright 
new  year  spread  out  before  us,  full  of 
golden  opportunities  and  it  behooyes 
us  to  take  advantage  of  them.  If  we 
do  this  the  result  will  be  a  large  in- 
orease  in  the  number  of  8ui^K>rters  to 
our  cause.  Let  us  all  strive  to  make 
19^12  a  bright  and  prosperous  year  for 
our  order.  If  each  member  would  se- 
cure one  new  member  we  would  double 
our  membersSiip  in  1912.  I  believe  we 
can  do  even  better  than  luis  if  we 
but  make  an  honest  and  sincere  effort. 
Lodge  No.  38  installed  the  following 
officers  for  the  ensuing  year: 

President — Lula  Neal. 

Past-President— Agnes  Martin. 

Vice-President — Dosha  McPherson. 

Chaplain — ^Paralee  Morrison. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer — ^Vashti 
Glanton. 

Conductress — Ida  Depayster. 

Guard— 4arah  Lewis. 

Pianist— Katherine  Heighligman. 

Directors — ^Theresa  Spicer,  Theresa 
Smoek,  Katherine  H^ghligman. 

The  weather  Is  very  severe  here  and 
we  have  had  the  worst  winter  ever 
known  In  Texas. 

Sister  Weir  is  very  sick  at  her 
home,  1029  Stella  Street.  I  hope  the 
members  of  Lodge  No.  80  will  not 
neglect  to  call  on  Sister  Weir,  as  one 
of  our  most  important  duties  is  to 
look  after  the  welfare  of  our  members 
in  time  of  sickness  and  trouble. 

We  are  expecting  a  visit  from  our 
Grand  President,  Sister  Clark,  which 
we  are  all  looking  forward  to  with 
great  pleasure,  as  we  have  never  had 
a  Grand  Lodge  ofBoer  visit  us.  I  hope 
that  Sister  Clark  will  stir  up  the 
much-needed    interest    and    zeal    and 


that  it  will  result  in  getting  new  mem- 
bers into  our  fold.  It  is  (mly  a  little 
more  than  a  year  now  until  onr  con- 
vention will  meet  at  Houston,  Tex., 
and  let  us  bestir  ourselves  in  every 
Texas  city  where  our  brothers  have 
lodges  and  get  auxiliariee  established 
there  also.  Certainly  Lodge  No.  69  at 
Houston  would  feel  greatly  em- 
barrassed and  the  delegates  and  visit- 
ing sisters  there  itomewhat  humiliated 
if  they  found  no  sisters  in  an  organi- 
zation of  their  own  kind  to  bid  them 
welcome  and  arrange  for  entertaining 
them  while  in  the  convention  city. 
There  is  a  report  afloat  that  Bro. 
Gallagher  of  Lodge  No.  69,  when  at 
the  St  Paul  convention,  promised 
much  in  the  way  of  entertainment,  for 
which  the  hospitable  spirit  of  the  citi- 
zenship of  this  section  of  the  country 
warranted  him  in  doing.  But,  nether 
the  sight  nor  the  taste  of  the  luscious 
watermelon  and  oth«r  choice  rege- 
tables  indigenous  to  Texas  soil,  alone 
will  suffice  to  make  all  harmony  and 
indicative  of  the  full,  progressive 
spirit  that  should  prevail  at  that  time 
in  the  city  of  Houston.  So  the  broth- 
ers there  owe  an  obligation  to  them- 
selves and  to  all  their  own  lodges  to 
see  to  it  that  there  is  a  ladies'  auxili- 
ary located  there  right  away,  so  it 
will  have  ample  time  to  prepare  for 
the  reception  and  entertainment  of 
delegates'  wives  who  will  accompany 
them  at  that  time,  as  well  as  other 
sisters  who  may  come,  eitiier  as  dele- 
gates to  the  auxiliary,  or  as  visitors. 
So,  if  the  brothers  there  will  enter 
into  this  matter  in  the  same  iho- 
gressive  spirit  as  was  manifested 
about  securing  the  convention,  we 
soon  will  have  a  prosperous  auxiliary 
there.  But,  since  this  state  will  have 
the  honor  of  the  convention  being  held 
within  its  borders,  why  not  the  broth- 
ers and  their  wives  take  up  the  aux- 
iliary question  in  a  live  manner  and 
have  lodges  instituted  in  Galveston, 
Denniston,  San  Antonio;  Dallas,  Teak- 
urn.   Greenville,  Texarkana,   Marshall 


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JOURNAL.  OF  THB  SWITCHMAN'S  UNION. 


117 


and  Beaumont?  With  real  delegates 
from  those  cities  to  aid  Houston  in  en- 
tertaining the  state  delegatictts,  what 
a  royal  w^come  it  wonld  be  and  hoW 
mneh  more  pleasant  memories  all 
wonid  take  home  with  them.  Certainly 
it  is  time  we  were  awakening  to  the 
opportunities  before  us.  Do  not  let  it 
be  said  that  the  brothers  and  sisters 
in  Texas  are  not  interested  in  such  an 
important  matter  as  the  Ladies'  Aux- 
iliary. 

What  has  become  of  all  the  good 
writers  to  the  Joubnal?  We  miss  them 
so  much.  The  ones  who  now  write  are 
good  enough,  but  are  few  and  far  be- 
tween. 

Sisters,  let  us  brace  up  and  try  our 
best  in  1912,  as  we  only  have  one  year 
nntil  our  next  convention  and  we  hope 
to  be  able  to  raise  our  insurance,  but 
we  will  have  to  do  some  hustling  if 
we  want  to  do  that  Let  us  all  get 
bssy  th«n  and  make  this  the  banner 
year  of  our  noble  order,  which  means 
M  mueli  to  us. 

Lodge  No.  38  granted  a  transfer  card 
to  Bister  Ida  May  Terry,  who  has  gone 
to  make  her  home  in  Los  Angeled. 
Sister  Terry  always  was  a  good  mem- 
ber and  we  hope  and  feel  sure  she  will 
be  the  same  to  the  sister  lodge  in  Los 
Aageles. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Vashti  Glanton. 


OclwcMiy  Iowa* 
Bditob  Switchmbn's  Joubnal: 

Iowa  Lodge  No.  33,  of  Valley  Junc- 
tion, extended  an  invitation  to  Nobility 
Lodge  of  Oelwein,  to  which  four  of  the 
members,  Millie  Scoles,  Maude  Becker 
Gertrude  Douglas  and  Alice  Rule  re- 
sponded. The  ladies  were  met  at  Val- 
ley Junction  by  Bro.  Feeney  and  Mrs. 
Scoles's  son.  Meeting  of  the  sisters 
was  called  at  eight  o'clock.  After  the 
Auxiliary  meeting  was  over  the  broth- 
ers held  their  meeting,  while  the  sis- 
ters prepared  a  beautiful  oyster  sup- 
per, to  which  the  brothers  did  Justice. 
The  sisters  then  ate  and  the  brothers 
acted  as  waiters.  They  surely  knew 
how  and,  as  to  washing  dishes,  they 
afoo  knew  how  and  it  was  no  trouble 
whatever  to  them.  They  did  it  fine. 
I  wonder  who  taught  them?  Before 
our  guests  left  they  mid  the  brothers 
and  staters  were  royal  entertainers 
and  thanked  them  very  much  for  the 


good  time  they  had  enjoyed.  Special 
thanks  are  due  Bro.  Fe^iey  for  tils 
kindness  and  hospitalJiy. 

We  will  be  very  mucfti  pleased  If  the 
brothers  and  sisters  of  Valley  Junc- 
tion Lodge  pay  us  a  visit  in  the  near 
future.  Sister  MoGulre  has  presented 
^e  lodge  with  a  swell  new  blue  and 
white  coffee  pot,  for  which  all  the  sis- 
ters thank  her  very  mudh.  We  have 
several  good  coffee  makers  in  our  lodge 
and  we  will  have  our  coffee  pot  full 
to  the  brim  awaiting  visitors. 

As  I  am  not  the  Joubnal  agent,  1 
guess  I  had  better  ring  off.  Again 
thanking  Valley  Junction  Lodge  for 
the  kindness  shown  us  and  hoping  to 
receive  a  visit  from  them  soon,  I  re- 
main,        Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Alios  Rule. 


ToMo,0. 

Editob  Switchmbn's  Joubnal: 

The  installation  of  the  following  ofll- 
cers  of  Sunshine  Lodge  No.  19  took 
place  at  our  regular  meeting  on  Janu- 
ary nth: 

Presidents— Clara  Dean. 

Vice-President—- Catherine   Cah^e. 

Past-President — Margaret  Carr. 

Secretary — >Mary  Lockhard. 

Treasurer — ^Maude  Bradford. 

Guardp— Olive  Trettner. 

Chaplain — Gertrude  Rowe. 

Conductre8S^-<3ertrude  Hennessy. 

Board  of  Directors— Jos^hine  Mels> 
man,  Anna  Manning  and  Margaret  Mc- 
Psrtland. 

A  banquet  followed,  served  in  royal 
style,  the  menu  being  varfed  and 
numerous,  to  which  all  did  justice. 
Thanks  are  due  to  the  committee  wlio 
had  the  affair  in  change.  They  cer- 
tainly did  themselves  proud,  especially 
noteworthy  was  their  efElciency  In 
culinary  art  From  nine  o'clock  until 
hal^past  ten  the  ladies  ate,  drank,  told 
stories  and  Jokes  and  made  merry  gen- 
erally, after  which  music  and  dancing 
fallowed.  Small,  neat  boxes  of  lun^ 
were  put  up  and  sent  to  those  who 
were  unable  to  attend  on  account  of 
sickness.  The  sisters  presented  oar 
president,  Clara  Dean,  a  five  dollar 
gold  piece  in  appreciation  of  the  serr- 
ieee  sdie  rendered  the  lodge  during  the 
preceding  year.  For  the  same  reason 
also  our  past-president,  Margaret  Carr. 
was  presented  with  a  box  of  dandy. 

We  were  honored  with  a  letter  from 


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JOURNAL  OF  THE  SWITCHMEN'S  UNION. 


our  Qrand  President,  Henrietta  Clark, 
which  was  greatly  appreciated  by  the 
sisters  in  attendance.    The  letter  con- 
tained  words  of  encouragement  and 
good  <dieer  and  some  good  advice  in 
regard  to  lodge  affairs  and  other  mat- 
tera    Biany  thanlos.  Sister  Clark,  and 
we  hope  you  will  write  us  again. 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Mbs.  Geobob  Hughes, 
Journal  Agent, 


Qevclaiid,  O. 

^uoB  Switchmen's  Joubnai.: 

Well,  No.  10  is  not  dead  yet,  if 
they  have  been  taking  a  long  sleep; 
but  with  the  coming  of  1912  they  have 
all  awakened  and  promise  that  some 
grand  things  will  be  doing  in  the  new 
year. 

We  installed  our  officers  on  the  8d 
of  January  and  had  a  grand  time. 
PiaSt  President,  Mary  Stewart;  presi- 
dent, Carrie  Byms;  first  vlce-presi- 
deut,  Prances  Apple;  chaplain,  Mae 
James;  secretary,  Julia  Qearety; 
treasurer,  Emma  Crawford;  guard, 
Edith  Qraft;  conductor,  Mary  Elden; 
board  chairman,  Lena  Curran,  Carrie 
Byrns  and  Mary  Stewart  We  had  a 
grand  turnout  for  the  new  year  and 
only  hope  it  will  keep  up.  We  also 
had  the  application  of  three  new 
mem'bers.  So  you  see  that  No.  10  is 
going  to  get  busy  this  year,  even  if 
it  ts  leap  year.  They  believe  in  mak- 
ing the  leap  in  the  right  way.  Our 
president,  Carrie  Byms,  had  the  hon- 
or of  installing  the  Nottingham  offi- 
cers, and  we  all  feel  proud  of  our 
president  and  many  thanks  to  the  Not- 
tingham sisters,  for  the  honors.  Sis- 
ter Mary  Stewart,  our  first  grand  vice, 
was  also  present  and  gave  all  the  sis- 
ters a  nice  talk,  and  after  the  officers 
were  installed  the  sisters  were  all  con- 
ducted to  the  banquet  hall;  and  oh, 
myt  what  a  lot  of  goodies  were  there. 
Say,  but  those  Nottingham  sisters  are 
certainly  princes  at  entertaining.  And 
dh,  that  chicken!  And  I  tell  you  that 
No.  10  ladies  will  never  forget  the 
swell  time  they  had  there.  They  are 
going  to  have  a  ball  there  on  the  11th 
of  January,  and  if  No.  10  is  not  all 
sudwed  in  they  are  going. 

Tfo;  10"  has  held  some  very  interest- 
ing tkfd  parties  at  the  sisters'  homes 
duH^g-tli^  pairt"  six*  months,  and  they 


are  stiU  at  it.  Sister  Carrie  Byrns. 
held  one  at  her  home  on  the  24th  of 
December,  and  Sister  Hulda  Wood  will 
hold  one  at  her  home  on  the  Slst  of 
this  month.  So  you  see  we  are  starting 
the  new  year  in  good.  Every  brother 
and  sister  is  welcome  to  come  and  join 
in  our  good  time. 

Say,  sisters  of  No.  3,  wish  I  had  a 
bowl  of  that  soup  right  now,  with  the 
weather  man  flirting  with  Mrs.  Zero, 
for  it  would  go  good. 

Say,  sisters  of  Lodge  No.  16,  it 
sounds  good  to  hear  how  noble  the 
brothers  are  to  you.  One  can  tell  that 
you  are  in  the  west  a  little,  for  in  the 
west  the  men  are  better  than  In  th» 
east  to  their  sisters,  and  this  is  no  in- 
sult to  No.  11,  for  we  are  not  acquaint- 
ed with  each  other,  even  if  we  do  meet 
in  the  same  halL 

That  is  right,  sister  of  No.  10.  Come- 
out  again,  for  it  was  grand  to  see  so 
many  on  the  3d.  Come  again,  and  we 
will  have  some  more  nice  times  like 
our  last  meeting  waa  Come  one,  come 
all,  and  help  boom  this  new  year. 
Come  thirty  strong  or  more,  for  we 
have  lots  of  room  for  all,  and  will  show 
you  all  such  a  good  time  that  you 
won't  be  able  to  stay  at  home  on  meet- 
ing nights  any  more.  Well,  if  I  don't 
get  off  the  line,  this  will  land  In  the 
waste  b^ket  and  you  could  not  blame 
the  editor,  either. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  brother  and 
sister  lodges  and  a  grand  success  for 
1912,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Emma  Crawford. 


Detroit,  Mich. 

Bditor  Switchmen's  Joxtrnal: 

For  the  benefit  of  our  members  and 
visiting  sisters  I  desire  to  inform  all 
of  our  newly-eliected  officers  for  the  en- 
suing year.  Those  elected'  were  aa 
follows: 

Preeldent— Mrs.  M.  M.  Whltemao. 
497  Solvay  avenue. 

Secretary — Mrs.  Carry  Burroughs,  67 
Blackstone  avenue. 

Tressurer— Mra  Flora  Stubbe,  670 
Ferdinand  avenue. 

Our  meetings  are  held  on  the  first 
and  third  Thursday  evenings  of  the 
month,  beginning  at  8  o'clock,  in 
Riverside  Temple,  comer  Hubbard  ave- 


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11^ 


iHie  aoid  Baker  street  We  ^peot  all 
our  membeni  to  be  present  at  aU  meeft- 
\3kgB,  and  we  are  eapecially:  anxione 
tbat  any  Tlsiting  sisters  who  may  be 
In  tbe  etty  at  time  of  thiese  meetln^B 
wU]  honor  us  with  their  presence. 

Wishine  for  aU  lodlgee  a  nu)st  pros- 
perous year,  I  remain. 

Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mbs.  M.  M.  Whitbmah. 


Bditob   Switohmsn's   JOUBNiX: 

To  the  members  of  Detroit  Lodge  No. 
32,  and  anyone  whom  it  may  concern: 
On  account  of  the  great  increase  in 
our  mend>ership,  we  found  it  necessary 
to  secure  larger  quarters.  We  will 
meet  in  the  same  building  in  the  lar- 
ger hall  on  the  third  floor.  Our  meet- 
ings have  been  changed  to  the  first  and 
third  Thursday  evenings,  but  it  is  very 
likely  that  we  will  hold  one  afternoon 
meeting  and  one  night,  to  accommo- 
date the  faithful  ones.  On  Jan.  4th 
we  held  our  regular  meeting  and  two 
candidates  were  initiated.  At  the  close 
of  the  regular  business,  installation  of 
officers  was  in  order  and  Past  Presi- 
dent Harris  Rhoades,  assisted  by  Sis- 
ter iM.  Thompson  as  grand  conductress, 
safely  Inducted  the  following  into  office 
for  1S12:  President,  Mary  M.  White- 
man;  vice-president,  Amelia  Hewitt; 
secretary,  Clara  Burro wes;  treasurer, 
Flora  Stubbs;  chaplain,  Mary  Pringle; 
conductress,  A.  Wagner;  guard,  Eva 
Van  Huson;  pianists,  Sister  Larsalier; 
board  of  directors,  Mary  Runmey,  Eva 
Hamilton,  A.  Karlcofe.  At  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  ceremonies.  President 
Whiteman,  on  behalf  of  the  members, 
presented  the  installing  officer  with  a 
cut  glass  vinegar  cruet  and  all  the  out- 
going and  incoming  officers  with  lovely 
bouquets.  Sister  Rhoades,  in  order  to 
be  even  with  the  president,  presented 
a  beautiful  cut  glass  vase  on  behalf  of 
the  lodge.  It  was  so  unexpected  and 
the  gift  so  beautiful  that  the  president 
for  once  lost  her  speech;  but  like  all 
the  sex,  she  soon  found  her  voice  and 
told  the  members  of  the  trick  Sister 
Stnbbs  played  on  her  in  order  to  find 
out  ■  whether  cut  glass  would  be  the 
right  gift  to  present  to  the  installing 
officer.  There  was  a  large  turnout  and 
those  who  missed  the  banquet  have  no 
one  to  blame  but  themselves,  for  no 
matter  what  Lodge  No.  82  decides  to 
do,  an  the  members  are  welcome  and 


all  members  should  know  that  special 
invitations  are  not  given  to  memJbera. 
If  you  would  pay  attention  when  you 
are  initiated,  the  president  tells  you 
you  are  entitled  to  all  the  privileges 
and  benefits  of  the  auxiliary;  and  if 
you  had  the  welfare  of  the  auxiliary 
at  heart  you  would  make  it  your  busi- 
ness to  come  once  in  awhile  and  leaifn 
all  about  the  lodge  affairs.  A  word  to 
the  lax  sister:  it  would  confer  a  great 
favor  on  the  treasurer  if  the  sisters 
would  be  prompt  in  the  payment  of 
their  dues,  also  the  twenty-five  cents 
per  year  for  the  flower  fund.  We  try 
to  be  prompt  in  sending  the  fiowers  to 
our  sick,  and  if  you  would  follow  th^ 
beautiful  maxim,  1)0  unto  others  iui 
you  would  they  should  do  unto  you,'[* 
you  would  lighten  the  burdens  of  the 
treasurer.  So  bear  this  in  mind  and 
try  to  do  better  in  1912.  Many  thanks 
to  the  Grand  President  for  Christmas 
cards,  also  Sisters  Laurence,  Brough. 
Winn,  McRae,  Dean  and  the  numerr 
ous  sisters  of  Lodge  No.  32.  Also  Sis- 
ter McCarthy  of  St.  Louis  and.  any 
whom  I  may  have  overlooked^  Best 
wishes  to  all  L.  A.  and  S.  U.  members. 
T  remain. 

Yours  in  XT.,  H.  and  J., 

PBESmElfT. 


IN  MCMORIAM. 

BUFFALO,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  12,  1^1^.    . 

The  following  resolutions  werS 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Lacka- 
wanna Lodge  No.  221,  Jan.  12th: 

Whereas,  The  grim  messenger.  Death, 
has  again  visited  us,  and  called  from 
us  our  beloved  brother,  James  Bums, 
whose  death  occurred  on  Jan.  3d;  and 

Whereas,  His  death  has  been  tihf| 
means  of  the  sever«mce  Qf .  earthly  .ties, 
with  his  mother,  sister  and  two  brot&j 
ers,  in  addition  to  a  host  of  friends  and 
associates,  all  of  whom  sadly  moun^ 
his  loss;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  the  comm'un-j 
ity  has  lost  a  good  citizen,  this  lodge  a 
faithful  member,  and  the  bereaved 
mother  a  devoted  son;   therefore,  bfe  it 

Resolved,  That  ttie  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend 
their  sympaithy  to  the  bereaved  family 
in  this  their  time  of  sorrow;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  bi 


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draped  for  thirty  days  as  a  token  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  our  late 
brother;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  T\hat  a  record  of  these  reso- 
lutlons  be  entered  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  a  copy  of  them  be  sent  to 
the  ber^yed  mother,  and  one  to  the 
JotTBNAL  for  publication. 

H.  T.  TUBNER, 

F.  J.  Roan, 
W.  Flynn, 

Committee. 


their  time  of  bereavemeiit;  and,  be  it 
furUier 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Buclieye 
Lodge  No.  116,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  fol 
lowing  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whsbbab,  It  has  pleased  almighty 
Ood,  thromgh  His  messenger.  Death, 
<    to  remoTe  from  our  midst  Bro.  J.  B. 
Hsflsiy  to  his  final  reward;    and 

Whxbbas,  In  the  sad  demise  his 
family  has  lost  a  most  kind  and  loving 
husband  and  father;   therefore  be  it 

ReM^ved,  That  this  lodge  extend  to 
the  family  of  Bro.  Haffey  our  heart- 
Ml  sympathy  in  their  hour  of  bereave- 
ment, and  may  the  Lord  in  His  wis- 
dom ever  lend  a  helping  hand  to  the 
widow  and  mother;    and  be  it  further 

Resolvedf  That  as  a  mark  of  esteem 
for  our  departed  brother,  we  drape  our 
charter  in  mourning  for  thirty  days, 
a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  spread 
on  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  one 
sent  to  the  bereaved  family  and  one  to 
the  JocuNAL  for  publication. 
Al.  Kino. 

D.    S.    BiLACE, 

H.  D.  Badoeb, 
Oommittee. 


The  following  resolutions  were  unani- 
mously adopted  at  a  regular  meeting 
of  Lackawanna  Lodge  No.  221,  Jan. 
12th: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  us  our  dearly 
beloved  brother,  A.  J.  Prlester,  whose 
death  occurred  on  Jan.  3d;  and 

Whsbeas,  By  his  death  a  wife  and 
two  children  are  left  to  mourn  his  sad 
loss,  and  this  lodge  a  most  worthy 
brother;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Lack- 
awanna Lodge  No.  221,  in  meeting 
assembled,  extend  their  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy to  the  bereaved  family  in  this 


Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these 
lutions  be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife,  and  one  to  the  JouBirAi. 
for  publication;  and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  in 
respect  to  the  memory  of  our  deceased 
brother.  F.  J.  Roan, 

H.  T.  TUBNEB, 

W.  Fltnn, 

Oommittee. 


We,  as  a  oommittee  of  Success  Lodge 
No.  37,  Auxiliary  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.. 
Peoria,  111.,  offer  the^  following  resolu- 
tions in  regard  to  the  death  of  the 
father  of  Sister  Irene  Price. 

WHEB8A8,  Since  time  has  been,  we 
find  there  is  One  who  rules  us  all 
and  proved  such  in  the  home  of  our 
worthy  sister  and  took  her  beloved 
father,  and  we,  the  sisters  of  Suocess 
Lodge,  desire  to  express  our  heartfelt 
Sjrmpathy  to  her  and  family  in  her  be- 
reavement;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  diese  reso- 
lutions be  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
Success  lodge,  one  sent  to  our  worthy 
sii^r  and  to  to  the  Joubnal  for  publi- 
cation. MaBGABET  J.  FiNLEY, 
Cathebine  Moobe, 
Anna  M.  Mobbis, 

Committee. 


Cards  of  TInmiIcs. 

FoBT  Worth.  Tex.,  Dec.  16,  1911. 
BorroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  desire  to  express  '  our  sincere 
thanks  through  the  columns  of  the 
Joubnal  to  the  members  of  Trilby 
Lodge  No.  8  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offering  and  also  (or 
their  many  acts  of  kindness  during  o«r 
bereavement  in  the  loss  of  my  husband 
and  our  father.  We  express  our  grati- 
tude to  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  of  the 
same  order  for  their  kindness  at  this 
time  and  beautiful  floral  ofTerlng.  We 
desire  to  personally  thank  Bro.  C.  Q. 
Glanton  for  the  interest  and  kindness 
shown  us  at  this  time.  We  are  yery 
grateful  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
check  we  received  Nov.  21st  in  full  piiy- 
ment  of  policy  for  $1,500.     I  shall  al- 


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ill 


ways  feel  grateful  to  the  Switchmen'B 
UdIoh  of  North  America.  Agatn  thank- 
ing Lodge  No. '8  for  its  great  kindness 
to  98,  we  remain. 

Sincerely  yours, 
Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Lewis  and  Children. 


Chicago,  111.,  Dec.  18,  1911. 
Bditob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Burlington  Lodge  No.  19  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  piece  and  cigars  for  to 
smoke  the  time  away.  I  also  wish  to 
thank  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  19  for 
their  constant  Yisitlng  at  the  hospital, 
as  every  member  has  been  up  once  or 
more.  T  also  thank  the  Grand  Lodge 
members  for  the  prompt  payment  of 
my  claim,  paid  Dec.  18,  1911.  I  am 
Btin  a  member  of  Lodge  No.  19.  With 
best  wishes  to  all  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  broth- 
ers. Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

H.  B.  Enswobth. 


Chicago,  111.,  Dec.  17.  1911. 
EtoiTOB  Switchmen's  Jo^ibnal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Milwaukee 
Lodge  No.  10  for  the  beautiful  floral 
emblem  and  other  manifestations  of 
sympathy  received  at  the  time  of  death 
of  my  husband.  I  also  desire  to  thank 
the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  pay- 
ment of  the  claim  my  husband  held  in 
the  union.  I  remain,  with  best  wishes, 
Yours  very  sincerely, 

Mbs.  Mart  Hebold. 
2946  Fifth  avenue. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  22,  1911. 
Bditob  Switchmen's  Jocbnal: 

I  dPesire  to  express  my  ainoere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Happy  Day  Lodge 
201  for  their  many  acts  of  kimdn^ee, 
whicb  foun<$  expression  through  them 
at  the  time  of  the  death  and  burial  of 
my  beloved  'husbandt  Especiallly  do  I 
desire  to  thank  them  for  the  beautiful 
floral  offering  presented.  The  kind  as- 
sistance, thus  rendered  during  those 
most  trying  hours  will  ever  be  remem- 
bered with  gratitiKte  and!  sincerest  re- 
spect. I  am  also  most  thankful  to  the 
Orsffwl'  Txxtge  for  the  very  prompt  pay- 


ment of  tho  policy  held  by  my  hfUBband 
in  the  nnion,  the  same  having  been  re- 
ceived wittiin  thirty  days  from  the 
time  of  his  death.  My  best  wMi  19 
that  the  Switehmen^s  Union  and  an  its 
members  may  prosper,  as  they  justly 
deserve  to  do.  I  remain,  very  slnicepely 
yours,  Mbs.  Alice  L.  Norton, 

17  W.  Chippewa  St. 


Blub  Island,  111.,  Jan.  12,  1912. 
Editob  SwrrcitUKTa'a  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  thanks  to  the 
members  of  Blue  Island  Lodge  No.  29 
for  the  kindness  shown  me  in  my  sad 
bereavoment,  the  death  of  my  beloved 
husband.  I  also  want  to  thank  the 
members  of  Lodge  No.  76  for  their 
sympathy  and  kindness.  Bro.  Tblebolt 
of  Lodge  No.  78  and  his  wife  were  very 
kind  to  me  during  my  brief  stay  In 
Fort  Wayne.  And  la^t  bat  not  least,  I 
thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt 
payment  of  the  claim  of  mine,  and  may 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A^  prosper  as  long  as 
the  world  goes  round  is  the  wish  of 
Mbs.  Hattie  L.  Holla  way. 

316  Chicago  street. 


St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  wish  to  extend  my  sincere  thanlLs 
to  the  brothers  of  Lodge  No.  87  for 
the  beautiful  floral  ofFerlng  and  to  per- 
sonally thank  Mr.  J.  P.  Sheridan  for 
the  personal  interest  shown  me  in  my 
recent  sad  bereavement  in  tiie  loss  of 
my  husband,  James  T.  Kuhns. 

I  also  feel  very  grateful  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment 
of  claim,  which  was  paid  within  twen- 
ty days  from  date  of  death. 

Again  thanking  Lodge  No.  37  and 
with  best  wishes  for  their  continued 
success,  I  remain. 

Respectfully, 

Mbs.  Margt.  Kuhns. 


Kansas  City,  Mo.,  Jan.  18,  1912. 
Bditob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  most  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Kansas  City  Lodge  No.  1,  also  River- 
view  Lodge  No.  2  and  Gtolden  Rule 
Lodge  No.  17  for  the  beautiful  floral 
offerings  and  kindness  shown  me  in 
my  bereavement  in  the  sudden  death 


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JOURNAL  OP  THP  SWITCHMBN'8  UNION. 


of  my  dear  husband,  Randall  J. 
McDonnell.  Especially  do  1  wish  to 
thank  the  members  of  the  Grand  hodge 
for  the  prompt  payment  of  the  policy, 
which  I  received  Dec.  18,  1911.  May 
Qed  bless  and  protect  every  member  of 
the  B.  U.  of  N.  A.  is  the  prayer  of 
Yours  sincerely, 

Mas.  Mabgt.  McDonnell. 


Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  avail  ourselves  of  this 
opportunity  to  express  our  sincerest 
thanks  to  the  8.  U.  of  N.  A.  Lodge  No. 
31,  and  in  an  especial  manner  to  Mr. 
Griffin,  Mr.  Toung  and  Mr.  Pabst,  also 
to  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary,  for  the  ex- 
treme kindness  shown  us  during  the 
bereavement  of  our  loving  husband 
and  father,  whom  God  in  His  wisdom 
has  taken  from  us,  also  for  the  excep- 
tionally beautiful  floral  offerings. 

His  loyalty  and  the  success  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  was  the  pride  of 
his  life,  and  surely  the  members  in- 
dividually as  well  as  in  union  showed 
their  brotherly  dove  during  his  long 
illness,  for  which  we  are  indeed  very 
thankful. 

We  are  also  prompted  to  express 
our  appreciations  for  the  promptness 
in  which  the  Grand  Lodge  protected 
his  policy,  the  money  following  a  few 
days  after  the  death  notice  had  been 
flled. 

In  conclusion,  may  God  grant  to  all 
members  of  the  Switchmen's  Union  a 
long,  happy  and  successful  life. 

Mrr.  Thomas  Hall  and  Family. 


Chicago,  HI.,  Jan.  8,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  sincerely  thank  the  members  of 
Lodge  No.  «8.  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  for  theif 
floral  design  and  other  manifestations 
of  sympathy  shown  us  during  bereave- 
ment at  time  of  sickness  and  death  of 
our  dear  mother. 

Michael  Coi^  and  Family. 


Notice. 

T\he  receipts  for  months  of  January. 
February  and  March,  together  with 
Class  B  benefit  certificate  of  Bro.  R.  E. 
Stell,  recently  mailed  to  him  by  P.  H. 
Gdlliun  to  1311  Sixth  street,  Lorain,  O., 
have  been  lost  or  are  In  wrong  'hands. 


as  the  letter  containing  them  failed  t^ 
reac^  him  at  Lorain.  Any  one  findingi 
same  wiU  please  forward  them  to  Bro, 
P.  H.  GiUiun,  treasurer  Lodge  No.  212 
112  Braddock  avenue.  Bast  Pittsburg, 
Pa. 


WantMl. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
Bro.  John  P.  McMarran  will  please 
notify  his  little  niece,  Miss  Helen 
Bloom,  918  Brown  street,  Lafayette. 
Ind.,  or  J.  C.  Kennedy,  treasurer  Lodge 
No.  148,  or  240  Green  street.  Lafayette. 
Ind. 


Bro.  William  M.  Edmunds,  6846  Car- 
penter street,  Chicago,  111.,  member  of 
Lodge  No.  68,  would  be  thankful  to 
have  anyone  knowing  the  address  of 
his  son,  G.  M.  Edwards,  forward  scune 
to  him.  When  last  heard  from,  about 
two  years  ago,  was  in  Cincinnati.  O. 


LoslorSloleii. 

Pocketbook,  with  several  receipts 
and  quite  a  sum  of  money,  the  same 
belonging  to  Bro.  B.  J.  Goldrick  of 
Lodge  No.  11.  If  these  receipts  are 
presented  to  any  member  they  should 
be  taken  up  and  W.  J.  Keegaa,  789 
East  105th  street,  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
treasurer  of  Lodge  No.  11,  notified. 


His  Mistake. 

A  voyager  who  had  lived  sixty  years 
on  a  farm,  found  his  quarters  on<  ship- 
board somewhat  cramped.  He  obviated 
the  lack  of  space,  however,  by  stowing 
his  trousers  and  shoes  into  a  round 
cupboard  in  the  side  of  the  vessel  on 
going  to  bed. 

At  7  a.  m.  there  was  excitement. 

"Steward,  las'  nl^ht  I  put  my  cftothes 
in  that  'er  cubbyhole,  an^  they  hain't 
thar  now." 

"That  ain't  a  clothes-press;  that'^  a 
porthole,  sir." — Interior. 


There    was    a    young    ladQr    named. 

Banker 
Who  slept  while  the  ship  lay  at  an- 
chor; 
She  woke  in  dismay 
When  she  heard  t!he  mate  say, 
"Now    hoist    up    the    top    sheet    and. 
spanker." 


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A.  p.  OF  L  WEH<LY  NEWS  LETTER. 

Washington,  D.  C. 


Contempt  Case. 
On  Dec.  30th,  Justice  Daniel  Thew 
Wright  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
District  of  Columbia,  commenced 
taking  testimony  in  open  court  in  sup- 
poit  of  tlie  charges  by  the  prosecuting 
committee,  Messrs.  Darlington,  Beck 
and  Davenport,  that  President  Gom- 
pers,  Vice-President  Mitchell  and  Secre- 
tary Morrison  were  guilty  of  contempt 
in  the  alleged  violation  of  the  Buck 
Stove  and  Range  injunction.  Among 
the  witnesses  examined  were  Commis- 
sioner Qeneral  of  Immigration  Daniel 
J.  Keefe,  formerly  president  of  the  Na- 
tional Longshoremen's  Union;  James 
COonnell,  president  of  the  Metal 
Tmdes  Department;  Andrew  Furuseth, 
president  of  the  National  Union  of 
Seamen;  Samuel  DeNedrey,  former 
editor  of  The  Trades  Unionist;  D.  P. 
Manning,  pridsident  of  the  local  Retail 
Clerks'  Unfon,  Washington,  and  others. 
Several  exceptions  were  made  to  the 
rulings  of  the  court  by  the  attorney 
for  the  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
Mr.  Jackson  Ralston.  The  hearings  are 
being  continued  from  day  to  day  at 
the  convenience  of  the  court 

Rbchvebship  fob  Non-Union  Company. 
The  Allis-Chalmers  Company  of  Mil- 
waukee, Chicago,  Cincinnati  and  Scran- 
ton,  manufacturers  of  heavy  mining 
and  rolling  mill  machinery,  has  been 
compelled  to  go  into  the  hands  of  a  re- 
ceiver, by  defaulting  the  interest  ^n  its 
first  mortgage  five  per  cent,  bonds,  on 
Jan.  1,  1912.  In  spite  of  the  fact  that 
this  company  has  had  a  practical 
monopoly,  for  a  number  of  years,  in 
the  special  machinery  it  manufactures, 
and  that  it  has  been  a  favored  customer 
of  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation, 
the  chairman  of  its  board  of  directors 
being  Judge  E.  H.  Gary,  who  is  also 


chairman  of  the  United  States  Steel 
Corporation,  and  in  spite  of  the  fact 
Chat  it  has  fought  the  organizations  of 
labor  at  every  opportunity,  it  has  failed 
to  meet  its  financial  obligations. 

Industrial  Accidents  in  Canada. 

During  the  month  of  November,  95 
persons  were  killed  and  191  injured  in 
Canadian  industries,  or  a  total  of  28S 
fatal  and  non-fatal  accidents.  This 
was  a  considerable  improvement  oyer 
the  record  for  the  month  of  November, 
1910,  in  which  407  casualties  occurred, 
140  being  fatal,  and  267  non-fatal. 

SUOCESS  OF  Railboad  Telegraphebb. 

During  the  year  1911  the  Order  of 
Railroad  Telegraphers  successfully 
negotiated  35  new  wage  scales,  with  as 
many  different  railroad  companies 
These  wage  scales  carry  with  them  in- 
creases in  wages  closely  approximate 
ing  one  million  dollars  in  the  aggre- 
gate. In  addition  to  the  wage  in- 
crease, the  several  schedules  provided, 
for  fewer  hours  of  work  and  many 
other  improved  conditions.  The  Rail- 
road Telegraphers  were  engaged  in  no 
strikes  during  the  whole  of  1911.  The 
above  improvements  were  obtained  by 
direct  negotiation  between  authorized 
representatives  of  the  Railroad  Teleg- 
raphers and  officials  of  the  railroad 
companies. 

Hours  for  Working  Women. 
When  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court  sustained  the  Oregon  ten-hour 
law  for  women  and  decided  that  a 
State  can  constitutionally  protect  wo- 
men workers — on  the  grounds  that  the 
future  of  the  race  and  the  general  wel- 
fare of  society  may  be.  conserved — it 
set  a  proper  example  to  State  courts. 
Since  the  celebrated  Oregon  decision, 
thp  courts  of  TlHnols.  Michigan.  Loutsi- 


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JOURNAL  OF  THS  SWITOHMBN'S  UNION. 


ana,  Virginia  and  Missouri  have  sup- 
l^orted  similar  legislation  in  behalf  of 
working  women.  The  courts  in  Cali- 
fornia, Washington,  and  Ohio  have*  at 
Che  present  time,  cases  of  a  like  char- 
acter under  consideration.  Attorneys 
^r  notorious  grad  grinds  and  open- 
shoppers  have  harangued  the  courts 
with  all  their  old,  moth-eaten  pleas  of 
the  right  to  contract — and  the  right  to 
work  as  many  hours  as  one  likes,  or  as 
many  hours  as  the  capricious  and 
profit-mongering  boss  determines  to 
drive  an  employe;  but  the  valiant,  de- 
termined, persistent  efforts  of  the  trade 
unionists  have  had  the  effect  of  so  edu- 
cating the  public  and  the  courts,  that 
it  is  not  likely  the  State  constitutions 
will  be  longer  twisted  to  promote  in- 
justice by  such  absurd  contentions — 
which  are  merely  survivals  of  a  decad- 
ent era — or  that  the  welfare  of  society 
can  be  longer  endangered  fdr  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  exploiting  few. 

Utah  and  Missouri  have  nine-hour 
laws  for  women,  California  and  Wash- 
ington have  eight-hour  laws.  They 
were  obtained  by  the  organizations  of 
labor.  Local  legislative  committees  in 
other  States  should  immediately  make 
plans  and  exert  themselves  to  do  as 
good.  If  not  better,  for  the  protection 
of  their  women  workers. 

A  WiDE-AwAKE  Union. 
The  "Bar  Association"  Is  the  profes- 
sional title  of  the  organization  in 
which  attorneys,  solicitors,  lawyers 
and  brief  writers  are  all  enrolled.  It  is 
probably  one  of  the  oldest  and  strong- 
est unions  of  professional  men  in  exist- 
ence. Its  first,  second,  last  and  only 
thought  is  self-preservation.  Its  word 
is  law;  in  fact,  it  is  the  law,  and  for 
the  sake  of  that  self-same  law  (of  self- 
preservation),  it  elects  its  own  mem- 
bers to  administer  the  law,  and  up  to 
the  present  no  other  section  of  society 
has  mustered  strength  enough  to  balk 
their  plans.  It  never  sleeps  nor  allows 
its  interest  to  lag.  It  tolerates  no  non- 
unionists  nor  strike-breakers.  The 
much-lauded  "right  to  work"  theory  is 
not  applicable  to  a  non-union  lawyer. 
No  one  would  dare  hire  such  a  creature, 
no  self-respecting  union  attorney  would 
work  with  him,  no  dignified  berobed 
Judge  would  give  him  recognition.  For 
the  proof  of  this  fealty  of  the  lawyers 
to  their  union,  reference  is  herein  made 
to  a  most  comprehensive  exposure  on 


the  ''extravagant  cost  of  the  law/'  by 
Carl  Snyder,  in  Collier's  of  Dec.  30th, 
In  which  he  says  in  part:  "We  have 
five  times  as  many  judges  as  there  Is 
any  need  far.  The  chief  occupation  of 
these  judges  is  the  obstruction  of  jus- 
tice. ...  In  the  United  States, 
with  92,000,000  peoikle,  there  are  over 
8,600  judges.  In  England,  with  32,000,- 
000  people,  only  200  judges.  The  city 
of  New  Tork  has  144,  almost  as  many 
as  in  the  whole  of  Bngland."  Mr. 
Snyder  concludes  his  analytical  expo- 
sure by  saying:  "Reduce  the  number 
of  lawyers  in  Congress  and  the  State 
legislatures,  and  then,  and  not  until 
then,  will  there  be  a  real  reform  of 
the  law  in  this  country." 

The  news-letter  cordially  invites  Mr. 
Snyder  and  his  fellow-reformers  to  co- 
operate with  the  American  Federation 
of  Labor  in  the  accomplishment  of  this 
laudable  task.  Some  headway  was 
made  in  this  direction  during  the  last 
two  Congressional  campaigns.  A  bigger 
advance  will  be  made  in  future  cam- 
paigns. 

Muscatine  Button  Wobkibs. 
Organizer  Flood  of  the  A  F..  of  L., 
who  has  charge  of  the  button  workers' 
strike  at  Muscatine,  has  beea  indicted 
by  the  county  grand  jury  for  conspir- 
acy. He  surrendered  himself  to  tiie 
sheriff  and  gave  bond  for  his  appear- 
ance. Notwithstanding  all  efforts  made 
by  the  employers,  the  strikers  remain 
firm. 


OdiewM  RSRvwy  i 

T.  B.  Clarke,  for  some  time  general 
superintendent  of  the  Delaware,  liacka- 
wanna  A  Western,  has  been  appointed 
as  assistant  to  the  president  to  perfonn 
such  duties  as  may  be  assigned  to  Mm 
by  that  official.  Mr.  Clarke's  headquar- 
ters will  still  be  in  Scranton,  Pa. 

J.  W.  Higgins,  for  some  tline  con- 
nected with  the  Illinois  Central  ai^ 
for  some  time  holding  the  position  «f 
assistant  general  manager  of  the  St 
Louif  Iron  Mountain  ft  Southern,  has 
received  the  appointment  of  general 
manager  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned 
by  the  resignation  of  A.  W.  Sullivan. 

Several  of  the  important  roaas  cen- 
tering in  St.  Louis  will  soon  be  located 
in  one  building,  according  to  present 
plans.    This  headquarters  building  ft>r 


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125 


the  general  olDceB  of  the  Missourt 
Pacific,  the  Bt  Louis,  Iron  Mountain 
it  Southern,  the  fit.  Louis  ft  Southwest- 
em,  Chicago,  Burllngtbn  A  Qulncy  and 
other  companies  that  are  likely  to  es- 
tai>lUai  their  general  offices  there.  Is 
located  at  the  block  bounded  by  Olive. 
Sixth,  Locust  and  Seventh  Streets,  a 
sKe  for  many  years  occupied  by  the 
Wm.  Barr  Dry  Ooods  Company.  The 
location  Is  In  the  heart  of  the  busi- 
ness district  and  the  arrangement  to 
fl>l  this  new  structure  with  general 
offices  of  leading  roads  entering  the 
city  will  obviate  much  loss  of  time  and 
confusion  formerly  necessitated  on  ac- 
count of  their  Isolated  locations. 

On  Dec.  i2ith  the  Delaware,  Lacka- 
wanna it  Western  began  using  their 
newly-constructed  cut-oft  between  Lake 
Hopatcong,  N.  J.,  and  the  Delaware 
Water  Gep.  This  new  28.5  miles  of 
track,  built  through  a  mountainous 
country  and  costing  $421,000  per  mile, 
reduces  the  distance  between  Buffalo 
and  New  York  to  iOO  miles  and  effects 
a  ten-mile  haul  saving  between  tne  two 
cHles. 

Thomas  B.  Hamilton  has  been  ap- 
pointed general  superintendent  of  the 
central  branch  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad,  with  office  at  Toledo,  O. 
Prior  to  receiving  this  appointment  he 
bad  been  superintendent  of  the  Cleve- 
land and  Piftteburg  division  since  1903. 

The  Union  Pacific^  general  office  is 
now  domiciled  In  a  commodious 
twelve-story  modem  fireproof  skeleton 
steel  and  tile  construction  building  lo- 
cated at  Fifteenth  and  Dodge  Streets. 
Omaha,  Neb.  This  stmcture  has  a 
frontage  of  199  feet  on  Dodge  Street 
asd  146  feet  on  Fifteenth  street,  and  is 
|of  the  latest  type  of  construction,  be- 
ong  provided  with  every  modern  con- 
W^enience  that  makes  it  a  model  archi- 
tectural perfection,  as  well  as  a  model 
pome  for  the  general  official  staff  of 
jtluit  great  overland  route. 

fhe  use  of  the  telephone  Instead  of 
telegraphy  is  gradually  being  intro- 
duced. Telephone  dispatching  circuits 
lare  now  being  installed  between  Kan- 
jsas  City,  Mo.,  and  Des  Moinee,  la.,  on 
phe  Chicago  Great  Western. 

;  The  trainmaster  of  the  C,  C,  C.  & 
fit  L.  Ry.  at  Wabash.  Ind.,  has  been 
fined  f5  for  refusing  to  issue  service 
Petter  to  an  employe  who  resigned.  Ac- 
cording to  a  new  law  in  Indiana  !t  Is 


compulsory  that  such  letters  be  Issued 
to  employee  leaving  the  service  of  a 
company.  It  is  reported  that  the  com- 
pany will  appeal  the  case. 

Oliver  Huff,  who  received  injuries 
while  employed  as  conductor  of  the 
Neiw  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford, 
has  received  a  verdict  for  $22,500  on 
account  of  injuries  sustained  in  a  col- 
lision last  June.  He  brought  suit 
under  the  federal  employers'  liability 
law  and  his  contention  that  the  fellow- 
servant  rule  had  been  a.brogated,  was 
upheld  by  Judge  Hough.  HufTs  in- 
juries, it  was  alleged,  resulted  from 
the  carelessness  of  either  an  engineer 
or  signalman. 

By  a  recent  court  decision,  railroads 
preventing  fire  engines  from  getting 
to  a  fire  on  account  of  blocking  street 
crossings,  are  rendered  liable  for  the 
damage  to  the  property  on  account  of 
loss  attributable  to  the  delay  of  such 
fire  engine. 

N.  M.  Leach  has  been  appointed  as- 
sistant to  the  president  of  the  Inter- 
national 6  Great  Northem,  with  office 
at  New  Orleans,  La. 

S.  L.  Racey  has  been  appointed  chief 
dispatcher  of  the  Salt  Lake  division 
of  the  Denver  A  Rio  Grande,  with 
office  at  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah. 

L.  Delano,  president  of  tne  Wabash, 
has  also  received  ^e  appointment  of 
receivership  of  the  company,  with 
office  at  Chicago,  111. 

G.  H.  Hammond  has  been  appointed 
superintendent  of  terminals  of  the 
Minneapolis,  St.  Paul  6  Sault  Ste. 
Marie  at  Duluth,  Minn.,  and  Superior. 
Wis.,  with  office  at  Superior,  Wis. 


Breeding  Violence. 

As  long  as  nations  meet  on  the  fields 
of  war— as  long  as  they  sustain  the  re- 
lations of  savages  to  each  other — as 
long  as  they  put  the  laurel  and  the 
oak  on  the  brows  of  those  who  kill — 
Just  so  long  will  citizens  resort  to  vio- 
lence, and  the  quarrels  be  settled  by 
dagger  and  revolver. — Robert  G.  Iv 
peraolh 


The  one  who  would"  "oall  \»  down  ' 
wlieni  we  dieserve  it  must  be  the  one 
who  would  praise  us  when  we  merit  it. 
No  one  else  has  the  right.— C^arZe* 
Clark  Mufin. 


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V2$ 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  B  vVITCHld9N'9  UNION. 


ftcmitlMicc  Ron  of  Honor  for  the  Mofitli  off 
JanuBry,  1912. 

The  following  ie  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whoue  remittandes  have 
been  received  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  Treasurer  during  the  first  part  of 
January: 

Jan.  2d— Lodges  13,  22,  33,  83,  88, 
102,  103,  104,  142,  200. 

Jan.  3d^Lodges  41.  78.  77,  91.  112. 
116,  141,  189,  194. 

Jan.  4Ui'-^Lodge8  3,  5,  14,  20,  21,  23, 
31,  32,  38,  40,  44,  51,  52,  60,  61,  97,  106, 
107,  113,  123,  126,  143,  146,  173,  176, 
188,  193,  199,  208,  212,  216,  217. 

Jan.  5th— 'Lodges  2,  12,  18,  19,  28,  29. 
37,  50,  53,  56,  59,  63,  74,  78,  84,  89,  92, 
95,  98,  114,  120,  125,  164,  169,  190,  201. 
214,  220. 

Jan.  6th— Lodges  1,  6,  9,  10,  39,  49. 
54,  65,  72.  82,  94,  96,  110,  116,  119,  122. 
129,  147,  151,  175.  180.  181,  192,  198, 
218,  224,  228. 

Jan.  8th^LodgeB  8,  16,  24,  84,  35,  43. 
47,  65,  68,  69,  79,  80,  90,  93,  111,  117. 
124,  133,  134,  137,  138,  144,  155,  158, 
166,  174,  177,  182,  202,  203,  225.  229. 

Jan.  9th— Lodges  4,  11,  17,  48,  64,  70, 
71,  87,  100,  108,  135,  152,  172,  219,  222. 

Jan.  10th— Lodges  7,  25,  26,  36,  42, 
45.  46,  57,  58,  62,  85,  99.  128.  145.  179, 
206,  209,  210,  221,  226,  230. 

Jan.  11th— Lodges  15,  30.  67.  101. 
105,  ISO,  149,  184,  191. 

Jan.  12th— Lodge  76. 

Jan.  13th— Lodge  211. 

Up  to  time  of  going  to  press  (Jan. 
13,  1912),  Lodges  86,  206  and  223  had 
not  arrived. 


Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  t^elr  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  month. 

Section  41  of » the  constitution  pro: 
vides  that  a  fine  of  ten  cenits  per  capita 
shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges  w£iose 
reports  are  not  received  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  by  the  tenth 
day  of  eacfh  month,  and  if  received  late 
for  two  or  more  months,  then  the  offi- 
cers shall  be  asked  to  remove  the  cause 
for  such  delay. 


The  world  is  grown  extremely  old. 

And  furrowed,  dry  and  grey; 
About  a  sun  fast  turning  cold 

It  winds  Its  weary  way; 
And   where   the    ice    comes    creeping 
through 

Upon  a  lonesome  land 
Where  once  the  tropic  orchids  grew. 

Two  shrivel'! ed  mortals  stand. 

The  last  are  they  upon  the  earth. 

And  each  with  age  Is  bowed. 
There's  Mttle  left  of  any  worth: 

The  smow  a  final  shroud 
Is  weaving  for  ail  worldly  thincis; 

A  ^adow,  dun  andi  drear. 
As  from  the  all-embracing  winggs 

Of  death.  Is  dirawing  near. 

One  speaks,  ill-coveredl  and  ill-fed: 

"I  will  no  longer  moil 
Without  my  own  fair  share  of  bread. 

The  prodluct  of  our  toiL" 
The  other  frowns.  "Talk  not."  says  he. 

"This  sociaMstic  tripe. 
We  caa't  have  crude  equality. 
The  time  Is  not  yet  ripe." 

—Silas  Snell. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Joxtbnai.  promptly  and 
without  f^ll  Is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Bditor  at  once: 

Tfame Lodffe  No 

Bireet  Town State 

Hai  moved  to Street 

Town State 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHMEN'8  UNION.  127 

r 

Jfatmmmnt  of  Claims  Paid  During  thm  Month  of  Jan.,  1912 


i 

^B 

Date 

• 

Ma 

NAMK 

! 

l! 

oeived 

Date 
Paid 

PAID  TO 

1 

BB8IDBNCB 

i 

Amt. 

$   760 

1466 

JBLA^DooglfW 

201 

Death 

1-  0.»12 

1-17.'12 

Fnmces  C,  mother 

iDuDdalk,  Ireland 

i€n 

John  C.  Beoz 

149 

Death 

ll-28-»ll 

i-n-'W 

Children 

Freeport,  lU. 
Kansas  City,  Kan. 

760 

147B 

John  J.  Riley 
Alex.  A.  Miner 

2 

Death 

12-2^'U 

i-n-'w 

£Uen,  wife 

1,600 

i4n 

120 

Death 

12-18-'ll 

l-17-'12 

Wm.  A..  Ikther 

LaDslDg,  la. 

iSi 

1«78 

Jos.  Melody 
DayldBniih 

4 

Death 

12-9-'ll 

i'Yjjn 

Katherine,  wife 

BuflWo.  N.  Y. 

760 

MW 

28 

Death 

12-2«-»il 

1-17-»12 

Catherine,  mother 

'Newark.  Ohio 

750 

1480 

JohnH.  Gongh 

87 

Death 

12-27-^11 

1-17-»12 

Mary,  wife 
Bfol>^B.,  wife 

Bt.  LK>al8.  Mo. 
'Detroit,  Mich. 

1,600 

1481 

F.  L.  Eldred 

13 

Death 

1-  0.'12 

1-17-'12 

i3oo 

14H2I 

[E^eurl  Anderson 

82  Dis.      1  1-  6-'12 

1-17-'12 

Himself 

IHeriDgton,  Kan. 

^ 

80,000 


Prevloasiy  reported $1,481,126.00 

Paid  since  last  report ., 9,000.00 

Total 11,440.126.00 


Aeknoivtmdgmmnt  of  Claims  Paid  In  Dmeombor,  1911 

Mrs.  Mary  Clausen,  Port  Huron,Mich $1,500 

William  E.  Kerns,  ClnclnnaU,  0 1,600 

Mrs.  Bertha  Womeldorf,  Chickasha,  Okia 760 

Mrs.  Hattte  Holloway,  BnflUo.  N.  Y 1,600 

H.  E.  Ensworth,  Chicago,  III 1,600 

Mr8.Cella  Hall, St.  Paul,  Minn.... 1,600 

Mrs.  Maggie  McDonald,  Kansas  City,  Mo 1,500 

Mrs.  Alice  Norton,  BnflUo,  N.  Y 760 

Mrs.  Gertrude  CConneli,  Conneaat,  0 1,500 

Mrs.  Mary  Zellers,  Ft  Wayne,  Ind 1,600 

Mrs.  Margaret  Knhns,  St.  Louis,  Mo 1,600 

Mrs.  Alice  Har.elrigg.  Indianapolis,  Ind.... 1,600 

Grand  Stcretary  and  Trgasurm 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BuwAXiO,  N.  Y.,  Febmaiy  1,  ltl2. 
BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dnes  and  assessments  are  dne  and  payable  to  the  Treasnrer  or 
Ffatandal  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  flrat  day  of  every  month  (see  Section  218).  Qrand  dues 
are  flft^  cents  (50c)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  "  B  "  certificate,  noeosn 
ment  12.00;  class  ^A"  certificate,  assessment  $1.00:  class  "C**  certificate, 
assessment  50o  (see  section  88).  A  milore  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  Is 
a  forfeiture  ofmembership  in  the  Union  without  further  notice  (see  Sections 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  assessment  is  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Qrand  Lodge. 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  fh>m  members,  as  above  provided,  not 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182) . 
YoarsinB.,H.AP., 

M.  R.  WELCH, 

Qrand- Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


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THE       ROSTER 


INTERNATIONAL  OFnCERS 

INTBRNATIONAL    PBBSIDBNT. 

S  EL  Heberllng.  836  Brisbane  Bldff.,  Buf- 
falo. N.  Y. 

Grand  SaoaarART  and  TRBAsmunL 
M.  R.  Welch.  8S6  Brisbane  Bldi^,  BuJbUo. 
N.  Y. 

Journal  Bditor. 
W.  H.  Thompson,  S26  Brisbane  B1<Ik..  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y. 

Grand  Board  op  Dirbotors. 

F.  C.  Janes;  13  fl  Metropolitan  Ave.,  Kan- 
sas City,  Kan. 

a  B.  Cumminffs,  260  Whitesboro  St, 
Utica,  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Titus,  1378  B.  92d  St,  Cleveland.  O. 

INTBRNATIONAL   ViCB-PRBSIDENTB. 

J.  B.  Connors,  688  B.  41st  St,  Chicago,  BL 

L.  H.  Porter,  Nottini^iam.  O. 

T.  Clohessy,  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  HI. 

F.  J.  Bheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Buflklo,  N.  Y. 
T.  J.  Misenhelter,  607  College  Ave..  Rose- 
dale,  Kan. 

Protbctivb  Board. 
R  W.  Flynn,  1716  Prospect  Ave.,  Scran- 

G.  C?'Hess,  679  18th  St.  Detroit  Mich. 

T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave..  Chicago. 

IlL 
Dan  Smith,  6647  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 

HI. 
A.  J.   Peterson,  1003   Heath"  St  West-Ft 

William,  Ont 

Grand  Mbdical  Bxaminbr. 
M.  A.  Sullivan.  M.  D.,  826  BHsbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


SUBORDINATE  LODGES 


KANSAS  CITY  LODGE  No.  1.  Kansas 
City,  Mo.,  m^ts  second  Sunday  and  fourth 
Saturday  at  7.30  p.  m.,  at  702  Southwest 
Boulevard. 

President— E.  W.  Randolph,  2726  West 
Prospect  Ave. 

Sec. — T.  J.  Conlon,  2121-c  Summit  St 
•    Treaa — S.  W.  Green,  1489  Jefferson. 

RIVEKVIBW  LODGB  No.  3,  Kansas 
City,  Kan.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Thursday.  8  p.  oIm  in  Motter's  Hall,  cor- 
ner 10th  St  and  Central  Ave.,  third  floor. 

President— Edward  Monei,  831  N.  30th 
St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^A.  A.  FansL  38  South 
Ferree  St 

Journal — S.  E.  Stinson,  1016  Hasbrook 
St 

joLnrr  lodob  no.   8,  joUst,   dl. 

meets  first  and  third  Friday  at  8  p.  m« 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  nt,  of  meh 
month,  in  Connor's  HaU,  cor.  Joliet  and 
Jeff  ersMi  Stsi 

President — ^Wm.  Bell.  107  Willard  Ave. 


Sec.   and   Journal — ^F.    P.    Lumley.    SOS 
Glenwood  Ave. 
Treas.— J.  W.  Austin,  104  Oardnar  8t 

BUFFALO  LODGE  No.   4,   Buffalo,  ». 

Y.,  meets  every  first  and  third  Friday  at 

8.80  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday,  9.30  a.  nt. 

in  Boyer^s  HalL  cor.  Swan  and  Bmslle  8t& 
President— M.  J.  Colgan,  68  South  St 
Sec.— Joseph  M.  Kelly,  101  Peabody  St 
Treaa — Geow  Hamilton,  234  W.  Dela^Ms 

Ave.;   phone  North  1873-R. 

Journal — A.  W.  Gibney,  18  Prospect  Av. 

OVERLAND  LODGE  No.  5,  Omaha, 
Neb.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays. 
8.80  p.  m..  Quinn's  Hall,  southwest  comer 
16th  and  Cummings  Sts. 

President — H  J.  Haverley,  2109  S.  10th 
St 

Sea — J.  L.  Pnnch,  2820  Capitol  Ave. 

Treaa — ^A.  L.  Short  4210  North  25th 
Ave. 

COUNCIL  BLUFFS  LODGE  ^TT 
Council  Bluffs,  la.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Thursday  evenings  at  8.80  in  K.  P. 
Hall,  First  National  Bank  Buildinsr.  Bfain 
an<|  Broadway. 

President— C.  Lee,  1711  Sixth  St 

Rec.  Sec. — A.  H.  Granshaw,  9th  St  and 
16th  Ave. 

Treas. — Frank  Colbum,  164  Graham 
Ave. 

FLOUR  CITY  LODGE  No.  7,  Minne- 
apolis, Minn.,  meets  at  Mozar  Hall,  1417 
Washington  Ave.  South,  on  the  first  Sun- 
day of  the  month  at  2.80  p.  m.,  and  on 
the  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  G.  Kelley,  3186  22d  Ave. 
South. 

Sec.— T.  J.  Kelley,  3240  28d  Ave.  South. 

Treas.— D.  E.  Clifford,  1868  26  1-2  St 

Journal — J.  L.  Holscher,  Albert  Lea, 
Minn. 

TRILBY  LODGE  No.  8,  Fort  Worth. 
Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  at 
8.80  p.  m.,  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  Fourth 
and  Main  Sts. 

President— B.  F.  McCankey.  963  East 
Daggett  St 

Sec.-Treas. — ^L  C.  Woods,  1106  Jose- 
phine St 

Journal — G.  W.  Weir,  1312  B.  Bluff  St 

ST.  JOSEPH  LODGE  No.  9,  St  Joseph. 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8 
p.  m.,  Putter's  Hall,  King  Hill  and  Mis- 
souri  Ave 

President— Theo.  Miller.  104  W.  Elk  St 

Sec.  and  Jour. — Geo.  H.  ScheiUMt.  811 
W.  Valley  St 

Treas.— E.  Prine,  1416  S.  19th  St 

MILWAUKEE  LODGE  No.  10,  Bfttwau- 
kee,  Wia,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoons  of  each  month  at  2.30  o'clooK 
at  Third  and  National  Avea,  Witt's  Halt 
President — ^Maurice  Collins;   246  Wairii- 
fngton  St 
Sec — ^Wm-  S.  Herse,  460  a  Pierce  St 
Treas. — ^Fred  Giese.  691  Scott  St 
Journal — Charles  Collins.  249  Washing- 
ton  St. 


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129 


M.  J.  NAUGUTON  L.ODGE  Na  11, 
Ocnelaad,  O^  meets  in  Iietter  Carriers' 
HaB,  Beokmaa  Bldcr..  409  Superior  Ave.. 
N.  W.,  tirst  Sunday  at  8.80  a.  m.,  and 
third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President — S.  M.  Ryan,  10680  Oupont 
Ave. 

Sec— B.  B.  Weir,  2092  W.  86th  St 

Treaa.-— W.  J.  Keegan.  789  E.  196th  St, 
N.  B. 

Journal — ^W.  A.  Titus,  1878  E.  92d  St 

TOPEKA  LODGE  No.  12,  Topeka,  Kan., 
meets  seoend  and  fourth  Thiursday  nights 
or  each  month  at  8.30  o'clock,  corner  8th 
Ave.  and  Qulncy  St.  K.  of  P.  Hall. 

President-^.  R  Strain,  113  W.  6th  St. 
Room  8. 

See. — O.  E.  Durbin.  1630  N.  Harrison 
St 

^'Treas. — Geo.    A.   Fitatglbbons,    129    Van 
OiU'Wi  St 

Jouma) — P.  H.  Morgan,  722  Jefferson 
St 

IMBTROIT  LODQB  No.  18,  Detroit 
Midi.,  meets  the  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
dSQT  at  8  p.  m..  and  second  Sundar  at  9  a. 
m.,  in  Bamlet  Hall.  cor.  Grand  River  Ave. 
and  GrlswoM  St 

PTMldeiit— George  a  Hess.  679  18th  St 
Sec. — Cory  Derousle,  SSO  18th  St 
Treaa.— James  Traat,  106  SOth  8t 
Journal — ^A.  Lund,  878  Calvary  Ave. 

TOLEDO  LODQB  No.  14,  Toledo^  Ohio, 
meets  third  Thursday  at  8  a.  m.,  and 
fanrth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Broer's 
HiaU.  CM  Sa  St  Clair  £ 

PTMldant — ^Thomas  Dean,  818  South  8t 
Sea— Joseph  Keegan,  1617  Indiana  Ave. 
Treaa — ^Henry  Gale.  1010  Junction  Ava 
Journal — ^D.  J.  Dorcy.  880  Dale  St 

BLUE  GRASS  LODGE  No.  16.  Co\ing- 
ton,  Ky.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2.80 
^  m.,  and  fourth  Wednesday  at  7. SO  p.  m., 
Rowe  Kemp's  Hall.  cor.  16th  and  Greenup 

President— C.  W.  Rlchter,  316  W.  19th 
St 

Sec.— Thoa.  McGaft,  1612  Bankllck  St 
BL  Jameson.  1928  Bankllck 


Journal — Geo.  Davis.  18th  and  Kellogg 
Sts. 

VICTOBT  LODGB  No.  16,  EMt  Saint 
Louis,  OL,  BMSts  first  and  third  Thursday 
nights  at  t  o^cloek  In  Mnsio  Hall,  809  Ool- 
itnsPVlUo  Ava.  ^^ 

PresldsntH-J.  B.  Whits,  818  N.  8th  8t 
Sec-Treas.  and  Journal — ^B.  K,  Cobbs. 
1910  N.  Slst  St 

JAMES  MILLS  LODGE  Na  17,  South 
Oiicago,  m,.  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  ul. 
and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.  of  each 
month  at  Union  Bank  Hall,  cor.  92d  St. 
ajid  ESrie  Ave..  Brie  Ave.  side. 

President— J.  M  Fisher,  2826  B.  76th 
PL 

Sec. — Geo.  H.  Hoos,  8062  E.  91st  St 

Treaa— W.  R  Whiting,  1608  E.  66th  PI. 

Journal — ^R  J.  Manley,  1613  R  66th  PL 

STAR  OP  HOPE  LODGE  No.  18.  Coal 
City.  DL.  meeti  third  Sunday.  2.80  p.  m.. 
and  lajBt  Sunday  of  each  month  at  7.80 
p.  RL.  at  Forester's  Halt 

President  and  Jour. — ^M.  J.  Koran. 

Sec. -Treaa. — A.   P.   Ayersman. 


BURLINGTON  LODGE  No.  19,  Chi- 
caco,  111.,  meets  second  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.30  p.  m.,  in  Duf- 
fek's  Hall,  cor.  21st  and  California  Avi 

President — James  B.  Hayes,  8072  Oolo- 
rado  Ave. 

Soc — ^W.  J.  Aheam,  1418  S.  Western 
Ave. 

Treas. — E.  R.  Rutter,  2225  Park  Ave. 


SEDALIA  LODGE  No.  20,  Sedalla.  Mo., 
meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Labor  Temple  Hall. 
318-316  South  Lamtne  St 

President--J.  M.  Enui,  1012  B.  4th  St 

.Sec-Treas.— G.  K.  Wilson,  629  E.  11th 
Si. 

Journal — M.  M.  Crane,  317  Saline  St 

CAPITAL  CITY  LODGE  No.  21.  Co- 
lumbus. O.,  meets  second  Monday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8  p.  m.,  at 
Engineer's  Hall,  South  Fourth  St 

President — L  J.  O'Rourke,  409  W.  Rich 
St 

Sec — C.  W.  Teal,  81  W.  Eighth  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Jour. — E.  J.  Hexter,  546  Kil- 
boume  St 

GATEWAY  CITY  LODQB  No.  88,  La 
Crosse,  Wia,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  7.80  p.  m..  In  K.  of  P.  Halt  Rose 
8t 

President— Jno.  F.  Downs,  800  MHI  8t 

Sec  and  Treas. — John  B.  Wilson,  288  S. 
8th  St 

Journal — ^Archy  Berry*  1016  Berlin  St 

LICKING  LODGB  No.  88.  Newask,  O.. 

meets  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays  at 

7.80  p.  UL,  In  Newark  Trades  and  tabor 

CouncU  Hall,  W.  Park  PL 

President— -B.  L.  Schnaldt,  448  Clarsn- 

don  St 
Seo^— S.  B.  Smith,  i  Spenoer  8t 
Treas.— J.  H.  Dial.  6  Mechaalo  St 
Journal— O.  W.  Hugheii  876  Sumner  St 


THB  SWITCHMEN'S  HOME  LODGE 
Na  24.  Mandan,  N.  D.,  meets  Maccabee 
Han  last  Stmday  of  month. 

President — Peter  Wagner,  108  1-2  Poortn 
Ave  N.  W. 

Sec — ^B.  L  Anderson,  507  Sixth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

Treaa — ^Martin  Larson.  106  Fourth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

Journal — ^Dennis  Tobin,  206  Second  Ave. 
N.  W. 


ROYAL  BLUB  L<M>GB  No.  86,  Claoln- 
natl,  O.,  meets  first  Sunday  monunir  at  9 
o'cloclL  and  third  Friday  evening  at  8.80« 
In  Odd  Fellows'  Hail,  Fourth  and  Home 
Sts. 
President— T.  A.  Gibbons,  816  Mill  St 
Sec— J.  M.  FMt.  1619  Cumber  St 
Treaa — ^R    B.    McKenna.    489    Blberon 
Ave. 

Journal — T.  Murphy,  164  W.  Linden  St. 
Ludlow,  B:y. 

ZENITH  LODGE  Nc  28.  DuUith,  Minn.. 
meets  first  and  third  Simdays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m..  In  Sloan  Hall.  20th  Ave. 
West 

President — G.  F.  Brennison.  311  E.  6th 
St 

Sec. -Treas. —C.  H.  Stang.  2208  West  8d 
St. 


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BLUE  ISLAND  LODGE  No.  29.  Blue 
Island,  HI.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
day evenings  of  each  month,  at  8  o'clock. 
Jewel  Hall,  321  Western  Ave. 

President — ^Wm.  J.  Roach.  856  Grove  St. 

Sec. — ^H.  N.  Allen,  726  Western  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — ^Thos.  Bamer,  331 
Vermont  St. 


MINNEAPOLIS  LODGE  No.  30,  Min- 
neapolis, Minn.,  meets  second  Sunday 
evening  at  8  o'clock  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoon  at  2  o'clock,  each  month,  in 
Richmond  Hall.  5th  St  and  3rd  Ave.  S. 

President — ^Henry  Swark.  618  Hennepin 
Ave. 

Sea — Morris  Full,  301  Plymouth  Av.  N. 

Treas.— A.  A.  Wilson,  815  4th  Ave.  N. 

ST.   PAUL  LODQB  No.   SI.   St.   Paul. 

Minn.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Mondaya 

at  8  p.  m.,  in  Wittisle's  Hall,  Robie  and 

Greenwood  Sta 

President — J.  M.  Young,  482  Hall  Ava 
Sea — ^A.  F.  Pabst,  648  Lafayette  Ava 
7?reaa — J.  H.  Oriffln,  81  IL  Isabelle  St 
Journal — Geo.  W.  Smith,  886  B.  Winne- 

f ray  St 

FRISCO  LODGB3  No.  8S,  Monett,  Mo., 
meets  each  Thursday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  581 
Soott  8t 

President,  Sea  and  Treaa — C.  C.  Wil- 
liams, 521  Scott  St 

Journal — A.  G.  Long,  Sapulpa,  Okla. 

SUNFLOWER  LODGE  No.  83,  Em- 
poria, Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock,  in  Labor  Hall,  821 
Merchants  St 

President — C.  M.  Young,  202  S.  State  St 
Sea— Robt  O.  Griffith,  15  Union  St 
Treaa — J.  E.  McDonald,  115  Neosho  St 

WATERLOO  LODGE  No.  84,  Waterloo, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Thursdays  of 
each  month,  at  8  p.  m.,  Kurth's  HalL 

President — ^E.  C.  Page,  116  IrvingSt 

Sea-TrecML — F.  C.  Hartman,  1121  Wash- 
ington St 

Journal — ^F.  Dahl,  820  Argyle  St 

CBNTBNNIAL  LODGB  No.  SS,  DonTor. 
Col^  meotfl  ssoond  and  fourth  Wedneodur 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Club  Building,  Room  416, 
1749  Arapahoe  St 

President— J.  H.  Clark,  8425  Arapahoe 
8t 

Sea  and  Jour.-^.  D.  Peery,  P.  O.  Box 
447. 

Treaa— J.  J.  Rlordan.  t9ft  Larimar  8t 

JOHN  W.  DRURY  LODOB  No.  86,  C9U- 
eago,  HL.  meets  at  Carry's  Hall,  6444 
Wentwortn  Ave.,  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  ul. 
and  third  Sunday  afternoon  at  S.86 
o'clock. 

President — Joseph  T.  Murphy,  989  W. 
68rd  Flaca 

Seq.— William  J.  Oiroux.   460  W.   46tb 

Treaa — ^W.   H.   Langan,    1044   W.    66th 

Journal— W.  Hickey,  4610  Wentworth 
Are, 

ST.  LOUIS  LODGE  No.  37,  St  Louis. 
1^,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8  o'clock  in  Druid's  Hall, 
Qor.  Ninth  and  Market  Sts. 

President— Thoa  Nester,  2106  N.  9th  St 
1  Sea  and  Jour. — F.  J.  Cotter,  2390  Pope 
Ave. 

Treas. — J.  P.  Sh<*rldan.  2217  Robins  Av. 


PRESQUE  ISLE  LODGE  No.  38,  fihie. 
Pa.,  meets  the  first  and  third  Thursday 
evenings  of  each  month  at  8.80  o'clock,  at 
Zuck's  Hall,  cor.  16th  and  State  Sta 

President — T.  M.  Dundon.  2001  Sassa- 
fras St 

Sec- Michael  A.  Gooley,  212  Holland 
St 

Treaa  and  Jour. — E.  Fleming.  1611 
Chectnut  St 


EMPIRE  STATE  LODGE  No.  89,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Thursday  a  8  p.  nL,  and  third  Tuesday,  9 
a.  m.,  in  O'Grady's  Hall.  cor.  Broadway 
and  N.  Central  Ave. 

President— W.  S.  Young,  423  Ideal  St 

Sec. — Julius  Schultz,  986  Fillmore  Ave. 

Trecui. — ^Fred  Crackle.  192  Oneida  St 


SS! 


PARK  CITY  LODQB  No.  40,  Brtdgo- 
rt.  Conn.,  meets  first  and  second  Sun- 
lys  at  1.80  p.  m.,  in  Bmmett  Hall,  !•# 

State  St 
President.  Sea  and  Journal  —  L.  A^  Hem- 

mingway,  88  6th  St 
Treaa — ^D.  B.  Orifilth,  88  Waterman  St. 

HARD  STRUGGLE  LODGB  No.  41, 
Elyria,  O.,  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
at  8  p.  m.,  at  Elks'  HalL 

President— N.  J.  Gerhart  911  East  Ave. 

Sea-Treaa — J.  Francia  906  18th  St, 
Lorain,  O. 

Journal — A.  Forbes,  114  Highland  Ave. 

SILVER  CITY  LODQB  No.  48,  Argvi. 
tine.  Kan.,  meets  every  third  Wednesday 
at  8  p.  m.  each  month  in  Nokes*  HalL 

President — ^F.  a  Janes,  1861  Metropolis 
tan  Ave. 

Sea  and  Treaa — ^Thoa  Monohan,  8704 
Strong  Ave. 

PRIDB  OF  THB  W1B8T  LODOB  No.  48. 

Los  Angelea  CaL,  meeta  second  and  fomth 
Frida/  eveninga  8  o'clock.  In  Labor 
Temple,  517  South  Broadway. 

President^-J.  F.  Seymour,  8681  Bast  S« 

Sea— M.  F.  PonUua,  667  a  OIom  8t 
Treaa— W.  B.  TlUey.  8670  N.  mdStH  St. 
Journal— T.  A,  Battey,  118  8a  Atb.  11. 

UTICA  LODQB  No.  44.  Utioa.  If.  T.. 
meets  ssoond  and  fourth  FMday  erenlBga 
at  8  o'clock,  at  661  Whlteiboro  8t 
President-^.  T.  Becker.  19  Hboe  BL 
Sea — ^Edward  Ktaic  8  Thomaa  tmam, 
TreasL— C   B,  Cnmmlngs,  860  Wbltea- 
boro  St 
Journal — ^H.  2Semmeng;  688  Llnooln  Ar%. 

GAS  BELT  LODGE  No!  45,  ICunde,. 
Ind.,  meets  in  Anthony  Blk.,  third  floor. 
Room  11,  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
7.30  p.  m..  Labor  Hall. 

President — Chaa  F.  Thorpe,  1575  W. 
7th  St 

Sea-Treas  and  Jour. — Chaa  Lawrence. 
2205  S.  Madison  St 

HAPPY  THOUGHT  LODGE  No.  46. 
Colorado  City,  Col.,  m^ts  first  and  third 
Sunday  at  9.80  a.  m.,  each  month,,  in  K 
of  RHalL 

President — ^M.  M.  Sonnlchsen,  886  Mon- 
roe AY5r.  *    - 

S*K».-Trfta8. — J.  J.  Elliott  420  RoblnsoD 
St. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOUJUHiSl'QP'  TO'S  *ftWI  IVUnflBTB  •miON. 


«n 


<}ART  JEiODaB  No.  47.  Garr.  md..  meets 
at  Odd  liyUowil'  Hall.  Sixth  and  Maaaa- 
chnsetta  Sta,  first  Sunday  at  2.80  p.  m.. 
and  third  Stmday  at  7.46  p.  iru 

President— J.  B.  Farrell,  559  Haniaon 
Sec — J.  F.  McDonald,  406  Harrison  St 
Treaa — W.  R.   Brown,  Tolleston,  Ind., 
Hox  181. 

Jonmal — Ja&   Atehlnson,   555   Harrison 

OOFPVR  CTTT  LODOV  No.  48.  Batttt. 
Mont.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Toe 
ertenfmrs  at  t  o'eldc,  at  Old  Masonic  : 
SS  W«ipt  Pai^  8t 

President— C.  S.  Dewitt  887  a  Main  St 

Bee.  and  Treas.— P.  O'Shea.  8S7  8.  Mala. 

Joomal— a.  F.  Vteeent  lUxAer.  Maot 

TRBBS  RAIL  liODOB  No.  4t,  Pn^a. 
OoL.  meets  first  Tuesday,  7.80  ^.  im»  and 
third  Tuesday  at  S  p.  m.    ^ 

President — ^A.  B.  Hamilton,  Box  1080, 
Sta.  D. 

Sec — Wm.  R  Wilson.  1829  Orman  Ave. 

Trwia  and  Journal — ^B.  N.  Haling,  1920 
Orman  Ave. _- 

PARSONS  LODGE  No.  50.  Parsona 
Kan.,  meets  first  and  last  Saturday  even- 
ings of  each  month,  at  8  p.  m.,  at  200  1-2 
N.  Central  Ave. 

President — ^Laurence  Smith,  617  Central 
Ave. 

Sec-Treaa  and  Jour.  —  John  Hughes. 
200 1-2  N.  Central  Ave. '    .,; 

JUNCTION  LODGE  No.  61,  West  Bay 
City,  Mich.,  meets  in  Odd  Fellow**  Hall 
second  and  fourth  Sundavs  at  7.80  p.  m. 

President — E.  Jones,  604  Desmond  St. 

Sec  and  Jour.— -F.  J.  Roach.  1012  N. 
Line  St 

Treaa — A.  Strachan,  210  Raymond  Ave. 

BXOBLSIOR  LODGE  No.  52.  Port  Jer- 
vfa.  N.  T.,  meets  in  H.  H.  Fumum's  Hall, 
pnce  St,  first  Sunday  1.80  p.  iki.,  second 
Ttrorsdav  8.1K  p.  m. 

President— J.  A.  Borle.  It4  W.  Main  8t 

See.  and  Journal — ^Wm.  Wals»  II  Buck- 
ley 8t 

TreasL— Frank  Qohle.  99  yrankliyi  8t 

WSLCOTMI  LODGE  No.  6t,  Decator, 
HL.  me«ts  first  Thursday,  8  p.  m.,  in  B. 

«f  L.  E.  Han. 

Pr«isf4ent--R.  Ibuskett  1216  B.  WO- 
ilams  8t 

Sec — Walter  Ck^nt  200  N.  Calhoun  St 
TreasL — A.  H.  Cnover,  90 1  N.  Broadway. 
Jommal— T.  A.  Nolan,  1094  E.  North  St 


..SetL-rr-^i   E»v 

.    Treaa—rGeqrge  : 


LAKE  E^rtt  LODOtO  Ng^  S7.  S^dMikr. 
Ohio,   meets   second  and  #bur«i"  MOm^ 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN  LODGW  No.  54. 
8t  Loola  Mo.,  meets  In  Dewev  Hall.  28(11 
flootli  Broadway,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
davsi  8.89  p.  m. 

Pregiaeiit-.]!  Itoberts,  1825  a  Broad- 


Sec  and  TntB. — J.  J.  Ruesing;  1818 
Lynen. 

.  LAKE  SHORE  LODGE  No.  51^  Not- 
tingham.  O...  m*Ats  first  Thursday  at  8  a. 
m..  and  tbf-Nl  Thursday.  8  n.  m..  of  each 
month,  in  KInar's  Hell.  Nottingham.  O, 

Presld'mt — ^Fre<f  Krum. 

fUns. — Q^ortn  Home. 

Treaa — Thos.  W.  Baldwin. 

TomTial — C.  W.  Hammond.  931  E.  167th 
5*t. '  Cleveland,  O. 

HARLEM  RIVER  LODGE  No.  65^,  New 
York  dtv.  meets  first  Monday  at  10  a.  m., 
and  third  Thursday  at  JO  a.  m..  fn  Aurora 
Maennervhor  Hall.  444  Willis  Ave. 

President — Jas.  Wendling.  724  E.  184th 


(n  Trades  HKho 


eveninga   at   7.80   p.   m., 

Lahor  Ac^se^my  Hall. 

Presldent--0.  Schiller,  «8i5  0«bom  1^. 
Sec— A.  J.  Diedrliih,  112  Van  Bttreh  St 
Treas.— E.  A.  Roth,  811  Pearl  St. 

^PROGRESS  LODGE,  l^q.  68,-  Chiciagq, 
III.,  meets  first  and  thh^  Sundays  >t  t 
p.  m.,  at  Marquette  Hall,  1910  w,  12th:  St, 
President— T,  T.  Sample,  12^0  3.,  I-ln- 
coln  St 

Pec — ^W.  J.  Sweeney.  1141  ItichmoiidSt 
Treaa — ^W.   A.  Welsh,   2081  Waahhum 
Ave.;    phone  Canal  4646.  

EUREKA  ^DOE  No.  59.  East  Har|- 
ford,  Conn.^  meets  first  and  third.  Sundays 
at  8  p.  m.  at  40  Ranney  St 

President— M.  Conley,  18  Gouvemor  St. 
Hartford,  Conn.  

MONROE  LODGE  No.  60,  Rochester. 
N.  T..  meets  every  third  Thursday  at  • 
p.  m..  In  Lathers'  Hall,  88  Exchange  St 

President-^.  P.  Crosson,  140  Frost  Ave. 

Sec — ^Leo  McNemoy,  Box  61,  Lincoln 
Parte.  N.  T.     . 

Treaa— F.  E.  Hall.  49  Gardner  Ave. 

Journal — ^Alhert  Elhridge,  76  Sherwood 
St ,     .     ^ ■    -_ ^_^^  _  

JACKSON  LODOT  Nd.  61.  Jackson. 
Midi.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.80  p.  m.  in  Odd  Fallows'  Hall.  140 
Courtland  St 

President — ^D.  J.  CKeefe.  1612  E.  Main 
St 

Sec— H.  S.  Hashbrouck,  816  Detroit  St. 

Treaa — ^B.  Blgalke.  219  ChapJn  St  -      . 

GILT  EDGE  LODGE  No.  62,  Pitts- 
burgh, Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7-.  4  5 
D.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.45  p.  m.-,  in 
Union  Labor  Temple,  cor.  Washington  and 
Webster  Ave. 

President — ^D.  A.  Harshbarfeer,'  626 
BogfiTS  Ave 

Sec — H.  H.  Pape,  883  Main  Ave., ^Roch- 
ester, Pa. 

Treaa — ^F.  W.  Brown,  6262  Holmes  gt. 

NORTH  STAR  LODGE  No.  68.  Winni- 
peg, Man.,  me^ts  first  Sunday  at  2.80  "P- 
m.  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Labor 
Temple,  cor.  Louise  and  James  Sta   • 

President— W.  A.  Walden.  666  McMUlan 
Ave. 

Sec — ^A.  J.  Young,  469  Rosser  Ave. .  -  ' 

Tr*»a8. — J.  B.  Le<».  469  Rosser  Ave. 
r    Journal — W.  J.  Finch.  848  William  AVe. 

LITTLE  FORT  LODGE  No.  .64,  Wa^- 
kegan.  Hi.,  meets  in  G.  A.  R  Hall.  North 
Genesee  St,  second  and  fourth  Tuesdays 
at  8  P.  m.  ■■■■■.'         .        .- 

■    Presid*»nt — "R.  Drew.  508  Marlon  St  *  ' 

Pec— C.  g.  Hanf ord,  S.  St  James  St     • 

Treas. — David  L.  DOnohue,  429  N.  Utlca 
St 

Journal — F.  E.  HofP.  W.  Washington  St. 

FORT  SCOTT  LODGE  No.  66,  Ftort 
Scott  Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sondajrs 
at  2.r9  p.  m..  In  K.  of  P.  Ran.    '   •     -* 

President — Geo.  B.  DeJean,  716  B.  Wall 

St     •      ■  •  ••••■•  J.-. -.  v-  • 

Sec  and  Treaa-^^.  H.'  Hnftmaa*  216  B. 

Broadway.  

Joumal-«-H.  P.  Hopkins.  208  S.  Broad- 
way. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


Itt 


JOOSHAL  W  ^m  •WITdHMllN*8  tTNKK^. 


MAirrRA  IX>ZK»  No.  «7,  BamaMmd. 
tn^  mMtM  lint  Monday  afternoon  and 
nlgbt  and  third  Monday  afternoon  and 
'^t  In  Bagloir  man.  Ill  Hdinan_8t. 


dent— A.  C  Wa«ner.  SOI  Michigan 
ATa. 

See.— <X  A.  Uetson,  426  Mldilsan  Ave. 
Fin.  fiec. — ^A.  J.  Rogers,  629  Murray  St 
Treaa — ^A.  L*.  Crout,  7S8  Walter  St 

UNION  STOCK  YARDS  LODGE  No. 
68,  Chicago,  HL,  meets  first  Sunday  at 
7.80  n.  m.,  in  McNally's  New  Hall,  47th 
and  Halsted  Sts. 

President — Kd.  Liyons,  6919  Justine  St 
fiec-Treas.— F.  E.  Pratt  6920  Laflto  St 
Journals-John  Cole,  6416  Bishop  St 

HOUSTON  LODGE  No.  69.  Houston, 
Tex.,  meets  on  the  first  Tuesday  at  8.30 
a.  m.,  and  third  Tuesday  at  8  p.  m..  In  K. 
of  P.  Hall.  McKee  and  LIberfar  Ave. 

President — Chaa  Lease,  1709  Ehrsian  St 

Sea-Treaa — H.  R.  Brandt  1907  Gentry 
St 

Journal — H.  R.  Christian,  2308  Wash- 
ington Ave 

OLEANDER  LODGE  No.  70,  Galveston. 
Tex.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
3  r*.  m..  In  Cook  &  WaltersT  Halt 

President— V.  V.  Cooper,  33d  St  and 
Ave.  A. 

Sec. — ^W.  J.  Hardy,  88d  St  and  Ave.  A. 

Treaa — ^W.  H.  Forbes,  8621  Ave.  I. 

Journal — A.  D.  Crow,  88d  St  and  Av.  A. 

QUEEN  CITY  TX>DGE  No.  71,  SeatUe, 
Wash.,  meets  In  Hall  No.  2,  Labor  Temple^ 
Sixth  Ave.  and  University  St,  second  Sun- 
day at  2  p.  ni.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8 

^*  Pt^sldont— J.  H.   Arbuthnot    1847    17th 
Ave.  S. 

Pec. — C.  E.  Llndsey,  Station  S,  Box  67. 

Treas. — ^T.  A.  Hayden,  Columbia  iSta. 

PEORIA   I/>DGE   No.    72,   Peoria,   HI., 
meets  first  Sunday,  8  p.  ra.,  and  third  Sim- 
day  at  2.80  p.  m.  In  Schmidt's  Hall,  2901 
a  Adama 
President — ^Bdw.  Storey.  1117  Ann  St 
Sec— F.  M.  Piatt  518  Blaine  St 
Treaa — W.  S,  Dlmon,  127  Lincoln  Park 
^ 

BAY  STATE  LODGE  No.  73,  Spring- 
field, Masa.  meets  at  Harmony  Hall,  sec- 
ond Saturday  of  each  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President^ — J.  C.  O'Brien,  87  Plsrmouth 
St 

Sec. -Treas. — ^B.  T.  Clark,  118  Plalnfleld 
St 

Journal — ^H.  D.  Marsh,  93  Marengo  Pk. 

CLIPPER  LODGE  No.  74.  Michigan 
City.  Ind.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.80 
D.  m,  and  fourth  Thursday  at  2.30  p.  m.. 
hi  Condon's  Hall   206  1-2  N.  Franklin  St 

President — John  Hutton,  415  Michigan 
St 

Sec — G.  H.  Muse.  511  'Washington  St 

Treas. — ^W.  H.  H.  Ruggles,  620  B.  2nd 
St 

Journal — ^R.  L.  Mattex.  117  BJarl  Road. 

STEARNES  LODGE  No.  75.  Ludlngton. 
Mich.,  meets  In  K.  C.  Hall  first  aAd  sec- 
ond Tuesdays  of  each  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President — D.  E.  Taylor,  404  B.  Foster 
St. 


Sec — Irvln  Clark,  215  B.  Mellndy  Ave. 
Treaa — Chas.  D  Morarity,  608  S.  James 
St 

Journal — EL  T.  E^amond.  510  N.  Row  St 

SOUTHERN  KANSAS  LODGE  No.  77. 
Chanute,  Kan.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Wednesdays  of  each  month  at  7.80  p.  m.. 
in  Carpenters'  Hall. 

President — ^K.  Hendrlckson,  602  S.  Elver- 
green  St. 

Sec — C.  D.  Coulter,  518  S.  CentraL 

Treaa — G.  G.  Basler,  1112  S.  EJVergreen. 

Journal — A  Gross,  408  W.  1st  St 

FORT  WAYNE  LODGE  No.   78,   FOrt 

Wajme,  Ihd..  meets  at  Harmony  Hall,  W. 

Berry  St,  fourth  Monday  evenings  at  8 

o'clock. 

President— Bmll    Florent,    887    W.    D« 

Wald  8t 

See. — O.  T.  Sunley,  605  Hohnan  8t 
Treaa.— G.  W.  Thlebolt,  968  Brte  St 
Journal— Charles  Taylor,  1108  .N.  Cass 


JACKSON  PARK  LODGE  No.  79.  Chi- 
cago, HI.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.. 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  G.  A.  R 
Hall,  6236  Princeton  Ave. 

President — J.  G.  Rlordan,  89  K  Garfield 
Blvd. 

Sec  and  Journal — J.  H.  Landers,  708 
W.  50th  St 

Treaa — ^E.  G.  Wilson,  3280  Princeton 
Ave.;    phone  Yards  2584. 

UNION  LODGE  No.  80.  Grand  Rapids. 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at 
7.30  n.  m.,  Simmons'  Hall,  S.  Division  St. 
and  Fifth  Ave. 

President — ^A.  L.  Snell,  17  Woodlawn 
Ave. 

Sec — ^H.  F.  Dixon.  816  Ridge  Ave. 

Treaa — G.  M.  Johnson,  606  Cass  Ave. 

Journal — Chaa  Edinger.  452  S.  Ionia  St. 

PARK  LODGE  No.  82.  Hertngton.  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Monday  a  8  p.  m.. 
I.  O.  O.  F.  HaiL 

President — ^W.  H.  Bonner.  Box  262. 

Sec -Treaa — P.  G.  Towey,  (General  De- 
livery. 

ILLINOIS  CENTRAL  LODGE  No.  88. 
Chicago,  m.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8.86 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  aft 
Calumet  Hall,  68d  St  and  Jadcson  Park 
Ave. 

President— F.  C.  Lockwood,  718  E.  90th 
St 

See.  and  Journal — ^F.  W.  Day,  1867  K. 
46th  St 

Treas. — ^F.  E.  DuBrldge^  18086  Tale 
Avo. 

Journal— F.  W.  Day,  1267  E.  46th  St 

MAPLE  LEAF  LODGE  No.  84.  Oelweln. 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  of 
each  month  at  8  o.  m..  In  Temple  Block. 

Presl<^ent— J.  R.  Nichols,  410  3rd  Av.  N. 

Sec -Treas. — C.  S.  Scoles.  816  1st  Av.  E. 

Journal — Geo.  D.  Gibbona  19  1-2  South 
Frederick  St 

WICHITA  LODGE  No.  86.  Wichita. 
Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday 
ev<*nlng  In  Labor  Hall.  607  B.  Douglas  Av. 

President — J.  B.  Ceurvorst  886  North 
Wartilngton  St 

Sec — W.  J.  Gould. 

Treas. — A.  W.  Bums.  612  Cleveland  Av. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL  OF  THB  BWITCHMBN'B  UNICm. 


in 


dANGAMON  LODGE  No.  86,  Spring- 
field, IIL.  meets  second  and  fourth  Fri- 
days at  8.80  p.  m.,  in  Odd  Fellows'  Bldg., 
seventh  floor. 

President — ^T.  B.  Degge,  1787  B.  Bey- 
Isolds  St 

TreasL— R.  P.  Weston,  436  1-2  N.  6th  St 

Journal—^.  A.  Turner,  126  1-2  N.  6tb 
St 

COLUMBIA  LODGE  No.  87,  Portland. 
Ore.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  ul,  and 
last  Sunday  at  8  p.  nL,  at  614  Delay  St 

President — Geo.  McGlnnls,  189  Graham 
Ave. 

Sec— A.  F.  Schuman.  619  1-2  Williams 
Ave. 

lYeas.— Frank  Miebus,  220  N.  I7th  St 

Journal — ^B.  F.  Smith,  628  Miss.  Ave. 

BINTBRPRISB  LODGE  No.  88,  Green 
Bay.  Wis.,  meeU  last  Sunday  of  month  at 
PJL  in  Msoabees  Hall,  in  Punk  Block,  cor. 
Ibilnaod  Adams. 

President — ^Truman  Cuish.  1110  Division 
St 

Sec — M.  H.  Thompson,  608  Ashland 
Ave. 

Treas. — EL  B.  Janson,  926  a  Jackson 
St 

Journal — ^A.  Lewis,  1248  Broadway. 

OTTUMWA  LODGE  No.  89,  Ottumwa, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays  at  8  p. 
m.,  in  Labor  Hall,  cor.  Main  and  Court 
SUl 

President  and  Treas. — O.  C.  Kenney. 
706  W.  4th  St 

Sec— G.  R  Zellers,  609  W.  Main  St 

Journal — S.  H.  Loring.  116  Fairview 
Ave 

DBNISON  LODGB  No.  90,  Denison. 
Tei:.*  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
efvenliupi  mt  8  o*olo6k,  la  O.  R.  C.  New 
HUTlUln  8t 

President — ^B.  S.  Clark,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4. 

Sec  and  Treas.— M.  J.  Leabo,  1819  W. 
Gandy  St 

IRONDALB  LODGB  Na  91,  ChloafO, 
nU  meats  In  Odd  FeUows*  Hall,  oor.  loith 
St  and  Torrance  Ave^  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  KUduff,  €681  Peoria  St 

Sec  and  Journal— H.  A.  Flynn,  9041 
Commercial  Ave. 

TreasL — T.  L^  RoderlA  10440  Calhoun 
Ava.,  South  Chloago,  ML 

STANDARD  LODOS  >Na  98.  Cedar 
Rapids,  la.,  meets  In  Aoema  Bidf.,  be- 
twaen  6th  and  f  th  Sts.  S.,  second  Monday 
and  fourth  Tuesday,  8  p.  m. 

President— C  B.  Berger,  428  C  Ave.  B. 

Sec — ^H.  J.  Manchester,  Beaver  St 

Treaa.— ^N.  C  Cbs^man,  Box  418. 

Journal— O.  H.  Black,  1008  A  Ave.  B. 

TRUE  BLUE  LODGE  No.  93.  Oska- 
loosa,  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays, 
8.80  p.  nL.  at  610  High  Ave.  West 

President — Geo.  Oswander,  413  a  D  St 
Sec-Treas. — C.  O.  Cooper,  610  S.  H  St 
Journal — ^Harry  McSpadden,    610   N.   C 
St 

ON  THB  BANKS  OF  THB  WABASH 
LODGB  Na  94.  Terre  Haute,  Ind..  meeU 
every  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  at  8  p. 
m..  In  C.  L.  U.  Hall,  426  1-2  Main  St 
President— J.  Snyder,  642  N.  6th  St 
Sec— Dustin  Crawford,  418  N.  18th  St 
Troaa — H.  H.  Bylngton.  818  N.  16th  St 
Journal— F.  D.  BcOl,  1628  2nd  Ave. 


ASHTABULA  LODGB  Na   91.   i 

_jla,  C  meets  seeond  Sunday  at  7... 
noLp^and  toarth  Bfnd^  at  849  p.  m.. 


O.  R.  C.  QtOLl 
Presldent—W, 
St 


St 


89 


G.  Barker,  818  1-8  Wait 

Sec— C  J.  McKensle,  It  Stark  St 
Treas.— Chaa  L.  Kaln.  €8  Flsk  St 

LIMA  LODGB  No.  96,  Lima,  O.,  meeU 
first  Sunday  at  2  p,  m.  and  third  Simday 
at  7  p.  m..  Machinists'  Hall,  Fisk  Block. 

President — John  G.  Stegeman,  667  N. 
Jackson  St 

Sec-Treas. — S.  G.  Irwin,  476  W.  Mur- 
phy  St 

FRBBBORN    LODGB    Na.    97.    Albert 


. — ^  meats  first  Sondar  at  8  n.  b„ 

and  thhrd  Sunday  at  8  p.  miTm  Bad  Mm's 
Eiall,  oor.  William  and  Broaiaway. 
PresldentK-G.  C  RUey.  81S  Coyrt  St 
Sec  and  Treas.— J.  P.  Woodi^  81S  W. 
CollecaSt 

Journal — A.  L^  Hove,  268  &  PearL 

CADILLAC  LODGE  No  98,  Cadillac. 
Mich.,  meets  first  smd  third  Fridays  in 
Trades  and  Labor  Council  Hall,  at  8  p.  m. 

President — ^R  R  Stansbury,  429  Wal> 
lace  St 

Sec — ^Bernard  Long,  406  E.  Kne. 

Treas. — ^Thoa  Long,  407  W.  Garfield. 

Journal — ^A.  Craig,  Wright  St 

ELK  U>DGE   No.    99,    Buffalo.   N.    Y.. 

meets  in  Nagel's  Hall,  oor.  Hayward  and 

Elk  Sts.,  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  OO 

p.  m.,  and  last  Wednesday,  at  8  a.  m. 

President — ^W.  F.  Schleua  67  Monroe  St 

Sec-Trcaa— C.  Souter.  62  Gorham  St 


LTTTLB  GIANT  LODGB  No.  100  Mc- 
Kees  Rocks,  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at 
7.30  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.80  p. 
m.,  in  Christian  Hall,  219  Chartiers  Ave. 

President — ^W.  A.  Gkuian,  222  Munson 
Ave 

Sec. — ^E.  T.  Brown,  227  Mimson  Ave. 

Treas. — Robt.  McCarthy,  400  Woodward 
Ave. 

Journal — ^W.  E^yster,  110  Margaret  St 

ALUM  ROCK  LODGB  Na  19L  Saa 
Joas,  Cat.  meets  In  A.  O.  U.  W.  OaL 

President — Frank  E.  Webber,  S.  P. 
Yard  Offlca. 

Sec  and  Treas.— P.  J.  McKay,  18f  N. 
4th  St 


LEHIGH  LODGB  No.   108, 
Pa.,  meets  In  Reber's  Hall, 
fourth  Sundays^  at  8  p.  m. 

President — G.  Merts,  Packerton,  Pa. 

Treaa — ^M.  A  Cochran,  R.  F.  D.  No.  1, 
Box  91,  Welssport  Pa. 

Sec — B.  Sillers,  R.  F.  D.  No.  1,  Mauch 
Chunk,  Pa. 

Joomal— Geo.  Dolan,  Lehlghton,  Pa. 

SHRBVEPORT  LODGE  Na  108,  Shreve- 
port  La.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  in  Frank  Ryan's  resi- 
dence. 

President — ^Frank  Ryan,  Bossier  City, 
La. 

Sec-Treas. — JL  B.  Jones,  642  Davis  St 

JoumsJ — S  P.  Moore,  Gary  St 


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JOURNAL  OV  THffSWiTOHMBXN'B  UNION. 


Wrji^BT  CliOVSB  liODGB  Mo«  144,  Ar- 
iBftniM  OUj,  Kan. 
•FMiddent— A.  J.  Oweiuu  X017  a  B  8t. 

Sec.— U  F,  £>od«oii»  BSuvUk^  Olluu 
'Treaa.— Qeo.  B.  Hamiiioiid,  511  &  C  8t 

Jourpal — ^R,  B^  CoiUnM,.  Miiakogee,  OkkL 

OZARK  LOPOB  No.  106,  Sprlnflfleld, 
Mo.»  meeta  second  and  fourth  Tuesdayi.  at 
8.80  p.  m.:  each  month,  In  Workmen's  UaU, 
38&  Boouvllle  at, 

tfec.  and  Treaa.— B.  F.  Cole,  CamphaU 
Mid  Carney  Sta. 

Journal— O.  B.  Smith,  1030  W.  AtlanUc 
St,         _J ■ 

TUBE  CITY  LODOS  No.  106,  McKees- 
0OFt;^Pa»*-m6«rU  siBcoAd  and  fourth  Sun- 
dayfsiit  7.80v^  m.,  in  First  NaUonal  Bank 

Pr98ldcitit--*F»^J^iBv«nnaii,  620  6th  Ave. 
S^iO.-Ti^eas.'^^i.  SL  Bevans,  110  8th  Ave. 
^^JoUrtiat-— D. 'P.  Costello,  172  Duqueane, 
Duquesne,,  Pa.   .  .'''-' 

-  •''■  ^   •-'--■■  '    ^  ■   ■         '  ' ' 

HBAD  OF  THE  LAKE  L.ODQE  No. 
107,  Superior,  Wis.,  meeta  first  Sunday  at 
2.^0  p.  m.  and  third  Simday  at  8  p.  m..  in 
Union  Labor  Hall,  1423  Belknap  St 

Presldeot — O.  F.  Ells.  1028  Banks  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Journal — ^J.  C.  O'Connell,  1124 
Grand  Ave. 

Treaa — W.  Whearatt,  1628  Banks  Ave. 

ROUOH  RIDER  LODOB  N6.^108.  Hor- 
nau,  N.  T^  meeta  flrat  and  thtrd  Friday 
•venlnga  of  each  month  at  8.16  o'oloclc» 
and  second  and  fourth  Fridays  at  4  p.  m., 
in  Engineers'  Hail,  108  Main  St. 

Freaident— P.  L.  CulUnan.  91  Rtver  St. 

Sec.— W.  R.  Burke,  100  Maple  St. 

Treaa.— Jaa.  Colbert,  68  Pine  St. 

Journal— J.  B.  Baldwhi,  11  Pleasant  St. 

:SAQINAW  LODGE  No.  110,  Saginaw, 
K.  a,  Michigan,  meets  at  0.30  a.  m.  on 
the  first  and  third  Simdays  of  each  month, 
at  Myrtle  HalL  502  Potter  St 

President — seth  Bark,   213   Wadsworth 
St 
Sea— Barnes  H.  Hickey.  1027  N.  7th  SL 
Treaa— H.  S.  Gay.  1028  N.  6th  St 
Journal — J.  G.  Ladebauche,  708  Farwell. 
B.,S. 

•  INDIAN  CREEK  liODGB  Na  111, 
Marion,  la.,  meeu  second  Saturday  after- 
noon and  fourth  Saturday  evening,  at  L  O. 
O.  F.  Hall. 

Preaident— T.  B.  Nichols,  7th  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treaa. — Jolin  Lieming,  482  18th 

Joiimal-^T.  J.  Ryan,  7  th  Ave. 

I^ETCONG  LODGE  No,  112,  Netcong. 
N.  J.,  meets  in  Clark's  Hall,  on  second 
Wjadnesday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sun- 
day at  2.30  p.  m. 

President — C.  Bird,  Dell  Ave. 

.SeaJmd  Jour. — Burtis  Bird,  Allen  St 

Treaa — James  O'Neil,  Mechanic  St 

;IU8TJDND  LODGE  No.  lU,  Clnoln- 
datTo.,  meeU  Ui  Vtilcan  fiall,  Martin 
SW  third  Friday  of  each  month,  at  8.80 
p.'  m. 

^Preijldent,   Treaa    and   Journal — ^A.    T. 
CkriviMi  '&48  .Overton  St,  Newport*  Ky. 
Sec!— K^B.  Alwtn.  1708  Hoff  Ave: ' 


BROOMB  LODOB  No.  114,  ] 

N.  T.,  meeU  second  and  fourth  Monday 
evenings  at  8  a'dock  in  Odd  Fallows' 
Hall,  289  Chenanga 

President-John  MoMahon,  48  Griswcdd  St 

Sec.  and  Treaa— Geo.  Martin.  41  Men- 
delssohn. 

Journal— MIohaal  Bhaahan,  88  Fayatta. 


JERSEY  CITT  LODGE  Na  111,  Jara» 
City,  N.  J.,  maau  at  FUAar'a  Hail,  in 
Hudson  St,  Hobokan,  N.  J.,  third  Sunday 
at  8  p.  m. 

Preaident— J.  Londregoo*  784  Monaatary 
St,  W.  Hobokaa.  N.  J. 

Sec.— J.  J.  Devlna  286  St  Paul  Ava 

Treaa— Martin  Kaating,  1816  Willow 
Ava,  Hoboken,  N.  J. 


BUCKEYE  LODGE  No.  U6,  Conneaut; 
O..  meeu  first  Sunday  at  2  p.  in.,  and 
third  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  each  month,  in 
G.  A.  R.  HaU,  Stanley  Block,  Main  St 

President— P.  J.  KeUey,  287  Adams  St 

Sea  and  Jour. — ^H.  D.  Badger,  827  Har- 
bor St 

Treaa — E.  C.  McCloskey,  698  Broad  St 

SALT  LAKE  LODGE  No.  11}»,  Salt 
Lake  City,  Utah,  meeU  second  and  fourth 
Tuesdays  at  8.80  p.  m.,  at  Federation  of 
LaborHall,  Fourth,  South  and  State  Sta 

President— John  Bayea  227  W.  6th  N. 
St 

Sec.— J.  E.  McLaughlin,  263  W.  N. 
Templa 

Treaa— H.  S.  Smith.  644  West  4th  N. 

Journal-— E.  A.  FuUerton,  628  W.  1st 
North  St 

SALT  LAKE  LODGE  No.  119,  Salt 
Lake  City,  Utah.  maaU  aeoond  and  fourth 
Tuesday  at  8.80  p.  m.,  at  Fadaration  of 
LaborHall,  4th  South  and  State  Sta 

President— P.  H.  Hughaa.  1»  N.  Sth  St. 
West 

Sec.— C.  L.  Smith,  609  W.  8d  St  & 

Treaa— H.  &  Smith,  644  West  4th  N. 

Jourpal— H.  M.,  Bentley,  140  8nd  Wast. 

LINCOLN  LODGE  Na  180.  LtoodB. 
Neb.,  meets  first  Thunday  at  8  P.  M.  and  third 
Sunday  at  2  P.  M.,ln  Labor  Temple,  216  N. 
11th  St 

prasldent— F.  O.  Pierson,   741  &  87tii 

.  Sec.— J.  H.  Francisco,  2047  South  8t 
Treaa^V.  Jl  Brown,  424  a  Jlft^St.^ 
Journal — Fred  Mancheater,  8686  H  St 

MISSOULA  LODGE  No.  122,  Missoula^ 
Mont,  meeta  first  and  third  Sundaya  of 
each  month  at  8  p.  m,  in  L  O.  O.  F.  HalL 

President— Robt  Sheehan,  136  E.  Main 
St 

Sec.-Treaa — C.  A.  Maloney,  General  De- 
livery. Deer  Lodge,  Mont  ^ 

Journal — ^Bnice  Mackey,  626  Sherwood 
St     ^ 

rvrORYDALE  LODGE  No.  128,  EUa- 
wood  Place,  O.,  meets  in  Keller's  Hall,  300 
Main  Ava,  second  and  fourth  Fridays  at 

President  and  Jour. — ^E.  J.  Alexander, 
100  Park  Ava,  HartwelL  O. 
Sec— W.  DeNeese,  416  Wahiut  St 
Treaa — ^Anthony  Ash,  300  Elmwood  Av. 


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^ 


JBLi  RBNO  LODGES  No.  lSV^^^^^^9t 
OUa^  meets  in  Red  lien's  HaU»'^8eoond 
and  fourth  Tueedayiu  8  p.  m.      '  -    ■' 

President — J>.  H.  SlOver%  ttO-  8.  Choc- 
taw St  ...... 

Sec-^Ted  Torpey,  410  &  M60oMb  St. 

Treaa — ^Harry  Morris,  811  N.  ;^c(mL:0t. 

Journal — Dacy  Hovenden,  808  S.  Bob- 
erUSt 

MSCHBS  LODGE  No.  126,;  Beaumoht, 
Tex.,  meeU  at  K.  of  P.  HalT  on  the  second 
and  fourth  Sundays  of  each  month  at  ,8 

***  iSesident— U  C.  KeUy.  1547  Laurel  Av, 
Sec.— A.  T.  Wood,  1194  I4berty  Ave. 
Treas.— B.  C.  Kirk,  1158  South  St. 
Journal — ^W.  S  Graves,  1806  Xdberty. 


HAWKBTB  LOOQB  Mo.  IIC,  lianiiaU* 
town,  la.,  meets  third  Sunday  each  monUi 
at8».mi«T.]€.C.A.  HalL 

Fre8identr-<3.  Morgan.  210  &  40th  Ave. 

Sec,  Treaa  and  Journal— J.  Q.  Jjjndb. 
502  a  8rd  St. 

ra.  AKTHONT  liODGB  No.  Ut,  Miii- 
asapoH^  Minn.,  meeU  In  Odd  FUlows* 
HUL  Fourth  St.  and  Oentral  Ave.,  first 
flVBtty  8  D.  m.,  third  Sunday  at  8.80  n.  m. 

Sec.  and  Journal — ^A,  U  Maehy,  ^489 
7th  8L  a 

Ttea&— J.  9.  La  France.   110   4th  St 

a  n 

BLBCTBIC  CITY  LODGE  No.  129, 
Scrsnton.  Pa.,  meeU  at  G.  A.  It  Hall, 
Pennsylvania  and  Linden  St&,  second  Sun- 
day at  8.46  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at 
7.30  p.  m. 

President— Bobert  W.  Flynn,  1715  Pros- 
Sec.— Patrick  Byan,  424  Bailroad  Ave. 
TreasL   and  Jour. — J.   P.   Crowley.   274 
Bailroad  Ave. 

FORT  HAMn/rON  LOr>GE  No.  180. 
HamUton,  O.,  meets  in  Trades  Council 
HalL  Second  and  Court  Sts.,  second  and 
fourth  Thnrsdigrs  at  8.80  p.  m.  ^^   ^ 

President—Thomas  A.  Connell,  488  & 
4th  8t 

Sec— Charles  J.  Welch,  624  a  4th  St 
Tieaa— W.  J.  Welchr624  8.  4th  St 
Journal— Albert  Gronbact,  919  B.  Lud- 
iQfW  BL 

TBI-CITY  LODGE  No.  188.  Bock  Isl- 
and, m..  meets  fli'st  Monday  night  at  8 
o'clock,  and  third  Simday  morning  at  9.80 
o'clock.  Industrial  Home  HaU,  2l8t  St 
and  8rd  Ave. 

President-^.  B.  Putchett,  8016  10th  Av. 

Sec.— H.  W.  Olson,  2530  6  1-2  Ave. 

Treas.— W.  Meilke,  510  89th  St 

JdumaVr^Ben  Jaoobson.  602  89th  St 

SUCCESS  LODGE  No.  184,  St  Louis, 
Ma,  meeta  first  and  third  Fridays,  8  p.  m., 
Bremen  Hall.  8805  N.  11th  St 

President— Wm.  Ferguson,  2265  Alice 
Ave. 

Sec.— Frank  Calhoun.  2140  Salisbury  St 

TreasL— J.  J.  McCarthy,  2248  Geraldine. 

PUGET  SOUND  LODGE  Na  a85,  Ta- 

cotna.  "wash.,  meets  in  Milwaukee  HaU, 

oorr28rd  and  Jefferson  Sts,,  second  ahd 

fourth  Mondays  of  each  moiith  at  2.8i> 

p.  m. 


tildent^F.  J.  Maxiield,  40th  ahk'E. 
-^Harry  Morse^  609  •  E.  SOth  ifc*  " ': 
Treaa-rrC.  B.  Whitman.  ^716  A  St- •  ' 
JourtfaH-J.  W.  Vail,  Spanaway;:_wash. 

y      i":      ^.  I— "•■   '-  .■      ■■      '.        '!■''■  ■ 

_8POKANB  LODGB  Na  187,  SpokMi^ 
Wash.,  meeu  In  BartendersT  Hall,  6181-8 
Blvterslde  Ave,  secqnd  Tuesday,  8.M  p. 
Ok.,  and  fourth  Sunday.  ^  7.80  p.  in. 

President— H.  H.  (Jhapman,  10  vlTl  Srd 
AVe, 

Sec.— lEt  D.  Buckley,  717  9.  Brmln»  8t 

Tr^aA— A.  J.  Welton.  8818  E.  6th  Ave. 

Journal— <JV  A.  Guent%  1019  Ist  Ava.  - 


ALAMO  LODGB  Na  188,  flan  ABtOfik^ 
T«X4  ikMJBU  first  and  third  Tueiday  s»8n- 
ings  at  8.89  o'clock,  at  Murrls^  Hall^  A»s- 
tin  and  19th  mk  T^.  TT^ 

President,  Sec.  and  TreaSL-^  R.  W^|)b» 
600  Lamar* 

Journal— 9.  H  Baaoo,  888 


SECOND  dTT  LODGE  Na  140.  Nas- 
hua, N.  H.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sim^ 
days  at  noon.  In  Barker's  HalL 
I>resldentr-H.  B.  Fase^  8  Allds  St 
Sec.— J.  Enright,  lO^FOundry  St 
Treaa— Willis  L.  Roger%ao  Hhattuck  St 
Journal— Wm.  J.  Howard,   90  1-1  ^Flil4 


qu< 
1 1 


SISSQUEHANNA  LODGB  No.  141.  Sue- 
lehanna.  Pa.,  meets  every  Wednesday  at 
p.  m..  at  84  High  St ,  Oakland. 
President  and  SecrTreas. — ^D.  H.  Gris- 
wold.  84  High  St,  Oakland. 

OPEN  PORT  CITT  LODGB  Na  Itt, 
Muskegon,  Mich.,  meets  first  and  thhrd 
Sundays  at  10  a.  m..  at  North  Yard's 
Office.  Ottawa  St 

President— Henry  J.  Martin,  186  Jack- 
son St 

Sec.  and  Journal — ^B.  W.  Ferris,  808  Ot- 
tawa 8t 

Treas.— -Ll  A.  Knapp,  68  Ottawa  St 

LAFAY]^TTB  LODGB  Na  148,  Lafftjr* 
ette,  Ind.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday  at 
1.80  p.  nL.  In  Leache's  HaU,  oor.  8rd  and 
Chestnut  Sts. 

Ptesident— B.  J.  Stophena  1108  QttOea 
St 

Sec— B.  G.  Hannagan,  856  Green  St 

Treas.— J.  C  Kennedy.  840  Green  8t 


TjSLBGRAM  LODGE  No.  144.  Ehnira. 
N.  T.,  meets  the  first  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  of  each 
month,  at  St  James*  Hall,  Paric  pt  and 
Clhiton  St 

President— M.  W.  Powers.  756  a  Main 
St 
Sec. — ^Wm.  Murphy,  318  W.  7th  St 
Treaa— T.  J.  Hurley,  962  Main  St 
Journal — J.  W.  Bowes,  448  W.  &th  St 


CALUMET  LODGB  No.  141,  Bast  Gbl- 
caga  Ind..  meets  first  and  Uilrd  Bmidaysi 
8  p.  m..  In  Muss'  HalL 

President  and  Jour.— B.  J.  Oibom,  4788 
OlooU  St  ^      .  , 

Seo.— T.  A.  Cregan,  4864  LagOQA  Ata 

Treaa— MartlnT5r^<oGr«for,lri«t  ^H" 
Freedman  Bldg.     **"- 


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JOURNALr  0^  TH9  0WITCHMErr8  UNKtof. 


INDIANAPOUB  LODOB  Na  14t»  In- 
meeu    flnt    and    third 


Mondays  at  8  p.  m..  at  Morrtaon'a  HaU. 

M  1-2  Monument  PL 
PrMid«nt— P.  O'Sbaa.  128  &  Noble  St 
S«^-<3.  A.  Akmr%   1012  Hoyt  Ave. 
Trea&  and  Journal— H.  L.  Hickn  2628 

Oentral  Avo. 

GATE  CITY  L.ODQB  No.  147,-  Texar- 
kana,  Tex.,  meete  on  second  and  fourth 
Tuesday  evenings  at  1320  Maple  St 

President— J.  T.  Smith.  811  B.  Broad  St 
Sec-Treaa— Wm.  Kelley.  1820  Maple  St 
Journal — ^F.  J.  Bumb,  112  State  St 

FRBBPORT  LODGB  No.  148, 
UL,  meets  at  Odd  Fellow^  HalU 
•nndar  at  2.88  p.  ol*  and  foarth  " 

*  Pr&tet— Wm.  H.  CTMalte.  IT  Kkkmr 
poo  ML 

Sec.  and  Treas.— F.  it  Dnnlap^  Room  7, 
39  Stevenson  St 

BLXHART  LODGE  No.   161,   Elkhart. 

Ind.,  meets  first  Tuesday  at  2.30  p.  m.. 

and  third  Tuesday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  in  Red 

Men's  Hall,  228  8.  Main  St 

President — ^L.  H.  Martin,  423  Sherman 

St 

Sec — C  C.  Wa«ner,  1418  Prairie  St 
Treas.— G.  D.  Elliott  1604  S.  Main  St 
Journal— C.  H.  Hamelin,  108  Washing- 

ton  et 

8TRACU8B  IX>OOB  Na  162.  ftrnumas, 
N.  T.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wsdnes 


QOOD  HOPS  LODOB  No.  189.  Touaas- 
^    meets  third  Tneaday  at  248346 


days  of  every  month  at  8  p.  m..  In  Kear- 
ney's Hall.  cor.  a  Qeddes  and  GIfford  StSL 
President— W.  A.  Ryan.  104  WIlUs  Ave. 
Sec.— T.  W.  Rellly.  807  WhitUer  Ava 
TreaSL— A.  H.  Richardson.  788  Otesoo  St 

TRIANGLE  LODOB  No.   164,  Staplaa 


Treaa — ^W.  A.  CnmmJngs,  Box  828. 

THANKSGIVING  LODGE  No.  166,  Chi- 
cago, O.,  meets  in  K.  of  C.  Hall  fifst  Fri- 
day in  month  at  7.80  p.  m.,  and  third 
Friday  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  W.  Heckman. 

Sec.— J.  P.  Cooley. 

Treaa — J.  S.  Swarts. 

GOLDEN  GATE  LODGE  No.  168,  Oak- 
land. Cat,  meets  in  Fidelity  Hall,  comer 
Seventh  and  Peralta  Sta,  second  and 
fourth  Tuesday  evenings  at  8  o'clock. 

President— E.  R.  Stockton.  1017  1-2 
Wood  St 

Sea— C.  J.  McCarthy,  692  1-2  26th  St 

Treaa  and  Jour.— C.  H.  Soott  1616  1-2 
8th  St 

FORKED  DEER  LODGE  No.  169.  Jack- 
son, Tenn.,  meets  first  and  third  Satunliys 
at  7.30  p.  m..  in  B.  of  L.  F.  &  E.  HEai, 
cor.  Market  and  Main  Sta 

President— Edward  J.  Phillips,  146  Mo- 
bile Ave. 

Sec — ^Robert  B.  Curry,  624  E.  Chestnut 
St. 

Treaa. — C.  L  Goodman,  103  Lee  St 

BIENVILLE  LODGE  No.  166.  Mobile. 
Ala.,  meets  at  402  Bloodgood  St.  first  and 
third  Tuesdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  Connora   260  Beauregard 


President — ^H.  Keeling,  Forest  Ave. 

Sec.— B.  J.  Korman.  1662  MUlioent  Ave. 

TreasL  and  Journal — ^F.  Owen%  724  Wil- 
son  Av. 

VALLBT  LODGB  No.  178.  Sayre.  Pa., 
meets  In  P.  a  a  of  A.  Hall.  Lookhart  8U 
second  and  fourth  Tueodasrs  at  8.80  p.  m. 

PresldeBtr-M.  J.  Harding,  10  WtUlam 
'    Waverly.  N.  T. 

>&— John    Goodall.    FkUott    Building. 

Treaa— Robert  Fitigerald,  6  Ulster  St. 
Waverly.  N.  T. 

Journal — Thomas  F.  Frost  Broad  St. 
Waverly,  N.  T, 

TWIN  CITT  LODOB  No.  178.  La  Salla 
nU  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  it 
a.  m..  Eagles'  Hall,  corner  1st  and  Qood- 

''^f'Mftaent— A.  J.  Kerwidt  86  8th  St 

See.  and  Journal     J.  B.  Bowers.  888  4tto 
St 
Treas.— P.  B.  Davl%  184  Qoodtog. 
DES  MOINES  LODGE  No.  174.  VaUey 
Junction,  la.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p. 
m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  2  p.  m..  in  Fra- 
ternal Hall.  Valley  Junction,  la. 
President — ^A.  L.  Shearer. 
Sec. — Cliarles  F.  Shuey. 
Treaa— A.  U  Ketter. 

Journal— John  F.'Sammon. 

DANVILLE  LODGE  No.  176,  Danville, 
ni.,  meets  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  9all.  first  and 
third  Mondays,  at  8  p.  m. 

President— C.  J.  McGlinchy,  17  Robin- 
son St 

Sec — ^L.  J.  Hagerman.  1000  Myers  St 
Treaa — John  King,  1210  Tennessee  St 
Journal— J.  H.  Smith,  627  Porter  St 
SALAMANCA  LODGB  No.   178,   Sala- 
manca. N.  Ty  meeU  at  Royal  Arcannm 
Halt  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  and  fourth 
Sunday  at  8.80  p.  m.,  Salamanca,  N.  T. 
President— J.  Munhy.  Sycamore  Ave.,, 
Sea  and  TreasL— J.  J.  CJonnelly.  8  WU- 

Uam  St 

WHIRLPObL  LODOB  No.  177.  Nlag- 
ara  Falli^  N.  T..  meets  the  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  at  Central  Labor 
CouncU  Halt 

President  and  Treaai— ^W.  C  Hubbard. 
88  Falls  8t :  'phons  BeU  811L  _ 

See.— N.  F.  wSred,  2282  Loclmort  St 
Journal— Gee.  B.  &&.  842  2nd  St 
BLACK   DIAMOND   LODOB   No.    178. 
PIttston.  Pa.,  meets  first  and  third  Moo- 
days  at  8  p.  m..  at  St  Aloyslu^  Hall.  8. 
Mate  8t 
President— Pat  KeUy,  12  Center  St 
See.  and  Treas.— G.  Scharar.  88  Wasb- 

ington  St.  West  PIttston. 

FARGO  LODGE  No.  180,  Fargo,  N.  D.. 
meets  at  Assembly  Hall  second  |uid  fourth 
Saturdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President— C.  Simona  707  Second  N. 
Sec.  and  Jour. — D.  M.  Hurley,  Assembly 
Hall. 

Treaa — G.  Welssert  28  Oak  Grove. 
BIO    FIVE    LODGB    No.    181.    Dallaa 
meets  at  W.  O.  W.  Hall.  848  Main 


Sec. — H.  I>  Meadowa  316  N.  Conception       Ave. 


Tex.,  mc ...  _.     .- — , 

St,  last  Sundur  in  montL  at  8l>.  nt 
President — ^Frank    "'  " 


821 


Treaa — C.  W.  Rayfield,  867  Earl  St 
Journal— W.  C.  Burton.  S.  E  cor.  Con- 
ception and  Beauregard  Sta 


Sea  and  Treaa — Thomas  J.  Peters^  2708 
Birmingham  St 

Journal — ^W.  P.  BoaBsr.  182  Nuebanmer 
St 


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JdtmNAL  or  THB  BWrrCHMBN'il  UNION. 


IIT 


KAL.I-INLA  LODGE  No.  1S2,  Rafley- 
▼Ule,  CMda.,  meets  first  and  third  'Fridays 
at  8*p.  TIL,  to  Mesenla  HalL 

President— J.  YocksUck. 

Sec-Treas. — ^B.  W.  Edwards,  Box  857. 

Journal— C.  T.  Norman. 

WINDSOR  LODGE  No.  184.  WbldMl^ 
Ont.  meets  first  and  third  Toesdajs  at  I 
p.  m..  at  Foresters'  HaU. 

Presldeiit*-Thos.  Bairowa  88  Conr  ▲▼• 

Sea— J.  W.  AUdrttt  Box  488. 
J.  Lomiee,  Bos  488. 


Treaa— £.  D.  Brough.  1214  E.  46th  8t 
Journal — S.  A.  Fosarty,  1136  Richmond 


St 


,  MAD  RIVER  LODGE  No.  188,  Dayton, 
O..  meets  first  and  fourth  Mondays  at 
7.S0  p.  m..  to  Hollencamp  Hall,  Market 
and  Jeflfprson  Sts. 

President — ^William  M  Thompson,  887 
Huflh!mui  Ave. 

Sec. — ^M.  J.' O'Connor,  484  E.  2nd  St 
Treas.— Wm.  A.  Miller,  184  Eaker  St 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON  LODGE  No. 
188,  Dolton,  nu  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  HUt 

Presldrat— ^.  O'Brien.  227  Ltnoota  Ave. 

See.— D.    J.    GcOlagher,    18748    Leydefi 
Ave.,  Chl^MTO,  m. 
.  Treaa.— J;  J^  Headley. 

Journal — ^P.  H.  Sexton. 

GRBUNVILLB  LODGE  No.  18f.  Greett- 
▼nie,  TeoL.  meets  first  and  third  Thursdays 
at  8  p.  n. 

President,  Sec.  and  Treas.-~H.  O.  Al- 
len.  1818  N.  King  St 

LYONS  LODGE  No.  191,  Lyons,  N.  Y. 
President — Jas.  McDermott  Geneva  St 
Bec.-Treas. — Jas.  Sheldon.  169  Canal  St 

TIGER  LODGE  No.  192,  Detroit  Mich., 
meets  In  Schiller's  Hall.  cor.  St  Auhln 
and  Gratiot  Ave.,  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  m. 

Presldf^nt — C.  F.  €roff.  488  Toledo  Ave. 

Sec — C    Simmons.  229  Woodbrldge  St 

Treaa — J    J.  Kenyon.  128  Chestnut  St. 

Journal — ^Frank  D.  Conway.  67  Alice  Av. 

FRANKLIN  PARK  LODGE  No.  198. 
Franklin  Park.  HI.,  meets  second  and 
'r.nrth  Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Switchmen's 
Hall. 

Presidf^nt — Gf^rfte  W.  Cissna. 

Sk^. — Albert  H.  Barton. 

Treaa — ^Frank  BrlnkerhoflF. 

Journal — John  J.  Breen. 

KETRTONB  LODGE  No.  194,  Ball- 
stead.  Fa..  m#Ks  first  Wednesday  at  T.St 
0.  m..  and  third  Wednesday  at  T.88  a.  m^ 
at  Chine's  H^n.  M^ln  St 

PresidPtit — ^Wm.  Squires. 

Sec — Thomas  Caasy. 

Treaa. — ^Fred  Depker.  8  Ross  8t 

Jonmat— Daniel  Downey. 

TERMINAL  LODGE  No.  198.  little 
Rook.  Aflt,  mM4M  first  and  third  FHdays 
at  t  p.  m..  to  ▼oc<ars  nalL 

President— T.  McCutcheon,  2118  W.  4th 
St 

See.  and  Treaa— W.  J.  Medwl,  1018 
Wnltor  St 

CHICAGO  LODGE  No.  199.  Chicaao. 
TIL.  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and 
fouH^h  Sundav  at  1.80  p.  m.,  each  month, 
nt  Hannah  Hogg's  Hall.  128  W.  Randolph 
St 

President — John  J.  Clyne.  2828  Prince- 
ton Ave. 

Sec. — J.  W.  Hemen,  1719  S.  Morgan  St. 


CONSTITUTION  LODGE  No.  100. 
South  Boston,  Mass..  meets  first  and  tfaM 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,   150 1-8   S.  Boston. 


PresldeBt— Geo.  Wise.  160  1-8  M  St 
Sec.  and  Treaa.— ^.  C.  Lamh,  84  Cres- 
cent St,  IS.  Somenrllle,  Maaa. 
Joamal— B.  B.  Bioe,  788  Main  St,  Greenwood. 


HAPFT  DAT  LODGE  Na  801.  Buffalo. 
N.  T..  meats  second  and  fourth  Friday 
eventocs  at  8.80  o'clock,  third  Thui 
at  9  a.  m.,  at  Beyer's  Hall.  cor. 
and  Swan  Sts: 

President— J.  J.  aConnell,  40  Bolton  PI 

Sec.  and  Journal — G.  C  Roth.  159  High 
St 

Treaa.— Wm.  Krleger,  28  French  St 

PASCO  LODGE  No.  202.  Pasco.  Wash., 
meets  last  Saturday  of  month  at  8  p.  m.. 
at  Eaglea*  Halt 

President — ^F.  R.  Lee.  Box  715. 

Sec. — G.  Sanderson,  Box  715. 

Treas. — J.  J.  Kolinsky.  Box  715. 

Journal — ^L.  M.  Emery,  Box  716. 

FORT  DODGE  LODGE  No.  20^!,  Fort 
Dodge.  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
of  each  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  G.  A.  R.  Hall. 
Central  Ave. 

President — ^M.  D.  Kane,  1407  Eleventh 
Ave.  a 

Sec.  and  Jour. — S.  R  Huffman.  1027  S. 
11th  St 

Treaa — ^F.  L.  Barker.  1718  Central  Ave. 

DELTA  LODGE  No.  205.  Cairo.  HI., 
meets  in  Day's  Hall,  12th  and  Washington 
Sta.  se«''x>nd  and  fourth  Friday  evenlnge 
at  8  o'clock. 

President — ^Frank  Sauerbery,  2108  Pine 
St 

Sec. — Alonxo  F.  Kellis.  608  Jefferson  Av. 

Treaa — G**o.  J.  Gilmore,  510  Walnut  St. 

Journal— Frank  N.  Ireland.  218  12th  St 

MIDWAY  lk>DGE  No.  206.  St.  Paul. 
Minn.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday. 
8  p.  m..  in  Columbia  Hall,  cor.  Prior  and 
University. 

President  and  Treaa — E.  L.  Matheny. 
202  4th  Ave.  S.  E..  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

AUBURN  PARK  LODGE  No.  208,  Chl- 
cago,  HI.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  m..  in  Auburn  Hall,  cor.  79th  St. 
and  Lowe  Ave. 

President— R.  H.  Spence.  859  W.  86th  PI. 

Sec — ^M.  E.  Glover.  5946  Marshfleld  Av. 

Treas. — ^Louls  Boyce.  7944  Panfell  Ave. 

EVENING  STAR  LODGE  No.  209.  Buf- 
falo.  N.  Y..  meets  to  Beyer's  Hall.  cor. 
Emslle  and  Swan  Sts..  first  and  third 
Thursdays  at  8.80  p.  m..  and  third  Wednes- 
dav  at  8.80  a.  m. 

President— J.  W.  Slattery,  28  OakdaJe 
PI. 

Sec. — Thomas  Davla  888  Elk  St 

Treas. — W.  J.  McGreiror.  68  Goode  Ave. 

Journal — ^W.  D.  Lewis.  177  Seneca  St 

mOnongahela  lodge  Na  ii¥. 
Pittsburg.  Pa.,  meets  second  Simday  at 
10.45  a.  m..  and  fonrth  Sunday  at  7.41 
p.  m..  in  A.  O.  H.  HaU.  1715  Sarah  Mt,  S.  8. 

President — ^P.  H.  Schmidt  15  SL  Tele- 
siyme  St 

Sec.— E.  WllUns.  9614  Boelah  St 

Treas.— W.  J.  Mangan.  90  S.  11th  8t 


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jom^Ahr^i^^nm^mTneRWBtrB-mnos. 


.PRIDE  OFTHB  YAldMT  LODQBI'No. 
Sli».SInmM^  PIL,  tiieeto  second  and  f onrtti 
8and«y«  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  at  S  p.  m. 

President— W.  R.  Prout 
'  8ee.-^Ii.  F»  Lsmoh. 

^  iTrefij^^^.  H.  OoUfck,  Box  ISS. ' 
f'Jonmal — ^P..  J.  Ctovagfaan. 


LODGE  No.  212.  Braddock,  Pa.,  meets 
at  11 T  Bessemer  Terrace.  Bast  Pittsburg. 
Pa.,  first  Sunday  at  .2  p.  m..-  and  third 
Simday  at  7  p.  m. 

President — ^Mlke  Molkerrln,  117  Besse- 
mer Terrace.  B.  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Sea-^R.'  E.  Stell,  212  C?urry  St,  Bt^ad- 
dodc  Pa.'  ">- 

fErees^^— W.  J.  McKenna,  227  Braddock 
Ave.,  B.  Plttsburgr.  Pa. 

Journal — ^A.  Brown,  2  Churifh  St,  Turtle 
Greek.  Pa.  ___ 

'"  aiA>    KBNTTtCKT^  LODGE    No.     214. 
Ludlow,  Ky.,  meets  second  Sunday  At  2 
p   m..  and  fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m..  In 
Odd  Fellows'  Hall.  Elm  and  Butler  Sts. 
.  Presldpnt— M.  M.  Miller,  2  EucUd  Ave. 

Sec—W.  X  Schachlelter.  949  W.  8th  St.. 
Cincinnati,  O. 

Treas. — C.-  H.  Schwartz.  12  Highway  AV. 

Journal — ^F.  W.  Nlebaum.  Elm  and  Ken- 
ner  Sta _^  

OKLAHOMA  CITY  LODGE  No.  21«. 
Oklahoma  Citv.  Okla. 

President — Ed.  T.  Brown,  521  W.  Frisco 
St 

Treas. — ^R.  S.  Oldham.  10  E.  3rd  St^ 

CHTffKASHA  LODGE  Nor217.  CJhick- 
asha,  Okla. 

President — ^R.  T.  Estes,  410  Choctaw  Av. 

Treas. — L.  R.  Russell.  218  Penn  Ave. 
.  Journal — ^Ray   McCormIck,    care   R.    R. 
.Yards  OfWce. 

NORTH  MoALIflTER  LODGE  No.  118. 
North  MeAllstAr,  Okla. 

President— W.  C.  TIppit  24  Townsend 
Ave. 

'  See.  and  Treas. — A.  C,  Drumb.  Jr.,  86 
BoTen  Ave. 

Joomal— C.  B.  Powers.  8  Sprinwrer  Ave. 

HULBERT  LODGE  Nor  219.  HUlbert 
Ark.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundairs. 

President— J.  J.  Carlley. 

Sec — F.  Lloyd. 

Treas.— R.  A.  Hewett 

NICKEL~PLATE  LODGE  No.  220.  Buf- 
falo. N.  Y..  meets  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days at  8.80  p.  m..  and  third  Tuesday  at 
*8.80  a.  m..  at  McCarth3r's  Hall,  Seneca,  and 
Walter  Sts. 
^.President — ^Homer  Dewett,   20  Weyand 

Rec.-Treas. — J.  J.  Smith.  51  Imson  St 
Journal — ^F.  M.  McFarland.  1080  Elk  St. 

IJ^CKAWANNA  LODGE  No.  221,  Lack- 
.awsnna,  N.  Y..  meets  second  and  fourth 
1>Vidays  of  each  month  at  8.80  t>.  m.,  and 
fourth  Friday  at  8.80  a.  m.,  at  McCarthv's 
HalL  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sts.;  BufCalo. 

President — J.  G.  Evoy.  815  Smith  "St. 
BufTalo.  N.  Y.  . 

P^..--Jas  .Garvey..  700  S.  Division  St, 
BirtTalo,  ;N.^  Y.  . 

Treas.— H.  Turner.  78  Lilac  St.  Buffalo. 
N.:Y.  •   ■       ■       • 

•  Journal — ^Wm.  Flvnn  1769  South  Park 
^Ave.." Lackawanna.  N.  Y.  _^^^     _:1^_„ 

.  rBJVANSVTLLB  LODGE  No.  222^  Bvans- 
vllle.  Tnd..  me*»ts  In  C.  L.  U.  Hall.  Third 
and  Division  -Sts.v  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  8  p.  nfi. 


i^i;^d6nt— J.  .B..  La.  MeU,  1^.  Walnut 

Sec.-Treas.— W.   W,  HarHs.  IJoV  JDsalt 
Michigan  St 
Journal — J.  P.  Glass.  28  William  Bt 

YOAKUM    LODGE    No.    228.    Yoakum. 
Tex. 
President — Osoar  Olsen. 
flec^-T.  B.  Harria 
Treaia — J.  A.  Wilson.  Box  266. 

"  StiLL  CITY  LODGE  No.'224;  Peofia. 
HI.,  meets  -second  and  fourth  Sundays^  at 
8  p.  xn.,  in  Room  400,  sixth  floor,  Obsar- 
vatory  Bldg. 

SesMent— D.  F.  Clancy.  1821  N.  Wajrtt- 
Inrton  St  '    * 

Sec.  and  Jour. — J.  H.  Brown.  818  Mor- 
ton St 

Treas. — ^W.  J^Deady.  902  Hurlbert  St 

PONTCHARTRAIN    LODGE    No.    886. 

New  Orleana  La.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8 

p.  nu,  and  24th  of  each  month  ml  Vra. 

Loeper's  Hall.  Annunciation  and  Erato,  at 

8  p.  m. 
PtQsident — H.  J.  Scott  1916  Vtlbre  St 
Sec-Treaa — ^W.  A  Heatherington,  1284 

S.  Claiborne  St  •  ■ 

BRIE  LODGE  No.  226,  Buffalo,  N.  T.. 
meets  in  McCarthy's  Hall.  cor.  S<«eca  and 
Walter  St^,  second  and  fourth  Thursdays 
at  .8.80  p.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  7.80 
a-'Th. 

President— F.  A  Clinch.  44  Lester  St 
'  Sed — Jaa  Hasset  8886  Seneca  St 

Treas.  and  Jour. — ^E.  D.  Soutiiard.  71 
Sage  Ave. __. 

MANCHESTER  LODGE  No.  228.  Shorts- 
vllle,  N.  Y.,  meets  first  Wednesday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  third  Wednesday  at  8  p.  m.,  of 
each  month,  at  Odd  Fellows'  Halt 

President — H.  B.  Ix)ringr.  Manchestet. 
N.  Y. 

Sec-^-Gteo    ^rlsh,  Shgrtsville.  N.  Y. 

Treas. — M.  F.  Bolan,  Shortsville.  N.  Y. 

Journal — E.  R  Qulnter.  Shortsvllle.  N.  Y. 

ANTHRACITE  LODGE  No.  889.  Wllkes- 
barre.  Pa.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  8  p.  m..  In  Monroe's  HUl,  PabOe 
Bqaa^ve. 

President— W.  A.  MrCa|l.  148  8.  Hsada. 

Sec  and  Treaa — W.  R.  Graver,  41 
Wyomlnir  St 

Journal — ^Howard  Rldcetts  84  Wy»- 
mlnff  St 

KENSINGTON  LODGE  No.    280,   Chl- 
CSRO.  lU;. 'm«H>ts  third  Monday  at  8  p.  m.. 
in  -Bock*9  Hall.  11^28  Michigan  Ave, 
•  Pnpsldent — J.  B.  Mellvaln.  11528  Perry 
Ave. 

S<*c— -P.  J*  Salter,  11986  Yalo  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Jour. — ^Hugh  Dean.  401  E. 
tl8th  St.-  -'___  ■ 

CHICAGO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL  No.  1. 
Chlcaara  HI.,  meets  first  Saturday  of  each 
month  at  8  p. -m..  In  Federation  Han,  875 
La  Salle  St 

•    President — Thos.  Clohessy.  7207  Peorls 
St 
jSfc^E^  D.  Brougfa.  1214  E.  48th  St 

BTTFFATjO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL  No.  2. 
Buffalo.  N.  Y..  me^ts  second  Wednesday 
Gt  each  month  at  8.80  n  m..  In  McCarthy's 
Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sts. 

President — ^Thomas  G.  Meaney,  175  M*y 

Sec.— Frank  A.  Bristol.  788  Gltowood 
Ave. 

Treas. — ^W.  F.  Schleus,  87  Monroe  St 


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1  ■'     1 


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THE   JOURNAL 

OF  THE  SWITCH- 
MEN'S UNION  OF 
NORTH  AMERICA 

W.  H.  THOMPSON,  bditoii  and  manamr 

Published 

moDtbly  by  the 

Switobmen's 

Union  at 

326  Brisbane  Bldg. 

Boflklo,  N.  Y. 

BubsorlptloD 

prioe,$1.00  per  year 

in  advance. 

Entered  at  Poetr 
office  at  Baflklo  as 
second-class   mall 
matter. 

TNOSK  WHO  BKAR  KQUAULY  TMK  BUftDINS  OP  OOVKRNMVNT  SHOUUD 
■QUALLY    PARTICIPATB    IN    rtS    BKNKFITS  —  THOMAS    JKPFERSON 


VOL  XIV 


MARCH,  1912 


No.  3 


LABOR'S  POSITION  LAWPUL 

AND  PROGRESSIVE 


By  Sami'el  Gompkrs. 


We  have  nothing  to  hide.  We  are 
ready  at  any  time  for  the  agents  of 
the  law  to  begin  investigating.  Files, 
records  of  all  kinds,  account  books — 
everything  in  documentary  shape  is 
open  to  them.  All  that  has  been 
printed,  or  spoken,  or  written  to  our 
correspondents  is  subject  to  their  in- 
qxdriea.  Every  act  of  every  officiiil 
may  be  freely  looked  into.  No  one  is 
going  to  dodge  or  run  away.  What- 
ever can  de  done  to  aid  the  law  will 
be  done  at  these  offices. 

Tills  is  our  reply  at  headquarters  of 
the  American  Federation  of  Labor  to 
the  clamor  to  get  at  "the  men  hi^^er 
up,"  to  the  repeated  announcements  in 
the  press  of  "a  nation-wide  investiga- 
tion by  Federal  officials,"  to  the  asser- 
tions that  behind  the  McNamaras  were 
men  standing  hig^  in  the  councils  of 
labor. 

How  to  make  our  language  on  this 
point  more  sweeping  we  do  not  know. 
We  could  not  do  it  in  columns  or 
pages.  We  therefore  consiuer  the 
point  disposed  of,  in  so  far  as  it  relates 
to  onr  attitnde  regarding  the  investi- 
gation for  which  some  men  are  call- 
ing. 


As  to  our  position  on  the  McNamara 
case,  it  is  given  in  the  statement  which 
was  sent  out  to  the  press  on  December 
9^th.  We  have  seen  no  criticism  of  that 
statement  which  i^ould  cause  it  to  be 
changed.  We  stand  by  every  word  of 
it. 

As  affecting  the  Ehtecutive  Council. 
American  Federation  of  Labor,  the  offi- 
cers of  the  international  trade  unions, 
and  the  active  labor  men  throughout 
the  country  who  took  up  tne  defense 
of  the  McNamaras,  the  gist  of  the 
outcome  of  the  case  is,  in  what  was  a 
mystery  they  were  deceived. 

As  to  that  part  of  the  public  whicii 
sided  against  the  McNamaras — or  was 
it  against  labor? — in  a  case  which  was 
a  mystery,  they  knew  no  more,  and  no 
less,  than  the  people  who  were  de- ' 
ceived. 

As  to  the  future,  how  is  trade  union- 
ism to  be  affected?  With  respect  to 
this  question  we  have  looked  for  light 
from  the  press  and  in  the  letters  com- 
ing to  us  in  quantities  from  all  parts 
of  the  country.  What  lessons  are  to 
be  derived  from  this  case,  which  is 
one  of  abnormalities?  What  illuminat- 
ing suggestion  has  been  sent  in.   by 


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JOUiRNAiL   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


friend  or  enemy?  I«  organized  labor 
to  depart  from  Its  regularly  adopted 
policies;  and  if  80»  why?  Where  lies 
a  better  course  than  that  which  it  has 
followed? 

Nothing  new  has  come,  in  reply  to 
these  queries.  Among  the  intense  par- 
ticipants in  the  social  conflict,  the 
same  groups  are  but  reiterating  their 
well-known  sentiments.  What  could  be 
expected  from  the  Natlonaf  Manufac- 
turers' Association,  their  agents  and 
hirelings,  but  precisely  what  they  are 
saying — which  is  merely  what  they 
have  been  saying?  What  from  the 
Socialists  except  to  employ  the  occa- 
sion for  vote-catching?  What  from 
such  reactionary  organs  as  the  New 
York  Sun  but  diatribes  covering  half 
the  editorial  page?  So  long  as  these 
declared  enemies  of  the  trade  unions 
are  what  they  are,  and  unionism  is 
what  it  is,  no  help  can  come  from 
them  to  the  labor  movement 

From  the  social  elements  that  stand 
somewhat  apart  from  the  wage  con- 
flict, there  have  usually  come  merely 
the  suggestions  of  partly  informed  ob 
servers.  Ought  our  Federation  at  once 
change  its  officials?  Some  part  of  the 
daily  press,  seeking  to  create  a  popular 
cry,  calls  for  this  move.  That  is  worth 
no  attention.  Ought  our  Federation 
forthwith  change  its  policies?  The 
question  in  reply  must  be,  which  of 
them?  Eadi  represents  the  wisdom 
derived  from  exi^erience. 

A  few  humanitarians  are  declaring 
that  a  unionism  must  prevail  which 
is  grounded  on  "industrial  liberty."  It 
will  have  to  be  a  new  unionism  with 
new  unionists — and  where  are  they 
to  be  found? — for  the  deceits  In  the 
catchwords  "industrial  liberty"  are 
known  to  all  wage-workers  who  have 
suffered  from  the  unending  competi- 
tion which  is  an  inseparable  feature  of 
a  soK^lled  "free  labor  market." 

As  to  the  critics  of  our  Federation's 
officers,  most  of  them  move  in  a  funda- 
mental error.  They  assume  that  the 
separate  trade  unions,  in  their  organi- 
zation, work  and  affairs,  are  controlled, 
directed,  supervised  from  our  Wash- 
ington center.  This  is  not  in  the  least 
so.  To  the  national  (or  international) 
unions  there  is  nothing  "higher  up." 
With  respect  to  their  routine  proce- 
dures, their  conventions,  and  their 
dues,  assessments,  beneflts,  not  one  of 
them  is  subject  to  orders  from  the 
Federation     offices.       They     are     au- 


tonomous. All  of  them  are  in  the 
Federation  under  certain  general  regu- 
lations, chiefly  such  as  relate  to  char 
acter  of  membership,  "Jurisaiction'* 
(the  prevention  of  overlapping),  the 
avoidance  of  duplication  of  effort  and 
organization,  and  the  adoption  of  meth- 
ods for  union  agitation  and  education. 
By  a  vote  of  representatives  in  federa- 
tion conventions  the  Federation  can, 
for  certain  purposes  only,  impose  a 
slight  assessment,  a  step  taken  on  the 
rarest  occasions.  The  books  of  the 
Federation  show  how  funds  raised  In 
this  manner,  as  well  as  through  the 
regular  ones,  are  expended.  They  are 
published  in  detail  in  every  issue  of 
the  American  Federationist. 

•So  far  as  can  be  seen,  at  the  present 
stage  of  this  emergency,  the  friends 
of  our  labor  movement,  those  among 
'  the  general  public  whom  organized  la- 
bor has  learned  to  trust,  are  standing 
with  us,  steadfast.  To  their  minds 
nothing  has  occurred  to  discredit  the 
established  principles,  the  accepted 
policies  and  procedure,  or  the  general 
body  of  officials,  of  the  trade  union 
movement.  What  has  happened  has 
been  a  deplorable  incident,  a  misfor- 
tune, an  exceptional  course  of  action, 
but  which  does  not  touch  the  essentials 
of  trade  unionism.  The  Ohurch,  the 
State,  every  social  institution,  has  had 
its  fanatics  and  its  criminals.  No  great 
movement  but  has  had  to  survive  in- 
jurious episodes  and  unwise  advocates. 
In  this  ordeal  for  unionism,  we  have 
not  heard  of  the  abandonment  of  the 
cause  by  a  single  follower  or  a  single 
friend.  Not  one  "if,"  "but,"  or  "and" 
has  been  uttered  by  one  of  them  to 
pull  down  or  weaken  the  organization. 
On  the  contrary,  assurances  have  come 
to  us  from  strong  men — in  the  ranks 
of  labor,  of  the  professions,  ana  of  busi- 
ness men — many  of  them  strangers  to 
us,  that  they  understand,  and  approve 
of,  the  position  of  the  American  Fed- 
eration of  Labor  throughout  the  whole 
of  this  chapter  in  the  history  of  what 
is  among  the  side  issues  of  trade 
unionism.  They  have  not  been  misled 
by  the  shrieking  in  sensational  news- 
paper headlines,  the  rabid  onslaughts 
of  our  rancorous  foes,  or  the  hypoc- 
risies of  those  who.  professing  love 
for  labor,  would  profit  by  the  present 
occasion  to  deprive  organised  labor  of 
its  hard-won  strength. 

In  truth,  amidst  the  clamor  raised 
by  financial  interest,  by  partisan  preju 


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141 


dice,  by  sensation-mongers,  or  through 
mere  shallowness  and  base  truckling 
to  the  noise-makersr  the  country  is  be- 
ing compelled  to  hear  the  voice  of 
sanity  and  moral  force.  That  voice 
is  saying  that  if  labor  is  the  basic  ele- 
ment in  society,  the  laborer's  cause 
should  be  sacred  to  society;  if  unre- 
stricted competition  among  wage-work- 
ers leads  to  the  frightful  deprivation, 
degeneration,  and  collective  slavery  of 
the  masses  which  even  America  is  wit- 
nessii^,  tiie  wage-workers  themselves 
are  justified  in  organized  oiq;K>sition  to 
such  competition;  if  trade  unionism 
as  it  exists  has  been  the  only  effective 
agency  developed  to  help  the  ma4sses  of 
wage  workers  to  get  better  pay  and  cut 
off  the  work-hours  that  destroy  health 
and  life,  and  in  general  improve  the 
working  conditions  of  labor,  encour- 
agement to  it  is  a  national  obligation; 
if  it  has  stood  champion  for  labor's 
rights,  before  our  legislative  bodies, 
before  the  public,  appealing  for  what- 
ever of  Justice  can  today  be  had,  curb- 
ing avarice,  performing  an  unparalleled 
work  of  philanthropy  in  its  mutual 
benefits — then  it  deserves  to  live  and 
to  continue  its  miasion. 

Who  knows  better  than  the  trade 
unionists  themselves  the  mission  of 
unionism?  How  has  that  mission  come 
to  be  shaped  and  developed?  It  has 
come  through,  the  free  discussion,  the 
public  deliberationa,  the  fairest  pro- 
cedures of  a  perfectly  democratic  or- 
ganization. The  voice  and  vote  of  the 
least  man  in  the  last  rank  has  its  due 
force  and  weight.  Every  suggestion 
from  the  mind  of  any  and  all  of  the 
members  of  a  union  has  its  open  chan- 
nel to  reach  the  full  membersnip.  What 
step  may,  or  ought,  to  be  taken,  in 
organization,  in  efficiency,  in  policy,  in 
politics,  in  exclusion  or  inclusion  of 
members — in  all  such  respects  each 
union  can  have  its  share  in  proposing 
and  deciding.  Hence  the  history  of  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  is  the 
story  of  the  will  and  wish  of  its  ma- 
jorities. How,  then,  could  it  be  other 
than  what  it  has  been?  How  can  it  be 
other  than  what  it  is?  It  rests  on  the 
solid  rock  of  the  economic  education, 
the  recorded  decisions,  the  deliberate 
wUl  of  its  membership. 

Purification?  Yes;  of  whatever 
evils,  of  methods  or  men,  that  may  ap 
pear.  That  is  a  natural  part  of  its 
business,  as  with  every  other  institu- 
tion. 


The  methods  of  our  Federation  have 
been  defined  and  defended  on  every  ne- 
cessary occasion.  Despite  the  syste- 
matic malicious  and  mendacious  mis- 
representations of  those  methods,  we 
repeat  that  they  stop  short  of  injuri- 
ous attacks  on  persons  and  property, 
while  they  unfailingly  uphold,  to  the 
last  point,  every  right  of  lat)or,  and  of 
the  wage- workers — in  their  movements, 
on  the  highways,  in  their  purchases,  in 
their  choice  of  work-fellows,  and  in 
their  organization. 

The  men  of  our  Federation  have 
each  a  duty  to  perform,  according  tu 
his  place.  Within  the  organization, 
the  membership  decides  who  has  or 
has  not  been  dereUct  Without,  in  mat- 
ters of  the  law,  the  Cknrernment  de- 
cides. On  this  score,  a  clamor — by  the 
interested,  chiefly — has  been  raised 
against  the  oflicera  of  the  Federation. 
In  reply,  we  say  to  the  appropriate 
Government  officials,  proceed  with  your 
duty.  We  are  ready.  You  shall  have 
our  aid.  To  the  country  we  say,  we 
have  nothing  to  fear. 


To  the  men  and  women  of  labor  we 
say,  the  wrongs  which  the  workers 
have  borne,  the  rights  to  which  they 
are  entitled,  should  and  must  achieve, 
can  only  be  accomplished  by  thorough 
organization,  unity,  and  federation  pro- 
moted and  permeated  by  the  spirit  of 
fraternity  and  solidarity. 

At  no  time  in  the  history  of  labor 
has  organization  been  so  essential  as 
now.  If  the  wage-earners  of  our  con- 
tinent hope,  not  only  to  promote  and 
advance  their  interests,  but  to  protect 
even  that  which  they  now  enjoy,  or- 
ganization, unity,  and  federation  are 
an  immediate  and  pressing  necessity. 

The  concentrated  effort  and  bitter 
animosdty  of  the  enemies  of  organized 
labor  to  crush  out  the  spirit  of  the 
toilers,  and  with  it  to  enfeeble  or  de- 
stroy the  organized  labor  movement 
must  be  met  by  the  men  and  women  of 
labor  with  an  intelligent,  earnest,  dig 
nified,  and  insistent  attitude;  whose 
solemn  and  imperative  duty  it  is  to 
openly  declare  the  high  purposes  for 
which  our  movement  is  instituted,  to 
show  its  splendid  achievements  already 
acdomplished  for  the  workers  and 
make  clear  its  noblest  aspirations,  not 
only  for  the  workers,  but  for  all  hu- 
manity. 

Grit  your  teeth  and  organize! 


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JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


Union  Lifts  Wortccr. 

A  workman  went  into  a  store  a  few 
days  ago  and  asked  the  clerk  for  an 
article  he  wished  to  buy.  The  clerk  got 
out  several  samples  and  displayed  them. 
"This  one,"  he  said,  "costs  $1.30.  That 
one  we  sell  for  $2.10."  "Which  is  the 
better?"  asked  the  customer.  "Well, 
this  is  a  good  article  at  $1.30,  but  of 
course  it  is  not  by  any  means  equal  to 
the  other.  I  would  advise  you  to  take 
the  more  expensive  one;  not  because 
we  desire  to  sell  it  to  you,  but  because 
its  superiority  represents  more  than 
the  difference  in  the  price."  The  work- 
man mused  a  moment  and  looked  the 
two  articles  over.  The  more  costly  one 
held  his  attention.  It  would  look  bet- 
ter, he  thought,  in  his  home.  The  argu- 
ments of  the  clerk  were  strong.  The 
man  put  his  hand  down  in  his  pocket, 
pulled  out  a  dollar  and  a  half,  of  which 
he  handed  a  dollar  thirty  to  the  coun- 
ter man,  and  said:  "Mister,  you  can 
only  hang  your  hat  as  high  as  you  can 
reach." 

There  Is  a  good  share  of  philosophy 
in  this  homely  expression.  In  the  so- 
cial world  it  has  a  suggestive  applica- 
tion. 

One  of  the  saddest  things  the  lover 
of  humanity  has  to  consider  in  these 
days  is  how  hopeless  are  the  desires 
and  aspirations  of  the  laboring  people 
to  reach  the  social  levels  they  would 
like  to  readi. 

The  American  laborer  is  the  highest 
type  of  laborer.  He  aims  higher.  This 
is  the  hope  and  glory  of  the  nation.  A 
low  level  of  manhood  and  womanhood 
means  a  low  level  of  national  life. 

The  aim  of  every  teacher  and  leader 
of  the  people  should  be  to  enlarge 
their  ideals,  to  teach  them  to  "set  their 
affections  on  things  above,"  high 
things.  Every  institution  that  is 
worthy  of  existence  must  have  this  for 
its  chief  object 

What  gives  the  labor  union  its  com- 
manding claim  on  existence  is  that  it 
aims  above  all  things  to  uplift  the 
workers,  to  raise  the  standard  of  the 
American  laborer. 

Those  who  class  the  union  as  a  trust, 
and  condemn  it  equally  with  the  trusts 
of  capital,  overlook  the  social  and  hu- 
manitarian side  of  the  question.  The 
union  exists  to  uiplift  men,  to  exalt 
their  Ideals.    The  trust  exists  to  uplift 


money,  to  debase  the  ideals  of  men  to 
levels  of  greed  and  selfishness. 

The  union  would  give  the  worker 
wages  adequate  for  high  living.  The 
man  with  good  wages  is  a  safer  citlsen 
than  the  man  with  low  wages.  He  is 
better  fitted  to  raise  a  healthy,  intelli- 
gent, decent  family.  He  can  give  his 
children  more  and  better  food.  He  can 
keep  them  in  schooL  He  can  clothe 
them  so  that  they  can  hold  up  their 
heads  in  society,  go  to  church  and  take 
advantage  of  elevating  social  affairs. 

"A  noble  nation  of  ignoble  house- 
holds is  impossible,"  has  been  well  said. 
The  poorly  paid  laborer  cannot  main- 
tain a  noble  household.  Its  inferiority 
is  a  national  injury.  Says  a  great 
thinker,  "The  parent  who  sends  his 
son  into  the  world  uneducated,  de- 
frauds the  community  of  a  lawful  citi- 
zen and  bequeaths  to  it  a  nuisance.'* 
The  parent  with  poor  wages  cannot 
give  to  the  community  the  best  tjrpe  of 
sons  and  daughters. 

How  helpless  is  the  Jobless,  poverty- 
stricken  individual  in  this  great  world 
in  these  great  days! 

"You  can  only  hang  your  hat  as  high 
as  you  can  reach." — The  Citizen. 


The  Riffil  to  Organize. 

"We  haven't  a  dissatisfied  employe 
in  the  company,"  says  a  representative 
of  the  Consolidated  Oas  Company. 
Happy  men!  Happy  gas  company! 
Think  of  thousands  at  work  and  every 
one  contented.  Faith  in  the  ultimate 
arrival  of  the  kingdom  is  strengthened. 

But  representatives  of  the  unions 
tell  a  different  story.  It  is  that  the 
company  has  discharged  every  man 
suspected  of  unionism.  Thus  it  Is,  say 
the  critics  of  the  company,  that  it  is 
able  to  claim  that  all  its  men  are 
"setlsfled,"  for  if  any  are  "dissatisfied" 
and  the  company  hears  of  the  dissatis- 
faction they  are  instantly  fired. 

Men  meet  at  civic  federation  din- 
ners, and  large  phrases  fly  about.  One 
others  that  employers  generally  con- 
cede to  their  employes  the  right  to  or- 
ganize and  to  make  their  wage  bar- 
gains collectively.  Yet  In  fact  many 
of  these  employers  studiously  work  to 
keep  the  unions  out.  Every  one  knows 
why.  It  is  easier  for  an  employer  to 
have  his  way  as  to  wages  and  hours 


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UNION   OP  NORTH   ABfHRK>A'. 


14S 


if  he  dealB  with  his  employes  as  indi- 
viduals. The  exclusion  of  unionists  hy 
certain  large  corporations  being  notor- 
ious why  keep  up  the  hypocrisy  of 
pretending  to  concede  to  men  the)  right 
to  organize? 

The  gas  company,  of  course,  does 
not  formally  admit  that  it  denies  to 
its  men  the  right  to  organize.  It  is 
merely  colnddental,  according  to  it, 
that  men  are  discharged  when  they  are 
discovered  to  be  union  men.  Moreover, 
the  company  has  conspicuously  refused 
to  post  a  notice  to  the  effect  that  its 
employes  may  join  the  union,  or  not. 
Just  as  they  please.  We  hear  much  in 
the  public  prints  of  "closed  shop" 
tyranny,  with  denial  of  work  to  men 
who  do  not  wish  to  go  Into  the  unions. 
But  there  is  a  consiplracy  of  silence 
as  to  the  other  kind  of  "closed  shop" — 
the  shop  that  Is  closed  t6  unionists. — 
yetr  York  Evening  Olohe. 


BetMcfccfn  in  Pennsylvsnw* 

A  few  facts  concerning  the  "Laird 
of  Skibo's"  principal  bulwark,  the 
Bethlehem  Steel  Corporation,  will 
prove  Interesting  to  his  admirers,  the 
thankful  (?)  recipients  and  benefici- 
aries of  his  marble  libraries. 

In  1910  a  strike  suddenly  occurred 
In  the  machine  shops  at  Bethlehem. 
The  strike  became  general  and  the 
entire  plant  was  closed  down. 

The  Federal  Bureau  of  Labor  made 
an  investigation,  and  a  report  which 
was  sent  to  the  United  States  Con- 
l^rpas  showed  the  following  facts: 

Nine  thousand  two  hundred  and 
ninety-two  men  were  employed  there. 
and  2,628  of  them  were  working  con- 
tinuously twelve  hours  a  day  and 
seven  days  a  week. 

During  the  month  preceding  the 
strike  1.413  additional  men  were  also 
compelled  to  work  seven  days  a  week 
at  continuous  and  dangerous  toil. 

These  white  coolies  worked  to  keep 
from  starving  to  death,  not  because 
they  wanted  to  become  rich. 

The  report  shows  that  2,964  of  the 
entire  force  of  9,292  workers  were 
paid  wages  of  less  than  14  cents  an 
hour,  or  $1.65  for  a  twelve-hour  day. 

Five  thousand  six  hundred  and 
eighteen  men,  or  61  per  cent,  of  the 
force.^  were  nald  wages  of  18  cents  an 
"hour/  $i2.15  for  a  twelve-hour  day. 


While  the  strike  was  on  and  when 
these  horrible  facts  were  brought  out: 
by  the  United  States  government  re 
ports,  the  social  parasites  of  the  city 
of  Bethlehem  sent  the  following  letter 
to  Carnegie's  superintendent,  Charles 
M.  Schwab: 

"We  desire  to  express  our  apprecla-^ 
tlon  to  Mr.  Charles  M.  Schwab  for  the 
great  things  he  has  already  accom- 
plished for  this  community,  and  trust 
he  will  not  be  diverted  by  the  unfortu- 
nate industrial  dLssenslons  from  con- 
tinuing to  carry  out  his  great  plaUs." 

The  worklhgmen  lost  the  strike  and 
went  back  to  work. 

However,  they  were  victorious  In 
their  defeat,  as  since  the  strike  some 
of  the  coolies  who  were  getting  12% 
cents  an  hour  are  now  getting  13% 
cents.  Some  who  were  getting  13% 
cents  are  now  apparently  getting  15 
cents.  But  the  tonnage  men,  the  high^ 
priced  worker,  the  skilled  men,  have 
suffered  a  reduction  of  wages  since* 
1910. 

If  the  steel  magnates  are  successful 
in  their  present  endeavors  to  compel 
tihe  United  States  government  to 
guarantee  their  present  profits,  these 
white  coolies  and  their  successors  will 
be  doomed  forever  to  live  as  they  are 
living  today.  Such  a  fixed  condition 
would  be  horrible  for  humanity  and 
civilization. — CMcago   Daily  8ocMi8t. 


Why  PoScemefi  Go  Wrong. 

The  civil  service  commission  of  the 
city  of  Chicago  is  undertaking  a 
"searching  probe"  into  the  relations  of 
the  police  department  with  "protected 
crime."  It  is  the  general  Impression 
given  by  the  newspapers  that  after  the 
police  department  has  been  "cleaned 
up"  a  rigorous  enforcement  of  the  law 
will  take  place  and  Chicago  will  be 
"saved  from  crime." 

Of  course,  nothing  of  the  sort  will 
happen. 

The  relation  of  the  police  depart- 
ment to  the  public  is  a  peculiar  one. 
In  a  rough  way  members  of  the  de- 
partment are  forced  to  become  students 
of  sociology.  One  of  the  first  things  a 
policeman  learns  is  that  repression 
does  not  "stop  crime." 

The  policeman  then  learns  that 
crime  is  conducted  like  a  business,  men 
of  all  sorts  engaging  in  it,  the  little 


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JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMBN'8 


criminal  usually  being  caught,  the 
greater  ones  much  more  often  escaping. 

The  policeman  finds  that  the  run- 
ning of  dlTes,  being  a  very  profitable 
business,  the  divekeeper  is  in  politics 
to  protect  and  promote  his  business 
interests.  Just  as  the  steel  trust  mag- 
nate is  in  politics  to  protect  his. 

A  Yast  amount  of  information 
which  never  reaches  the  public  ear  is 
known  to  the  police  department. 
Shady  business  deals  and  similar 
transactions  of  men  of  prominence  are 
continually  coming  to  police  notice. 
Sometimes  these  things  get  into  the 
papers,  very  many  times  they  do  not. 

The  policeman  finds  first  that  the 
criminals  already  produced  by  a  va- 
riety of  conditions  within  society  are 
so  numerous  that  they  can  not  all  be 
jailed. 

He  finds  next  that  the  wealthier 
criminal,  being  able  to  hire  the  most 
skillful  counsel  and  command  the 
moot  powerful  political  influence  not 
only  is  seldom  prosecuted,  "for  lack  of 
evidence  to  convict,"  but  has  friends 
higher  up  who  say  "hands  off"  when- 
ever the  police  approach  him. 

Crime  then  appears  to  the  policeman 
who  has  reached  the  rank  of  lieuten- 
-ant,  captain,  or  a  higher  post,  or  who 
is  a  patrolman  of  "experience,"  as  a 
vast  system  which  has  always  existed 
and,  so  far  as  he  knows,  always  will. 

He  finds  then  that  there  is  profit  and 
comparative  peace  in  "regulating"  it, 
since  suppression  is  hop^ess. 

Unless  things  get  "too  raw,"  or  the 
newspapers  "kick  up  a  row,"  usually 
for  political  purposes,  "regulated" 
crime  is  the  rule  in  nearly  all  big 
cities,  probably  in  all. 

The  next  step  follows  when  the  man 
who  realizes  that  "regulating"  crime 
Is  profitable  comes  to  the  knowledge 
that  judicious  promotion  of  crime  is 
still  more  profitable. 

It  is  then  that  a  policeman  may  ac- 
quire a  "stHng"  of  "dips,"  or  other 
petty  thieves  who  operate  under  his 
guidance  and  pay  for  protection,  or 
that  high  police  officials  may  sell  pro- 
tection to  thieves  and  divekeepers. 

PoHce  Commissioner  Bingham  of 
New  York,  recently  resigned,  is  au- 
thority for  the  statement  that  he  had 
chances  to  clear  up  over  a  million  dol- 
kirs  a  year  for  protected  crime,  dives 
and    other    illegal    activities    in   New 


York.  Speaking  in  a  prominant  hotel, 
he  asserted  that  within  a  few  blocks 
was  a  place  where  major  and  minor 
crimes  could  be  procured  for  ymryiag 
sums  of  money,  and  he  could  not  touch 
the  place. 

The  position  of  an  Inspector  of  po- 
lice in  his  district  is  that  of  a  smaU 
king,  his  grafting  chaaoes  limitless. 

There  are  undoubtedly  many  po- 
licemen, high  and  low  in  office,  who, 
not  having  learned  the  game,  hunt 
crime  with  a  savage  rigor.  But  the 
tendencies  of  the  police  life  and  the 
present  system  of  society  are  such  that 
they  tend  to  produce  the  grafter  and 
experienced  policemen  know  this  and 
in  their  own  minds,  or  in  confidential 
moments,  admit  it. 

Mayor  Ames  of  Minneapolis  was 
accused  of  having  entered  this  police 
game  and  of  having  shared  the  profits 
of  judiciously  promoted  pocket-picking. 

Rumor  in  well-informed  police  circles 
credits  some  police  inspectors  with  a 
business  sense  equally  acute.  In  fftct. 
the  Chicago  Tribune  editorially  ad- 
mitted that  a  story  had  reached  it  that 
two  police  inspectors  had  quarroled 
over  the  "pick-pocket  privilege"  at  the 
aviation  meet 

The  keynote  of  present  society  is 
"get  something  for  nothing."  Labor  is 
exploited  so  that  many  men  of  brains 
enter  crime  intentionally,  if  they  can 
not  enter  high  finance,  because  of  the 
small  reward  and  great  uncertainty  of 
employment  at  honest  toll. — J.  C.  Car- 
roll, in  Daily  Socialist. 


Scabs  and  Scab  WoisMip* 

Under  ordinary  conditions  the  aver- 
age factory  hand,  or  a  dozen,  or  for 
that  matter,  a  hundred  or  a  thousand 
of  him,  is  not  an  object  of  great  Im- 
portance in  the  eyes  of  the  large  ex- 
ploiters of  labor.  They  can  die  by 
thousands  of  occupational  diseases,  or 
be  burned,  smothered,  drowned  or  cut 
up  by  machinery  in  hundreds  in  sweat- 
shops, mills  and  mines,  or  shot  by 
scores  in  time  of  strike,  and  the  em- 
ployer remains  equally  unaffected  by 
their  existence  or  non-existence. 

But  let  two  or  three  stand  out  from 
among  their  fellowB  and  refuse  to  join 
the  unions,  and  under  certain  circum- 
stances, these  individuals  apparentlr 
become  at  once  of  the  utmost  import- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


146 


aice  to  the  employing  clasees.     They 

weigh  more  in  their  estimation  than  a 
bandred  thousand  of  tbeir  fellows. 

A  veer  or  so  ago  in  England,  one  Os- 
borne, a  railroad  hand,  who  was  used 
as  a  oatspaw  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
MbKlngthe  unions  from  devoting  their 
funds  to  political  purposes,  became  so 
important  as  a  consequence  that  the 
anplorers  rewarded  him  with  a  petty 
derical  position  in  an  organization  de- 
med  to  maintaining  political  conserva- 
Ism  and  reaction  among  work  in  gm  en. 
And  now  three  people,  a  man  and 
t¥o  women,  who  have  steadfastly  re- 
fused to  join  the  organization  of  their 
eraft,  are  apparently  the  cause  of  an 
mmcnse  lockout  in  the  British  cotton 
«jfaning  Industry,  hy  which  some  350,- 
^^  people  now  find  themselves  out  of 
mployment. 

So  important  have  these  three  people 
terome  in  the  eyes  of  the  employing 
cbases  that  they  are  being  deluged 
»*tb  complimentary  telegrams,  lauding 
ad  admiring  their  resolution  and  urg- 
ki  them  to  "stand  pat"  in  the  position 
ttef  have  taken.  Even  from  across  the 
Atlkntle  these  messages  of  cheer  are 
Wng  forwarded  tliem,  Mr.  John  Kirby 
«rf  the  Manufacturers*  Association  he- 
tag  one  of  the  first  to  send  his  compli- 
aaitt  and  approval.  One  of  the  wo- 
aen,  being  single,  has,  it  Is  said,  re- 
^*i^  several  offers  of  marriage  also. 
At  the  same  time  those  who  are 
••Jogizing  "the  dauntless  three,"  and 
^ly  approving"  their  firmness  and 
rwolution.  are  equally  active  In  excor- 
iating the  160,000  who  are  directly 
locked  out,  for  forcing  such  action 
ttpon  their  employers  for  the  sake  of 
tliree  trivial  and  Insignificant  factory 
haodF. 

Tlie  situation  hrlngs  out  strongly 
tie  utterly  equivocal  position  and  in- 
herent dishonesty  of  the  capitalist  class 
in  its  struggle  with  labor.  They  do  not 
^ad  tliese  three  wretched  scabs  for  the 
^^ce  they  have  afforded  them  of 
^niashlng  the  union,  which  is  the  real 
reason  for  their  regard,  but  pretend 
that  it  Is  based  on  a  natural  and  sin- 
f^re  admiration  of  their  courage  in 
resisting  "union  tyranny"  and  main- 
taining their  "freedom"  as  workers  and 
Individuals.  Even  the  capitalist  wor- 
ship of  the  seah  as  a  hero  Is  based  upon 
a  lie. 
The  taeroienn  of  the  scab  Increases  in 


inverse  ratio  to  his  number.  Three 
^  scabs  oiM  of  160,000  cannot  fail  to  be 
openly  apotheotiied  by  the  master 
class.  But  if  the  three  were  3,000  or 
80,000,  or  enough  to  make  a  pretext  of 
mnning  the  mills,  there  might  be  suf- 
ficient glory  to  go  around*  but  it  would 
be  BO  diluted  that  none  of  them  would 
realize  the  honor  done  them  or  the  fact 
that  they  were  regarded  as  heroes  at 
all.  There  would  be  no  congratulatory 
telegrams,  no  laudations  or  eulogies  of 
any  kind.  Scabs  in  large  quantities 
have  no  scarcity  value  whatever,  and 
sink  at  once  to  the  level  of  ordinary 
commoditieB. 

And  when  the  lockout  is  settled  and 
the  mills  again  running,  these  three 
scabs  will  descend  from  tbeir  tempor- 
ary pedestal,  and  their  very  exlst^ioe 
be  ignored  by  their  former  hypocritical 
worshipers,  just  as  it  was  before  they 
emerged  from  obscurity  to  protest 
against  the  tyranny  of  the  union  and 
permitted  themselves  to  be  used  as  a 
pretext  for  its  destruction,  for  of  all 
heroes,  the  scab  is  the  least  permanent 
and  the  soonest  forgotten. — The  New 
York  Call. 


Organized  Labor  Must  Go  On. 

The  business  Interests  of  the  coun- 
try today  realize  that  organizations 
of  labor  must  go  on  and  must  be 
recognized.  This  condition  did  not 
exist  some  years  ago,  when  it  was 
considered  a  crime  to  belong  to  a  lo- 
cal union.  Today  It  is  considered  an 
honor  to  belong  to  an  organization  of 
labor,  and  all  classes  in  a  community 
respect  and  admire  the  union ,  men 
with  whom  they  come  in  contact.  'Even 
the  bitterest  employer  down  in  his 
heart,  If  we  could  look  into  the  same, 
we  would  see  there  where  he  has  a 
certain  honorable  respect  for  the  man 
who  supports  his  union  and  believes 
In  its  principOes.  The  manufacturers' 
organization,  or  any  other  organiza- 
tion, has  no  use  whatever  for  a  half- 
hearted memher,  or  a  straggling  in 
dividual  who  pays  no  attention  what- 
ever to  the  organization  to  which  he 
ought  to  belong. 

The  whole  world  admires  a  hero,  a 
leader,  a  man  who  fights  for  things; 
a  man  vtrho  aocomplishes  something; 
a  man  who  Is  endeavoring  to  do  some 
one  else  good,  and  surely  there  is  no 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


146 


JOimNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


man  that  is  eo4eavorins  to  do  more 
for  himself,  his  famiUy  or  his  fellow- 
man  than  the  man.  who  is  working  in 
a ,  labor  union  trying  to  bulled  it  up 
and  tryinig  to  obtain  conditions  lot  his 
associates.  We  cannot  aill  be  great 
orators.  We  <^annot  all,  perhaf>s«  g^t 
U4P  in  a  meeting  and  express  our- 
selves, but  we  can  aid  by  being  pres- 
ent; we  can  vote  as  our  conscience 
dictates;  we  can  pay  our  diieb 
promiptly  and  help  our  officers;  we 
can  talk  to  the  man  on  the  street  who 
does  not  belong  to  our  organization 
and  defend  the  principles  of  organ- 
ized labor.  We  can  go  on  day  l^  day 
silently  working  to  build  up  tlie  labor 
movement  by  purohralng  nothing  but 
labeled  goods,  and  the  silent  worker 
is  the  man  usually  who  brings  about 
results.  He  who  works  without  ap; 
plause  is  the  man  who  deserves  credit. 
The  minions  who  do  not  speak  are  the 
ones  who  consume  the  product  of 
Anierlcan  industries.  EMucate  your 
families  to  the  trade  union  movement. 
£}ach  head  of  a  house  is  king  of  that 
institution  and  by  discuseing  witfh 
those  nearest  to  you  the  labor  move- 
ment from  its  b^it  standpoint,  not 
talking  about  the  little  things  that 
are  done  that  are  not  always  right, 
but  from  its  standard,  you  will  ac- 
complish more  than  hundreds  of  men 
who  are  shouting  all  the  time  and  do- 
ing nothing  else. 

The  working  people  today  are  fac- 
ing a  condition  in  the  near  future  that 
unless  they  build  up  tiheir  organiza 
tion  it  is  hard  to  say  what  the  result 
will  be. — D.  J.  ToWn  in  the  Teavi- 
Bters, 


Convict  Made  Goods  and  Prison  Labor. 

There  Is  a  growing  and  well-found- 
ed feeling  that  many  of  our  prisons 
are  being  conducted  not  so  much  to 
reform  the  inmates  as  they  are  to 
exiploit  the  labor  of  the  unfortunate 
convicts  and  enrich  private  contrac- 
tors and  mianufacturers  of  prison 
made  goods.  The  twentieth  annual 
report  of  the  United  States  Labor 
Commissioner  cAiows  that  in  1904 
there  were  51,172  convicts  employed 
in  producing  $34,276,206  of  goods 
that  were  placed  upon  the  market  in 
comipetiton  with  free  labor  and  free 
factories. 

Our  penal  Institutions  are  for  pro- 
tection of  society  by  confining  pris- 


oners to  prevent  further  misdeeds  and 
to  make  better  citizens  by  training 
them  and  strengthening  their  weak, 
diseased,  vicious  or  otherwise  defec- 
tive natures.  It  is  the  purpose  of 
the  law  that  all  prisoners  be  dis- 
charged as  stronger  and  better  men. 
equiipped  to  battle  with  the  world 
more  effectively. 

Any  system  that  weakens  the  arm, 
dwarfs  the  mind  or  poisons  the  sou' 
is  a  gross  perversion  of  our  penai 
system.  Prisoners  must  be  envployed 
in  some  honest  and  productive  serv- 
ice. They  were  self-supporting  be- 
fore incarceration  and  to  continue  in 
their  old  or  kindred  lines  of  employ- 
ment would  cause  no  disturbance  of 
the  industrial  conditions.  In  their 
free  life  they  raised  their  own  food, 
built  thedr  own  houses,  made  the 
roads,  drained  the  swamps,  felled  the 
forests  and  performed  otJier  useful 
service.  They  worked  at  diversified 
employment,  mostly  in  the  open  air. 

The  modern  prison  contract  system 
confines  men  in  their  cells  or  stuffy 
factories  at  work  which  many  do  not 
like  and  which  they  will  not  follow 
when  free,  producing  goods  for  firms 
or  corporations  who  pay  from  20  to 
75  cents  a  day  for  their  labor,  to 
make  goods  that  will  be  placed  on  tho 
markets  on  terms  that  reduce  prices 
of  articles  made  by  free  labor  below ' 
reasonable  rates  and  yet  yield  enor- 
mous profit  to  the  prison  contractor, 
who  not  only  gets  his  labor  cheap,  but 
has  his  factory  furnished  him  free, 
with  heat  and  power  thrown  in  for 
good  measure. 

This  disturbance  of  the  market  in 
the  garment  line,  for  instance,  bring? 
down  the  wages  of  the  shop  grlrl  to  a 
starvation  wage,  reduces  the  wages  of 
the  molder,  cabinetmaker  and  others 
so  low  that  the  children  must  be 
taken  from  school  and  placed  at  work 
at  such  early  ages  that  their  efficiency 
as  citizens  is. seriously  imperilled. — Ex. 


The  Great  Divide. 

Divide  I.  The  workingman  divides 
his  wages  with  the  Food  Trust,  the 
Clothes  Trust,  and  the  House  Trust, 
Then  he  sits  on  the  doorstep  of  a  poor- 
house  and  sings  a  prosperity  swan 
song. 

Divide  II.  He  divides  himself  from 
his  family,  his  liberty,  and  his  life  by 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NCmi^   ABiERICA. 


147 


joining  the  army.  They  fill  him  with 
luitriotism  while  he  fills  the  hospitalu 
and  the  graves. 

Divide  III.  The  voter  divides  him- 
self from  his  intelligence  by  electing 
politicians.  The  machine-  gets  "protec- 
tion" and  he  gets  rejection. 

Divide  IV.  The  patient  divides  him- 
self from  his  health  while  the  doctor 
divides  him  from  his  pocketbook. 

Divide  V,  The  married  man  divides 
himself  from  his  independence;  the 
courts  divide  law  from  justice;  the 
bankrupt  trust  companies  divide  us 
from  our  hard  earned  cash.  Society 
is  a  mad  Scramble  to  divide  the  other 
fellow  from  what  he's  got.  The  key- 
note of  our  age  is  division. — Maurice 
K  orshet. 


Dcatl  Engines  and  Foor  Cqiilpfncnt  Burden 

NBilways* 

Reports  are  piling  up  at  the  Labor 
Temple  showing  the  almost  complete 
tie-up  of  the  motive  power  of  the  Har- 
rlman  system  in  the  West.  It  now 
seems  only  a  question  of  a  short  time 
until  the  railroads  will  be  compelled 
to  grant  the  demands  of  the  former 
employes  and  return  them  to  the  shop. 
"Dead"  engines  and  broken-down 
equipment  crowd  the  yards  of  the  S. 
P.  and  Salt  Lake  from  one  end  of  ttoe 
system  to  the  other,  and  under  the 
incompetent  help  employed  the  con- 
dition is  constantly  growing  worse. 

John  Scott,  secretary  of  the  San 
Francisco  strike  committee,  says:  "I 
desire  to  warn  the  brothers  against 
the  action  of  the  I.  W.  W.  I  find  they 
have  been  sending  their  men  along 
the  line  to  disrupt  our  ranks  by  sug- 
gesting that  we  go  back  to  work  and 
reorganize  by  calling  out  the  road- 
men, etc.  It  is  also  a  known  fact  that 
they  have  a  number  of  their  members 
acting  as  strikebreakers  at  various 
points,  and  have  circulated  a  number 
of  anonymous  letters,  and  it  is  quite 
evident  that  their  efforts  are  all  di- 
rected with  a^view  to  poison  the  minds 
of  our  men  and  break  the  strike.  Do 
not  permit  them  In  your  meetings,  nor 
give  any  heed  to  their  ravings.  They 
are  also  circulating  the  report  that 
the  A.  F.  of  L.  convention  refused  to 
endorse  the  strike  or  pledge  their 
moral  or  financial  assistance. 

•TTie  truth  of  the  matter  is  the  A. 
F.  of  L.  adopted  a  resolution  pledging 


moral  and  voluntary  financial  aid  and 
called  upon  affiliated  organizations  to 
contribute  as  largely  and  as  promptly 
as  they  could  to  the  relief  of  the  strik- 
ing employes  of  the  Harriman  system. 

"During  the  holidays  rumors  be- 
came more  persistent  in  regard  to  a 
settlement  soon,  it  is  a  difficult  mat- 
ter to  locate  the  origin  of  such  rumors, 
but  they  come  to  us  from  all  direc- 
tions, and  while  we  have  nothing  au- 
thentic, there  no  doubt  is  some  fire  be- 
hind so  much  smoke. 

"The  railroad  officials  are  now  en- 
deavoring to  make  a  breach  in  the 
ranks  of  the  strikeiti  by  sending  out 
lying  reports  about  men  returning  to 
work.  Their  plan  is  to  publish  state- 
ments in  the  press  of  one  locality  to 
the  effect  that  the  strikers  are  re- 
turning to  work  at  some  other  point. 
Their  purpose  is  plain,  knowing  that 
the  strikers  must  largely  rely  upon 
their  bulletins  and  the  mails  for  trans- 
mitting information  concerning  th^ 
strike  situation,  and  that  'lies  travel 
faster  than  truth.'  They  hope  in  this 
manner  to  be  able  to  delude  the  un- 
wary workers  and  induce  them  to  re- 
turn to  work. 

"In  those  public  statements  it  is 
claimed  that  the  strike  is  lost  and 
that  the  railroad  company  now  has  all 
the  men  it  needs.  But  the  officials 
never  fall  to  state  that  the  company 
will  re-employ  as  many  of  their  old 
employes  as  they  can  find  positions 
for,  the  purpose  being  to  leave  the  im- 
pression among  the  strikers  that  only 
a  few  positions  are  available.  By  con- 
stantly repeating  such  phrases  as 
The  strike  la  a  thing  of  the  past/ 
The  company  has  all  the  men  it 
needs'  and  'Conditions  are  normal,' 
etc.,  they  hope  eventually  to  convince 
the  public  that  these  are  truths. 

"I  have  received  communication 
from  the  secretary  at  Tucson  calling 
attention  to  the  fact  that  a  number  of 
our  members  are  seeking  emplo3rment 
on  the  Santa  Fe  since  they  have  let 
down  the  bars  against  the  employ- 
ment of  card  men.  In  this  manner 
they  are  indirectly  assisting  the  C.  P. 
Company  in  securing  a  supply  of 
scabs,  as  every  card  man  who  is  em- 
ployed by  the  Santa  Fe  releases  one 
or  more  of  these  scabs,  who  come 
over  to  the  Southern  Pacific. 

"Brothers,    we    must    watch    every 


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148 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


avenue  in  this  great  struggle.  The 
scab  market  is  about  worked  out,  and 
every  effort  should  be  made  to  dib- 
courage  union  men  from  seeing  em- 
plojrment  on  the  Santa  Fe  during  the 
present  struggle." 

The  appeal  that  has  been  sent  out 
for  financial  aid  by  the  federation  is 
meeting  with  hearty  response  by  or- 
ganised labor.  All  members  of  fed- 
erated crafts  in  the  railroad  serrice 
and,  in  fact,  all  railroad  employee 
should  contribute.  An  assessment  of 
a  day's  pay  per  month  has  been  urged 
upon  all  members  of  the  Rock  Island 
system. — The  Oitkfen. 


TlMt  BrothcHy  Love  rcML 

A  Brotherly-Love  Feast  has  been 
prepared  and  the  workers  of  Loe  An 
geles  have  been  invited. 

It  would  be  uncivil  not  to  accept; 
in  fact.  If  you  do  not  accept  you  may 
be  8U«picioned.  Tliere  are  many  sus- 
pects just  now.  At  best  it  will  be 
thought  that  you  are  greatly  lacking 
in  brotheiHy  love  if  you  do  not  go  to 
the  feast. 

Not  being  cast  in  heroic  mold,  not 
being  strong  enough  to  stand  sus 
picion,  I  go. 

There  are  grace  and  beauty,  elegance 
and  kindliness  at  the  board,  and  I  am 
pressed  to  accept  brotherhood  from 
all. 

But  I  cannot  feast.  The  skeleton 
is  there.  'Khie  hundred  and  forty 
thousand  young  lives  lost  on  the 
railroads  of  this  country  in  the  last 
few  years,"  he  whispers  to  me. 
"Avoidaiblle  accidents,"  he  added. 
"Eight  hundred  thousand  arms,  legs 
and  eyes  lost  in  the  same  time. 
Those  lame  and  groping  blind  are 
ywir  brothers,"  he  persisted. 

'ISteel  mills  kill  their  tens  of  thous- 
ands," he  went  on,  always  in  a  whis- 
per, yet  €K>  loud  that  I  wondered  the 
perfumed  master  of  ceremonies  at  the 
brotherly  love  feast  did  not  hear. 
"Accidents"?  Yes,  but  the  kind  that 
an  outlay  of  a  few  dollars  would 
save. 

The  report  of  the  New  York  Charity 
Organization  was  also  brought  in  by 
the  skeleton  at  the  feast.  "The  in- 
dustrial conditions  during  tSie  year 
are  worse  than  during  the  preceding 
year.  The  high  cost  of  living  drove 
many  families  to  poorer  quarters,  or 


compelled  them  to  take  lodgers.  lo 
either  case  the  result  is  overcrowding 
to  the  detriment  of  health  and  mor- 
als." 

Then  the  skeleton  went  on:  "More 
than  a  million  workers  meet  with  ac- 
cifdents  in  the  industries  of  this  coun 
try  each  year."  More  than  a  mMlion! 
That  w<mld  people  three  cities  of  the 
size  of  Loe  Angeles,  and  that  number 
are  killed  or  crippled  each  year.  Then 
the  numbers  depending  on  them 
would  bring  the  number  up  to  sev- 
eraa  millions  eacfh  year.  All  those 
millions  are  kllied,  injured,  or  suffer 
by  the  killing  or  crippling  of  the^e 
near  to  them  and  the  sacrifice  of  my 
brotlierB  goes  on  each  year.  And  at 
this  love  feast  are  sitting  the  very 
ones  that  profit  by  all  this. 

I  had  had  enough.  I  wanted  to  go, 
but  the  master  of  ceremonies  was  say- 
ing something  about  the  brotheiliood 
of  man  that  I  could  not  understand 
and  the  skeleton  made  me  listen  to 
the  latest  news  that  he  said  so  loud 
that  all  heard.  ''One  hundred  and 
fifty  to  two  hundred  men  are  buried 
alive  in  a  mine  at  Bricevllle,  Tenne- 
ssee." And  the  news  dispatch  said, 
"Destitution  follows  in  the  wake  of 
the  death  list  The  average  wage  of 
the  cross-mountain  miner  is  %Zh 
monthly.  ...  An  attempt  at  or- 
ganization of  a  union  was  made  but 
it  did  not  succeed."  Also,  "While  the 
rescuers  work  a  crowd  of  grief- 
stricken  women  and  children  is  clus- 
tered at  the  mouth  of  the  mine."  But 
the  Master  of  Ceremonies  had  his 
voice  raised  so  loud  about  the  beauties 
of  the  brotherhood  of  man  and  the 
Fatherhood  of  God  that  he  did  not 
hear. 

I  stumbled  to  my  feet  and  alone  I 
left  the  feast—TTte  Citizen, 


Whidi  is  Better  for  Hm  NaHon  ? 

Labor  unions  are  consecrated  to  the 
service  of  humanity.  The  captains  of 
finance  and  industry  ar§  consecrated 
to  rob  humanity. 

The  men  who  control  industry  and 
Rrance  are  organized  to  maintain, 
strengthen  and  preserve  the  wealth  of 
our  country  for  the  benefit  of  a  priv- 
ileged class.  Labor  is  organized  to 
pive  to  all  classes  a  fair  share  of  hap- 
piness and  the  comforts  of  life  whicA 
money  provides. 

Is  it  better  for  the  nation  that  the 


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149 


prlTlleged  class  shall  be  pennitted  to 
go  on  robbing  and  exploiting  labor,  or 
that  conditions  shall  be  changied 
whereby  the  consecrated  mission  of 
labor  may  be  carried  on  to  a  glad  fnl- 
fllment? — Bx, 


tvii»fr»rtfoiirihiii    Tm^UiiiisSMwid 
Present  a  Sold  rrofit  to  Thdr  rocs. 

There  is  altogetiier  too  mnch  fac- 
tionalism in  the  world  of  labor. 

Of  course  every  faction  seeks  to 
ke^  in  stock  a  shop-worn  set  of  al- 
leged excuses  for  its  failure  to  get  in 
line  with  the  big  fttmily  of  unions, 
but  none  of  them  will  stand  analysis, 
because  no  logical  reason  can  be  given 
to  justify  any  split  in  labor's  ranks. 

Quarrels  over  personal  opinions  or 
ambitions  are  personal  affairs  and 
should  not  affect  the  attitude  of  the 
workers  toward  the  labor  movement, 
nor  should  they  prevent  the  workers 
from  fully  realizing  the  value  and 
necessity  of  unity. 

The  moment  a  group  of  workers  an- 
nounce their  independence  of  the  gen- 
eral labor  movement  they  convict 
themselves  as  being  either  ignorant 
or  filled  with  selfishness  of  the  narrow 
t3rpe  that  hopes  to  secure  some  tem- 
porary trivial  advantage  for  a  select 
few  at  the  expense  of  the  many. 

The  desire  to  hold  office  is  perhaps 
the  most  common  cause  of  factions 
among  unions,  but  it  is  not  a  good 
reason. 

The  labor  cause  is  of  vastly  more 
importance  than  any  individuals  in  it, 
and  when  any  alleged  labor  man  advo- 
cates division  of  the  forces  of  labor  it 
is  pretty  clear  that  such  a  man  holds 
his  opinions  and  selfish  interests  as  of 
more  importance  than  the  cause,  and 
that  he  is  unworthy  of  support. 

Such  differences  of  opinion  as  may 
exist  between  members  of  labor  unions 
as  to  correct  union  laws  or  policy 
should  always  be  settled  within  the 
union  and  never  be  made  a  pretext  for 
factionalism. 

When  differing  opinions  are  dis- 
cussed within  the  union,  the  discus- 
sion is  educational  and  beneficial,  be- 
cause the  constant  grinding  of  one  in- 
tellect against  another  is  broadening 
in  its  ^ect,  serves  to  put  the  adher- 
ents of  each  side  on  their  mettle  and 


very  probably  will  result  in  correct 
action. 

But  if  the  union  splits,  each  faction 
being  composed  of  men  who  think 
alike,  deprives  both  factions  of  the 
educational  effect  which  can  only 
come  through  debate.  Thvm  there  is 
lost  not  only  the  unity  essential  to 
success,  but  also  the  broad  educational 
influence  of  discussions  based  upon 
divergent  opinions. 

Imagine  that  members  of  a  union 
seek  to  make  some  change  in  union 
rules  or  laws  and  when  defeated  they 
recede.  They  were  very  sure  they 
were  right,  but  when  they  seceded 
they  took  all  the  adherents  of  their 
pet  reform  out  of  the  union  and  left 
the  union  to  go  unreformed.  Now, 
assuming  they  were  really  right,  if 
they  had  stayed  in  the  union  they 
would  surely  prevail  in  the  end.  Thus 
secession  or  factionalism  not  only 
tends  to  render  the  union  weak,  but 
to  deprive  it  of  the  benefits  of  sugges- 
tions of  reform,  some  of  which  might 
be  valuable  and  might  finally  be 
adopted. 

And  labor  needs  unity  now  more 
than  ever  before,  in  spite  of  the  prog- 
ress that  has  been  made,  because  our 
opponents  are  becoming  better  organ- 
ized and  because  the  pay  envelope  is 
not  keeping  pace  with  the  increasing 
cost  of  living. 

The  old  saying  that  "there  is  a  time 
for  everythlns:"  does  not  apply  to 
splits  in  the  forces  of  labor,  because 
there  is  no  time  appropriate  for  labor 
to  split. 

Bear  and  forbear  in  the  discussion 
of  your  differences,  but  preserve  unity. 

Say  to  yourself,  to  non-unionists  and 
to  independent  factionists,  that  labor 
has  no  time  to  spend  in  factional  dis- 
cussion except  to  unite  the  factions 
that  have  already  been  created,  and 
that  the  time  to  unite  is  now. — Shoe 
Workers*  Journal, 


Dividends,  That's  the  TMng ! 

The  report  Just  published  in  London 
of  the  year's  operations  of  J.  and  V. 
Jindpoan's  sewing  cotton  combine 
shows  that  the  profits  of  the  combine 
for  the  last  financial  year  were  over 
three  million  pounds.  This  makes 
the  net  profits  for  the  last  ten  years 


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IM 


JOUKNAL   OF   l»ttlJ   SWITCHMHJN'S 


9125,000,000.  A  dividend  amounting 
to  3i5  per  cent  has  been  declared.  Dur- 
ing: the  last  ten  years  the  sharehold- 
ers have  received  in  dividends  four 
times  the  original  capital  invested. 
'♦Oh,  but  that  was  in  England." 
Tes,  that  was  in  England,  but  the 
Lackawanna  Railroad  has  Just  paid 
an  "extra  dividend"  of  36  per  cent, 
and  the  American  railroads  are  mur* 
derincT  more  workers  every  day  than 
the  English  roads  slay  in  a  year. 
Safety  devices  cost  money — ^and  re- 
duce dividends. — The  Citizen, 


Cal  to  effort. 

You  can  raise  your  voice  for  freedom 

If  you  cannot  wield  the  sword. 
If  the  feet  are  slow  and  feeble 

Tilled  with  thunders  is  the  word. 
It  can  face  the  coward  braggart 

With  the  lightning  flash  of  truth; 
And  lay  bare  the  lie  of  power 

With  the  giant  strength  of  youth. 

That  a  wron^  has  proved  suiccessful 

Is  no  reason  it  should  live. 
And  'tis  duty  calls  to  action; 

And  the  powers  weapons  give 
To  a  man  who  weighs  his  honor 

Xxainst  a  party  or  a  cause 
When  he  knows  its  life  disgraces 

Nature's  just  and  righteous  laws. 

And  to  you  who  feel  the  throbbing 

Of  the  mighty  pulse  of  time. 
There  is  borne  the  clarion  Summons. 

Like  a  prophet's'  voice  sublime, 
For  a  man  who  owns  his  manhood, 

And  whose  presence  masses  wait 
That  he  lead  them  from  oppression 

Through  the  Red  Sea  waves  of  fate. 

Fling  the  weight  of  custom  from  you; 

Stand  erect  and  be  a  man, 
Dare  to  scorn  the  gold  of  treason 

To  truth's  vast,  uplifting  plan. 
Dare  with  avarice  to  grapple 

That  has  roibbed  the  people's  purse; 
Dare  to  face  the  mob  of  vultures 

That  have  proved  the  people's  curse. 

And  from  afll  th^  land  of  freedom, 

From  the  North  and  from  the  South 
Shall  resound  the  cheer  of  triumph, 

E^choed  swift  from  mouth  to  mouth 
For  the  heart  of  man  beats  proudly 

At  the  voice  of  freedom*s  call; 
And  there  vibrates  through  his  being 

Life  and  Hope  an<d  Joy  for  all. 
--Ida  Orouch'Hazlett. 


OM  Labor  mt^  fsctof^. 

Throughout  nature  there  is  nothii^f 
so  woefully  appalling,  nothing  so  bm 
tally  cruel  or  so  horrible  as  the  speo- 
tacle  presented  by  the  human  species 
when  for  profit  it  exploits  and  sacri- 
fices its  own  offspring. 

All  other  creatures  exercise  the 
greatest  care  and  watchfulness  over 
theirs,  safeguarding  them  from  every 
harm,  and,  when  occasion  demands 
it,  giving  up  their  lives  that  theii* 
young  may  live.  Even  birds  of  prey 
have  been  known  to  pick  the  flesh 
from  their  own  breasts  to  feed  their 
starving  fledgelings.  Wolves  disgorge 
and  suffer  pangs  of  starvation  in 
order  that  their  whelps  may  live. 

The  entire  brute  creation  instinct- 
ively protects  the  young,  as  if  in  obe- 
dience to  some  natural  law,  and  it  is 
not  until  man  is  reached  in  his  high- 
est development  that  this  law  is  vio* 
lated.  It  is  not  until  civilisation  in 
what  we  claim  to  be  its  highest  tirpe 
is  reached  that  man,  with  a  iuU 
knowledge  of  what  he  is  doing,  grinds 
the  bone,  blood,  and  flesh  of  his 
children  Into  money.  With  a  brutal- 
ity that  is  strictly  human  he  cheer^ 
fully  offers  his  children  as  a  sacrlfloe 
upon  the  altars  of  Mammon.  For  the 
sake  of  profit  he  does  what  the  lower 
animals  will  sacrifice  their  lives  to 
prevent. 

Nowhere  in  all  nature  can  the  horror 
be  duplicated;  nowhere  is  there  such 
a  terrible  example  of  debased  deprav- 
ity as  that  presented  by  child  labor. 

Our  present  system  is  responsible 
for  It,  for  the  evil  came  into  it  with 
the  advent  of  capitalization.  There 
was  no  child  labor  as  we  know  it  and 
understand  it  until  the  earlier  part  of 
the  last  century,  when  the  factory  took 
the  place  of  the  workshop  and  the 
workers*  labor  became  a  commodity. 
The  introduction  of  machinery  for 
production,  and  production  for  profit, 
took  the  children  from  play  and  placed 
them  at  work.  It  was  the  deathknel! 
to  childhood  and  to  childhood's  joys. 
Thorold  Rogers,  in  his  "Six  Centuries 
of  Work  and  Wages,"  graphically  tells 
how  the  evil  started  and  how  the  curse 
was  propagated.   This  is  what  he  says: 

••Now  we  come  to  the  second  great 
fall  in  English  wages.  As  the  first 
was  founded  on  the  robbery  and  mon- 
opolization of  land,  so  the  second  was 


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161 


/o untied  on,  not  the  robbery,  but  iii 
Euonopoiization  of  machinery,  the  In- 
struments of  production.  Watts' 
steam  engine  dates  from  1765;  Har- 
greaves*  spinning  lenny  from  1767: 
Arkirright's  spinning  machine  from 
1768;  Compton's  spinning  mule  from 
1776.  These,  with  other  inventions, 
revolutionized  Industry.  Adam  Smith 
eetebrated  that  revolution  in  1776  by 
vrlting  the  "Wealth  of  Nations.' 
Honsehold  industry  was  ruined.  Far 
tory  buildings  ran  like  wildfire,  capital 
i^med  mad.  What  compunctions  of 
einttclenee  were  felt,  were  stilled  by 
Adam  Smith's  new  gospel  of  each  for 
himself.  Malthus  declared  that  there 
was  no  help.  *Tf  the  poor  suffered,  why 
were  they  born?*  Why  did  they  not 
stop  having  children?  There  were  too 
aaiiy  people!  England's  clergy  werf 
4^.  The  land  seemed  conscienceless. 
Sot  40  per  cent.,  hut  1000  per  cent..' 
aid  a  manufacturer.  *made  the  for 
?Tm€s  of  Lancashire.'  Men  were 
»<ffked  like  horses  and  housed  Hk*- 
>wine.  When  men  grew  too  expensive, 
women  and  children  were  used.  Men 
rocked  the  cradle  when  they  were  no- 
too  drunk:  women  worked  In  the  fa* 
twies.  stopping  scarcely  a  day  for 
ehfldbirth.  Children  of  six  and  sevei- 
roiled  naked  In  the  mines  or  were  shui 
^  in  burning  and  stifling  factories. 
Manufactnrers  stood  up  in  parliament 
and  said:  'The  children  like  It;  why 
*l«e  did  they  work?  London  parish e.^ 
sold  or  pawned  out  orphan  children 
the  factories.  One  manufacturer  ' 
lained  to  take  one  Idiot  child  witli 
tvery  twenty  healthy  ones;  the  horrors 
of  the  age  seemed  Incredible.  It  was 
the  triumph  of  laissez  faire:  " 

Prof.  Rogers'  terrible  picture  of  this 
terrible  crime  Is  not  overdrawn  or  too 
hlgbly  colored,  for  a  parliamentary  in- 
YMtlgation  made  during  the  period  to 
iaqnlre  Into  the  conditions  of  labor  re- 
ported facts  that  are  now  scarcely  be- 
Hevable.  Children  were  forced  to 
work  twelve  hours  a  day  with  little  or 
BO  intermission  except  to  partake  of 
food  that  was  scanty  and  of  the  coars- 
«t  qnallty:  they  were  made  to  sleen 
^x  or  eight  In  a  bed  and  the  beds 
were  overrun  with  vermin.  Two  shifts 
•ere  worked  and  the  beds  were  nevei' 
iBoved  to  cool,  for  as  soon  as  one 
4r!fl  got  np  to  resume  work  in  the 
farfory  the  other  shifts  were  ready  t» 


take  their  places.  No  sanitary  precau- 
tions were  taken,  and  the  little  chil- 
dren were  herded  together  regardless 
of  sex.  Little  girls  became  mothers  at 
twelve  with  all  the  responsibilities  ot 
maturity  thrust  upon  them.  Of  a  truth 
it  was  a  fit  beginning  for  the  blackest 
of  all  crimes  that  was  ever  perpetrated, 
the  damnable  one  of  child  labor. 

Although  the  picture  is  not  now  so 
appalling,  nor  the  moral  depravity  so 
terrible,  yet  the  exploitation  is  still 
going  on,  and  the  child  tribute  is  paid 
to  the  god  of  greed. 

The  evil  of  child  labor  is  deep  rooted 
and  deadly,  and  goes  further  into  the 
social  structure  than  one  Imagines  at 
first  glance.  Recent  statistics  issued 
by  the  British  government  relating  to 
recruiting  for  the  army  show  that  90 
per  cent,  of  the  young  men  who  ap- 
peared for  enlistment  were  rejected 
because  of  their  physical  unfitness,  all 
directly  traceable  to  child  labor  and 
the  conditions  it  always  entails. — Thr 
Chronicle. 


Sound  Advice  from  a  Judge. 

Labor  unions  are  of  natural  growth. 
They  need  no  artificial  stimulation  to 
keep  them  alive,  and  they  will  live  as 
long  as  the  present  civilization  flour- 
ishes. 

Prior  to  the  Civil  War  labor  unions 
were  not  prominent  in  this  country. 
At  that  time  a  man  didn't  have  to 
woi^  for  some  other  man,  unless  he 
wanted  to.  There  were  millions  of 
fertile  acres  open  for  homesteads,  and 
if  he  didn't  like  his  job  he  could  quit 
and  homestead  160  acres.  Every  man 
had  the  opportunity  to  be  his  own 
master.  This  has  been  true  of  all 
new  countries.  Many  years  ago  when 
Australia  was  a  new  land  an  English 
gentleman  named  Peel  anchored  on 
the  west  coast  with  $250,000  worth  of 
supplies  and  3.000  colonists,  whose 
destinies  he  proposed  to  benevolently 
guide  and  control.  But  the  soil  was 
fertile,  the  climate  mild,  and  his  col- 
onists scattered  from  him  leaving  poor 
Mr.  Peel  without  a  maid  servant  to 
sweep  his  house  or  a  man  servant  to 
black  his  shoes  or  chop  his  wood  or 
carry  him  water  from  the  spring. 
Since  then  Australia  has  become  civil- 
ized. And  in  this  country  the  avenues 
of  escape  to  the  soil  have  been  closed. 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHKBN^ 


and  the  ^workingmen  have  been  left 
hemmed  in,  backed  up  against  the  wall 
to  fight  it  out  as  best  t^ey  can.  And 
when  they  rally  in  groups,  as  they  have 
done,  and  fight  shoulder  to  shoulder 
behind  the  banners  of  their  organi- 
zations, they  are  but  following  natural 
laws,  guided  by  the  instincts  of  self- 
preservation. 

Higher  wages  on  one  side,  bigger 
dividends  on  the  other.  On  the  one 
side  men  fighting  for  wages  so  that 
they  can  keep^their  children  in  school, 
own  their  homes,  and  enjoy  some  of 
the  pleasures  of  life  as  they  pass 
through  it;  on  the  other  side  stock- 
holders clamoring  for  dividends,  bear- 
ing down  on  the  superintendent  of  the 
plant  with  pressure  enough  to  make 
any  ordinary  manager  get  down  on 
his  knees  and  pray  for  labor  that  will 
work  for  50  cents  a  day  from  sun  to 
sun.  And  as  the  impartial  patriot 
views  this  struggle,  let  him  remember 
that  the  strength  of  a  nation  is  meas- 
ured, not  by  the  reckless  extravagance 
of  its  aristocracy,  but  by  the  sturdy 
manhood  of  those  who  toil. 

When  Napoleon  faced  the  armies  of 
Europe,  led  by  their  counts  and  dukes, 
who  believed  a  workingman  incapable 
of  leading,  only  fit  to  follow,  he  would 
hurl  at  them  a  marshal  who  was  the 
son  of  a  cooper  or  a  marshal  who  was 
the  son  of  a  butcher,  or  another  bom 
of  a  market  gardener,  and  they  would 
cut  their  way  through  the  effete  aris- 
tocracy of  Europe  as  if  It  were  so 
much  carrion. 

Did  you  ever  stop  to  think  that  all 
the  great  books,  all  the  great  songs, 
all  the  great  inventions,  came  from 
the  sturdy  middle  classes?  Not  one 
from  the  scum  of  society,  not  one  from 
its  dregs.  Enlarge  that  field;  enlarge 
the  independence  of  the  workingman, 
and  you  enlarge  the  glory  and  honor 
of  the  nation;  narrow  it  and  the  na- 
tion is  doomed.  The  government  that 
stifles  labor  is  choking  itself  to  death. 

It  is  true  there  are  Instances  where  ^ 
labor  has  become  tyrannical  and  de- 
manded more  than  its  share.  We  all 
make  mistakes.  But  where  you  find 
individual  Instances  of  labor's  tyran- 
ny, you  will  find  whole  nations  where 
the  prayer  of  the  employer  for  peons 
and  slaves  has  been  answered,  where 
they  are  working  men  from  sun  to  wan 
for  50  cents  a  day,  and  even  less.    And 


what  kind  of  countries  are  they?   Who 
wants  to  live  in  them? 

The  principles  for  which  you  are 
contending  are  right,  but  that  does  not 
insure  their  success.  There  never  was 
a  more  stupendous  fallacy  than  the 
proposition  that  virtue  Is  its  own  re- 
ward and  that  right  will  eventually 
triumph.  It  is  the  tame  as  saying 
that  a  good  man  can  eventually  whip 
a  bad  man;  that  all  the  good  man  has 
to  do  is  to  be  calm  and  patient  and  in 
some  way  he  will  win  the  fight  If  he 
places  his  reliance  on  such  a  pr<q;KMii- 
tion,  he  will  have  his  face  battered  In 
and  that  will  be  all  there  la  to  it. 

History  is  covered  with  the  wreok- 
age  of  labor  movements  that  have  gone 
to  pieces  on  the  rocks  of  treachery 
and  Incompetency.  Tou  have  the  num- 
bers on  your  side,  it  is  true.  You  have 
the  weight.  So  has  an  ox  more  weight 
than  a  half-dozen  men,  hut  a  chOd 
will  fence  him  in  the  pastore  and  tie 
him  to'  the  fodder  In  his  trough.  Tet 
weight  counts  if  it  has  Intenigenoe 
behind  It.  A  few  men  can  meet  in  a 
back  office  and  lay  plans  that  will  de- 
prive the  Ignorant  thousands  of  their 
rights.  They  know  how  to  get  results. 
They  know  how  to  influence  legisla- 
tion, how  to  contra]  the  news,  how  te 
direct  public  opinion.  They  know 
what  wires  to  pull.  Can  you  match 
their  shrewdness?  Is  your  intelligenoe 
equal  to  theirs?  These  are  more  im- 
portant questions  to  consider  than  sta- 
tistics of  your  growth,  even  should  you 
show  that  you  outnumber  the  opposi- 
tion two  to  one. 

It  is  a  fact  that  organized  labor  is 
retaining  more  and  more  of  its  strong 
men  in  its  ranks.  Tears  ago,  moi 
were  constantly  breaking  out  of  the 
labor  class  to  become  masters  of  small 
plants  of  their  own.  The  trusts  are 
stopping  that  practice.  After  a  two 
days'  cross-examination  of  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Miners'  Federation  by  one 
of  the  greatest  lawyers  living,  the  law- 
yer admitted  that  he  had  met  his 
equal.  These  are  the  kind  of  men  that 
the  unions  are  developing,  and  In 
them  rests  the  hope  of  the  future. 
They  are  firm,  patient,  honorable  men, 
whose  intelligence  can  match  any  that 
money  can  hire.  Their  word  is  as 
good  as  their  bond.  They  keep  their, 
contracts.  They  are  not  striving  to 
force  all   the   principles  of  unionism 


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into  fall  growth  in  one  night,  like  a 
mushroom,  but  rather  as  an  oak  they 
would  tee  it  gain  strength  day  by  day, 
throwing  its  roots  down  deep  into  the 
soil  of  public  approral.  until  at  last  it 
stands  firm  and  immovaMe  in  the  re- 
spect of  the  people,  unshaken  by  the 
Masts  of  malice  or  of  short-sighted 
greed.— A/ftert  8.  Eylar,  County  Judge, 
El  Paso,  Teaas, 


TlieClNirGh. 

A  visitor  may  sit  in  the  gallery 
watching  the  proceedings  during  the 
entire  ten  days'  session  of  a  conven- 
tion of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor  without  hearing  a  single  refer- 
«^nce  by  a  delegate  to  any  alleged  con- 
flict between  trade  unionism  and  the 
church.  He  may  meantime  look  over 
the  trade  union  periodicals  and  other 
publications  plentifully  at  hand  and  be 
unable  to  find  in  them  any  sign  of  such 
a  conflict.  In  mingling  with  the  dele- 
gates about  the  meeting  hall,  in  the 
hotels,  and  at  the  social  events  that 
are  a  feature  of  convention  times,  he 
will  hear  little  or  any  mention  of  the 
church,  one  way  or  the  other.  Only 
incidentally  and  without  significant 
import  will  he  hear  any  delegate 
spoken  of  as  Protestant  or  Catholic, 
Jew  or  Gentile.  The  matter  of  a  dele- 
gate's faith  or  unfaith  stands  neither 
to  his  credit  nor  discredit,  so  long  as 
be  himself  does  not  put  it  forward  to 
make  it  a  fitting  subject  for  remarks. 
All  this  helps  to  lead  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  institution  of  trade  unionism, 
in  America,  has  no  antagonism  to  the 
institution  of  the  church. 

This  is  one  of  the  considerable' 
points  of  difference  between  the  work- 
ing-class movement  of  this  country 
and  that  of  Continental  Europe.  In- 
deed, Great  Britain  Itself  is  not  wholly 
without  a  church  question  in  the  labor 
rr.ovement.  Of  recent  times  there  has 
been  annually  something  of  a  debate 
Ir  the  British  Trade  Union  Congress 
over  the  resolution  favoring  a  system 
of  "free  and  secular"  schools.  On  the 
continent,  where  the  strength  of  the 
working-class  movement  In  itsl>egin- 
ning  was  developed  in  radical  political 
organizations,  the  church,  whether 
with  or  without  justification,  was 
usually  counted  as  among  the  obstacles 
to  the  development  of  that  movement 
Wherever  state  and  church  were 
blended,  the  church  came  under  the 


denunciations  of  the  rebellious  democ- 
racy, whose  demands  included  a  sep- 
aration of  these  two  social  institutions 
as  a  necessary  step  toward  abolishing 
the  privileges  of  the  nobility  and  of 
the  other  elements  of  aristocracy.  To- 
day Germany  has  its  "Christian"  trade 
unions,  of  which  there  are  more  than 
350,000  members.  These  are  not  di- 
rectly associated  with  the  unions  af- 
filiated with  the  General  Federation, 
which  includes  more  than  2,000,000 
members,  many  of  whom  are,  of 
course.  Christians  individually.  Only 
recently  have  these  two  national  or- 
ganizations been  able  on  occasions  to 
act  In  harmony,  the  "Christian"  union- 
ists being  formerly  regarded  by  the 
others  as  non-progressive.  If  not  posi- 
tively reactionary.  The  American 
trade-union  delegate  to  an  Interna- 
tional meeting  In  continental  countries 
hears  debates  on  questions  of  church 
and  state,  church  and  trade  unionism, 
church  and  the  free-thlnklng  Indi- 
vidual, for  which  we  have  no  occasion 
In  America.  This  is  one  of  many  cir- 
cumstances which  serve  to  set  apart 
the  labor  question,  and  the  labor  move- 
ment, of  this  country  from  Old  World 
social  problems. 

The  appearance  of  a  Catholic  priest 
or  of  a  Protestant  minister  to  deliver 
a  prayer  or  an  address  on  the  platform 
of  one  of  the  unions  represented  In  the 
General  Federation  of  Germany  would 
be  of  unusual  significance.  It  would 
mean  either  that  the  clergyman  him- 
self was  venturing  beyond  the  sphere 
of  his  duties  as  recognized  by  his 
church,  or  that  the  church  was  bent  on 
taking  a  step  in  advance  of  the  posi- 
tion It  has  customarily  occupfed,  or 
that  the  union  was  acquiring  the 
American  spirit  of  tolerance  to  all  re- 
ligious controversies.  What  Is  said  of 
Germany  Is  to  an  extent  the  case  in 
France,  Italy,  Austria,  and,  indeed, 
most  continental  countries. 

To  the  European  visitor,  church 
delegates  sitting  on  our  trade-union 
convention  platforms,  each  havftig  his 
opportunity  in  turn  to  make  an  ad- 
dress to  the  delegates,  is  a  matter  not 
easily  understood.  A  Frenchman,  an 
investigator  representing  a  prominent 
sociological  society  of  Paris,  on  seeing 
one  of  our  trade-union  conventions 
opened  with  prayer,  turned  to  an 
American  companion  beside  him  and 
exclaimed:  "I  had  no  Idea  that  Amer 
ican  workingmen  were  so  deeply  reli- 
gions f"    He  had  caught  the  notion-- 


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JOURNAL   OF    THR  SWITCHMEN'S 


trom  what  he  saw  with  his  own  eyes, 
and  whlc^  therefore  must  he  a  fact! — 
that  since  our  convention  was  ini- 
tiated with  a  religious  ceremony,  our 
iremhers  were  united  and  determined 
to  show  themselves  to  the  world  as  de- 
fenders of  religious  faith.  An  illus- 
tration here  of  the  point  that  an  oh- 
server,  to  see  facts  as  they  are,  must 
ho  equipped  with  a  knowledge  of  other 
facta  relating  to  those  which  he  wit- 
nesses. No  matter  what  their  faith, 
people  in  America  accept  the  opening 
prayer  as  one  of  the  traditional  feat- 
ures of  the  program  for  puhlic  gather- 
ings. The  prayer  may  he  made  hy  a 
minister,  a  priest,  or  a  rahhi,  and 
while  it  is  an  evidence  of  a  general  re- 
spect for  all  religions.  It  does  not  sig- 
nify a  declaration  for  or  against  any 
political  party,  or  ecclesiastic  system, 
or  social  reform  or  revolution.  It 
usually  stirs  no  partisan  or  sectarian 
feeling. — John  Mitchell,  in  the  Ameri- 
can Federntioni8t. 


Law  off  Accdcralion. 

It  is  thus  stated  hy  Mr.  Angell  in  his 
interesting  hook,  "The  Great  Illusion,*' 
a  work  devoted  to  the  anti-war  pro- 
paganda.   He  says: 

"Man  prohahly  dates  from  the  ter- 
tiary period — 300,000  years.  He  has 
developed  more  in  the  last  3000  years 
than  in  the  preceding  297,000,  and 
more  in  the  last  800  than  in  the  pre- 
cTsding  3000.  and  in  some  respects  more 
in  the  last  50  than  in  the  preceding 
299,950.  We  see  more  change  now  in 
10  years  than  originally  in  10,000. 
Who  shall  foretell  the  developments  of 
a  generation?" 

This  progress  consists  lu  man's  con- 
quest of  nature.  He  is  overcoming 
time,  space,  season,  air,  earth  and 
water.  Prom  an  invisible  solar  sys- 
tom  lying  out  in  the  verges  of  space  to 
an  invisible  universe  within  the  walls 
of  an  atom— he  sees  it  all.  His  vision 
is  almost  divine.  He  accompanies  mat- 
ter until  it  merges  into  spirit,  and 
ir.akes  use  of  It  in  his  home,  his  busi- 
ness, his  study,  his  imagination,  until 
his  whole  life  has  become  an  increas- 
ing wonder. 

What  a  great  thing  it  would  be  to  be 
living  a  generation  hence  and  see  the 
measure  of  progress  that  will  come  by 
then — ^how  far  into  the  boundless  re- 
gions of  nature  man's  genius  and  in- 
telligence will   penetrate!      But   more 


interesting  than  aU  these  material  tri- 
umphs will  it  be  to  know  that  mans 
moral  progress  is  catching  up  with  it; 
that  all  these  physical  conquests  are 
simply  to  develop  and  make  room  for 
the  spiritual.  That  is  what  it  all 
moans.  It  can  mean  nothing  else.— 
Exchange, 


How  to  Win  Out. 


It  takes  a  little  courage 

And  a  little  self-control. 
And  some  grim  determination 

If  you  want  to  reach  a  goal. 
It  takes  a  deal  of  striving. 

And  a  firm  and  stern  set  chin. 
No  matter  what  the  battle. 

If  you're  really  out  to  win. 

There's  no  easy  path  to  glory. 

There's  no  rosy  road  to  tame. 
Life,  however  we  may  view  it, 

Is  no  simple  parlor  game; 
But  its  prizes  call  for  fighting. 

For  endurance  and  for  grit. 
For  a  rugged  disposition 

And   a   "don't-know-when-to-quit." 

You  must  take  a  blow  or  give  one. 

You  must  risk  and  you  must  lose. 
And  expect  that  in  the  struggle 

You  will  suffer  from  a  bruise. 
But  you  mustn't  wince  or  falter, 

If  a  fig'ht  you  once  begin; 
Be  a  man  and  face  the  battle — 

That's  the  only  way  to  win. 

— Selected 


Wage  Versus  Cliatlttl  Slavery. 

From  the  experience  of  our  planters, 
slavery  is  as  little  advantageous  to  the 
masters  as  to  the  slave,  whenever 
hired  servants  can  be  procured.  A 
man  is  obliged  to  clothe  and  feed  his 
slave,  and  he  does  no  more  fok*  his 
servant.  The  price  of  the  first  pur- 
chase, therefore,  is  so  much  loss  to 
him;  not  to  mention  that  the  fear  of 
punishment  will  never  draw  so'  much 
labor  from  a  slave  as  the  dread^of  being 
turned  off  and  not  getting  another  ser- 
vice will  from  a  free  man.  —  David 
Hume. 


"Mince  pie,"  says  Dr.  Woods  Hutch- 
inson, "is  an  easily  similable  poly- 
sachrid  carbohydrate  of  highly  caloric 
efficiency."  Um,  yes.  The  last  piece 
we  ate  gave  us  that  feeling. 


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1 

E 

D 

1 

T 

O 

R 

1 

A 

L 

1 

INTERNATIONAL  OFFlC£RS 

INTKRNATIONAL    PaSSIDBNT. 

S  fi.  Heberlinff,  326  Brisbane  BIdff.,  Buf- 
falo. N.  Y. 

Gband  Sbcrbtart  and  Trbasukbu 
U.  R.  Welch.  826  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buifato, 
N.  Y. 

Journal  Bditor. 
W.  H.  Thompson.  S26  Brisbane  Bids..  B«f- 
•falo,  N.  Y. 

Grand  Board  or  Dirbctors. 

F.  C.  Janes.  1261  Metropolitan  Ave..  Kan- 
sas Cidr,  Kan. 

C  B.  Cummlngs.  250  Whitesboro  St.. 
UUca.  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Titus.  1878  B.  92d  St.  Cleveland.  O. 

International  Vicb-Prbsidbnts. 
J.  B.  Connors.  638  B.  41st  St.  Chicago,  111. 
L.  H.  Porter.  Nottingham.  O. 
T.  Clohesssr.  7207  Peoria  St.  Chicago.  111. 
F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place.  Bafiklo  J^.  Y. 
T.  J.  Misenhelter.  607  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale.  Kan. 

Protbctivb  Board. 

R  W.  Flynn.  1716  Prospect  Ave..  Scran- 
ton,  Pa. 

Q.  C  Hess.  579  18th  St.  Detroit  Mich. 

T.  H.  Stone.  9140  Buffalo  Ave..  Chicago. 
IlL 

Dan  Smith.  6647  Princeton  Ave..  Chicago. 
HL 

A  J.  Peterson,  1908  Heath  St  West-Ft 
William,  Ont 

Grand  Mbdical  Bxaminbr. 
M.  A  Sullivan.  M.  D..  326  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave..  Lackawanna.  N.  Y. 


WHY  NOT  A  rCW  SPCCTACULAR  STUNTS 
AMONG  THOSC  AWAY  UP,  BC 

puucD  orr. 

About  fifty  persons  prominently 
identified  In  the  affairs  of  the  Inter- 
national Association  of  Bridge  and 
Structural  Iron  Workers  have  been 
placed  under  arrest  by  government 
officials  on  alleged  charges  of  wrong- 
ful transportation  and  use  of  dyna- 
mite, etc 

It  is  said  the  government  bases  its 
charges  on  evidence  from  communica- 
tions pilfered  from  the  Grand  Lodge 


headquarters  of  the  Structural  Iron 
Workers  by  the  Burns  Detective 
Agency.  Those  arrested  include  most 
of  the  general  ofB<*ials  of  the  union, 
together  with  a  numlier  of  business 
agents,  or  those  who  formerly  acted  in 
that  capacity  in  different  cities. 

While  capitalistic  papers  are  en- 
deavoring to  make  much  capital  and 
prejudice  the  public  mind,  in  their 
efforts  to  prejudge  the  outcome  of  the 
case,  the  labor  world  should  stand  by 
these  men  until  they  have  been  proven 
guilty  of  transgression  of  laws.  They 
are  entitled  to  a  fair  and  impartial 
trial  and  every  laboring  man  should 
insist  in  no  unmistakable  terms  upon 
their  receiving  one.  The  kidnapping 
and  robbery  features  connected  with 
securing  of  evidence  in  the  cases  of 
those  workers  and  the  clock-like  pre- 
cision and  effort  in  landing  their  vic- 
tims in  jails,  is  a  wonderfully  differ- 
ent process  to  that  afforded  to  exploit- 
ers of  labor  as,  for  instance,  the  offi- 
cials of  the  packing  companies,  the 
steel  trust  and  oil  magnates.  In  none 
of  those  cases,  in  comparison  to  which 
the  victims  of  dynamiters,  if  guilty  of 
everything  charged  against  them, 
dwindles  into  a  mere  pigmy  when 
compared  with  the  wanton  industrial 
slaughter  and  starvation  charges 
against  those  pirates  of  industry.  Yet 
in  such  rases  there  are  no  spectacular 
arrests,  no  burglarizing  of  offices  for 
evidence  and  in  some  of  them  the 
chiefs  are  not  even  summoned  to  ap- 
pear, just  merely  invited,  as  was  the 
case  a  short  time  ago  when  our  be- 
loved J.  D.  and  his  reverend  friend 
were  invited  to  appear  before  a  Con- 


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JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMSN^ 


greBsional  committee  on  a  mere  trifle 
of  ftn  ore  queetion,  where  only  a  few 
millions  were  taken.  J.  D.  ai»preci- 
ated  the  courtesy  of  the  invitation,  no 
doubt,  but  declined  the  courtesy  and 
remained  at  home. 

But  the  path  of  the  poor,  wayward 
laborer  is  different  and  we  sometimes 
wonder  what  is  the  use  of  laboring 
anyhow.  The  harder  we  work,  the 
harder  we  are  urged  to  work.  The 
more  we  bear,  the  greater  the  burden 
heaped  upon  us  to  bear.  The  more 
hungry  and  ragged  we  become  in  our 
battles  for  bread  and  raiment,  the  less 
opportunity  is  afforded  us  to  earn 
more.  The  more  there  is  about  us, 
the  less  opportunity  there  is  to  se> 
cure  it  without  resorting  to  cruel, 
wicked  means  of  getting  it.  If  there 
really  is  any  sin  in  destruction  of  life 
and  property,  why  not  get  at  the  es- 
sence of  it  and  get  some  real  action 
on  the  greatest  of  life  destroyers. 
Have  not  the  little  fish  borne  their 
share  of  it  for  awhile?  Couldn't  there 
be  a  lot  of  big  kidnapping  and  burg- 
larizing stunts  pulled  off  in  the  burst- 
ing of  trusts,  etc.,  for  a  little  while? 

Let  all  the  facts,  from  the  mining 
of  ore  to  the  finished  product,  the 
wages,  working  conditions  and  divi- 
dends from  the  highest  official  come 
out  in  these  cases  and  see  who  the 
genuine  culprits  are.  If  so  it  will  be 
found  that  the  infractions  of  law  of 
all  the  Jobs  attributed  to  the  iron 
workers  are  but  a  speck  in  the  galaxy 
of  wrongdoing.  Let  it  all  come  out 
before  pronouncement  of  Judgment. 
Declare  no  man  guilty  until  so  proven 
and  neglect  no  big  crimes  to  fasten 
lesser  ones. 


A  JUST  VERDICT. 

An  interesting  case  of  corporation 
love  for  the  army  of  railroad  men  sac- 
rificing their  lives  in  performance  of 
dnty,  has  lately  been  brought  to  light 
in  the  Supreme  Court  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 


where  the  Jury  returned  a  verdict  of 
16,176  in  favor  of  Mrs.  Helen  Whit- 
taker,  widow  of  G.  W.  Whittaker,  a 
switchman  employed  by  the  New  York 
Central  R.  R.,  who  received  fatal  in- 
juries lilarch  15,  1911,  in  its  Buffalo 
yards,  as  a  recompense  for  the  loss  of 
his  life  and  her  support. 

From  the  evidence  brought  out  at 
court,  according  to  press  reports* 
Whittaker,  while  on  the  footboard  of 
an  engine  and  while  in  the  perform- 
ance of  duty,  fell  in  front  of  the  engine 
with  which  he  worked  on  account  of 
a  defective  grab-iron,  and  was  run  over 
and  so  severely  mangled  by  the  en- 
gine that  death  soon  .relieved  him  of 
his  agonies.  As  soon  as  he  could  be 
extricated  from  beneath  the  engine  he 
was  removed  to  the  Emergency  Hos- 
pital, where  it  was  found  necessary  to 
amputate  one  of  his  limbs  and  where 
he  died  two  days  later,  according  to 
the  doctor's  death  certificate,  on  ac- 
count of  bright's  disease  and  alcohol- 
ism. The  widow  was  lead  to  believe 
by  officials  of  the  company  that  she 
had  no  case  against  it  for  the  loss  of 
her  husband,  but  as  a  matter  of  gen- 
erosity they  would  allow  her  the  sum 
of  $600.  She  was  induced  by  them  to 
accept  this  amount  in  settlement  of 
the  case. 

Not  long  afterwards  she  became  con- 
vinced the  alleged  causes  of  his  death 
had  been  falsified,  and  consulted  an 
attorney,  who  took  charge  of  the  case, 
had  the  body  taken  up  and  an  autopsy 
held  by  competent  practitioners  of  the 
medical  profession,  and  at  which  was 
disclosed  the  fact  that  his  pelvis  bones 
had  been  so  badly  crushed  that  it  was 
almost  a  miracle  he  lived  as  long  as 
he  did  after  sustaining  the  injury,  and 
which  injury  was  not  found  or  report- 
ed by  the  company  surgeon.  The  fam- 
ily doctor  and  the  widow  dispute  the 
cause  of  death  as  recorded  in  mortuary 
report  of  his  death,  and  state  he  was 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


157 


and  had  been  in  excellent  healtli  for 
20  yean  prior  to  his  death,  and  fur- 
thermore, that  he  was  not  addicted 
to   the   excessive   use  of   intoxicants. 
Whatever  the  ultimate  verdict  may  he 
in  regard  to  this  case,  it  affords  an 
excellent  illustration  of  the  efforts  of 
railroads  to  collect  tribute  from  their 
employes  for  maintenance  of  hospitals 
and   the  furnishing  of  company  doc- 
tors,   attorneys   and   claim   agents   to 
care   for  them   when  breathing  their 
last  breaths  of  life.    How  much  of  the 
real  causes  of  accident  and  fatalities 
attending  them  can  never  be  known 
until  tlie  public  becomes  awakened  to 
a  consciousness  of  the  necessity  of  hav- 
ing subjects  hastened  to  and  treated 
at  publleK>wned  hospitals  and  by  pub- 
lic-owned  doctors   and   surgeons.     No 
claim  agent  or  attorney  should  be  al- 
lowed entrance  in  a  hospital  or  home 
to  consult  an  injured  patient,  neither 
should    one  of  their  surgeons,  if  any 
other  can  be  secured  as  quickly,  while 
the  unfortunates  are  in  such  misery. 
There  will  be  time  enough  for  all  such 
consultations   when    the    patient  has 
died  or  recovered,  and  as  a  rule  many 
limbs    will    be   saved    and    lives   pro- 
longed when  the  public  awakens  to  the 
importance  of  such  truths.     The  case 
here  in  question  is  but  typical  of  thou- 
sands of  others  in  this  country  where 
deception  and  fraud  cause  the  injury 
of  employee  and  prevent  proper  treat- 
ment  of  them  when  in  hospitals  or 
an   adequate   reparation   to   them    or 
their  families  for  their  support,  as  the 
result  of  being  left  without  means  of 
providing   for   their   sustenance.     To 
whatever  extent  the  verdict  rendered 
in  thte  case  will  provide  for  this  wid- 
ow, and  the  publicity  given  to  it  will 
serve  to  awi^en  the  public  in  more 
properly  safeguarding  human  life,  to 
ju0t  that  extent  will  it  have  served  a 
usefol   purpose.     This  jury   has   ren- 
I        dered  a  Just  verdiet. 


Combination  Lodge  No.  45,  Ladies' 
Auxiliary  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  wiU 
give  its  third  annual  ball  Monday 
evening,  March  18th,  at  Warrick  Hall, 
comer  of  Forty-seventh  street  and 
Porrestville  avenue,  Chicago,  111.  The 
members  of  all  Chicago  lodges  are 
most  cordially  invited  to  attend,  eB/ge- 
cially  so,  Bint^  every  feature  connected 
with  taie  work  of  our  union  is  for  the 
benefit  of  the  homes  of  switchmen.  So 
come  out  to  this  ball,  bring  your 
friends  along,  and  give  it  all  the  pub- 
licity possible.  All  the  sisters  ef 
Calumet  Lodge  No.  15,  South  Chicago, 
and  Helping  Hand  Lodge  No.  43,  Gary, 
Ind.,  are  especially  invited  to  be  with 
us  upon  this  occasion,  and  to  bring 
their  husbands  and  sweethearts  along 
with  them.  It  is  the  desire  of  the 
committees  in  dharge  of  this  event 
that  every  member  of  Lodge  No.  45 
make  herself  a  committee  of  one  to 
'sell  as  many  tickets  as  possible  and 
to  aid  in  every  way  possible  to  make 
this  the  most  successful  event  of  the 
kind  we  have  ever  given. 

Mrs.  Mart  Sample. 
8e&y  Combination  Lodge  No.  f5. 


Chicago  Lodge  199  meets  on  second 
Sunday  at  8  p.  m.  and  fourth  Sunday 
at  2  p.  m.  in  Hannah  Hogg's  Hall.  128 
Weet  Ranctoliph  St.  This  is  a  correc- 
tion from  bust  month's  roster. 


THC  HATTCRy  VICTORY  IN  COURT. 

The  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States  recently  rendered  its  decision 
in  the  famous  case  of  the  United  Hat- 
ters of  North  America.  The  '•applica- 
tion for  writ  of  certiorari  is  denied 
on  authorities  cited,"  was  the  declara- 
tion of  the  chief  justice  in  disposing 
of  the  latest  phase  of  the  already 
noted  case.  The  effect  of  this  final 
arbitrament  is  an  aflirmation  of  the 
Judgment  rendered  some  time  ago  by 
the  Court  of  Appeals,  that  members  of 
a  labor  union  cannot  be  personally 
held  accountable  for  damages  to  prop- 
erty resulting  from  acts  of  violence 
due  to  a  strike  and  boycott  ordered  by 
officers  of  the  striking  union,  unless 


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158 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


it  be  proven  that  such  membera  were 
actually  particftpants  in  such  acts  of 
violence,  authorized  them,  or  had 
guilty  knowledge  concerning  them. 
This  case  has  been  watched  with  in- 
tense interest  by  labor  students  the 
world  over,  since  by  the  first  court  de- 
cisions rendered  relative  to  it  every 
member  of  the  Hatters'  Union  owning 
property  was  in  fear  of  haTing  it 
taken  by  a  court  officer  to  satisfy  the 
court  judgment  of  approximately 
$225,000,  thrice  the  actual  punitive 
loss  manufacturers  of  hats  involved 
in  the  case  claimed  they  had  sus- 
tained, and  which  adjudged  the  union 
dhould  pay  on  account  of  having  issued 
the  boycott  against  the  unfair  con- 
cerns involved  in  the  strike.  Had  the 
original  judgment  of  the  court  been' 
sustained  by  the  Supreme  Court  a  pre- 
cedent would  have  been  established 
that  would  have  worked  an  irrepar- 
able damage  to  all  unions  having  to 
warn  the  world  against  persecutions 
growing  out  of  strikes.  Since  the 
initial  legal  proceedings  in  the  case, 
most  all  the  factories  involved  had 
made  satisfactory  settlement  with  the 
unions,  wfhich  agreements  carried 
with  them  recognition  of  the  unions 
and  the  placing  of  the  lat)el  upon  all 
products,  unless  requested  by  pur- 
chasers not  to  do  so.  In  this  case,  as 
in  the  famous  Buck  Stove  and  Range 
Co.  controversy,  the  courts,  after 
agreeable  adjustment  of  disputes  be- 
tween the  most  interested  parties, 
could  with  much  propriety  and  justice 
to  all  concerned,  have  allowed  these 
cases  to  have  gone  by  default  In 
ordinary  conflicts  this  would  have  been 
done.  But  our  courts  and  other  legal 
macbinery  is  so  constructed  not  to  call 
off  anything  if  a  labor  principle  is  in- 
volved until  the  last  notch  in  the 
judiciary  cogs  have  been  reached,  how- 
ever iBGonsistent  such  procedure  may 
be  to  the  parties  involved  in  the  con- 


troversy, or  the  new  and  agreeable 
relations  since  entered  into  by  them, 
and  which,  as  far  as  the  parties  them- 
selves are  concerned  have  long  since 
ceased  to  be  an  issue.  This  decision, 
iate  as  it  has  been  in  finding  expres- 
sion, is  another  demonstration  that 
there  are  limits  beyond  which  even 
judges  with  life-long  togas  dare  not 
transcend  when  the  protests  from  "a 
popular  majority"  get  to  buzzing  prop- 
erly, notwithstanding  they  be  desig- 
nated as  "momentary  gusts  of  popular 
passion."  But  whatever  actuated  this 
decision,  it  was  a  just  one,  and  all 
unions  recognize  it  as  such. 


THE  XMJRNAL  CANNOT  RCCfUVC  ADVOI- 
nSCMCNTS  UNTIL  rURTHOt  NOTKX. 

The  JouBNAL  discontinued  the  ac^ 
ceptance  of  advertising  matter  begin- 
ning with  February  issue.  The  post^ 
office  department  compelled  us  to  re- 
enter, under  the  Act  of  July  16,  1894. 
as  a  fraternal  society  publication, 
until  such  time  as  able  to  show  that 
we  had  a  bonafide  subscription  list  for 
the  Journal,  or,  In  other  words,  to 
show  that  no  portion  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  dues  was  used  for  the  support 
of  it.  and  that  it  was  optional  on  the 
part  of  the  memt>er8hip  of  the  union 
whether  or  not  they  subscribed  for  it 
To  mail  it  under  the  third-class  post- 
age rate,  in  order  to  carry  advertising 
matter,  would  make  the  postage  bill 
about  ten  times  what  it  would  be  If 
mailed  under  the  second-class  rate 
without  them,  as  has  been  done,  and 
since  the  net  income  received  from  the 
advertisements  carried  in  it  have  at 
no  time  amounted  to  anywhere  near 
enough  to  offset  the  increased  postage 
necessary  to  longer  carry  them,  they 
were,  as  above  stated,  discontinued. 
We  insist,  however,  the  ruling  that  the 
member^ip  of  any  church,  fraternal 
society  or  association   of  any   nature 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


159 


not  in  unlawful  existence,  that  through 
refetrendimi  or  duly  qualified  delegates 
to  a  cohyentlon  mutually  agree  to  a 
constitution,  among  the  proTislona  of 
which  is  the  publication  of  bfflclal 
organ  to  be  maintained  by  a  fund  paid 
Into  their  general  fund  in  the  form  of 
general  or  grand  lodge  dues,  is  as 
much  of  a  bonafide  or  voluntary  ar- 
rangement as  is  any  other  form  of 
solicitation  of  such  revenue  that  can 
be  secured.  Our  members  are  all  In- 
vited to  keep  their  congressmen  and 
senators  advised  of  the  fact  of  such 
truth,  and  If  all  the  labor  orders  wUl 
take  up  this  question  with  a  vim  It 
will  not  be  long  until  fraternal  so- 
cieties can  carry  advertisements,  re- 
ceive the  money  for  support  of  their 
papers  as  dues  If  they  so  desire,  and 
still  keep  within  the  law.  But  they 
cannot  when  present  time  limitations 
mn  out,  unless  a  law  to  that  effect  is 
passed,  and  it  will  not  be  passed  un- 
less the  lawmakers  are  prodded  a  great 
deal  in  regard  to  it  by  the  voters,  and 
the  members  are  voters.  So  the  work- 
ers have  the  remedy  If  they  will  but 
ose  it. 


STRIKING  SHOPMEN  ARC  HOLDING  OUT 

The  strike  on  the  Harriman  lines 
continues  with  the  same  resolute 
firmness  on  the  part  of  the  strikers  as 
has  been  the  chief  characteristic  of 
tills  battle  since  it  was  inaugurated 
last  fall.  Prom  every  source  where 
trustworthy  information  is  available, 
the  striking  shop  men  are  practically 
a  solid  unit  in  their  views  as  to  the 
principles  for  which  they  are  contend- 
ing, and  though  having  to  bear  much 
hardship  on  account  of  the  long  dura- 
tion of  the  strike,  they  bear  these 
hardships  with  a  degree  of  fortitude 
that  proves  their  righteousness  and 
determination  of  character,  as  well  as 
their  determination  to  win. 


They  were  long  since  convinced  of 
their  rights  to  concentrate  their  work- 
ing forces  into  as  compact  and  agree- 
able manner  of  solidarity  as  the  work- 
men along  those  railroad  lines  felt  Ut 
clined  to  enter  into.    Those  workers, 
upon  whom  the  companies  and  public 
had  long  been*  dependent,  were  guilty 
of   an   attempt    to    concentrate    their 
efforts  and  make  bargains  collectively 
through  arrangements  agreeable  to  all 
organizations  involved,  that  formerly 
had    been    done    through    committees 
representing  single  craft  unions.    Rail- 
road  managements   are   practically   a 
unit  in  their  general  and  detailed  oper^ 
ations,  almost  down  to  the  most  min- 
ute details.    There  is  no  question  as 
to  the  getting  together  of  these  great 
corporations.      But    when    their    em- 
ployes realize  the  wisdom  of  amalgam- 
ation of  their  forces  with  a  view  of 
reducing  expenses  and   the  adjusting 
of  many  principles  alike  applicable  to 
all    at    one    time    by    representatives 
from  several  crafts,  instead  of  several 
repetitions    of    such    conferences    by 
single  craft  committees   as    formerly, 
and    request    recognition    from    their 
employers  to  that  end,  they  are  brand- 
ed as  almost  evenrthing  and  even  &o 
cused   of   having   such   malicious   de- 
signs as  Intent  to  take  charge  of  the 
roads  or  dictate  their  modes  of  policies. 
So  the  only  alternatives  left  to  the 
employes    was    to    strike    until    such 
time  as  their  demands  were  honored 
by  the  companies. 

It  is  a  part  of  the  discipline  of 
every  road  to  inculcate  into  the  minds 
of  their  workers  determlnedness  of 
action  that  will  enable  them  to  carry 
through  their  part  of  work  regardless 
of  the  difficulties.  Inconveniences  or 
pain  it  may  cause  them.  Engines  and 
cars  must  be  repaired  and  ready  on 
time  regardless  of  every  obstacle. 
Those  elements  of  successful  accom- 
plishment of  desirable  ends  sought  are 


Digitized  by  VjOOQ IC  ' 


leo 


JOURNAIi   OF   THE   SWITCHIOBNIEI 


forms  of  loyalty  driven  into  every 
brain  around  a  railroad  Just  as  quickly 
as  possible  after  entering  its  service. 
The  conditions  under  which  all  the 
company  work  must  be  done,  is  as  far 
as  the  roads  are  concerned,  an  incon- 
sequential incident,  and  unfortunate- 
ly for  the  railroad  employee  they  have 
by  their  silence  in  regard  to  such 
things  given  the  companies  much  argu- 
ment that  the  moving  of  traffic  was  all 
there  was  to  the  railroad  problem. 

The  humanity  side  of  it  has  been  al- 
lowed by  the  men  to  degenerate  to  a 
point  where  it  has  become  necessary 
that  not  only  all  the  men  of  one  craft 
get  together  to  bring  about  proper 
working  conditions  and  treatment,  but 
aU  the  men  in  all  the  crafts  make 
their  bargains  at  the  same  time 
through  Joint  committees  represent- 
ing them.  These  companies  have  al- 
ready shown  the  public  they  cannot 
furnish  proper  service  without  the  aid 
of  experienced  men  with  which  to  keep 
their  machinery  and  cars  in  suitable 
r^alr,  and  their  decreased  earnings 
since  the  strike  plainly  shows  they 
can't  maintain  their  high  standard  of 
earnings  without  their  skilled  work- 
men. Engine  failures,  wrecks,  belated 
service  and  general  confusion  now  pre- 
vail on  those  lines,  as  the  result  of 
thei;  failure  to  do  the  fair  thing  with 
their  employes.  All  of  this  is  true, 
notwithstanding  the  aid  of  detec- 
tive associations,  police  and  judicial 
tyranny  introduced  to  harass  the 
strikers.  Those  striking  shopmen  have 
shown  the  companies  and  public  that 
they  were  men  above  reproach,  and  are 
determined  to  fight  to  the  end  to  win 
the  recognition  they  know  they  are 
entitled  to. 


The  treasurer  of  Lodge  No.  17 
should  show  W.  E.  Whitney  instead 
of  W.  E.  Whiting,  as  it  appears  In 
roster. 


OUR  IMIHGIUNTS. 

According  to  government  statistios, 
the  number  of  foreigners  admitted  to 
our  shores  during  the  twelve  months 
ending  June   80,    Itll,    was    878,667, 
from  the  various  nations  of  the  world. 
While  large  bueiness  promoters,  laibor 
agencies  and  optimistic  politicians  may 
boast  of  this  added  increment  to  our 
population  as  an  indication  of  pros- 
perity, the  ever-increasing  army  of  the 
unemployed,  semi-employed  and  those 
flAM>ut  to  be  placed  in  those  conditions, 
when  displaced  by  this  foreign  host 
coming  to   our  fair  land   with   high 
hopes  of  either  becoming  prosperous 
citizens  or  of  returning  to  their  fath- 
erlands   the    possessors    of    sufficient 
means  to  insure  them  immunity  from 
the  dire  straits  they  found  themselves 
in     before    embarking    from     native 
climes  for  entry  to  ports  in  the  "land 
of  the  free  and  home  of  the  brave," 
it  is  not  euch  a  rosy  picture.     The 
great  educational  and  conservative  as- 
sociations    above    alluded    to,     have 
spared  no  pains  to  picture  the  Ameri- 
can scene  to  the  lowly  but  well  in- 
cliAed   citizenship   of   the  old   world, 
in  order  to  get  them  aboard  and  herd- 
ed together  in  worse  than  cattle  order, 
upon  the  high  sea.    They  are  scarcely 
out  of  sight  of  fatherlands  before  a 
realization  of  the  deceptions  practised 
and  the  alluring  pictures  placed  before 
them  at  home  to  induce  them  thither, 
they  know  not  where.    The  insults  to 
which  fair  mothers  and  maidens  are 
subjected    In    these    mighty    ships  as 
they  ply  over  the  briny  deep  almost 
under  the  nose  of  loved  ones,  form  a 
story,    ascertained    through    congres- 
sional investigation,  so  cruelly  shock- 
ing that  it  was  suppressed  from  publi- 
cation, that  our  own  citizenship  could 
also  be  kept  in  ignorant  bliss  as  to  the 
shocking  indignities  this  army  of  well- 
disposed,  though    of    lowly    ancestral 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP   NORTH   AME2RICA. 


161 


lineage,  suffers  when  it  begins  to 
realize  the  brazen  effrontery  of  the 
impositions  exacted  of  them  ere  they 
reach  the  shores  of  destined  lands. 
But  the  fading  picture  of  hope  has  not 
reached  its  climax  even  with  the  ap- 
proach to  shores  of  hoped-for  lands, 
for  here  they  are  segregated  according 
to  physical,  mental  and  financial  fit- 
ness for  admission,  retention  or  depor- 
tation, as  the  scrutiny  of  immigration 
oi&cials  decide  upon  the  merits  of  the 
individual  case,  or  take  them  under 
advisement 

Here  also  the  picture  of  hope  is 
many  times  crucified  when  decisions 
are  rendered  forcing  some  of  them  to 
return  whence  they  came,  causing 
broken  homes  and  hearts  that  can 
never  again  be  united.  Those  passing 
scrutiny  at  port  of  entry  harbors,  are 
shipped  to  various  labor  centers  ac- 
cording to  where  they  have  been  sold 
or  rather  their  labor,  for  most  of  them 
seem  to  have  had  positions  prear- 
ranged for  them  over  yonder,  and  as 
a  result  some  native  must  now  step 
aside  and  Join  the  unemployed  army 
to  make  a  place  for  them.  No  other 
nation  has  such  a  paternal  interest  in 
the  lowly  of  foreign  lands,  as  will  per- 
mit of  pauperizing  approximately  a 
million  of  its  own  citizenship  annu- 
ally by  putting  them  out  of  positions, 
as  self-sustaining  wage-earners,  to 
make  a  place  for  aliens.  But  the  mag- 
nanimity and  generosity  of  the  citi- 
zens know  no  bounds  in  this  country. 
There  is  nothing  too  good  for  them 
to  do.  They  will  go  right  out  and  suf- 
fer every  known  test  of  endurance  to 
earn  all  the  money  they  can,  place  it 
in  the  banks  and  allow  armies  to  be 
hired  with  it  to  shoot  their  very  heads 
off  in  their  anxiety  to  serve  their  mas- 
ters and  make  room  for  this  vast  army 
coming  each  year  to  displace  them. 
Certainly    our    generosity    to    fellow- 


creatures  knows  no  bounds.  Last 
year  878,587  came,  or  a  number  179,78B 
greater  than  the  combined  population 
of  the  States  of  Arizona,  Delaware, 
Wyoming,  Nevada  and  the  territory 
of  Alaska.  It  is  a  larger  aggregation 
of  people  than  the  population  in  aax 
one  of  the  1$  states  in  the  Union  con- 
taining the  smallest  population.  The 
total  immigration  for  the  last  ten 
years  was  9,186,977,  a  number  greater 
than  the  population  of  any  state  in 
the  Union,  and  a  number  by  13,882 
greater  than  was  the  combined  popu- 
lation of  the  States  of  Arizona,  Colo- 
rado, North  Dakota,  South  Dakota, 
Delaware^  Florida,  Idaho,  Kansas, 
Maine,  Montana,  Nevada,  New  Hamp- 
shire, New  Mexico,  Oregon.  Rhode 
Island,  Utah,  Vermont  and  Wyoming, 
when  the  1910  census  was  taken. 
Those  9,1^6,977  souls  liave  come  here 
for  Jobs  during  the  last  ten  years  and 
most  of  them  have  secured  one.  Have 
they  affected  the  labor  wage  upward 
or  downward?  Have  they  improved 
^or  degraded  the  citizenship  of  our 
country?  Have  the  restrictions 
against  promiscuous  entrance  of  this 
vast  horde  of  humanity  been  what  they 
should  have  been?  Who  has  derived 
the  chief  benefit  of  their  coming  and 
who  have  been  the  chief  sufferers  of 
all  these  position  seekers?  These 
questions  vitally  affect  the  workers 
since  they  have  sacrificed  their  posi- 
tions that  they  might  be  placed  upon 
the  scrap  heap  to  make  place  for 
cheaper  l^bor.  There  are  many  perils 
with  which  those  who  toil  must  con- 
tend in  their  efforts  to  earn  and  secure 
their  daily  bread,  and  the  proper  treat- 
ment of  this  vast  army  of  immigrants 
ever  drifting  to  our  shores  is  by  no 
means  the  least  of  our  perils.  Perhaps 
never  in  history,  has  there  been  such 
an  influx  in  any  country  in  the  space 
of  ten  years  as  this  country  has  ex- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


162 


JOUBNAL   OP   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


perienced  during  the  last  decade.  Cer- 
tainly some  one  is  to  blame  for  so 
great  an  annual  invasion  and  surely 
the  laborers  of  the  country  should 
take  a  prominent  part  in  ascertaining 
its  cause.  They  should  familiarize 
themselTes  with  all  facts  as  to  the 
manner  wages  are  reduced  on  account 
,af  it  and  the  persecutions,  misrepre- 


ATRCST. 

Another  veteran  in  railway  serrlce, 
J.  W.  Fleming,  has  answered  the  final 
summons,  but  not  until  he  had  round- 
ed out  a  span  of  three  score  of  years* 
and  aided,  as  far  as  lay  within  his 
power  to  make  the  lives  and  homes  of 
fellow-workers  brighter  and  better,  on 
account  of  fellowship  and  association 


J*  W*  rLCMMO 


sentatlons,  frauds  and  coercive  tactics 
brought  into  play  by  large  oorporar 
tions  to  encourage  this  army  here 
with  which  to  humiliate  and  lower  the 
standards  of  citizenship.  The  workers 
have  the  bnint  of  all  the  burdens  of 
this  kind  to  bear  and  they  should  have 
the  controlling  voice  in  the  regulation 
of  the  commerce  of  human  traffic  being 
brought  to  our  shores.  And  they  do 
have  whenever  they  care  to  exer- 
cise it. 


with  them  during  those  years.  His 
love  of  home  and  family  made  him  a 
most  estimable  husband,  father  and 
citizen,  and  he  would  answer  well 
as  a  typical  model  for  those  who  seek 
to  live  upright  lives.  The  bereaved 
members  of  his  family  who  survive 
him  realize  most  keenly  the  sad  loss 
of  the  heart  and  hands  that  so  long 
cherished  and  upheld  all  the  sacred 
ties  that  make  home  the  dearest  place 
on  earth,  and  provided  so  well  for  the 


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0NIOK  OF  NORTH   AMflSRICA. 


lCi8 


eomfort  and  joy  of  those  nearest  and 
dearefit  to   him;    and   they    have    the 
Hened  assurance  his  sterling  charac- 
teriattes  were  recognized  and  appreci- 
ated by  a  le^on  of  friends  about  him. 
To    his    fellow-workmen,    and    espe- 
etaJly  the  membership  of  this  union  in 
Rnffalo,  was   the  notice  of  his  sudden 
Seath  a  severe  shock,  for  he  had  long 
been     prominently     identified     in     its 
affair?   and    had    gladly  and   willingly 
acritlced  mnch  of  his  time  and  talent 
for  the   adrancement  of  its  interests, 
naUlzJn^r  as  he  did  it  required  men  of 
tategrity  and  action  to  place  it  in  a 
mition  that  would  ensure  for  Its  ad- 
lifrents   the  #>est  return  in  wage  and 
work    conditions   for    labor    expended 
and  hazards  endnred  while  in  the  per- 
ftnoance   of   duty.     Ab  a   reward   for 
mA    consecration    in    its    behalf,    he 
Bied  to  see  the  men  in    the    NIckle 
Plate  yard,  where  he  worked,  practlc- 
aDy  a  solid   unit  under  its  banner  of 
Benevolence,     Hope     and     Protection. 
Tlie     Switchmen's     TTnlon     of     North 
ABkerlca  was  a  dear  institution  to  liw 
heart,  and  It  had  received  his  earnest 
sapport  almost  from  the  time  of   iLs 
fieeption.     He  had  been  president  of 
Vickie  Plate  Lodge  No.  220  for  several 
terms  prior  to  the  beginning  of  1912, 
when  on  account  of  poor  health,  he  de- 
dined  to  serve  longer  in  that  capacity. 
Bnt  the  giving  up  of  office  was  not  the 
mrrendcrlng  of  interest  and  duty  in 
behalf    of    the    organization,    and    he 
"died  in   harness,"   an   honor    to    his 
imlon,  his  family  and  his  Creator.  We 
are  unable  to  tell  of  the  many  acts  of 
kindness    received    from    him,   of   the 
manly   advice    and    admonitions    that 
came  from  him — and  all  so  freely  and 
fervently  given.     He  was  an  honor  to 
OUT  union,  and  Lodge  No.  220  will  ever 
dierlsh  a  kindly  remembrance  for  the 
kindly,  devoted  service  he  rendered  it. 
We  can  say  ncT  more.    His  soul  is  at 

TfSt.  F.    McFARLAIfD. 


THC  msmPTiON  or  an  aged  cmpirc 

—  BIRTH  or  A  NEW  RCPUBLIC. 

After  nearly  three  centuries  of  rule 
under  the  Manchu  dynasty,  last  repre- 
sented by  the  child  emperor  Pu  Ti, 
the  Chinese  rule  of  government  under 
empiredom  was  abdicated  by  this 
dynasty  on  Feb.  12th.  The  edict  from 
the  royal  leaders,  turning  over  the 
authority  of  government  to  the  re- 
public, was  not  forthcoming  until  the 
wicked  and  long-estahlirfied  throne  of 
abuse  and  exploitation  was  tottering 
and  wavering  to  the  point  of  falling. 
However  Isolated  from  the  people  the 
inner  workings  of  kingly  councils 
may  be,  they  derive  their  support 
from  the  common  people,  and  it  is 
only  a  question  of  time  with  the  rulers 
of  any  government,  under  whatever 
cloak  of  authority  its  administration 
may  be  arranged,  until  there  must  be 
a  reckoning  with  the  people  for  abuse 
of  confidence  placed  in  them.  Here 
was  a  kingdom  strongly  entrenched 
for  centuries,  a  country  Immensely 
supplied  with  minerals,  with  a  diver- 
sfty  of  climatic  and  soil  elements  that 
afforded  ample  means  of  sustenance  to 
tlhis  greatest  numerical  aggregation 
of  souls  under  one  rule  in  the  world. 

Tet  the  laws  of  nature,  however 
just  and  well  arranged  they  may  be, 
will  not  overcome  or  proTide  for  the 
sins  of  mankind.  And  so  in  this 
Celestial  kingdom  we  find  an  account- 
ing with  the  plebeian  hosts,  an  em- 
pire forced  to  pieces  and  a  republic 
inaugurated  in  its  stead. 

This  transformation  of  government 
was  not  the  result  of  a  voluntary  de- 
sire, on  the  part  of  blooded  aristoc- 
racy, to  place  the  power  of  rule  over 
to  the  people,  that  it  might  be  admin- 
istered in  the  best  interest  of  hu- 
manity. On  the  contrary,  it  was  the 
result  of  years  of  misrule  and  perse- 
cution, which  had  grown  more  intense, 
with  succeeding  years  and  administra- 


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JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITOHlfBN'8 


tions,  until  the  burdens  borne  by  the 
citisenship  were  no  longer  endurable. 
The  years  of  agitation  and  education 
of  the  masses  to  the  point  of  dissolu- 
tion of  partnership  with  royalty  was 
no  easy  task,  but  it  was  accomplished. 
Like  most  transformations  of  this  na- 
ture, it  required  a  most  bloody  war  to 
make  it  efFectiye.  But  when  misrule 
goes  to  the  ignoble  extent  it  had  in 
its  persecutions,  life  was  not  worth 
living  and  downtrodden  {humanity  was 
only  glad  to  risk  their  all  to  remove 
the  chief  causes  of  unbearable  condi- 
tions so  long  subjected  to.  It  is  there- 
fore not  to  be  wondered  at  that  no 
quarter  was  shown  in  the  battles 
fought  in  order  to  overthrow  condi- 
tions, no  longer  endurable.  Nor 
should  the  spirit  of  liberty  and  jus- 
tice, now  substituted  for  tyranny, 
cease  activity,  but  instead  expand  and 
become  more  and  more  the  dominant 
precept  of  the  new  nation,  and  may 
its  defl  to  all  the  "butt-in"  nations  of 
the  worlcf  be  "Hands  off  while  we  are 
clarifying  the  atmosphere  of  state."  As 
it  sometimes  happens,  the  eternal  fit- 
ness of  events  could  not  occur  at  a 
more  opportune  time  than  they  do, 
and  one  could  hardly  have  conceived 
a  more  impressive  day  to  have  an- 
nounced abdication  of  a  long  estab- 
lished throne  than  the  date  selected 
in  this  instance,  Feb.  12th,  Lincoln's 
birthday.  And  let  it  be  hoped  those 
responsible  for  the  emancipation  of 
Chinese  citizenship  may  emulate  the 
lofty  precepts  of  the  martyr  and  world 
model  dispenser  of  liberty  in  this 
country.  Let  it  also  be  hoped  the 
great  republic — the  United  States  of 
America — will  have  no  compunctions 
or  bias  that  will  prevent  a  speedy 
recognition  of  the  entity  of  this  newly- 
born  republic  among  the  nations  of 
the  earth.  For  it  has  furnished 
through  its  missionaries  and  litera- 
ture much  of  the  light  of  liberty  that 


has  finally  emancipated  its  people  from 
the  iron  hand  of  tyranny  for  thou- 
sands of  years  so  firmly  entrenched  in 
the  grasp  of  a  long  category  of 
Celestial  rulers.  And  though  the  new 
leaders  now  in  charge  of  rule  will 
find  many  and  serious  difficulties  to 
overcome,  due  to  the  prejudice  and 
superstition  of  ages  of  royalty*  the 
world  will  mark  with  pride  each  diffi- 
culty overcome  in  the  interests  of  hu- 
manity and  all  the  world  should  re- 
joice at  the  advent  of  thi&  new  re- 
public and  the  grave  responsibilities 
it  now  assumes. 


CLfCTMCAL  DCVICI!  TO  SfOP  TRAINS 
AND  PRtVCNT  WRCCKS. 

A  device  has  just  been  invented  de- 
signed to  make  it  impossible  (or 
trains  to  run  past  danger  signals,  and 
effectively  prevent  collisions. 

It  is  stated  that  it  is  an  invention 
in  which  the  human  elisment,  which 
plays  so  vital  a  part  in  present  railway 
workings,  is  entirely  obliterated,  for 
neither  the  engineer,  the  fireman,  or 
trainman,  nor  any  other  person,  has 
the  faintest  responsibility  in  its  work- 
ing. 

It  is  claimed  that  by  means  of  this 
invention  a  train  traveling  at  any 
speed  can  be  brought  to  a  standstill 
by  a  very  simple  automatic  electrical 
device,  which  is  worked  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  ordinary  signals. 

The  apparatus  consists  of  a  plunger, 
or  shoe,  attacfhed  to  one  of  the  rail- 
way lines  and  connected  with  the  sig- 
naling box.  A  contact  brush  under- 
neath the  cab  of  the  engine,  and  a 
magnet  and  tension  spring  connects 
with  the  throttle  of  the  engine. 

When  the  signal  is  put  against  the 
train,  the  shoe  or  plunger  is  thrust 
upward  from  the  metals  so  tftiat  if  the 
engineer  fails  to  notice  the  danger 
signal,  the  contact  brush  underneath 
the  cab  of  the  engine  touches  the 
plunger.  This  completes  the  electric 
current  and  automatically  the  tensioir 
spring  forces  the  closing  of  the 
throttle. 

By  the  addition  of  a  magnetic  coil 
the    same   apparatus   &n  operate  the 


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Mhbrmkm,  i«4iich  can  be  put  on  auto- 
matically when  the  contact  brush 
toiM^es  the  plunger. 

The  above  is  respectfully  called  to 
the  attention  of  railroad  owners  In 
this  country,  where  the  world's  holo- 
caust or  slaughter  finds  its  greatest 
number  of  victims  of  yearly  sacrifice 
of  human  souls.  The  application  of 
some  such  device  as  this  invention 
from  Darlington,  England,  might,  if 
IsBtalled  upon  railroads,  be  instru- 
aiental  In  the  saving  of  thousands  of 
llTes.  American  Ingenuity  has  also 
simUarly  constructed  devices  for  the 
«&e  purposes,  but  they  have  not  been 
adopted.  The  reason  they  haven't  or 
Che  reason  why  the  traveling  public  is 
Mt  Infinitely  safer  than  it  now  is,  with 
ivcB  the  precautionary  safeguards 
long  in  use,  is  not  hard  of  solution. 

In    the    first    place,    railroads,    like 
mvmj  other  business  concern  in  oper- 
ation for  profit,  will  make  no  expendi- 
ture for  betterment  of  roadway,  roll- 
ing stock   equipment,   or    install    any 
precautionary   devices  for  the  protec- 
tion of  the  lives  of  its  employes  or  the 
public  unless  forced  to  do  so  by  law, 
or  unless  it  is  assured  such  im^rove- 
loenta  will  result  in  Increased  net  divi- 
dends.    In   the   second   place,   human 
Itves   are   so    much    cheaper    rated   by 
the   laws   and    courts   of   the   country 
than  are  the  expenditures  that  would 
be  necessary  to  be  invested  to  insure 
a  proper  degree  of  safety  to  employes 
and  the  public   that  there  can  be  no 
hope  for  relief  from  the  cruel  slaugh- 
ter, which  goes  on  continuously,  until 
the  par  value  of  the  lives  of  employes 
as  well  as  those  of  the  public  receive 
a   new    and    much    higher    monetary 
rating  than  is  now  accorded  them.   As 
long  as  liabilities   are   slight   for  hu- 
man cargoes,  tracks  nor  cars  will  be 
built   with    a    view    of   properly   safe- 
guarding them.     But    let    the    public 
once  awaken  to  the  realization  that  a 
life  or  even  a  limb  of  a  poor  employe 


is  worth  more  than  an  engine,  a  car, 
a  building,  or  obstruction  of  any  na- 
ture that  will  not  afford  a  safe  clear- 
ance and  proper  protection  to  em- 
ployes, or  more  than  the  combination 
of  such  material  things,  and  see  how 
easy  a  matter  it  will  be  for  them  to 
install  every  latest  precautionary  de- 
vice and  arrange  proper  clearances 
and  footing  for  those  who  endure  dan- 
gers far  more  hasardous  than  the  sol- 
diers of  the  world  experience  before 
the  life-destroying  agencies  in  their 
hands,  to  be  installed  and  kept  in 
proper  repair  in  order  to  reduce  this 
human  carnage  to  the  lowest  possible 
limit 


PRISON  CONTRACT  LABOR  A  CURSC- 
LABOR  SHOULD  KNOUNCC  IT. 

The  question  of  the  use  of  convict 
labor,  in  competition  with  free  labor, 
is  one  that  should  receive  the  eame«* 
attention  of  all  who  depend  upon  their 
toil  for  securement  of  food,  shelter 
and  raiment,  with  which  to  support 
themselves.  That  there  should  be  need 
of  activity  for  all  prison  inmates,  to 
safeguard  both  their  physical  and 
mental  nature,  is  a  fact  we  believe 
will  be  readily  admitted  by  not  only 
the  students  of  penology,  but  by  the 
average  citizen,  not  having  the  oppor- 
tunity to  make  a  specialty  of  the  sub- 
ject, as  well.  The  need  of  exercise 
part  of  the  arguments  of  those  who 
advocate  the  letting  out  of  convicts  to 
contractors  upon  long  terms  and  at 
low  rates  of  pay,  is  admitted  without 
argument.  It  is,  however,  another 
question  when  the  results  and  purposes 
connected  with  which  the  leasing  out 
of  such  labor,  and  the  attendant  effects 
such  labor  has  upon  the  public  wel- 
fare is  taken  into  consideration.  Let 
the  prisoners  be  worked,  but  only  by 
the  State  officials  and  in  the  perform- 
ance only  of  work  needed  by  State  in 


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JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHBffEN'6 


Btitutions.  There  is  much  State  work 
which  is  necessary  to  be  done  and 
which  can  be  done  by  the  inmates  of 
prisons  under  proper  supenrision  of 
the  authorities  in  charge  of  them.  But 
they  should  be  used  in  gainful  labor 
only  to  the  extent  of  doing  necessary 
State  work.  The  moment  they  are 
placed  under  the  contractor's  super- 
vision,  under  lease,  to  manuf^u^ure 
products  for  a  trifle  of  a  wage  consid- 
eration, society  begins  to  feel  the  in- 
justice of  such  labor.  All  competitive 
work  should  be  estimated  upon  a  basis 
of  wages  that  is  required  to  maintain 
a  family,  and  any  other  basis  or  esti- 
mates work  an  irreparable  hardship 
on  those  who  must  work  in  competition 
with  those  not  working  under  such 
conditions.  Nearly  every  state  institu- 
tion is  a  financial  loss  as  far  as  earn- 
ing their  own  way,  as  they  are  sup- 
posed to  be  when  placed  into  opera- 
tion. Still  they  are  necessary,  but 
IMTisons  should  be  reformatory  in  char- 
acter, rather  than  compensatory  for 
the  investments  required  to  equip  and 
operate  them,  and  the  best  possible 
dividend  to  be  gotten  out  of  them  is 
the  reformation  that  can  be  developed 
in  the  lives  of  those  unfortunate 
enough  to  be  there.  A  major  portion 
of  at  least  the  younger  element  of  first 
offense  convicts  are  susceptible  to  ref- 
ormation and  will  become  useful  citi- 
zens if  given  a  fair  opportunity  by  the 
state  to  do  so.  Every  state  and  fed- 
eral prison  owes  it  to  society  as  well 
as  to  the  inmates  of  these  institutions 
to  see  that  they  are  humanely  cared 
for  while  a  charge  upon  the  people, 
but  at  the  same  time  there  must  be  a 
firm  and  understood  policy  adhered  to 
that  those  guilty  of  no  crimes  shall 
not  be  displaced  from  their  places  of 
gainful  opportunities  of  earning  sup- 
port for  their  families,  due  to  the  tuct 
of  inmates  of  penal  institutions  being 
leased  out  to  perform  competitive  du- 
ties at  such  reduced  rates  of  wages 


that  will  prevent  them  from  thd  mcfans 
of  supporting  their  families.  For  such 
a  procedure  is,  in  many  instances,  of 
far  greater  injury  to  society  than  were 
the  offenses  committed  by  those  who 
were  sent  to  such  institutions.  Pre- 
liminary statistics  lately  arranged  by 
the  United  States  Bureau  of  Census, 
states  there  were  113,679  persons  in 
the  prisons  of  this  country  on  Jan.  1, 
1910.  The  forcing  of  such  a  number 
Qf  convicts  into  the  manufacturing  of 
necessary  products  free  labor  has  been 
making,  and  the  displacement  of  a 
similar  number  of  free  men  from  the 
means  of  supporting  their  families, 
even  at  the  same  rate  of  pay,  would 
not  be  an  act  of  Justice  to  the  law- 
abiding  citizenship  of  the  country.  But 
when  the  state  connives,  with  unscru- 
pulous contractors,  to  lease  these  in- 
mates out  for  a  wage  of  from  26  to  60 
cents  per  day  for  hard  work,  and  place 
their  products  upon  the  markets  in 
competition  with  concerns  who  must 
pay  $1.60,  $2.00,  and,  in  many  cases, 
more  for  similar  services,  the  glaring 
injustice  of  such  nefarious  business  is 
at  on^  apparent  to  the  dullest  intel- 
lect in  the  land,  if  even  a  shadow  of 
his  sanity  is  left.  Tet  such  business 
is  going  on  all  the  while  in  this  coun- 
try and  some  of  the  states  even  boast 
of  the  revenue  received  from  such 
blood  money.  Organised  labor  has  long 
been  on  record  as  against  this  barbar- 
ous business,  and  as  a  result  of  the  ig- 
nominy of  such  a  crime  against  so- 
ciety and  tlie  exposures  it  has  and  is 
receiving  from  the  organised  hosts  of 
workers  in  this  country,  some  of  the 
states  now  have  enacted  laws  forbid- 
ding the  leasing  of  convicts  out  to  any 
one.  Surely  others  w^ll  soon  see  the 
injustice  of  such  practices,  but  they 
will  not  unless  the  storm  of  vigorous 
protest  is  kept  directed  upon  them. 
For  it  is  only  by  educating  the  public 
to  the  proper  understanding  of  the 
evils  of  such  methods  of  handling  in- 


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mates  of  prisons  that  it  will  be  pos- 
sible to  bring  about  remedial  legisla- 
tion that  will  eliminate  such  business. 
While  organised  labor  has  done  much 
to  purge  this  evil  from  the  land,  there 
still  remains  much  to  be  done,  and  it 
behooves  every  worker  to  become  an 
active  advocate  for  the  abolition  of  all 
prison  contract  labor.  The  lot  of  free 
labor,  in  competition  with  free  labor, 
has  brought  the  standards  of  life  finite 
low  enough  and  society  can  ill  afford 
any  further  reduction  of  living  condi- 
tions on  account  of  being  allowed  to 
use  this  involuntary  brand  of  labor 
with  which  to  displace  freedom,  it  is 
a  curse  long  endured,  a  bane  as  long 
as  it  exists  and  nothing  except  an  en- 
lightened public  conscience  to  the  ex- 
tent of  demanding  and  placing  a  law 
upon  the  statutes  prohibiting  the  evil, 
and  then  a  vigorous  enforcement  of 
such  remedial  legislation  will  remove 
us  from  the  evil  Influences  of  such  a 
deep-rooted  and  ignoble  curse. 


There  was  considerable  confusion  in 
the  arrangement  of  the  roster  in  Feb- 
ruary JouBNAL  on  account  of  failure 
in  receiving  reports  of  newly-elected 
officers  from  several  of  the  lodges,  and 
in  some  instances  the  officials  named 
on  the  report  sent  out  for  that  pur- 
pose had  the  name  of  an  officer  not 
corresponding  to  that  given  on  regu- 
lar monthly  report  of  the  treasurer  to 
the  G.  S.  ft  T.  There  were  also  sev- 
eral conflictlons  in  regard  to  the  ad- 
dress of  officers  of  lodges,  which  also 
irade  it  impossible  to  be  certain  which 
wap  correct.  Every  lodge  should  keep 
at  all  times  as  correct  a  list  of  the  ad- 
dresses of  members  as  it  is  possible 
to  secure,  and  all  members  should  be 
continually  cautioned  to  advise  their 
lodge  and  the  editor  of  Journal  of 
any  change  of  address  they  make,  as 
soon  thereafter  as  possible.  We  would 
like,  iir  possible,  to  impress  upon  the 


minds  of  officers  sending  the  address 
of  any  officer  named  on  reports,  or  of 
members  not  on  them  not  to  depend 
too  strongly  upon  their  memory  in  re- 
gard to  these  addresses.  For,  as  stated 
above,  there  may  be  instances  of  con- 
flicting addresses  for  the  same  brother, 
and  it  is  only  natural  that  the  latest 
one  received  be  considered  as  the  cor- 
rect one,  but  In  many  instances  we 
find  it  is  not,  after  having  gone  to  the 
trouble  and  expense  to  have  the  ad- 
dress changed  on  mailing  list  Any 
lodge  finding  the  February  roster  in 
error  in  any  manner,  relative  to  place 
of  meeting,  time  of  meeting,  names  or 
address  of  officers,  are  here  advised  of 
the  fact  that  the  May  Joubnal  will  be 
the  next  issue  to  have  the  roster  ap- 
pear. This  announcement  is  made  in 
ample  time  to  enable  all  to  attend  to 
those  matters  not  attended  to  in 
January. 


On  Feb.  3d,  Bro.  Porter  organized  a 
new  lodge  at  Cleveland,  O.,  to  be 
known  as  True  Spirit  Lodge  No.  215. 
We  are  glad  to  enter  this  new  lodge 
into  our  family  of  brotherhoods,  and 
we  trust  eaob  member  of  it  will  realize 
the  full  purport  of  his  obligations  to 
the  union  and  enter  as  actively  as  pos- 
sible upon  the  discharge  of  the  new 
duties  taken  up.  Every  new  lodge 
added  to  our  roster  of  lodges  can 
exert  a  mighty  influence  for  good  if 
the  members  composing  it  enter 
earnestly  upon  their  duties  of  bring- 
ing in  new  recruits,  promoting  good 
fellowship  among  those  with  whom 
they  work,  and  in  proving  to  the  com- 
panies for  whom  they  work  that  they 
are  worthy  of  the  consideration  they 
ask  of  them.  Every  member  of  this 
lodge  must  learn  that  its  success  de- 
pends largely  upon  himself,  and  none 
should  shirk  any  reasonable  duty  im- 
posed upon  him.  A  faithful  perform- 
ance of  all  the  obligations  taken  at 
the  time  of  installation  of  the  lodge 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


168 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMia^S 


will  BQon  give  the  best  sort  of  evi- 
dence that  it  will  make  good,  and 
that  there  was  no  error  made  when 
it  was  decided  to  give  it  the  name  of 
True  Spirit  Lodge.  May  tlie  best  of 
success  crown  the  efforts  of  all  those 
who  work  with  a  true  spirit. 


By  some  unknown  (to  us)  error,  af- 
ter corrected  proofs  had  been  returned 
to  printers.  Lodge  119  appears  twice 
in  roster  and  Lodge  No.  117  was 
omitted  entirely.  The  first  one  appear- 
ing for  119  is  correct,  with  exception 
of  place  of  holding  meetings,  which,  ac- 
cording to  correction  received  after 
going  to  press,  is  Labor  Temple,  Sec- 
ond street  Bast,  between  First  and 
Second  South. 

The  officers  of  Lodge  117  are  as  fol- 
lows: 

President— James  H.  Dodgion,  4407 
Park  avenue,  Chicago,  111. 

Secretary — D.  B.  Burke,  4126  West 
North  street,  Chicago,  111. 

Treasurer — S.  E.  Goveia,  1506  War- 
ren avenue,  Chicago,  111. 

Their  meetings  are  held  on  second 
and  fourth  Sundays  of  each  month  at 
2  p.  m..  Colonial  Hall,  comer  Chicago 
and  Western  avenues,  Chicago,  111. 

Bro.  Daniel  Smith,  a  member  of 
TxMlge  No.  36,^  is  an  aspirant  for  the 
nomination  on  the  Republican  ticket 
in  Chicago  to  the  legislature.  H^  is 
an  old  resident  of  Chicago,  and  has 
been  prominently  identified  with  the 
afPairs  of  this  union  for  a  number  of 
years.  He  has  also  taken  considerable 
interest  in  labor  questions  and  desires 
to  advise  all  the  members  of  this 
union,  through  the  Joubnal,  of  his  de- 
sire to  serve  them  in  the  State  legisla- 
ture. Bro.  Smith  has  been  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  k  Par 
cific  as  engine  foreman  and  assistant 
yardmaster  for  a  number  of  years,  and 
is  chairman  of  the  general  grievance 
committee  of  the  switchmen  on  that 
system. 


from  Vice4Vgsidtnl  Commn. 

Chicago,  111. 
Editob  SwrrcH men's  Joubnal: 

The  year  of  1912  is  here  with  all  its 
splendor,  good  resolves,  etc,  etc  To 
labor  this  should  be  an  important  year. 
All  political  parties  will  hold  conv^i- 
tions  to  nominate  men  for  president 
of  these  United  States,  to  preside  over 
the  destiny  of  all  the  people  for  a 
term  of  four  years.  The  Republicans 
will  hold  their  convention  in  Chicago, 
the  Democrats  in  Baltimore.  At  both 
of  these  conventions  labor  will  be  con- 
spicuous by  its  absence.  There  will 
be  no  representative  of  labor  chosen 
as  a  delegate  to  either  of  these  con- 
ventions. The  candidates  for  presi- 
dent on  this  occasion,  like  on  former 
occasions,  will  be  selected  by  the  ene- 
mies of  the  working  people;  but  on 
election  day  you  will  find  the  wage 
slave  walking  op  to  the  polls  and  vot- 
ing the  tool  of  his  master  into  power, 
thus  tightening  the  shackles  of  slav- 
ery more  securely  around  his  neck, 
and  paving  the  road  for  posterity  to 
the  poorhouse  or  worse.  After  the 
election,  the  workman  bends  his  back 
to  the  hoe  and  goes  on  in  the  same  old 
way,  cursing  his  lot. 

In  looking  over  the  list  of  presiden- 
tial possibilities,  we  find  among  them 
the  name  of  Judson  Harmon,  the  pres- 
ent governor  of  Ohio,  the  tool  of  J.  P. 
Morgan,  owned  body  and  soul  by  the 
Wall  Street  and  the  railroad  interests. 
He  was  at  one  and  the  same  time  gov- 
ernor of  Ohio  and  receiver  for  a  Mor- 
gan property.  Last  April,  while  gov- 
ernor of  the  great  State  of  Ohio,  and 
while  the  legislature  was  in  session, 
he  went  to  Washington  and  appeared 
before  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court  as  an  attorney  for  the  C.  ft  O. 
Ry.  (this  railroad  has  holdings  in  the 
State  of  Ohio).  During  the  last  ses- 
sion of  the  Ohio  legislature,  F.  M.  Cal- 
vey,  a  member  of  this  union,  also  a 
member  of  the  Ohio  legislature  from 
the  Cleveland  district,  introduced  a 
"full  crew  bill"  for  switchmen.  After 
many  da3rs  of  hard  labor,  the  bill 
passed  both  branches  of  the  legisla- 
ture. On  June  1st  it  went  to  the  gov- 
ernor, and  on  June  8th  he  vetoed  It,  be- 
cause, he  claimed,  it  was  unconstitu- 
tional. The  United  States  Supreme 
Court  has  recently  declared  the  "full 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRIGA. 


16f 


crew  bills"  in  the  State  ot  Indiana 
constitutionaL  The  street  car  men's 
▼estlbnle  bill,  also  introduced  by  Bro. 
Calvey,  met  the  same  fate  at  the  hands 
of  this  trust-owned  governor.  In  fact, 
he  vetoed  ev^ry  bit  of  meritorious  la- 
bor legislation  that  passed  the*  legisla- 
ture. Harmon  is  not  mentally  fit  to 
pass  upon  matters  affecting  labor  or- 
ganized or  unorganized.  Should  he  be 
elected  president  of  the  United  States 
all  the  workingman  would  get  in  times 
of  labor  disputes  would  be  the  police- 
man's club  and  the  bayonet  of  the 
militia  directed  against  him. 

Unscrupulous  employers  would  be  in 
a  position  to  impose  all  manner  of 
al^nsee  upon  their  employes,  such  as 
reducing  wages  and  lengthening  the 
hours  of  labor. 

In  looking  over  the  names  of  the 
Republican  possibilities  I  can  see  only 
one  name  that  appeals  to  me;  that  is 
the  name  of  Hon.  Robert  M.  La  Fol- 
lette  of  Wisconsin.  We  know  what  we 
have  got  from  the  present  incumbent, 
and  surely  we  can  expect  no  more  in 
the  future  than  we  have  received  in 
the  past    It  is  hard  picking. 

Organized  labor  at  this  time  is 
passing  through  a  critical  period  in  its 
history  because  of  the  attacks  being 
made  upon  the  movement  by  those 
who  are  unfriendly  to  it  The  Mc- 
Namara  case  is  being  used  against  us, 
and  men  in  the  United  States  Senate 
are  attempting  to  cast  odium  upon 
the  laobr  men  of  this  country.  The 
latest  to  show  his  dislike  for  the  or- 
ganized workmen  was  Senator  Hey- 
bum,  by  his  attack  on  President  Gom- 
pers  of  the  A.  F.  of  L.  Still,  we  must 
not  deter  in  our  efforts  to  elevate  the 
workingmen  and  women  of  our  coun- 
try. We  must  work  all  the  harder  to 
overcome  those  prejudices,  and  show 
to  the  world  that  organized  labor  does 
not  stand  for  violence,  brutality,  or 
the  destruction  of  life  and  property. 
The  organized  men  and  women  of 
America  do  not  condone  the  crimes  of 
ttie  McNamaras,  but  Join  with  all  law- 
abiding  citizens  of  our  country  in  up- 
holding the  majesty  of  the  law  of  the 
land.  We  deny  that  organized  labor 
insisted  upon  the  innocence  of  the 
McNamaras;  the  most  that  they  did 
do  was  to  see  that  they  should  not  be 
declared  guilty  until  they  had  a  fair 
and  impartial  trial  before  a  Jury  of 
their  peers.  Despite  all  of  those  ob-. 
stacles    the    Switchmen's  Union  may 


feel  proud  of  the  suooess  they  are 
achieving  in  the  labor  world.  Our 
membership  is  steadily  increasing, 
new  lodges  are  being  organized  in 
parts  of  the  country  where  it  was  sup- 
posed this  never  could  be  acoom 
plished.  I  have  Just  returned  from 
Jackson,  Tenn.,  where  on  the  19th  of 
January  I  organized  a  good  substantial 
lodge.  This  will  open  the  gateway  to 
the  great  southern  district,  where 
switchmen  are  working  twelve  hours 
a  day  for  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents; 
and  the  schedule  is  signed  by  the  com- 
mittee of  roadmen  who  represented 
the  yardmen  before  the  officials.  I 
refer  to  the  Rome  yard  on  the  N.  C. 
ft  St.  L.  The  section  reads,  on  and 
after  July  1,  1910,  helpers  will  receive 
$1.50  per  day,  overtime  after  twelve 
hours.  Those  are  the  things  the 
switchmen  are  getting  wise  to  in  the 
south.  We  have  some  good  workers 
in  Jackson.  ,  The  president  of  No.  159, 
Bro.  E.  J.  Phillips  (Big  Six),  is  a  good 
worker  and  did  some  good  work  in  get- 
ting the  brothers  together  to  organize 
this  lodge.  The  lodge  at  Cairo  is 
doing  fine  and  I  think  I  will  be  sue- 
ceasful  In  a  short  time  in  increasing 
the  membership  of  that  lodge.  If 
business  would  pick  up  I  feel  sure  that 
we  could  double  our  membership  in  a 
short  time.  Everything  points  that 
way.  I  hope  the  brothers  will  wake  up 
and  get  busy  on  legislation.  We  want 
the  "full  crew  bill"  in  every  state  in 
the  union,  also  the  federal  law.  * 

A  word  to  the  switchmen  in  Chicago 
who  live  in  the  2l8t  district.  Ben  M. 
Mitchell  is  a  candidate  for  re-election 
to  the  legrislature.  He  is  the  one  who 
is  most  responsible  for  the  defeat  of 
the  "full  crew  bills"  at  the  last  session 
and  you  should  use  all  the  influence  at 
your  command  to  defeat  him.  This 
district  is  composed  principally  of 
railroad  men.  Tou  have  a  chance; 
will  you  use  it? 

J.  C.  McGloon,  an  ex-switchman,  is 
seeking  the  nomination  to  the  legisla- 
ture from  the  19th  district,  and  I  be- 
lieve it  the  duty  of  every  laboring 
man  to  support  him.  The  more  men 
of  this  brand  we  have  in  the  legisla- 
tive halls  the  better  will  be  the  lot  of 
those  who  earn  their  supr-ort  by  hon- 
est toll. 

Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J  AS.  B.  Connors. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


GoMMoalcaUoBs  for  tkm  JOUKNAL  Mvst  be  r^selv^d  BEPOKE 
tk«  lOlh  of  ikm  momih  to  Umwo  pobllcaMoa.  All  CoMMOolca* 
tloos  for  Ibo  JOUKNAL  Most  bo  occooipoolod  by  tbo  ■•■lo 
of  tbo  soodor.  ood   written  ooly  oo  ooo  sldo  of  tbo   popor. 


acvciand,0. 

Cleveland,  O.,  Feb.  11,  1912. 
EoiTOB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

In  recent  issues  of  the  Journal 
there  have  appeared  numerous  articles 
regarding  proposed  constitutional  al- 
terations, and  the  methods  which 
should  be  employed  to  Insure  a  proper 
consideration  of  the  same.  I  have  been 
greatly  Interested  in  these  articles, 
many  of  which  contained  very  valu- 
able suggestions,  but  I  was  particu- 
larly interested  in  the  article  from 
Bro.  Hogan  of  Fargo,  which  appeared 
in  the  January  issue.  Bro.  Hogan 
takes  issue  with  Bro.  Carius  of  Cin- 
cinnati regarding  the  interpretation  of 
section  199  of  the  constitution.  The 
whole  difficulty  seems  to  lie  in  the 
section  itself.  One  clause  in  Sec.  199 
says  that  delegates  to  a  convention 
may  submit  amendments  to  the  consti- 
tution only  during  the  first  two  days 
of  the  convention,  while  immediately 
following  that  provision  it  specifies 
quite  clearly  that  all  recommendations 
for  amendments  to  the  constitution 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  Grand  Board 
of  Directors,  through  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer,  not  later  than 
the  first  day  of  January  preceding  the 
convention,  and  further  provides  as  to 
how  these  recommendations  shall  be 
treated  by  the  Grand  Board.  I  am  not 
going  to  attempt  to  place  a  proper  con- 
struction upon  this  section,  as  Sec. 
13  provides  that  the  International 
President  shall  determine  what  is  to  be 
the  proper  understanding  of  Sec.  199, 
but  I  believe  there  can  be  no  harm  in 
expressing  an  opinion.  To  be  abso- 
lutely fair,  it  would  seem  to  me  that 
the  proper  course  to  pursue  would  be 
to  determine,  if  possible,  the  intent  of 
the  delegates  in  adopting  Sec.  199  as  it 
now  stands,  making:  the  Grand  Board 


of  Directors  the  committee  on  consti- 
tution. Basing  an  opinion  upon  some 
of  the  arguments  which  were  pre- 
sented In  its  favor,  I  would  say  that 
its  acceptance  was  very  largely  due 
to  the  fact  that  the  delegates  were  en- 
deavoring to  establish  more  rifi^d  lines 
or  economy  by  eliminating  the  expense 
of  a  committee  on  constitution.  If  this 
presumption  be  correct,  I  would  say 
that  the  better  way  to-  construe  Sec 
199  would  be  that  all  matter  pertain- 
ing to  constitutional  amendments  most 
be  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Board 
not  later  than  Jan.  1st  preceding  the 
convention,  otherwise  the  economic 
feature  is  of  little  value.  Apparently, 
however,  there  were  other  objects  In 
view  which  caused  this  section  to  be 
so  worded,  amongst  which  was  the 
avoiding  of  any  possibility  of  shutting 
out  matter  of  merit,  the  necessity  of 
which  had  not  developed  until  after 
Jan.  Ist.  The  feature,  however,  could 
be  taken  care  of  in  a  manner  which 
would,  I  believe,  be  satisfactory  to  all. 
Not  only  satisfactory,  but  alwolutely 
fair.  I  believe  I  am  safe  fn  saying 
that,  even  at  this  early  date,  there  are 
but  few  imperfections  in  our  present 
constitution  that  have  not  been  discov- 
ered by  some  of  the  officers  or  mem- 
bers. Now  I  would  suggest  that  all 
members  give  these  matters  prompt  at- 
tention, and  get  their  recommenda- 
tions into  the  office  of  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer  not  later  than 
Aug.  31,  1912,  and  he  in  turn  could 
present  them  to  the  Grand  Board  of 
Directors  when  they  meet  in  the  early 
part  of  the  following  month.  '  This 
would  give  the  Grand  Board  a  little 
time  to  look  over  the  recommendations 
and  learn  what  effect  their  adoption 
might  have  upon  other  sections  of  the 
constitution.  In  many  cases  the  ac- 
ceptance of  an  amendment  to  an  ar- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP   NORTH   AMERICA. 


171 


tide  might  so  alter  its  meaning  or  in- 
tent aa  to  necessitate  the  changing  of 
other  articles  so  as  to  avoid  conflict- 
ing conditions  such  as  we  now  find  in 
Sec  199.  There  are  instances  of  this 
kind  at  present,  which  should  be 
cleared  up.  Take,  for  instance,  the 
Qrand  Board  of  Directors.  Sec.  2  pro- 
vides for  a  Grand  Board;  Sees.  47  to 
61,  inclusive,  outline  the  duties  of  the 
Qrand  Board.  In  none  of  the  forego- 
ing sections  do  you  find  the  Grand 
Board  has  any  duties  in  cpnilection 
with  the  redrafting  of  the  constitu- 
tion; the  first  intimation  you  find  of 
this  fact  being  way  back  in  Sec.  199. 
The  Grand  Board  would  have  sufficient 
time  to  look  over  the  entire  matter  be- 
fore the  January  meeting,  and  would 
^be  in  a  position  at  that  time  to  pre- 
pare and  submit  to  the  local  lodges 
all  of  the  recommendations  which  had 
been  received.  This  would  eliminate 
any  long  drawn  out  meetings  and 
heavy  bills  of  expense.  After  locals 
had  submitted  their  opinions  upon  the 
various  amendments,  the  Grand  Board 
acting  as  the  committee  on  constitu- 
tion would  be  prepared  to  submit  their 
report  as  soon  as  the  convention  would 
be  ready  to  receive  it.  I  would  hold 
that  any  proposed  amendments  which 
had  been  submitted  to  the  locals  and 
not  be  brought  before  the  convention, 
except  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  all  dele- 
gates. It  would  then  be  in  order  to 
consider  any  matter  submitted  by  dele- 
gates upon  their  arrival  at  th6  conven- 
tion. The  reading  clerk,  after  reading 
a  section  on  which  the  committee  had 
recommended  no  change,  could  an- 
nounce to  the  convention  that  late  rec- 
ommendations had  been  received  re- 
garding said  section,  the  recommenda- 
tion could  be  submitted  and  disposed 
of  by  the  committee  of  the  whole.  H 
is  my  opinion,  however,  that  these  late 
amendments  can  be  almoJBt  entirely 
avoided  if  the  members  throughout  the 
country  who  are  interesting  them- 
selves in  these  matters  will  do  their 
share  and  do  it  early.  I  don't  wish  it 
to  be  understood  that  I  am  opposed  to 
these  late  amendments,  provided  they 
are  of  value,  because  I  am  heartily  in 
favor  of  any  -suggestions  or  amend 
ments  which  will  be  beneficial  in  se- 
curing good  laws  whenever  they  are 
received,  but  T  still  maintain  that 
nearly  evenrthing  of  that  nature  can 
be  submitted  in  good  season  and  the 
delegates  can  be  reasonably  familiar 


with  the  proposed  amendments  before 
the  convention  opens.  We  must  never 
lose  sight  of  the  fact  that  the  principle 
thing  is  to  secure  good  laws.  It  is  uni- 
versally accepted  that  good  laws  and 
good  order  go  hand  in  hand.  All  laws 
in  effect  should  be  enforced.  If  a  law 
should  not  be  enforced  it  should  not 
exist  Laws  which  are  fair  to  all  and 
partial  to  none  are  the  essential  feat- 
ures which  must  be  accepted  to  insure 
the  Switchmen's  Union  broadening  out 
into  a  bigger,  better  and  a  stronger 
organization  than  it  has  ever  been. 
Laws  which  discriminate  should  have 
no  place  in  our  consUtutfSn.  Every 
member  should  be  guaranteed  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  membership 
without  any  provisos.  '  It  is  decidedly 
un-American  to  do  otherwise.  I  want 
to  say  a  word  at  this  time  about  a  sug- 
gestion offered  recently  by  Bro.  Meany 
of  Buffalo.  Bro.  Meany  suggests  that 
conventions  be  held  every  fourtii  year 
instead  of  every  other  year  as  we  are 
now  doing.  This  is  a  feature  which  I 
have  long  favored,  and  one  which 
would.  I  believe,  be  very  satisfactory. 
In  fact  there  is  almost  evenrthfng  in 
its  favor,  with  scarcely  nothing  against 
it  Give  us  quadrennial  conventions 
and  we  can,  with  the  money  thus 
saved,  erect  a  suitable  building  for 
headquarters  which  will  be  sufficiently 
large  for  all  time,  and  in  addition  re- 
ceive enough  revenue  through  rental 
to  easily  pay  six  per  cent  on  the  in- 
vestment This  is  a  mighty  good  feat- 
ure and  is  deserving  of  consideration 
by  every  member  of  this  union. 

The  columns  of  the  Jottbnal  are 
open  to  you  for  discussion  on  this  and 
other  matters,  and  I  believe  it  would 
be  well  if  you  would  accept  tliat  means 
of  expressing  an  opinion.  A  member 
once  said  to  me  that  the  rank  and  file 
would  oppose  quadrennial  conventions 
because  officers  would  be  elected  for 
too  long  a  term,  if  for  no  other  rea- 
son. Such  an  objection,  however,  can- 
not be  entertained  at  all  seriously.  If 
an  officer  is  not  capable  of  performing 
his  duties  for  four  years  he  certainly 
is  not  capable  of  giving  you  good  ser- 
vice for  two  years,  and  as  far  as  being 
secure  in  his  position  regardless  of  the 
quality  of  service.  Just  include  in  your 
laws  a  section  providing  for  the  initia- 
tive, the  referendum  and  the  recall, 
and  I  believe  you  will  be  sufficiently 
protected  along  that  line. 

Come,  brothers,  don't  hide  your  light 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


172 


JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


under  a  bushel.  Many  of  you  are  ca- 
pable of  setting  up  some  mighty  inter- 
esting matter.  The  editor  welcomes 
you,  the  rank  and  file  will  appreciate 
it,  and  T  feel  sure  that  I  can  say  the 
oommittee  on  constitution  will  grate- 
fully accept  all  suggestions  which  will 
aid  them  in  coming  before  the  next 
convention  with  a  report  which  will 
meet  with  your  hearty  approval.  1 
am,  most  respectfully. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

W.  H.  Titus,. 

1878  E.  92d  St. 


Bmwood,  O. 

EnnoB  SwrroHMEN's  Joubnal: 

It  seems  as  though  one  hundred  and 
twenty-three  is  conspicuous  in  the 
pink  book  by  its  absence.  Things  are 
about  the  same  as  usual  around  Ivory- 
dale.  Business  is  very  good  and  they 
are  working  us  15  hours  and  59  min- 
utes almost  every  day.  That  reminds 
me — I  think  we  had  better  start  a 
movement  to  have  that  day  law  so 
amended  that  it  would  be  reduced  to 
ten  or  twelve  hours  at  most.  The 
yardmasters  never  ask  you  what  time 
you  are  done,  but  what  time  you  are 
outlawed.  I  often  wonder  what  this 
world  is  coming  to.  Tou  almost  have 
to  whip  the  yardmaster  in  foreign 
yards  to  get  to  lunch,  and  it  seems 
when  they  get  their  own  dinner,  they 
don't  care  whether  the  men  get  any 
or  not,  and  we  have  one  superintend- 
ent of  terminals  in  this  city,  who  is 
so  stony  hearted  that  he  will  not  let  a 
transfer  into  his  territory  that  has  a 
caboose  on  it  He  has  enough  nerve 
to  ask  a  man  to  ride  sixty  miles  on 
the  rear  end  of  a  cut  of  cars.  I  am 
also  reminded  at  this  time  of  the  very 
important  question — ^what  are  we 
going  to  do  with  the  switchmen  of 
this  country  who  have  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  receive  injuries,  yet  who 
are  able  to  perform  switching  duties? 
This  question  has  struck  me  very  for- 
cibly of  late,  especially  so  when  I  re- 
cently saw  a  yardmasteV  turn  a  man 
down  for  a  position  who  had  lost  a 
portion  of  his  thumb  in  his  battle  with 
cars.  The  poor  fellow  had  gotten  by 
the  clerk  and  was  tilling  out  an  ap- 
plication for  employment,  when  the 
yardmaster  noticed  his  hand  was  crip- 
pled and  said  "that  won't  do,"  mean- 


ing he  couldn't  work  for  the  company 
with  a  portion  of  his  thumb  gone.  I 
shall  never  forget  the  wistful  look  in 
that  poor  fellow's  eye,  if  I  live  to  be 
as  old  as  Methuselah.  What  had  this 
man,  who  is  a  victim  of  circum- 
stances, done  to  deserve  this  treat- 
ment? He  had  given  the  railroads 
the  best  part  of  his  life,  as  well  as  a 
portion  of  his  hand,  and  although  still 
able  to  perform  switching  duties,  and 
the  company  needed  men  at  the  time, 
he  is  cast  aside  and  his  family  made 
to  suffer  on  account  of  his  misfortune, 
at  a  time,  too,  when  some  general 
managers  are  permitting  their  yard- 
masters  to  employ  any  man  who  can 
switch  cars.  But  the  major  portion  of 
them  demand  the  cream  of  America's 
manhood  for  the  slaughter.  We  must 
work  harder  than  ever  to  eliminate 
the  cursed  physical  examination,  for 
the  stony-hearted  railroad  has  no  con- 
science for  the  maimed  one  or  his 
dwelling  place. 

If  I  keep  up  this  tirade  you  will 
think  I  am  a  pessimist;  but  if  we 
did  not  have  one  old  man  "grump" 
around  to  hammer  a  little,  some  of 
the  fellows  would  never  wake  up.  I 
want  to  take  a  shot  at  No.  26  wWle 
my  pen  is  warm.  I  am  informed  that 
they  are  too  poor  to  buy  working  but- 
tons. Come  out  and  see  us  some  night 
and  we'll  take  up  a  collection  for  you 
fellows  who  are  working  15  hours  a 
day  at  standard  pay. 

E.  J.  ALEXAin>EB. 


Pcoftot  Ma 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

March,  with  her  many  weathers,  has 
arrived  on  the  calendar,  and  we  can 
see  nicer  weather,  but  duller  times, 
ahead  for  the  switchmen.  Tet  their 
lives  will  not  be  Jeopardized  to  the  ex- 
tent that  they  were  In  the  winter 
months  Just  passed,  with  their  below- 
zero  weathei  and  ice,  as  no  class  of 
labor  is  more  exposed  to  the  elements 
than  switching,  and  it  should  be  the 
duty  of  all  who  follow  this  occupation 
to  protect  themselves  by  being  mem- 
bers of  this  union.  Just  stop  and 
think,  men,  what  this  order  has  done 
for  the  yard  men  in  the  last  ten  years 
— ^bettered  your  conditions  in  many 
ways,  been  instrumental  in  getting 
safety  laws  passed,  and  secured  a  d<»l- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


178 


lar  a  day  increase  in  wages  for  you. 
Talk  about  insurance!  You  have  to 
die  to  enjoy  most  of  them  and  there 
is  not  much  fun  in  it  at  that  The 
best  insurance  is  an  endowment  policy, 
for  the  reason  that  if  you  are  spared 
you  can  enjoy  it  while  here  on  earth. 
But  look  at  Uie  premium  you  have  to 
pay.  For  my  part,  I  can  see  no  better 
policy  than  the  one-dollar-a-day  in- 
crease in  our  wages.  It  is  not  necies- 
sary  for  us  to  spend  this  just  because 
we  secured  it  so  easily  by  paying  not 
oyer  $36  a  year  for  it  and  a  11600  dis- 
ability or  death  policy  besides. 

Now  suppose  we  take  one-third  of 
that  one  dollar  raise  and  put  $10  a 
month  in  a  savings  bank  at  three  per 
cent,  compounded  in  ten  years  we  will 
have  $1399.38;  if  you  put  in  the  other 
two-thirds  you  would  have  three  times 
the  above  in  the  ten  years  and  could 
quit  switching,  go  into  business,  drop 
out  of  the  order  and  say  to  hell  with 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  they  never  did  any- 
thing for  me.  But,  boys,  as  long  as 
you  are  in  th^  biz  let  us  stick  by  the 
S.  U.  It  Is  the  only  thing  that  looks 
out  for  our  welfare  and  our  good. 

There  have  been  times  when  the 
yardmen  had  no  order  of  their  own, 
and  they  were  used  for  the  cracker  on 
the  whip  and  all  they  got  was  the  same 
old  crack  at  the  same  old  place. 

With  best  regards  to  all  brothers,  I 
remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  H.  Brown. 


TriiMMladt  Cdorado. 

EDrroB  Switghmen's  Journal: 

Not  having  seen  ansrthing  from  this 
''neck  of  the  woods"  in  the  Jottrnal  I 
will  surprise  the  brothers  by  writing  a 
few  lines.  We  haven't  many  members 
out  here  at  the  present  time,  but  we 
are  living  in  hopes  that  we  will  have 
plenty  of  them  some  day,  when  we  find 
out  more  about  the  union  that  has 
done  80  much  towards  bettering  the 
conditions  of  switchmen.  While  all 
are  enjoying  the  benefits  of  improved 
conditions  as  the  result  of  its  exist- 
ence many  have  not  shown  any  appre- 
ciation of  the  fact  by  giving  credit 
where  credit  was  due  and  joining  in 
with  those  who  have  sacrificed  so  much 
to  get  the  wages  and  other  improved 
conditions  we  now  enjoy,  as  compared 
to  what  prevailed  only  a  few  years  ago. 


But  the  scales  are  falling  ofC  of  some 
of  our  eyes  and  ere  long  let  us  hope 
we  will  be  found  lined  up  where  we 
belong — active  workers  in  the  good 
cause. 

Vice-President  Bro.  T.  J.  Misenhelter 
recently  paid  us  a  call  and  straight- 
ened up  some  matters  he  came  to  at- 
tend to.  We  were  glad  to  meet  him 
and  am  sure  he  encouraged  us  and 
made  things  look  brighter  by  mingling 
with  us  for  a  brief  time.  Some  day  we 
hope  to  have  a  good  lodge  here,  but 
this  will  not  be  brought  about  unless 
those  of  us  who  work  here  take  an  ac- 
tive interest  in  the  work  and  do  what 
we  can  towards  enlightening  those 
with  whom  we  work,  in  regard  to  the 
objects  and  alms  of  the  union.  If  we 
do  our  duty  in  this  respect,  we  will 
make  the  matter  of  organization  much 
easier. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  D.  Taylor. 


Detroit,  Midi. 

Editor  Swttchmen's  Joxtrnal: 

Tiger  Lodge  No.  192  has  a  bunch  of 
boys  who  are  tried  and  true.  In  "leaky 
roof  terminal"  there  are  only  a  tew 
who  don't  belong  to  our  bonny  S.  XJ. 

Bro.  A.  F.  Oaff,  our  worthy  j)reflident 
— ^and  he  is  some  fighter,  too— with  the 
help  of  Bates  and  Overy  have  the 
"leaky  roof  in  a  stew.  We  hope 
though  the  schedule  will  be  given  to 
the  S.  U.  In  the  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule 
that's  all  ready  for  the  "stew,"  'twould 
give  our  Bro.  Jenkins  a  hunt  for  his 
crew,  as  they  are  on  the  drag  run  and 
need  one,  too.  In  that  same  schedule 
seniority  is  given,  too;  but  wait  just 
a  minute,  I've  a  point  for  you.  There's 
a  trick  in  that  schedule,  only  noticed 
by  a  few,  and  that  is  not  to  inl:erfere 
with  the  way  they  are  working  yon. 
Nothing  is  said  about  the  engines. 
They  can  hand  the  scraps  to  you,  even 
engines  with  pilots,  and  without  foot- 
boards and  grab  irons.  That  is  the 
very  kind  of  a  schedule  they  have  ar* 
ranged  for  you.  But,  boys,  we've  a 
schedule  arranged  and  it's  a  "dinger," 
through  and  through;  no  ifs  and  ands 
about  it,  for  it's  a  regular  S.  D.  We 
arranged  this  schedule  when  all  heads 
were  together  and  you  know  we  did  it 
right.  So  my  friends  of  the  footboard 
if  you  ever  hope  to  get  justice  for 
yourselves  you  owe   it   to   yourselves 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


174 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


and  families  to  Join  our  noble  order — 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  We've  raised  the 
wages  of  others  and  we'll  raise  yours, 
too,  if  you'll  come  in  with  us,  where 
you  belong.  We  know  our  pay  is  small 
for  the  hazardous  kind  of  work  we  are 
doing,  but  the  only  hope  you  have  of 
getting  more  and  your  working  con- 
ditions improved  as  they  should  be,  is 
by  getting  lined  up  in  the  S.  U.  With 
living  prices  going  steadily  upward, 
the  time  can  not  be  very  far  distant 
when  it  will  be  necessary  to  call  for 
an  increase  in  wages  to  offset  it,  so  it 
should  be  to  the  interests  of  every  one 
switching  cars  to  get  in  line  in  this 
union,  and  you  can  be  assured  you*ll 
have  a  better  chance  of  getting  what 
is  due  you  when  going  before  manag- 
ing offlcialB  than  would  be  possible 
when  sending  someone  else  to  repre- 
sent you;  and  what's  true  in  Detroit 
is  Just  as  true  elsewhere.  It  should 
be  the  aim  of  every  worker  to  belong 
to  the  union  which  best  represents  his 
work,  and  the  Switchmen's  Union  of 
N.  A.  is  the  one  that  best  represents 
switchmen. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

E.  Wagner. 


Blue  bland,  IH. 

EnrroB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  I  have  slipped  a  cog  or  so  in  re- 
gard to  my  Journal  duties,  I  will 
endeavor  to  gain  velocity  and  mo- 
mentum this  month  to  the  extent  of 
trying  to  overtake,  or  at  least  get  in 
sight  of  a  portion  of  the  loyal  corre- 
spondents who  have  been  so  long  con- 
tributing of  their  time  and  talent  to 
become'  conversant  with  questions  of 
real  value,  and  have  also  been  kindly 
enough  disposed  to  send  them  in  to 
tiie  Journal,  that  others,  too,  might 
have  the  benefit  of  their  thoughts  and 
things  learned  through  this  medium. 
Many  questions  of  interest  have  lately 
been  touched  upon  by  various  writers 
in  the  membership  of  this  union,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  auxiliary,  in  a 
manner  that,  to  my  mind,  Indicates 
a  marked  increase  in  zeal  and  interest 
upon  live  questions  that  are  very  near 
and  dear  to  every  student  of  condi- 
tions in  either  union,  and  who  seek 
through  perseverance  for  better  con- 
ditions in  life,  as  the  result  of  lessons 
learned  through  past  experiences,  or 


their  ability  to  foresee  and  anticipate 
best  methods  to  cope  with  the  ever- 
changing  conditions  that  are  now  and 
about  to  confront  us.  The  various 
angles  from  which  all  of  these  things 
are  viewed,  however  divergent  they 
may  seem  to  some  will,  I  think,  place 
anyone  who  reads  the  ideas  of  these 
contributors  in  a  much  better  position 
to  arrive  at  a  better  conception  of 
what  is  right,  as  well  as  what  is  ex- 
pedient, or  for  the  best  interests  of  all 
concerned,  than  are  those  who  have 
not  been  reading  them  and  keeping 
themselves  advised  concerning  them. 
A  good  principle  hid  away  in  the  re- 
cesses of  a  mind  that  refuses  or  neg- 
lects to  make  it  known  or  apply  it  for 
the  benefit  of  his  fellowmen,  is  of  no 
benefit,  but  those  that  are  released 
and  sent  broadcast  are  of  inestimable 
value.  So,  in  the  labor  movement,  all 
should  not  only  seek  for  valuable 
truths,  but,  when  finding  them,  let 
their  salient  worth  be  shared  by  all. 
Splendid  indications  of  this  spirit 
finds  manifestation  in  the  faithful 
membership  of  labor  societies  who  al- 
ways find  the  time  and  opportunity  to 
attend  their  meetings  and  take  an 
active  interest  in  the  promotion  of 
everything  that  means  progress  and 
benefit  to  society,  and  who  take  Just 
as  active  part  in  protestations  against 
everything  where  an  evil  design  or 
purpose  creeps  to  the  surface.  The 
unionization  of  labor  hosts  found  its 
birth  a  necessity  in  order  to  keep 
abreast  with  progressive  capitalistic 
and  political  contingencies  with  which 
they  had  to  cope  and  which  couldn't 
be  offset  by  individual  effort  Unity  of 
effort,  when  applied  to  any  purpose, 
will  bring  results  impossible  of 
achievement  through  disorganized  or 
divergent  effort.  The  more  this  prin- 
ciple is  realized,  the  more  will  ther& 
be  a  coming  together  of  labor  forces 
and  the  greater  will  be  the  results 
achieved.  So  it  is  well  that  we  ex- 
change views  and  experiences  In  every 
manner  possible  in  order  that  the 
greatest  good  to  the  greatest  number 
will  prevail. 

Our  lodge  work  at  Blue  Island, 
while  not  all  that  could  be  hoped  for. 
Is  showing  a  tendency  towards  a 
higher  mark  of  things  done  than  for 
some  time,  and  it  is  hoped  can  be 
kept  in  the  upward  and  onward  sort 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


176 


of  progression  right  along.  But  to  do 
BO,  there  can  be  no  "fall  downs"  to 
dntsr's  calls,  no  aimless,  thoughtless 
moments  to  distract  our  attention 
away  from  "clear  cut"  and  well-tried 
paths  of  duty.  Our  mem/bership  roll 
is  not  so  far  from  the  hundred  mark, 
and  it  can  be  made  to  pass  it,  if  we 
all  but  do  our  share  of  work  during 
the  next  twelve  months.  Let  us  each 
try  and  do  our  full  portion  of  active 
work  necessary  to  achieve  at  least  that 
one  result  At  our  first  meeting  in 
January,  Bro.  Thomas  Stone  of  Lodge 
No.  17  acted  as  installing  officer  for 
us,  and  has  our  thanks  for  the  efficient 
manner  in  which  the  work  was  done. 
We  had  a  few  candidates  for  his  in- 
spection also,  and  he  seemed  very 
much  pleased  at  the  way  they  were 
managed.  Bro.  Clohessy  told  some 
good  truths  in  last  issue  of  Joubnal 
about  the  state  of  affairs  in  some  sec- 
tions of  the  country  and  the  cause  of 
IheuD.  Our  lodge  recently  received  an 
invitation  to  the  engineers'  ball,  to  be 
held  on  Baster  Monday  night.  We 
sLould  aid  them  all  we  can  in  making 
it  the  success  it  should  be,  and  in  so 
doing  it  will  be  the  means  of  a  return 
of  the  compliment  when  we  hold  our 
own.  Bros.  Bowman  and  Clark  are 
back  to  work  again  after  having  been 
laid  up  a  long  time.  Bro.  Harry  Clark 
is  also  back,  after  his  hunt  for  a  mate, 
and  not  the  worse  for  having  followed 
the  trail.  While  in  Omaha  recently,  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  Dr.  Ford, 
who,  notwithstanding  his  large  prac- 
tice, looks  well  and  has  the  same  warm 
spot  in  his  heart  as  ever  for  the  S.  U. 
Would  be  glad  to  hear  of  a  largely- 
increased  membership  In  that  large 
terminal  city.  Lodge  No.  29  has  had 
the  misfortune  to  lose  another  of  its 
active  workers.  The  untimely  death 
of  Bro.  Andy  Bagge,  while  in  the  pei- 
formance  of  duty,  Jan.  29th,  has  taken 
from  VB  an  active  worker  in  our  cause 
and  daused  a  deep  gloom  in  the  hearts 
of  an  who  knew  him.  His  family  have 
the  sincere  sympathy  of  all  the  mem- 
bers of  this  lodge.  Besides  being  a 
member  of  this  union,  he  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  K.  of  P.,  and 
Eagles,  and  all  turned  out  in  goodly 
nunrbers  to  pay  the  last  mark  of  re- 
spect to  him  at  the  funeral,  notwith- 
standing the  day  on  which  he  was 
bnHod   was   a  most  stormy  and  dis- 


agreeable one.  All  officers  of  this 
lodge  are  making  special  efforts  to  ad- 
vance the  best  interests  of  the  union 
in  every  way  they  can,  and  th6y  ask 
the  co-operation  of  all  the  members  in 
the  work,  believing  if  they  receive  it, 
as  they  should,  that  this  will  be  the 
banner  year  in  the  history  of  the 
lodge.  Let  us  each  do  our  full  duty 
and  aid  all  we  can  in  the  realization 
of  their  fond  hope.  With  best  wishes 
to  all  lodges  in  their  effort  to  mark 
progress,  I  remain, 

Pratemally  yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P. 
Thomas  Eabnsb. 


Buffalo,  N.Y. 

Editor  Switohmsn's  Journal: 

It  has  been  some  time  since  I  made 
an  effort  to  fill  a  little  space  in  our 
pink  book.  I  will  endeavor  to  let  the 
brothers  know  that  we  are  still  alive 
and  doing  business  in  the  same  old 
place. 

Business  on  the  N.  P.  has  been  very 
good  here  this  winter,  and  with  the 
extreme  cold  weather  we  are  experi- 
encing it  makes  it  still  better.  We 
have  at  present  105  switchmen  em- 
ployed in  this  little  yard;  regular  and 
extra  men  are  getting  all  the  work 
they  can  stand.  We  hope  that  busi- 
ness will  hold  up  until  late  in  the 
spring. 

We  all  regret  that  it  was  necessary 
for  us  to  accept  the  resignation  of  our 
esteemed  and  worthy  president,  Bro. 
J.  W.  Fleming,  but  it  was  compulsory, 
as  Bro.  Fleming  says  that  the  time  has 
come  that  he  cannot  devote  as  much 
time  to  the  duties  of  that  office  as  it 
requires  and  wished  to  be  relieved  of 
the  work,  as  his  health  was  not  the 
best.  Therefore,  we  were  forced  to  ac- 
cept his  resignation.  We  heartily 
thank  him  for  the  good  work  he  has 
done  in  the  past  and  hope  that  he  will 
speedily  recover  his  health  and  wish, 
him  success  in  the  future.  His  office 
was  turned  over  to  Bro.'H.  B.  (Nig- 
ger) Dewitt,  who  is  well  capable  of 
holding  down  the  Job,  and  with  the 
assistance  of  Bro.  Rooney  Smith  and 
all  the  members  in  general,  I  think  we 
will  be  able  to  continue  successfully. 

There  was  a  recent  change  in  our 
general  yard  master.  C.  L.  Titus  suc- 
ceeds J.  E.  CuUigan,  assigned  to  other 
duties.    Mr.  Titus  seems  to  play  quite 


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176 


JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


favorable  with  the  boys,  and  he  is  ap- 
preciated very  much  by  them,  especial- 
ly those  that  were  given  day  jo'bs.  He 
has  handed  out  more  day  jobs  than 
any  other  man  in  that  position  since 
the  N.  P.  began  doing  business  here. 
All  of  the  oldest  night  meh  were  given 
day  jobs  that  were  coming  to  them,  ac- 
cording to  the  engine  he  had  been 
working.  For  this  we  thank  him  very 
much.  Bro.  Thomas  Reynolds  has 
been  acting  as  ringmaster  in  the  Bull 
Ring  for  some  time,  during  the  absence 
of  Harry  Waterson,  who  Js  confined  to 
his  home  on  account  of  sickness.  He 
keeps  good  tabs  on  the  boys  and  all 
the  "bull  runs"  leave  on  time,  while 
Oussie  Kuhlman  looks  after  the  west- 
bound hot  stuff. 

We  are  also  pleased  to  announce  the 
appointment  of  an  old-timer  to  the 
night  yardmastership  at  TlfTt  yards- 
Paddy  Donwhere.  vice  Bro.  McNamara 
assigned  to  other  duties.  We  hope 
Paddy  makes  good. 

We  have  drawn  up  a  few  amend- 
ments to  our  present  working  condi- 
tions and  hope  they  will  meet  with 
favor  when  presented  by  our  grievance 
committee. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  I  allowed  the 
lamps  to  go  out  at  West  Seneca  one 
dark  and  stormy  night,  which  did  not 
please  the  "yardy"  very  much  and  for 
that  reason  I  have  to  take  my  fork 
and  move  on  to  the  next  pile  with  all 
the  rest  of  the  "steves"  for  awhile.  The 
dago  says  he  has  me  on  probation,  but 
perhaps  if  I  am  good  he  might  take 
me  off  the  black  list.  So  me  for  an- 
other 'liundred  straight."  "Gin  Dobra." 
Jake  the  Lampliohteb. 
Nickel  Plate  Lodge  220. 


EorroB  SwrroHHKN's  Joubnal: 

Seeing  that  my  first  attempt  as 
JoiTBNAL  agent  was  not  consigned  to 
the  waste  basket,  I  will  try  again. 

In  my  last  letter  I  urged  that  our 
newly-elected  officers  be  given  better 
support  than  the  retiring  ones  were 
given;  but  from  all  reports  it  does 
not  appear  that  some  of  the  brothers 
have  taken  any  interest  in  the  welfare 
of  the  order.  A  lot  of  members  will 
oome  up  to  the  lodge  room  on  a  meet- 
ing night,  pay  dues  for  the  coming 
month  and  then  go  out  to  a  sleighrldft 
party  or  some  place  else  instead  of 
staying  for  the  meeting  and  helping 


to  boost  things  along  as  they  should. 
Brothers,  the  lodge  room  is  the  place 
to  thrash  out  your  troubles,  not  in 
the  yards. 

A  district  council  has  been  organ- 
ized by  the  different  lodges  in  the  city 
for  the  purpose  of  bringing  the  mem- 
bers of  the  organization  together  and 
getting  acquainted  with  each  other 
and  for  other  purposes  which  will  be 
of  great  benefit  to  us  all.  Buffalo 
Lodge  No.  4  was  represented  by  Bros. 
John  Galvin,  D.  J.  Hayes  and  M.  Col- 
gan.  Meetings  will  be  held  on  the 
second  Wednesday  of  each  month  at 
McCarthy's  Hall,  comer  Peabody  and 
Seneca  streets,  at  8.30  p.  m.,  to  which 
all  members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  are 
cordially  invited  to  attend. 

We  listened  to  a  few  remarks  from 
Bro.  Baldy  O'Brien  at  our  meeting  on 
Jan.  19th.    Call  again,  Baldy. 

Since  Bro.  Duly  has  taken  up  the 
study  of  German  he  has  forgotten 
where  Fillmore  avenue  is. 

Bro.  Pankow  says  Bro.  Carter  had 
better  get  on  the  job  and  call  off  the 
stations  where  the  "roaring  giml^et" 
stops. 

As  yet  we  have  received  no  smokes 
from  Bro.  Francis  in  honor  of  the  new 
grandson  which  arrived  recently  at 
the  home  of  his  son  at  Scranton,  Pa. 

Bro.  John  Davis  is  confined  at  the 
Mercy  Hospital  on  Tifft  street  with 
sugar  diabetes.  We  hope  for  his 
speedy  recovery. 

Bro.  William  O'Brien  of  the  B.  R. 
ft  P.  has  been  reported  as  being  very 
sick  at  his  home  on  East  Swan  street 
Here's  hoping  we  hear  of  your  recov- 
ery soon.  Bill. 

We  are  glad  to  see  Bro.  Jimmie 
Lueton  on  the  job  again. 

Bro.  Joe  Fisher  has  been  given  the 
white  fiag  at  the  Kennedy  road  cross- 
ing.   Glad  to  see  you  with  us,  Joe. 

Now,  brothers,  we  are  doing  a  good 
business,  as  you  all  know,  and  we 
have  quite  a  few  no-bills  with  us  who 
ought  to  be  into  clear.  Get  after  them 
and  give  them  a  little  heart  to  heart 
talk. 

Bro.  Chuck  says  Bro.  Jerry  Sheehan 
wants  to  stay  out  of  the  way  when  he 
is  on  the  loop  ahead  of  No.  S.  Chnek 
says  never  mind  about  No.  27. 

Well,  I  guess  I  will  pull  the  pin  for 
this  time  and  go  on  the  dump.    Get  on 


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UNION    OP   NORTH   AMBIRICA. 


177 


tlie  Job,  brothers,  and  attend  the  meet- 
ings at  Boyer's  Hall,  Swan  and  Emslie 
streets,  first  and  third  Friday  nights 
and  fourth  Sunday  morning  of  each 
month. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gib. 


Topeka,  Kansas. 

BpiTOB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  has  been  quite  awhile  since 
ansrthing  has  appeared  from  No.  12,  I 
guess  I  will  try  my  hand  and  see  if  I 
can  get  by  the  waste  paper  box.  Our 
fifth  annual  ball  is  now  a  thing  of 
history,  and  good  history  it  has  made, 
for  it  sure  left  the  good  people  of  this 
city  on  more  friendly  terms  with  the 
switchmen  and  their  families  than 
ever  before,  and  the  ladies  deserve 
great  credit  for  the  way  they  handled 
their  part,  which  was  the  best  ever, 
and  consisted  of  sandwiches,  cake  and 
coffee.  Bro.  Frank  Deppe  comes  in  for 
a  good  boost  from  all,  for  he  sure 
has  the  nerve  to  go  after  the  cash  and 
oome  back  with  it  in  his  clothes.  So 
to  him  and  the  rest  of  the  committee 
is  due  all  that  is  due  to  any  one,  for 
they  sure  made  a  success  of  it.  Hop- 
ing to  see  part  of  this  again,  I  am. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

O.  E.  Dubbin, 
Rec,  Sec.  No.  12. 


CMcago,  m. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

From  the  author  of  that  iniquitous 
law  which  makes  it  necessary  for  a 
delegate  to  conventions  to  be  actively 
engaged  in  yard  service. 

Have  Just  finished  reading  Bro. 
Meaney's  very  interesting  letter  in 
February  Journal,  and  agrree  with 
him  on  some  points.  But  Bro.  Meaney 
says  this  same  measure  was  introduced 
at  Peoria  and  Detroit  conventions.  If 
Bro.  Meaney  will  brush  up  his  mem- 
ory or  look  up  past  constitutions,  he 
will  see  that  this  section  was  changed 
both  at  Peoria  and  Detroit,  and  if  my 
memory  serves  me  right  this  same  sec- 
tion has  been  changed  at  nearly,  if  not 
all  conventions  since  1901,  and  as  Bro. 
Meaney  attended  most  of  these  con- 
ventions he  is  probably  better  quali- 
fied to  tell  why  the  changes  were  made 
than  I.     Bro.  Meaney  says  that  other 


organizations     put     a     premium    on 
brains.     True.     I  have  in  mind  one 
such  organization  and  at  its  last  two 
conventions  the  brains,   while  not  a 
Grand  Lodge  officer  or  delegate,  had  a 
seat  on  the  platform  beside  the  presid- 
ing officer  and  took  a  leading  part  in 
directing  the  action  of  the  conventionB, 
while  it  is  a  well  known  fact  that  said 
brains  is  drawing  a  fat  salary  from 
the  railway  companies.    Do  the  switch- 
men want  to  pay  any  such  'premium? 
If  these  discussions  in  the  Joubnal 
are  to  bring  forth  the  best  results,  it 
is  necessary  that  all  participants  be 
fair  in  all  things,  and  I  don't  think  it 
fair  to  raise  a  howl  about  barring  a 
high    class    man    from    conventions* 
when,  in  order  to  admit  him  it  would 
be  necessary  to  let  down  the  bars  to 
others  whose  motives  (to  use  a  charit- 
able expression)  are  open  to  question. 
When  a  man  quits  switching  and  em- 
barks in  other  business,    he    cannot 
spare  time  to  attend  S.  U.  conventions 
unless  his  business  depends  on  his  ac- 
quaintance and  activity  in  union  labor 
circles,  either  in  his  own  locality  or 
throughout  the  country;     and  if  the 
success   of  his  business   depends  on 
this,  then  his  motive  in  desiring  to  at- 
tend conventions  is  open  to  question, 
if  it  is  not  actually  selfish.     I  have 
been   in  the  labor  movement  for  *26 
years    and    have    studied    conditions 
closely.    I  could  name  some  organiza- 
tions in  which  the  Grand  Lodge  is  a 
closed  corporation  in  which  the  rank 
and  file  have  no  part  except  to  pay  the 
freight.     The  machine    is    so    perfect 
that  a  charge  of  dynamite  wouldn't 
Jar  it    Bro.  Oarius  says  in  his  letter 
that  the  delegates  will  be  led  by  a  good 
talker  to  vote  against  the  best  interests 
of  the  union.    I  agree  with  him.    Well, 
you've  got  to  be  a  smooth  talker  to  be 
a  successful  politician  or  a  grafter,  and 
if  these  business  men  were  eligible  as 
delegates  there  is  no  telling  how  soon 
we  would  have  a  machine  controlling 
the  S.  U.,  and  my  motive  in  introduc- 
ing this  measure  at  St.  Paul  was  to 
prevent  this  condition  coming  to  pass 
and  I  sincerely  hope  that  thia  section 
of  the  constitution    will    remain    un- 
changed and  the  business  of  the  S.  XT. 
be  transacted  by  switchmen  for  the 
benefit  of  the  switchmen  as  a  whole, 
and  not  by  a  machine  for  the  benefit  of 
the  gang.     As  this  is  a  long-winded 
epistle  for  me,  and  as  I  have  an  at- 


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178 


JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITOHBCBN'S 


tack  of  writer's  cramp,  I  will  close  for 
this  time,  with  a  promise  that  if  this 
escapes  the  waste  basket  I  will  come 
again  next  month.  With  best  wishes 
to  all,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  S.  M£EHAN. 


Edttob  SwncHMBN's  Joubnal: 

We  are  not  quite  dead  yet,  hut  sleep- 
ing, and  need  a  little  stirring  up. 
Now,  brothers,  what  we  want  is  a  few 
of  the  brothers  to  get  together  and  try 
and  make  Lodge  No.  208  the  banner 
lodge  of  Chicago.  There  is  no  reason 
that  I  can  see  why  it  should  not  be 
such.  While  Lodge  No.  208  is  pro- 
gressing nicely,  improvements  could 
be  made  and  will  be  if  all  do  their 
duty.  We  elected  a  fltrst-class  quorum 
of  officers  for  this  year,  so  let's  all  get 
together  and  spit  a  little  ginger  out  of 
our  old  carcasses  and  step  to  the  front. 
I  know  it  is  hard  for  some  of  us  to 
attend  meetings;  whether  it  is  the  lack 
of  interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  lodge, 
or  having  to  work  15  hours  and  55 
minutes  every  day.  I  can  guess;  but 
I  think  we  could  at  least  spend  one 
night  each  month  finding  out  what  is 
going  on  in  our  order,  and  not  have  to 
ask  the  brother  who  did  attend.  I  am 
much  surprised  to  see  so  many  of  our 
brothers  who  belong  to  Lodge  No.  208 
not  showing  up. 

Business  is  fair  around  Chicago  at 
present,  especially  on  the  Belt,  and 
has  been  the  past  few  months. 

Hoping  to  see  quite  a  few  new  faces 
at  our  next  regular  meeting.  I  will 
close  for  this  time  by  extending  best 
wishes  to  all  members  of  the  union. 
I  remain, 

Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P.. 

C.  P.  B. 


Scninton,  Pa. 

Bditob  SwrrcHMEN's  Jottbnal: 

As  Lodge  No.  129  has  not  been 
heard  from  in  a  long  while,  I  thought 
I  would  send  a  line  or  two  to  let  all 
brothers  know  we  are  still  on  duty  in 
the  Electric  City  in  spite  of  the  high 
cost  of  living.  Also,  I  wish  to  say  a 
few  soothing  words  to  Bro.  Meaney. 
Ite  seems  to  be  very  much  worried 
over  the  cost  of  our  last  convention. 


It  was  rather  costly,  but  then  it 
an  extraordinary  convention;  and 
now  that  things  are  strightened  out  a 
little  it  is  not  likely  such  a  conven- 
tion as  that  will  be  necessary  again 
for  some  time. 

But  when  Bro.  Meaney  talks  of 
nothing  being  accomplished  at  that 
convention,  and  speaks  so  slightingly 
of  its  doings,  then  I  really  feel  that  it 
is  Uie  duty  of  someone  to  set  him 
right 

The  raising  of  our  insurance  poli- 
cies should  not  be  considered  a  small 
matter,  but  a  very  grave  one,  espe- 
cially by  Bro.  Meaney,  who  seems  to 
have  such  a  soft  spot  in  his  heart  for 
the  widows  and  orphans;  and  as  for 
the  changing  of  the  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers, I  considered  that  a  vital  matter 
and  one  most  necessary  for  the  wel- 
fare of  our  organization.  Our  fore- 
fathers who  framed  the  constitution 
of  these  United  States,  were  consid- 
ered very  wise  and  far-seeing  gentle- 
men, and  they  decreed  four  years  as 
the  term  of  office  for  the  highest 
executive  of  our  country,  and  that  no 
man,  until  recent  years,  not  even  the 
great  Washington,  felt  he  could  con- 
sistently hold  the  office  for  more  than 
eight  years.  I  believe  that  all  organ- 
izations would  do  well  to  follow  their 
example. 

Another  thing  that  I  resent  in  Bro. 
Meaney's  letter  is  his  statement  that 
the  200  delegates  attended  that  conven- 
tion for  pleasure  or  to  have  a  good 
time,  as  he  puts  it.  Of  course,  I  do  not 
know  why  Bro.  Meaney  attended  it;  I 
was  there  and  I  cannot  say  that  I 
heard  him  advancing  any  suggestions 
for  better  working  conditions  for  the 
switchmen,  although  he  used  up  a 
great  deal  of  valuable  time  on  the 
floor  of  the  convention  hall,  trying  to 
convince  the  delegates  that  it  would 
be  almost  high  treason  to  change  any 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  officers. 

But  I  can  speak  for  myself  and  my 
fellow  delegates  from  Lodge  No.  129 
and  from  many  of  the  other  lodges, 
and  I  can  assure  Bro.  Meaney  that 
nothing  was  further  from  our  thoughts 
than  pleasure.  We  went  there  with  a 
grim  and  earnest  determination  to  do 
what  in  justice  to  our  organization 
should  have  been  done  at  the  Detroit 
convention  In  1907.  And  I  can  fur- 
ther assure  him  that,  if  our  lodge  had 


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UNION    OP   NORTH   AMERICA. 


179 


been  too  poor  to  send  us,  we  would 
gladly  have  paid  our  own  expenses, 
and  thought  the  money  well  spent 

And  as  for  holding  all  conventions 
at  Buffalo,  I  reaUy  cannot  see  how 
that  would  help  very  much.  Wouldn't 
the  delegates  still  have  to  come  from 
all  over  the  United  States  and  Can- 
ada, and  wouldn't  it  take  Just  as 
many  days  to  go  and  come  as  ever? 
And  in  regard  to  the  railroad  fare  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  officers,  if  it  is  such 
a  heavy  expense,  why  not  economize 
a  little  at  that  end  and  have  fewer 
Grand  Lodge  officers,  also  fewer  sten- 
ographers, typewriters,  etc.,  in  the 
Grand  Lodge  office,  drawing  large  sal- 
aries from  the  treasury  of  the  Switch- 
men's Union. 

And  as  for  bakers,  barbers,  tailors 
and  all  such  unions,  who  hold  their 
conventions  only  every  four  years, 
well,  that  may  be  all  right  for  them, 
but  it  won't  do  for  switchmen. 

The  switchmen  are  not  followers, 
they  are  leaders;  and  there  is  no  other 
organization  that  has  done  so  much 
for  its  members  in  so  short  a  time; 
and  It  was  done  through  the  fighting 
at  conventions,  not  by  sitting  down  at 
home  for  four  years  with  folded 
hands,  as  Bro.  Meaney  advises. 

And  now  as  to  who  can  best  repre- 
sent the  switchmen  at  a  convention. 
Both  Bro.  Meaney  and  Bro.  Carius, 
the  gentleman  from  Kentucky,  seem 
to  feel  that  the  law  making  it  neces- 
sary for  a  delegate  to  be  a  working 
switchman  is  unjust.  I  cannot  see 
any  injustice  in  that  law.  I  consider 
it  a  very  good  law,  indeed.  No  man, 
I  do  not  care  how  much  brains  he 
has,  nor  how  good  his  heart,  he  can- 
not, with  the  best  will  in  the  world 
fight  for  better  conditions  with  the 
desperate  earnestness  of  the  man  as 
can  the  one  who  has  daily  to  encoun- 
ter the  dangers  and  endure  the  hard- 
ships of  a  switchman's  life.  And  as 
for  Hhe  statement  that  conditions 
don't  change  much  in  ten  years,  prob- 
ably they  don't,  down  in  Newport 
Ky.,  or  maybe  things  stand  still  even 
In  Buffalo,  but  I  can  tell  you  it  isn't 
00  in  Scranton.  Conditions  change 
bere  while  a  man  is  taking  his  dinner 
hour,  and  if  he  is  off  from  work  a 
weA  he  will  have  to  learn  the  yard 
over  when  he  comes  back.  And  if  any 
of  tho0e  gentlemen  who  have  been  out 
of  the  service  for  ten  years  or  more 


should  come  back,  instead  of  finding 
things  about  the  same,  as  Bro.  Carius 
assures  them  they  would,  I  think  it 
f^r  more  likely  they  would  feel  like 
Rip  Van  Winkle  when  he  awoke  from 
his  twenty-year  nap. 

Also  Bro.  Carius  wishes  to  know  if 
we  look  for  an  eight-hour  day,  '*with 
the  organizations  as  inimical  as  they 
are."  I  don't  just  see  what  he  means 
by  that.  The  switchmen  have  nothing 
to  do  with  other  organizations;  their 
motto  is  "Go  ahead  and  keep  going." 

Perhaps  Bro.  Carius  would  advise 
waiting  for  the  millenium.  I  am  sur- 
prised at  you,  brother;  I  always  heard 
that  Kentucky  men  were  noted  for 
their  fighting  blood;  but  perhaps  you 
were  not  born  in  the  Blue  Grass  State. 
England  was  inimical  in  1776,  but 
that  did  not  stop  our  forefathers  from 
fighting  for  liberty  and  winning  it 
Neither  will  the  enmity  of  some  other 
organization  prevent  the  switchmen 
from  fighting  for  an  eight-hour  day. 

We  certainly  do  expect  it  Bro. 
Carius;  we  not  only  expect  it,  we  are 
going  after  it,  and  we  are  going  to 
get  it.    We  must;    it  Is  a  necessity. 

No  man  of  ordinary  strength  can 
keep  the  pace  that  is  set  for  switch- 
men at  present,  and  keep  his  health, 
too,  unless  we  do  get  eight  hours. 

Now.  there  are  several  other  points 
I  would  like  to  discuss,  but  as  my 
letter  is  already  too  long,  I  will  close 
for  this  time.  Hoping  that  Bro. 
Meaney  will  not  lose  any  more  sleep 
worning  over  the  convention,  and 
with  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers, 
I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thos.  F.  Rowan, 
Electric  City  Lodge  No.  129. 


Michigan  City. 

Edttob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

From  all  appearances  the  ground 
hog  has  seen  his  shadow  and  has  gone 
back  in  his  hole  for  the  rest  of  the 
summer,  or  at  least  it  will  be  summer 
before  It  will  thaw  so  he  will  ever  be 
able  to  get  out  of  his  hole  here  in 
Michigan  City,  as  they  say  the  ground 
has  frozen  about  six  feet  deep.  And 
now  some  dear  brother  wrote  me  up 
in  the  Journal  last  month  about  me 
wearing  so  many  clothes  and  It  al- 
most caused  trouble  in  my  family  that 


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m 


JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


I  had  80  many  clothes  and  my  wife 
and  boy  did  not  have  half  enough  to 
wear  to  keep  anyway  near  warnt  So 
you  can  see  it  was  quite  a  surprise  to 
my  family  to  know  that  I  was  so  well 
dressed;  and  then  the  dear  brother 
would  not  sign  his  name,  so  we  could 
ask  him  for  Mb  information,  how  he 
knew  that  I  was  dressed  like  Dr.  Cook, 
who  dificoyered  the  North  Pole. 

Well,  brothers,  if  you  were  around 
Lake  Michigan  and  working  nights 
you  would  not  hesitate  at  all  to  say 
that  it  is  awful  cold;  but  with  due 
respects  I'm  glad  some  dear  brother 
frpm  Clipper  Lodge  No.  74  has  start- 
ed something,  so  possibly  the  brother 
S.  XJ.  men  might  hear  something  from 
us  once  in  a  while,  if  someone  else 
will  get  courage  now  and  write.  Clip- 
per Lodge  No.  74  is  doing  about  as 
well  as  could  be  expected.  We  have 
every  man  that  switches  for  the  M.  C. 
R.  R.  that  has  worked  long  enough  to 
belong,  so  the  organizer  doesn't  have 
to  come  around  here,  but  we  would 
like  to  have  some  Grand  Lodge  officer 
come  to  see  us.  It  might  warm  things 
up  so  the  brothers  will  attend  meetings 
more  regularly.  That  te  the  worst 
thing  we  have  to  contend  with  here — 
the  brothers  will  not  attend  meetings 
as  they  should,  and  you  can't  do  <busi- 
ness  unless  you  go  to  meeting  and  try 
to  do  something;  th^  ofQclals  on  the 
road  here  know  when  th^  brothers  are 
not  having  meetings."  So  come  on, 
brothers,  get  busy. 

Yours  In  B..  H.  and  P., 

R.  F.  Mattix. 


rrofiklifi  Pttric,  M. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Not  much  to  write  about  for  the 
March  Journal,  but  our  first  meeting 
in  February  was  the  best-attended  one 
we  have  had  for  over  a  year,  thanks 
to  the  bunch  from  Kolze,  as  it  is  some 
hardship  to  walk  two  miles  across  a 
wind-swept  prairie  on  these  winter 
nights.  Our  president  being  absent, 
we  placed  Bro.  M.  J.  Murphy  in  the 
chair  of  honor,  and  none  better  for 
the  position  is  to  be  found  anywhere. 
He  knows  the  ropes  and  can  get  busi- 
ness through  in  a  hurry.  If  Bro.  M. 
J.  could  only  get  over  a  little  oftener 
our  lodge  would  be  a  lot  better  than 


it  is.  The  same  can  be  said  of  Bra. 
Dilbree,  another  live  wire  that  is  han- 
dicapped by  the  distance  to  travel. 

Just  a  reminder  to  the  members  of 
this  lodge  that  we  expect  them  all  to 
make  an  effort  to  help  out  for  tlie 
lodge  ball  to  be  held  at  Seuf's  Hall  on 
St.  Patrick's.  We  all  should  do  every- 
thing we  can  to  get  rid  of  the  tickets 
and  be  there  that  night  to  help  out  If 
needed,  as  all  signs  indicate  a  large 
attendance.  We  would  also  like  to  see 
some  of  the  brothers  from  other  points 
close  to  us  show  up,  for  instance,  the 
St.  Paul  yard  at  Galewood  and  Goo- 
frey  should  be  able  to  be  well  repre- 
sented. Transportation  is  to  be  fur- 
nished from  Franklin  Park  and  Kolze 
to  the  hall  at  River  Grove.  Do  not 
forget  that  this  is  a  union  outfit, 
music,  printing,  hall  and  team  all 
carry  the  label. 

Business  at  Kolze  is  keeping  up  and 
new  men  being  put  on  occasionally. 
Only  it  must  be  called  to  the  members' 
minds  once  more:  Get  your  applica- 
tions in  the  hands  of  the  non-members 
of  this  lodge,  and  do  it  quick. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

J.  J.  Breen. 


Kokoma,  Ind. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

There  seems  to  be  more  interest  dis- 
played by  the  members  of  this  union 
lately  than  ever  before,  in  writing  let- 
ters to  the  JouBNAL  on  points  that  are 
very  interesting.  And  I  want  to  say- 
if  all  members  would  read  and  study 
the  different  propositions  appearing  in 
the  columns  of  correspondence  each 
month  they  would  profit  thereby.  For 
instance,  Bro.  T.  G.  Meaney  has  a  let- 
ter well  worth  reading  because  some 
of  the  points  he  makes  are  good  and 
should  be  considered.  I  want  to  ask 
Bro.  Hendrickson,  who  tries  to  uphold 
the  delegates  who  have  put  up  the 
Now  lefs  do  a  little  agitating  along 
bars  against  members  not  actively 
employed  in  handling  cars,  why  is  it 
that  when  in  trouble  the  rank  and  file 
will  call  on  the  Grand  Lodge  for  help 
and  when  a  committee  has  failed  to 
get  any  consideration  from  the  rail- 
road officers  the  matter  is  turned  over 
to  them  for  final  adjustment?  The 
Grand   Lodge  officer  assigned  to  thts^^ 


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UNION   OP   NORTH   AMERICA. 


181 


task  may  be  one  who  has  not  been  ac- 
tively employed  for  from  six  to  ten 
years;  and  again  I  want  to  cite  my 
own  case.  I  have  been  a  switchman 
nearly  thirty  years,  up  until  January, 
1911.  Since  that  time  I  have  been  con- 
tinuously working  In  the  Interest  of 
this  union.  There  Is  hardly  a  day  I 
don't  visit  some  railroad  yard  and  talk 
over  matters  of  Interest  to  them  and 
the  union.  Furthermore,  I  never  miss 
my  meetings.  If  not  In  attendance  at 
my  own  lodge  I  can  be  found  at  an- 
other and  keeping  In  touch  with  the 
advance  In  our  line  and  the  labor 
movement  at  all  times  and  I  think  I 
am  safe  In  saying  that  many  members 
of  my  lodge  and  some  In  other  lodges 
look  to  me  many  times  for  advice. 

So  I  don't  know  of  any  reason  why 
I  could  not  represent  them  at  conven- 
tions. Just  as  well  as  a  man  who  has 
been  confined  to  one  position  In  one 
yard.  •I  claim  that  It  would  be  better 
for  the  union  If  for  no  other  reason 
than  the  fact  that  I  have  kept  posted 
on  conditions  In  all  yards  and  my 
knowledge  would  be  of  benefit  to  the 
many  and  not  the  few. 

Now,  brothers.  In  this  month's 
JouBNAL  appears  a  letter  from  Bro.  S. 
A.  Fogarty  of  No.  199  on  a  subject 
very  Interesting,  and  while  Bro.  Fo- 
garty calls  this  hfs  hobby,  I  can  safely 
say  he  Is  not  alone  In  this  and  I  find 
many  men  among  the  rank  and  file 
who  would  go  a  long  way  to  see  the 
organizations  referred  to  federate;  but 
there  are  others  against  It  and  for  the 
only  reason,  as  I  find,  that  the  leader 
In  some  organizations  are  afraid  of 
sympathetic  strikes.  Now  I  don't  un- 
derstand why  this  should  be,  because 
If  we  had  a  federation  each  organiza- 
tion would  be  represented  by  delegates 
selected  from  their  respective  orders 
and  they  would  have  the  last  word  In 
all  controversies  and  no  organization 
would  have  control  of  this  body,  as 
each  should  be  represented  by  the  same 
number  of  delegates. 
this  line  and  see  If  we  cannot  bring 
about  some  good  results,  as  I  know 
many  men,  not  only  members  of  our 
union,  but  of  the  orders  mentioned  In 
Bro.  Fogarty's  letter,  who  want  this. 

Before  I  close  I  want  to  say  for  No. 
17,  we  are  going  along  nicely  In  our 
work.  Increasing  slowly  but  surely.  I 
had  the  honor  of  Installing  our  officers 


last  month  and  they  are  a  good  bunch, 
a  fact  to  which  I  have  many  times  tes- 
tified. They  will  give  a  good  account 
of  themselves  and  I  only  hope  the 
members  will  turn  out  and  give  them 
the  support  necessary  to  carry  on  the 
business  successfully.  I  also  had  the 
honor  of  installing  officers  for  Tiger 
Lodge  No.  192,  ably  assisted  by  Bro. 
Baldy  O'Brien.  I  have  also  picked  up 
a  few  members,  getting  three  at  Kala- 
mazoo, Mich.,  for  No.  61,  Jackson, 
Mich.,  and  have  talked  to  many  others 
and  placed  applications  in  many  ha|;Lds 
from  which  I  expect  good  results  later 
on.  In  concluding  I  want  to  express 
my  Sympathy  for  Bro.  John  Cole  of 
Lodge  No.  68  In  the  loss  of  his  mother. 
Bro.  Cole  is  one  of  our  best  and  oldest 
members  and  for  the  many  years  1 
have  known  him  he  has  always  been 
the  same  true  and  tried  friend  and  I 
can  only  hope  by  this  time  he  has  been 
reconciled  to  his  loss,  as  those  things 
must  be  and  are  among  those  beyond 
the  power  of  mortal  man  to  control. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

R.  J.  Manlt. 


Fort  Wayne,  Nid. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Jourwal: 

No.  78,  as  per  roster,  is  still  on  the 
system.  We  are  moving  along  smooth-, 
ly  and  while  not  perhaps  prospering, 
as  well  as  some  of  our  sister  lodges, 
yet  we  are  determined  to  "up  and  get 
there."  We  have  at  the  helm  our  true 
and  tried  pilots,  Bro.  Florent  as  chief 
and  Bro.  Norton  as  vice-president,  who 
are  ever  on  the  lookout  for  any  and 
everything  that  will  aid  our  craft 
In  the  list,  too,  we  find  the  two  old 
Georges,  Bros.  Theobold,  treasurer, 
and  Sunley,  recording  secretary. 
None  more  faithful  than  these.  Tou 
can  also  note  that  Bo  is  still  the 
JoxTBNAL  man.  I  have  asked  to  be  re- 
lieved but  guess  I  "won't  be,"  so  will 
have  to  try  and  keep  the  sister  lodges 
In  touch. 

Bro.  Meaney  Is  out  this  month  with 
his  good  Ideas  and  suggestions.  His 
first  hit  is,  "compulsory  that  one  be 
actively  engaged  in  switching  cars  to 
be  eligible  as  a  delegate  to  represent 
his  lodge,"  and  says  Instruct  your  dele- 
gates to  next  convention  to  repeal  that 
law.     Amen,  say  I,  and  H  would  not- 


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182 


JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


have  been  passed  had  the  good  broth- 
er delegates  at  St.  Paul  given  it  good 
sober  thought  and  carefully  consid- 
ered what  It  would  be  to  a  number  of 
our  brightest  members.  Bro.  Meaney 
recalls  the  acts  of  Bro.  Fate  of  No. 
146;  he  tells  us  of  what  that  has  done 
and  would  do;  extols  all  of  his  ac- 
tions while  in  the  capacity  of  delegate 
or  committeeman;  and  closes  with, 
"if  all  the  delegates  at  our  conven- 
tions were  of  the  same  calibre  their 
work  would  be  more  fruitful,"  etc. 
Why,  then,  should  this  brother  be 
turned  down?  I  do  not  know  the  oc- 
cupation of  Bro.  Fate,  but  that  he  Is  a 
member  of  the  gobd  old  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
is  enough  for  me  and  we  should  all 
be  proud  of  it  The  matter  that  one 
does  not  know  the  needs  of  those 
switching  cars — why  do  they  not? 
They  surely  had  some  experience  or 
could  not  be  in  the  organization.  And 
to  be  chosen  as  a  delegate  is  proof 
positive  that  they  are  in  touch  with 
all  and  everything  that  pertains  to 
the  good  and  welfare  of  the  order. 
Parts  of  lines  7,  8,  9,  Art.  167,  should 
be  repealed.  Is  there  a  member  of  the 
S.  U.  of  N»  A.  who  for  a  moment  doubts 
the  sincerity,  heartfelt  sjrmpathy  for 
the  welfare  of  our  order  that  exists 
in  our  good  brother.  Past  President 
F.  T.  Hawley?  No,  not  one.  How 
many  are  there  who  dare  say  he  would 
not  make  a  good  delegate?  Tom 
Meaney  is  fair  and  honest;  he  only 
has  our  welfare  at  heart  These  two 
brothers,  together  with  Bro.  Fate  and 
no  doubt  many  others  whom  the  wri- 
ter cannot  name,  all  know  of  the 
needs  of  the  brothers  in  our  organiza- 
tion and  are  all  capable  of  making 
known  their  desires,  either  in  conven- 
tion or  committee;  and  I  really  think 
that  the  good  brothers  now  see  their 
error  in  adopting  that  part  of  the  con- 
stitution as  read  in  the  lines  7,  8,  9, 
Art  167. 

I  am  pleased  that  one  good  brother 
has  approved  and  so  expressed  my 
idea  of  our  conventions  being  held 
wherever  our  headquarters  are,  there- 
by saving  us  many  dollars'  expenses 
for  express  charges  on  papers  and 
books,  expenses  of  Grand  officers  and 
clerks.  Our  headquarters  are  at  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.  Why  can  we  not  have  the 
place  of  our  next  convention  made 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.?  We  can  have  our 
Orand  President  issue  the  request  for 


the  change  and  submit  it  to  the 
lodges  and  let  them  say  what  they 
are  for  in  the  matter  of  curtailing 
our  expenses.  Think  of  this,  brothers, 
and  get  at  it.  Make  the  change. 
Make  it  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  permanent, 
where  our  headquarters  are. 

I  believe,  too,  that  the  referendum 
way  of  choosing  our  officers  is  proper. 
Others  have  tried  it  and  it  has  proven 
very  satisfactory,  and  why  should  we 
not  give  it  a  trial?  I  see  that  Bro. 
Fogarty  and  Bro.  Meaney  have  my 
idea,  that  of  affiliation  of  the  railroad 
orders,  a  national  one,  of  the  B.  of  !•. 
B.,  B.  of  L.  F.  &  B.,  O.  R.  C,  B.  R.  T., 
O.  R.  T..  and  last,  but  not  the  least 
S.  U.  of  N  A.  If  you  but  stop  to  con- 
sider for  a  moment  all  are  dependent 
one  upon  the  other.  How  often  have 
we    heard    the    grumblings  and  cuss 

words,  why  in  h was    not     this 

train  made  up  in  proper  shap^,  the 
"Eagle  Bye."  Tallow  Pot  B.  R.  T.,  and 
O.  R.  C.  all  have  their  speak,  because 
the  "snake"  did  not  get  train  in  shape. 
Hence  you  see  our  "profesh"  is  it 
really  from  the  bottom  and  were  we 
so  affiliated  it  would  be  an  organiza- 
tion that  capital  could  not  down. 
There  was  a  meeting  here  in  this  city 
in  September,  1911,  to  get  the  Big 
Four  together.  Now  we  ought  to  have 
one  and  try  and  make  it  the  Big  Six, 
then  you  have  it  Do  you  not  think 
so?  I  4o.  Keep  at  the  agitation  of 
federation  and  methinks  soon  results 
will  come.  1  have  always  advocated 
each  for  his  own  class,  but  all  as  one, 
for  oommon  interests  for  the.  whole. 

Wishing  success  to  our  order,  a 
good  year  of  results  from  Orand  offi- 
cers and  the  brothers,  I  remain  your 
well-wisher  in  B..  H.  and  P., 

Bo. 


BnModkf  Pm. 

Bditob  SwncHMBN's  Joubnal: 

I  take  It  upon  myself  to  write  a 
line  to  let  the  readers  of  the  Joubnal 
and  those  interested  in  the  cause  of 
switchmanism  know  that  Braddock 
Lodge  No.  212  is  still  in  the  game  and 
progressing. 

At  our  last  meeting  we  had  the 
pleasure  of  making  two  more  switch- 
men, and  received  five  applications 
from  prospective  members  whom  we 
hope  to  initiate  soon,  and  in  this  war 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


188 


our  local  will  be  always  on  the  in- 
crease, and  there  is  no  question  but 
that  Lodge  No.  212  will,  in  the  near 
future,  carry  the  banner  in  our  im- 
mediate district  if  we  all  do  our  duty 
as  we  should,  as  there  is  no  local  in 
the  States  that  has  any  better,  truer 
and  more  conscientious  workers  for 
the  cause  than  Lodge  No.  212  can  pro- 
duce. It  is  the  wish  of  the  writer  that 
all  put  that  same  old  shoulder  to  the 
wheel  and  see  if  we  cannot  double  the 
membership  by  the  last  of  this  quar- 
ter. Don't  be  too  sociaible,  but  go  to 
the  game,  and  after  you  line  them  all 
up  then  get  as  sociable  as  you  desire. 
But  always  keep  your  organization 
foremost  albove  all  and  you  can  never 
kwe,  for  you  have  nothing  to  lose,  but 
everything  to  gain. 

Hoping  you  will  give  these  few  lines 
space  in  next  issue,  I  am. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

P.  H.  GiLLIEN. 


Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  desire  to  inform  the  Journal  read- 
ers that  Braddock  Lodge  No.  212  is 
getUng  along  very  nicely;  in  fact, 
doing  as  well  as  the  members  are  at 
present  able  to  promote  its  interests. 
Blvery  member  is  out  working  for  new 
members  and  if  this  same  spirit  con- 
tinues it  can  not  fail  to  bear  much 
fruit  in  the  way  of  securing  new  mem- 
bera  So  far  our  members  have  been 
very  good  in  attending  lodge  meet- 
ings, and  I  trust  their  interest  in  such 
matters  will  continue  right  along. 
We  are  doing  initiatory  work  at  most 
every  meeting, — ^took  in  two  at  our 
last  meeting.  We  were  to  have  had 
eight  candidates,  but  six  could  not  at- 
tend the  meeting  on  account  of  hav- 
ing to  work.  But  we  will  get  them 
later,  for  they  realize  it  is  where  they 
belong.  While  just  having  started  In 
the  good  work  here,  we  are  anxious  to 
have  a  good  lodge  here  at  Braddock, 
and  if  the  wheel  of  activity  and  earn- 
estness keeps  on  turning  as  it  now  is, 
it  will  certainly  be  such,  for  we  have 
a  good  supply  of  material  and  they 
are  beginning  to  realize  this  union  is 
the  proper  one  for  those  switching 
cars  to  belong  to.  We  hope  to  have 
ten  more  members  with  March  report 
than  we  had  for  February.  We  are  in 
the  busy  fields  of  commercial  activity 


of  western  Pennsylvania,  also*famous 
historic  battle  grounds  and  near  the 
scenes  where  General  Braddock  and 
the  immortal  Washington  put  up  such 
a  flight  for  Great  Britain. 

We  still  need  some  of  this  stamina 
of  character  and  perseverance  here 
and  if  we  all  counsel  with  those  with 
whom  we  work,  we  will  be  able  to 
win  peaceful  victories  here  for  labor's 
cause  of  no  less  value  to  humanity  than 
our  forefathers  won  on  the  battle- 
fields. But  it  requires  an  honest,  earn- 
est effort  on  the  part  of  each  worker 
to  make  the  results  what  they  should 
be  and  every  switchman  here  is  earn- 
estly requested  to  do  his  full  duty  in 
securing  all  their  co-workers  within 
the  ranks  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America,  and  in  so  doing 
they  will  be  performing  a  useful  mis- 
sion towards  the  accomplishment  of 
such  a  victory. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  T.  MoKenna, 
Journal  Agent  Lodge.  212. 


Houston,  Texas. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

It  has  been  a  long  time  since  any- 
thing has  appeared  in  the  Journal 
from  Houston,  Tex.  In  answer  to 
many  letters  of  recent  dates  will  try 
and  explain  in  a  few  lines,  as  there 
have  been  so  many  kicks  about  coming 
away  down  here  to  hold  the  next  con- 
vention. 

Well,  I  suppose  every  delegate  was 
posted  as  to  where  Houston  lay  on 
the  mafp.  I  can't  see  how  it  would  be 
any  further  from  Buffalo  to  Houston 
than  from  Houston  to  Buffalo  or  any 
other  town  around  that  "neck  of  the 
woods."  The  delegate  from  this  lodge 
went  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  twice  from 
here,  once  to  Milwaukee,  then  back  to 
Indianapolis  twice,  and  Peoria  and  St. 
Paul.  The  last  place  is  as  far  away 
from  home  as  some  of  the  boys  have 
ever  been.  Well,  I  see  some  of  the 
ones  that  are  kicking  have  been  dele- 
gates three  or  four  times;  why  didn't 
they  think  of  this  at  some  of  the  con- 
tentions and  they  could  have  had  all 
the  conventions  held  in  Buffalo  if  they 
had  only  mentioned  it;  but  they  wait 
until  they  go  back  home  and  use  the 
Journal  to  try  and  tell  you  the  great 


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JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


expense  this  union  has  got  to  bear 
going  from  one  side  of  the  United 
States  to  the  other  to  hold  its  conven- 
tions. I  ^think  this  matter  was  settled 
at  St.  Paul,  so  the  only  way  I  see  is  to 
make  the  change  at  the  next  conven- 
tion if  any  particular  points  are  to  be 
specially  favored.  There  are  but  few 
who  will  be  under  any  more  expense 
coming  to  Houston  than  they  were 
going  to  St.  Paul.  So  all  try  and  come 
and  I  will  try  and  give  you  a  good 
time,  and  oh  you  watermelons  that  I 
promised  you  at  St.  Paul  will  be  on 
hand. 

Well,  everything  is  running  as  nice 
as  could  be  expected  here.  Lodge  No. 
69  is  holding  its  own. 

Bro.  Fate,  you  had  better  get  out 
and  help  the  local  crew,  so  you  can 
keep  in  trim;  as  you  are  not  working 
at  the  business  any  more,  they  say  you 
can't  come  back,  ha,  ha!  I  am  learn- 
ing how  to  get  on  a  footboard.  Think 
I  may  catch  on  how  to  do  it. 

Well,  hoping  you  will  not  destroy 
this  letter;  if  I  see  it  in  print  will 
write  again. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Houston. 


GnifidlRoplds,  Mich. 

Editob  iSwitohmen's  Joubnal: 

No.  80  is  still  on  the  gain  and  taking 
in  new  members  every  meeting.  Now, 
brothers,  keep  up  the  good  work,  be- 
cause we  will  need  them  all  in  the 
future  for  you  know  this  is  1912  and 
presidential  election  year,  and  some 
of  the  brothers  predict  hard  times  for 
this  year,  and  with  a  true  and  noble 
bunch  of  brothers  we  can  withstand 
an  awful  seizure.  Don't  forget  we 
meet  in  the  new  hall  at  Madison 
Square— Board  of  Trade  Hall— and  be 
sure  and  come. 

Now,  brothers,  put  your  shoulder  to 
the  wheel  and  make  the  sparks  fly  by 
bringing  in  new  applications  and  show 
that  you  are  hustlers.  Bro.  Beaudine 
is  a  new  member,  of  which  he  is  very 
proud,  and  we  don't  blame  him. 

Bro.  H.  Derrick  is  still  on  the  gain. 
Bro.  Edinger  is  on  the  accident  list 
again.  Be  careful.  Bill.  Bro.  Scoville 
is  back  working  again.  And,  brothers, 
don't  forget  our  full  crew  bill.  Our 
urgent  support  is  all  that  is  needed 


to  make  this  bill  pass.  Don't  forget 
the  number  when  writing — ^No.  H.  R. 
13911. 

Well,  brothers,   I    will  try   and   do 
better  next  time,  so  will  close,  wish- 
ing you  all  success  in  B.,  H.  and  P. 
I  remain  yours, 

Pedbo. 


Oelwdn,  Iowa. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  try  to  give  you  the  history  of 
Maple  Leaf  Lodge  No.  84.  We  are 
still  holding  lodge  meetings  every  first 
and  third  Tuesday  evening  at  8  o'clock 
sharp,  in  the  Temple  Block.  Laat 
meeting  we  took  in  three  new  mem- 
bers and  reinstated  two  others,  making 
five  in  all.  This  is  not  so  bad  for  one 
lodge  meeting.  If  there  is  any  line 
up  to  them  we  get  them,  and  if  they 
don't  line  up  they  have  no  one  to 
blame  but  themselves  if  anything  goes 
wrong  with  them  and  they  have  to  go 
down  the  line.  We  are  S.  U.  men  and 
know  as  a  rule  we  are  more  experi- 
enced workmen  than  any  other  brand 
of  yardmen,  and  that  we  should  there- 
fore be  given  preference  when  com- 
panies hire  men  for  this  service.  All 
switchmen  have  derived  the  chief  part 
of  their  wage  increases,  besides  other 
improved  conditions  through  the  ef- 
forts of  this  union,  and  should,  there- 
fore, show  appreciation  of  such  facts 
by  affiliating  themselves  with  it,  and 
they  are  doing  it  here,  for  all  wear  the 
button  and  are  also  up-to-date  with  the 
-dope.- 

The  ladles  gave  a  fine  supper  after 
lodge.  All  had  a  fine  time;  there  were 
singing  and  dancing.  As  the  two 
orders  meet  the  same  night,  we  gener- 
ally have  very  fine  times  after  lodge. 
There  are  a  few  members  that  do  not 
attend  the  meetings;  you  can  see  theai 
on  the  street  or  at  some  show.  When 
you  ask  them  why  they  were  not  at 
meeting  they  always  have  some  ex- 
cuse. They  forget  the  obligation  they 
took  when  they  Joined  the  order,  and 
I  would  be  ashamed  if  I  were  they, 
but  their  staying  away  does  not  stop 
us  from  having  meetings.  They  are 
not  spiteing  anyone  but  themselves 
and  they  do  not  know  it,  and  they  are 
the  first  ones  to  "holler"  when  they 
get  into  trouble.  A  member  who  does 
not  attend  meetings  and  look  after  the 


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UNION   OP   NORTH   AMERICA. 


185 


interests  of  others  as  well  as  his  own, 
dr,  in  other  words,  blowing  about  what 
this  one  did  not  do  at  lodge,  or  the 
president  or  some  other  officer  did  not 
do  right,  when  it  was  his  place  to  be 
there,  and,  if  he  had  any  kick  coming, 
make  it  at  the  lodge,  not  in  some 
switchman's  ^anty  or  on  the  street,  so 
everybody  could  hear  him  blow,  for 
what  is  everybody's  business  is  no- 
body's business,  for  no  one  will  attend 
to  your  business  as  well  as  yourself. 

EiVery  switchman  is  invited  to  en- 
quire into  the  merits  of  this  union,  to 
build  the  order  up  by  so  doing,  work- 
ing in  harmony  with  those  now  asso- 
ciated with  it,  all  of  whom  are  seeking 
the  best  obtainable  rewards  for  those 
who  follow  the  vocation  for  a  living. 
We  have  done  our  duties  as  a  mem- 
ber; all  is  well  that  ends  well.  I  have 
done  my  duty  to  my  dear  ones,  my 
wife,  by  being  a  member  of  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  I  am  a  better  husband  by  so 
doing. 

Wishing  you  all  a  success,  I  remain, 
a  switchman. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  R.  Nichols,  President. 


ShoftsvMe^N.Y. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joxtbkal: 

This  being  my  first  opportunity  for 
a  "spot,"  I  will  proceed  with  a  few 
lines  to  let  you  know  Lodge  No.  228 
is  still  on  earth.  Brothers,  we  made 
a  change  in  our  officers,  with  the  ex- 
ceptions of  treasurer  and  conductor. 
Bros.  Bolan  and  H.  Quinter  held  these 
offices  in  the  order  named.  Bro.  Loring 
is  our  new  president,  and  is  a  true 
switchman  from  his  S.  U.  .button  to 
his  shoe  buttons;  also  a  good  worker. 
Bro.  Downey  is  vice-president,  and  is 
one  of  those  easy-going  fellows  who 
never  took  a  chew  of  tobacco  in  his 
life.  Bro.  Bolan  is  somewhat  of  a 
Joker.  The  other  evening  he  came 
down  to  the  house  for  a  book  and  I 
told  him  I  wouldn't  let  it  go  out  of 
the  house,  but  he  could  read  it  here. 
ifike  got  real  angry.  Our  lawn  was 
neglected,  so  I  asked  him  for  the  loan 
of  his  mower;  he  said  "All  right,  if 
you  use  it  here."  Did  I  or  did  I  not? 
i  think,  like  Bro.  Meaney,  if  all 
brothers  would  get  to  lodge  instead  of 
roaming  iaround  elsewhere,    and    not 


leave  it  to  a  few  brothers  who  live  the 
farthest  from  the  hall,  there  would  be 
more  satisfaction,  for  the  fellow  that 
doesn't  attend  the  meetings  is  usually 
the  kicker. 

Bro.  Al  Quinter  is  taking  a  course 
in  aviation,  and  said  when  he  makes 
his  flights  he  will  still  wear  a  S.  U. 
button  on  his  cap. 

The  weather  out  west  is  30  degrees 
below  zero,  and  it's  not  much  warmer 
here,  but  if  I  write  much  more  I  will 
make  the  supper  hour,  and  it  will  be 
another  case  of  getting  your  time-slip 
back,  so  I'll  close  by  extending  best 
wishes  to  all  for  a  most  successful 
year.        Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

POBX. 


Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

Editob  SwrroHMEir's  Joxtbnal: 

We  are  still  all  alive  after  the  un- 
usually cold  winter.  All  our  members 
have  been  very  lucky  here;  we  have 
not  had  any  serious  accident,  and  hope 
all  lodges  may  be  able  to  report  the 
same.  The  weather  is  very  cold  here, 
plenty  of  snow  and  more  promised, 
but  the  cold  weather  does  not  cut 
much  figure  with  our  members. 

At  the  last  meeting,  Sunday  even- 
ing, Feb.  4th,  all  our  newly-elected 
officers  were  on  hand  and  ready  to 
play  their  parts,  along  with  a  good  at- 
tendance of  members  who  had  not 
been  out  for  a  moon  or  two.  But  all 
our  members  have  solved  this  theory. 
The  way  you  go  at  anything  is  the 
way  you  will  succeed.  If  you  go  into  a 
matter  in  a  sort  of  a  half-hearted  way 
the  chances  are  that  you  will  not  be 
very  successful,  but  if  you  go  into  a 
thing  with  determination  of  making  a 
success  of  it  you  can  rest  assured  you 
will  be  successful.  So  if  any  of  our 
members  promise  to  do  anything  for 
the  benefit  of  their  lodge  do  not  forget 
it  and  say,  "Let  George  do  it."  That 
word  does  not  spell  success,  but  if  you 
go  on  and  work  for  the  good  and  wel- 
fare of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  with  your 
mind  made  up  not  to  quit  until  you 
carry  out  your  promises,  you  bet  you 
will  make  good.  All  our  brothers  have 
confidence  in  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and. 
brothers,  bear  this  in  mind:  when  a 
non-member  gets  employment  in  a  yard 
where  the  S.  U.  has  the  schedule  with 
the  company,  do  not  be  backward  about 


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186 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


making  It  known  to  him  when  he  gets 
on  the  footboard  with  you.  Do  not 
forget  to  mention  the  fact  to  him  that 
the  <S.  U.  has  the  schedule  here,  and 
that  we  expect  every  man  switching 
cars  for  a  living  to  be  one  of  us.  Put 
a  little  of  this  confidentially  into  that 
old-time  friend  of  yours  who  is  not  a 
member  of  the  order  and  do  so  in  such 
a  way  as  to  leave  no  doubt  in  his  mind 
that  you  mean  it,  that  you  yourself  be- 
lieve in  it,  and  you  will  find  that  he 
will  pay  attention  to  what  you  say. 

So  come  on  abd  work  for  the  order 
as  you  go  along,  and  we  will  have  one 
of  the  greatest  increases  in  member- 
ship we  have  had  before  In  several 
years.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  F.  Sammon, 
Journal  Agent. 


MMoiw  for  Detection. 

The  reminder  in  the  recent  cam- 
paign thAt  the  district  attorney,  in  ad- 
dition to  increasing  the  number  of 
lawyer  assistants  from  11  to  24,  has 
raised  the  number  of  his  sleuths  from 
seven  to  12,  calls  attention  to  what 
many  believe  to  be  an  evil  in  this 
country — the  growing  army  of  detec- 
tives. America  is  becoming  Russian- 
ized, aay  some  of  the  commentators. 
Here  in  Los  Angeles  county  the  num- 
ber of  public  and  private  detectives 
probably  runs  into  scores. 

The  tendency  is  not  only  local,  but 
nationail.  Last  winter  Congressman 
Adair  of  Indiana  made  an  investiga- 
tion of  the  cost  of  such  service  to  the 
government,  and  this  is  what  he  found : 

Poetofflce  detectives $1,105,000 

Internal  revenue  detectives..  125,000 
Customs  frauds  detectives...      200,000 

Counterfeiter  detectives 115,000 

Bureau  of  corporation  detec- 
tives        175,000 

Interstate    Commerce    detec- 
tives        450,000 

Public  land  detectives 500,000 

Anti-trust  law  detectives 250,000 

Pension  bureau  detectives...  389,000 
Meat  inspection  detectives. . .  3,000,000 
Pure  food  detectives 826,000 


has  been  created  for  political  reasons 
and  could  be  spared  as  pure  extmva- 
gance.  McKinley  was  surrounded  by 
an  army  of  them,  yet  the  assaasin  had 
no  trouble  in  reaching  him,  and  the 
bodyguard  proved  about  as  useful  as  so 
many  tenpins. 

In  the  Los  Angeles  county  district 
attorney's  office  doubtless  half  the  so- 
called  detectives  could  be  spared  (as 
was  brother  "David  Patterson"),  and 
the  proportion  of  needless  oneis  prob- 
ably would  be  as  great  In  the  Federal 
searvlce. 

Students  of  social  and  economical 
problems  will  find  in  the  $7,000,000 
government  expenditure  (and  perhaps 
as  much  more  in  the  States  and  citlee) 
food  for  thought.  The  fact  that  a  vasr 
army  of  spies  is  needed  in  "free"  and 
"prosperous"  America  to  prevent  and 
punish  rampant  dishonesty  and  other 
forms  of  crime  is  certainly  not  a  fa- 
vorable commentary  on  American  con- 
ditions.— Los  Angeles  Herald. 


Total  appro,  for  detectives .  $7,126,000 
Probably  half  of  the  great  army  of 
detectives — and  most  of  them  are  un- 
worthy to  be  dignified  by  such  a  title — 


A  Utile  Lesson  in  Trusts. 

Herbert  Knox  Smith,  commissioner 
of  corporations  has  been'  d!eitvin«;  into 
the  hiistory  of  the  tobacco  trust  Here 
are  some  of  his  finddnge: 

In  12m  the  trust  had  $25,OiOO,000 
"capital."  In  1908  this  -eapitaP'  had 
grown  to  $316,000,000. 

A  part  of  thia  "capital"  is  listed!  un- 
der the  head  of  "good  wiir~$148,000,- 
000.  Whose  "good  will"  is  not  stated, 
but  cerainly  not  that  of  tobaooo  grow- 
ers or  tobacco  usera 

In  18d5  one  part  of  tdie  troet,  M» 
Duke  Sons  Oompany,  was  worth  the 
modest  sum  of  $25O,O0a  By  the  mwe 
process  of  joining  the  trust  it  swelled 
to  $7,500.t>00  and,  later,  was  treatedl  to 
a  furthier  d<oee  of  $22,000,000  to  "se- 
curities." Yes,  and  "eamsT'  1^  per 
cent,  on  that. 

Now,  what  profits  db  you  think  this 
little  measly  Duke  proposition  of  $250,- 
000  has  "earned"  in  ^3  years?  Oh,  a 
matter  of  $3^,000,000,  or  16.,50O  per 
cent.! 

Reality,  gentlemen  of  higlh  finance, 
how  long  do  you  expect  the  Amertcaa 
public  to  stand  this  game  of  watered 
stock,  industrial  monopoly,  rislner  cost 
of  living,  and  commercialized  polIticaT 

Don't  you  imagine  the  worm  wiH 
turn  some  time? — Wichita  Beocofi. 


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THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


aty.  Mo. 

Edjtob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  I  am  on  the  sick  list  and  have 
been  for  the  past  three  weeks,  I  don't 
feel  mnch  like  writing.  Still,.  I  will 
make  an  effort  to  write  a  few  lines 
for  our  Joubnal: 

I  had  a  letter  from  one  of  my 
friends  saying  she  knew  if  my  body 
was  resting  my  mind  wasn't.  How 
wen  she  guessed  it.  For  it  seems  to 
me  days  that  I  have  laid  here  too  sick 
to  do  anything,  I  could  think  of  so 
many  things  that  ought  to  be  done, 
and  must  be  done,  if  we  accomplish 
that  for  which  we  aimed  before  1913. 
I  believe  it  was  the  intention  of  the 
auxiliary  to  double  the  membership 
by  that  time.  Each  one  of  us  should 
ask  ourselves  the  question,  have  I  done 
my  part  towards  the  accomplishment 
of  this  goal?  For  each  one  of  us 
should,  and  could,  Interest  some 
switchman's  wife,  mother  or  daughter 
to  join  our  order  and  by  so  doing  our 
oiKQbership  would  be  doubled. 

We  hear  much  about  the  increase 
in  our  benefit,  but  I  don't  see  how 
any  one  could  expect  more,  consider- 
ing the  size  of  the  auxiliary  and  the 
dnes  we  pay.  No  use  in  making  prom- 
ises that  could  never  be  fulfilled.  So 
if  we  want  that  increase  in  funeral 
benefit  let  us  be  up  and  doing  and  in- 
crease the  membership  first. 

Many  of  our  members  don't  realize 
the  number  of  benefits  paid  nor  how 
promptly  they  are  paid,  owing  to  the 
fact  that  the  beneficiary  on  receiving 
the  funeral  benefit  neglects  putting 
any  notice  or  card  of  thanks  in  the 
J0CB5AL.  It  would  take  but  little  of 
any  one's  time  and  means  much  to  an 
order  of  this  kind;  shows  the  mem- 
bers and  noB-members  as  well  that  our 
are  paid  promptly.  No.  17 
has  bMt  three  members  by  death 
iteee  the  30th  of  July.  Each  claim 
was  vf^mspQj  paid. 


Now  just  a  few  words  to  the  broth- 
ers. We  are  proud  to  be  an  auxiliary 
to  the  grand  old  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  but  at 
the  same  time  we  feel  it  should  in 
return  appreciate  having  an  auxiliary, 
for  it  is  to  their  best  interests;  it  is 
for  them  we  are  working.  Every  bene- 
fit accruing  from  the  work  of  the  aux- 
iliary benefits  some  switchman's 
home.  We  feel  that  the  time  is  at 
hand  when  we  need  their  encourage- 
ment and  active  support.  They  prom- 
ised us  at  the  convention  in  St.  Paul 
by  unanimously  accepting  such  a 
recommendation  of  the  good  and  wel- 
fare committee,  recommended,  I  be- 
lieve, by  ex-President  F.  T.  Hawley. 

I  have  written  many  of  the  broth- 
ers— some  of  them  were  delegates — 
asking  for  information  in  regard  to 
an  auxiliary  to  their  lodge.  Now  if 
I  believed  in  the  old  saying  that  si- 
lence gives  consent,  I  would  be  trav- 
elling all  the  time,  for  they  have  cer- 
tainly been  silent  all  right.  But  I 
know  the  switchmen  too  well  for  that. 
I  know  they  have  switched  cara  all 
night  or  all  day,  as  the  case  may  be, 
and  neglect  to  answer  our  letters — too 
tired  perhaps;    who  knows? 

Brothers,  especially  you  in  the 
south,  won't  you  take  up  this  ques- 
tion at  your  next  meeting,  also  talk  it 
over  with  your  wives,  and  give  us  a 
little  aid,  and  in  so  doing  you  are  aid- 
ing yourselves,  as  many  switchmen 
could  testify,  for  our  auxiliary  and 
our  benefits  have  helped  many.  We 
will  continue  in  the  good  work,  but 
we  need  your  assistance  until  we  are 
better  organized.  Just  give  us  one- 
half  the  help  another  well  known  iR.  R. 
order  gave  to  their  auxiliary  and  we 
will  show  you.  I  want  to  impress 
upon  your  minds  that  we  haven't  the 
money  to  spend  traveling  around  from 
place  to  place  to  find  out  whether  you 
would  permit  us  to  organize  in  your 
town  or  not.  We  have  got  to  hoard 
our  money  for  the  death  benefits,  so 


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188 


JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


we  have  to  depend  largely  on  letter 
writing,  and  we  would  certainly  be 
pleased  if  you  would  answer.  Any 
switchmen's  lodge  desiring  an  aux- 
iliary or  any  information  regarding 
one,  just  drop  a  card  to  me  and  it  will 
be  attended  to  at  once. 

And  every  S.  U.  lodge  of  any  size 
should  see  that  their  wives,  mothers 
and  daughters  are  organized  and  help- 
ing us  on  to  plans  of  greater  useful- 
ness. Some  of  you  may  say  you  don't 
need  any  insurance  benefits  and  If  you 
don't  perhaps  others  do,  and  1  believe 
we  are  all  charitably  enough  inclined 
to  be  concerned  in  each  other's  wel- 
fare. So  just  give  a  little  of  your  time 
and  thought  to  helping  us  get  organ- 
ized in  your  town,  and  we  will  try 
to  show  you  it  wasn't  time  wasted. 

I  spent  a  few  days  i^  Peoria  the 
latter  part  of  January,  the  first  time 
I  had  been  there  since  the  1909  con- 
vention, and  found  them  just  as  care- 
ful In  entertaining  as  you  all  know 
they  were  then.  I  visited  with  Broth- 
er and  Sister  Winn  while  there,  and 
will  always  have  pleasant  memories 
of  those  few  days.  She  entertained 
the  sisters  at  her  home  the  evening 
of  my  arrival  there,  having  the  mem- 
bers of  both  No.  37  and  No.  40  present 
on  this  occasion.  We  spent  a  very 
enjoyable  evening,  at  least  it  was  for 
me.  Sister  Brown  of  No.  37  did  the 
same  on  the  last  evening  of  my  stay 
in  town.  Now  Sister  Brown,  I  must 
have  laughed  too  hard  that  night,  for 
you  know  I  came  home  the  next  day 
and  have  been  sick  ever  since,  never 
been  out  of  the  house  since;  but  I 
have  a  good  laugh  every  time  I  think 
of  the  hoot  of  that  owl  or  the  little 
blue  hen. 

I  attended  a  regular  meeting  of  No. 
40  and  had  the  pleasure  of  installing 
their  officers.  After  closing  the  meet- 
ing the  sisters  led  the  way  to  the 
dining  room  where  the  table  fairly 
groaned  with  good  things  to  eat,  to 
which  we  all  did  justice.  I  am  proud 
of  the  piece  of  cut  glass  they  present- 
ed me  with  that  afternoon  as  a  re- 
membrance of  our  meeting.  I  hope  to 
hear  of  an  Increase  In  membership  In 
both  Peoria  lodges  In  the  near  future. 
There  are  splendid  workers  In  both 
lodges  and  I  feel  confident  good  re- 
sults will  be  realized  from  their  faith- 
ful efforts. 

Well    I    see    my    letter    Is   growing 


rather  long  so  will  close  by  ursine 
upon  every  sister  the  Importance  of 
doing  her  full  share  of  the  duty  rest- 
ing upon  her  to  make  our  noble  aux- 
iliary a  prominent  factor  in  every 
switchman's  home  and  in  every  heart 
around  those  family  hearths. 

With  best  wishes  for  all  S.  U.   and 
L.  A.  lodges,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J,. 

Hbnkietta  Clabk, 
Grand  President. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

At  the  regular  meeting  of  Daisy 
Lodge  No.  46,  held  Thursday,  Feb.  8, 
1912,  the  following  officers  were  in- 
stalled for  the  ensuing  year:  Presi- 
dent, Bessie  Morgan;  past  president, 
Mayme  Saunders ;  vice-preaident, 
Anna  Deppie;  treasurer,  Stella  Flem- 
ing; secretary,  Blanche  Summers; 
chaplain,  Mrs.  Oscar  Carrier;  guard, 
Nellie  Fltzglbbona;  conductress,  Lena 
Schmidt;  board  of  directors,  Anna 
Deppie,  Blanche  Summers,  Martha 
Flnnle. 

Now,  sisters,  we  believe  we  have  as 
fine  a  set  of  officers  as  we  could  select, 
and  hope  each  officer  will  endeavor  to 
do  her  duty  also  to  bring  in  one  card 
each. 

Topeka  Lodge  held  Its  fifth  annual 
ball  on  Thursday  evening,  Jan.  18, 
1912,  which  was  a  grand  success. 
They  gave  the  ladies  of  Lodge  No.  46 
half  of  the  proceeds,  which  was  very 
kind  of  them,  and  we  are  always  ready 
to  help  our  brothers. 

I  wish  some  good  sister  would  "put 
us  wise"  here  how  to  get  all  our  mem- 
bers out  at  the  regular  meetings.  We 
are  always  glad  to  hear  and  see  the 
letters  from  L.  A.  members. 

Now,  as  this  Is  gettl|ig  lengthy,  I 
had  better  close  or  this  won't  get  away 
from  the  waste  basket.  I  wish  all 
auxiliary  members,  also  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
good  luck  and  much  prosperity. 
Yours  In  U..  H.  and  J., 
Matme  Saunders, 

Past  President  Dai4ty  Ledge  No,  ^^. 


U  Is  not  work  that  kills  men;  It  Is 
worry.  Work,  good,  honest  labor,  Is 
healtiy.  Let  a  broken  man  cling  to 
his  work.  If  It  saves  nothing  else  It 
win  save  hlm.—H.  W.  Beecher. 


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189 


South  Chieaso,  III. 

Eonoa  Sw-frcHMt^'s    Journal: 

Sister  Olsen   has    told  of  the  election 

of  officers    of    Calumet    Lodge   No.   15 

and  hsLS  left  to  me  the  honor  of  telling 

of  our  installation.        I    had  the  honor 

of  in^taJIfng  the   officers  and  was  atoly 

assisted    by     Sisters     McComsie,   Meno 

and  Tolly.      After     the    ceremony   wa« 

oyer  we   had    a     dandy    lunch   and   an 

altogether  ^ood    time.       The  extremely 

cold  weather    kept     visitors   away   and 

Sister   Farrell     of     Gary    was   the   only 

Tisltor  who  braved    the   elements. 

Some  time  in  the  near  future  we 
bope  to  have  a  union  meeting  of  tile 
leighboring  sisters,  and  won't  that  be 
a  gala  meeting  of  good  will,  for  who 
slould  be  in  closer  connection  than 
switchmen's  wives,  sisters  or  daugh- 
lere? 

The  sisters  of  Calumet  Lodge  are 
«aioyiii2  fairly  good  health  at  present. 
SisteT  Thompson  is  suffering  from  a 
seined  ankle,  hut  we  hope  she  will 
s»n  be  about. 

Sister  Agnes  Crowley  had  the  mis- 
fortuae  to  lose  her  father  by  death, 
aad  hag  the  sympathy   of  all  of  us. 

Now,  sisters,  w^e  have  again  changed 
m  hall  and  changed  our  meeting, 
which  we  always  held  on  the  third 
erening  in  the  month,  to  an  afternoon 
JBe^ini?  of  the  same  day.  We  have 
changed  both  hall  and  meeting  to  try 
to  get  more  memhers  out,  and  don't 
dlappoint  us.  ^"e  thought  more  mem- 
bers would  come  out  if  we  held  both 
meeUngs  In  the    afternoon. 

After  the  installation  Sisters  Mc- 
Comsie, Meno,  Meyers  and  myself 
were  presented  with  beautiful  hand- 
painied  plates  and  I  can  assure  you 
that  these  mementoes  will  always  be 
treasured  as  symbols  of  the  good  will 
of  the  members. 

We  have   a    candidate   for   our   next 

mating   and    we     have    made    up    our 

minds  to  add  many  new  names  to  our 

nmer.  because    we    know   that   in  the 

auxiliary  we   have    an   opportunity   to 

^  a  grand    and     sublime    work    for 

our  homes  and    humanity  in  general. 

Btrt  we  must  bar  our  selfishness,  petti- 

utta,  small  grievances  and  keep  under 

cover  all  those    little   tendencies   that 

lead  to  mar  one's  character  and  dis- 

PositioiL    We  should  each  and  all  bear 

In   mind  that    axiom    in    our    sisters' 


^ces  charge — "To  others  fault&  a 
little  blind,"  etc.  If  we  should  all 
practice  that  virtue  we  would  soon 
cultivate  a  sweetness  of  mind  that 
might  revolutionize  the  universe.  A 
lack  of  interest  in  the  meetingB  on  the 
part  of  some  of  our  sisters  would  in- 
dicate a  lack  of  Interest  in  their  hus- 
band's interests,  as  the  two  go  hand 
in  hand,  and  any  advancement  made 
by  one  Is  an  uplift  for  the  other. 

Sisters,  do  come  to  the  meetings;  be 
consistent  enough  to  think  we  can't 
get  along  well  without  you.  Your 
presence  is  needed  by  our  faithful 
president,  who  gives  her  time  and 
efforts  so  fully  and  freely  for  the  pro- 
motion of  the  cause. 

Remember,  we  meet  the  first  and 
third  Thursday  afternoon  at  Calumet 
Hall.  92d  and  S.  Chicago  avenue. 

In  closing  I  will  add  that  my  hus- 
band is  still  in  the  hospital  but  Is  Im- 
proving slowly. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  the  sisters 
and  brothers,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J*, 

Jennie  Sine. 


Peoria,  III. 

EmroR  Switchmen's  Journal: 

With  the  passing  of  the  old  and  the 
beginning  of  a  new  year,  Success 
Lodge  No.  37  sends  you  its  cordial 
greetings. 

You  have  not  heard  from  us  for 
some  time,  but  wish  to  say  that  we  are 
still  in  existence  with  a  good  member- 
ship and  at  our  last  meeting  had 
eleven  applications.  Sister  Brown 
and  I  thought  we  would  get  busy  and 
see  what  we  could  do,  and  within  a 
week  had  the  above  number.  So  I  feel 
safe  in  saying  much  in  the  way  of 
success  depends  upon  the  question  of 
whether  or  not  we  busy  ourselves  in 
matters  pertaining  to  this  work.  Now, 
sisters,  put  your  shoulder  to  the 
wheel  and  help  us  make  this  the  ban- 
ner year. 

Our  Grand  President,  Henrietta 
Clark,  visited  our  city  during  the  lat- 
ter part  of  January.  Sister  Mattie 
Winn,  president  of  Pride  of  Peoria 
Lodge  No.  40,  invited  the  members  of 
that  lodge,  also  Success  Lodge  No.  37, 
to  meet  Sister  Clark,  who  was  visiting 
at     her    home.      Refreshments     were 


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JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


served  and  all  enjoyed  a  very  pleasant 
evening.  Then  on  Friday  evening  of 
the  same  week  our  worthy  treasurer, 
Sister  Myrtle  Brown,  Invited  members 
of  the  two  lodges  to  her  home  in  honor 
of  Sister  Clark.  Refreshments  were 
served,  after  which  we  were  pleasantly 
entertained  by  Mrs.  Mary  Smith  with 
several  recitations.  We  departed  at  a 
late  hour,  wishing  Sister  Clark  God- 
speed and  a  safe  journey  home,  and 
declaring  Sisters  Winn  and  Brown 
royal  entertainers. 

The  following  officers  were  installed 
for  the  ensuing  year:  President,  Julia 
Smith ;  vice-president,  Katherine 
Moore;  past  president,  Margaret 
Goble;  secretary,  Irene  Price:  treas- 
urer. Myrtle  Brown:  chaplain.  Mar- 
garet Finley;  conductress,  Minnie 
Whittier:  guard,  Florence  Davis; 
musician,  Florence  Smith;  board  of 
directors,  Anna  Morris,  Bessie  Seward, 
Margaret  Brumbaugh. 

Sisters  Whittier,  McHenry  and 
Julian  have  been  suffering  with 
sprained  ankles;  also  Sisters  Deady 
and  Kennelly  are  on  the  sick  list.  The 
stork  left  a  baby  daughter  at  the  home 
of  Sister  Mary  O'Brien,  and  not  many 
days  after  death  entered  the  home  and 
took  away  the  husband.  We  extend 
our  sincere  sympathy  to  the  bereaved 
family. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  brother  and 
sister  lodges,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Irene  Price. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Just  a  few  lines  to  let  the  readers  of 
the  pink  book  know  that  Pride  of 
Peoria  Lodge  No.  40  is  still  in  exist- 
ence. We  have  almost  doubled  our 
membership  since  the  convention.  We 
have  several  applications  for  our  next 
meeting,  also  three  initiations.  We 
had  the  honor  of  having  our  Grand 
President,  Sister  Clark,  as  our  guest 
at  our  last  meeting.  Our  officers 
elected  for  the  year  1912  not  having 
been  installed,  Sister  Clark  was  in- 
stalling officer  and  was  assisted  by 
Sister  Abbey  as  installing  conductress. 
After  the  installation,  in  a  few  brief 
words  Sister  Winn,  in  behalf  of  the 
officers  and  members  of  Lodge  No.  40, 
presented  Sister  Clark  with  a  very 
nice  cut  glass  dish.     Although  taken 


completely  by  surprise.  Sister  Clark  re- 
sponded in  her  usual  pleasant  way. 

On  Wednesday  evening  Sister  Winn 
entertained  the  members  of  both  auxil- 
iaries. Success  No.  37  and  Pride  of 
Peoria  No.  40,  in  honor  of  Sister 
Clark.  Her  house  was  decorated  with 
cut  flowers  and  late  in  the  evening  re- 
freshments  were  served,  all  departing 
at  a  late  hour  after  having  speai  a 
most  pleasant  evening. 

On  Friday  evening  Mrs.  Myrtle 
Brown  of  Success  Lodge  No.  37  also 
entertained  the  ladies  at  her  home  in 
honor  of  Sister  Clark,  refreshmencs 
being  served.  Come  again,  Siscer 
Clark;  always  glad  to  see  you. 

W!th  best  wishes  to  all,  I  am 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Peoria. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Just  a  few  lines  to  let  the  readers  of 
the  pink  book  know  that  Pride  of 
Peoria  Lodge  No.  40  is  still  in  exist- 
ence. We  have  almost  doubled  our 
membership  since  the  convention,  and 
we  have  several  applications  for  our 
next  meeting;    also  three   initiations. 

We  recently  had  the  honor  of  having 
our  Grand  President,  Sister  Clark,  as 
our  guest  at  our  last  meeting.  Our 
officers  elected  for  1912  not  having  been 
installed,  Sister  Clark  was  installing 
officer  upon  this  occasion,  and  was 
ably  assisted  by  Sister  Abbey,  who 
acted  as  installing  conductress.       * 

After  the  installation  exercises  were 
over.  Sister  Winn,  in  behalf  of  the  o(D- 
cers  and  members  of  Lodge  No.  40. 
and  after  an  appropriate  presentation 
address  placed  into  the  hands  of  Sister 
Clark  a  very  nice  cut  glass  dish  as  a 
token  of  appreciation  for  the  able  ser- 
vices she  had  rendered  to  the  auxil- 
iaries here.  Although  taken  complete- 
ly by  surprise.  Sister  Clark  soon  re- 
gained her  composure  and  expressed 
her  appreciation  of  the  compliment 
thus  tendered  to  her  in  her  usual 
pleasant  manner. 

On  Wednesday  evening  Sister  Winn 
entertained  the  members  of  Auxiliaries 
No.  37  and  No.  40  in  honor  of  Sister 
Clark.  For  this  occasion  her  home 
was  nicely  decorated  with  cut  flowers, 
and  late  in  the  evening  refreshments 
were  served.  After  an  evening  most 
pleasantly  spent  together  the  members 


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4JNI0N   OP   NORTH    AMERICA. 


191 


departed    at    a    late    hour    for    their 
homes. 

On  Friday  evening  Sister  Myrtle 
Brown  of  Success  Lodge  No.  37  also 
entertained  the  ladies  in  honor  of 
Sister  Clark  at  her  home,  serving  all 
present  with  an  abundance  of  well- 
selected  refreshments,  and  where  all 
stayed  until  a  late  hour.  Come  again, 
Sister  Clark,  you  are  always  welcome, 
and  we  shall  long  remember  you  for 
your  good  work  and  kind  admonitions 
given  to  us  while  in  our  midst 

How  nice  'twould  be  if  we  could 
have  such  assistance  in  our  midst  con- 
tinually, to  urge  us  on;  but  since  this 
is  impossible,  how  it  should  behoove 
us,  one  and  all,  to  take  up  the  work 
actively  ourselves,  and  endeavor  in 
every  way  possible  to  extend  the  noble 
work  we  have  begun  in  this  city  until 
we  could  have  within  our  auxiliaries 
everyone  entitled  to  become  a  member. 
How  nearly  this  condition  may  be  real- 
ized will  never  be  known  until  each 
member  has  done  all  she  could  to  help 
achieve  such  a  result. 

I  trust  each  one  will  take  new 
courage  in  the  work,  as  a  result  of  the 
visit  of  Sister  Clark.  Each  one  of  us 
has  an  influence  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  good  in  the  upbuilding  of  the 
auxiliary,  if  she  will  only  make  proper 
application  of  it  But  staying  away 
from  meetings,  or  failure  to  approach 
anyone  eligible  for  membership  when 
an  opportunity  for  so  doing  is  af- 
forded them,  will  not  bring  about  the 
desired  results.  Sisters,  one  and  all, 
let  us  place  into  operation  every  hon- 
orable effort  within  our  means  toward 
the  advancement  of  the  cau^  so  well 
begun.  It  is  a  work  that  will  benefit 
every  switchman's  home  if  taken  ad- 
vantage of,  nor  will  its  influence  for 
good  stop  even  there.  For  from  the 
benign  and  progressive  home  in- 
fluences brought  into  our  homes  will 
others  with  whom  we  associate  feel 
their  beneficikl  influences,  and  they 
wlU  be  instrumental  in  bringing  to 
them  rays  of  Joy  and  good  cheer.  Let 
all  remember  their  meeting  nights, 
and  all  try  to  attend  every  meeting. 
Our  death  benefit  has  brought  comfort 
to  a  number  of  homes  already,  and 
every  wife,  sister  and  daughter  eligible 
to  membership  should  be  enlisted  upon 
the  membership  rolls  of  an  auxiliary 


to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  for  none  know 
the  hour  nor  the  day  affliction  will 
overtake  them. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Pbobia. 


i>ctroit,  Mich. 

Editor  Switchkeit's  Journal: 

A  very  successful  affair  was  the  an- 
nual ball  given  by  Detroit  Lodge  No. 
13  on  Thursday  evening,  Feb.  15th. 
The  Qommittee  in  charge  certainly 
worked  hard  to  make  it  the  success  It 
was,  and  the  benefit  fund  will  be 
richer  by  several  hundred  dollars  as 
the  result  of  their  untiring  efforts. 
Lodge  No.  13  is  noted  for  the  large 
turnouts  at  their  annual  affairs.  If  all 
the  members  would  constitute  them- 
selves a  committee  of  one  and  dispose 
of,  say,  five  tickets,  there  would  not 
be  any  need  of  a  waiting  list  when  one 
or  more  of  the  brothers  became  dis- 
abled. 

The  ladies'  auxiliary  catered  for  the 
ball,  and  everyone  was  well  pleased 
with  the  good  things  the  ladies  pro- 
vided to  eat.  One  sure  thing.  Lodge 
No.  82  will  not  take  a  back  seat  when 
it  comes  to  the  culinary  art,  for  all  are 
cooks  of  the  highest  grade  (pardon 
self  estimates) ;  if  you  doubt  my  word. 
Just  ask  Sisters  Wagner,  Finney,  Wil- 
son, Schrader,  or  the  Thompson  sis- 
ters. They  all  have  served  time  as 
cooks  on  the  various  occasions. 

What  is  the  matter  with  all  the 
writers  from  Lodge  No.  13?  Never 
see  anything  from  anyone.  Have  they 
all  sworn  off? 

Fraternally  yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
One  Who  Was  There. 


Topeka,  Kansas. 

At  our  last  convention  the  good  and 
welfare  committee  recommended  that 
each  delegate  appoint  herself  a  com- 
mittee of  one  to  report  through  the 
Journal,  at  least  once  in  three 
months,  the  progress  of  her  lodge. 
This  was  accepted,  but  I,  along  with 
many  of  my  sister-delegates,  must  con- 
fess to  a  shortcoming  in  that  respect. 

Daisy  Lodge  No.  46,  while  neither 
an  old  nor  a  large  lodge,  is  holding 
her  own  pretty  well.     We  do  not  in- 


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JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


crease  in  membership  as  we  ^ould 
like  to  do.  Of  course  we  meet  with  a 
^*^at  deal  of  opposition  through  tha 
cheap  Insurance  fraternal  orders.  We 
so  often  hear  It  said,  "Why.  your  In- 
surance Is  so  high.  I  can  get  $500  or 
$1000  in  this  or,  that  order  for  the 
same  amount  that  you  ask  for  $300." 
This  is  true  enough  in  one  sense  of 
the  word,  but  if  these  ladles  could 
only  look  back  15  or  20  years  at  the 
working  conditions,  nours  and  waa^t.** 
of  switchmen  and  be  mado  to  realize 
that  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  is  the 
agent  through  which  they  were 
brought  up  to  their  present  standard 
I  am  sure  they  would  not  hesitate  at 
the  cost.  Just  to  be  affiliated  with  a 
band  of  sisters  engaged  in  furthering 
and  assisting  in  the  noble  work  of  our 
parent  order.  It  should  not  be  merely 
a  matter  of  dollars  and  cents,  but  a 
matter  of  sentiment  and  principle. 

The  S.  U.  and  L.  A.  gave  their  an- 
nual ball  on  Jan.  18th,  and  it  was 
certainly  an  unqualified  success,  there 
being  about  500  in  attendance.  The 
Li.  a.  served  supper  of  coffee,  cake, 
sandwiches  and  pickles,  and  for  this 
the  brothers  have  given  us  one-half 
the  proceeds,  which  will  very  materi- 
ally increase  our  funds. 

Death  has  for  the  second  time  in  our 
short  career  entered  our  midst  and 
taken  our  sister,  Kate  Flnnie,  she 
being  a  charter  member  of  this  lodge. 
With  a  wish  that  we  may  hear  from 
more  of  our  sisters  in  the  future,  I  am, 
Praternslly,  in  U.,  H.  and  J.. 
Stella  A.  Fleming. 


MHwaukee,  Wis. 


Emtob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  there  has  not  been  any  report 
in  the  Journal  from  Cream  City 
Lodge  No.  39  for  some  time,  will  try 
to  write  a  few  lines. 

At  our  meeting  Jan.  19th  we  in- 
stalled officers  for  the  ensuing  year, 
as  follows:  Past  president,  Lydia 
Qormley;  president,  Margaret  Ber- 
trand;  vice-president,  Mary  McRae; 
chaplain.  Alma  Rafferty;  secretary, 
Grace  McGlnnis;  treasurer,  Myrtl6 
Puller;  guard,  Kate  Cahlll;  con- 
ductress, Minnie  Tesch;  board  of  di- 
rectors, Kate  Collins,  Gertrude  Van 
Dusen,  Julia  Coolihan.    After  the  offi- 


cers were  installed  we  served  a  dandy 
supper.  All  sisters  that  were  not 
there  missed  a  fine  treat 

On  Jan.  20th,  David  Mabie,  husband 
of  Sister  Clara  Mabie,  met  his  death 
on  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  road.  He  was  a 
member  of  Lodge  No.  10  for  many 
years.  He  was  well  known  and  well 
liked  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  his 
untimely  death  is  deeply  deplored  by 
all  his  friends  and  acquaintances.  He 
left  a  wife,  one  son  and  a  daughter  to 
mourn  him. 

We  are  starting  1912  pretty  well, 
and  at  our  last  meeting  we  took  in  one 
new  member  and  have  six  more  ap- 
plications to  act  upon  at  our  next 
meeting.  It  is  gratifying  to  see  that 
some  of  the  switchmen's  wives  are  be- 
ginning to  take  an  interest  in  our 
auxiliary. 

On  Washington's  birthday.  Lodge 
No.  10  will  give  its  annual  ball.  The 
tickets  are  selling  fine  and  it  is  an 
assured  success  financially. 

As  there  is  very  little  more  to  write 
about  this  time  will  stop.  Wishing  aU 
lodges  success,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Grace  McGinnis. 


Odwein*  Iowa. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  endeavor  to  give  you  an  ac- 
count of  our  work  since  my  last  letr 
ter.  At  our  first  meeting  in  January 
the  Switchmen  and  Nobility  Lodge 
held  a  joint  installation  of  officers. 
Brother  Gibbons  acted  as  installing 
officer  for  the  switchmen  and  Brother 
Bourland  acted  as  conductor.  Brother 
Charles  Scoles  installed  the  officers  of 
the  auxiliary  and  did  the  work  welL 
I  think  it  was  the  first  time  he  was 
called  on  to  do  that  work.  Mrs.  Mc- 
Grine  was  conductor.  After  installa- 
tion we  had  an  elaborate  supper,  then 
some  music  and  a  few  waltzes  to  settle 
the  hash.  We  had  a  card  party  two 
weeks  later,  which  was  a  very  nice 
social  affair.  Next  we  went  to  the 
home  of  our  treasurer,  Mrs.  Rule,  to 
spend  the  afternoon  and  piece  a  quilt 
We  are  selling  ten  cent  chances  on  the 
quilt  and  expect  to  realize  quite  an 
amount  for  it  On  the  23d  of  Janu- 
ary we  were  Invited  to  Sister  Becker's 
home.     We  each   brought  baskets  of 


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good  things  to  eat  and  had  a  real 
picnic  dinner  and  supper.  The  switch- 
men were  invited  and  they  came  on 
the  run.  Tou  should  have  seen  them 
eating  chicken  pie  and  sauerkraut 
and  everything  within  reach.  There 
were  about  forty  at  each  meal  and 
after  dinner  the  ladies  finished  the 
quilt.  At  our  next  meeting  we  are 
planning  on  giving  a  farewell  to  one 
of  the  switchmen  and  his  wife,  who 
are  going  to  leave  us  soon. 

The  switchmen  have  some  new 
members  who  are  good  singers  and 
they  sang  a  few  pieces  at  our  last 
meeting,  which  were  much  enjoyed  by 
all  those  present  I  think  they  will 
be  called  on  quite  often,  as  it  is  nice 
to  have  a  male  quartet  to  furnish 
music  for  us.  We  have  alwajrs  had 
good  meetings,  but  our  last  meeting 
was  the  best  one  we  have  had.  There 
was  a  large  number  present  and  they 
an  seem  to  grow  younger  and  join  in 
the  fun.  When  I  write  again  I  will 
let  you  know  what  we  made  on  the 
quilt  in  order  to  encourage  other 
lodges  to  try  making  a  quilt  Our 
president  did  the  cutting  and  we 
helped  her  all  we  could  to  get  it  done. 
Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Susan  McGuire, 
Journal  Agent. 


G>iiiicil  Bluffs,  Iowa. 

BnnoB  6wn€HMEH*8  Joxjbnal: 

I  will  try  to  send  a  few  words  and 
let  you  know  we  are  trying  to  improve 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  Last  meeting  the 
sisters  gave  the  brothers  a  surprise,  or 
that  is  what  it  was  supposed  to  be,  but 
there  wasn't  a  man  that  I  saw  who 
acted  the  least  bit  surprised.  Some- 
one told  someone,  and  I  guess  they  all 
knew  it  But  we  had  a  good  time. 
Sister  Madison  played  on  the  piano 
and  sang  some  nice  pieces  for  us,  and 
some  danced,  and  the  young  fellows 
played  cards.  We  had  a  very  nice 
lunch,  prepared  by  the  sisters,  and 
everyone  seemed  to  have  a  good  time. 
The  brothers  told  us  they  wished  we 
would  give  them  a  surprise  quite 
often,  and  then  we  would  all  get  better 
acquainted. 

We  have  several  new  members  to 
take  in  next  meeting,  and  I  hope  all 
the  sisters  will  get  busy  and  get  all  the 


ladies  in  our  order  as  soon  as  they 
can,  for  we  do  have  a  good  time  and  I 
am  sure  they  would  all  enjoy  them- 
selves. 

Council  Bluffs  Lodge  No.  6  is  going 
to  give  its  annual  ball,  Feb.  19th,  and 
we  all  hope  it  will  be  a  success. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  that  our  Past 
Grand,  Sister  Lee,  lost  her  dear  mother, 
but  we  hope  the  Father  in  heaven  will 
comfort  her  in  this  sad  hour. 

I  would  like  to  see  a  letter  from 
some  of  the  other  sisters. 

Well,  I  will  close  with  best  wishes 
to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  the  L.  A.  to 
S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
SiSTSB  Babada,  President, 


Toledo,  O. 

Editob  SwrrcHKEN's  Journal: 

Jan.  31st,  Sister  Fife  very  kindly 
opened  her  house  for  a  card  social, 
the  proceeds  to  be  used  for  the  good  of 
the  order,  and  it  was  a  grand  success. 
There  were  thirteen  tables  of  card 
players,  besides  many  that  did  not 
play.  Whether  they  played  or  not,  all 
gave  very  generously,  which  is  charac- 
teristic of  our  brother  switchmen  and 
their  families.  Eight  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  was  taken  in.  Fine,  isn't  it? 
Sister  Fife  didn't  mind  the  mess  and 
dirt  we  made  a  bit,  but  went  about 
with  a  kindly  word  and  smile  for  all, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  game  very  gen- 
erously served  refreshments  to  the 
whole  bunch — about  one  hundred  in 
all.  Many  thanks  to  Sister  Fife  for 
her  kindness  and  generosity.  She's  a 
dear. 

At  our  last  night  meeting,  Feb.  8th, 
four  new  members  were  taken  in. 
After  the  meeting  we  were  entertained 
with  cards  and  a  nice  spread.  The 
chairman  of  the  entertainment  com- 
mittee. Sister  McPartland,  treated  us 
to  the  old  Mexican  dish,  Chile  con 
came.  It  seemed  to  have  a  tendency 
to  warming  us  up  mentally  as  well  as 
internally,  for  the  more  we  ate  of  it 
the  merrier  we  grew.  Chile  con  came 
is  lovely,  and  — ^peppery:  but  the 
weather  was  zero,  so  we  didn't  mind  a 
little  thing  like  that;  and  there  was 
none  left  when  we  left. 

Now  to  tell  you  a  little  something 
about  Sunshine  Lodge.    We  like  to  tell 


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JOURNAIL   OF    THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


about  It,  well, — because  Sunshine 
Lodge  is  an  ideal  lodge.  The  lodge  is 
well  worthy  of  its  name,  Sunshine. 
It  sends  a  few  of  its  bright  gleams  of 
sunshine  into  the  heart  of  each  and 
every  member.  It  is  our  aim  to  try  to 
work  in  unity,  to  hold  out  the  helping 
hand,  to  give  the  kind  word  that  is 
ever  ready  to  cheer  and  comfort.  The 
w}tty  sarcasm,  the  smart  saying  that's 
going  to  hurt,  the  unkind  criticism, 
the  differing  over  unimportant  tech- 
nicalities,  we  avoid.  Instead,  we  each 
try  to  contribute  our  share  to  making 
our  meetings  agreeable  and  pleasant 
to  all,  and  to  leave  a  pleasant  memory 
of  the  meeting  in  the  heart  of  each 
sister  as  she  goes  to  her  home.  That 
is  the  reason  our  lodge  prospers  and 
grows  and  the  attendance  is  so  good. 

So  wives,  mothers  and  sisters  of  our 
brother  switchmen  eligible  to  member- 
ship. Join  us,  for  you  will  find  it  very 
pleasant. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J.. 
Mrs.  Qboroe  Hitghrs, 
Journal  Affent. 


Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

In  reading  the  Joxtbnal  the  last  few 
months  I  have  been  kind  of  ashamed 
of  myself,  not  seeing  anything  from 
Fern  Lodge  No.  29;  but  I  want  to  tell 
you  it  is  not  because  we  are  dead  or 
ansrwhere  near  so.  We  are  very  lively, 
small  in  numbers,  but  none  the  less 
we  have  some  very  good  meetings 
and  have  a  very  good  treasury,  coneid- 
ering  all  the  knocks  and  bumps  we 
had  in  the  last  two  years.  We  elected 
an  excellent  set  of  officers  and  it  is 
now  up  to  all  the  sisters  to  join  in  and 
see  that  their  officers  receive  the 
proper  supiport  from  them,  since  they 
cannot  do  what  should  be  done  alone. 
They  must  have  your  support  and  in 
order  that  you  may  give  them  your 
support  and  assistance  you  must  at- 
tend every  meeting.  That  will  make 
the  officers  work  faithfully  and  will 
also  make  them  feel  as  if  their  work 
was  appreciated. 

We  are  meeting  at  the  different 
homes  and  have  some  very  good  times. 
All  of  the  sisters  are  very  good  enter- 
tainers. Our  brothers  of  No.  30  are 
going  to  give  a  grand  ball  Feb.  19th 


and  by  what  I  understand  it  is  soin^ 
to  be  a  grand  success.  They  are  sell- 
ing tickets  galore. 

Brothers  of  No.  30,  I  am  glad  you 
are  waking  up  for  it  will  not  only  aid 
in  the  promotion  of  your  own  affairs 
but  will  also  have  a  tendency  to  help 
wake  up  your  wives,  daughters,  moth- 
ers and  sisters  to  join  us.  We  would 
be  glad  to  have  every  one  of  them 
with  us  and  hc^e  that  we  may  get  a 
good  many  of  them  before  the  year 
1912  is  passed.  What  a  pleasure  it 
would  afford  me  when  attending  the 
convention  in  May,  1913,  to  be  able 
to  get  up  before  that  body  and  truth- 
fully say  that  every  switchman's  wife 
in  our  city  belonged  to  the  Ladies' 
Auxiliary  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America.  At  our  last  meet- 
ing the  following  officers  were  in- 
stalled: Past  president.  May  Oorri- 
don;  president,  Ida  Maybe;  vice-pres- 
ident, Mary  Coryan;  chaplain,  Mabel 
McMahon;  secretary,  Ida  Nash;  treas- 
urer, Anna  McClemut;  conductress, 
Marie  French;  guard,  Emma  Gallon; 
board  of  directors,  Nellie  Bomire,  Belle 
Lawler,  Clara  Ryan. 

All  were  present  except  Sister  Nash, 
our  secretary,  who  was  ill.  We 
missed  her  very  much,  it  being  the 
first  meeting  she  has  been  absent  in 
a  year.  After  the  meeting  we  served 
refreshments  and  all  went  home  feel- 
ing proud  that  they  were  members  of 
the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  to  the  Switch- 
men's Union  of  North  America.  This 
letter  will  be  too  late  for  February,  as 
we  were  unable  to  Instal  our  officers 
the  first  meeting  in  January.  The 
weather  was  so  cold  the  sisters  could 
not  get  but.  I  hope  to  see  this  in  the 
March  issue.  Wishing  all  of  the  B.  U. 
and  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  lodges  a 
prosperous  year,  I  am, 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J.. 

Mabt  Cobridon, 
Third  Chrand  Vice-President, 


Valey  Junction,  Iowa. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Just  a  line  from  Iowa  Lodge  No.  83 
to  let  all  know  we  are  still  on  earth. 
We  do  not  gain  in  number  as  fast  as 
some,  but  what  we  have  is  good  ma- 
terial. 
Last  month  we  had  a  visit  from  four 


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of  the    Oelwein    sisters,  and  we  did 
enjoy  it  immenflely. 

Now,  sisters,  pear  and  far,  I  will 
give  you  a  hearty  handshake  and  wish 
you  health  and  prosperity,  and,  above 
all,  the  former.  When  the  new  Jottb- 
N AL  comes  I  scan  the  pages  to  see  what 
the  dilferent  lodges  are  doing,  then 
conscience  says,  "Methinks  all  other 
sisters  are  doing  the  same;  so  in  case 
the  Detroit,  Buffalo  or  Kansas  City 
sisters  think  Lodge  No.  33  is  dead,  as 
their  silence  might  indicate,  they  are 
mistaken. 

I  believe  we  had  a  promise  of  a  visit 
from  a  Grand  Lodge  officer  once  in 
awhile.  Wen,  remember,  our  boys 
are  real  good  at  showing  visiting 
sisters  a  good  time,  so  please  don't 
pass  us  by.  We  have  a  good  set  of 
officers  and  have  faith  to  believe  be- 
fore long  we  will  be  able  to  double  our 
numbers  on  the  Grand  Lodge  books. 
The  Oelwein  sisters  told  us  how  very 
nice  the  brothers  were  to  them  and 
the  many  kind  and  courteous  acts  they 
had  shown  them.  I  feel  like  saying 
hurrah  for  them,  and  I  will  say,  real 
low,  I  wish  it  might  be  catching.  But 
don't  think  from  this  I  mean  to  cast 
reflections  on  our  own  brothers,  for  I 
don*t.  But  if  Sister  Walker  of  Mar- 
sballtown  will  remember  she,  too,  has 
been  silent. 

Now,  sisters,  when  you  read  this 
little  message  from  Lodge  No.  33,  you 
will  no  doubt  be  reminding  us  of 
liousecleaning  and  the  like,  which  we, 
no  doubt,  all  have  a  share  of  to  do,  but 
let  us  keep  sweet  and  be  thankful  and 
do  our  duty  and  don't  be  like  me.  for- 
fpet  to  write  before  another  quarter  has 
past  and  gone. 

At  our  regular  meeting  on  Jan,  2d, 
the  following  officers  were  installed: 
President,  Mary  Sammon:  past  presi- 
dent, Anna  Gannon;  vice-president. 
Harriet  Bauder:  chaplain.  Elizabeth 
Ketter;  secretary,  Josie  Edmondson: 
treasurer.  Lyla  Bowers:  board  of  di- 
rectors, Ellen  CConnell,  Sophia  Lyon, 
Mida  Bowers. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  the  sisters, 
T6B,  and  brothers,  too,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J.. 

Ltla  Bowkrs. 


Well   arranged  time   is   the  surest 
mark  of  a  well-arranged  mind. 


Gfwid  Rapidi,  Mich. 

Editor  SwrroHMEN*s  Joubnal: 

Looking  back  through  the  past 
year.  Furniture  City  Lodge  No.  12 
finds  it  full  of  happy  memories  of  a 
splendid  record  and  needs  not  the  eye 
of  a  clairvoyant  to  predict  a  prosiper- 
ous  and  pleasant  year.  Judging  from 
its  condition  today. 

Our  meetings  are  held  on  the  sec- 
ond and  fourth  Mondays  of  each 
month  and  the  members  are  turning 
out  fine  so  far  this  year.  We  have 
initiated  four  new  members,  rein- 
stated one  member  and  looking  for 
a  card  member.  We  are  more  than 
delighted  and  must  use  every  effort 
to  continue  this  good  work.  The  im- 
portance of  attending  meetings  cannot 
be  overestimated  and  if  each  one  ful- 
fill this  duty  gladly  and  conscientious- 
ly, the  noble  assistance  thus  given  by 
such  loyal  members  is  a  feature  whioh 
insures  success  and  happiness.  We 
are  having  many  pleasant  times  out- 
side the  lodge  room,  but  I  think  I  will 
let  our  new  Joubnal  agent  tell  you 
about  it 

Great  sorrow  has  come  to  some  of 
our  members  and  we  extend  our  sym- 
pathy to  all.  But  even  times  of  deep 
sorrow  bring  us  closer  togetner,  espe- 
cially if  our  friendship  for  one  an- 
other is  what  it  should  be.  Life  and 
friendship  are  what  we  make  them. 
Love  is  also  what  we  make  it;  the  earth 
is  what  we  make  it — every  life  is  a  link 
in  the  chain  of  humanity  and  upon  the 
loyalty  of  those  who  constitute  the 
chain  our  happiness  depends.  To  be 
disl03ral  and  to  let  go  always  means 
injury  to  someone.  The  chain  is  Just 
as  strong  as  the  weakest  link  in  it 
This  is  true  of  every  chain,  whether  it 
be  a  steel  chain  .or  the  chain  of  life  I 
have  referred  to.  In  every  chain  it  is 
the  same.  We  often  find  lack  of  loy- 
alty destroying  happiness.  A  cross 
word  or  a  mean  deed  to  one  who  calls 
you  friend  is  enough  to  spoil  all  the 
joy  that  other  friends  can  give,  and 
know  yourself  how  it  feels  when  one 
whom  you  have  trusted  as  a  friend 
proves  disloyal.  It  hurts  and  hurts 
hard.  So  let  us  be  loyal  to  the  other 
links  that  make  up  life's  chain,  for 
they  depend  upon  us  to  hold  a  firm 
grip  upon  truth,  good  will  and  righte- 
ousness. Let  it  not  be  said  of  us  that 
we  were  the  weak  links  that  gave 
way   and   brought   pain   and   loss   to 


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JOUBNAZi   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


others,  but  let  us  be  loyal  to  the  trust 
placed  in  ua  Let  us  be  Just  in 
thought,  word  and  deed  and  eliminate 
all  animosities  and  uncharitableness. 
Let  us  resolve  to  establish  more 
friendly  relationship  with  one  another 
and  then  the  spirit  of  human  love  and 
kindness  will  ever  hover  over  us. 

We  live  but  In  the  present. 

The  future  is  unknown. 
Tomorrow  is  a  mystery, 

Today  is  all  our  own. 
The  chances  fortune  leads  us  to 

May  vanish  while  we  wait, 
So  spend  your  life's  rich  pleasures 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Dannie. 


Why  I  Am  a  Member  of  th6  Ladies' Auxiliary 

Why  am  I  an  active  worker  in  the 
L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.?  Well,  brother, 
take  a  chair  there  and  rest,  and  I'll 
try  to  tell  you  why. 

First  you  see  when  we  had  no  aux- 
iliary so  many  thing:s  happened  to 
switchmen  and  another  switchman's 
family  never  knew  of  it  unless  spoken 
of  in  a  casual  way,  or  read  of  in  the 
newspapers,  and  there  only  men- 
tioned till  I'd  often  thought  we  need- 
ed something  like  an  auxiliary  to 
bring  the  men  and  their  families  to- 
gether socially,  so  we  would  be  able 
to  sympathize  with  them  In  Just  these 
cases.  Well,  there  came  two  ladles  to 
see  me.  They  were  trying  to  organ- 
ize an  auxiliary;  would  I  Join  them? 
I  have  always  been  a  home  body,  they 
informed  me,  and  like  most  women 
who  stay  at  home  was  naturally  too 
narrow  of  mind  to  see  the  great  good 
it  would  do,  not  only  myself  but 
others,  this  great,  good  order  of  the 
L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  Well,  I  told 
them  I  did  not  know  that  I  wished  to 
join  them,  yet  I  did  not  want  to  say 
no.  My  husband  settled  it  for  me, — 
told  them  yes,  I'd  Join,  and  spoke  in 
such  glowing  terms  of  the  good  an 
auxiliary  could  do  that  I  was  glad  I 
was  asked  to  be  one  of  our  auxiliary 
members.  I've  never  been  sorry  I 
Joined.  Why?  We  are  brought  Into 
actual  touch  with  families  of  whom 
we  had  never  before  heard.  We  scat- 
ter sunshine  wherever  we  can.  The 
trouble  or  sorrow  of  our  members  Is 
shared   alike  by  all.     We  can   appre- 


ciate the  pain  of  a  loved  one  n^med 
or  laid  low  by  the  grim  rea^r.  We 
can  sympathize  for  ^e  know  not  the 
hour  some  one  may  have  to  minister 
to  our  own  loved  ones.  Then  when 
there  is  no  sorrow,  we  have  our  pleas- 
ure and  good  times. 

Now,  sir,  you  have  asked  me  these 
questions,  I'll  answer  them  soon,  but 
wish  to  ask  you  some  questions.  Tou 
have  refused  to  allow  your  wife  to 
Join  our  order.  Let  me  ask  you,  whom 
does  our  little  burial  fund  benefit? 
Surely  not  the  wife  you  refuse  to  per- 
mit to  join  us.  Even  though  you  heard 
her  say,  "I'd  Just  love  to  belong  to 
the  ladies  for  you  have  such  lovely 
times  at  lodge." 

Now  we  are  working  to  raise  this 
death  benefit  to  $500,  but  with  our 
present  membership  it  would  work  a 
severe  financial  drain  on  the  member- 
ship to  do  so.  I  am  simply  asking 
you,  after  you  hear  all  I  have  to  say, 
won't  you  let  your  wife  Join  the  L.  A.? 

Come  with  me,  sir,  if  you  will,  to 
this  home  of  a  brother  S.  U.  Here  I 
wish  to  draw  a  picture.  Come.  We 
find  here  an  ideal  home,  a  loving  wife 
and  mother,  a  kind  father  and  two 
beautiful  children.  The  home  is  a 
prosperous  and  happy  one.  No  doud 
mars  or  dims  the  horizon.  But — ah, 
I  see  my  picture  fading.  In  its  place 
I  see  the  loving  wife  and  mother 
stricken  with  sickness.  Under  the 
expense  of  sickness  the  home  is 
changed  for  one  in  a  poorer  quarter. 
The  husband's  face  wears  an  anxious 
look.  The  clouds  on  the  horizon  begin 
to  appear. 

Again  I  see  my  picture  fade.  The 
attending  physician  looks  grave;  only 
change  of  climate  will  help.  Take 
her  to  the  mountains.  The  dread 
white  plague  has  claimed  her  as  a 
victim.  Can  you  picture  in  your  mind 
this  brother's  black  despair  and 
agony?  Did  you  ever  see  a  loved  ona 
gradually  sinking  away  from  yon  Into 
the  greedy,  waiting  arms  of  the  vast 
unknown?  Did  you  ever  commune 
with  your  soul  to  know  what  to  do 
when  the  final  day  should  come  and 
your  loved  companion  should  slip 
away  into  that  space  whence  all  Is  so 
silent  and  you  are  left  alone  to  battle, 
as  it  were,  in  darkness,  for  the  sun  of 
your  hopes  for  a  time  has  set.  If  you 
have,   you   know   the   feeling  of  this 


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brother  when  the  physician  orders  a 
change  of  this  nature.  It  is  only  the 
putting  off  for  a  little  time  the  in- 
evitahle.  The  putting  away  of  the 
old  life,  a  taking  on  of  a  new.  The 
change  is  made,  and  as  a  ray  of  light 
in  the  darkness  is  the  thought  that  he 
at  least  can  bury  his  companion  as 
she  was  a  member  of  the  L.  A.  in  good 
standing  in  the  city  of  her  former 
home. 

In  their  new  home  he  has  to  work 
as  extra  man.  And  you  know  the 
"extra  board"  isn't  always  a  barome- 
ter of  suflELcient  bounties  for  a  well 
family,  to  say  nothing  of  an  invalid 
wife,  doctor's  bills,  medicine,  etc. 

Now  comes  the  sad  part  of  our  little 
story.  The  story  of  this  brother's 
wife's  illness  was  reported  in  the 
lodge  room  of  the  brother's  lodge. 
And  must  I  say  it  to  you,  sir?  It  so 
happened  that  not  one  of  the  brothers 
whose  wives  are  auxiliary  members 
was  at  meeting  that  night.  Perhaps 
you  were  there,  as  you  look  rather 
queer  about  it.  But,  however,  we 
never  knew  of  our  sister's  illness  and 
suffering  until  it  was  too  late  to  be  of 
aid  to  cheer  her  during  the  last  few 
days  permitted  to  live. 

After  death  had  claimed  her  our 
brother  came  to  present  his  claim  for 
death  benefits  and  asked  for  such  aid 
as  we  could  give  him. 

Can  you  see  the  deplorable  oondi? 
tion  in  which  he  would  have  been  had 
it  not  been  for  the  $300  death  benefit 
we  give  when  death  claitns  our  mem- 
bers? Can  you  not  see  how  the  selfish 
man  at  lodge  that  night,  the  one  who 
does  not  believe  in  women's  lodges,  did 
us  a  great  wrong?  How  he  must  feel 
who  allowed  a  fellow-brother's  wife 
to  suffer,  simply  because  of  his  biased 
views  concerning  our  auxiliary!  How 
good  (?)  must  be  that  feeling  of  self- 
ism  that  puts  a  man  into  the  frame  of 
mind  where  he  is  content  to  live  only 
for  self  and  "let  the  others  get  along 
as  I  did."  Could  they  feel  the  same 
ssrmnathy  for  her  as  a  lodge  of  consci- 
entious women  who  rei?ret  they  did 
not  know?  We  give  flowers  to  the  in- 
animate form  only  to  feel  that  the 
animate  could  have  enjoyed  them. 

Well,  we  went  to  the  home  of  our 
departed  sister  to  perform  the  last  sad 
rites  to  the  dead,  and  we  could  see  and 
feel.  oh.  so  bitterly,  what  our  sister 


had  suffered.  For  while  our  brother 
loved  his  family,  he  had  become  like 
so  many  other  men,  discouraged,  and 
had  given  up  to  another  love — a  love 
long  his — his  love  for  drink.  Now  you 
see  what  I've  tried  to  get  at  A  love 
for  family  and  a  love  for  drink  equals 
a  family  worsted.  However,  I  state 
this  to  let  you  feel  as  good  as  you 
can  if  you  were  one  of  the  uncon- 
cerned ones  that  night  at  lodge.  For 
it  would  have  done  no  one  harm  to  let 
us  know.  After  we  know,  we  do  all 
we  can  for  those  left  What  hurts  is 
to  know  "she  missed  us,"  and  we 
never  knew.  We,  who  were  ready  to 
answer  and  minister  to  the  needs  of  a 
sick  or  needy  member,  always. 

Our  aim  is  to.  place  a  switchman 
(should  he  lose  his  companion  by 
death)  in  a  place  where  he  can  have 
access  to  immediate  funds  to  defray 
funeral  expenses.  This  is  one  of 
many  reasons  why  I  am  an  active  L. 
A.  worker.  To  scatter  sunshine  into 
the  homes  of,  to  me,  the  bravest  men 
in  America.  Don't  you  want  sunshine 
brought  to  your  home  when  adversity 
comes? 

This  means  you. 

A  Membeb  ov  L.  a. 


IN  MEMORIAM. 

The  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  at  a  regular 
meeting  of  Blue  Island  Lodge  No.  29, 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  held  Feb.  11th: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  the  cares  of 
this  life,  our  beloved  brother  Andrew 
Bagge,  who  met  instant  death  on  ac- 
count of  injuries  sustained  in  the  Blue 
Island  yard  of  the  C.  R.  I.  St  F.,  on 
Jan.  29th,  while  in  the  performance 
of  duty;    and 

Whebeas,  By  his  untimely  death  a 
bereaved  wife  and  child  are  now  de- 
prived of  his  support  and  devoted  at- 
tention; the  city  has  lost  a  useful 
citizen  and  this  lodge  one  of  its  best 
members;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  our  membera,  in  meet- 
ing assembled,  that  our  deepest  sym- 
pathy be  extended  to  the  bereaved  wife 
and  child  in  this  their  sad  time  of  so 
great  a  loss;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  hope  of  all 


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his  co-worker8»  while  he  was  on  earth, 
that  the  Lord  who  has  taken  him 
from  U8»  may  give  cheer  to  tne  broken 
hearts  now  deprived  of  his  watchful 
care;   be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be 
incorporated  in  the  minutes  of  this 
meeting,  a  copy  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved family  and  one  to  the  Joubnal 
for  publication;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  mark  of  esteem  to 
the  memory  of  our  departed  brother, 
our  charter  be  draped  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days.  Wm.  Roach, 

Pebot  Gibson, 

G.   NiCKLANB, 

Oommittee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Tri-City 
Lodge  No.  133,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  held 
Jan.  2l8t,  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whbbbab,  Our  Heavenly  Father  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  deemed  fit  to 
take  from  our  midst  Bro.  H.  A.  Gar- 
vin, who  met  his  untimely  death  Jan. 
12,  1912,  while  in  the  performance  of 
his  duties  as  switchman  on  the  €.,  R. 
I.  k  P.  R.  R.,  and 

Whbbeas,  We  deeply  deplore  and 
grieve  at  his  sudden  death;  Therefore 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep- 
est and  sincere  sympathy  to  his  daugh- 
ter. Miss  Ruth,  and  relatives  in  their 
sad  bereavement;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  the  Tri-City  (Lodge 
No.  133  drape  its  charter  for  30  days 
as  a  mark  of  respect  to  his  memory; 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  his  bereaved  daugh- 
ter, one  to  the  Joubnal,  and  also  that 
they  be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  lodge.  H.  W.  Olson, 

Jao.   Clabk, 
Ben.    Jacobsen, 
Committee. 


Whebbab,  Our  Divine  Maker  has 
called  from  the  home  of  our  highly 
esteemed  members,  Sister  and  Brother 
Charles  Lee,  their  dear  mother,  Mrs. 
Hicks;   and 

Whebbab,  By  her  death  we  realise 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  hearts  of 
her  dear  daughter,  relatives  and 
friends;    be  it  therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Hia- 


watha Lodge  No.  3  extend  their  heart- 
felt sympathy  to  the  bereaved  family 
in  their  hour  of  sorrow,  and  may  our 
heavenly  Father  comfort  them  in  their 
distress;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  family,  one  for 
publication,  and  one  be  spread  on  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting. 

Mamib  M.  Lee^ 
Jessie  Wtcoff, 
Della  Clementben, 
Oommittee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  t^e  last  regular  meeting  of 
Detroit  Lodge  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
No.  32: 

Whebeab,  God  has  seen  fit  to  send 
the  Angel  of  Death  into  the  home  of 
our  worthy  brother,  Daniel  Muir,  and 
call  to  her  eternal  home  of  peace  and 
happiness  his  t>eloved  and  patient- 
suffering  wife.  Ruby  May  Muir;    and 

Whebeab,  By  her  death  a  devoted 
husband  is  left  to  mourn  the  loss  of 
one  he  loved  but  could  not  save;    and 

Whebeab,  The  members  of  both 
lodges,  No.  13  and  the  ladies'  lodge. 
No.  32,  extend  to  this  bereaved  hus- 
band their  heartfelt  sympathy  during 
his  sad  trials,  and  may  Almighty  God 
give  him  consolation  throughout  his 
life;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  hus- 
band and  one  to  our  Joubnal  out  of 
respect  for  our  worthy  brother. 
"The  moon  and  stars  are  shining 

Across  a  lonely  grave; 
A  sleep  without  a  dreaming. 

For  one  he  loved  but  could  not  save." 
Minnie  Finnet, 
Elizabeth   Tbemblat, 
Josephine  H.  Tbemblat, 
Oommittee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Daisy  Lodge 
No.  46,  L.  A.  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the 
following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebeab,  Our  Heavenly  Father  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  removed  from 
her  earthly  home  our  4>eloved  sister. 
Kate  Finnic,  who  was  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  this  lodge;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  sisters  of  this 
auxiliary  extend  to  the  bereaved  fam- 
ily their  most  sincere  sympathy,  with 


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an  added  prajrer  that  God  may 
strengthen  and  comfort  them  in  this 
their  hour  of  great  sorrow;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  in  respect  to  her 
memory  we  drape  our  charter  for  a 
period  of  thirty  days,  that  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions  be  spread  on  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting,  one  sent  to 
the  JouBiTAL  for  publication,  and  one 
to  the  bereaved  family. 

Stella   A.   Fleming, 
Calus  Cbawtobd, 
Celia  Feldneb, 

0(ymmittee, 


At  a  meeting  of  Topeka  Lodge  No. 
12,  Switchmen's  Union  of  North 
America,  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whereas,  The  Great  Reaper  has 
again  entered  our  midst  and  taken 
from  us  our  esteemed  brother,  Harry 
J.  Call,  who  was  killed  while  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties  in  the  Belle- 
yille,  Kas.,  yards;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
union  extend  to  the  sorrowing  wife 
and  family  their  heartfelt  sympathy.^ 
While  we  deeply  deplore  the  loss  of 
this  young  life^  may  Gtod's  will,  not 
ours,  be  done.  May  they  find  peace 
and  comfort  in  the  thought  that  he 
has  but  passed  from  us  to  that  home 
of  eternal  rest  where  care  and  sorrow 
are  no  more,  to  await  the  coming  of 
those  whom  he  held  moiit  dear  on 
this  earth;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  tribute  to  his 
memory  we  drape  our  charter  and 
suspend  all  entertainments  for  a  pe- 
riod of  3(y  days;  that  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  be  spread  on  the  minutes 
of  this  meeting,  one  sent  to  the  fam- 
ily and  one  sent  to  the  Joubnal  for 
publication. 

JoHx  Nelson, 
Geo.    FrrzoiBBONB, 
Gut  L.  Bradfobd, 
Committee. 


The  members  of  Furniture  City 
Lodge  No.  12  extend  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  to  Sister  Bertha  Steele  on 
the  death  of  her  dearly  beloved 
mother,  Mrs.  Wright,  who  departed 
this  life  on  Jan.  18,  1912: 

Whkbbas,    We   sincerely    hope    and 


pray  that  God  in  His  infinite  kindness 
and  mercy  will  give  her  strength  to 
be  submissive  to  His  holy  will  and 
enable  her  to  endure  the  loss  which 
is  beyond  the  power  of  expression; 
therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  placed  upon  the  minutes  of 
our  lodge,  one  sent  to  Sister  Steele 
and  a  copy  to  the  Joubnal  for  publi- 
cation,        Mabgabet  Danenbebg, 

Della  Habdt, 

Mattie  Cbandle, 

Committee. 


YouNOSTOWN,  O.,  Feb.  20. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Buckeye 
Lodge  No.  169  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty 
God  through  His  messenger,  death,  to 
remove  from  our  midst  Bro.  J.  C. 
Davis  to  his  final  reward;    and 

Whebeas,  In  the  sad  demise  his 
family  has  lost  a  most  kind  and  lov- 
ing husband  and  father;  therefore 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  lodge  extend 
to  the  family  of  Bro.  Davis  its  heart- 
felt sympathy  in  their  hour  of  be- 
reavement, and  may  the  Lord  in  His 
wisdom  ever  lend  a  helping  hand  to 
the  widow  and  mother;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  esteem 
for   our   departed    brother   we   drape 
our   charter   in   mourning  for   thirty 
days,  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be 
spread  on  the  minutes  of  this  meeting, 
one  sent  to  the  bereaved  family  and 
one  to  the  Joubnal  for  publication. 
Jas.   Cabboll, 
Pbank  Owens, 
H.  F.  Keeling, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Golden  Rule 
Lodge  No.  17  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  in  His  infinite  wisdom  to 
call  unto  Himself  the  beloved  huiA)and 
of  Sister  Katherine  Rice;  therefore 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Golden  Rule  Lodge  No.  17  extend  to 
Sister  Rice  and  son  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  and  that  in  their  hour  of 


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grief  they  will  remember  that  "Whom 
the  Lord  loveth,  He  taketh";  and  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
Intionft  be  forwarded  to  Sister  Rice, 
•ne  be  sent  to  the  Journal  for  publi- 
cation and  one  spread  on  the  minutes 
of  our  lodge.  Kate  Miller, 

Maggie  Bush, 
Ella  NuGENt, 
Committee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Golden  Rule 
Lodge  No.  17  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father  has 
called  unto  Himself  the  beloved  brother 
•f  our  esteemed  Sister  Enloe;   and 

Whereas,  We  know  tnat  by  his 
death  Sister  Enloe  suffers  a  great  sor- 
row;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  Thafthe  members  of  Grolden 
Rule  Lodge  No.  17  extend  their  sym- 
pathy and  express  the  hope  that  even 
so  great  a  loss  may  be  overruled  for 
good  by  Him  who  doeth  all  things 
well.  Kate  Miller, 

Maggie  Bush, 
Ella  Nugent, 
Committee. 


Kansas  City,  Mo.,  Feb.  12,  1912. 
The  members  of  Golden  Rule  Lodge 
No.  17,  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  extend 
their  heartfelt  sjrmpathy  to  sister 
Delia  Collins  on  the  death  of  her  be- 
loved father,  Mr.  Cotter,  who  departed 
this  life  a  short  time  ago. 

We  sincerely  hope  and  pray  that  our 
Heavenly  Father  in  His  infinite  wis- 
dom will  give  her  grace  and  strength 
to  be  submissive  to  His  holy  will. 
El^IB  Shipman, 
Nellie  Slaughter, 
Nellie  Roach, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Portland, 
Oregon,  Lodge  No.  87  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  Heav- 
enly Father  to  call  into  everlasting 
life  our  brother,  Samuel  Pullln,  who 
on  Jan.  22,  1912,  met  an  untimely 
death  while  in  the  performance  of  his 
duties  as  switchman. 

Whereas,    The   suddeh   removal   of 


this  bright  life  from  his  beloved  wife 
and  family  leaves  a  vacant  place  and 
sad  remembrance  in  the  hearts  of  his 
family  and  friends.     Therefore  be  It 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  sin- 
cere sympathy  in  their  affliction  and 
bereavement;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  family,  one  to 
the  Journal  for  publication,  and  a 
copy  be  spread  on  the  minutes  of  our 
lodge.    Be  it  further 

Resolved,  We  thank  the  officers  and 
members  of  Lodge  No.  50  for  their 
kindness  and  willingness  in  lookins: 
after  Bro.  Pullln  in  time  of  death. 

A.  M.  Miller, 
John  H.  Gerwels. 
C.  M.  Culter, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Jackson 
Park  Lodge  No.  79,  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  the  Al- 
mighty God  in  His  infinite  wisdom  to 
call  from  our  midst  our  dearly  beloved 
brother,  E.  E.  Carlson,  who  died  after 
a  lingering  illness  at  Black  Mountain. 
N.  C;    and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  this  lodge 
has  lost  a  good  and  faithful  member, 
ever  ready  to  help  a  brother  In  need, 
or  otherwise.     Therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  while  in  session  assembled,  ex- 
tend to  the  relatives  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  their  sad  hour  of  be- 
reavement; and  may  they  train  their 
hearts  to  say  "Thy  will  be  done,  oh. 
Lord."    And  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  oC  respect 
for  our  departed  brother  we  drape  our 
charter   for    thirty    days,    a   copy   of 
these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  our 
minutes,  a  copy  sent  to  relatives,  and 
one  to  the  Journal  for  publication. 
J.  H.  Landers, 
Fred  Marshall, 
J.  Arns, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Jack- 
son Park  Lodge  No.  79,  Sunday,  Feb. 
11,  1912: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father  has 


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called  to  his  reward  our  dearly  belored 
brother  and  member  of  the  board  of 
directors,  Fred  Marshall,  who  was 
killed  while  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  on  the  L.  8.  k  M.  S.  R.  R.  on 
the  night  of  Jan.  26,  1912;    and 

Whereas,  In  the  death  of  Bro. 
Marshall  this  lodge  not  only  loses  a 
faithful  member  but  a  good  officer 
who  was  fearless  of  consequences: 
therefore,  be  It 

RcBolved,  That  this  lodge  extend  to 
the  relatives  of  the  departed  brother 
their  heartfelt  sympathy  in  their  sad 
hour  of  bereavement,  and  may  they 
ever  look  to  their  heavenly  Father  for 
guidance  through  life;  and,  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  respect 
we  drape  our  charter  for  a  period  of 
80  days,  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be 
spread  on  our  minutes,  one  be  sent  to 
the  family  and  one  to  the  Joubnal  for 
publication.  E.  G.  WitsoN, 

C.  E.  KnxMEB, 
G.  H.  Du  Bridge, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  are  to  be 
adopted  at  the  next  regular  meeting  of 
Nickle  Plate  Lodge  No.  220: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  Divine 
Ruler  of  the  Universe  to  call  from  our 
midst  one  of  our  tried  and  true  mem- 
bers, Bro.  James  Fleming,  who  de- 
parted this  life  on  very  short  notice. 
As  Bro.  Fleming  was  president  of 
Lodge  No.  220  he  was  widely  known 
and  will  be  remembered  by  all  who 
had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  him;  and 

Whereas,  In  honor  of  his  name  be 
it  said  he  was  a  true  and  loving  hus- 
band and  a  kind  father;  therefore,  be 
it 

Resolved,  That  as  a  tribute  of  re- 
spect to  our  beloved  brother  and  lodge 
officer,  our  charter  be  draped  in  mourn- 
ing for  a  period  of  thirty  days,  a  copy 
ef  the  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  our  next  meeting,  one  sent 
to  the  family,  and  one  to  the  Jotirnal 
for  publication.  H.  C.  De  Wett. 
J.  J.  Smith, 
T.  Reynolds, 

Committee. 


Notice. 

Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
G.  P.  Gates,  formerly  a  member  of 
Lodge  No.  135,  last  heard  from  at  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  will  please  notify  E.  J. 
Alexander,  100  Park  avenue,  Hart- 
well,  Ohio. 


Cards  of  Thanks. 


Editob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  most  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  menibers  of 
Indianapolis  Lodge  No.  146  for  the 
beautiful  floral  oCterings  and  other 
kindnesses  shown  us  in  the  death  of 
our  beloved  husband  and  father, 
Charles  Hazelrlgg.  I  wish  to  thank 
especially  the  members  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment  of  the 
policy  which  I  received  Dec.  18,  1911. 
May  success  crown  all  their  noble 
works  and  efforts. 

Sincerely  yours, 

Mas.  Alice  Hazelbigg. 


St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Jan.  21,  1912. 
To  the  Officers  and  Members  of  the 
8.  V.  of  N,  A. 
I  sincerely  thank  you  for  the  prompt 
settlement  of  my  claim,  paid  Jan.  19th, 
through  Switchmen's  Lodge  No.  37 
of  this  city,  on  account  of  the  death  of 
my  husband,  J.  H.  Gough,  who  died 
Dec.  16th.  I  also  thank  the  order  for 
their  kindness  and  their  beautiful 
floral  tribute,  and  shall  always  be 
ready  to  say  a  good  word  for  the  order 
at  any  opportunity. 

Sincerely  yours, 

Mas.  Mat  Gouoh. 


If  you  live  by  nature  you  will  never 
be  poor;   if  by  opinion,  never  rich. 


Kansas  City,  Kans.,  Feb.  3,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  desire  to  express,  through  the 
columns  of  the  Journal,  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Rlvervlew  Lodge  No.  2,  of  which  our 
dear  husband  and  father,  J.  J.  Riley, 
was  a  member,  for  the  sympathy  and 
great  kindness  so  kindly  extended  to 
us  at  the  time  of  his  death;  especially 
so  for  the  beautiful  floral  offering 
from  Lodge  No.  2  and  his  fellow  work- 
ers. Our  sincere  thanks  are  also  due 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  promptness  in 


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202 


JOURNAjL    of   the    SWITCHMEN'S 


the  payment  of  the  benefit  claim  he 
held  In  the  Switchmen's  Union. 
Yours  sincerely, 

MBS.   J.   J.   RiLET  AND  ChILDBEN. 


A  GNifcssiofi. 

O,  Lord,  we  have  alnned  im  many  ways 
And  aerved  the  devU  afll  our  days. 
We  have  stolen  and  robbed  end  mur- 
dered, too. 
And  fltlll  we  reach  out  Cor  revenue. 
We  oppren  the  poor  and  wronc:  the 

JUfit. 

But  have  revenue,  we  must. 

High  license  ie  a  treat,  you  know. 

Although   the  drunkards  to  perdition 

80. 
Our  object  Is  to  get  the  goUd, 
No  matter  wlhoee  interest  may  be  sold. 
We  make  the  laws  to  suit  tue  case, 
Far  stealing  now  ie  no  dUsgrace. 
The  people  are  getting  used  to  this 

kind  of  thing— 
Oan't    help    themselves,     they     must 

give  in. 
We  will  issue  bonds  and  have  our  way. 
We  oaire  not  what  the  people  say. 
We  have  whipped  old  Spain  at  Manila 

Bay 
And  make  the  taxpayers  roll  up  the 

pay. 
But  we  know,  O  Lord,  it  was  not  right, 
It  was  the  ri6h  main's  war  and  the  poor 

m^'s  flg>ht. 
Of  the  poor  we  have  aplenty  and  some 

to  spare. 
Bad  legialcUion  brought  them  there. 
But,  Lord,  we  care  not  for  the  poor, 
Nor  how  mucfti  suffering  they  endure. 
For  we  have  crossed  the  rubicon., 
We  have  odaimed  to  be  Republican — 
A  sin  for  which  there  is  no  pardon. 
We  have  disgraced  the  name 
And  brought  to  shame 
The  country  of  Abraham  Lincoln. 
We  have  led  the  church  to  bedieve  a 

lie 
And  vote  for  license  low  and  high, 
To  damn  men's  souls  instead  of  save 
And  sink  them  lower  than  txie  grave. 
Preachers,  deacons,  elders,  bishops,  too. 
AU  cut  in  and  vote  for  revenue. 
The  nation's  honor  trails  in  the  dust. 
But  have  the  revenue  we  must. 
But,  Lord,  we  hiive  sinned  away  our 

day  of  grace— 
Steomi  retributioti  must  take  place. 
The  sword  of  God  and  Gideon,  too, 


Will  strike  our    party    through    and 

thorough, 
And  we  wtHU  die  the  death  we  know 

we  must 
Beoause  we  have  been  so  terribly  un- 

^t. 
Some  people  say,  God  grant  it! 
James  W.  Brown  says  amen. 


Jsmcs  McMahon  Dead. 

On  January  Slst  Bro.  Daniel  Me- 
Mahon,  member  of  Lodge  No.  i,  re- 
ceived the  sad  news  of  the  death  of 
his  son  James.  His  death  was  due  to 
injuries  sustained  while  in  the  per- 
formance of  duties  as  switchman.  The 
fatal  injury  was  due  to  an  overhead 
loading  platform,  which  he  did  not 
clear,  and  as  a  result  of  which  he  was 
thrown  from  the  cars  to  the  ground. 
The  accident  happened  at  2.30  p.  m. 
and  he  was  hurried  to  the  general 
hospital  as  soon  as  possible  after  re- 
ceiving the  injury,  but  nothing  could 
be  done  to  save  his  life,  and  death  re- 
lieved him  of  his  sufferings  at  7  f>.  m. 
He  was  buried  at  Medicine  Hat,  Mani- 
toba, where  he  had  lived  and  worked 
for  the  Canadian  Pacific  for  some  time. 
The  funeral  was  under  the  auspices 
of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  of  which  he  was  a 
member.  Besides  a  wife  and  son  bom 
Nov.  18,  1911,  he  leaves  his  parents, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniel  McMahon,  46 
Walter  street,  Buffalo,  N.  Y..  a  brother, 
Daniel,  Jr.,  employed  by  the  P.  R.  R. 
at  Olean,  N.  Y.,  and  one  sister,  Mrs. 
Margaret  Demuth,  Rochester.  N.  Y. 
Mr.  McMahon  was  28  years  old  at  time 
of  death.  He  was  well  and  favorably 
known  to  the  switchmen  of  Buffalo, 
having  formerly  worked  at  Lacka- 
wanna, but  left  there  on  account  of 
depression  in  business  in  1908.  He 
was  a  kind  father  and  lovinir  husband 
and  the  news  of  his  death  will  be 
greatly  regretted  by  all  who  knew 
him.  Bro.  McMahon  and  family  have 
the  sympathy  of  all  the  members  of 
Lodge  No.  4  in  their  sad  loss. 


Our  life  is  like  the  life  of  a  tree- 
again  and  again  stripped  of  every  sign 
of  Ufe  that  it  has  put  forth  and  yet 
which  still  has  gathered  all  those  ap- 
parent failures  into  the  success  of 
one  long,  oontinuous  growth. — PhilHpM 
Brookft. 


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'<A  Trip  that  PM." 

Bt  Miss  Hazel  M.  Dawdt. 

The  flmoke«tained  buildings  of  New 
York  gradually  faded  in  the  distance 
as  (the  13..30  train  gained  speed.  Billy 
Sipencer  comfortably  seated  liimself 
and  KUy  gased  at  his  fellow-passengers. 
They  were  strangers  to  <him  and  he 
turned  his  gaze  to  the  rapidly-pasalng 
smalil  white  farmhouses,  surrounded 
by  orchards  filled  with  brightly-col- 
ored fruit. 

After  awhile  these  things  passed  by 
him  unnoticed  and  he  sat  and  won- 
dered why  he  had  accepted  Archie 
Merritt's  invitation  to  act  as  best 
man  at  ^s  wedding.  It  was  true  none 
of  the  wedding  guests  were  strangers 
to  ^im;  they  were  all  good  friends  to 
him.  But  still  he  almost  hated  to  be 
with  them.  Why  couldn't  Merritt  have 
asked  someone  else  instead  of  Mm  to 
act  as  best  man? 

He  dreaded  the  moment  when  Muriel 
Allen  would  discover  that  he  waa  to  be 
lier  partner  during  the  wediddng  and 
the  reception.  She  would  think  he 
was  trying  to  thrust  himself  in  her 
company  and  make  her  visit  unpleas- 
ant 

Well,  if  those  were  to  be  her  thoughts 
he  could  not  ohbnge  them.  He  was  in- 
vited there  to  enjoy  himself  and  enjoy 
hiimself  he  would!  If  it  had  not  been 
for  the  misunderstanding  that  had 
arisen  between  them  four  months  ago, 
they  both  might  have  been  preparing 
for  their  own  wedding.  But  why  tax 
his  mind  with  these  unpleasant 
things? 

He  wearily  arose  and  entered  the 
smoker  where  he  seated  himself  with 
the  intention  of  smoking  his  pipe  and 
reading  e  book  which  he  had  brought 
with  him.  What  had  come  over  him 
today?  He  did  not  enjoy  his  pipe  and 
it  was  impossible  for  him  to  keep  his 
mind  fixed  on  the  book. 

Tbe  strong  voice  of  the  conductor 
announcing  the  name  of  the  country 
town  which  wae  his  destination,  Inter- 
rupted him  in  this  unpleasant  mood. 


Picking  up  his  suit  case,  he  hurried 
from  the  train,  glad  to  be  in  the  open 
air.  Only  one  other  passenger  alighted 
from  the  train  and  that  was  Muriel 
Allen.  As  she  turned  towards  him, 
having  received  (her  suit  case  from 
the  conductor,  she  beheld  him  walking 
towards  the  same  door  of  the  station 
as  she  was  going  to  enter,  and  she 
blushed  when  he  turned  his  eyes  in 
her  direction.  But  he  only  bared  his 
head  to  her  in  a  very  stiff  way  in  an- 
swer to  her  f  riendfly  bow  and  held  the 
door  open  for  her  as  she  passed  into 
the  small  depot. 

It  did  not  take  him  very  long  to  see 
that  there  was  nobody  there  waiting 
for  him  and  he  left  the  room  to  ascer- 
tain if  there  was  any  vehicle  outside 
in  which  he  could  get  to  the  house. 

The  station  house  did  not  have  a 
telephone,  it  being  such  a  very  small 
country  town  and  there  was  no  place 
near  there  that  had  one.  The  only 
way  of  getting  there  was  by  "footing 
it"  And  then  there  was  Muriel.  The 
only  thing  to  do  would  be  to  tell  her 
that  they  had  failed  to  send  the  car 
for  them  and  that  they  woula  be  com- 
pelled to  walk  to  the  house,  unless  she 
preferred  to  wait  there  until  he  sent 
somebody  after  her. 

S'he  said  she  would  rather  walk  than 
stay  there  all  alone.  He  picked  up  her 
suitcase  in  one  hand  and  his  in  the 
other  hand  and  they  began  their  long, 
tiresome  walk.  Twice  they  rested  by 
the  roadside,  but  never  a  word  was 
uttered  by  either  one. 

Billy  had  walked  from  the  depot  to 
the  house  many  times,  but  it  never 
had  seemed  to  take  so  long  a  time. 

Muriel  was  waflklng  at  the  other  side 
of  the  road.  He  heard  her  softly 
cough  and'clear  her  throat,  as  if  going 
to  speak  to  him.  He  wondered  what 
she  would  say. 

At  last  she  managed  to  say,  "Mr. 
Sipencer,  may  I  ask  you  if  you  received 
my  letter?" 

"Your  letter?"  vaguely  asked  Billy. 
"Why  I  never  received  any  letter  from 
you — not  after  the  misunderstanding." 


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204 


.JOURNAli   OP   THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


"That  is  yery  strange,  I  mailed  it 
the  day  after  the  Payne  reception." 

"No  wonder  I  didn't  receive  it,  I  ieft 
the  city  that  very  night!"  exclaimed 
BUly. 

"Er,  what  did  you  say  in  the  letter?" 
he  asked. 

"Why,  I  said  It  was  clear  to  me  ttiat 
I  was  the  one  who  was  mistaken." 

"And  wliat  else  did  you  say?"  asked 
curious  Billy. 

"I — I  fiaid  everything  would  be  just 
as  it  had  been  before  the  q-quarrel  if 
you  wished  it" 

Billy  had  stood  gazing  at  her  while 
she  was  talking  and  now  he  suddenly 
dropped  both  suitcases  and  gave  her 
one  of  his  "bear-hugs'  '«md  a  great 
many  kisses. 

The  remainder  of  the  walk  seemed 
only  too  short  to  them  and  when  their 
hostess  saw  them  slowly  walking 
towards  the  house,  she  marveled  at  the 
pretty  blushes  which  were  plainly 
visible  in  Muriel's  face. 

It  was  all  explained  to  her  and  they 
were  heartily  congratulated  by  all 
their  friends. 

One  year  later  Arohle  Merritt  and 
his  bride  of  a  year  attended  the  mar- 
riage of  Mr.  Billy  Spencer  and  Miss 
Muriel  Aiaen. 


The  Mother  of  Uncolfl. 

The  obscure  and  comparatively,  un- 
known mothers  of  men  and  women  of 
genius  form  a  great  multitude  of  flit- 
ting shadows  whose  outlines  and 
properties  are  not  easy  to  ascertain. 
Undoubtedly  those  unknown  mothers 
must  have  had  strong  characteristics, 
or  they  could  not  have  transmitted 
great  qualities  to  their  children.  It 
has  even  been  maintained  that  no 
great  man  has  ever  existed  who  had 
not  a  great  mother,  whether  she  was 
known  to  fame  as  great,  or  not. 

Mrs.  Thomas  Lincoln,  the  mother  of 
Abraham  Lincoln,  whose  maiden  name 
was  Nancy  Hanks,  would  have  been, 
under  other  circumstances  and  hap- 
pier ones  than  fell  to  her  lot  in  the 
early  part  of  her  married  life,  a  no- 
ticeable woman.  She  was  well  en- 
dowed, and  by  nature  possessed  of 
many  excellent  qualities.  She  had  a 
limited  outlook  in  life,  but  considering 
her  surroundings  she  was  far  more  In- 
telligent than  the  majority  of  those 
about  her,  and  to  her  her  son  was  In- 


debted for  his  rare  intuitive  faculty 
and  his  wonderfully  developed  syza- 
pathetic  nature. 

Dr.  Holland  says  of  her:  "She  had 
much  in  her  nature  that  was  truly 
heroic,  and<  much  that  shrank  from 
the  rude  life  around  her.  A  g^reat 
man  never  drew  his  Infant  life  from 
purer  or  more  womanly  bosom  tlian 
her  own." 

Thomas  Lincoln  obtained  his  mar- 
riage license  in  the  Washington 
County,  Kentucky,  courthouse.  The 
wedding  took  place  on  Sept.  23,  1808, 
and  the  ceremony  was  performed  hy 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Head,-  an  itinerate  Meth- 
odist preacher.  This  same  preacher, 
who  was  a  cabinet  maker  in  Sprlner- 
field,  Ky.,  preached  Mrs.  Lincoln's 
funeral  sermon  years  afterward.  The 
young  couple  were  very  poor,  but  very 
popular,  and  among  the  neighbors  at 
the  marriage  was  Judge  Felix  Grundy, 
who  subsequently  removed  to  Nash- 
ville, Tenn..  and  became  attorney  gen- 
eral of  the  United  States. 

Three  years  after  the  marriage  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lincoln  their  only  son, 
Abraham,'  was  bom  on  the  12th  of 
February,  1809,  in  a  district  of  Hardin 
County,  Kentucky.  She  died  of  that 
most  terrible  enemy  of  the  poor,  con- 
sumption, and  left  her  desolate  little 
boy  alone  In  his  misery  when  only 
ten  years  old.  He  was  her  only  sur- 
viving child  and  albout  him  centered 
every  ambition  of  her  dreary  life. 

Mrs.  Lincoln  taught  young  Abraham 
to  read  and  write.  Her  attention, 
denied  him  too  much  because  of  the 
hard  work  she  had  to  perform,  was 
the  sweetest  boon  he  coveted.  She  en- 
couraged and  praised  him,  and  pic- 
tured the  future  that  he  would  make 
for  himself  when  he  grew  to  be  a  man. 
Mrs.  Lincoln  had  a  morbid  fear  of  her 
son  growing  to  idleness  and  Ignorance, 
and  she  successfully  impressed  upon 
him  the  necessity  of  doing  some  jM&r- 
ticular  task  in  life,  and  doing  it  well. 

Had  Mrs.  Lincoln  lived,  her  child's 
life  would  have  been  different,  but  as 
it  was,  she  laid  so  sure  a  foundation 
in  his  nature  that  he  owed  to  her  more 
than  to  any  other  human  being  his 
finest  traits  of  character.  She  Is 
described  as  being,  at  the  time  of  her 
marriage,  a  "slender,  symmetrical 
woman  of  medium  stature,  and  a  bru- 
nette with  regular  features  and  soft, 
sparkling  hazel  eyes." 


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UNION   OP   NORTH    AMERICA. 


205 


It  seems  a  cruel  wrong  to  deny  to 
Abraliam  Lincoln's  fame  the  influence 
of  his  mother's  character  upon  his 
own,  or  to  withhold  from  her  that 
which  is  due — the  acknowledgment 
that  his  best  qualities  were  inherited 
from  her.  Had  she  no  other  title  to 
homage  as  the  mother  of  Abraham 
Lincoln,  the  one  fact  that  she  Instilled 
into  him  whilst  yet  a  child  the  traits 
that  distinguished  him  as  a  man,  and 
endeared  him  to  his  kind,  should  give 
her  rank  with  the  noblest  mothers  of 
America. — Labor  Clarion, 


Remittafice  Roi  of  Honor  for  the  Month 
of  rebniary,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  O.  S.  &  T.  during 
the  flrst  part  of  February,  1912: 

Feb.  1— Lodges  32,  102,  104,  142,  159, 
203,  217. 

Feb.  2— Lodges  5,  13,  74,  89,  91,  110, 
113,  141,  173,  193. 

Feb.  3— Lodges  38,  41,  44,  69,  78,  84, 
88,  92,  188. 

Feb.  5— Lodges  1,  3,  10,  12,  14,  19,  20, 
21,  22,  23,  .29,  30,  33,  40,  46,  49,  53,  54, 
55,  60,  61,  72,  73,  77,  80,  82,  83.  90,  93, 
94,  96,  97,  98,  106,  112,  115,  122,  123, 
124,  126.  146,  149,  151,  152,  166.  169, 
174,  189.  192,  199,  201,  205.  214,  216, 
220,  222. 

Feb.  6— Lodges  6,  8,  17,  18,  45,  48,  50. 
52,  85,  95,  108,  114,  116,  119,  125,  129, 
144,  176,  180, 181,  194,  228. 

Feb.  7— Lodges  2,  9,  24,  36,  37,  39.  43. 
61.  56,  68,  79,  100,  101,  107,  117,  120, 


128,  133,  134,  137,  143,  175,  177,  179, 
191,  200,  208,  218  219,  223,  224. 

Feb.  8— Lodges  4.  35.  47,  63.  64.  65, 
71,  105,  147,  158,  190,  225. 

Feb.  9— Lodges  7.  11.  28.  31,  42,  62, 
70,  75,  86,  103,  138,  155,  182,  1^4,  202, 
212,  229. 

Feb.  10— Lodges  16.  34,  57,  58,  87, 
99,  111,  135,  154,  206,  210. 

Feb.  12— Lodges  15,  26,  67,  130.  146. 
172.  209,  221,  230. 

Feb.  13— Lodges  211,  226. 

Up  to  time  of  going  to  press,  Feb. 
14th,  Lodges  140  and  198  had  not  ar- 
rived. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  Constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  shall  be 
imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose  reports 
are  not  received  by  the  G.  S.  &  T.  by 
the  tenth  day  of  each  month,  and  if 
received  late  for  two  or  more  months 
then  the  officers  shall  be  asked  to  re- 
move the  cause  for  such  delay. 


"Jedige/'  said  the  old  cotored  citizen, 
"how  much  fer  a  license  ter  git  mar- 
ried r 

"Want  it  for  yourself  r' 

"Yes,  9uh;  you  see,  Tse  glttln' 
mighty  old  now." 

"That's  evld^ent  Then  why  do  you 
want"  to  get  married?" 

"Well.  Jedige.  ter  tell  de  truth,  some- 
Lody  gimmo  a  long  coat,  a  linen  cellar 
an'  a  walkin'  cape,  en  I  knows  a 
'oom«n  what  says  she  kin  make  a  livin' 
fer  me,  en  I  feele  dies  Hke  a  honey- 
moon!" 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Journal  promptly  and 
without  ftdl  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 

"Name Lodge  No 

Street  Town 8t(Ue 

Ea»  moved  to Street 

Town State 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


206  JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 

Statement  of  Claims  Paid  During  the  Month  of  Feb.,  199 


MAMS 


ooly«d 


DAto 
Pldd 


PAID  TO 


KBBIDBNCB 


1488 

1484 
1486 
1486 
1487 
1490 
1481 
1492 
1^4 
1496 
1407 
1498 
1601 


F.  A.  Wimmer 

E.  E.  Carlson 
John  Donovan 
N.  H.  Whisenaud 
Wm.  J.  Roche 
Prank  Rawley  . 
A.J.Prle0t6r 
J.  F.  Bums 
C.  L.  Whiteman 
O.  J.  Shannon 
O.  B.  Rloe 
J.  O.  O'Brien 
E.  T.  Berkley 


Death 


Dis. 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Dis. 

DIs. 


1-2^12 

l-80-'12 
l-28-'12 

i-2a.»ia 

3-18->12 
1.24-»12 
2-6^12 
2-8.»12 
1-8(M12 
2-  8-*12 
2-7-'12 
2-6-'12 
1.20->12 


2.17-'12 

2-17-^12 
2-17-»12 
2-17-'12 
2-17^12 
2.17-'12 
2-17^12 
2-17-U2 
2-17-»12 
2-17-'12 
2-17-»12 
a.l7-»12 
2-17-'12 


{Evelyn,  daf hther, 
by  guardian 
Axel,  brother 
Minnie,  wife 
Himself 
Marv,  mother 
Adeie,  wife 
Anna,  wife 
Thos.  J.,  brothei 
Sadie  C,  wife 
Mary,  wife 
Oatherine,  wife 
Himself 
Himself 


Omaha,  Neb. 

Chicago,  ni. 
BuffiJo.  N.  Y. 
Oakland,  CaL 
Chicago.  111. 
Milwaukee,  Wis. 
Laokawanna,N .  Y 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Homell  JN.  Y. 
Kansas  Cl^,  Kan. 
Sprinirfleld.  Mai 
Memphis,  Tenn. 


Prerloaaly  reported 81,440.128.00 

Paid  iliiee  last  report 18,760.00 

Refdnded  insurance 26.00 

Total 81,468,901.00 


Acknowledgment  of  Claims  Paid  In  January,  §912 

Mrs.  Frances  O.  Douglas,  Dundalk,  Ireland 1760 

Children  of  John  C.  Bens,  Freeport,  111 760 

Mrs.  Ellen  Riley,  Kansas  aty,  Kan 1,600 

W.  A.  MUler.  Lansing,  la. 780 

Mrs.  Katherine  Melody.  BuflUo,  N.  Y 760 

Mrs.  Catherine  Bush,  Newark,  Ohio 760 

Mrs.  Mary  Gough,  St.  Louis,  Mo 1,600 

Mrs.  Mabel  B.  Bldied,  Detroit,  Mich 1,600 

Pearl  Anderson,  Herlngton,  Kan 760 


y>t^(^^jtZc^ 


Grand  Sicr€ia$y  and  Trnunrm 


ASSESSMENT    WOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BWFAiiO,  N.  Y.,  March  1,  ItU. 

BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treasurer  or 
Financial  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  everv  month  (see  Section  218).  Grand  due» 
are  fifty  cents  (50c)  jper  month :  members  holding  class  **  B  "  certificate,  aasriw 
ment  $2.00;  class  ^A"  certlflcaie.  assessment  Sl.OO:  class  **C*'  certilloate, 
assessment  dOo  (see  section  8B).  Aiailure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  Is 
a  forfeiture  ofmembershlp  In  the  Union  without  ftirther  notice  (see  Sections 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  awessment  is  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose.  . ,    ^ 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Omnd  IxM0k 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  fh>m  members,  as  above  provided,  noi 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182). 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  A  P., 

M.  R.  WELCH. 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


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r^r^i^^r^ 


rr-^. 


reau  of  StatliUcs  of  Labor — f 
:  State  HouM 


>^^H'  jyj'.^W.tjHL».yi-i.  I  ■■.■■■iup.p.ii.  I    jijyjaw  Milf^J«fPt^fi 


^^^m^^a«» 


^?^??^ 


ssaji 


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*?^^->rf:.^a>; 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


THE    JOURNAL 

or  THE 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  Of  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  n.  THOMPSON.  Editor  and 


THOSB  WHO  BKAR  KQUALLY  THB  BURDKNS  OF  OOVBRNMBNT  SHOULD 
BQUALLY    PARTieiPATB   IN    ITS    BBNBFITS  —  THOMAS    JBPFER80N 


Euttrtd  ms  tttmniHImtt  mmll  mmtttr  Jmrnumrj  32^  1912,  at  tht  P»$t  0#c«  «r  Bmgmh,  N.  7.,  undtr  ths  Mi  •f  July  /6,  li94 


vol.  XIV 


APRIL,  If  12 


No.  4 


THE  INCREASED  COST  OE  LIVING. 


Bt  A.  A.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kans. 


Wlien  everything  is  going  wrong  in 
a  family,  usually  more  than  one  is  to 
blame.  The  same  is  true  with  respect 
to  society  in  general,  because  society 
is  but  a  larger  family.  This  principle 
is  applicable  alike  to  individual  cases 
as  to  the  general  condition  of  human 
affairs.  The  increased  cost  of  living 
must,  therefore,  be  due  to  numerous 
causes,  for  the  reason  that  the  condi- 
tion is.  both  individual  and  general,  of 
long  standing  and  progressive. 

My  druggist  is  on  his  third  automo- 
bile, rapidly  approaching  his  fourth, 
because  his  third  is  now  a  little  out 
of  style  and  does  not  have  quite  all  the 
lines  of  beauty  of  the  1912  model. 
Now  he  charges  me  75  cents  to  $1  for 
a  prescription,  with  the  wholesale 
price  of  drugs  to  him  less  than  when 
he  sold  me  a  like  prescription  for  25 
cents.  Then  he  was  a  modest  little 
man  living  round  the  corner  from  his 
drug  store  so  he  would  not  have  far 
to  go,  if  he  had  to  get  up  at  night  to 
fill  a  prescription.  Now  he  is  all 
swelled  up,  has  moved  to  a  large 
house  in  the  fashionable  part  of  the 
town,  is  in  the  social  swim,  is  a 
sporting  man  of  lively  interest  and 
participation,  also  mixes  somewhat  in 
politics,  and  employs  a  night  clerk  at 
his  store.    He  is  now  almost  as  influ- 


ential and  important  a  man  of  the 
town  as  the  saloonkeeper. 

The  cost  of  living  has  gone  up. 

My  dry  goods  man  used  to  serve  his 
trade  well  in  a  modest  but  convenient 
and  appropriate  building,  at  prices  to 
correspond,  located  in  the  busiest  quar- 
ter of  the  town.  Desiring  to  branch 
out,  iie  erected  a  new  building  ten 
stories  high  at  a  cost  of  $350,000,  oc- 
cupying a  quarter  of  a  block,  a  build- 
ing large  enough  to  accommodate  all 
the  dry  goods  trade  of  the  town,  and 
more,  even  to  double  our  population. 

This  move  by  my  dry  goods  man 
has  compelled  every  other  dry  goods 
man  of  the  town  to  go  to  an  unneces- 
sary expense  of  $50,000  or  $100,000  in 
order  to  follow  his  lead. 

The  cost  of  living  has  gone  up. 

My  furniture  man,  by  insisting  on 
my  opening  an  account,  when  I  want 
to  pay  him  cash,  instead  of  selling  to 
me  outright,  rents  me  his  furniture  at 
high  prices  on  monthly  payments 
bearing  a  high  rate  of  interest.  Now 
that  money  is  not  a  prerequisite,  in- 
stead of  buying  closely  for  cash,  I  rent 
more  furniture  at  higher  prices.  If, 
now,  I  fail  to  pay  the  last  dollar  of 
rent  due  together  with  interest,  I  lose 
all  the  money  I  have  paid  as  well  as 
the  furniture,  because,  in  fact,  I  am 


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208 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


only  a  renter  and  not  the  owner.  My 
furniture  man,  therefore,  has  united 
with  hlB  former  legitimate  occupation 
that  of  banker,  pawnbroker  and  short- 
loan  shark,  doing  a  thriving  business 
at  alL 

The  cost  of  liiyng  has  gone  up. 

My  baker  has  recently  put  up  a 
winking  electric  sign,  at  a  cost  of  |dOO, 
and  $60  a  month  to  maintain.  Why 
should  he  not  want  to  increase  the 
price  of  bread  every  time  flour  goes 
up  a  few  cents  a  sack?  If  policy  has 
prevented  this,  he  more  than  makes 
up,  when  I  buy  cake. 

The  cost  of  living  has  gone  up. 

My  butcher,  poor  man,  has  a  secure 
hiding  place  behind  the  thieving  pack- 
ers; and,  as  they  are  such  great 
thieves,  we  will  forgive  the  butcher  for 
all  his  shortcomings  and  blame  them 
on  the  packers.  I  am  sure  my  butcher 
would  like  to  be  fair,  and  generally 
they  are  men  of  great  integrity,  but 
just  now  they  are  forced  to  keep  aw- 
fully bad  company. 

Who  suffers  in  the  flesh  for  the  sins 
of  the  packers? 

The  farmer  sells  cheap  meat  on  the 
hoof  to  the  packers,  and  with  the  pro- 
ceeds can  buy  back  from  the  butdier 
less  than  one-fourth  of  each  carcass. 
Here  the  farmer  pays  voluntarily  for 
his  own  shiftless  mismanagement  and 
thriftless  doings,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  helps  to  hold  up  the  price  on  the 
rest  of  us. 

These  are  representative  instances 
of  prevailing  conditions  in  business 
enterprises.  A  few  like  illustrations 
of  personal  habit  and  enforced  condi- 
tion will  be  suflElcient: 

Walking  by  my  barber's  residence  on 
my  way  down  town  a  few  mornings 
ago,  his  wife  had  six  cloaks,  three  of 
them  fur  of  difTerent  kinds,  airing  in 
the  sunlight  Her  mother  perhaps 
never  had  even  one  fur  cloak  in  all 
her  life,  and  never  two  cloaks  of  any 
kind  at  the  same  time. 

The  cost  of  living  has  gone  up. 

Take  shop  girle — I  am  not  yet  too 
old  to  notice  shop  girls— they,  or,  at 
least,  those  who  go  and  come  my 
street,  usually  buy  three  cloaks  every 
winter,  one  spring  and  one  fall  wrap, 
making  flve  for  the  year.  A  new  dress, 
as  we  used  to  say,  but  now  a  new 
gown,  or,  at  least,  a  skirt,  goes  with 
each  new  cloak.  .  Most  of  us  can  re- 
member the  time  when  a  girl  was  ex- 


tremely happy  if  she  got  a  new  winter 
cloak  once  every  three,  four  or  flve 
years,  and  summer  wraps  were  not 
much  thought  of. 

The  cost  of  living  has  gone  up. 

Take  the  old  man,  the  genuine  old 
craftsman  with  trained  mind  and 
skilled  fingers,  he  has  frequently  lost 
his  job,  because  a  machine,  run  by  a 
boy,  has  relegated  him  to  the  scrap- 
heap,  so  that  he  can  no  longer  earn  a 
man's  wages  or  properly  support  hlm- 
s^f,  to  say  nothing  of  his  family. 

The  cost  of  living  has  gone  up. 

Now  take  the  boys,  they  have  been 
excluded  very  largely,  and,  in  some 
lines,  altogether,  from  oflElces,  clerk- 
ships and  stores.  In  manufactories, 
except  in  the  heaviest  and  dirtiest 
work,  women  have  completely  run 
them  out;  and  now  not  even  the  oc- 
cupation of  ward-heeler  in  politics  any 
longer  opens  an  inviting  prospect 
where  female  competition  may  not 
soon  tear  their  clothes,  spoil  their 
faces,  and  leave  them  in  worse  shape 
than  after  an  old  time  election  row. 

To  the  boy,  the  cost  of  living,  and 
especially  of  trying  to  make  a  start 
in  life,  has  gone  up. 

AU  these  advances  in  the  cost  of 
living,  of  cost  to  the  consumer,  wheth- 
er of  commodity  or  opportunity,  have 
been  made  in  the  face  of  cheaper  raw 
material  to  the  manufacturer,  and,  ex- 
cept where  trust-controlled  monopolies 
have  practiced  extortion,  of  generally 
lower  prices  to  the  manufacturer  for 
his  wares. 

Between  the  manufacturer,  there- 
fore, and  the  consumer  lies  all  the  dUA- 
culty.  The  greatest  benefactor  of  our 
race  has  yet  to  be  bom,  or,  if  now 
living,  to  manifest  himself  by  the  dis- 
covery of  the  proper  method  to  place 
the  manufacturer  and  the  consumer 
in  juxtaposition,  eliminating  the  mid- 
dleman. 

"But  what  a  great  hardship  this 
would  be  on  so  many  people  now  doing 
almost  all  the  business  of  the  coun- 
try!" suggests  a  sjrmpathetic  soul. 
What  we  should  do  with  our  torment- 
ors and  oppressors,  if  we  could  catch 
them,  is  an  equally  perplexing  puzde. 
Among  men,  the  middleman  occupies 
a  position  relative  to  the  wolf  and 
the  fox  among  animals  and  the  eagle 
and  the  hawk  among  birds,  taking  all 
they  want,  allowing  the  rest  to  escaipe 
with  their  lives  f6r  future  need. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


209 


Speaking  economically,  a  great  in- 
Tention  or  discoyery  eliminating  tlie 
middleman  would  do  to  him  precisely 
what  has  happened  to  so  many  and 
such  great  armies  of  men  in  the  indus- 
trial world,  when  their  places  have 
been  taken  hy  labor-saving  machines. 


Tlie  Rights  of  Half  a  Natiofi. 

Suppose  that  some  were  to  suggest 
that  half  the  voters  of  this  nation 
should  be  disfranchised.  Might  not 
such  an  act  bring  about  a  civil  war  as 
terrible  as  that  of  1861? 

Yet  as  wild  as  such  an  idea  is,  it  is 
no  wilder  than  the  idea  that  the  wom- 
en otf  our  country,  or  of  any  other 
country,  are  to  remain  permanently 
disfranchised. 

For  women  are  one-half  of  this  and 
every  other  nation.  And  as  true  as  it 
is  that  no  land  can  endure  part  slave 
and  part  free,  it  is  true  that  woman 
must  be  given  the  title  to  every  politi- 
cal and  social  right  possessed  by  man. 

So  long  as  woman's  seat  was  at  the 
fireside  such  a  question  could  not 
arise.  So  long  as  the  circle  of  her 
needs  and  wants  centered  in  her  own 
home  such  a  problem  could  not  pre- 
sent itself.  So  long  as  woman  was 
only  a  silent  partner  in  her  husband's 
concerns,  woman  remained  on  the  edge 
of  the  current  of  political  and  social 
struggles. 

But  all  this  changed  when  the  throb- 
bing of  the  gigantic  machine  became 
the  dynamo  of  progress;  it  all  changed 
when  the  bleak,  sinister  factory  wall 
cast  its  lengthening  shadow  over  the 
family  hearth. 

When  woman  became  a  factor  in 
Industry,  then  she  became  a  factor  in 
political  and  social  matters. 

When  certain  trades  came  to  be  set 
apart  as  "woman's  trades"  then  wom- 
an became  a  part  of  trade  and  a  part 
of  industry. 

When  there  sprang  up  "she"  towns, 
where  men  are  relatively  as  few  as 
are  women  in  the  lumber  and  mining 
camps  of  the  "he"  towns,  then  woman 
became  an  Important  item  in  all  in- 
dustrial, political  and  social  questions. 

When  the  point  was  rea6hed  that 
millions  of  women  in  America  must 
regard  wage-la3M>r,  Instead  of  the  care 
of  Uie  home  and  the  rearing  of  a 
household,  as  their  means  of  subeistr 


ence,  then  woman  became  one-half  of 
the  social  problem. 

When  the  sex-cancer  of  olden  times 
became  the  established  institution  of 
our  own  day;  when  woman's  very  soul 
was  reduced  to  terms  of  barter  and 
pried,  then  the  position  of  woman  and 
child,  even  more  so  than  that  of  man, 
became  the  aching  heart  of  the  social 
problem. 

And  when  woman  became  bonded  to 
wage-labor  for  life  then  there  was 
born  in  her  the  knowledge  that  her 
lot,  in  a  larger  sense  than  ever  she 
had  dreamt  of,  is  riveted  to  that  oi 
man's. 

Then  her  vision  broadened  and  her 
mother  love  became  part  of  that  fra- 
ternity and  solidarity  which  is  the 
basis   of   working-class   consciousness. 

And  as  time  advanced,  woman,  espe- 
cially woman  in  industry,  realized 
that  governments  are  the  agencies 
whereby  the  bread  and  butter  of  life 
is  portioned  out,  and  that  those  who 
control  the  government  divide  the 
portions. 

Then  came  the  movement  for  wom- 
an suffrage,  the  right  of  woman  to 
self-expression,  the  right  to  have  voice 
and  vote  in  regulating  the  afFairs  that 
concern  her,  the  right  to  help  build 
the  civilization  of  equality  and  com- 
radeship that  is  to  be. 

Nor  can  the  importance  of  securing 
sufFrage  for  women  be  overestimated. 

All  struggle  of  any  consequence,  in- 
dustrial and  social,  expresses  itself  in 
political  quantities.  No  class  ever  rose 
except  by  political  power.  No  class 
can  ever  free  itself  and  free  society 
except  by  becoming  the  government. 

And  the  fight  for  woman's  sufFrage 
Is  as  much  man's  work  as  it  is  wom- 
an's work.  For  man  cannot  be  free 
himself  until  woman  shares  that  free- 
dom with  him. 

To  free  half  the  nation  who  are  po- 
litically inferior  is  to  elevate  the 
whole  nation  to  a  high  place  such  as 
it  has  never  occupied. 

Let  us  make  the  rights  of  woman 
the  rights  of  half  a  nation,  the  con- 
cern of  the  whole  nation! — Ex, 


To  market,  to  market, 

To  buy  a  fat  pig; 
Home  again,  home  again, 

Price  is  too  big. 

— Judge, 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


210 


JOURNAiL    OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


Tlie  New  Labor  Leader. 

Bt  the  Rev.  Chablbs  Stelzle. 

The  labor  question  will  neyer  be 
settled  by  passing  resolutions.  Neither 
will  its  solution  be  hastened  by  mis- 
representation and  abuse.  Nor  yet 
will  snobbishness  or  tyranny  bring 
about  a  more  cordial  relationship  be- 
tween men.  No  temporary  advantage 
gained  at  the  sacrifice  of  a  righteous 
principle  can  permanently  benefit  the 
victor.  Men  may  boast  of  their  power 
and  sneer  at  their  helpless  opponents, 
but  Just  as  sure  as  there  is  truth  in 
the  world,  so  sure  will  come  the  day 
of  reckoning.  Some  there  are  who 
seek  to  put  off  the  "evil  day,"  but 
'  their  actions  are  hastening  the  time 
when  justice  shall  prevail  and  truth 
shall  conquer. 

Whatever  all  this  may  mean  to  the 
employing  class.  It  means  to  the  work- 
ingman  that  the  day  has  gone  by  when 
the  counsel  of  the  cheap,  short-sighted, 
ignorant  blatherskite  is  to  be  heeded. 
Statesmanship  of  the  highest  order  in 
the  cause  of  labor  is  demanded.  Far 
beyond  the  narrow  limits  of  the  man 
who  has  been  bowed  like  a  bulrush, 
or  he  whose  eyes  have  been  dulled  by 
the  lurid  glare  of  his  own  imagination, 
must  be  the  vision  of  the  man  who  is 
to  be  the  prophet  and  leader  of  the 
people. 

Slowly  such  master  minds  are 
emerging  from  among  the  masses. 
Sometimes  unappreciated  by  the  very 
ones  whose  battles  they  are  fighting 
and  whose  destinies  they  are  working 
out,  these  men  and  women  must  go 
on  as  did  the  prophets  of  old,  until  the 
hour  shall  strike  that  shall  proclaim 
the  victory  of  the  common  people.  For, 
frankly,  workingmen — like  most  other 
men — are  ungrateful  to  those  who  are 
sacrificing  most,  and  who  are  putting 
their  best  into  a  movement  which  is 
giving  utterance  to  their  own  cry  for 
help.  How  often  do  they  break  the 
hearts  of  their  idols!  And  yet,  how 
frequently  do  they  make  unto  them- 
selves golden  calves  and  bow  down  be- 
fore them,  while  their  true  leaders  are 
toiling  in  the  mountain-top  to  secure 
for  them  that  which  will  be  of  per- 
manent value. 

What  a  responsibility  this  puts 
upon  the  leader!  How  close  he  must 
live  to  the  highest  ideals.  How  free 
he  must  be  from  the  petty  jealousies 


in  the  labor  movement  Liooking  not 
only  upon  his  own  things,  nor  upon 
the  interests  of  his  own  craft,  but  see- 
ing the  need  of  the  great  body  of 
toilers,  he  must  dare  and  do  for  men — 
the  men  whose  needs  are  Just  as 
great  as  those  who  are  closer  to  him. 
Only  in  this  way  will  the  strife  amons 
workingmen — ^Jurisdictional  and  every 
other  kind — ^be  done  away. 


On  Critidsoi. 

Criticism  is  fair  and  legitimate. 
Most  of  U8  need  to  be  hit,  and  hit  hard 
sometimes,  principally  because  we 
often  gSt  the  notion  that  we  have  a 
monopoly  of  wisdom.  This  is  particu- 
larly true  of  those  who  are  accustomed 
to  have  their  own  way  because  for  the 
time  being  they  are  placed  in  a  posi- 
tion of  authority.  But  criticism  should 
be  constructive  rather  than  destruc- 
tive. Most  any  fool  can  see  the  bad- 
ness and  the  weakness  in  men  and 
things.  Faults  are  always  glaring- 
But  it  takes  a  wise  mail  to  see  the 
good  which  may  be  covered  over  by 
the  bad.  Not  to  judge  merely  by  su- 
perficial appearances  requires  knowl- 
edge. True  criticism  does  not  neces- 
sarily mean  a  pointing  out  of  weak- 
ness. It  may  be  the  discovery  of  vir- 
tue. However,  most  criticism  is  of 
the  other  kind.  It  is  Just  plain,  sim- 
ple "knocking."  Criticism  of  another 
generally  acts  as  a  boomerang  upon 
the  unjust  critic,  because  the  critic  is 
most  apt  to  point  out  in  another  the 
failing  which  is  peculiarly  his  own. 
As  a  general  proposition  it  is  better  to 
criticise  yourself  than  to  wait  until 
another  fellow  gets  a  chance  to  crit- 
icise you;  and  be  merciless  to  yourself 
in  your  criticism  if  you  expect  mercy 
from  another. — Ex. 


Warning  from  Oregon. 

To  Our  Brothers  and  Sisters  of  Or- 
ganized Labor — Greeting: 
Through  the  daily  press,  monthly 
magazines,  even  by  means  of  posters 
on  the  billboards,  Oregon  and  its  chief 
metropolis,  Portland,  have  been  widely 
advertised  as  a  land  of  golden  oppor- 
tunities, where  Jobs  are  plentiful  and 
men  are  scarce,  wages  high  and  living 
cheap.  We  desire  to  dispute  these 
highly-colored  statements  and  to  show 


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UNION   OP   NORTH   AMHRICA. 


211 


you  the  true  condition  of  the  indus- 
trial affairs  here  in  Portland  and  Ore- 
gon. We  have  at  this  date  in  this  city 
alone,  10,000  idle  men»  skilled  and  iin« 
skilled,  destitute  and  begging  for 
bread  or  a  chance  to  earn  bread,  the 
larger  portion  of  whom  are  new  ar- 
rivals in  this  country,  lured  hither  by 
the  false  advertisements  of  the  open- 
shop  employers  and  the  greedy  land 
Bharlcs,  both  of  whom  are  desirous  of 
beating  down  the  wages  now  main- 
tained by  organized  labor,  wages  that 
are  very  moderate  considering  the  cost 
of  living. 

In  many  instances  men  have  brought 
large  families  to  this  new  country  of 
undeveloped  resources,  only  to  be  com- 
pelled to  ask  the  city  and  county  offi- 
cials to  give  them  the  bread  to  keep 
their  loved  ones  from  the  awful  pangs 
of  starvation.  This  condition  is  preva- 
lent over  all  Oregon.  From  the  wide- 
ly-advertised Medford  in  southern  Ore- 
gon, a  city  of  15,000  inhabitants, 
comes  the  message  that  a  thousand 
men  are  unemployed  in  that  town — ^no 
chance  to  work. 

We  ask  you,  therefore,  to  place  this 
state  of  affairs  before  the  membership 
of  your  locals  and  see  that  this  in- 
formation is  given  widest  publicity  in 
your  papers.  Bnclosed  are  a  few 
posters  which  we  wish  you  to  post  in 
conspicuous  places  about  the  meeting 
halls  of  the  working  men  and  women, 
that  they  may  not  be  misled  or  in- 
veigled into  venturing  into  Oregon 
unless  they  have  sufficient  means  to 
support  themselves  here  until  condi* 
tions  adjust  themselves. 

Yours  fraternally, 

Arthitb  W.  Lawbbngb, 
Secretary, 


Purpose  of  the  Boy  Scout  Movement 

The  Boy  Scout  movement  is  not  only 
an  attempt  to  provide  the  material  for 
a  great  fighting  force,  to  train  boys  to 
become  efficient  soldiers,  it  also  aims 
to  exert  an  influence  in  industry. 

It  is  a  movement  called  into  being 
by  the  fact  that  thousands  of  people, 
workers  especially,  are  beginning  to 
inquire  Into  the  miserable  social  con- 
ditions now  existing,  and  to  accept  the 
correct  remedy.  It  is  designed  not  to 
provide  another  remedy  for  those  con- 


ditions, but  to  make  the  masses  con- 
tented with  them,  prepared  to  accept 
the  worst  and  to  fight  if  necessary  to 
maintain  things  as  they  are. 

Aside  from  being  an  effort  to  edu- 
cate boys  against  any  attempt  to 
change  the  social  system,  it  seeks  to 
turn  them  into  strikebreakers,  and 
profitable  servants  of  the  employing 
class  in  general.  The  man  who  figures 
as  the  founder  of  the  Boy  Scouts,  Sir 
Robert  Baden-Powell,  says  the  object  is 
not  to  make  military  scouts  of  the 
boys,  but  to  form  them  into  "Peace 
Scouts.">  Anyone  who  cares  to  read 
his  books  will  see  that  he  has  both 
objects  in  view. 

He  says  there  is  no  intention  of 
teaching  the  boys  militarism  or  blood- 
thirstiness,  and  proves  this  by  saying 
there  is  no  military  drill  in  the  train- 
ing of  scouts.  He  gives  as  his  reason 
for  this  omission  the  fact  that  military 
drill  does  not  produce  the  best  sol- 
diers. In  other  words,  he  has  discov- 
ered a  better  method  of  producing  sol- 
diers, and  then  expects  his  readers  to 
believe  that  he  doesn't  want  to  produce 
them.  His  books  are  full  of  stories 
calculated  to  show  the  life  of  the  sol- 
dier to  be  an  ideal  one  for  a  boy.  On 
every  page  the  Scout  is  exhorted  to 
"Be  Prepared"  to  fight  for  his  king  and 
his  country  when  ordered  to  do  so. 
The  Boy  8cout  movement  is  not  open- 
ly militaristic.  It  is  worse.  It  subtly 
appeals  to  the  youthful  imagination 
and  paves  the  way  for  the  boy  to  be- 
come a  willing,  trustful  and  obedient 
soldier. 

This  is  its  least  important  character, 
however.  The  peace  part  of  the  pro- 
gram is  by  far  the  worst.  It  is  the 
most  dangerous  to  the  future  well- 
being,  comfort  and  happiness  of  the 
working  class.  Imagine  what  would 
happen  in  the  event  of  any  body  of 
workers  demanding  a  higher  wage  or 
better  working  conditions,  if  the  em- 
ployers had  at  their  disposal  an  army 
of  efficient  workers  trained  to  obey 
quickly  and  cheerfully  the  orders  of 
their  superiors.  That  is  exactly  what 
Baden-Powell  and  the  class  of  which 
he  is  the  voice  are  aiming  at.  One  has 
only  to  read  the  work  entitled  "The 
Canadian  Boy  Scout"  to  verify  this 
statement. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  sought  to 
make    scouts    strive    to    secure    "pro- 


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212 


'OURNAI.   OF    THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


flciency  badges."  In  order  to  get  theBe 
badges,  scouts  are  required  to  qualify 
as  blacksmiths,  bee  farmers,  airmen, 
carpenters,  clerks,  stenographers,  cooks, 
dairymen,  electricians,  telegraphers, . 
engineers,  farmers,  firemen,  farriers, 
gardeners,  "handymen,"  photographers, 
plumbers,  poultry  farmers,  printers, 
seamen,  and  military  occupations  such 
as  marksmen,  buglers,  etc.  The  scout 
organization,  then,  according  to  its  own 
authorities,  is  a  training  ground  for 
tradesmen  and  workers  of  all  grades. 

So  much  for  the  technical  part  of  a 
scout's  education,  now  for  the  moral 
or  social  part.  The  idea  that  is  in- 
sisted upon  more  than  any  other  is 
that  the  scout  must  obey  orders. 
Orders  from  wliom?  From  those  in 
authority  over  him,  of  course,  which 
in  the  last  analysis  would  be  the  gov- 
ernment. In  strikes,  governments  are 
always  on  the  side  of  the  employers. 

Further,  scouts  are  taught  to  accept 
all  conditions  with  a  smile  and  with- 
out any  complaints,  and  to  perform 
serviioee  for  others  cheerfully  and  with- 
out thought  of  any  reward.  Who  are 
the  "others"?  Those  who  would  be  in 
a  position  to  request  the  services  of 
scouts.  The  government  again,  and 
finally,  the  employing  class.  Here  is  a 
paragraph  from  Baden-Powell's  book: 

"A  ship  can  be  either  a  heaven  or  a 
hell;  it  dei>end8  entirely  on  the  men 
In  her.  If  they  are  surly,  inclined  to 
grouee,  and  untidy,  they  will  be  an  un- 
happy ship's  company.  If  they  are. 
Mke  scouts,  cheerily  determined  to 
make  the  best  of  things,  to  give  and 
take,  and  to  keep  thedr  place  tidy  and 
clean,  they  will  be  a  happy  family  and 
enjoy  their  life." 

If  this  is  not  designed  to  prevent 
shipowners  and  other  owners  from 
ever  having*  comiplalnts  of  horrible  and 
unsafe  conditions  in  their  ships,  fac- 
tories, etc.,  then  what  is  it  for?  No 
other  construction  can  be  placed  upon 
it.  It  is  such  a  spirit,  coupled  with 
the  fear  of  dismissal,  that  is  respon- 
sible for  many  fatal  accidents  and 
great  disasters.  Workmen  are  often 
aware  that  they  are  in  danger  of  their 
lives  but  are  so  resigned  to  their  fate, 
or  in  such  fear  of  losing  their  jobs, 
that  they  say  nothing. 

As  a  whole,  the  Boy  Scout  movement 
is  started  for  the  one  purpose  of  pro- 
viding the  employers    of   the    British 


empire  with  a  reserve  army  of  work- 
ingmen  which  will  be  always  ready  to 
protect  their  property  and  assist  them 
in  their  eSoiis  to  secure  greater  profits. 

The  <mly  attempt  to  ofFer  an  explana- 
tion of  social  problems  appears  in  the 
form  of  that  old  exploded  theory  tiiat 
all  working  olass  miseries  are  caused 
by  a  lack  of  thrift  The  scout  Is 
taught  to  save.  Moreover  he  is  told 
that  saving  will  keep  him  from  wmnt 
BadenrPoweU  says  on  this  point: 

"A  very  large  proportion  of  the 
distress  and  unemployedness  in  all 
countries  is  directly  dne  to  tiie  want 
of  thrift  on  the  part  of  the  people  them- 
selves. Our  social  reformers,  before 
seeking  for  new  remedies,  would  do 
well  to  set  this  part  of  the  problem 
right  in  the  first  place.  They  would 
then  probably  find  very  little  more  left 
for  them  to  do.  There  is  money 
enough  in  Britain  to  go  round  if  it 
were  properly  made  use  of  by  all  work- 
ingmen." 

Thus,  Mr.  Worklngman,  they  hope  to 
teach  your  boy  to  become  a  manly,  up- 
right citizen  by  teaching  him  a  false- 
hood to  start  with.  The  truth,  which 
is  not  denied  by  anybody  except  when 
it  is  hoped  to  deceive  somebody,  is 
this:  Employment  comes  from  Busi- 
ness, Business  comes  from  Busring, 
Buying  means  spending,  and  a  good 
deal  of  the  spending  comes  out  «- 
Wages,  which  come  from  Employment. 
When  spending  ceases,  business  suf- 
fers and  employment  falls  ofF.  Wealth 
comes  not  from  saving  but  from  spend- 
ing. Fortunes  are  made  because  can^ 
talists  spend  their  money  in  buying 
labor-power  and  getting  the  beet  of  the 
bargain.  Nobody  ever  got  wealthy 
through  saving  yet.  Poverty  increases 
because  workingmen  sell  labor-power 
and  get  the  worst  of  the  bargain  by 
selling  ft  for  less  thian  it  will  produce. 

To  sum  up:  The  Boy  Scout  move- 
ment will  not  produce  Men,  but  will 
deepen  Ignorance  and  prejudices  and 
make  boys  into  servile,  willing  slaves. 

Working  parents  should  teaoh  their 
boys  to  obey  no  orders  that  do  not 
satisfy  their  reasoning  powers;  to  de- 
sire independence  and  to  love  true  lib- 
erty; to  avoid  working  for  any  man: 
that  labor  produces  all  wealth;  to  re- 
gard the  happiness,  comfort  and  well- 
being  of  those  who  toil  as  the  greatest 
of  all  objects  for  which  to  strive,  and 
to  realize  that  poverty  is  something 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMSRIOA. 


218 


whleh  can  easily  be  done  away  with  by 
the  xmlted  action  of  the  working  claM 
in  laying  hold  of  those  things  which 
are  socially  operated  to  produce  wealth. 
— Western  Clarion. 


ImportaAl  —  Stay  Away  from  California  — 
No  Work  to  be  Hod. 

San  Fbancisco,  Cal. 
To  Whom  It  May  Concern: 

During  the  past  few  months  San 
Francisco  and  California  have  been  ad- 
vertised in  the  various  sections  of  the 
country  as  an  ideal  place  for  men  who 
desire  employment  at  high  wages.  Thl« 
sort  of  falsehood  has  been  continiued 
hj  designing  men  and  institutions 
until  California  has  been  flooded  with 
idle  men.  who  have  been  lured  to  the 
land  of  sunshine  and  flowers  by  the 
agents  of  grinding  greedy  who  hoped 
by  tills  means  to  reap  handsome 
profits. 

Tlie8e  falsehoods  have  been  believed 
by  many  persons  because  of  the  fact 
that  the  Panama-Paclflc  Exposition  is 
to  be  held  in  San  Francisco  in  1916. 
and  another  exposition  in  San  Diego  at 
the  same  time.  Otherwise  the  vidous- 
nras  of  the  mammon-loving  gentry 
might  not  have  yielded  such  returns. 

The  truth  is,  that  there  is  at  the 
present  time  an  army  of  idle  men  in 
CaUfomia.  larger  than  at  any  time 
rince  the  great  panic  of  1893-1895,  sev- 
enteen years  ago,  and  there  Is  no  pros- 
pect of  relief  from  this  condition  of 
alEaire.  In  San  Francisco  alone  there 
are  30,000  idle  men  among  its  resident 
citizens,  to  say  nothing  of  those  who 
have  been  inveigled  into  coming  to  this 
coast  by  the  greedy  railroads,  real  es- 
tate sharks  and  other  plunderers  who 
profit  by  such  a  condition  of  affairs. 
The  jails  and  charity  institutions  are 
nightly  filled  with  homeless  men  who 
baTe  fallen  victims  to  the  deceit  of  the 
profit  mongers,  who  are  without  con- 
science or  feeling,  as  they  reach  out 
tbeir  filthy  hands  to  grasp  the  pennies 
of  the  poor. 

There  is  not  enough  worlt  at  the 
present  time  to  engage  fifty  per  cent 
of  the  labor  now  here,  yet  the  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce  of  San  Francisco  is 
circulating  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
poBt-cajtl  falsehoods  throughont  the 
world  in  an  effort  to  induce  other 
workers  to  come  to  a  land  of  idleness, 

hunger  and  misery. 


This  warning  is  sent  out  in  the 
hope  that  those  who  eee  it  may  spread 
the  truth  far  and  wide,  and  thus  balk 
the  minions  of  greed  on  this  coast  in 
their  efforts  to  'profit  by  the  misery  of 
thoee  undfortunate  enough  to  be  seardb- 
ing  for  emiploymont 

Gold  is  the  only  God  these  greedy 
mortals  know,  and  so  long  as  there  is 
a  diance  to  grasp  a  dime,  they  crave 
it,  and  would  take  it  out  of  the  palsied 
hand  of  advanced  age  or  from  the 
helpless  fingers  of  puny  infancy,  with- 
out a  pang  of  conscience,  or  the  slight- 
est regret  Such  is  the  character  of 
the  men  responsible  for  the  false  pic- 
tures of  California  conditions  now 
being  q[>read  throughout  the  world. 

There  is  no  demand  for  labor  here — 
nothing  but  Idleness  on  every  hand. 
Our  streets  are  lined  with  idle  men  in 
search  of  employment,  many  of  them 
without  means  to  sustain  themoelves, 
and  compelled  to  depend  upon  the 
charity  of  strangers. 

Stay  away  from  Oalifornia  until 
such  time  as  you  receive  information 
from  trustworthy  sources  that  there  is 
work  for  you  here. 

Fraternally, 
(Signed)     Paul    Schabbenbbbq, 
Secretary,  Oalifornia  State  Federation 
of  Labor, 
(Signed)     John  I.  Nolan, 
Secretary,  League  for  the  Protection  of 
the  Unemployed. 


A  Bit  of  Repartee. 

"I  think  it  is  a  grand  thing  to  see 
a  woman  taking  in  washing.  She's 
far  better  than  her  richer  sisters  who 
spend  their  time  taking  in  men,"  de- 
clared Father  Vauf;han  in  a  recent 
analysis  of  feminine  tendencies. 

"But,"  replies  Ida  Husted  Harper, 
"if  they  don't  take  in  the  men  how 
are  they  going  to  fulfill  their  only 
legitimate  duties  t according  to  Father 
Vaughan)  of  wife  and  mother?  Be- 
sides, taking  in  the  men  is  usually  pre- 
liminary to  taking  in  the  washing. 
Then  the  washing  is  necessary  to  sup- 
port the  man  in  order  that  he  may 
prove  the  survival  of  the  fittest." 

It  is  the  reverend  father's  next  move 
and  we  shall  await  it  with  interest. — 
Life, 


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214 


JOU&NAL   OP   THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


A.  r.  L  WEEKLY  NEWS  LERER. 


Attobney*s  Bitteb  Arraignment. 

Washington,  Marcli  23. — In  the  argu- 
ments before  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  District  of  Columbia  in  the  con- 
tempt case  against  the  Federation  oflEl- 
cials,  AssifPtant  Attorney-General  Wil- 
son made  a  startling  assertion.  He  was 
discussing  the  attitude  assumed  by 
President  Gompers,  Vice-President 
Mitchell  and  Secretary  Morrison  in 
contending  for  their  constitutional 
rights,  in  the  face  of  the  injimction 
issued  by  Justice  Wright.  In  conclud- 
ing, the  Assistant  Attorney-General 
said:  "And  when  we  further  consider 
that  there  is  rife  ii^  the  land  now  the 
theory  thcLt  people  may  determine  the 
eternal  principles  of  right  and  justice 
for  themselves,  that  it  is  not  for  the 
courts,  but  that  it  is  finally  for  the 
voice  of  the  people,  speaking  by  the 
act  of  majority,  to  determine  and  say 
what  are  these  eternal  principles  of 
right,  these  God-given  principles  of 
Justice— taken  in  connection  with  all 
that  is  now  in  the  air,  with  this  dan- 
gerous heresy  announced  by  these  lead- 
era  of  the  people,  sowing  the  seeds  of 
rebellion,  I  submit  to  the  court  it  is 
the  solemn  duty  not  only  of  the  court 
but  of  everybody  who  is  concerned 
with  the  administration  of  Justice,  to 
do  everything  in  their  power  to  imme- 
diately stamp  it  out  and  destroy  it." 

Steel  Coaches  Prevent  Fatalities. 

Washington.  March  23. — In  com- 
menting on  the  wreck  of  the  Twentieth 
Century  Limited  on  the  New  York  Cen- 
tral at  Poughkeepsie,  railroad  men 
assert  that  steel  coaches  have  been  the 
means  of  avoiding  a  terrible  lose  of 
life.  In  six  of  the  eleven  accidents  of 
this  year  on  the  road  mentioned  not  a 
life  was  lost.  In  practically  all,  the 
elements  were  present  that,  except 
where  steel  cars  were  used,  would  have 
made  heavy  fatalities  probable. 

New  Street  Car  Organization. 

Toledo,  O.,  March  23. — ^After  about 
seventeen  years  of  non-unionism,  a 
charter  has  been  issued  to  the  employes 
of  the  Toledo  Traction  Company  by  the 
Amalgamated  Association.  The  com- 
pany has  bitterly  fought  the  or^aniza- 
tfon  of  its  men,  and  Rezin  Orr,  the 


treasurer  of  the  Amalgamated  Assoda- 
ti03,  was  badly  beaten  up  by  thugs  em- 
ployed by  the  traction  company  while 
foiming  the  organization.  It  is  stated 
that  the  organization  is  now  in  a  fair 
way  to  protect  the  interests  of  the  em- 
ployes. 
Desertion  Bill  Reported  Favorably. 
Washington,  March  23. — Senator 
Nelson's  bill,  abolishing  the  penalty  of 
imprisonment  for  desertion  of  seamen 
from  vessels  of  the  United  States  and 
also  for  refusal  to  Join  the  vessel,  has 
been  ordered  favorably  reported  from 
the  Senate  Committee  on  Commerce. 

Glass  Workers  Get  Raise. 
Pittsburg,  Pa.,  March  23. — Five  thou- 
sand hand  window  glass  workmen  em- 
ployed in  factories  throughout  Kansas, 
Indiana,  Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and  West 
Virginia  have  secured  an  increase  in 
wages  averaging  35  per  cent.,  all 
branches  of  the  industry  being  aifected. 

To  Celebrate  Labor  Dat. 

London,  March  23. — May  day,  this 
year,  is  to  be  declared  a  general  labor 
holiday,  although  it  falls  upon  a  week 
day.  It  is  to  be  made  the  occasion  of 
the  greatest  labor  demonstration  ever 
seen  in  this  country.  Hitherto  the 
principAl  May  day  celebrations  hare 
been  held  on  the  first  Sunday  in  May. 
In  South  Wales  250,000  workers  will 
st(^  work  on  May  1st  to  attend  the 
demonstrations.  The  greatest  meet- 
ings in  the  country  will  be  held  in 
Cardiff,  Liverpool,  Newcastle  and 
Dundee. 

Railroads  Ask  for  Time. 

Washington,  March  23. — ^Representa- 
tives of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive 
Engineers  met  recently  with  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  eastern  railroads  to 
discuss  the  demands  for  increased 
wages.  After  a  conference  it  was  de- 
cided to  adjourn  until  March  25th.  at 
the  request  of  the  railroads.  The  ques- 
tion o'  increased  wages  was  not  gone 
into  to  any  extent,  the  railroads  an- 
nouncing that  they  desired  further  time 
to  consider  the  matter  before  making 
a  definite  reply. 

"Fellow-Servant    IjAw    Established.'* 
Washington.    March    23. — ^The    Su- 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


216 


preme  Court  bas  decided  tha/t  employee 
In  tbe  car  repairing  department  o{  a 
railroad  are  fellow  Bervants  of  em- 
ployee in  the  operating  department, 
thereby  relieving  the  employing  rail- 
road from  liability  for  injuries  to  the 
former  claee  by  the  latter.  "The  doc- 
trine of  fellow-eervants  is  established/' 
said  Justice  Holmes,  "whatever  may  be 
thought  of  it."  The  justice,  however, 
added '^at  it  was  for  Congreas  to 
change  the  law  If  it  so  desired. 

Pkkb  Mabquette  Settlement. 
Washikoton,  March  23. — ^An  arbitra- 
tion board  appointed  under  the  Indus- 
trial disputes  and  investigation  act  of 
Canada  has  just  given  an  award  in 
favor  of  the  members  of  the  Interna- 
tional Brotherhood  of  Maintenance  of 
Way  Employee  as  against  the  Pere 
Marquette  and  its  officials.  The  act 
under  which  the  settlement  was  made 
is  compulsory,  cmd  this  is  the  sixth  or 
seventh  time  that  it  has  been  invoked 
by  the  organization  referred  to. 

Contempt  Case  Closed. 
Washington,  March  23. — ^The  testi- 
mony in  the  contempt  case  is  all  in 
and  the  arguments  have  been  con- 
cluded. The  arraignment  of  President 
Gompens,  Vice-President  Mitchell  and 
Secretary  Morrison  by  the  attorneys 
for  the  court  was  bitter  and  vindictive. 
It  is  anticipated,  although  there  is  no 
means  of  learning  definitely,  that  the 
decision  will  be  handed  down  within 
thirty  days. 

Explosion  Result  of  Incompetenot. 

Washington,  Blarch  28.— The  press 
diq[>atches  recently  carried  the  news 
that  the  boiler  of  a  locomotive  in  the 
Southern  Pacific  railroad  yards  at  San 
Antonio,  Tex.,  had  blown  up  and 
killed  twenty-five  workmen.  This  is 
one  of  the  effects  of  employing  men 
who  are  unfamilliar  with  railroad  re- 
quirements and  are  incompetent.  There 
is  a  strike  on  the  railroad  mentioned, 
and  it  has  employed  men  without  re- 
gard to  their  qualifications  to  take  the 
places  of  the  strikers.  It  is  stated  that 
many  of  these  men  are  totally  ignorant 
of  the  workings  of  an  engine,  and  it  is 
Mserted  that  the  engine  which  blew  up 
and  caused  the  catastrophe  had  not 
only  not  had  proper  care,  but  that  cold 
water  had  been  injected  into  the  boiler 
at  a  time  when  tihe  water  in  the  flues 


was  extremely  low,  thus  causing  an  ex- 
plosion. , 
Reading  and  Wbiting  Test. 
Washington,  March  23.— Senator 
Simmons  is  advocating  a  reading  and 
writing  test  for  immigrants  as  an 
amendment  to  the  Dillingham  immi- 
gration bill.  The  Senator  asserted 
that  the  oppositlQu  to  this  test  came 
chiefly  from  the  steamship  and  railroad 
oompaniee  and  Interests  which  seek 
cheaper  labor  than  the  American 
standard  of  living  will  allow,  and 
ascribing  the  recent  strike  in  Law- 
rence, Mass.,  as  a.  result  of  our  immi- 
gration laws,  the  manufacturers  taking 
advantage  of  the  ignorance  of  foreign 
workmen  by  paying  a  starvation  wage. 

SwiTOHMAN  Made  Speaker. 
Washington,  March  23.— Samuel  S. 
Bradner,  a  switchman  in  the  Southern 
Pacific  yards  at  Benson,  Arizona,  has 
been  elected  speaker  of  the  house  of 
Arizona's  first  legislature  by  the  Demo- 
crats. It  is  also  stated  that  the  legis- 
lature will  enact  a  constitutional 
amendment  reinserting  the  recall  of 
the  judiciary,  this  feature  having  been 
stricken  from  the  constitution  as  orig- 
inally adopted  by  the  infiuence  brought 
to  bear  by  President  Taft. 

Selling  Jobs  to  Girls. 
HoLTOKE,  Mass.,  March  23. — A  prac- 
tice has  been  uncovered  In  this  city 
whereby  working  girls  have  been  made 
victims.  Recently  the  fact  was  re- 
vealed that  in  the  mills  of  the  Farr  Al- 
paca Company  foremen  have  been  in 
the  habit  of  selling  jobs  to  girls.  In 
one  instance  it  is  reported  that  $10  was 
taken  from  a  young  woman  and  she 
was  promised  the  first  vacancy  In  a 
certain  department  Evidently  the 
foreman  got  mixed  and  gave  another 
young  lady,  whom  he  had  made  a  pre- 
vious promise  to,  the  vacancy  which 
occurred.  The  other  girl,  incensed  at 
the  treatment,  went  to  the  superintend- 
ent, and  as  a  consequence  the  foreman 
was  discharged.  It  Is  stated  that  this 
practice  has  been  common. 

Gband  Trunk  Reduces  Wages. 
Washington,  March  23. — It  Is  re- 
ported from  Toronto,  Ont.,  that  the 
Grand  Trunk  has  reduced  the  wages  of 
practically  all  trainmen  in  its  employ 
in  the  Dominion.  The  cut  in  wages 
ranges  from  ten  to  twenty-five  per  cent. 


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The  Journal  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 


OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


Devoted  to  the  intereet  of  those  ewUching  can  in  particular,  and  to  the  advancement 
of  all  useful  toilers  in  general. 


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INTERNATIONAL  OmCERS 

INTBRNATIONAL    PRB8IDBNT. 

S  B.  Heberling.  826  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buf- 
falo. N.  T. 

Grand  Ssorbtart  and  Trbabuebl 
M.  R.  Welch,  S26  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buffalo. 
N.  Y. 

Journal  Bditok. 
W.  H.  Thompson,  826  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buf- 
falo. N.  Y. 

Grand  Board  of  DzRacTORB. 

F.  C.  Janes.  1261  Metropolitan  Ave.,  Kan- 
sas City.  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cummlngs.  250  Whltesboro  St., 
UUca.  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Titus.  1878  B.  92d  St,  Cleveland,  O. 

International  Vice-Prbsidbnts. 

J.  B.  Connors,  688  E.  4l8t  St,  Chicago,  HL 

L.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 

T.  Clohessy,  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  HI. 

F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Bufflao,  N.  Y. 
T.  J.  Mlsenhelter.  607  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale,  Kan. 

Protective  Board. 

R.  W.  Flynn,  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scrmn- 
ton.  Pa. 

G.  C.  Hess.  679  18th  St,  Detroit,  Mich. 

T.  H.   Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago, 

HL 
Dan  Smith,  6647  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 

HI.  ^^ 

A.  J.   Peterson,  1908   Heath  St  Weflt-Ft 

William,  Ont 

Grand  Medical  EIxaminbr. 

M.  A.  Sullivan,  M  D.,  826  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


THREE  MONTHS'  CARNAGE  ON  UNITO) 
STATES  RAILROADS. 

'Hie  number  of  persons  losing  their 
llTes  during  the  months  of  July,  Au- 
gust and  September,  1911,  according  to 
reports  made  to  the  Interstate  Com- 
merce Commission  by  the  railroad 
companies  under  the  "Accident  Law** 
of  May  6,  1910,  was  201,  and  of  those 
injured  4,283.  Other  accidents  not  in- 
cluded in  those  figures,  such  as  those 
not  coming  under  this  act,  such 
as  by  passengers  when  getting  on 
and  off  carsy  by  people  at  high- 
way crossings,  by  those  doing  boai- 
ness  at  stations,  etc.,  by  trespsssers 
and  others,  brings  the  total  of  those 
killed  up  to  2,768,  and  tihe  injured  list 
to  19,107.  In  this  report  the  number 
given  for  those  killed  include  all  whose 
death  occurred  within  twenty-four 
hours  from  time  of  receiving  their  in- 
juries, but  does  not  include  those  who 
died  from  injuries  sustained  who  lived 
beyond  a  period  of  twenty-tour  hours, 
but  whose  deaths  were  attributable  to 
such  injuries.    Such  are  reported  only 


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UNION   OP  NORTH   AMHRICA. 


217 


tm  injured.*  Neither  does  this  report 
include  tbose  whose  injuriee  do  not 
prevent,  in  the  aggregate,  a  lose  of 
more  than  three  days'  senrice  within 
the  t^i  daye  immediately  following 
euoh  accident  Nor  do  they  Include  the 
deaths  and  injuries  due  to  what  are 
considered  as  "induatrial  accidents  to 
employes,"  such  as  tiiose  injured  while 
working  on  tracks  or  bridges,  at  sta- 
tions, freight  houses,  engine  houses, 
coaling  etatione,  etc.,  where  no  moving 
railroad  car  or  engine  is  Involved;  in 
and  around  shops;  on  boats  and 
wharves;  at  other  places."  Yet  there 
were  181  killed  and  28,660  injured 
among  those  daeses  of  employes. 
These  extra  deaths  and  injured  added 
to  those  already  accounted  for,  make  a 
total  for  those  killed  of  2,889.  and 
those  injured  42,767,  or  a  grand  total  of 
46,646  for  the  death  and  injury  toll 
contributed  during  those  three  months 
to  ke^  commerce  moving  and  traffic 
normal.  For  the  ninety^wo  days  ac- 
counted for  in  this  report  there  was 
a  sacrifice  of  81  lives,  and  the  injury 
of  466  persons  for  each  twenty-four 
hours,  or  a  death  for  each  46  minutes 
and  27  seoondB,  and  an  injury  eus- 
tained  every  three  minutes  during  this 
time.  So  whatever  may  have  been  ac- 
complished towards  placing  railroad 
management  upon  a  basis  of  sane  busi- 
ness methods,  they  are  far  from  afford- 
ing a  haven  of  safety  to  life  and  limb. 
for  either  their  employes  or  the  trav- 
eling and  resident  public.  The  damage 
to  cars,  engines  and  roadway,  as 
stated  in  this  bulletin,  was  $2,633,170. 
No  amount  is  given  for  the  coet  of  liti- 
gation and  settlement  of  claims  arising 
from  the  deaths  and  injuries  sustained, 
yet  in  the  aggregate  it  must  have  been 
as  much  as  the  damage  to  equipment 
and  the  track.  Collisions,  derailments, 
boiler  explosions,  overhead  structures, 
and  most  every  other  known  danger 
to  the  UMvement  of  cars  enter  into  the 


causes  of  this  horrid  mangling  and 
maiming  of  humanity.  These  quar- 
terly arrays  of  death  and  Injury  sta- 
tistics should  seriously  impress  the 
minds  of  the  general  public  and  law- 
making bodies,  at  least  to  the  extent 
of  forcing  upon  those  great  common 
carriers  the  ado|>tlon  of  every  most 
effective  known  life^aving  device  and 
rulOb  In  order  that  the  public  and  the 
employes  may  enjoy  the  greatest  pos- 
sible protection  from  death  and  injury. 
The  employes  should  also  learn  a  use- 
ful lesson  from  such  a  hoilocaust 
record,  to  the  ext^it  of  an  observance, 
if  possible,  of  the  exercise  of  a  greater 
degree  of  vigilance  and  thought  as  to 
the  dangers  constantly  before  them, 
and  a  refusal  on  their  part  to  jump 
unthinkingly  into  them.  iBIany  times 
a  careful  observance  of  dangerous  ob- 
structions, dangerous  frogs,  side  or 
overhead  obstructions,  will  prevent 
some  of  these  injuries.  The  same  is 
true  relative  to  pushing  drawbars  over 
with  feet  or  trying  to  open  contrary 
knuckles  on  moving  cars  when  close 
to  those  where  couplings  are  to  be 
made.  A  little  less  hurry  and  worry 
will  cure  many  of  the  ills  of  railroad 
life  whenever  they  are  properly  exer- 
cised, and  would  have  a  marked  tend- 
ency towards  a  substantial  reduction 
of  this  casualty  and  injured  list.  But 
State  and  Federal  authorities  should 
and  must  exercise  a  much  saner  regu- 
lation over  railroads  as  to  forbiddance 
of  overhead  or  side  obstructions  that 
will  not  afford  ample  clearances  for 
employes  on  the  top  or  side  of  cars, 
where  their  duties  constantly  require 
them.  While  there  is  now  a  law  for- 
bidding employes  doing  interstate  rail- 
road work  being  on  duty  more  than  a 
continuous  period  of  16  hours  without 
rest,  yet  it  is  sometimes  violated,  as  it 
was  when  a  serious  life-destroying  col- 
lision on  the  Minneapolis,  St.  Paul  A 
Sault  9te  Marie  Railway,  occurred  at 


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JOURNAL   OF   THH    SWITOHMBN'8 


fitevena  Point,  Wia.,  July  5,  1911. 
It  receives  considerable  attention 
in  this  bulletin.  At  the  time  of  this 
collision  one  of  the  crews  had  been  on 
duty  18  hours  and  60  minutes.  Four 
lives  were  lost  and  four  others  sus- 
tained serious  injuries  as  the  result  of 
this  accident.  The  entire  work  in  train 
and  switching  service  is  of  sucb  a  pre- 
cise nature  that  the  least  iota  of  non- 
observance,  forgetfulnees  or  dereliction 
of  duty  may  mean  many  deaths  cmd 
personal  injuries  as  well  as  great  dam- 
age to  property.  It  Is,  therefore,  of 
greait  concern  to  the  public  in  general, 
as  well  as  to  employes,  tdiat  no  one 
overtaxed  with  fatigue  or  long  dura- 
tion tests  be  allowed  to  direct  the 
movements  of  such  Iife-destro3rlng 
agencies.  The  sooner  the  work  day 
for  aM  employes  is  reduced  to  eight 
hours,  with  a  maximum  limit  of  ten 
hours  in  case  of  accident,  the  sooner 
wiU  ^e  minds  and  bodies  of  railway 
employes  be  in  proper  condition  to 
better  safeguard  themselves  and  the 
public  against  such  awful  carnage. 


ABOLISH  COMPANY  DOCTORS  AND 
COMPANY  HOSPITALS. 

Three  years  ago  last  March  the 
presidents  of  different  railroad  labor 
organizations  met  in  Chicago  to  form 
a  federation  of  trades.  I  appeared  be- 
fore them  to  advocate  the  elimination 
of  company  doctors  and  hospitals. 

Two  years  ago  last  May  our  dele- 
gate, C.  A.  Schwake  of  Harmony  Lodge 
No.  117,  since  then  deceased,  was  in- 
structed to  introduce  a  resolution  to 
that  efFect  at  the  Peoria  convention.  I 
would  like  to  have  the  S.  U.  N.  A.  to 
be  the  first  to  attempt  the  abolishing  of 
the  company  doctor  and  hospital.  Un- 
fortunately, there  was  so  much  other 
business  at  that  convention  that  Bro. 
Schwake's  resolution  was  not  intro- 
duced. 


In  the  February  issue  of  the  Joubnal 
there  was  printed  an  editorial,  "A 
Just  Verdict,"  two  paragraphs  of 
which  I  embody  in  this  letter: 

"An  interesting  case  of  corporation 
love  for  the  army  of  railroad  men  sac- 
rificing their  lives  in  performance  of 
duty,  has  lately  been  brought  to  Ught 
in  the  Supreme  Court  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 
where  the  jury  returned  a  verdict  of 
$6,175  in  favor  of  Mrs.  Helen  Whit- 
taker,  widow  of  G.  W.  Whittaker,  a 
switchman  employed  by  the  New  York 
Central  R.  R.,  who  received  fatal  In- 
juries March  15,  1911,  in  its  BufTalo 
yards,  as  a  recompense  for  the  loss  of 
his  life  and  her  support. 

"From  the  evidence  brought  out  at 
court,  according  to  press  reports, 
Whittaker,  while  on  the  footboard  of 
an  engine,  and  while  in  the  perform- 
ance of  duty,  fell  in  front,  of  the  engine 
with  which  he  worked  on  account  of 
a  defective  grab-iron,  and  was  run  over 
and  so  severely  mangled  by  the  en- 
gine that  death  soon  relieved  him  of 
his  agonies.  As  soon  as  he  could  be 
extricated  from  beneath  the  engine  he 
was  removed  to  the  Emergency  Hos- 
pital, where  it  was  found  necessary  to 
amputate  one  of  his  limbs  and  where 
he  died  two  days  later,  according  to 
the  doctor's  death  certificate,  on  ac- 
count of  bright'e  disease  and  alcohol- 
ism. The  widow  was  lead  to  believe 
by  officials  of  the  company  that  she 
had  no  case  against  it  for  the  loss  of 
her  husband,  but  as  a  matter  of  gen- 
erosity they  would  allow  her  tHe  sum 
of  $600.  She  was  induced  by  them  to 
accept  this  amount  in  settlement  of 
the  case." 

I  was  so  much  impressed  by  this 
case  and  the  doctor's  love  for  poor 
Whittaker,  and  its  similarity  to  so 
many  others  that  might  be  produced, 
that  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  comment 
briefiy  upon  the  question  of  company 
doctors  and  company  hospitals.  My 
views  on  this  subject  are  as  follows: 
A  doctor  who  would  lower  the  noble 
profession  of  medical  science  to  work 
at  so  much  per  human  being,  would  be 
looking  after  the  interest  of  the  com- 
pany first  and  that  of  the  patient 
after.    He  would  be  capable  of  stoop- 


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219 


lag  to  equlYOcation  or  of  deliberately 
falsifying  to  shield  the  company,  as 
intimated  in  the  case  of  G.  W.  Whit- 
taker. 

If  the  company  can  secure  a  doctor 
to  work  for  it,  it  can  also  secure  more 
of  them  if  desired,  and  if  the  employed 
doctor  does  not  look  after  their  inter- 
ests like  that  of  any  other  iboss,  it 
will  get  some  doctor  who  will. 

"It  is  safe  to  say  that  many  injured 
employes  have  had  their  limbs  ampu- 
tated to  save  expense  to  the  company." 
"Many  a  poor  fellow  is  now  a  cripple 
because  it  might  cost  a  year's  hoiH>ital 
care  to  save  his  crushed  limb."  "It  is 
much  cheaper  to  amputate  the  limb 
and  discharge  the  patient  cured  in 
two  weeks,  but  the  poor  fellow  could 
never  grow  a  new  limb."  Above  is  a 
quotation  from  Dr.  Alex  C.  Wiener  of 
Chicago. 

When  an  accident  case  is  taken  to 
a  hospital  his  intimate  friends  and 
even  his  family  are  many  times  de- 
barred from  his  presence.  But  the 
doctors,  lawyers  and  claim  age4ts  of 
the  company  and  even  the  hospital 
people  are  in  cahoots  with  those  hon- 
orable men  who  are  trying  to  take  ad- 
vantage of  a  poor  victim  while  he  is 
in  a  dazed  condition.  Are  any  of  those 
people  his  friends  or  are  they  all  there 
in  the  interest  of  the  corporation? 

In  the  last  months  of  1909  and  first 
months  of  1910  a  member  of  Lodge 
No.  117,  Bond  by  name,  was  sick  in 
the  Monroe  St.  Hospital  in  Chicago. 
He  was  sick  with  typhoid  pneumonia. 
This  hospital  is  controlled  by  the  C, 
M.  ft  St  P.  R.  R.  Co.,  and  the  doctor 
in  charge  knew  to  a  cent  how  much  it 
cost  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.,  and  lamented 
to  Bro.  Westcott  about  it.  He  could 
not  amputate  or  remove  his  lungs  or 
intestines  to  cure  him  quickly,  but  do 
you  think  he  would  have  had  any  com- 
punction as  to  removing  a  leg,  arm 
or  any  other  part  of  this  poor  boy's 


snatomy,  except  killing  him,  to  have 
saved  expense?  By  the  way,  it  is 
common  gossip  that  this  doctor's 
father4n-law  is  an  undertaker  and  his 
brother-in-law  is  a  claim  agent  for  the 
C,  M.  ft  St.  P.  Lovely  combination. 
They  have  you  going  and  coming  until 
"you're  done  gone." 

Brother  switchmen,  when  you  put 
a  corporation  doctor  in  the  same.stand- 
ing  as  that  of  our  mutual  friend  (?) 
the  claim  agent,  you  will  have  him 
classed  correctly.  He  is  your  enemy 
if  the  claim  agent  is.  The  company 
hospital  is  your  enemy  if  the  company 
lawyer  and  claim  agent  are.  They  are 
all  working  in  unison  with  the  interest 
of  the  company  as  the  object,  and  not 
that  of  the  injured  patient. 

No  man  should  be  so  exclusive  as 
that  of  a  doctor.  He  should  be  under 
obligations  to  no  man  or  set  of  men. 
His  obligations  should  exclusively  be 
that  of  the  patient  he  attends. 

Does  any  employe  in  his  dullest  mo- 
ments imagine  for  one  instant  that 
the  corporations  maintain  hospitals 
and  doctors,  claim  agents  and  lawyers 
for  philanthropic  purposes?  Does  it 
not  appeal  to  you  as  a  business  propo- 
tion?  And  if  it  did  not  pay  them, 
well  they  would  be  immediately  abol- 
ished. No,  brothers,  the  hospital  is 
maintained  so  that  the  company  can 
take  care  of  its  injured  passengers  at 
your  expense.  Believe  me,  brother 
switchmen  and  R.  R.  employes,  if  you 
abolish  the  company  hospital  and 
company  doctors  you  would  very  soon 
have  the  very  best  and  up-to-date  safe- 
guards against  accident  that  human 
Ingenuity  could  suggest  Accidents 
and  injuries  would  be  reduced  to  a 
minimum  instead  of  a  maximum  as  at 
present. 

Members  of  the  S.  U.  N.  A.,  I  would 
urge  you  to  take  this  matter  up  in 
your  meetings  and  discuss  it,  for  it  is 
worthy  of  your  most  earnest  consid- 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITOHMBN'S 


eratlon  and  at  your  next  Intematiofoal 

conyentioii  take  determined  action  in 

favor  of  the  abolition  of  compay  hos- 

pitala  and  doctors  from  the  railroads 

forever. 

Db.  p.  a.  Kaits. 


WOMEN  SUFFRAGE. 

•Shall  the  conatltution  of  the  United 
States  be  so  amended  that  it  wiU  af- 
ford all  citizens  the  rights  of  suffrage, 
Irrespective  of  sex,  race,  color,  or  pre- 
vious servitude?  That  is  a  question 
that  has  come  before  the  present  ses- 
sion of  CJongress,  and  it  is  also  a  very 
live  issue  in  Great  Britain  at  the  pres- 
ent time.  In  this  country,  much  has 
already  been  accomplished  towards 
granting  the  rights  of  the  ballot  to  wo- 
men. Here  women  possess  equal  privi- 
leges with  men  at  all  elections  in  the 
states  of  Wyoming,  CJolorado,  Utah, 
Idaho,  Washington  and  California, 
while  in  a  portion  of  the  other  states 
they  are  clothed  with  suffrage  rights 
in  some  form  or  other  relative  to 
school  matters,  and  in  some  of  these 
states  one  or  more  counties  have 
elected  women  as  county  superintend- 
ents. In  Montana,  Louisiana,  Minne- 
sota, Michigan,  and  New  York,  women 
are  accorded  certain  suffrage  rights 
relative  to  voting  upon  questions  of 
taxation,  issuance  of  bonds,  etc.  So 
there  can  be  no  gainsaying  the  fact 
that  the  principle  is  being  more  and 
more  recognized  as  a  just  one  in  this 
country.  That  there  is  deep-rooted 
prejudice  against  the  question,  how- 
ever, none  will  deny,  and  no  state  has 
adopted  equal  suffrage  for  the  sexes 
without  having  been  antagonized  by 
the  strongest  opposition.  Neither  is  it 
possible  for  tihe  adherents  of  this  doc- 
trine to  have  this  question  submitted 
to  the  voters  of  any  state  without 
drastic  objections  being  raised  by  the 
opponents  of  equal  suffrage.     Yet,  as 


herein  stated,  equal  suffrage  with  men 
has  been  secured  in  six  states  and 
partial  suffrage  rights  in  several  of  the 
other  states.  So  there  can  be  no  get- 
ting away  from  the  fact  that  much 
progress  has  been  made  In  this  coun- 
try in  regard  to  our  estimates  of  the 
capabilities  of  our  wives,  daughters, 
sisters  and  mothers  to  properly  give 
expression  upon  all  questions  to  be  de- 
cided at  ballot  booths.  Since  women 
have  to  endure  their  full  share  of  the 
burdens  of  state,  and  since  they  are 
co-equals  of  men  in  all  affairs  of  life, 
the  advocates  of  equal  suffrage  are 
armed  with  the  strongest  of  arguments 
in  their  campaigns  for  equal  Justice 
and  equal  privileges  for  all  who  must 
equally  share  the  burdens  of  society. 

So  far  in  this  country,  those  who  ad- 
vocated the  elimination  of  sex  dis- 
tinctions in  regard  to  matters  of  state, 
have  done  so  through  persuasive, 
rather  than  belligerent  methods,  and 
as  a  result,  while  their  ultimate  hopes 
of  full  citizenship  may  have  been  some- 
what retarded,  yet  with  it  all,  there  has 
been  a  constant,  earnest  advocacy  of 
the  principle  for  several  years,  and  the 
prospects  for  full  political  freedom 
were  never  brighter  than  at  the  present 
time.  Among  those  billed  to  appear 
before  the  Judiciary  Ck)mmittee  of  the 
House  to  advocate  the  enactment  of 
suitable  legislation  that  will,  if  enacted, 
eliminate  altogether  sex  distinctions 
at  the  ballot-box  are:  Victor  L.  Ber- 
ger,  Wisconsin;  A.  W.  Rucker.  Col- 
orado: A.  W.  Lafferty,  Oregon;  Sen- 
ators Owen  and  Bume;  Gov.  Johnson 
of  California,  L.  F.  Brandeis  and  Dan- 
iel R.  Anthony,  Jane  Addams,  Mrs. 
La  Follette,  Caroline  A.  Lowe,  Leon- 
ora O'Reilly,  Mrs.  E.  Jean  Nelson  Pad- 
field,  Mrs.  Winston  Churchill,  Bfrs.  Ida 
Halsted  Harper,  Mrs.  Blsle  Cole 
Phillips,  Mrs.  Anita  C.  Block.  Mrs. 
Hooker,  Mrs.  Fitzgerald,  Miss  Shaw, 
and  Miss  Breckenrldge. 


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UNION    OP   NORTH   AMBIRIGA. 


221 


The  tett   ot    Oongrressman   Berger's 
neolHtion  is  as  folio w^s: 

**Resolved,  hy  ttie  Senate  and  House 
rfReppesentatlves  of  tlie  United  States 
of  America.  In  Congress  assembled 
(two-thirds  of  ea.cb.  liouse  concurring 
therein ),  That  tlie  following  article  is 
proposed  as  an  ajnendment  to  the  oon- 
itttntion  of  the  United  States,  which, 
when  ratified  by  tho  legislatures  of 
three-fourths  of  tlie  several  States, 
4aU  be  valid  to  all  Intents  and  pur- 
pose as  a  part  of  the  constitution: 

"Article  — ,  section  1.  The  right  of 
dthens  of  the  United  States  to  vote 
■ball  not  be  denied  or  abridged  by  the 
United  States  ot  by  any  State  on  ac- 
fOQEt  of  sex- 

•^SecUon  2.     ^Wtien    the  right  to  vote 

tt  any  election    for    choice  of  electors 

lor  President  and  Vice-President  of  the 

Xhdted  States,  Kepreeentatives  in  CJon- 

Sran,  the  executive  and  judicial  offices 

of  a  State,  or  the  members  of  the  legls- 

hiture  thereof,  is  denied  or  In  any  way 

•bridged  on  the   grounds   of   sex.   the 

basis  of  representation  therein  shall  be 

wduced  In  the  proportion    which    the 

vnmber  o!  citizens  shall  bear    to   the 

whole  number  of  male  and  female  citi- 

^tos  21  years  of  age  In  such  State." 

Should  this  resolution  receive  a  two- 
tlrfrds  vote  of  both  houses,  it  would 
then  be  submitted  to  the  various 
State«.  and  if  ratified  by  three-fourths 
of  the  legislatures  of  the  States,  would 
become  an  amendment  to  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  United  States,  and  the  long- 
■oasht  goal  an  established  law  in  every 
State,  A  mighty  petition  signed  by 
thousands  of  advocates  of  free  suffrage 
accompanied  the  resolution.  A  notable 
victory  was  achieved  last  year  by  the 
annexation  of  California  to  the  list  of 
free  suffrage  States,  and  this  fact  has 
•erred  as  an  Impetus  for  greater  seal 
Chan  ever  for  the  advocates  of  this 
cause  to  redouble  their  efforts  this 
year. 

Tn  Great  Britain  the  suffragists,  tired 


of  persuasive  methods,  in  their  efforts 
to  secure  full  citizenahlp,  have  resorted 
to  militant  tactics,  and  recently 
brought  their  cause,  not  only  prom- 
inently before  the  notice  of  the  people 
of  that  empire,  but  the  entire  world  as 
well,  by  their  Carrie  Nation  hatchet 
methods  of  destruotion  of  advertise- 
ment windows,  etc.  As  a  result  several 
of  the  prominent  advocates  are  now  in 
Jail  with  work  sentence  appendages 
pinned  onto  their  commitment  dura- 
tions. Mrs.  Emmeline  Parkhurot  was 
among  those  receiving  such  sentences. 
It  is  a  question  in  the  minds  of  many 
whether  or  not  such  drastic  measures 
contribute  to  the  advancement  of  the 
movements  being  espoused,  but  they 
do  demonstrate  the  fighting  qualities 
of  those  in  the  possession  of  the  cour- 
age required  to  oonunit  such  deeds 
openly  and  fearlessly. 


SUNDAY  MAY  26th,  THE  DATE  NAMED 
FOR  MEMORIAL  SERVICE. 

One  of  the  duties  of  the  Interna- 
tional President  of  this  union,  per 
Section  24  of  the  Grand  Lodge  Consti- 
tution, is  announcemeo/t  in  April  Jour- 
nal of  date  for  observance  of  memorial 
service.  In  compliance  therewith,  I 
hereby  designate  Sunday,  May  26th,  as 
an  appropriate  time  for  such  service. 
I  trust  all  lodges,  as  far  as  possible, 
will  arrange  to  hold  exercises  In  their 
regular  places  of  meeting,  or  elseiwhere 
if  more  appropriate,  invite  their  fam- 
ilies and  friends  to  attend  and  partici- 
pate In  them,  as  a  mark  of  gratitude 
cherished  for  our  deceased  brothers,  to 
whom  we  owe  so  much  for  their  efforts 
towards  raising  the  standards  of  life 
for  the  families  of  those  who  perform 
these  hazardous  duties. 

We  can  never  repay  the  obligation 
we  owe  to  those  who  have  sacrificed 
their  lives  that  we  mii^t  better  live, 
but  the  assembling  of  our  families, 
friends,  and  a  general  observance  on 


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222 


JOURNAIi   OF   THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


the  date  aseigned  for  tble  serrice,  will 
demoostrajte  in  a  most  befittin^r  man- 
ner our  belief  tliat  their  liyee  were  not 
lived  in  vain  and  their  ylrtnes  and 
sacrifices  have  not  been  forgotten.  I 
therefore  urge  upon  the  membership 
of  this  union  the  toportance  of  assem- 
bling together  upon  this  day  in  fulfill- 
ment of  the  purposes  here  mentioned. 
S.  E.  Hebebling,  President. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y..  March  15,  1912. 


LET  AU  OBSERVE  OUR  MEMORIAL  DAY 

As  announced  elsewhere  in  this  issue 
of  the  JoTTRNAL,  Sundaj,  May  2^1,  has 
been  designated  by  President  Heber- 
ling  as  Memorial  Day  for  the  lodges  of 
this  union. 

And  since  this  event  has  now  been 
established  for  some  time,  through 
constitutional  provision  in  our  union, 
it  would  seem  that  a  general  observ- 
ance of  this  day  should  prevail  in  all 
sections  of  the  country  where  our 
lodges  are  located,  and  that  suitable 
exercises  should  be  decided  upon  and 
arranged  for  by  each  lodge  or  group 
of  lodges  to  commemorate  our  respect 
and  esteem  for  the  brotherly  character- 
istics possessed  and  deeds  done  by 
those  who  have  departed  from  this  life, 
yet  who  not  long  ago  were  members 
with  us,  and  who  sacrificed  so  much 
of  their  time  and  effort  to  bring  about 
better  conditions  for  their  families. 
Nor  can  there  be  any  gainsaying  of  the 
fact  that  the  higher  standards  of  living 
enjoyed  by  the  families  of  switchmen 
today  were  largely  due  to  their  un- 
daunted spirit  of  determination  to  im- 
prove those  conditions.  It  always  re- 
quired great  tests  of  fortitude  and  en- 
durance to  overcome  difficulties  with 
which  they  were  beset,  yet  there  was 
always  an  enlistment  of  a  host  of  vol- 
unteer souls,  conscious  of  the  wrongs 
being  inflicted  upon  the  workers  of  our 
craft,  and  willing  to  make  the  fight 
and   sacrifices  necessary  to  overcome 


besetting  difficulties.    And  they  made 
them,  those  heroes,  for  whose  memory 
a  day  is  now  set  apart  each  year  by 
our  union  to  commemorate  their  far- 
sighted  vision  and  their  manly  efforts 
towards  an  early  realisation  of  them. 
Since  this  union  was   the    result    of 
their  splendid  courage  and  effort,  and 
since    its    representatives  some    time 
ago  conceived  the  debt  of  gratitude  the 
organisation  owed  to  the  pioneers  In 
its  early  history,  many  of  whom  had 
already  passed  from  the  scenes  of  this 
life,  and  since  it   was    through    this 
union,  as  the  medium  they  wrought  so 
many  changes  for  the  weal  of  all  who 
follow  this  vocation  for  a  livelihood, 
it  should  be  the  duty  of  every  member 
of  it  to  pay  an  annual  tribute  of  respect 
to  their  memory  by  as8emft)ling  some 
time,  some  where,  with  our  families 
and    friends   in   our   communities   of 
abode  and  conducting  suitable  memor- 
ial services  commemorative  of  our  de- 
parted brothers  on  the  day  set  apart 
for  that  purpose.    For  years  memorial 
services  have  been  observed    in    this 
country  to  testify  to  the  patriotism  of 
soldiers  of  war,   and    so   general    has 
the  spirit  of  respect  for    those    who 
have  fought  In  war  battles  become  timt 
Decoration  Day  has  almost  become  a 
national  holiday — there  being  only  ten 
States  that  have  not  declared  it  as  such. 
Just  why  soldiers  in  wars  show  any 
higher  conception  of  citizenship  duties, 
such  as  love  of  country,  patriotism,  flag 
or  whatever  other  form  of  expression 
used  to  apply  to  their  manly  worth, 
than    do    peaceful    working    soldiers 
whose  life  duties    are    civilizing,    up- 
building, the  cultivation  of  every  use- 
ful thing  in  life,  to  make  society  hap- 
pier and  governments  better,  is  one  of 
the  things  our  historians  have  sadly 
neglected  to  comment  upon.    Yet  the 
truth  of  the  matter  is  that  however 
Just  cause   there   might   be   for   war, 
there  could  never  be  one    unless  the 
peaceful  workers  furnished   the   men, 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRIOA. 


the  gtms,  the  food,  the  raiment,  and 
other  mimitions  necessary  for  it.  But 
ao  fer,  our  governments  and  big  war 
adTocate  business  men  can  see  no 
glory,  nothing  worthy  of  perpetuation 
and  commemoration  unless  a  halo  of 
war  glory  pervades  its  composition. 

Bnt  more  and  more  the  workers  see 
tl^  folll^  of  wars,  and  each  day  finds 
new  recruits  to  the  belief  they  are  en- 
tirely uncalled  for,  and  that  the  real 
merits  of  life  are  not  to  slaughter  bnt 
preeerve,  edify  and  strengthen  all  hu- 
manity by  teaching  all  the  importance 
of  useful  work  and  the  application  of 
the  rewards  of  such  work  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  all,  rather  than  the  de- 
etniction  of  the  fairest  of  our  young 
citizenship.  So  the  hosts  of  labor  are 
now  also  observing  memorial  days  to 
commeznorate  the  peaceful  victories 
won  and  sacrifices  made  by  their  de- 
parted brothers  and  sisters,  whose' 
peaceful  life  works  are  amply  attested 
tn  every  community  in  the  world.  May 
this  spirit  of  respect  for  things  useful 
eofstinue  to  grow  and  so  reign  in  the 
Binds  of  all  that  the  word  war  will 
•oon  become  obsolete. 


Wf  ARC  TAUGHT  A  USEf  UL  LESSON  BY 
THE  WORKERS  AT  LAWRENCE. 

For  some  time  public  attention  has 
been  focused  upon  the  city  of  Law- 
renee,  Mass.,  as  upon  no  other  city  in 
the  country.  Not  that  It  is,  under 
ordinary  drcmnstances,  of  any  more 
importance  than  other  cities  of  similar 
population  and  commercial  importance, 
but  from  the  fact  of  the  superb  illus- 
trations of  concrete  abnormalities  of 
human  exploitation  and  human  degrad- 
ation more  perfectly  developed,  accord- 
ing to  eye-witnesses,  than  Russia  has 
been  able  to  bring  about  with  the  aid 
of  ber  CSossacks.  Besides  this  view  of 
the  fruits  of  labor  going  to  a  highly- 
prot^^ed  chain  of  mills  and  factories 
for  the  enrichment    of    their    owners. 


who  had  asked  for  anch  protection  in 
order  to  maintain  the  bi^^  (?)  stand- 
ards of  wages  iMtid  to  their  workers,  we 
have  been  enabled  to  get  Jnst  a  little 
better  vision  of  the  protection  they 
give  to  their  faltbifnl  workers,  after 
being  thus  protected  by  the  goyem- 
ment.  Laiwrence  is  noted  for  its  manu- 
facture of  woollen  goods,  the  wealtb 
and  refinement  (?)  of  those  owning 
the  mills,  and  the  poverty  and  degrada- 
tion of  those  who  convert  woollen 
fleeces  into  woollen  fabrics,  tbrougb 
their  skilled  and  unskilled  touches  ap- 
plied to  from  the  various  processes  it 
undergoes  from  the  time  of  leaving 
the  sheep's  back  until  of  a  texture  suit- 
able for  the  human  back.  With  a  gain 
in  population  from  62,559  in  1900  to 
that  of  85,802  in  1910,  this  city  experi- 
enced what,  in  this  country  at  least, 
seems  to  be  the  winning  title  to  that 
of  a  progressive  and  prosperous  city, 
for  it  grew  in  numerical  strength 
more  than  37  per  cent.  Certainly  suc^ 
an  increase  in  population  would  be  in- 
dicative of  prosperity  and  thrift,  tf  all 
those  among  the  number  who  desired 
to  work  had  steady  employment  and 
enjoyed  a  fair  share  of  the  products 
turned  into  useful  merchandise  by 
their  hands  and  brains.  Tet  the  story 
recently  told  by  the  lowly  inhabitants 
of  the  mills  in  that  great  city  before 
the  congressional  committee,  which 
had  bid  them  to  come  before  it  and 
recite  their  story  of  the  things  enjoyed 
in  the  thrifty  (?)  Bay  State  city,  was 
not  of  a  nature  or  the  variety  of  ad- 
vertisement the  great  protected  woollen 
companies  were  very  anxious  to  propsr 
gate.  Neither  did  the  (Congressmen  and 
Senators  from  the  Bay  State  dwell  as 
eloquently  ui>on  this  particular  Law- 
rence colony  of  its  citizenship,  as  they 
were  wont  to  do  whdn  their  eloquence 
pertained  to  more  remote  subjects,  such 
as  the  heroes  of  Lexington,  Paul  Re- 
vere, etc.  This  colony  of  boys  and 
girls  did  not  come  from  Lawrence  to 


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224 


JOURNAL    OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


relate  any  experiences  of  blood-rending 
tragedies,  or  trophies  to  their  credit 
(?),  as  many  others  have  done.  Theirs 
was  only  a  simple  story  about  how 
they  had  tried  to  get  enough  food  and 
clothing  to  keep  their  bodies  healthy 
and  normal  and  a  decent  place  of  habi- 
tation, as  well  as  the  story  of  cruelty 
practiced  upon  them  by  the  operators 
of  the  mills,  city  and  State  officials,  to 
prevent  them  from  securing  such  oom- 
forte  of  life.  So  the  story  they  told 
of  abuses  and  indignities  suffered  was 
a  dull  story  to  all  members  of  that 
august  (?)  body  of  statesmen  (?), 
save  just  a  few.  Tet  it  was  a  story  of 
woe  and  degradation  that  would  melt 
the  heart  of  stone,  even  though  it 
didn't  appeal  seriously  to  hearts  of 
protected  woollen  owners,  nor  to  rep- 
resentatives (?)  of  the  people  (?)  in 
Ck>ngre6s,  who  had  made  the  statutes 
that  gave  the  woollen  manufacturers 
such  protection  that  they  might,  in 
turn,  protect  their  employers  against 
competition  from  poorly-paid  foreign 
labor.  What  a  benevolent  arrange- 
ment Congress  and  the  fabric-makers 
made  for  the  benefit  of  their  workers. 
How  very  kind  this  spirit  of  patriotic 
love  and  philanthropy  on  the  part  of 
our  government,  and  owners  of  fac- 
tories 'that  change  fleeces  into  fabrics 
and  protect  their  employes  against 
foreign  competition.  But  leot  we  get 
away  from  our  story  and  this  prosper- 
ous city  of  Lawrence,  let's  reflect  a 
moment  k>nger  on  the  condition  of  this 
little  colony.  They  told  of  their  re- 
quest for  more  bread,  how  they  had 
asked  for  an  increase  of  15  per  cent, 
over  their  |8  to  $10  per  week  allow- 
ances, with  which  to  better  their  con- 
ditions of  life,  and  how  instead  of  re- 
ceiving that  which  they  had  requested, 
they  had  instead  received  bullets  and 
bayonets  from  the  kind-hearted  (?) 
police  of  XAwrence  and  noble  (?)  col- 
lege boys  of  Harvard  University,  the 
oldest  institution  of  learning  in  the 


country,  an  institution  said  to  give 
high  grades  in  proflciency  to  students 
who  can  be  induced  to  join  its  militia 
and  go  out  to  cities  where  boys  and 
girls  are  asking  for  more  bread  and 
butter  and  keep  them  nice  and  orderly 
with  their  bayonets  and  bullets,  while 
theii:  places  are  being  filled.  Have  not 
these  college  boys  acquitted  themselves 
nobly  (?)  when  protecting  strike- 
breakers? Has  not  the  ex-president  of 
that  great  institution  of  learning  said 
strike-breakers  wcrre  real  heroes,  and 
shouldn't  hero-protection  be  a  part  of 
its  curriculum?  Brave  soldiers,  for 
your  gallantry,  your  grades  shall  be 
marked  high.  Brave  institution,  to 
your  galaxy  of  illustrious  heroes  and 
fighting  immortals  can  now  be  added 
those  heroes  sent  to  Lawrence  to  aid 
the  woollen  kings  in  conquering  and 
subjugating  the  boys  and  girls  who 
committed  the  unpardonable  crime 
against  the  city  and  State  of  asking 
for  more  bread.  How  far-reaching  are 
our  alma  maters  in  this  age  in  their 
acceptance  of  philanthropic  bequests, 
and  the  refunding  of  such  debt  in  ttieir 
mustering  to  arms  their  student  boys 
to  strike  down  those  praying  and  figlit- 
ing  for  more  bread.  This  strike  was 
brought  about  by  poor,  unorganized 
foreigners,  whose  low  wages  had  been 
reduced  on  account  of  a  law  recently 
enacted  in  Massachusetts  compelling 
the  limit  of  hours  worked  in  factories 
not  to  exceed  54  per  week.  And  as 
the  wages  paid  to  employes  were  based 
on  a  56-hour  week,  the  operators  made 
reductions  in  wages  to  correspond, 
which  with  them  was  only  a  matter  of 
business.  But  to  the  already  very 
poorly^aid  labor  doing  all  the  woric 
around  the  factories  and  mills,  it 
meant  the  sacrifice  of  one  or  more 
loaves  of  bread  eadi  day,  and  since 
they  could  scarcely  exist  upon  the 
wages  formerly  received,  they  were 
determined  to  resist  any  attempts  to^ 
wards  a  reduction  of  loaves,  and  so 


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UNION   OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


22S 


i 


thmr    struck    against    the    reduction. 

Strange  as  it  may  seem,  these  mills  eo 
wen  protected  against  being  compelled 
to  compete  on  equal  terms  with  poorly- 
paid   foreign   labor,   used  scarcely  any 
other    but   foreign   labor  around  their 
plants.     And  from  anything  yet  made 
pmblic,  Uiere  was  no  indication  of  there 
liaxin?  been  any  imrticular  sorting  of 
tmrnigrants  to  secure  the  higher  grades 
of  workmanship,  but,  on  the  contrary, 
a  sorting  of  the  lower  types  from  some 
twenty  or  more  dialects,  with  the  ap- 
parent Intention  of  securing  as  great 
a  Babel  of  tongues  as  possible,  to  pre- 
vent tbe  cnltlvation  of  any  acquaint- 
ances among  the  workers  that  migbt 
aerre  as  basis  of  protest  against  the 
aboses  to  which  they  were  being  sub- 
jected by  their  employers.    But  in  all 
soda.  Babeling  of  tongues,  as  in  every 
other   form   of  deception   to  cover  up 
and    retard    real   motives,  there   ie  a 
time  coming  when  it  will  have  lost  its 
savor,  and  a  reckoning  must  be  made 
with  those  who  have  thus  been  the  vic- 
ttas  of  such  deceptions.     So  at  Law- 
tence  more  than   ^,000  poor  forelgn- 
ere  refused  to  work  without  not  only 
the  restoration  of  pay  that  had  been 
taken    from   them   on   account   of  the 
shortening   of  the   work   week,  but  a 
PBtum  of  it  and  a  substantial  increase 
in  their  wages  in  addition  to  it.    Both 
stdes  were  determined  not  to  yield,  and 
on  the  one  side  was  an  army  of  police, 
mPtHA^  and  mill  owners,  ready  to  shoot 
dovn«    on    the    slightest    provocation, 
any   of  those  asking  for  more  bread, 
and,  on  the  other,  an  industrial  army 
of  workers,  wretched  and  hungry  on 
aecoant  of  being  already  exploited  to 
the  point  of  desperation,  just  as  deter- 
mined that  it  would  never  submit  to 
any  lower  standards  of  life  in  the  land 
of  the  free  and  brave,  that  had  been  bo 
beautifully  pictured  to  them  in  father- 
lands  by  tbe  agents  of  woollen  mills, 
and  others,  in   order   to   get   them  to 
come   hither    to    operate    their    mllla 


And,  be  it  said  to  their  everlaating 
credit,  they  did  not  submit  to  being 
weighted  down  with  any  more  cruel 
yokes  of  oppression  being  placed  upon 
them,  but,  on  the  contrary,  showed 
such  a  spirit  of  determinedness  and 
solidarity  of  forces  that  not  only  won 
for  them  the  respect  of  the  public  but 
substantial  increases  in  wages  and 
other  improved  working  condiUone. 
So,  whatever  may  be  said  of  those 
lowly  foreigners  at  Lawrence,  they 
have  demonstrated  one  of  the  most  use- 
ful lessons  to  organized  labor  in  mani- 
festing a  determinatoln  not  to  give  up 
until  a  substantial  victory  had  been 
won,  and  in  remaining  together  as  a 
solid  phalanx  until  it  was  won.  We 
have,  indeed,  learned  a  useful  lesson 
from  the  workers  a/t  Lawrence. 


Ler  TRUTH  PREVAIL. 

May  7th  is  the  date  set  by  govern- 
ment authorities  for  the  trial,  before 
Judge  Pollock  of  Kansas,  of  J.  A.  Way- 
land,  C.  L.  Phifer  and  Fred  D.  War- 
ren of  the  Appeal  to  Reason  editorial 
staff  for  alleged  mailing  of  papers  that 
"contained  certain  indecent,  filthy, 
cfbacene,  lewd  and  luscivious  printed 
matter,"  etc.  Some  time  ago  the  Ap- 
peal to  Reason  unearthed  real  prison 
conditions  as  they  found  them  to  exist 
in  the  federal  prison  at  Leavenworth, 
Kans.,  and!  •pubUshed  them  in  as  mild 
a  form  as  they  could  find  Bnglish 
words  in  standard  ddctionariee  to 
convey  their  ideas  and  sent  them  out 
to  the  world  in  their  regular  weekly 
issue  of  their  paper.  Before  the  Ap- 
peal to  Reason  made  public  prison  con- 
ditions at  Learenworth  the  authorities 
at  Washington  had  been  informed  of 
their  low  state  of  existence  with  the 
result  that  no  serious  attention  was 
paid  to  the  matter.  But  with  the  Ap- 
peal to  Reason's  trenchant  minds  and 
pens  once  directed  to  the  herculean 
task  of  uncovering  matters,  there  was 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


an  awaJLenin«  in  the  Judiciary  departr 
ment  at  Wasliington  and  en  inTeetigar 
tion  forthwith  of  prison  alEairs  at 
Leayenworth  inatitnted.  The  deputy 
warden  waa  dismissed  from  service 
and  seveial  reforms  inaugurated  as 
the  ouftcome  of  the  exposure.  But, 
instead  of  lionizing  or  heroising 
taie  Appeal  to  R€a8on*$  staff  in 
regular  military  or  navid  fashion 
for  their  most  excellent  public 
service  in  removing  the  tap  to  this 
public  cesspool,  their  reward  for  it  was 
instead  serving  of  e  summons  for  trial 
before  a  federal  tribunal  for  alleged 
violation  of  law  for  having  mailed  out 
their  report  in  reference  to  conditions 
in  this  prison  as  they  found  them  to 
exist  Such  is  the  reward  our  govern- 
ment offers  to  those  who  endeavor  to 
tell  the  truth  about  its  institutions 
and  which  are  owned  by  the  people. 
Several  recent  investigations  into 
methods  of  conduct  toward  prisoners 
in  state  prisons,  relative  to  abuses  to 
prisoners  froto  contractors  who  became 
wealthy  from  the  exploitation  of  their 
labor,  resulted  in  the  abolishment  of 
prison  contract  work  in  those  prisons. 
But  here  was  a  federal  prison  con- 
ducted by  government  officials  whose 
highest  purpose  of  duty  to  a  lay  citi- 
zen, it  would  seem,  would  be  to  con- 
duct such  an  institution  upon  a  high 
plan,  with  a  view  of  the  greatest  pos- 
sible amount  of  reformation  as  the 
goal,  and  it  would  also  appeal  to  his 
mind  with  even  greater  plausibility 
that  the  great  chieftains  at  Washing- 
ton would  stand  for  nothing  short  of 
the  greatest  maximum  of  reformation 
being  accomplished  along  the  most  hu- 
mane means  of  procuring  it  from  those 
in  charge  of  such  reformatory  institu- 
tiona  But,  according  to  the  story,  it 
would  be  hard  for  any  of  the  state  in- 
stitutions to  eclipse  this  government 
institution  for  cruelty  and  inhumanity 
to  its  inmates.  It  appears  that  not 
only  was  the  strength  of  the  poor  con- 


victs exploited  for  the  enrichment  of 
contractors,  but  that  most  every  known 
device  of  torture  was  brought   into 
play  upon  them  to  extract  every  atom 
of  strength  out  of  their  bodies  and 
convert  it  into  profits,  not  for  the  goir- 
ernment  but  for  outsiders,  ana^  to  cap 
the  climax,  the  representative  (?)  in 
Congress  from  that  district  was   an 
official  in  a  comipany  contractin^r  f6r 
the  poor  convict's  labor,  and  besides 
had  virtual  control  of  the  patronage 
of  appointment  of  officials  who  con- 
ducted the  prison*    It  is'  for  telling  the 
truth  about  this  combination  that  the 
Appeal   to  Reason  has  now  to   fiace 
grave  charges   and  appear  before   a 
tribunal  of  Justice  (?)  with  every  indi- 
cation that  as  soon  as  the  fall  election 
is  out  of  the  way,  that  these  stem  de- 
fenders of  truth  and  right  will  aiso  be 
put  out  of  the  way. in  the  self-same 
foul  place  they  have  tried  so  hard  to 
renovate.     But  this  will  not  be  con- 
summated without  a  mighty  protest 
from  the  500,000  subscribers  of  that 
clarion-toned   publication,   the   cham- 
pion iA  human  rights  and  equal  Justice 
for  all  mankind,  nor  should  it  be  until 
every  worker  in  the  land  has  Joined  in 
uttering  protest  against  this  travesty 
of  Justice  trying  to  be  meted  out  upon 
those  defenders  of  human  rights.  But 
the  government  is  sorely  vexed  at  peo- 
ple who  give  out  truths,  for  truth  is 
mistier  than  the  sword  and  it  must 
be  suppressed  or  it  will  triumph  and 
rule  the  day.    Sorry  is  the  day  when 
government   investigations   find   con- 
ditions so  horrible  as  to  forbid  the  peo- 
ple seeing  them  and  knowing  the  truth 
about  them.     The  white  slave  traffic 
report  was  suppressed,  the  Bethlehem 
working  conditions   were   suppressed 
and  the  Leavenworth  prison  report  has 
been  suppressed  and  in  all  probality 
the  Lawrence  strike  investigation  re- 
port will  be  suppressed  and^  in  fact,  all 
of  them  suppressed  because  of  the  fear 
of  the  people  rising  in  their  wrath  and 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OF  NORTH   AMBRIOA. 


227 


demand  the  dtsmiseal  of  the  offlcials 

who  allow  such  conditions  to  exist. 
But  no  on«  should  he  convicted  to  a 
prison  cell  for  teUing  the  truth  and 
miBionB  of  Toicee  should  join  in  de- 
noancios  the  persecutions  now  inaugu- 
rated for  telling  the  truth  about  the 
Leaven^worth  prison,  nor  should  they 
believe  it  anything  but  the  truth  until 
the  government  publishes  a  complete 
report  of  former  prison  conditions 
Ibere  and  sends  it  out  broadcast.  Let 
tmtli  prevaiL 


THC  PtNNSYLVANrA  ENDEAVORING  TO 
REDUCE  DEATH  AND  INJURY  TOLL. 

The  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company 
kas  lasaed  a  recent  death  and  Injured 
■tatement  for  the  year  1900  to  1911  In- 
clusive, which  shows  a  marked  im- 
provement for  last  year,  as  compared 
with  nearly  all  the  other  years  in- 
«liided  in  the  report.  There  were  less 
JBithii  last  year  than  in  any  other,  ex- 
cept the  year  1900,  while  the  number 
Qt  injur iee  sustained  were  much  less 
iMl  year  than  in  any  other  during  the 
tvflive  years. 

This  company  has  taken  much  pains 
of  late  years  to  giiard  against  Injuries 
to  the  public  and  in  their  efforts  to  re- 
sneh  accidents  to  the  lowest  pos- 
limit,  have  Issued  stringent  or- 
a^ainst    trespassing    upon    their 
property  and  kept  a  close  vigil  upon 
their   employes  to  see  that   such   in- 
ttmctlone  were  lived  up  to.    Yet,  with 
an   the   precautions   to    prevent   accl- 
taits,  the  list  of  casualties,  as  given 
mt  by  this  company,  is  appalling  when 
the  fact   is  taken   Into  consideration 
0iat  they  are  for  one  company  only. 
Unfortunately,  in  many  instances,  rall- 
raeds  are  the  only   highways  in  any 
way  decent  condition  to  travel  upon, 
wpftrially    30    for    the    broken    down 
yidgrtriaBs  who  have  given  the  com- 
panies the  b^ter  portion  of  their  lives 
aad  have  In  turn  been  turned  as  scrap 


to  wander  from  city  to  city  in  quest 
of  emiployment  At  any  rate,  tiiere 
should  be  greater  safeguards  against 
injury  around  all  railroads  and  that 
the  precautions  taken  by  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  to  overcome  the  proV>- 
lem  is  fruitful  for  the  efforts  tlius  ex- 
pendfed  is  evidenced  by  the  subjoined 
statement  recently  received  from  that 
company: 

Statement  showing  loss  of  life  and 
the  numiber  of  people  injured  each 
year  for  the  past  twelve  years  on  the 
Penncpylvania  Railroad  system,  east 
and  west  of  Pittsburg,  as  a  result  of 
trespassing  on  the  railroad's  property 
in  violation  of  the  law: 

TOTAL 
TrTT.T.icn 
AND 
TEAR.  KILLED.         INJT7BED.   INJURED. 

1900 518  659  1,177 

1901 662  689  1,351 

1902 637  719  1,366 

1903 764  714  1,478 

1904  ......  777  738  1,515 

1905 887  794  1,681 

1906 874  794  1,668 

1907 916  775  1.691 

1908 743  691  1,434 

1909 633  683  1,316 

1910 585  582  1,167 

1911 527  447  974 

Totals  . .  8,523     8,285     16,808 


THERC  SHOULD  BE  NO  HNE  ON  THE 
SPREAD  OF  INTELLIGENCE. 

For  some  time  there  has  been  a  live- 
ly controversy  hetween  the  administra- 
tion at  WaahiD^ton  and  magaasine  puh- 
lishers  relative  to  the  lU'oposed  postal 
changres,  or  what  iAiould  constitute  a 
proper  charge  by  the  government  for 
the  transmission  of  mail  matter,  espe- 
cially that  of  secondKiass  matter.  And, 
for  some  reason,  as  yet  unexplained  by 
the  powers  that  be  at  Washington,  the 
postoffice  department  is  the  only  one  in 
which  any  serious  attempt  is  made  by 
the  administration  to  make  of  it  a 
eelf-sustaining  institution,  and  since 
the  secondrclass  mail  is  the  chief 
means  of  a  distribution  of  general  in- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITOHMSN'S 


taUigeiice  tor  the  enlighiemnent  of  tlia 
inliabltMite  witliin  ottr  territorial 
boua^arioi^  and  elnce  it  la  the  only 
ona  aMailed  hy  the  administration 
with  a  Tiaw  of  penallatng  it  by  in- 
craaaina  the  rates  of  postaae  thereon* 
there  ean  he  no  aeriona  exceptions 
taken  to  the  belief  on  the  part  of  those 
who  for  alnuiet  a  generatioin  have  en- 
joyed a  little  i^reminm  on  intelliaence 
and  the  liberal  manner  in  whl<^  the 
goyernment  had  provided  for  its  trans- 
mission and  diffusion,  that  an  attempt 
is  actually  being  made  to  penalize  the 
spread  of  knowled«re.  As  a  result  of 
such  kindly  (?)  care  to  its  subjects, 
the  majority  of  whom  are  unable  to  ac- 
quire academic  or  collegiate  education, 
the  various  preceding  administrations 
have  made  of  the  mail  department  a 
medium  through  whldi  it  had  been 
possible  and  actually  succeeded  in 
bringing  a  degree  of  intelligence  at  the 
very  threshold  of  our  entire  poimlation 
that  hfSM  been  the  marvel  of  all  civil- 
ized countries  and  a  chief  factor  in  the 
development  of  the  country.  This  has 
been  due  chiefly  to  the  low  rates  of 
postage  on  newspapers  and  magazines 
bringing  such  luitelligence  to  the 
homes  of  the  people.  After  a  term  of 
over  a  quarter  of  a  century,  with  a 
low  rate  of  one  cent  per  pound  on  such 
matter,  our  wiseacres  at  Washington 
have  concluded  a  ban  should  be  placed 
on  the  diffusion  of  intelligence  by 
doubling  the  assessment  on  the  charge 
for  its  transmission  and  delivery. 
About  a  year  ago  the  president  ap- 
pointed a  commission  of  tnree  distin- 
guished citizens  to  make  a  general  in- 
quiry into  the  mail  carrying  feature  of 
the  postofflce  department  as  to  cost  of 
handling  the  different  classes  of  mail, 
etc.,  and  to  submit  recommendations 
as  to  their  belief  what  the  various 
rates  should  be,  etc.  This  commission 
consisted  of  Associate  Justice  Hughes 
of  the  United  States  Supreme  Court,  A. 
Lawrence  Lowell,  president  of  Harv- 


ard University  and  Harry  A.  "mieeler, 
president  of  the  Chicago  Association 
of  Commerce.  It  admitted  it  was  on- 
ahile  to  arrive  at  a  definite  and  aacor- 
ate  understanding  with  the  data  fam- 
ii^ed  it  as  to  the  actual  cost  of  the 
service.  However,  it  approadmated  the 
coat  of  handling  ail  seooad<i]asa  mat-' 
ter  to  be  five  and  a  half  cenits  per 
pound.  Its  flndinga,  relative  to  the 
third  and  fourth  class  mail  bandied 
was  that  there  was  a  alight  proat 
earned  in  handling  each,  and  the  let- 
ter, or  first-class  rate,  returns  a  profit 
of  one  and  a  half  times  the  cost  of 
such  service.  So  the  publishers'  rate, 
or  second-dsas  matter  rate,  is  the 
'thorn  in  the  flesh"  and  "the  bone  of 
contention"  that  is  causing  all  the  woe 
in  Postmaster  Oeneral  HitchootdL's 
heart  Mr.  Hitchcock  had  recom- 
mended a  high  rate  of  increase  to  be 
levied  only  against  the  advertising 
pages  of  magazines  and  journals  and 
that  newspapers  be  exempted  from 
such  Increased  ratea  But  the  com- 
mission's report  recommends  a  doub- 
ling of  pujblishers'  rate,  or  making  it 
two  cents  a  pound  instead  of  one  cent 
as  now,  and  that  the  rate  apply  alike 
to  all  papera  It  also  states  that  the 
secondKdass  matter  constitutes  sixty- 
five  per  cent  of  the  mall  matter 
handled  and  earns  only  five  per  cent 
of  the  department's  Income,  being, 
therefore,  carried  at  a  great  loss.  But 
the  one  important  thing  this  commis- 
sion, the  president  and  postmaster 
general  do  not  seem  to  have  found  out 
is  that  the  common  people  are  the  ones 
paying  nearly  all  the  postage  and  the 
deficits  as  well,  and  that  it  is  not  from 
them  that  the  wail  of  protest  is  com- 
ing about  this  cheap  losing  rate  on 
newspapers,  but  from  the  postmaster 
general  himself.  Besides  he  has  only 
recently  issued  his  annual  report  in 
which  he  states  that  the  postoflAce  de- 
partment as  a  whole  shows  a  suiplus 
for  1911.     But  later  intelligence  indi- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


oateB  a  little  Jueglins  in  the  way  of 
delennent  in  tettlement  of  bills  due, 
wa0  the  only  reason  ifor  it  not  ehowins 
a  aevea  million  deficit.  As  Car  aa  we 
know  there  has  been  no  effort  made 
on  the  part  of  the  d^iMtrtnifent  to  find 
out  why  it  costs  the  government  so 
BMich  mmre  to  i:et  a  ton  of  mail  hauled 
on  the  same  train  than  it  does  an  ex- 
press company  to  get  a  ton  of  express 
matter  hauled,  nor  why  there  be  such 
a  heavy  traffic  at  contract  weighing 
seasons.  Neither  has  it  made  the 
drastic  effort  to  collect  its  contract 
fines  against  belated  mail  trains,  as  for 
insftance,  in  the  I.  C.  and  Harriman 
strike  zones  at  the  present  time,  as  has 
another  branch  of  the  government 
been  to  run  down  dynamite  rumors 
and  make  spectacular  arrests  of  the  la- 
bor portion  Off  them  only.  Were  such 
a  policy  pursued  there  is  no  doubt  but 
w4iat  ample  opportunities  would  be 
available  for  a  self^ustaining  mail  de- 
partment at  the  present  postage  rates 
for  the  different  classes  of  mail  matter. 
However,  such  a  procedure  would 
pinch  those  business  captains  away  up 
yonder,  which  is  not  the  intent  of  the 
department,  but,  on  the  contrary,  lust 
double  the  mailing  price  of  the  poor 
man's  paper,  which  in  turn  means  that 
he  must  pay  Just  that  much  more  for 
it  It  is  the  poor  suckers  the  depart- 
ment is  after  every  time  for  the  price 
of  cartage,  and  you  can't  blame  them, 
for  they  are  so  very  easily  worked.  But 
it  will  be  different  ere  long  when  they 
brush  the  scales  of  contentment  away 
from  their  eyes  and  they  are  opened 
to  a  realization  of  what  they  are  really 
tbought  of  at  Washington.  Any  at- 
tempt to  freight  train  mails  aifter  al- 
ways having  handled  them  on  fastest 
known  service,  or  any  attempt  to 
double  rates  on  them,  or  any  portion 
of  them  after  almost  a  generation  of 
blessings  enjoyed  from  existing  rates, 
especially  so  until  every  other  known 
honoraUe  form  of  retrenchment  has 


been  taken  advantage  of,  is  an  indica- 
tion  of  retrogression,  rather  than  pro- 
gression on  the  part  of  an  administra- 
tion attemiiting  it  There  should  be 
no  fine  on  tiie  spread  of  intelligence. 


PROPCR  AND  QIRISTUKC. 

A  seaman  in  the  United  States  navy, 
who  was  incapacitated  for  duty  during 
his  term  of  service  in  the  late  war 
with  6pain,  recently  applied  for  a  pen- 
siom  His  application  was  denied  be- 
cause his  father  had  been  a  Confeder- 
ate soldier.  This  would  be  a  bad  thing 
to  tell  one  hundred  years  hence  and  the 
man  who  would  talk  it  loud  would  be 
branded  at  once  as  a  traitor.  This 
government  has  a  law  which  prohibits 
granting  pensions  to  any  man  who 
"voluntarily  aided  or  abetted  the  late 
rebellion,"  or  the  widow,  children  or 
heirs  of  such  person,  so  the  majority 
of  iboys  who  volunteered  from  the 
South  to  go  to  Cuba  and  Manila  are 
barred  from  pension.  Visiting  the 
wrath  upon  the  widow  and  children  is 
exactly  proper  and  Christ-like. — WiU 
lotD8  JourtMl. 

While  opposed  to  wars  from  a  firm 
conviction  that  there  is  no  necessity 
of  the  working  classes  murdering  each 
other  for  the  benefit  of  a  few  rulers, 
bankers  and  business  men  who  are 
never  near  the  firing  line  themselves, 
who  are  the  only  ones  who  profit  on  ac- 
count of  such  murder  and  who  are  the 
cause  of  all  wars  on  account  of  their 
quest  for  unearned  wealth  and  power, 
but  who  are  too  low  principled  and 
cowardly  to  take  their  swords,  gladi- 
ator fashion^  and  settle  their  business 
and  personal  troubles.  Yet  the  spirit 
of  hostility  that  finds  expression  in  the 
laws  of  a  government  to  the  extent 
that  not  only  the  vanquished  army  are 
denied  the  alms  to  be  aispensed  by 
their  government,  but  that  their 
descendants  also  shidl  be  barred  from 
reoeiving  pensions  should  they  enlist 
in  future  wars  waged  by  their  country 
is  going  the  limit  How  nice  it  would 
be  now,  or  a  hundred  yeans  from  now, 
for  Uncle  Sam  to  become  involved  in  a 


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280 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


war  with  any  foreign  power  and  iaaue 
a  call  for  500,000  Tolunteers.  Then, 
after  much  solicitation  (for  the  boys 
wlio  do  a  little  thinking  nowadays  are 
not  very  anxious  to  beoome  bullet  otop- 
peni  for  the  benefit  of  someone  else) 
the  regiments  were  all  filled  and  ready 
to  go  to  the  front,  and  their  banker, 
business  and  ruler  friends  (?)  had 
accompanied  them  to  the  trains  to  bid 
them  Oodapeed  (and  on  your  life 
scarcely  one  of  them  would  go  any 
nearer  than  that  to  the  front),  it 
was  found  that  nine-tenths  of  the  vol- 
unteer boys  were  guilty  of  having 
been  descendants  of  those  who  en- 
gaged In  the  losing  side  of  the  great 
cdvil  rebellion.  When,  after  the  war 
was  over,  &0,000  of  the  100,000  who 
were  Injured  in  the  battles  fought, 
were  kindly  informed  by  the  country 
they  had  thus  heroically  served  that 
there  wee  nothing  in  the  way  of  pen- 
sion rewards  for  them,  but  that  there 
was  for  the  other  one-tenth  who  were 
injured  in  the  same  battlee  and  in  the 
same  identical  manner.  Wouldn't 
Uncle  Sam  be  in  a  most  Jolly  frame  of 
mind?  And  as  it  is,  if  the  WUlotoa 
Journal  has  the  correct  version  of  the 
law,  can't  Uncle  6am  give*  those  loyal 
southern  boys,  and  there  were  a  whole 
lot  of  them  descendants  of  confeder- 
ate soldiers  of  the  late  rebellion,  tftie 
horse  laugh  for  having  tenoered  their 
services  to  J.  P.,  J.  D.,  A.  C.  ft  Co.,  to 
put  the  pestiferious  Spaniards  out  of 
business  in  their  archipelagoeB  around 
the  gulf  stream  and  equatorial  regions 
of  the  Occident?  "He  sure  can/'  But 
would  it  be  right  for  him  to  do  it? 
Not  exactly  eo,  for  the  law  is  wrong. 
So  are  all  the  wars  wrong  and  have 
been  truly  defined  as  "hell."  So  the 
boys  who  go  out  to  shoot  each  other  are 
in  "a  hell  of  a  fix"  fmyway  it  goes.  But 
the  patriotic  business  men  and  bank- 
ers are  far  from  the  scenes  of  the  con- 
flict and  immune  from  all  much  wicked 
evils.    Moral,  be  your  own  ruler,  your 


own  business  manager,  your  own 
thinker  and  refuse  absolutely  to  shoot 
anyone  for  anybody,  and  you  will  live 
longer  and  have  less  need  of  war  pen- 
siona  But  the  law  in  question  Is  tm- 
Just  and  should  be  repealed. 


BUFFALO'S  CHAMBER   OF   COMMERCE 
AGAINST  FULL  CREW  BILL. 

The  Buffalo  Chamber  of  Commerce 
can  always  be  depended  upon  to  meas- 
ure up  to  its  standards  where  a  ques- 
tion of  labor  principle  is  involved.  To 
those  believing  the  interests  of  capital 
and  labor  are  identical,  this  august 
body  of  "Greater  Buffalo"  boosters  have 
lately  given  a  gentle  reminder  of 
the  incorrectness  of  this  theory.  For 
about  a  year  now  a  Full  Crew  Bill  has 
been  pending  in  the  State  Assembly  of 
New  York,  whidi  if  enacted  into  law 
would  prescribe  a  minimum  number  of 
men  to  be  used  by  railroads  in  that 
State  on  different  classes  and  sizes  of 
trains,  and  offer  at  least  a  partial  solu- 
tion to  the  unnecessary  death  and  in- 
Jury  toll  along  these  great  commercial 
highways.  "Acting  on  the  initiative 
of  t^e  transportation  committee,"  its 
board  of  directors  "has  recommended 
that  the  FuU  Crew  Bill  be  opposed." 
It  also  recites  among  its  objections  to 
its  passage  the  fact  that  a  similar  bill 
was  introduced  during  the  administra- 
tion of  Gk>vemor  Hughes,  and  which 
was  opposed  and  defeated  on  the 
ground  that  the  Public  Service  Com- 
mission had  discretionary  power  over 
sudi  questions.  Whatever  powers  the 
Public  Service  Commission  may  have 
in  the  premises,  one  thing  is  certain, 
ft  is  using  none  of  its  energy  or  au- 
thority along  the  line  called  for  in  the 
Full  Crew  Bill,  and  doubtless  some  of 
the  serious  accidents  resulting  in  death 
and  great  destruction  to  property  csuM 
be  traced  to  "short-handed"  crews  as 
the  cause  of  them. 

But  the  real  gist  of  objection  to  the 
bill  is  f^und  in  this  pcuting  sentNioe 


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UNION  OF  NORTH  AMBIRICA. 


281 


apon  tile  Mbject:  "Should  this  biU  be- 
come a  iaw  It  migbt  Increaae  unneces- 
sarily the  operating  ezpeneee  of  tlie 
raUroadB.  giving  them  another  reason 
for  advanicing  freight  rates."  It's  a 
nfe  wager  oommercial  bodies  will  be 
Unmd  on  the  dividend  rate  side  every 
timet  Safety  to  the  lives  of  the  work- 
ers oonnta  for  naught  with  them. 


RAILWAY  WRECKS. 

Railroad  accidents  are  of  such  fre- 
qpeixt  oocorrence  and  of  such  destruc- 
tive results  that  the  readers  of  reports 
of  them  In  the  daily  press  rather  ex- 
pect each  day  to  find  a  narrative  of 
sadL   destruction   of  life  and   equip- 
ment upon  these  carriers  of  human 
cargoes,    and    in    this    they    are  not 
uoaUy  disappointed.    Tet,  as  a  rule, 
they  give  very  little  serious  thought 
to  their   causes.     The  blame   for   as 
many  of  them  as  possible  are  charged 
19  to  God.     Those  that  cannot  so  be 
aoeoanted    for    are    charged    against 
minor  officials  and  other  subordinates. 
Railway  employes,  like  all  other  work- 
ers, are  only  human  beings  and  sub- 
ject to  an  the  frailties  of  the  human 
race*  whether  when  in  the  perform- 
ance of  their  duties  or  when  oft  duty. 
The  employee  in  charge  of  trains  bear- 
ing human  souls  and  merchandise  are 
governed  by  rules  of  policy  and  man- 
dates ot  safety  decided  upon  by  offi- 
cials of  the  company  and  are  subject  to 
change  at  any  time.   Those  into  whose 
care  are  entrusted  the  transmission  of 
all  this  human  and  otiier  traffic  have 
but  little  to  say  as  to  the  conditions 
under  which  it  shall  be  handled,  but 
simply  endeavor  to  carry  out  Instruo- 
tlOBS  Qt  others.     Since  we  are  living 
hi  an  age  of  expert  guidance,  rules  are 
eoneeived  by  experts  and  handed  out 
to  nonexperts  for  fulfillment  and  exe- 
cation.    Since  we  are  also  living  in  a 
Cast  age  things  must  be  moved  rapidly, 
and  ainee  busineBs  Is  now  done  on  a 


large  scale  it  requires  large  engines, 
large  cars  and  large  rails,  etc.,  with 
which  to  handle  it  expeditiously  and 
expertly.  Unfortunately  in  some  re- 
spects largeness  of  heart  toward  large- 
ness in  volume  of  business  has  grown 
more  rapidly  than  largeness  in  lib- 
erality toward  largeness  and  firmness 
in  substructures  and  roadways  over 
which  this  ever-increasing  top-heavy 
superstructures  try  to  gain  accelerated 
velocity.  To  some  minds  at  least  (of 
the  ordinary  horse  sense  variety)  it 
rather  appears  that  the  maximum 
limit  of  weight  and  speed  has  about 
been  attained  than  can,  with  any  or- 
dinary degree  of  safety  to  life  or  prop- 
erty be  maintained  in  the  movement  of 
traflic  when  small  freight  crews  are 
sent  on  daily  errands  with  consign- 
ments of  from  3,000,000  to  bfiOOfiOO 
pounds  of  freight,  whose  pulling  and 
carrying  receptacles  add  about  a  half 
million  of  avoirdupois  to  the  above 
weight  and  still  smaller  crowed  pass- 
enger trains  that  sail  along  over  hill 
and  dale  and  over  straight  and  crooked 
track  at  practically  a  mile  per  min- 
ute speeds 

With  a  bevy  of  crews  of  both  kinds 
going  and  coming  continually  on  single 
track,  or  even  on  double  or  more 
tracked  systems  reaching  to  every 
traffic  center  in  the  country,  it  is  not 
to  be  seriously  wondered  at  that  death 
and  injury  mark  the  trail  of  this  mo- 
mentum of  mind  and  other  matter. 
But  this  volume  of  commerce,  as 
mighty  and  swift  as  it  now  is,  can  be 
tranfla;>orted  at  a  much  reduced  risk  to 
humanity  than  it  now  is  whenever 
those  expert  minds  and  more  of  the 
expert  incomes  of  roads  are  expended 
for  the  purpose  of  making  the  opera- 
tion of  this  trafibc  safer  and  saner. 
Thousands  of  miles  of  unnecessary 
curved  tracks  can  be  straighteneJ, 
thousands  of  weak  bridges  can  be 
strengthened,  better  ties  and  rails  can 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMBN'S 


be  provided  for  and  train  rulee  and 
Imlletins  be  reduced  and  eimpiifled. 
But  these  things  can  not  be  done  withr 
ont  the  expenditure  of  a  vast  amount 
of  capital,  and  since  roads  do  not  have 
to  vend  any  portion  at  their  dividends 
upon  the  betterment  of  ttte  property, 
it  is  not  likely  much  of  euch  safety 
work  -will  be  done,  but  instead  the 
slaughter  of  humanity  will  go  on  un> 
al>ated.  There  are  rigid  physical  ex- 
aminaUona  upon  nearly  all  roads  as  a 
requisite  to  entering  service  of  those 
carriers*  but  none  into  the  mental  fit- 
ness ctf  the  expert  (?)  brains  around 
Wall  Street  that  gamer  in  the  coupons. 
When  the  government  becomes  suffici- 
ently interested  in  the  safety  of  this 
host  of  railway  employee  and  the 
public  to  exercise  the  same  de- 
gree of  vigilance  in  regard  to  their 
safety  as  it  now  does  in  order  to  safe- 
guard the  interest  of  the  owners  of 
roads,  inieruring  them  good  net  earn- 
ings on  their  stocks,  real  and  water, 
then  will  there  be  an  improvement  in 
the  accident  records,  but  not  until 
then.  The  placing  of  the  blame  on  the 
Almighty  or  train  and  yard  crewe  will 
not  solve  the  problem. 


Brother,  were  you  at  the  last  meet- 
ing of  your  lodge.  If  not  the  attend- 
ance was  not  quite  what  it  should  have 
been.  Perhaps  some  matter  of  busi- 
ness had  to  be  laid  over  and  an  injus- 
tice continued  on  account  of  your  ab- 
sence that  could  have  been  prevented 
had  you  been  present  The  idea  that 
it  matters  but  little  w!hether  you  at- 
tend or  not,  is  a  poor  one  to  entertain 
and  no  one  can  tell  you  Just  what 
you  missed  as  you  would  have  known 
had  you  been  there  in  person.  So  very 
much  really  depends  upon  personal  ap- 
plication in  brotherhood  work  that  no 
one  can  neglect  a  diuty  without  the 
whole  body  beinig  injured  thereby. 
Nothing  can  be  properly  Judlged  by  its 


strongest  points.  A  mnieh  better  and 
tmer  eatimate  is  found  in  finding  the 
weak  ones  and  in  making  strong  ones 
of  them.  Oftentimes  tbe  weakest  mem- 
ber becomes  the  most  enthusiastic 
worker  when  he  is  brought  to  a  real- 
isaUon  of  the  fact  that  his  indiffer- 
ence and  inertness  are  fainderances  to 
his  own  progress,  as  well  as  that  of 
others.  Every  member  of  every  honor- 
able cause  should  be  an  active  unit  of 
such  cause. 


Banker  Morse  was  a  very  sick  inris- 
oner-^when  in  the  Atlanta  prison. 
Eminent  doctors  announced  he  had  but 
a  few  more  weeks  to  live.  Through 
the  influence  of  this  medical  forecast 
he  was  pardoned  by  President  Taft 
Since  released  from  his  cell  he  has 
undergone  one  of  those  miraculous 
cures.  How  strange  the  very  wealthy, 
when  so  unfortunate  as  to  receive 
prison  sentence,  lose  their  health  so 
suddenly,  through  such  loss  gain  their 
freedom,  and  with  their  freedom  tlieir 
health  as  if  by  magic.  But  the  health 
of  the  poor  who  find  a  prison  home 
causes  not  the  slightest  worry  to  the 
composure  oi  our  Chief  Executive.  No 
eminent  fq;>ecialists  to  diagnose  their 
ills  and  urge  pardons  to  bring  back  to 
them  the  glow  of  health  and  good  <dieer 
by  restoration  to  free  citizenship.  And 
even  though  freed  at  the  expiration  of 
sentence,  they  are  fortunate,  indeed,  if 
not  arrested  as  vagrants  and  returned 
to  their  cells  again.  Justice,  Justice, 
what  is  justice? 


Vice-President  Olohessy  succeeded  in 
reorganizing  Lodge  No.  156  at  Chey- 
enne, Wye,  on  Feib.  26th,  and  started 
it  oft  under  favorable  auspices.  Let  it 
be  the  earnest  hope  of  all  and  the  earn- 
est determination  of  every  member  of 
Lodge  No.  156  that  it  will  grow  and 
prosper  as  it  should.  But  to  do  it. 
every  one  of  its  members  must  fully 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


2SS 


realise  ita  buocmb  or  failure  depends 
•  directly  upon  him.  And  this  is  Just  as 
true  of  every  memiber  of  any  other 
lodge  as  it  is  of  liO^e  No.  156.  We 
wish  the  brothers  at  Wyoming  abund- 
ant BQOoess  in  their  efforts  to  upbuild 
the  organls8ti4Hi  and  it  will  so  be  if 
each  member  ayails  himself  of  the  op- 
portunities before  him  to  put  in  a  good 
work  and  do  good  work  for  his  lodge 
every  time  he  has  a  privilege  of  doing 


It  is  gsnerally  oonoeded  that  State 
factory  inspections,  by  State^mployed 
inspectors*  are  far  from  what  they 
should  be.  There  also  seems  to  be  a 
prevailing  opinion  that  employers  of 
labor  are  "tipped  off"  as  to  when  their 
establishments  will  be  visited  by  in- 
speotors,  so  when  they  arrive  every- 
thing is  in  ship-shape.  Labor  can, 
however,  if  it  keeps  up  a  painstaking 
vigil,  make  it  so  interesting  for  such 
concerns  and  Inspectors  that  the  truth 
of  actual  conditions  must  come  out, 
and  the  fact  of  the  grave  need  for  re- 
ceiving the  full  benefit  of  the  laws  to 
saf^niard  human  life  around  factory, 
shop,  mill  and  mine,  should  remain 
uppermost  in  the  mind  of  every 
worker.  The  more  publicity  in  refer- 
ence to  such  things  the  better. 


Whatever  accusations  may  have 
been  hurled  at  the  "ground  hog"  in  by- 
gone days,  he  was  in  "dead  earnest" 
this  year  about  his  shadow,  and  in 
some  parts  of  the  country,  at  least,  he 
has  "had  it  in  for  us"  quite  beyond  his 
ordinary  limitations  of  punishment. 


The  curse  of  leasing  out  prison  labor 
in  the  State  of  Ohio  will  soon  be  at  an 
end,  let  us  hope,  forever.  A  law  pro- 
viding for  the  abolition  of  exploitation 
of  convict  labor  was  enacted  in  1905, 
but  contracts  already  entered  into 
could  not  be  abrogated  until  the  time 


of  their  expiration.  The  time  limit 
has  alnuist  expired,  and  the  Ohio  Board 
of  Administration  has  issued  instruc- 
tions to  contractors  that  they  must 
vacate  not  later  than  April  15th,  the 
date  set  as  the  time  such  work  must 
cease. 


Vice-President  Misenheiter  has  re- 
cently been  calledi  home  from  his  work 
in  Texas,  on  aooount  of  the  severe  ill- 
ness of  his  wife.  It  is  the  hope  of  all 
our  memibers,  we  are  sure,  that  it  may 
be  their  good  fortune  to  soon  hear  of 
her  restoration  to  her  usual  state  of 
good  health. 


The  attention  of  all  lodges  is  here 
called  to  the  fact  that  the  roster  of 
lodge  oflbcers,  time  of  meetings,  etc., 
will  appear  in  the  May  Joubnal.  If 
names  of  officers,  time  or'  place  of 
meeting,  as  given  in  February  Joubnal 
are  not  correct  and  you  have  not  al- 
ready sent  in  corrections  for  your 
lodge,  it  should  be  done  in  time  so  as 
to  reach  the  editor's  office  at  Buffalo 
on  or  before  April  15th.  , 


According  to  press  reports  there  is  a 
good  field  at  Washington,  D.  C,  to 
work  out  ballot-box  reform.  The  loss 
of  such  a  trifle  as  a  few  ballot-^boxes  in 
the  District  of  Columbia,  or  the  same 
fellow  exercising  his  voting  privilege 
a  dozen  or  so  times  on  election  day 
appears  to  cause  but  slight  confusion. 
Perhaps  in  another  century  or  so  the 
sacredness  of  the  ballot  will  become 
somewhat  of  an  issue  at  the  seat  of 
government.  It  requires  time  to  work 
out  such  reforms. 


If  you  are  told  that  such  an  one 
speaks  ill  of  you,  make  no  defense 
against  what  was  said,  but  answer: 
He  surely  knew  not  my  other  faults, 
e/lse  he  would  not  have  mentioned  these 
only  ?  — Epictetus, 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


From  Vice-Praaidcfit  GNinors. 

Chicago,  III. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

In  the  Feb.  17th  number  of  the  Out- 
UH>k  there  appeared  an  article  enitltled 
"Terrorism  In  America/'  by  Walter  V. 
Woehlke.  Reading  between  the  lines  It 
would  seem  he  attempts  to  discredit 
the  labor  movement  In  America.  The 
picture  he  has  drawn  of  the  teamsters' 
strike  In  Chicago,  and  other  strikes 
that  have  taken  place  from  time  to 
time,  seems  to  have  been  drawn  from 
Imagination. 

In  his  story  he  lays  all  the  blame  for 
assault  and  violence  at  the  door  of  the 
union  men,  and  holds  the  employers 
Immune.  He  does  not  tell  you  how 
the  proprietors  of  department  stores, 
whose  teamsters  wanted  to  keep  out  of 
the  strike;  who  were  loyal  to  their 
union,  and  did  not  want  to  and  would 
not,  deliver  to  the  strike-bound  houses, 
those  department  store  managers 
would  have  cnwdust  and  shavings  done 
up  in  parcels  and  loaded  on  the  wagtm 
of  a  union  driver,  to  be  delivered  to  a 
strike-bound  house.  Of  course,  the 
driver  would  refuse.  He  would  be  dis- 
charged, thus  causing  the  balance  of 
the  drivers  to  strike.  In  his  imagina- 
tion he  did  not  tell  you  that  the  team 
owners'  and  the  Emi^loyers'  Associa- 
tion scoured  the  country,  hired  thieves, 
murderers,  and  rape  fiends.  Imported 
them  Into  the  city  of  Chicago,  and 
had  them  sworn  In  as  officers  of  the 
law,  and  armed  them  with  guns,  clubs 
and  daggers,  and  sent  them  out  among 
the  strikers,  with  Inatructions  to  shoot 
to  kill;  make  no  arrests;  beat  their 
brains  out. 

I  would  recommend  that  Mr.  Woehlke 
investigate  the  situation  from  both 
sides  and  get  the  facts.  I  would  ad- 
vise that  he  go  to  Muscatine,  la.,  and 
make  an  Investigation  of  the  button 
workers'  strike.  There  has  been  a 
reign  of  terror  going  on  In  that  little 
city  for  the  last  year,  brought  on  by 
the  button  manufacturers,  who  repudi- 
ated an  agreement  signed  by  them- 
selves and  a  committee  representing 
the  Button  Workers'  Union  employed 
in  the  factories,  and  by  the  governor 
of  Iowa,  discharging  men  and  women 
because  they  were  members  of  a  union. 
The  money  of  the  citizens  of  the 
county,  paid  as  taxes,  was  stolen  and 
used   to   pay  the  salaries   of   thugs, 


thieves,  murderers  and  gun  men,  wtio 
were  imported  Into  the  city  of  Muv- 
oatlne  to  beat  up  defenseless  men*  wo* 
men  and  little  children.  Young  girls 
and  women  have  had  their  clothes  torn 
from  them  in  the  streets  and  then 
laughed  and  Jeered  at  by  those  cut- 
throats and  industrial  outcasts  who 
are  deiq>ised  by  all  honest  men  and  wo- 
men. Do  you  wonder  that  there  is  ter- 
rorism? Is  not  the  provocation  great 
enough?  Must  union  men  and  women 
be  Insulted  and  beaten  and  make  no 
defense?  On  Nov.  17,  1911,  the  Citi- 
zens' Alliance  of  Muscatine  held  a 
meeting  In  the  rooms  of  the  Commer- 
cial Club.  At  this  meeting  it  was  de- 
manded that  the  strikers  be  deported — 
driven  Into  the  Mississippi  river.  A 
motion  was  made  that  the  leaders  be 
captured  and  taken  out  on  the  high 
bridge  and  ropes  placed  around  their 
necks,  and  that  they  be  hung  from  the 
girders  of  the  bridge.  Those  respec- 
table and  patriotic  citizens  who  cele- 
brate the  Fourth  of  July  and  other  na- 
tional holidays  by  flying  the  <Stars  and 
etrlpes  from  their  palaces  of  Iniquity 
and  sin,  said  "to  hell  wi^  the  law; 
we  will  make  laws  of  our  own,"  and 
they  did  it 

If  this  is  the  policy  of  the  employer, 
why  should  society  object  if  men  and 
women  who  are  locked  out,  or  forced 
out  on  strike,  lose  respect  for  the  law. 
The  picture  that  Mr.  Woelhke  has 
drawn  of  the  iron  worker  has  its  pur- 
pose; that  is,  to  blacken  him  in  the 
minds  of  the  public  at  this  particular 
time,  when  that  organization  is  in 
trouble.  His  statement  Uiat  the  Iron 
workers  are  Ishmaelites  among  me- 
chanics; that  they  are  a  roving,  rest- 
less, reckless  band,  is  also  drawn  from 
his  imagination,  for  it  can  be  readily 
seen  that  he  does  not  know  the  iron 
worker.  It  is  true  that  many  times 
brldgemen,  carpenters,  and  even  en- 
gineers, firemen,  conductors,  brakemen 
and  others  are  compelled  to  put  up  in 
boarding  cars,  or  temporarily-erected 
shanties,  because  the  work  is  so  re- 
motely situated  from  habitation  they 
cannot  do  otherwise.  But  this  does  not 
justify  any  person  in  charging  that 
they  are  dynamiters,  sluggers  or  thugs. 
Knowing  them  as  I  do,  I  must  brand 
as  false  the  charge  that  they  are  a 
shiftless,  reckless  band  of  undeeii^ 
ablee. 

His  story  of  the  trying  times  in  Col- 


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285 


orado,  during  the  strike  of  the  Westeim 
Federaition  of  Miners,  seems  to  be 
drawn  from  imaglnationt  and  is  doeely 
drawn  at  that  Again  he  charges  all 
the  lawlessness  and  violenoe  to  the 
union  man.  This  is  all  done  for  the 
purpose  of  digging  up  the  past  to  preju- 
dice the  minds  of  men  who  may  be 
drawn  to  sit  in  Judgment  on  the  men 
who  are  to  be  tried  by  the  government 
in  the  dynamite  case.  Again  he  holds 
immune  the  Citizens'  Alliance,  the 
Mine  Owners'  Association,  their  tools, 
Goremor  Peabody  and  General  Bell. 
There  is  nothing  said  about  the  way 
men  were  driven  out  of  their  homes, 
deported  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet 
how  after  the  men  had  been  deported, 
their  wives  and  daughters  insulted  and 
raped,  their  homes  ransacked  and  de- 
stroyed by  the  hired  assassins  of  the 
Citisens'  Alliance  and  the  Biine  Own- 
ers' Association.  There  Is  nothing  said 
of  how  the  Cltisens'  Alliance  and  the 
Mine  Owners'  Association  dictated  the 
policy  of  the  State  government;  how 
union  men  were  thrown  into  buU  peuF 
and  left  to  rot  No,  this  is  not  told; 
it  might  take  some  of  the  bloom  oft  the 
peach. 

The  militia  was  sent  into  peaceful 
communities  by  the  governor,  over  the 
protest  of  the  civil  authorities,  to  In- 
cite the  strikers  to  commit  vlolencei 
This  band  of  cigarette  fiends  would 
9tart  out  shooting  up  a  town,  clubbing 
];>eaceable  men  and  women,  to  make  It 
appear  that  there  was  serious  trouble 
for  an  excuse  to  keep  the  mllltla  on 
the  ground.  Bell  refused  to  honor 
writs  of  habeas  corpus.  He  defied  the 
courts  and  tore  to  pieces  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  State.  Attempts  to  wreck 
trains  were  proven  In  court  to  be  done 
by  the  hired  men  of  the  Citizens'  Al- 
liance and  the  Mine  Owners'  Associa- 
tion. 

On  the  nlgbt  of  Nov.  14,  1903,  an  at- 
tempt was  made  to  wreck  a  train  on 
the  Florence  A  Cripple  Creek  Railroad. 
This  train  was  carrying  a  party  of 
business  men  and  their  wives,  who 
were  returning  to  Cripple  Creek  from 
a  military  ball  held  at  Victor.  By 
some  strange  agency  it  was  discovered 
that  the  spikes  had  been  drawn  and 
the  fishplates  removed  from  the  rails 
in  time  to  prevent  the  accident,  which 
would  haye  been  disastrous.  Someone 
must  have  been  next  On  the  night  of 
Nov.  16th  a  similar  attempt  was  made. 


near  the  same  place  on  the  said  nxuL 
Again  there  was  a  mysterious  discov- 
ery, and  this  time,  stnmge  to  say,  the 
lives  of  several  scab  miners,  who  were 
riding  on  the  train,  were  saved. 

H.  H.  McKinley,  an  ex-member  of 
the  Western  Federation  of  Miners,  was 
arrested  and  charged  with  the  crime 
of  trainrwrecking.  In  December,  while 
in  Jail,  he  made  a  confession  to  D.  C^ 
Scott  a  railroad  detective,  and  K.  C. 
Sterling,  a  detective  for  the  Mine 
Owners'  Association,  implicating  Sher- 
man Parker,  W.  F.  Davis  and  Thomas 
Foster,  three  prominent  members  of 
the  Western  Federation  of  (Miners,  as 
participants  or  accessories  before  the 
UmL  In  the  two  attemi>ts  at  train- 
wrecking  on  the  nights  of  Nov.  14th 
and  16th,  McKinley  afterwards  made 
another  confession  to  Attorney  F.  J. 
Hangs  repudiating  his  former  confes- 
sion, stating  that  Parker,  Davis  and 
Foster  were  innocent;  that  for  impli- 
cating the  three  union  men  In  his  first 
confession  he  had  been  promised  im- 
munity from  punishment,  also  |1,000, 
and  free  transportation  for  himself  and 
wife  to  any  part  of  the  world.  At  the 
trial  that  followed  Davis  was  dis- 
charged by  the  court  and  Parker  and 
Foster  were  acquitted.  The  evidence 
Introduced  showed  that  this  outrage 
was  committed  by  the  detectives,  fol- 
lowing the  instructions  of  the  Citizens' 
Alliance  and  the  Mine  Owners'  Asso- 
ciation, for  the  purpose  of  inducing 
President  Roosevelt  to  send  the  Fed- 
eral troops  into  the  strike  zone  to  ter- 
rorize the  strikers.  The  foregoing 
only  shows  one  case  of  the  treacherous 
work  of  the  Citizens'  Alliance  and  the 
Mine  Owners'  Association  of  Colorado. 
The  fatal  accident  of  the  Independence 
mine,  where  sixteen  men  had  their 
lives  snufTed  out,  has  never  been  ex- 
plained. The  dynamite  horror  at  the 
Independence  deipot  on  June  6,  1904, 
has  never  been  explained,  notwith- 
standing bloodhounds  that  Were  put 
on  the  trail,  after  scenting  the  rung  of 
the  chair  that  was  used  to  stretch  the 
wire  that  fired  the  pistol  that  set  off 
the  bomb,  followed  the  trail  to  the  door 
of  a  trusted  employe  of  the  Citizens' 
Alliance  and  the  Mine  Owners'  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  prejudice  of  Mr.  Woehike  and 
the  utter  Ignorance  of  his  subject  is 
plainly  exhibited  in  his  reference  to 
the  strikes  of  conductors  and  motor- 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITOHBfBN'S 


men.  Here  again  he  assails  'labor's 
violent  metiiodB."  He  makes  little  of 
the  ability  required  to  operate  a  street 
car  successfully,  and  holds  that  any 
street  car  strike  coold  be  beat  in  ten 
days  if  the  strike-breakers  were  not 
molested  by  the  strikers.  He  attributes 
his  information  on  street  car  service 
to  managers  from  a  half-dozen  electric 
systems.  Very  authentic  information 
upon  which  a  writer  in  a  widely-dis- 
tributed magazine  should  base  his  de- 
duction. One  would  think  if  he  had 
any  desire  to  be  fair  he  would  investi- 
gate this  matter  from  both  sides.  The 
history  of  street  car  strikes  in  this 
country  is  that  the  disorder  resulting 
therefrom  has  not  come  from  the 
strikers,  but  from  an  outraged  public, 
who  had  been  maimed,  killed  and  had 
indignities  imposed  upon  them  by  the 
inexperienced,  inefficient  and  thug  ele- 
ment the  companies  had  hired  to  dls-  ^ 
place  the  strikers.  During  the  San 
Francisco  street  car  strike  the  news- 
papers of  that  city  held  up  in  holy 
horror  every  day  the  hundreds  of  peo- 
ple who  were  injured  through  the 
careleflsnesB  of  the  Imported  strike- 
breakers who  were  operating:  the  cars. 
Investigation  will  prove  a  repetition 
of  this  in  all  big  cities  where  street 
car  strikes  have  taken  place.  In  all  of 
our  big  cities  the  greatest  skill  and  ez- 
periencjo  is  necessary  to  take  a  car 
through  congested  thorouglifares  with- 
out accidents,  and  in  this,  as  in  the 
rest  of  the  biased  dedluctions  of  Mr. 
Woehlke,  he  has  blundered  so  much  as 
to  make  his  article  an  object  of  rldf- 
oule  for  fair-minded  readers. 

Yes,  while  it  is  unfortunately  true 
there  is  too  much  violence  during 
strikes,  there  is  always  a  reason,  and 
one  side  is  as  much  to  blame  as  the 
other.  It  is  always  best  to  get  both 
sides  of  the  story  and  give  ftt  to  the 
public  as  it  is.  It  is  unfair  for  writers 
to  show  the  employer  in  the  sunshine 
and  labor  in  the  dark  of  night  It  Is 
also  unfair  to  put  men  down  as  a 
roving,  restless,  reckless  band  of  dsma- 
mlters,  because  they  are  compelled  by 
conditions  they  cannot  ov«roome  to 
live  In  boardinif  cars  or  shanties 
erected  for  that  purpose.  Many  an 
honest  heart  beats  under  a  sidewalk,  or 
even  in  a  worse  place,  and  society  is 
to  blams  for  It  all. 

James  B.  ComfORs. 


The  Wldonv  s  Dreain* 

A  widow  sat  one  winter's  night. 

Within  her  lonely  cot; 
The  storm  is  wild  and  fierce  without. 

But  the  widow  heeds  it  not 
Gray  and  old,  alone  she  sits 

With  the  phantom  of  want  and  care, 
Her  heart  is  numb  with  sori>ow  and 
grtef. 

And  poverty's  gaunt  despair. 

There  are  voices  she  hears  in  the 
storm  tonight. 

Voices  she  used  to  love; 
That  have  long  since  gone  from  ^earth- 
ly cares. 

To  their  beautiful  home  above. 
In  fancy  she  heiirs  her  lover's  voice 

Near  the  hollyhocks  in  the  lane: 
I  love  you — I  love  you — ^Mary,  dear. 

Is  the  sweetheart's  sweet  refrain. 

I'm  waiting,  I'm  waiting,  Mary,  dear, 

In  the  fairyland  of  dreams. 
Where    roses    bloom   with    never    a 
thorn, 

'Mid  the  sunlight's  golden  gleams. 
Oh,  spirit  of  Mary!   come  with  me. 

On  the  border-land  I  wait, 
Our  bridal  feast,  in  paradise, 

This  night  to  celebrate. 

.Through  the  wild  dark  night  we'll 
ride,  my  dear. 
On  the  breast  of  the  raging  storm, 
'Neath    hovering    wings   of    drifting 
snow 
I'll  guard  thy  angel  form. 
A  radiant  shining  light  comes  forth 

As  Mary's  soul  appears 
To  Join  the  spirit  lover  brave 
Through  all  eternal  years. 

On  the  wings  of  the  mad  north  wind 
he  bore 
His  Mary— -spirit  bride"— 
To  paradise,  "the  land  of  dreams," 

To  ever  more  abide. 
The  icy  cold  comes  creeping  in 

Unheeded — ^wlth  stealthy  tread, 
And  envelops  her  form  with  many  a 
fold 
Of  a  mantle  from  the  dead. 

Mas.  George  Hughes. 


A  little  boy  who  had  often  heard  his 
father  talk  about  the  Civil  War  finally 
asked :  "Father,  did  any  one  help  you 
put  down  the  rebellion  T^^-OoIWer*!. 


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CommaBlcaMoBs  for  the  JOUBNAL  mast  he  reoetved  BEFOBE 
the  Idth  of  the  month  to  Insare  pahllcetton.  All  Commaalca* 
ttoBs  for  the  JOUBNAL  mast  be  ecoompaaled  by  the  name 
of   the  sendert  end   written  only   on  one  side  of   the   paper. 


Buffalo,  N.Y. 

BiDiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

An  observlii^r  outBider  w<ho,  pei^ 
chance  would  read  the  three  last  issues 
of  the  Switchmen's  Joubnal,  would 
readily  conclude  that  the  memhers  of 
this  organization  do  not  hastily  glance 
over  its  pages  and  then  lay  it  down 
and  forget  it  Such  reader  would  also 
realize  that  they  could,  when  they  de- 
sired, write  intelligently  on  other  sub- 
jects than  balls,  picnics  and  local  lodge 
nuitters,  and  that  is  the  impression  we 
want  to  cnltivate  among  our  members, 
as  well  as  upon  the  general  public. 
Our  Joubnal  is  the  medium  through 
wtLich  the  members  give  expression  to 
their  ideas  and  in  turn  ascertain  those 
of  the  brothers  in  the  different  parts 
of  the  country.  These  ideas,  carefully 
disoussed,  should  bring  about  enact- 
ment of  better  laws  for  the  guidance  of 
our  organization.  I  am  more  than 
pleased  with  the  manner  in  which  the 
brothers  have  taken  uip  the  different 
subjects  I  have  placed,  before  them 
and,  while  realizing  the  responsibility 
assumed  when  starting  the  argument 
and  the  opposition  which  wouud  prob- 
ably be  manifested  by  some,  yet  I  am 
wen  satisfied  and  firmly  belieye  that 
with  the  co-operation  of  more  of  the 
brothers,  especielly  those  who  have 
been  delegates  to  our  conventions, 
many  good  -suggestions  will  be 
'HSirashed  out"  before  the  next  conven- 
tion that  wlU  better  enable  the  dele- 
gates to  enact  laws  that  will  be  more 
ecinftable  and  Just  to  all  members.  I 
expected  to  get  "my  calls,"  in  fact, 
would  have  been  surprised  if  I  hadn't. 
But  to  a  man  who  has  been  "in  the 
game"  for  thirty  years  a  few  roasts 
don't  coant  Therefore  if  my  humble 
efforts  in  this  matter  will  avail  the 
unfon  any  good,  I  will  be  satisfied  and 


well  repaid.  As  I  apepar  to  be  the 
*'bulls-eye"  at  which  all  the  writers 
fired  last  month,  "it's  up  to  me"  to 
come  be«k  in  rebuttal.  I  want  to  say 
to  Bro.  B.  of  Houston  that  I  am  not 
knocking  Houston^  nor  do  I  want  the 
convention  taken  from  there,  in  fact, 
I  would  be  greatly  opposed  to  such  a 
proceeding  if  it  were  started.  My  idea 
was  to  try  at  the  next  convention  for 
cutting  down  expenses  of  conventions, 
either  by  doing  away  with  them  alto- 
gether, by  introducing  the » initiative 
and  referendum,  by  holding  them 
every  four  years,  or  by  holding  them  at 
Grand  Lodge  headquarters.  Either 
one  of  the  suggestions  would  suit  me. 
I  also  wish  to  say  l^at  it  is  only  a 
matter  of  a  few  years  until  conven- 
tions, as  now  held,  will  be  done  away 
with  by  all  organizations,  and  even 
now  two  of  the  most  prominent  of  the 
railroad  orders  are  figuring  on  a 
change  on  account  of  the  heavy  and 
useless  expense  attached  to  them.  I 
will  also  state  to  the  Houston  brother 
that  there  is  no  one  who  would  be 
more  pleased  than  I  to  see  him  able 
to  hit  the  footboard  again. 

Replying  to  Bro.  Meehan  I  will  say 
that  I  thought  that  old  bugaboo,  the 
B.  of  R.  T.,  was  a  past  issue.  What  it 
has  done  in  the  past  or  will  do  in  the 
future  should  not  concern  us  at  all. 
We  pride  ourselivee  on  being  strictly  a 
class  oivanizatlon  and  all  union  men. 
The  B.  of  R.  T.  is  a  conglomeration 
of  brakemen,  firemen,  switchmen,  call- 
ers, yard  clerks,  street  car  men  and  a 
few  otiier  occupations  thrown  in.  We 
are  recognized  4>y  the  A.  F.  of  L.,  an 
oii^anization  composed  of  nearly  two 
million  union  men.  The  B.  of  R.  T.  is 
barred  from  becoming  a  member  of  this 
body  for  well  known  reasons  and,  con- 
sequently, what  the  B.  of  R.  T.  allow 
and  consider  fair  at  their  conventions, 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHMBN*S 


would  never  be  tolerated  by  the  swltdi- 
men.  I  do  not  think  that  we  will  liye 
to  Bee  the  day  when  a  switchmen's  con^ 
vention  will  have  so  many  business 
men  as  delegates  that  they  could  run 
it,  and  it  was  to  keep  out  men  like 
John  McMillian,  the  labor  mayor  of 
Ashtaibula,  Dr.  Ford  of  Omaha,  and 
Ben  Morgan  of  St  Paul  that  the  law 
was  first  introduced^  and  yet  we  con- 
tinued to  accept  their  money.  Let 
them  work  for  the  union  in  their  home 
cities  and  be  asked  to  do  favors  for  the 
organization,  but  when  their  own 
lodges  want  to  send  them  as  delegates 
to  our  convention  we  point  to  a  clause 
in  our  constitution  and  say  "No."  And 
if  we  are  asked  why  we  bar  them,  the 
only  answer  we  could  truthfully  give 
would  be  that  they  might  be  looking 
for  some  Grand  Lodge  office.  But 
what  right  has  anyone  who  has  been 
honored  by  being  elected'  to  a  Grand 
Lodge  office  position  to  think  that  he 
is  elected  for  life  and  that  any  one 
who  might  aspire  for  his  position  was 
very  presumptuous?  I  claim  that  if 
we  want^  only  actively  employed 
switchmen  to  represent  us  at  conven- 
tions we  should  compel  them  to  with- 
draw from  the  organization  when  they 
quit  switching  and  go  into  other  busi- 
ness as  we  do  when  they  commence 
handling  liquor,  then  they  would  have 
no  claim  on  ua  But  as  long  as  we  con- 
tinue to  accept  their  money  and  keep 
them  on  our  books  in  good  standing, 
we  should  consider  them  eligible  as 
delegates  if  elected,  or  our  much- 
vaunted  slogan,  "One  for  all  and  all 
for  one,"  is  of  no  ficcount. 

Now  a  few  words  in  reply  to  the 
brother  from  Lodge  No.  129  who  claims 
I  was  worried  over  the  cost  of  the 
last  convention.  He  is  right  about  it. 
I  consider  it  a  crime  to  throw  away  so 
many  dollars  when  much  more  good 
could  be  accompliieaied  otherwise,  and 
I  sincerely  hope  we  will  never  have  a 
repetition  of  the  St.  Paul  convention. 
But  when  accused  of  speaking  slight- 
ingly of  t^e  work  there  accomplished, 
he  simply  construed  my  letters  in  the 
former  issues  to  suit  himself.  If  he 
will  go  back  to  his  February  Joubnal 
he  will  see  that  I  considered  the  work 
of  changing  Grand  Lodge  officers  and 
our  insurance  policies  of  so  great  im- 
portance that  I  recommended  that 
every  member  who  desired  to  vote  on 
the  subject,  be  given  a  chance  to  do  so. 
Then  there  would  be  no  delegates  to 


throw  the  responsibility  on  l;f  .a  mis- 
take was  made.  I  do  not  doubt  his 
statement  that  the  delegates  from 
Lodge  No.  129  would  have  paid  their 
own  expenses  had  it  been  necessary, 
but  I  also  have  my  doubts  as  to 
whether  their  intentions  had  the  wel- 
fare of  the  union  at  heart  as  much  as 
to  satisfy  a  personid  grudge,  and  I  do 
not  believe  he  thinks  eight  years  is  too 
long  for  any  Grand  oflicer  to  serve.  If 
so^  why  did  he  remain  silent  when  men 
who  had  served  longer  were  nomi- 
nated? He  thinks  it  advisable  to  have 
fewer  Gmnd  Lodge  officers  now,  but 
did  he  when  the  constitution  commit- 
tee recommended  to  dispense  with 
three  vice-presidents  and  the  commit- 
tee on  good  and  welfare  that  we  do 
away  with  two  of  them  and  appoint  dis- 
trict organizers?  Or  did  he  vote  to 
make  it  five,  putting  one  more  on  the 
list?  I  did  not  hear  his  voiee  raised  in 
protest  when  it  was  recommended  to 
raise  salaries  |26  per  month,  but  now 
he  has  had  time  to  consider  things  and 
believes  we  have  too  many.  There  are 
two  stenographers  and  two  clerks  in 
the  Grand  Lodge  office  and,  no  matter 
what  else  has  been  said  about  our 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  I  have 
never  heard  him  accused  of  having  a 
padded  office  roll.  In  fact,  he  watches 
the  finances  too  closely  to  suit  some 
folks.  He  states  it  won't  do  to  hold  con- 
ventions every  four  years  without 
furnishing  fmy  reasons.  If  it  is  a  good 
thing  for  some  unions,  why  not  for  the 
switchmen?  If  we  are  going  to  be 
leaders,  then  let  us  do  something 
originid.  At  the  present  we  are  simply 
following  others;  It  must  be  borne  in 
mind  that  thei^e  are  many  trade  unions 
whose  members  get  more  per  hour, 
work  less  hours  per  day  and  have 
many  other  concessions  not  enjoyed  by 
our  members  and  they  do  not  hold  con- 
ventions every  two  years.  I  always 
thought  it  was  the  fighting  at  home  in 
our  local  lodges  and  not  at  conventions 
that  brought  about  better  conditions 
and  wages.  Perhaps  I  was  wrong,  but 
he  will  have  to  show  me.  He  was 
right,  though,  when  he  said  I  was  op- 
posed to  a  change  in  the  Grand  Lodge. 
When  I  was  at  St  Paul  I  was  not 
ashamed  or  afraid  to  let  it  be  known 
that  I  was  for  Frank  T.  Hawley  for 
president  and  no  one  worked  harder 
for  his  election  than  I  did.  I  worked 
for  ten  years  under  the  Hawley  admin- 
istration and   did  everything  in  my 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   ABfSRIOA. 


power  to  help  build  up  the  organiza- 
tion. Since  Bro.  Heberling  has  been 
president  I  have  worked  Just  as  hard 
and  conscientiously  under  him  and, 
had  Bra.  Rowan  been  the  successful 
candidate,  I  would  work  Just  as  hard 
under  him.  It  is  not  the  man  who  is 
the  leader  you  are  working  for,  but  the 
Switchmen's  Union  and  your  own  in- 
terests all  the  time  and  I  am  oniy  look- 
ing after  my  own  interesta  when  doing 
so.  Should  the  delegates  at  our  next 
convention  cbecide  to  hold  our  conven- 
tions every  four  years,  I  consider  there 
would  be  a  saving  of  |25,000  to  add  to 
the  funds  of  the  union  and  I  trust  he 
will  see  the  point  Since  his  explana- 
tion I  understand  in  some  small  cities 
conditions  change  rapidly  and  one 
must  be  on  the  job  all  the  time  to  even 
know  what  track  he  Is  on.  But  in 
large  terminals,  yards  are  not  so  con- 
structed and  work  is  done  after  a 
fashion  one  can  long  remember.  The 
same  general  rules  govern  living  con- 
dKions  .  Wages,  hours  of  labor,  etc., 
are  about  the  same  in  most  all  termi- 
ncOa.  While  I  heartily  agree  with  him 
on  the  ei^t-hour  proposition,  in  my 
opinion  there  are  only  two  ways  open 
for  us  to  secure  this  much-coveted 
prize:  First,  build  up  the  union  to 
such  numerical  strength  that  we  can 
force  the  companies  to  comply  with 
our  demands;  second,  affiliate  with  the 
other  organizations  when  the  oppor- 
tunity presents  itself. 

I  believe  Bro.  Titus  of  Clevel€ind 
puts  the  right  construction  on  the  sec- 
tion of  the  constitution  requiring  mem- 
bers to  submit  their  amendments  be- 
fore Jan.  1, 1913  to  the  Grand  Board  of 
Directors  in  order  to  give  them  time 
to  compile  -them  and  submit  them  to 
the  local  lodges  for  final  action.  When 
Bro.  Hogan  of  Fargo  made  that  recom- 
mendation I  believe  it  was  his  inten- 
tion, also  of  those  who  voted  for  it, 
that  1^1  recommendations  must  be 
submitted  on  or  before  Jan.  1st,  pre- 
ceding any  convention.  Then  the 
other  amendment  was  offered  and  car- 
ried before  it  was  given  full  considera- 
tion. I  am  of  the  opinion  that  eigh- 
teen months  is  ample  time  for  submis- 
sion of  recomendations  desired.  If, 
after  the  convention  has  convened, 
more  recommendations  are  presented, 
then  it  will  place  us  where  we  were  be- 
fore the  adoption  of  Sec.  199.  It  would 
also  mean  that  the  Grand  Board  of  Di- 
rectors would  have  to  leave  the  con- 


vention €md  meet  us  as  a  constitution 
committee  again  and  it  would  deprive 
the  delegates  of  a  chance  to  vote  on 
the  recommendation,  and  here  is 
where  a  piece  of  legislation  that,  per- 
haps, would  not  be  for  the  best  inter- 
ests of  the  union,  could  be  railroaded 
trough.  Three  or  four  good  talkers 
on  a  convention  floor,  after  drawing  up 
an  article  that  would  help  a  certain 
part  of  the  country  or  a  certain  few 
individuals,  might  cause  an  amend- 
ment to  be  carried  which  would  be 
only  a  bill  of  expense  or  a  detriment 
to  the  organization  as  a  whole.  Even 
if  the  Grand  Board  rejected  the  recom- 
mendation, one  of  the  parties  might 
call  for  a  reading  of  it  and  then,  with 
the  friends  they  could  rally  to  their 
aid,  it  might  be  possible  to  convince 
enough  delegates  that  it  was  a  good 
thing  to  adopt  it  I  rememoer  at  the 
last  convention  when  a  delegate 
brought  a  recommendation  to  the  con- 
stitution committee  on  the  last  day  be- 
fore adjournment  and  after  it  had  fin- 
ished its  work  and  was  ready  to  re- 
port. It  was  this:  That  we  recom- 
mend that  the  pay  of  delegates  to  con- 
ventione  be  ten  dollars  per  day,  with 
two  cents  a  mile  going  and  coming. 
Had  it  been  allowed  to  have  gone  be- 
fore the  convention,  the  brothers 
would  have  been  surprised  at  the  num- 
ber of  votes  it  would  have  received.  If 
anyone  has  any  recommendation  to 
offer  he  has  plenty  of  time  to  do  so  be- 
tween now  and  Jan.  1,  1913.  After  that 
they  should  not  be  sent,  and  if  sent, 
not  considered.  * 

The  very  severe  winter  we  have  ex- 
perienced has  had  a  tendency  to  make 
business  good  on  all  the  railroads  en- 
tering Buffalo.  All  our  brothers  are 
working  and  many  strangers  nave  se- 
cured positions  and  made  good  time. 
On  the  New  York  Central  we  have  had 
as  many  as  115  extra  men  and  yet 
many  a  day  and  night  crews  have 
worked  shorthanded.  With  the  be- 
ginning of  spring  the  business  on  the 
western  roads  will  drop. off,  while  busi- 
ness on  the  eastern  roads  will  pick  up 
when  navigation  opens  up. 

Our  Central  Council  is  getting  along 
nicely  and  all  the  lodges  are  repre- 
sented by  good,  earnest  brothers 
whose  main  desire  is  to  see  Buffalo  a 
solid  Switchmen's  Union  city  and. 
from  the  reports  coming  in,  we  hope  to 
soon  have  it  so. 

The  members  of  Lodge  Na  89  wish 


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240 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


to  thank  their  worthy  brothers  In  the 
Grand  Lodge— -Heberllng,  Welch  and 
Thompson — for  many  favors  and  ex- 
cellent advice  given  to  them  at  the 
time  of  organizing  the  council  I  re- 
main. Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Thos.  G.  Meanet, 
Lodge  No,  S9. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

On  Tuesday  evening,  April  16th, 
Lodge  No.  4  will  hold  a  big  benefit 
dance  at  Beyer's  Hall,  corner  Swan 
and  Emslie  streets,  for  the  benefit  of 
Bro.  John  Davis,  who  for  the  past  six 
months  had  been  confined  at  Mount 
Mercy  Hospital  with  sugar  diabetes. 
Bro.  Davis  is  an  old  time  switchman, 
having  seen  service  on  the  Lake  Shore, 
Delaware,  South  Buffalo  and  at  the  B. 
A  iS.  Iron  Company's  plant,  and  has 
a  large  family  to  support  The  com- 
mittee on  arrangements  are  Bros.  T. 
P.  Duffy,  John  Galvin  and  H.  B.  Davis. 
The  floor  will  be  looked  after  by  Bro. 
J.  G.  Evoy,  chairman,  J.  R.  Digman,  W. 
J.  Casper,  F.  P.  Roberts  and -Albert 
Evoy.  The  guests  will  be  received  by 
Bros.  Wm.  O'Brien,  chairman;  Ed. 
Murnin  from  the  B.  of  R.  T.;  A. 
Vaughn,  Wm.  Coughlln  a^d  S.  Butler 
from  the  B.  C.  Bros.  J.  M.  Kelly,  John 
Krug  and  Thos.  S.  Kelly  will  look  after 
the  checkroom.  Bros.  Duly  and  H.  B. 
Davis  will  have  charge  of  the  door. 
An  excellent  program  has  been  ar- 
ranged and  a  good  time  is  guaranteed 
to  all  who  attend.  A  union  orchestra 
has  been  employed.  Tickets  are  25c 
each  and  it  is  the  request  of  the  com- 
mittee that  the  brothers  having  tickets 
for  sale  will  make  their  remittance  to 
the  treasurer  as  soon  as  possible. 

It  has  been  given  out  that  Bro.  Tony 
Scannel  of  the  B.,  R.  A  P.  has  signed 
a  contract  with  Manager  Hughes  of 
the  Selkirk  Slashers  to  act  as  the  offl- 
cial  arbitrator  for  the  coming  baseball 
season. 

Bro.  Billie  Parker  says  that  Bro. 
Judge  has  cold  feet,  laying  off  four 
days  to  get  out  of  working  the  house 
engine  on  Sunday. 

Put  a  chalk  mark  on  the  wall,  Bro. 
John  Daly  attended  the  meeting  on 
Feb.  20th. 

Bros.  Flaherty,  Davis,  Rooney  and 
Toomey  of  Electric  City  Lodge  No. 
129  were  business  visitors  in  the  city 
on  March  3d. 

If  any  of  the  brothers  wish  to  learn 


the  turkey  trot  or  the  grizzly  bear, 
they  can  see  Bro.  Tom  Duffy  for  in- 
structions. 

We  are  glad  to  see  Bro.  John  Scheer- 
ing  on  the  Job  again. 

Now,  brothers,  don't  forget  the  date, 
April  16th.  Everybody  get  on  tne  job 
and  fill  the  hall. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Gib, 
Lodge  No.  4. 


Editob  Switohmbn's  Joubnal: 

At  the  last  regular  meeting  of  Even- 
ing Star  Lodge  No.  209,  1  was  ap- 
pointed Joubnal  agent,  and  will  try 
to  give  the  news  of  our  lodge  to  the 
editor  in  time  for  publication  in  our 
pink  book. 

In  reading  the  March  issue  of  the 
Joubnal  I  was  interested  in  the  argu- 
ments of  several  of  our  brothers  con- 
cerning amendments  to  the  constitu- 
tion, and  agree  with  Bro.  Titus  that 
there  are  quite  a  number  of  switch- 
men capable  ot  writing  and  expressing 
their  thoughts. 

Bro.  Meaney's  idea  of  holding  con- 
ventions every  fourth  year  is  certainly 
a  good  one,  and  I  hope  it  will  be  put 
into  practice.  • 

But  I  certainly  hope  Bro.  Meaney 
has  been  misquoted  in  his  statement 
that  little  or  nothing  was  accomplished 
at  the  last  convention. 

It  has  been  suggested  that  I  write 
something  about  an  eight-hour  day.  It 
will  not  be  necessary  to  go  over  the 
arguments  used  in  its  favor  only  to 
say  that  it  has  been  conclusively 
shown  that  a  man  working  eight  hours 
a  day  can  do  better  work  and  will  not 
have  to  lay  oft  to  get  his  lost  reet 
Just  think  it  over  and  ask  your  brother 
switchman  what  he  thinks  of  the  pro- 
position. 

Some  of  you  would  probably  say  that 
the  high  cost  of  living  necessitates  the 
longer  work-day,  but  I  do  not  agree 
with  this  line  of  reasoning.  Our  gov- 
ernment has  been  investigating  the 
food  trusts  and  it  found  that  the  food 
trust  placed  eggs  and  butter  in  cold 
storage  when  these  things  were  plenti- 
ful and  held  them  until  such  periods 
that  butter  and  eggs  were  scarce  and 
then  placed  them  on  the  market  at 
fancy  prices.  It  was  shown  in  the  In- 
vestigation of  Mr.  Sulzberger,  an  inde- 
pendent packer  of  meats,  that  he  raised 
or   lowered    his   prices    of  beef  over 


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UNION   OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


241 


.night,  not  because  tlie  supply  did  not 
oover  the  demand,  but  elmply  to. com- 
pete with  eome  other  meat  packer. 
This  proves,  to  my  mind,  that  those 
Interests  who  control  the  markets  con- 
trol the  cost  to  you  of  your  living. 

The  earth  produces  just  as  much  to 
the  acre  as  It  formerly  did,  and  the 
f^kctories  can  manufacture  finished 
goods  more  economically  than  ever  be- 
fore. 

The  proper  way  to  readjust  the  cosi 
of  living  would  be  to  place  men  In 
public  office  who  would  have  the  In- 
terests of  the  working  class  at  heart, 
for,  at  the  last  analysis,  they  are  the 
producers  and  not  the  privileged  few, 
who  mostly  through  the  speculation  of 
other  people's  property  backed  by  the 
people's  money  deposited  in  the  banks 
and  Insurance  companies  have  gained 
tte  reins  of  governmental  power. 

Lodge  No.  209  has  been  holding  some 
good  meetings  of  late,  and  the  brothers 
are  awakening  from  their  long  sleep 
and  taking  some  Interest  in  the  doings 
of  the  lodge.  At  the  last  election  we 
placed  a  complete  set  of  new  officers  in 
charge,  and  It  had  not  ought  to  be 
necessary  to  add  that  the  rank  and  file 
should  be  in  the  lodge-room  on  meeting 
nights  to  give  encouragement  to  the 
brothers  they  elected  to  fill  the  chairs. 

Again,  large  attendance  at  meetings 
80  reaches  the  ears  of  the  yardmasters 
and  those  higher  up  and  lets  them 
know  that  we  are  striving  to  uphold 
and  increase  unionism  and  probably 
discussing  the  abuses  which  sometimes 
creep  in  a  3^ard  not  a  solid  unit. 

As  I  think  of  nothing  else  at  present 
I  shall  have  to  add.  "continued  in  our 
next."  and  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Ohables  Babkeb. 
Lodffe  No.  209. 


Newport,  Ky. 

Bditob  SwTTOHifEN's  Joubnal: 

The  brother  from  Kentucky  is  and 
always  has  been  a  fighter  for  the  betr 
terment  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.;  if  he 
wasn't  in  all  probability  the  discus- 
sion now  occupying  the  attention  of 
the  brother  from  Pennsylvania  and 
TarioQs  others  would  never  have  been 
tnronght  forward. 

Now.  If  the  brother  from  Lodge  No. 
189  will  please  define  "conditions."  the 


kind  that  change  during  lunch,  etc., 
we  will  better  understand  what  he  in- 
tends to  convey  by  his  remarks.  1 
write  from  my  home  town  but  work  In 
Cincinnati,  on  the  P.  R.  R.,  the  stand- 
ard railroad  of  America,  and  have 
never  run  across  such  remarkable 
changes  as  he  speaks  of.  What  I  know 
of  the  work  I  learned  right  In  the 
yards,  by  good,  hard  physical  and 
mental  exercise,  and  will  not  be  so  un- 
charitable as  to  think  but  what  all 
others  did  likewise;  but  without  that 
spirit  of  charity  one  might  refer  the 
brother's  remark  about  rapidity  of 
changes  he  had  completed  a  course  of 
study  in  the  famous  correspondence 
schools  there  before  dinner  and  become 
a  switchman  after  the  noon  hour,  and 
In  which  case  we  readily  agree  with 
him  there  would  have  been  a  radical 
short  order  change.  He  also  states  he 
doesn't  know  what  I  mean  when  I  say 
the  orders  are  inimical.  I  hope  he  isn't 
so  radical  as  to  believe  the  S.  U.  alone 
can  secure  an  eight-hour  day?  If  so, 
I  take  oft  my  hat  to  him  and  other 
Pennsylvanians  who  are  of  that  belief, 
for  they  have  "we  Kentucklans"  beaten 
for  egotism.  And  as  for  my  fighting 
qualities,  I  am  not  the  white  man's 
ht>pe,  but,  so  far,  I  have  always  been 
able  to  "come  back." 

Another  thing,  speaking  of  the  last 
convention,  evidently  the  grim  deter- 
mination some  brothers  had  was  the 
calling  of  the  extraordinary  session.  I 
have  often  wondered  why  it  was  called. 
It  certainly  was  a  long  way  around  to 
get  the  required  results,  and  why  was 
it  necessary?  There  are  some  things  I 
never  did  understand,  and  I  don't 
think  anybody  else  did  except  those  di- 
rectly concerned.  But  to  get  back  to 
the  original  subject.  Any  man  who 
pays  his  lodge  dues  by  common  right 
should,  if  his  lodge  saw  fit  to  send 
him,  be  entitled  to  represent  his  lodge 
at  conventions. 

What  if  he  is  over  the  age  limit  and 
gets  out  of  a  job  and  has  to  go  at  some- 
thing else,  should  we  put  that  brother 
on  the  scrap  pile,  and  still  take  his 
money?  That,  too,  when  the  chances 
are  he  knew  more  about  switching 
cars  than  half  the  delegates  do.  And 
aboirtii^he  eight-hour  day.  I  don't  know 
which  I  would  rather  wait  for,  that  or 
the  millenium.  The  brother  from 
Houston  doesn't  seem  to  see  the  point 
in  his  letter.     In  speaking  of  expense 


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142 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


would  it  not  be  better  to  hold  a  con- 
Tention  nearer  to  the  center  of  mem- 
bership and  have  a  few  outlying  lodges 
to  draw  larger  per  diem  expense  ac- 
counts than  to  have  a  convention 
where  nine-tenths  will  have  to  travel 
a  couple  of  thousand  miles? 

Now,  Bro.  Meehan,  I  spoke  of  mem- 
bers of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  not  grafters , 
nor  politicians,  because  we  haven't  any 
in  our  ranks.  We  are  just  brothers, 
and  as  for  machines  and  gangs,  well, 
there  aren't  any  Jobs  that  pay  enough 
to  temipt  anything  like  that. 

Bro.  Titus'  suggestion  is  about  the 
only  feasible  one  that  I  can  think  of. 
But  had  the  original  amendment  been 
allowed  to  stand,  it  would  have  been 
better  as  I  have  pointed  out  before. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
A.  T.  Cabtos, 
Lodge  No,  ll.t. 


O. 

SSditob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnai.: 

From  present  indications  it  looks 
favorable  for  Ohio  to  lead  all  other 
states  in  expanding  the  principle  of 
employers'  liability  and  workmen's 
compensation  to  those  who  are  injured 
or  killed  at  hazardous  employment  and 
to  include  insurance  for  those  whose 
health  is  affected  or  lives  are  sacrificed 
by  what  is  known  as  occupational  dis- 


The  labor  committee  of  the  state 
conetitutional  convention,  now  in  ses- 
sion, is  favorably  inclined  to  pirovide 
some  recompense  for  workers  engaged 
in  dangerous  trades  and  it  is  expected 
that  when  the  labor  program  is  re- 
ported it  will  include  a  provision  deal- 
ing with  occupational  diseases. 

There  are  now  compensation  acts  for 
accidents  on  the  statute  books  of  Ohio. 
California,  Wisconsin,  Nevada,  Oregon, 
New  Jersey,  New  Hamipshire,  Kansas, 
Illinois  and  Washington,  with  a  num- 
ber of  other  states  considering  similar 
measures.  The  Ohio  law  i<s  given 
credit  for  being  the  most  satisfactory 
of  all.  This  legislation  can  be  safely 
attributed  to  efforts  of  organized  labor 
and  the  action  of  the  numerous  unions 
toward  Uie  forming  of  fm  international 
alliance  will  hasten  the  day  when  all 
trades  will,  by  such  federation,  secure 
this  necessary  legislation  in  states  and 
countries  not  enjoying  it  now. 


The  organized  workers  are  striving 
to  abolish  the  racial,  religious  and 
political  prejudices  of  the  various  peo- 
ple and  to  minimize  strife  and*  are  suc- 
ceedimg  in  a  mo^  satisfactory  manner. 
The  labor  vs.  capital  baitti'es  of  the  past 
few  years  and  the  tendiency  of  the  la- 
bor organizations  to  amalgamate  along 
industrial  lines  should  be  an  incentive 
to  the  leaders  of  all  our  big  organiza- 
tions to  produce  a  scheme  that  can  he 
worked  out  and  eventually  acconvplish 
the  desired  result— a  general  fettora- 
tion  of  ail  unions.  The  necessity  of 
this  being  done  is  shown  cmiclusively 
by  the  action  of  emiployen*  organiza- 
ticms  who  never  fail  to  take  advantage 
of  any  weakness  when  labor  rises  to 
protect  its  rights.  They  raise  a  fund 
to  tempt  the  unipnincipled  thugs,  club 
our  brothers  and,  recently,  our  sisters 
and  dhildren.  They  were  thrown  into 
prison  by  corrupt  municipal  officers 
and  they  even  succeeded  in  getting  the 
national  guard  to  perform  duty  for 
them.  Ninety  per  cent,  of  its  mem'bership 
shrlnik  from  doing  this  dtity.  for  all 
they  get  for  their  service  is  seedier 
fare  aiMl  a  few  paltry  dollars,  and  if 
any  of  them  are  hiailf  human,  after  an 
experience  of  that  kind,  he  will  not  re- 
enlist  when  his  time  is  up. 

But  the  foe  organized  labor  finds  it 
heirdest  to  combat  with  is  the  shallow, 
weak-kneed  individual  who  is  ever 
ready  to  step  in  and  take  a  striker's 
place  and  strut  to  and  from  his  work 
with  a  thug  on  one  side  of  him  and  a 
tin  soldier  on  the  other.  Oh,  how 
proud  his  mother  and  his  wife  are  that 
he  has  the  courage  to  work  for  them 
while  he  can.  All  he  gets  for  his  serv- 
ice is  good  pay  and  protection  from  in- 
Jury  while  the  strike  is  on,  and  then 
even  the  employer  diespises  him  and  he 
is  branded  by  his  own  hand. 

Pennsylvania  is  reaping  the  harvest 
of  child  labor  and  reckless  exploita- 
tion of  adult  labor.  Children  of  the 
mill  and  mine,  who  are  taken  at  a 
tender  age,  squeezed  dry  and  thrown 
on  the  industrial  scrap  heap,  have 
been  piling  up  for  years.  The  maimed 
and  broken  workmen  of  the  coal  and 
steel  trust  have  been  piling  up  for 
years.  Pennsylvania  now  has  seven 
million  inhabitants  and  six  hundred 
thousand  persons  in  the  state  receive 
public  charity—one  in  twelve  in  Penn- 
sylvania—"the  cradle  of  protection." 

The  wheels  of  Justice  will  speed  up 
and  there  will  be  no  delay  in  bringHig 


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the'iifty-four  labor  leaders  to  trial,  is 
the  announcement  of  the  federal  proee- 
eutors.  At  last  the  government  has  a 
set  of  alleged  malefactors  upon  whom 
jt  can  give  a  demtonetration  of  "speedy 
Justice."  It  is  quite  a  contrast  to  the 
way  the  'beef  barons  dodged  trial  for 
seven  years  after  their  arrests. 

Buckeye  Lodge  ie  fortunate  enough 
to  keep  its  member^lp  from  taking 
the  usual  winter  tumble  and  with  a 
little  energy  tihis  summer  can  reach 
tile  centtury  mark. 

It  is  really  too  bad  Andrew  Carnegie 
did  not  stay  in  the  harneas  a  few  years 
longer  as  he  is  reported  to  have  stated 
in  hds  testimony  before  the  Stanley 
Steel  Oomnvittee  in  Washington  early 
in  January  that,  had  the  United  States 
Steel  Corporation  developed  the  Con- 
neaut,  O.,  plant  instead  of  spenddng 
vast  sums  of  money  at  Gary,  Ind., 
steel  stock  would  have  been  worth 
twice  as  mu<^  today  and  our  switch- 
men at  the  harbor  would  have  lots  of 
work  too.  Of  course,  Mr.  Cfemiegie  did 
not  think  of  the  switchmen,  but  would 
have  been  pleased  to  see  the  stock 
doubled  naturally. 

The  officers  of  Lodge  No.  116  will  be 
pleased  to  see  an  increase  in  attend- 
ance at  the  meetings.    So,  come  along 
and  fill  the  old  hall  up  a  few  times. 
Badge  No.  116. 


Gary,  Ifid. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Just  a  few  lines  from  Helping  Hand 
Lodge  No.  43,  Gary,  Ind.,  to  let  you 
know  that  we  are  still  on  earth,  but 
very  busy  Just  at  present  getting  ready 
for  our  third  annual  ball,  which  will 
take  place  March  18th,  at  New  Assem- 
bly Hall,  and  we  are  certainly  looking 
forward  to  a  good  time  and  a  large 
crowd.  Some  of  the  brothers  have  of- 
fered their  assistance  and  are  helping 
to  sell  tickets. 

We  now  have  34  members  in  good 
standing  and  hope  to  get  many  more. 
but  there  are  a  good  many  brothers 
working  at  Gary  who  haven't  moved 
their  families  here,  and  a  good  many 
brothers  who  are  not  married. 

Sorry  to  see  in  March  Journal  that 
oar  Grand  President,  Sister  Clark,  is 
on  the  sick  list,  but  hope  she  will 
make  a  sneedy  recovery  so  she  can  at- 
tend to  her  duties. 


Again  Sister  Erman  entertained  the 
sisters  and  their  husbands  at  her  home 
in  honor  of  her  birthday.  A  delicious 
luncheon  was  served  and  everyone 
present  reported  a  good  time. 

Well,  this  is  my  first  attempt  to 
write  a  letter,  and  it  is  not  a  very  long 
one.  Hope  to  see  a  letter  from  some 
of  the  other  sisters.  Will  close  with 
best  wishes  to  all  the  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.         Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

A  Membeb. 


Buffalo  District  Councl. 

BorroB  Switchmen's  JorRXAL: 

The  second  regular  meeting  of  Buf- 
falo District  Council  was  held  at 
McCarthy's  Hall,  Seneca  and  Walter 
streets,  Wednesday,  March  13th,  and, 
by  the  way,  brothers,  this  council  meets 
the  second  Wednesday  of  each  month 
at  this  hall,  and  every  brother  is  wel- 
come. The  by-laws  committee  reported 
a  set  of  by-laws  which  was  adopted, 
after  a  few  corrections.  The  delegates 
exchanged  views  on  the  working  con- 
ditions in  their  respective  territories, 
and  also  the  placing  of  worthy  brothers 
of  this  union  in  positions.  Now  that 
the  council  is  duly  established  and  in 
good  working  order,  it  Is  the  hope  of 
the  brothers  who  have  been  instru- 
mental in  getting  It  started  that  every 
lodge  will  seek  to  get  as  much  educa- 
tion from  it  as  possible,  and  It  was  for 
the  purpose  of  affording  a  means  for 
exchange  of  ideas  pertaining  to  all 
matters  of  interest  to  the  Switchmen's 
Union  that  It  was  organized.  So  It 
should  be  the  aim  of  every  lodge  to 
gain  all  the  information  possible 
through  it.  Each  lodge  is  placed  on 
the  same  basis  as  far  as  representation 
in  the  council  Is  concerned,  each  being 
entitled  to  four  delegates.  With  a  reg- 
ular delegation  of  thirty-two  repre- 
sentatives present  at  each  of  Its  meet- 
ings, there  will  surely  be  live  topics 
for  discussion. 

Now,  brothers,  we  are  approaching 
the  month  of  May,  and  in  this  month's 
Journal  the  International  President 
designates  a  day  as  Memorial  Day. 
Why. should  we  not  have  a  memorial 
service  held  on  that  day  desismated  for 
this  purT>oee  at  some  suitable  hall,  and 
invite  the  families  of  our  departed 
brothers  as  well  as  our  own  familieit 
and  friends  to  be  present  In  honor  of 


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JOUBNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHHSN^ 


their  memory?  Many  of  tbem  wlio 
fought  so  hard  to  upbuild  and  uphold 
this  union  as  well  as  for  the  advance- 
ment of  every  Just  cause  and  principle 
of  union  labor.  Let  us  now,  brothers, 
get  together  and,  with  the  assistance 
of  the  auxiliary,  hold  a  fitting  and  ap- 
propriate memorial  service  and  i^ow 
the  public  that  while  many  of  our 
brothers  are  departed  from  this  world 
they  are  not  forgotten. 

J.  M.  Kellt, 
Lodge  No.  4- 


Indianapofis,  Ind. 

EiDiTOB  Switchmen's  Joxjbnal: 

In  looking  over  the  Journal  this 
month  I  find  so  many  questions 
brought  up  which  in  my  opinion 
should  not  pass  by  without  serious  con- 
sideration from  every  member  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union. 

One,  to  begin  with,  is  eelecting  a 
permanent  conventicm  city,  and  select- 
ing Buffalo  as  that  city  because  of  the 
expense  of  transporting  records  and 
paying  railroad  fares  for  Grand  Lodge 
officers.  I  have  always  thought  it  was 
a  haphazard  affair  to  be  Jumping 
around  from  one  place  to  another,  but 
I  am  of  the  opinion  we  could  select  a 
more  central  location  than  Buffalo. 
One  brother  writing  from  Houston  says 
it  is  not  any  farther  from  Buffalo  to 
Houston  than  it  is  from  Houston  to 
Buffalo,  but  it  is  Just  about  as  far  from 
Buffalo  to  Houston  as  it  is  from  Buf- 
falo to  Indianapolis,  which  has  been 
termed  the  Convention  City.  Why  not 
make  the  Hoosier  capital  headquarters 
for  Grand  Lodge  officers  and  a  per- 
manent convention  city?  Centrally  lo- 
cated, easy  of  access  from  every  point 
of  the  compass,  and,  in  my  opinion,  I 
don't  believe  a  better  selection  could 
be  made,  and  then  make  conventions 
every  four  years,  it  would  make  it 
better  for  everyone  concerned.  In  the 
controversy  arising  over  the  eligible 
delegate,  per  Sec.  157,  there  seems  to 
be  mucfti  fruit  for  consideration.  If  I 
remember  right,  the  present  rule  has 
been  in  force  for  a  good  many  years, 
and  I  have  never  heard  any  very  great 
"howl"  about  it  before,  while  it  is  out 
of  the  question  for  everyone  to  agree 
on  every  question  that  arises.  One 
brother  puts  it  that  he  knows  of  one 
instance  where  a  man  sat  on  the  stage 


with  the  president  of  a  railroad  organ- 
ization and  dictated  the  policies  to 
pursue  and  was  at  the  same  time  under 
pay  of  the  railroad  companies.  Of 
course,  it  is  not  very  hard  to  pick  out 
the  one  he  refers  to. 

At  the  same  time  I  don't  believe  it 
is  right  to  bar  a  man  from  serving  his 
lodge  in  convention  when  he  has  been 
a  faithful  and  conscientious  member 
for  years  and  is  temporarily  out  of  ser- 
vice. I  believe  there  should  be  some 
provision  made  for  such  members.  I 
don't  believe  it  would  be  very  hard  to 
pick  out  the  grafter,  and  just  as  easy 
to  pick  out  the  true,  loyal  member. 
We  have  the  loyal  men  all  over  the 
country  who  are  out  of  the  service  who 
would  serve  their  lodge  and  the  mem- 
bership in  general  with  credit  For 
my  part  I  say  amend  Sec  157. 

I  will  conclude  my  remarks  by  say- 
ing, since  my  attention  has  been  called 
to  Sec.  199,  it  is  somewhat  conflicting. 
You  wiU  note  lines  10,  11,  12,  13,  14, 
16,  16.  I  would  say,  make  it  more  ex- 
plicit With  best  wishes  to  all  S.  U. 
men,  and  I  would  say  the  ladies,  too. 
I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
C.  A.  Akers, 
Lodge  No.  1^. 


Bditob  SwrroHMEN's  Jousnal: 

I  have  Just  arrived  home  from  a  visit 
to  Chicago  Junction,  O.  I  wish  to 
speak  a  word  of  praise  for  my  brother 
switchmen  of  that  place.  They  treated 
me  as  a  brother,  and  I  tried  to  return 
the  compliment  before  I  left  My  visit 
began  Feb.  16th  and  ended  March  6th, 
A.  D.  1912.  During  this  time  I  was 
employed  as  a  switchman.  Was  exam- 
ined on  16th,  entered  service  night  of 
16th,  and  worked  regular  until  Mardi 
5th.  This  ended  my  visit  for  reasons 
which  I  will  explain.  July  19,  1910,  1 
filed  application  to  B.-O.  S.  W.  in  Cin- 
cinnati, O.,  giving  my  age  39;  was  re- 
jected account  of  age  limit  on  obtain- 
ing employment  Here  I  give  my  age 
as  31 — &3  is  the  limit.  Now.  brothers. 
I  had  a  reason  for  doing  this,  for  you 
know  Mary  and  the  two  children  must 
eat,  if  Jack  is  compelled  to  lie  for  it 
As  such  was  the  case,  I  don't  think  the 
Almighty  Ood  will  charge  me  for  com- 
mitting a  sin  by  doing  so  under  the 


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circimiBtaiioeft.  On  or  about  March  4tli 
the  medical  certificate  tbat  I  had  filled 
out  at  Chicago  Junction  was  returned 
with  the  one  I  had  been  rejected  on  In 
Cincinnati,  also  a  letter  attached  ask- 
ing my  dismissal  from  the  service.  I 
liked  the  Job,  was  well  satisfied  with 
all  concerned;  the  stingers  treated  me 
as  brotherly  as  the  snakes.  There  are 
good  stingers  working  there,  though  I 
do  believe  a  man  switching  cars  tor  a 
living  should  wear  the  honorable  S.  U. 
Please  note  what  I  have  just  said  Is 
one  reason  why  I  follow  switching  for 
my  bread  and  oleomargerlne.  I  be- 
lieve with  the  assistance  of  Gov.  Har- 
mon of  Ohio  there  could  be  a  law 
enacted  which  would  rectify  such  cases 
as  mine  with  the  B.-O.  Say,  when  a 
man  gets  to  be  38  or  40  use  him  for  a 
mile-post  or  take  him  out  and  shoot 
him.  I  think  Harmon  would  gladly 
approve  of  this  the  same  as  he  disap- 
proved the  PuH  Crew  Bill. 

Will  close,  wishing  luck  to  Thanks- 
giving Lodge  No.  155,  where  a  brother 
gets  treated  like  a  brother  the  same  as 
yon  get  from  Fort  Hamilton  Lodge  No. 
130.  I  see  where  Bro.  Rowan  of  Lodge 
No.  129  said  he  would  like  to  discuss 
other  points  but  his  letter  was  too  long. 
Don't  think  so,  brother,  we  want  plenty 
of  letters  of  this  kind,  and  as  long  as 
the  ink  will  last. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  P.  K.,  Loage  No.  96. 


Fort  Dodge,  Iowa. 

HjDItob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  wish  to  enter  this  more  as  a  letter 
of  thanks  than  anything  else  and  to  let 
otir  readers  know  that  we  are  etill 
alive.  First,  we  wish  to  thank  Bro. 
Clohessy  for  the  start  he  gave  us  and 
the  good  spirit  he  left  among  us  when 
he  went  away,  and,  second.  I  wish  to 
say  a  word  for  Bro.  Ross  for  the  way 
he  has  used  us,  as  he  has  shown  him- 
self a  perfect  gentleman  and  a  hustler 
and  he  has  given  us  a  good  start  finan- 
cially. We  are  just  about  out  of  cold 
weattier  now,  so  if  anybody  is  looking 
for  cold  weather  don't  come  to  Fort 
Dod?e.  as  it  will  soon  be  too  warm  to 
breathe  iirood.  Business  is  good  at 
present  but  can't  tell  anything  about 
how  lonfli  it  will  last,  as  it  almost  al- 
ways falls  off  a  little  later  on.  We 
have  done  well  with  our  souvenir  book, 
and  win  dear  up  a  nice  little  sum  of 


money   on   It,    thanlis    to    Bro.   Roes. 
Well,  you  know  this  year  Is  Presiden- 
tial election,  and  all  I  can  say  Is  t6 
vote  and  be  careful  how  you  vote.     I 
will  close  and  write  again  soon. 
Yours  in  B.,  ^.  and  P., 
8.  B.  Hoffman, 
Journal  Agent  Lodge  No.  tOS. 


duncl  Bluffs,  Iowa. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  we  have  all  bade  farewell  to  the 
old  year,  striving  to  do,  to  live  and 
cherish  the  things  the  world  gives  us, 
so  let  us,  brothers,  cherish  the  good 
our  organization  does  for  us. 

Still,  it  seems  unreasonable  the 
small  amount  of  Interest  so  many 
brothers  take  in  our  order  after  having 
been  recipients  of  so  many  substantial 
benefits  derived  through  it. 

I  venture  to  say  there  are  not  two- 
fifths  of  our  members  who  attend  one 
meeting  a  month,  less  'than  three- 
fourths  read  their  Journal,  and  not  one 
member  in  ten  has  read  the  constitu- 
tion or  by-laws,  and  under  such  condi- 
tions we  must  get  busy,  study  up  as 
we  should,  and  do  all  we  can  to  place 
our  organisation  in  the  front  ranks  of 
unionism  where  It  belongs. 

We  must  create  interest,  arouse  the 
brothers  to  a  sense  of  duty.  Can  this 
be  done?  Let  some  brother  answer 
through  the  next  issue  of  our  Journal, 
and  give  the  proper  prescription  there- 
for. Do  not  keep  the  Idea  locked  up 
somewhere,  since  it  will  not  accom- 
plish anything  there.  Let  it  out;  it 
will  do  no  harm,  and  if  it  proves  to 
be  just  the  thing  you  will  be  the  hero 
of  the  hour. 

One  of  our  faults  today  is  the  in- 
clination of  our  brothers  to  refrain 
from  putting  their  thoughts  and  ideas 
on  paper  and  forwarding  them  to  the 
Journal  for  publication,  but  we  do  not 
hesitate  to  voice  the  matter  on  a  street 
comer  or  in  a  saloon  as  to  what  would 
be  best  for  the  organization  at  large. 

Now,  brothers,  talk  in  the  right 
place.  Get  right,  talk  through  the  col- 
umns of  the  Journal,  and  you  will 
create  an  interest  in  our  order  you 
little  dreamed  of.  If  our  Journal  is 
interesting  the  members  will  even- 
tually begin  to  read  it  much  more. 
Therefore,  let  us  strive  to  make  it  more 
so. 

Coneeming  the  non-attendance  at  our 


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JOURNAL.   OF   THB   SWITCHMBN'B 


meetlngB,  we  must  devise  some  method 
of  making  them  ad  Interesting  as  pos- 
sible. Try  some  plan,  and  if  it  fails 
try  another,  but  try  some  plan  that 
will  infuse  some  ambition  through  the 
patriotism  they  have  for  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  and  good  substantial  labor  prin- 
ciples that  will  bring  our  order  where 
it  should  be,  first  in  the  hearts  of  all 
switchmen,  and  in  the  accomplishment 
of  this  end  there  is  work  for  each  mem- 
ber. 

Bro.  C.  A.  BreedloYe  was  duly  elected 
chairman  of  the  local  adjustment  com- 
mittee of  the  Rock  Island  yard  for  the 
ensuing  two  years. 

Lodge  No.  6  gave  its  annual  ball, 
Feb.  19th,  having  a  large  attendance 
present,  and  a  good  time  for  all.  The 
hall  was  gaily  decorated  with  red  and 
green  lights,  having  a  very  pretty 
effect  and  creating  quite  an  impres- 
sion for  the  Switchmen's  Union. 

The  Ladies*  Auxiliary  gave  us  a  sur- 
prise at  our  last  meeting,  treating  us 
to  coffee  and  sandwiches,  and  after 
luncheon  all  enjoyed  themselves  in 
dancing  and  having  a  good  time  in  gen- 
eral. 

With  best  wishes  for  our  success,  I 
am.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Rec,  Sec.  No.  6. 


Bditob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Beginning  with  the  year  1912  our 
endeavor  to  strive  and  live,  to  love 
and  cherish  the  deeds  of  life's  every 
day  routine,  to  languish  and  dwell  in 
nature,  to  roam  o'er  the  paths  that 
lead  to  the  pinacle  of  happiness,  on 
o'er  the  mount  of  love,  through  the  val- 
ley of  contentment  on  to  where  that 
silver  light  of  forever,  that  hangs  as 
a  curtain  o'er  the  soul,  bids  welcome 
to  our  hereafter,  that  dwells  on  for- 
ever. Oh,  how  long,  where  the  years 
of  the  soul  need  no  counting,  where 
love  and  happiness  fly  on  to  eternity, 
where  contentment  rules  the  light 
from  the  soul.        Amos  Granrhaw. 


Chanute,  Kansas. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  see  by  the  February  Journal 
that  T.^ge  No.  77  has  got  something 
started,  so  we  will  try  again. 

Now,  Bros.  Meaney  and  Carius,  we 
assure  you .  that  there  was  meant  no 
offenise  to  any  brother,  but  If  you  had 


been  wx>rklng  under  a  B.  of  R.  T.  con- 
tract as  long  as  the  writer  and  been 
misrepresented  to  your  ofBcials  like 
they  do,  you  would  undoubtedly  look 
at  it  in  a  dilferent  light  Now,  the 
writw  has  been  in  the  business  more 
than  twice  ten  years  and  has  seen  nu- 
merous changes  occur  fr<»n  day  to  day, 
and  some  of  them  where  an  outsider 
would  be  entirely  at  a  loss  how  to 
handle  them.  Now,  if  we  are  wrong, 
we  will  abide  by  the  majority  and 
stand  shoulder  to  shoulder  with  you, 
fighting  for  the  good  of  our  grand  old 
order. 

We  wish  to  say  something  to  the 
non-members.  In  this  locality  the 
switchmen  are  getting  |1.00  per  day 
more  than  they  were  ten  years  ago, 
and  we  wish  to  ask  you  if  you  can  say 
candidly  who  else  got  this  advance  for 
you  but  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.?  It  is  true 
there  are  a  number  of  contracts  held 
by  the  B.  of  R,  T.,  but  why?  The  an- 
swer is:  the  S.  U.  got  a  raise  on  oth^ 
roads  and  the  B.  of  R.  T.  had  to  get 
the  raise  on  the  roexls  where  they  held 
the  contracts  or  throw  up  the  contracts. 
Now,  Mr.  Non-member,  if  we  should 
ask  you  to  help  pay  our  bills  at  the 
end  of  every  month  you  wouid  think 
we  had  an  unlimited  amount  of  gall, 
tooking  at  it  from  your  side  of  the 
fence.  But  how  does  it  look  to  you 
when  the  members  of  the  S.  U.  had  to 
go  down  in  their  pockets  and  dig  up 
for  this  work  for  you?  Are  we  not 
helping  you  pay  your  bills  every 
month,  when  through  our  efforts  you 
are  receiving  something  like  about 
130  more  a  month  than  you  were  ten 
years  ago?  Be  fair,  and  line  up,  and 
help  us  with  this  good  work,  for  we 
are  not  done  yet  by  any  means.  Tou 
will  continue  to  receive  good  from  the 
grand  old  S.  U.  Some  of  yofi  may 
think  that  the  B.  of  R.  T.  will  help  you 
more  than  the  S.  U.  But.  let  me  ask 
you,  what  did  they  do  for  the  yard  men 
during  the  time  they  had  absolute  con- 
trol of  all  the  yards  in  the  country— 
between  the  years  1894  and  1902? 
Nothing.  They  did  not  get  one  cent 
increase  during  those  years  or  better 
the  working  conditions  in  one  in- 
stance. That  is  not  all:  there  was  a 
decrease  in  wagee  in  some  places  dur- 
ing this  time.  The  M.,  K.  A  T.  was 
paying  the  old  Chicago  scale*  up  until 
1894.  $2.50  per  day  for  helners,  ten 
hours,  in  1899,  to  the  writer's  own 
knowledge.  It  was  the  same  for  eleven 


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247 


h6tm.  Tlie  B.  of  R.  T.  liad  this  oon- 
ti^  all  the  time.  This  is  not  all — our 
lilsbTance  cannot  he  heat  The  State 
Insurance  Commissioner  of  the  State 
of  New  York  will  tell  you  the  Switch- 
men have  more  money  in  their  Benefi- 
ciary Fund  per  capita  than  any  other 
railroad  order  in  the  State.  We  also 
have  what  is  known  as  the  Benevolent 
Fund,  that  pays  claims  that  are  not 
covered  by  or  cannot  be  covered  by  the 
constitution.  Now,  let  me  ask  you 
again,  how  can  you  help  but  see  where 
you  belong? 

We  wish  to  call  the  members'  atten- 
tion to  some  of  your  actions  in  regard 
to  your  treatment  of  other  members. 
Some  of  you  seem  to  be  under  the  im- 
pression that  if  you  hand  out  some- 
thing to  some  S.  U.  man  and  favor 
someone  else  that  is  not  a  member 
you  are  doing  something  grand.  Now. 
brothers,  let's  not  do  this;  it  does  no 
goodw  It  only  hurts  you  and  all  con- 
cerned. It  will  fall  back  on  your  shoul- 
ders some  time.  Tou  must  bear  in 
mind  your  obligation  and  try  to  help  a 
brother  along  rather  than  knock  him. 

Bros.  Fogarty  and  Meaney,  come 
again  on  this  National  Federation.  It 
is  the  only  thing,  and  if  not  accom- 
plished soon  we  are  sure  up  against  it 
good  and  strong.  Look  what  the 
miners  are  doing  over  the  sea.  How 
the  American  laborers  can  be  so  slow 
we  cannot  figure  out.  So  let's  all  get 
hasj.        Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P., 

No.  77. 


OiicagOt  M. 

IBditob  Switchmen's  JoxminAL: 

It  has  been  some  time  since  the 
JoxTRNAi*  readers  have  heard  from  Bur- 
lington Lodge  No.  19.  Having  juat 
been  appointed  Joubnal  agent,  though 
not  being  a  very  good  writer,  I  will  try 
and  keep  the  readers  in  touch  with 
Lodge  No.  19.  We  have  several  appli- 
eations,  but  owing  to  the  rush  of  busi- 
ness have  not  been  able  to  initiate  them. 
It  has  been  a  hard  winter  and  business 
hae  been  good.  The  boys  have  been 
working  every  day  and  putting  in  lots 
of  time.  Business  is  still  good  on  the 
Q.,  and  they  are  looking  for  switchmen. 
Our  president,  Bro.  J.  E.  Hayes,  and 
past  president,  H.  E.  Ensworth,  both 
having  been  injured,  are  getting  along 
<liHte  well. 

Now  T  will  say  a  word  to  the  stny- 


at-hoines.  Brothers,  try  and  come  to 
the  meetings.  You  can  come  to  one 
meeting  a  month,  at  least.  Try  it,  and 
get  the  habit.  Come  out  and  help 
transact  some  of  the  business  and  get 
stronger  and  obtain  more  knowledge  in 
the  affairs  of  the  S.  U.  And,  brothers, 
don't  forget  to  pay  your  dues  before 
the  first  of  the  month,  for  the  good  of 
your  family  and  to  stay  with  the  good 
old  S.  U. 

If    this    does    not    find    the    waste 
basket,  I  will  try  again. 

J.  Norman, 
Lodge  No.  19. 


SDrroB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Our  JoiTRNAL  agent  must  be  on  a 
vacation,  as  I  have  not  seen  anything 
in  the  Journal  from  Lodge  No.  36  for 
some  time.  So  I  will  try  my  hand  for 
a  few  lines,  just  to  let  the  brothers  and 
sisters  know  that  we  are  going  to  give 
our  fourteenth  annual  ball,  April  17th, 
at  Visitation  Hall,  Fifty-fourth  place 
and  Peoria  street.  We  have  selected 
one  of  the  best  and  largest  halls  on  the 
south  side,  and  the  music  with  two 
extra  singers.  With  your  support, 
brothers  cmd  sisters,  we  ought  to  make 
it  the  banner  ball  of  the  season. 

Now,  just  a  word,  brothers,  and  it's 
the  same  old  song:  Oannot  get  the 
brothers  to  attend  meetings  as  they 
should,  and  it  is  a  Shame  with  a  mem- 
bership of  255  in  Lodge  No.  36  when 
only  about  25  or  30  members  take  suffi- 
cient interest  to  attend  regular  lodge 
meetings.  Now,  brothers,  this  is  a 
serious  proposition  as  well  as  a  seri- 
ous mistake,  and  you  should  at  least 
attend  one  meeting  a  month,  for  all 
these  meetings  are  held  and  the  busi- 
ness conducted  at  them  is  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  promoting  the  best  in- 
terest and  welfare  of  yourself  and 
family. 

Now,  brothers,  in  the  last  ten  years 
we  have  gained  ten  cents  per  hour,  or 
about  $365  per  year  for  each  regularly- 
employed  switchman  thirough  the 
efforts  of  this  organization,  and  in  ap- 
preciation of  this  f^t  we  should  all 
get  our  iHioulder  to  the  wheel  and 
double  our  efforts  so  that  in  the  next 
ten  years  fifty  cents  per  hour  for  help- 
ers, eight  hours  per  day,  double  time 
for  (Sundays  and  holidays  might  be 
secured.  We  are  Intelllfirent  and  pofr 
sees   the   necessary   qiiaHflration«»,   but 


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248 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITOHMBN'8 


what  we  must  all  da  is  get  together  in 
flolYing  the  important  problems  that 
await  our  solution.  Get  conyersant 
with  the  affairs  of  your  local  lodge, 
form  the  acquaintance  of  one  another, 
and  you  can  help  materially  and  be- 
come a  valuable  member.  As  you  are 
doubtless  aware,  this  is  a  vital  matter. 

Now,  shake  off  the  yellow  dog 
methods,  brothers,  and  get  busy.  Just 
a  word  about  the  "No-Bllls."  I  hope  to 
see  the  day,  and  I  don't  think  It  very 
t&r  off,  that  any  man  switching  cars 
doesn't  make  himself  a  factor  and  show 
some  spirit  to  line  up,  that  the  men 
make  a  protest  and  have  him  removed 
from  our  midst  Here  are  some  of  the 
merchants  that  have  been  quite  gener- 
ous in  purchasing  dance  tickets: 

Geo.  H.  Tucker,  jeweler,  731  West 
Forty-seventh  street 

W.  W.  Gitten,  clothiers,  651-658  West 
Forty-seventh  street. 

Rooney,  the  Consumers'  Butter  Co. 

Don't  forget  these  merchants  when 
making  purchases,  and  don't  neglect 
telling  the  reason  you  came  to  their 
places  of  business. 

Now,  don't  forget  the  baU. 

We  are  all  glad  to  see  Bro.  McGuire 
out  again,  who  was  injured  at  Eigh- 
teenth street  while  In  the  performance 
of  his  duties  Sept  17th.  Hoping  he  Is 
on  the  road  to  a  speedy  recovery,  I  re- 
main,      Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

O.  F.  HUTTOX 


CmpofNiy  Kansas* 

Edctob  SwrroHMSN*s  Joubical: 

In  looking  over  the  brothers'  letters 
in  March  Journax  I  find  some  very 
good  arguments,  but  I  cannot  agree 
quite  with  some  of  their  ideas,  for  in- 
stance, about  the  establishing  of  con- 
ventions at  Buffalo,  N.  T.  If  we  could 
have  the  convention  in  the  center  of 
the  United  States,  or  near  the  center, 
say,  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  I  would  be  in 
favor  of  same.  Of  course,  we  are  all 
aware  of  the  fact  that  the  last  conveur 
tion  was  very  expensive,  but  under  the 
conditions  that  prevailed  at  that  time 
I  doubt  if  the  convention  could  have 
been  held  at  Buffalo,  N.  T.,  with  less 
expense.  Tou  are  all  aware  of  the  fact 
that  while  the  convention  was  held  at 
St  Paul,  and  which  I  believe  was  a 
God-send  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  facts 
were  brought  before  the  convention 
that  T  doubt  if  they  could  be  brought 


before  the  convention  if  held  in  Buf- 
falo, N.  T.,  with  the  same  expense.  6o 
I  am  for  Houston  in  1913,  and  Kansas 
City,  Mo.,  in  future. 

Will  close,  wishing  success  to  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.     Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Bub, 
Lodge  No.  W. 


Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Editob  Switohmen's  Joxtbkal: 

Just  a  few  lines  to  let  the  members 
throughout  the  country  know  that 
Lodge  No.  210  is  still  in  existence  and 
how  we  are  getting  along. 

Business  is  fairly  good  on  the  P.  V. 
ft  C.  at  the  present  time,  but  it's  "hard 
telling"  how  long  it  will  so  continue. 
The  mills  are  also  doing  a  good  busi- 
ness just  now,  and  we  are  in  hopes  all 
will  find  plenty  to  do  from  now  on. 
We  should  all  make  a  special  effort  to 
secure  members  for  the  union  while 
business  Is  good,  for  when  It  slacks  ut> 
again  many  will  have  the  hard  luck 
story  that  is  not  in  order  when  they 
are  working  right  along.  So  let's  sd- 
deavor  to  get  as  many  as  possible  into 
the  organization  now  while  they  have 
no  reasonable  excuse  for  not  belonging- 
Well,  brothers,  I  have  been  requested 
to  make  announcement  of  and  to  ex- 
tend an  invitation  to  all  the  members 
of  the  union  and  their  f rends  around 
Pittsburg  to  attend  our  annual  ball, 
which  will  be  given  on  the  evening  of 
April  10th,  in  the  Jane  street  Birming- 
ham Hall.  We  are  determined  to  make 
this  a  most  successful  event,  and  T  feel 
sure  that  all  who  attend  will  fully 
agree  with  me  that  the  Switchmen  can 
show  you  a  good  time. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

William  J.  O'CowiroB, 
Lodge  No,  tin 


Dcs  Moines,  Iowa. 

EnrroB  Switchmen's  Joitbnal: 

With  deep  regret  we  announce  to  our 
brothers  the  death  of  Bro.  Marion  B. 
Cline,  who  lost  his  life  on  the  fatal 
night  of  March  9,  1912.  at  1.20  a,  m. 
while  performing  his  duty.  He  was 
rolled  between  some  cars  and  his  llf^ 
was  Instantly  crushed  out  by  the  mov- 
ing cars.  This  is  the  first  death  that 
Lodge  No.  174  has  had  since  the  order 
has  existed  here,  which  Is  about  nine 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


UM 


years.  Bro.  Cline  has  left  to  mourn 
hlB  loss  a  wife,  father,  mother,  six  sis- 
ters and  one  brother.  Bro.  Cline's  re- 
mains were  laid  to  rest  at  Indianola, 
Iowa.  All  the  switchmen  certainly  did 
their  part  and  we  thank  the  B.  of  R. 
T.  for  their  attendance  at  church  serv- 
icea  The  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  had  charge  of 
the  funeral.  Six  S.  U.  men  were  pall- 
bearers. May  his  soul  rest  in  peace. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  F.  Sammon. 


Grand  Rapids,  Mkh. 

Bditob  Switghmen'8  Joxjbnal: 

As  the  regular  "butinsky"  around 
Grand  Rapids  when  switchmen  are 
most  concerned,  I  will  drop  a  line  to 
the  Joxjbnal  in  hopes  that  it  may 
strike  the  eyes  of  the  switchmen  on 
t&e  Pere  Marquette  at  Detroit,  Toledo, 
Chicago,  Saginaw,  Ludington  and  Port 
Huron.  It  is  very  essential  that  all 
chairmen  of  local  adjustment  commit- 
tees get  in  touch  with  the  last  consti 
tution  In  regard  to  a  general  adjust- 
ment committee.  Why  there  is  not 
more  interest  shown  in  this  matter  I 
can't  see.  If  the  different  chairmen  of 
adjustment  committees  will  spend  a 
few  moments  and  write  me  a  letter 
I  will  explain  how  we  can  get  together 
and  elect  a  board  by  proxy  with  no 
expense  to  our  members,  and  have  a 
committee  that  we  can  put  our  hands 
on  should  occasion  arise.  When  you 
get  your  Joubnal  sit  down  and  answer 
this,  as  it  won't  take  you  any  longer 
than  it  does  me,  and  you  have  as  much 
at  stake  as  I  have.  Tour  brothers, 
who  elected  you,  expect  you  to  do  your 
duty  and  this  is  part  of  it  Would  like 
to  say  for  the  faint-hearted  in  our 
noble  order:  Lodge  No.  80  has  lined 
up  oIZ  the  men  switching  cars  on  the 
Pere  Marquette  at  this  point  and  we 
stand  solid.  Our  working  conditions 
are  the  envy  of  all  traveling  brothers 
who  stroll  through  here  and  we  are 
still  trying  to  better  thenL  This  let- 
ter is  to  get  into  closer  tou6h  with  the 
fellow  who  doesn't  attend  lodge  but 
holds  the  important  office  of  adjust- 
ment man.  Hoping  to  see  this  in  the 
pink  book  and  that  I  have  made  some- 
one mad  enough  to  answer  it,  I'  re- 
main. Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
C.  0.  Koch, 
Lodge  No.  80, 


Bniddock»  Pa. 

EiDlTOB  SWITGHM^'S  JOUBNALI 

Beeg  Irish  cop  dat  walk  hees  beat 

By  dees  peanutta  stan. 
First  two,  tree  week  wen  we  are  meet 

Eee  call  me  dagoman. 
An'  w'en  he  see  how  mad  I  got — 

Wheech  uaa  please  heem,  too, — 
Wan  day  he  say,  "Wat's  matter  dat, 

Ain't  dago  name  for  you? 
Dat's  'Mericana  name,  you  know. 

For  man  from  Italy; 
Bet  eee  no  harm  for  caU  you  so. 

Den  why  be  mad  weeth  me?" 
First  time  he  talka  deesa  way 

I  am  too  mad  for  speak. 
But  nexta  time  I  justa  say, 

"All  righta,  Meester  Meeck." 

0  my,  I  newa  hear  bayfore 
Sooch  langwadge  like  he  say. 

An'  he  don't  look  at  me  no  more 

For  mebbe  two,  tree  day. 
But  pretta  soon  agen  I  see 

Dees  beeg  poleecaman 
Dat  com  an'  growl  an'  say  to  me, 

"Hallo,  Eyetalian. 
Now  mebbe  so  you  gon  deny 

Dat  datsa  name  for  you." 

1  smila  back  an'  mak  reply, 
"No,  Irish,  datsa  true." 

"Ha,  Joe,"  he  cry,  "you  thenk  dat  we 

Should  call  you  'Merican." 
"Dat's  gooda  nough,"  I  say,  "for  me, 

Eef  dat's  wat  you  are,  Dan." 
So  now  all  times  we  speaka  so. 

Lake  gooda  'Merican. 
He  say  to  me,  ••Good  moma,  Joe." 
T  say.  "Good  moma,  Dan." 
(Datsa  beeg  Irish  cop.) 

Yoprs  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  T.  McKenna. 
Journal  Agent  Lodge  No.  ?/? 


Springfidd,  M. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joxjbnal: 

As  nothing  has  appeared  recently  in 
the  Joxjbnal  from  Lodge  No.  86,  I  will 
let  you  hear  from  us  that  you  may 
know  it  is  not  a  dead  one.  We  organ- 
ized here  last  August  and,  while  we  are 
having  an  uphill  flRht  with  the  B.  of 
R.  T.,  we  are  holding  our  own.  We 
have  the  C.  ft  A.  percentage,  a  few 
in  the  C.  P.  ft  St.  L..  Wabash  and  Illi- 
nois Central.  We  are  doing  all  in  bur 
power  to  push  on  the  6.  U.  of  N.  A. 
and  some  day  we  wil  get  all  that  is 
cpming  to  us.    We  have  good  attend- 


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260 


JOURNAL   OP  THB   SWITCHMBITO 


ance  at  our  meetings,  our  members 
have  the  right  spirit  and  push — they 
are  always  on  the  job.'  It  is  time  the 
no-bills  were  waking  up  and  helping 
us  along  this  line  that  we  may  be  in 
a  better  position  to  advance  our  inter- 
ests and  obtain  the  results  that  are  a 
benefit  to  us  all. 

Bro.  Porter  was  with  us  in  January. 
We  were  certainly  glad  to  have  him 
make  us  a  visit  He  gave  us  some 
good  advice  and  should  we  follow  it, 
we  would  certainly  be  benefited  by  it 
Bro.  Porter  surely  made  a  hit  with 
the  brothers  here. 

Our  order  is  in  good  condition  at 
present.  We  have  prospects  of  sev- 
eral new  members. 

There  was  a  grand  union  meeting 
(that  is  what  it  was  called)  held  here 
in  Springfield,  Feb.  26th  to  29th  in- 
clusive. This  meeting  was  held  by  the 
Brotherhood  of  Railway  Trainmen, 
Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers. 
Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Firemen 
and  the  Order  of  Railway  Conductors. 
This  grand  union  meeting  was  held, 
as  I  understand,  with  the  intention  of 
trying  to  affiliate  these  four  organiza- 
tions for  the  betterment  of  the  cause. 
Representatives  of  these  orders  can- 
vassed the  business  men  of  the  city  of 
Springfield  for  advertisements  for  a 
book  they  put  out,  giving  the  history 
of  these  four  organizations.  They  did 
very  well  financially  in  the  way  of  sell- 
ing advertising  space  to  the  merchants 
and  manufacturers  of  Springfield,  but 
there  was  a  great  deal  of  dissatisfac- 
tion among  the  advertisers  a  few  days 
before  this  meeting  owing  to  the  fact 
that  the  oommittee  of  arrangements 
had  prepared  for  general  headquarters 
at  a  non-union  hotel.  The  representa- 
tive of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  was  general 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  arrange- 
ments, which  goes  to  show  that  they 
are  still  following  up  the  policy  they 
established  during  their  Denver,  Col., 
convention  when  they  made  their  head- 
quarters at  a  non-union  hotel  in  Den- 
ver, namely  the  Albany,  and  the  union 
waiters  refused  to  wait  on  the  dele- 
gates to  this  convention.  Does  it  not 
seem  funny  that  four  grand  labor  or- 
ganizations, as  they  are  supposed  to 
be,  would  so  humiliate  their  Grand 
Lodge  ofRcers  and  their  delegates  to 
this  meeting  by  making  their  head- 
quarters at  a  hotel  of  that  kind  under 
the  circumstances?  The  city  of 
Springfield,   Til.,  is  well  organized  in 


all  branches  of  labor  and  I  was  per- 
sonally informed  by  a  number  of  busi- 
ness men  before  this  meeting  opened 
that  if  there  was  any  way  to  get  their 
money  back  they  would  withdraw  their 
advertisement 

Business  is  very  good  here  at  pres- 
ent; plenty  of  work  for  us  all.  With 
best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers,  I  re- 
main.       Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

"Bob," 
Lodge  No.  S6. 


Vind. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Situated,  as  I  am,  away  from  the 
switching  "game"  and  the  switchmen, 
you  will,  no  doubt,  be  surprised  to  re- 
ceive a  letter  from  me.  My  excuse,  if 
any,  is  that  I  am  still  a  member  of 
the  S.  U.  and  consequently  receive  my 
Joubnal  each  month.  Do  I  read  it? 
Take  it  from  me,  I  read  it  thoroughly 
and,  as  my  name  has  been  menftioned 
several  times  in  correspondence,  espe- 
cially that  which  deals  on  the  qualifica- 
tion necessary  to  be  eligible  to  repre- 
sent our  local  Grand  Lodge  when  in 
convention,  1  feel  that  something  on 
that  subject  should  be  said  by  me. 
Before  I  voice  my  opinion  allow  me  to 
say  that  I  am  not  in  a  position  to  be 
a  delegate  and,  unless  the  unexpected 
should  occur,  I  never  shall  be.  My 
business  is  such  that  I  have  to  devote 
all  of  my  time  to  it.  Brothers,  what 
I  say  is  from  the  heart,  for  you  have 
not  got  any  little  thing  that  I  want 
except  a  place  in  your  remembrance. 
However,  such  may  not  be  the  case 
with  some  other  members.  If  you  re- 
member, at  the  St.  Paul  convention, 
several  delegates*  right  to  a  seat  was 
questioned  because  their  local  was  in- 
debted to  the  Grand  Lodge.  You  will 
also,  no  doubt,  remember  that  I  took 
the  floor  in  their  behalf,  using  as  an 
argument  that  inasmuch  as  they  had 
received  their  credentials  and  had  paid 
their  expenses  towards  attending  that 
convention,  that  body  had  no  right  to 
refuse  them  a  seat,  and  they  were 
seated.  That  was  the  Individual's 
right.  Now  we  come  right  back  and 
question  a  local's  right  to  select  its 
delegate.  Local  conditions  and  local 
material  regulates  the  selection  of  a 
delegate  and  it  seems  to  me  that  each 
local  lodge  should  be  best  fitted  to  se- 
lect its  delegates  and  ttiat  we  have  no 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION    OP   NORTH   AHBRIGA. 


?51 


ri^t  to  place  prohibitory  restrictions 
on  this  right.    Of  course,  if  there  were 
a  good,  a  real  reason  why  a  local  did 
not  haTe  brains  enough  to  select  Its 
representatlYe,    then  there   would  be 
no  argiunent.    But  it  seems  to  me  that 
the  ultimate  purpose  is  to  keep  some 
particular    person    or    persons    away 
from  future  conventions.     What  are 
these  conyentions  for  and  what  is  their 
purpose?    As  I  understand  them  they 
are  for  the  election  of  officers,  a  review 
of  work  done  by  its  officers  and  the 
making  of  laws.     Ninety  per  cent  of 
our  laws,  as  laid  down  in  the  consti- 
totion,  directly  or  indirectly  apply  to 
the  Insurance  feature  of  our  organiza- 
tion, and  atiout  five  per  cent,  to  the 
fraternal    feature.      Isn't   every   man 
who  pays  Insurance  into  our  order  en- 
titled to  representation?    Certainly  he 
is.    I  see  on  my  February  receipt  an 
asBeflsment  of  one  dollar  for  convention. 
If  a  member  is  not  eligible  to  attend 
this  convention,  can  we  conscientious- 
ly assess  him  for  these  conventions? 
You  can  me,  because  I  am  for  you  one 
and  all  and  can't  go  if  my  local  wanted 
me  to.    Someone  writes:    A  man  who 
is  away  from  the  switching  game  is 
not  qualified  to  represent  his  local  at 
a  convention.     I  have  been  in  attend- 
ance at  quite  a  number  of  the  conven- 
tions of  the  S.  U.  and  I  was  actively 
engaged  in  yard  work.    But  at  none  of 
the  conventions  did  I  consider  that  an 
asset  or  of  any  benefit  to  the  conven- 
tion.     I    agree    with    Bro.    Meaney 
tbat    a    great    many     delegates     to 
pur   convention    act   as   though  noth- 
ing    was     expected     of     them,     as 
though  they  were  on  a  vacation  or  at- 
tending a  reunion.    It  is  a  noticeable 
fact  that   the  work   is   done   by  the 
minority,    while    the    majority    enjoy 
peace  and  comfort  and  play  the  fast 
stuff  down  the  line.    But  if  you  inves- 
tigate the  men  who  engage  the  ques- 
tion, the  ones  who  write  for  the  Joub- 
RAL,  you  will  find  that  they  are  the 
workers.     Let  each    delegate  be   his 
own  Judge  as  to  whether  he  earns  his 
wages  or  not    Let  each  delegate  judge 
himself.     He  was  his  local's  choice. 
They  know  his  worth  and  we  do  not. 
However,  the  expense  is  as  great  for  a 
drone  as  a  worker.    What  I  say  is  this, 
give  each  local  lodge  credit  for  having 
brains  enough  to  select  its'  own  dele- 
gate and  then   let  it  select  him  or 
them  as  the  case  may  be. 
tSomeene  sig^  Houston  and  says  I 


can't  come.  Nobody  would  say  that 
but  "Shorty"  Gallagher  and  nobody 
pays  any  attention  to  him,  since  he 
misrepresented  Houston  at  St  Paul. 
Besides  he  is  jealous  because  I  am 
better  looking  than  he. 

So  Dan  Smith  is  out  for  the  legis- 
lature.   I  am  for  him, 

"Baldy"  O'Brien  is  impending  the  Uil 
end  of  the  winter  with  me.  He  said 
he  made  one  mistake  and  that,  is  that 
he  should  have  come  here  sooner.  1 
may  send  him  to  Houston  to  represent 
Rensselaer. 

I  will  now  draw  this  letter  to  a  close 
by  saying  that  a  difference  of  opinion 
makes  a  progressive  organization. 
Yours  in  B.,  H,  and  P.. 

Clarenck  p.  Fatk, 
Lodge  Ko.  IJ^d. 


roft  Wayne,  Ind. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

Will  write  a  few  lines  for  April 
JouBNAL  to  let  the  brothers  throughout 
the  country  know  we  are  still  a  part  of 
the  organization  and  doing  business  ^as 
usual.  I  desire  to  here  call  the  atten- 
tion of  all  to  the  fact  that  our  time  of 
holding  meetings  has  been  changed. 
This  announcement  is  made  with  the 
hope  of  preventing  confusion  to  visit- 
ing brothers,  as  well  as  cmr  own  mem- 
bers. Our  meetings  are  now  held  on 
the  fourth  Tuesday  evening  of  the 
month  in  Harmony  Hall.  120  West 
Berry  street 

Lodge  No.  78  has  been  holding  her 
own  right  along,  and  we  are  expecting 
to  improve  upon  the  record  from  now 
on.  To  do  this,  however,  will  require 
some  effort  on  the  part  of  each  metn- 
ber,  and  none  engaged  in  our  line  of 
work  should  hesitate  to  contribute 
of  their  time,  effort  and  good  will  to 
promote  the  interests  of  our  organiza- 
tion, when  they  have  been  the  recip- 
ients of  so  many  blessings  secured 
through  its  efforts.  So  let's  all  be  up 
and  doing  in  regard  to  matters  pertain- 
ing to  our  honorable  cause. 

Lodge  No.  78  will  give  its  annual 
ball  on  Wednesday  evening,  April  2ith. 
at  Tawnar's  Hall,  and  to  which  a  cor- 
dial invitation  is  extended  to  all  mem- 
bers and  their  friends  to  attend.  The 
committee  in  charge  is  doins:  every- 
thing within  its  power  to  make  it  a 
splendid  success,  and  with  each  mem- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITOHMBN'8 


ber'6  aaBlatance  it  will  echpse  ali 
former  ettorts  along  this  line  ot  enter- 
tainments. Let  no  one  fail  to  do  liis 
full  duty  in  regard  to  Uii£  event. 

As  B.  O.  no  doubt  lias  one  of  liia  ster- 
ling letters  ready  for  this  month  ere 
this,  I  will  close  for  fear  he  will  have 
me  ''pinched"  for  plagiarism.  With 
b60t  wishes  to  all  lodges  and  the  auxil- 
iary in  their  efforts  to  promote  the 
welfare  of  switchmen  and  their  fam- 
ilies, I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
0.  W.  Thtebolt, 
Treasurer  Lodge  No.  78, 


Teire  Haute,  Ind. 

fiiDXToa  Switchmen's  Journal  : 

After  two  months  of  listening  1  have 
failed  to  hear  anything  like  a  noise 
from  any  other  of  my  brothers  in 
Xx>dge  No.  94,  and  any  of  them  will 
tell  you  that  I  for  one  cannot  stand 
silence,  so  I  will  take  the  liberty  of 
writing  again. 

First  of  all,  brothers,  I  will  inform 
you  that  the  seventh  annual  ball  of 
Lodge  No.  94  is  an  assured  fact,  unless 
something  very  serious  should  happen 
between  now  and  the  8th  of  April.  We 
have  procured  the  best  hall  in  the  city, 
namely,  the  new  K.  of  P..  at  Eighth 
and  Walnut  streets.  The  music  will 
be  the  best  available,  and  a  good  time 
is  assured  all  who  may  attend.  Visit- 
ing brothers  Mrill  receive  a  cordial  wel- 
come and  all  are  invited.  The  greatest 
worry  at  present  is  whether  or  not  we 
will  be  able  to  get  Bro.  J.  B.  Connors 
to  lead  the  grand  march.  Well,  I  have 
played  press  agent  enough  in  regard  to 
our  ball  and  will  try  to  give  you  some 
of  the  news. 

Business  is  pretty  brisk  here,  owing 
to  the  bad  weather,  but  prospects  are 
not  promising  for  the  future,  as  all  of 
the  large  manuf&oturlng  plants  are 
storing  great  quantities  of  coal,  antici- 
pating the  miners'  strike.  As  this 
place  is  in  the  heart  of  the  Indiana 
coal  fields,  a  strike  will  greatly  affect 
all  roads  In  this  dlgtrlot. 

Brothers,  the  snakes  are  getting 
thicker  all  the  time  here.  We  are  cap- 
turiniir  new  ones  every  meeting.  At 
the  Van  yards  here  we  have  the  whole 
sum  of  two  stingers  and  the  night 
yiard,  and  we  have  a  big  majority  of 
fl.  U.  of  N.  A.  men  in  the  day  yard. 


We  are  living  in  hopes  of  a  solid  yard 
in  the  near  future.  ,The  'Frisco  yards 
are  full  of  S.  U.  men  and  more  coming 
in  all  the  time.  The  Big  FOur  has  a 
very  small  cage  of  reptiles,  but  aU  of 
them  are  extremely  vicious  at  all 
times.  I  am  sorry  to  say  we  are  not 
represented  in  the  C,  T.,  H.  ft  S.  £. 
yards  since  Bro.  Buckshot  Robinson 
resigned  and  went  to  the  'Frisco. 

Any  of  you  brothers  who  have  the 
time  and  inclination  to  correspond  with 
a  sick  brother  and  let  him  know  what 
Is  going  on  outside  will  find  that  their 
letters  would  be  greatly  appreciated  by 
Bro.  W.  T.  Campbell  of  Lodge  No.  94, 
who  hasn't  been  out  of  the  house  since 
Dec.  8,  1911,  owing  to  an  injury  to  his 
spine  received  while  working  on  the 
Van  "hump."  As  there  is  no  prospect 
of  him  getting  out  soon  some  of  you 
brothers  write  him.  Address  152S 
Third  avenue,  Terre  Haute. 

At  last  full  and  complete  plans  are 
made  for  a  labor  temple.  We  have  re- 
ceived a  charter  and  have  incorporated 
for  $100,000.  Several  sites  have  been 
offered,  but  none  accepted  yet  The 
Union  Men's  Social  Club  of  this  place 
is  holding  nightly  rehearsals  for  the 
big  minstrels  to  be  given  March  15-16 
to  raise  funds  for  the  Labor  Temple 
Association. 

Bro.  Connors  paid  us  a  nice  little 
visit  last  evening,  and  about  sixteen 
of  the  tribe  met  with  him  at  the  Plaza 
Hotel.  Bro.  "Jim"  presented  Lodge 
No.  94  with  eight  new  members  from 
Harrieburg.  111.  All  who  were  present 
greatly  enjoyed  Bro.  "Jim's"  big  talk 
and  were  put  wise  to  a  great  many 
things  that  we  knew  nothing  about. 
We  also  got  his  promise  to  attend  our 
big  dance  and  brin^  his  wife.  Dustin 
Crawford  promised  lots  of  fried  chicken 
as  an  inducement.  I  don't  know  what 
will  become  of  him  in  case  the  inco- 
bator  fails. 

Well,  brothers,  as  I  have  already 
written  more  than  I  exoect  to  see 
printed.  T  am  gpoins:  to  call  myself  up- 
to-date  and  go  on  the  "soot*' 

Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P., 
Frank  D.  Ball. 
Lodge  No.  94- 


Neighbor— How  did  that  naughty  lit- 
tie  boy  of  yours  aret  hurt? 

•That  gpood  little  b<^  of  yonro  hH 
blm  on  the  bead  wl^  a  brick." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


Kansas  City, 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

The  old  year  having  ebbed  away  and 
the  new  ushered  in»  and  not  seeing 
anything  in  the  Joxjbnal  for  some  time 
from  Golden  Rule  Lodge  No.  17,  I  will 
try  to  let  the  sisters  of  the  difCerent 
auxiliaries  know  that  we  are  still  in 
existence  and  doing  business  on  a  fair 
and  impartial  scale.  Kate  Lonegan 
was  elected  our  Joubital  agent,  but  I 
am  under  the  impression  she  has  been 
moving,  hence  her  time  has  been  pretty 
well  occupied,  but  she  is  one  of  the 
staunch  and  true,  so  think  she  will 
favor  US  with  a  few  lines  pretty  soon. 

We  elected  our  officers  for  the  ensu- 
ing year  at  our  last  regular  meeting  in 
December.  I  shall  try  to  give  you 
the  list:  President,  Lydia  Morgan; 
past  president,  Henrietta  Clark;  vice- 
president,  Maud  Mielkie;  secretary, 
Anna  Porta;  treasurer,  Nellie  Slaugh- 
ter; chaplain,  Ella  Nugent;  guard. 
Bertha  Stauffer;  board  of  directors, 
Kate  Lonegan,  Matilda  Smith,  Hen- 
rietta Clark;  chairman  flower  fund, 
Virginia  Flanagan. 

We  hope  to  see  all  the  new  ofllcers 
attend  every  meeting  that  they  can  and 
co-operate  with  each  other  towards  the 
upliftment  of  our  local  auxiliary,  and 
make  the  year  1912  the  banner  year 
k>ng  to  be  remembered  by  all  con- 
cerned. 

We  are  going  to  give  our  fifth  annual 
ball  at  the  New  Casino  Hall,  Thursday 
evening,  April  25th,  and  hope  all  broth- 
ers and  sisters  will  make  it  an  affair 
that  will  stand  next  to  none  socially 
and  financially.  The  committee  ap- 
pointed, of  course,  means  a  whole  lot. 
Sister  Nugent  being  chairman.  Of 
course.  Sister  Nugent,  you  know  your 
shoulders  are  broad,  also  your  heart. 
00  of  course  we  consider  you  worthy. 
Sisters  Slaughter,  Downer  and  Bush 
are  the  assistants,  and  if  all  reports 
are  true,  and  I  hope  that  they  are,  the 
tickets  are  going  very  fast  If  every- 
one   win    do    her    duty    there    is  no 


reason  why  it  can't  or  "won't"  be  a 
success.  If  the  sisters  that  take 
tickets  cannot  sell  them,  they  should 
return  them  to  the  committee  and  let 
them  try  and  see  if  someone  else  won't 
sell  them.  Don't  lay  them  on  the  piano 
or  sideboard,  keep  them  real  handy  and 
always  be  on  the  lookout  for  someone 
to  buy. 

Our  card  party  on  the  27th  of  Febru- 
ary, was  not  very  well  attended  owing 
to  the  inclement  weather,  but  it  is  to 
be  hoped  that  as  spring  is  drawing 
near  the  ladies  will  open  their  hearts 
and  homes  and  welcome  us  all  for  a 
good  game  of  high  five,  as  yoy  know 
we  depend  a  great  deal  on  them  for 
our  flower  fund. 

Now,  Sister  Lonegan,  don't  think  I 
am  trying  to  scab  on  you,  as  I  am 
strictly  union  and  work  in  accordingly. 
If  this  doesn't  reach  the  waste  basket 
probably  I  shall  try  to  write  again. 
Yours  in  XT.,  H.  and  J., 
Bebtha  Stauffer. 
Lodge  No.  17. 


Tort  Woffth,  Texas. 

ESdttob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  it  is  almost  time  for  the  Joubnal 
to  go  to  press  again,  I  will  try  and 
send  In  a  few  lines. 

I  am  very  sorry  to  report  the  death 
of  Sister  Rosa  B.  Weir,  who  died  from 
cancer  of  the  stomach  on  Feb.  9th. 
She  leaves  two  sons  and  several  broth- 
ers and  sisters  to  mourn  her  loss  and 
they  have  the  deepest  sympathy  of 
all  the  sisters  of  Lodge  No.  38.  Sister 
Weir  had  been  a  member  of  Lodire  No. 
38  almost  two  years  and  was  always 
ready  to  help  with  anything  pertain- 
ing to  the  cause  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union.  She  had  been  a  widow  for  sev- 
eral years  and  joined  our  lodge  on  the 
membership  of  her  oldest  son. 

Well,  as  the  brothers  are  too  busy 
writing  out  applications  for  ex-stingers 
to  ever  write  any  more.  I  guess  I  will 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


254 


JOURNAL    OF   THB    SWITCHMBira 


say  that  they  are  taking  in  many  new 
members  at  each  meeting  and,  of 
course,  we  are  all  glad,  since  it  gives 
us  a  chance  for  new  members  for  our 
lodge. 

The  excuse  that  several  switchmen's 
wives  have  offered  in  the  past  for  not 
Joining  in  the  p&Bt  was  that  the  rail- 
roads of  Texas  were  discriminating 
against  Switchmen  Union  men,  and 
more  especially  on  the  Texas  ft  Pacific 
one  of  the  most  prominent  roads  enter- 
ing Fort  Worth,  and  which  was  the 
case  until  recently.  But  under  the 
supervision  of  the  new  superintendent, 
R.  R  Boswell,  matters  are  quite  dif- 
ferent and  he  seems  to  treat  the  S.  U. 
men  more  favorably  than  has  been  the 
custom  heretofore.  So  things  look 
somewhat  brighter  now. 

Our  meetings  are  held  at  Ben  Hur 
Hall  on  Throckmorton  street  the  sec- 
ond and  fourth  Wednesday  in  each 
month.  Some  of  our  sisters  have 
missed  a  few  meetings  on  acount  of 
changing  the  day  of  meeting. 

We  have  been  practically  at  a  stand- 
still all  this  winter  on  account  of  an 
epidemic  of  cerebro  meningitis  which 
has  "been  raging  here  most  all  winter, 
and  physicians  request  all  persons  to 
keep  as  close  to  their  home  as  they  can 
for  they  claim  that  the  disease  is  high- 
ly contagious  and  most  always  fatal.  So 
we  have  been  somewhat  handicapped, 
but  hope  with  the  coming  of  warmer 
weather  that  all  will  get  busy  and  get 
many  new  mem'bers  for  our  lodge. 
Hoping  to  see  many  letters  from  the 
sisters,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J.. 

Vashti  Glanton. 
Lodge  No,  Sf^. 


Grand  RiipidSi  Mich* 

BnrroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  had  our  installation  of  officers  at 
our  first  regular  meeting  in  February, 
at  which  were  installed  the  following 
officers:  President,  Sister  Dannen- 
beng:  past-president.  Sister  Snell;  vice- 
president.  Sister  Ruth  Walsh  (as 
proxy  for  Sister  Thornton,  who  was 
unable  to  be  with  us  on  account  of 
sickness  in  her  family);  treasurer. 
Sister  Woods;  secretary.  Sister  Weedi- 
en;  conductress.  Sister  Barton;  chap- 
lain. Sister  Seachrist;  guard.  Sister 
Parks;  pianist.  Sister  Anna  Walsh; 
trustees,  Sisters  Crandal,   Merril  and 


Hardy.  We  had  a  very  nice  time  and 
our  meetings  this  year  have  been 
fairly  well  attended;  but  now  that  bet- 
ter weather  is  coming,  we  hope  to  see 
more  of  our  sisters  in  attendance  at 
our  meetings.  We  have  been  having 
some  very  good  outside  parties,  especi- 
ally so  were  the  ''hard  times"  party 
at  the  home  of  the  new  Joubnal  agent. 
Our  stunt  party  last  lodge  day  was 
also  great  and  if  our  absent  sisters 
only  knew  what  they  had  missed  at 
the  pot-luck  supper,  I  believe  our  next 
crowd  would  be  larger.  What  we 
lacked  in  quantity,  however,  we  made 
up  in  quality.  Our  sisters  have  been 
very  well  this  winter,  but  a  number  of 
brothers  have  been  on  the  sick  list,  but 
all,  I  think,  are  now  much  better.  We 
hope  Lodge  No.  12  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  may  have  a  bright  and  prosper- 
ous new  year.  Sisters,  let  us  all  make 
an  extra  effort  to  be  at  all  our  meet- 
ings and  we  can  certainly  make  a 
good  year  of  1912l 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Naomi  Parks, 
Lodge  No,  12. 


BMffalo»N.Y. 

Editor  Sv^itchmen's  Journal; 

Lodgci  No.  6  has  never  had  a  Jour- 
nal agent,  and  I  have  always  filled  the 
office,  but  recently  have  been  busy  and 
forgotten  about  a  write-up  until  too 
lote,  and  the  members  have  reminded 
me  of  the  matter  several  times.  They 
are  so  encouraged  by  the  success  we 
are  having  in  adding  new  members 
that  they  want  it  known.  Three  Ini- 
tiated last  meeting  night  and  two  for 
the  next  one  seems  rather  good. 

Arrangements  have  been  completed 
for  a  card  party  in  our  lodge  hall 
Wednesday  evening,  April  17th,  and 
we  hope  to  see  a  goodly  number  of  our 
friends  present  to  help  us  make  a  suc- 
cess of  this  affair.  Sister  Nellie 
Cooley  is  chairman  of  the  arrangement 
committee. 

We  regretted  to  learn  of  the  illness 
of  our  Grand  President,  Sister  Clark, 
and  hope  by  the  time  this  reaches  the 
members  that  she  will  have  fully  re- 
covered. 

It  has  been  gratifying  to  see  the  let- 
ters from  the  various  Iodides  In  the 
Journal  recently,  and  still  more  grat- 
itying  to  receive  reports  showlnpr  n^w 
members  added  to  the  lodges,  and  we 


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255 


hope  to  see  the  good  work  contiime. 
The  members  can  do  a  good  deal  when 
they  get  interested  and  tell  ladles  who 
are  eligible  to  join  of  the  good  things 
about  the  order  and  the  good  times 
they  have  at  their  meetings.  Do  not 
meiktion  the  unpleasant  things,  they  do 
occasionally  arise  in  the  best  regula;ted 
lodges,  but  are  not  to  be  talked  about 
outside  the  lodge  room.  Keep  up  the 
good  work,  sisters. 

Yours  In  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Saba  T.  Jackson, 
Lodge  No.  6, 


Milwaukee,  Wis. 

E«DiTOB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

The  JoxTBNAL  arrived  today,  was 
glad  to  see  it,  and  especially  so  to 
read  so  many  letters  from  the  differ- 
ent auxiliaries,  which  goes  to  show 
there  is  some  interest  being  felt 
among  the  members.  Was  also  glad  to 
read  a  letter  from  Sister  Jennie  Sine 
of  Lodge  No.  15  and  to  know  she  is 
well  enough  to  be  about  again,  and 
hope  her  husband  will  be  well  soon. 
We  had  the  pleasure  of  having  Sister 
Sine  meet  with  us  at  our  regular  meet- 
ing one  day  during  the  past  summer, 
and  we  hope  she  will  come  again  soon. 
Am  sorry  to  note  by  Qrand  President 
Sister  Clark's  letter  that  she  has  been 
ill.  We  here  in  Milwaukee  are  glad 
to  know  through  the  medium  of  the 
JouBNAL  that  she  is  improving  in 
health.  We  have  as  yet  heard  nothing 
from  her  by  voice  or  pen  since  her 
election  in  May  of  last  year,  nor  have 
we  from  any  other  of  the  Grand  Vice- 
Presidents.  Is  Lodge  No.  39  in  dis- 
favor or  disgrace,  or  is  it  the  policy  of 
Gx^nd  Lodge  officers  that  when  they 
have  organized  an  auxiliary  anywhere 
they  cast  them  adrift  to  work  out  their 
own  glory  or  destruction? 

I  must  take  issue  with  our  Grand 
President  on  the  matter  of  dues.  We 
are  now  paying  at  the  rate  of  ^1.40  on 
a  thousand,  which  is  as  high  as  any 
order  on  the  National  Fraternal  Con- 
gress table  of  rates,  and  if  our  present 
rate  of  dues  is  not  enough  to  meet  the 
demands  on  the  funds  I  should  think 
it  one  of  the  serious  problems  to  be 
considered  by  Grand  Lodge  officers.  In 
our  city,  where  auxiliaries  are  thick  as 
stars  on  a  clear  summer's  ni$i:ht,  an<1 
everyone  beloTiRs  to  some  of  them,  all 


that  I  have  come  in  contact  with  carry 
1500  Insurance  and  their  dues  are  less 
than  ours.  It  makes  one  of  the  ob- 
stacles we  meet  with  to  say  the  Auxil- 
iary to  the  S.  U.  carries  but  1300.  I 
think  and  hope  this  one  point  will  be 
changed  at  our  next  convention,  for  I 
think  it  would  prove  a  bonanza  in 
soliciting  members. 

I  want  to  say  a  word  about  by-laws 
and  constitution.  I  have  with  me  the 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer's  re- 
port of  last  year's  work,  and  acording 
to  her  figures  there  are  but  four  local 
auxiliaries  out  of  a  total  of  forty-seven 
that  had  their  treasurer  bonded  last 
year.  Someone  is  responsible  for  this 
surely.  Wouldn't  $2  apiece  from  the 
other  forty-three  help  along  a  little. 
Seems  a  little  encouragement  ought  to 
bring  about  the  desired  results. 
Would  suggest  that  when  all  other 
legitimate  means  have  been  tried  out 
and  fail  that  all  local  auxiliaries  be 
asked  to  contribute  $5  each  to  make 
up  this  d^ciency  in  the  sinking  fund 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  to  bring  about  this 
desired  raise.  Will  vouch  for  Lodge 
No.  39,  that  with  all  the  petty  annoy- 
anoes  we  meet  we  would  be  glad  to 
donate  $5  for  this  cause.  Also  wish  to 
say  Lodge  No.  39  has  started  a  sinking 
fund  to  meet  that  "bogie,"  convention 
fund. 

Wish  to  endorse  the  correspondent 
from  Houston.  "Stand  pat"  on  your 
principles.  Houston  is  just  the  same 
place  on  the  map  it  was  before  the  con- 
vention. 

Wish  all  switchmen  and  auxiliary 
members  would  read  carefully  Sister 
Hughes'  letter  of  Lodge  No.  19,  also 
the  letter  signed  "A  Member  of  L.  A." 
This  applies  to  each  and  all  of  us. 
Personally,  I  wish  each  member  would 
sign  their  name  in  full  to  communica- 
tions. I  also  wish  to  congratulate  our 
press  correspondent,  Grace  McGinnis: 
hope  to  read  another  letter  from  her 
in  April  Journal. 

I  hope  this  communication  will  be 
read  by  all  in  the  spirit  in  which  it  is 
written,  "for  the  ultimate  good  of  all" 
Mabgabet  Bebtrand, 

Lodge  No.  SO. 


"He  is  a  Napoleon  of  finance." 
**Why,  I  didn't  know  he  was  wealthy." 
"He  isn't.    But  he  is  raising  a  family 

of  nine  children  on  an  income  of  $12 

a  week." — Houston  Pout. 


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256 


JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


Ashtdbute»0. 

EoiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Some  of  the  doings  and  sayings  of 
the  officers  of  Lake  Erie  Lodge  No.  7: 

There  Is  our  dear  Sister  Madden,  by 

the  way  of  no  harm, 
Who  lives  *8teen  miles  down  the  road 

on  a  nice  little  farm. 
But  you  always  will  find,  bad  weather 

or  pleasant. 
When  her  name's  called  at  lodge  you 

always  hear  "Present." 
But  Sister  Madden  has  been  some  ktd- 

napper  they  say, 
And  that  once  with  Friend  Jasper  she 

did  run  away. 
But  now  Sister  Madden's  reform's  been 

complete. 
And  she  fills  with  great  dignity  the 

president's  seat. 
Sister  McKenzie,  out  on  Stark  street. 
Will  this  year  fill  the  vice-president's 

seat 
To  attend  all  the  meetings  for  her  will 

be  hard. 
For  Sister  McKenzie's  family  is  large. 
You  may  not  believe,  but  by  counting 

you'U  find 
It  consisU  of  Brother  Jasper,  Doggie's 

five  and  Kittie's  nine; 
And  we  know  if  some  good  sister  would 

•   to  Teddy  this  news  peddle 
That   our    Sister   and    Friend    Jasper 

would  be  marked  up  for  a  medal. 
Sister  Mary  quite  contrary  holds  down 

the  job  as  secretary, 
And  while  on  the  job  she  sure  must  be 

wary. 
All  the  letters  she  writes  and  the  min- 
utes she  takes, 
All  the  bills  she  must  sign,  so  there 

will  be  no  mistake. 
Just  now  our  Sister  Mary  at  herself  is 

very  mad 
For  she  missed  the  last  two  socials 

that  No.  7  had. 
Mary  says  her  health  Is  falling,  that 

her  appetite's  a  fright. 
But  her  aches  and   pains  all  vanish 

when  the  celery  comes  In  sight. 
Sister  McOarty  Is  treasurer,  you  know, 
When  your  dues  you  would  pay,  to  her 

you  must  go; 
And  she  sits  there  and  smiles  without 

ever  a  wince 
While  you  dig  down  In  your  sock  for 

your  forty-five  cents. 
Says  Sister  McCarty,  on  store  teeth  1 

must  plan. 


So  I'll  Just  go  uptown  to  some  good 

dentist  man; 
Is  I  am  very  brave  do  not  fear  that 

I  will  yell. 
But  the  dentist  only  smiled,  and  this  to 

her  did  tell: 
"My  dear  madam,  I  can  see  you'rb  a^ 

nervous  as  a  skeeter. 
Before  I  pull  your  teeth  you  surely 

must  take  ether." 
For    chaplain    we    will     have    Sister 

Sweet, 
Who  is  as  faithful  a  member  as  you'd 

wish  to  meet. 
This  winter  Sister  Sweet,  having  saved 

all  kinds  of  dough. 
Said  for  a  month  out  West  I  will  go. 
She  sent  us  some  post-cards  from  out 

'Frisco  way. 
Says  the  sights  they  are  great  and  she 

would  like  to  stay. 
"But  amid  all  my  pleasures  I  yet  feel 

the  loss 
Of   Sister   Water's   baked   beans   and 

pepper  sauce." 
Slater  Wiley  as  conductress  sure  has  a 

job  that's  hard. 
She   must  give   to   us  the   password, 

badge,  ritual  and  ode  card. 
But  our  badges  will  be  threadbare  and 

the  password  out  of  date 
Before   our    Sister    Wiley   comes   her 

office  for  to  take. 
Just  remember,  my  dear  Sister,  it's  a 

job  you  cannot  dodge. 
So  just  hustle  and  get  ready  and  beat 

It  out  to  lodge. 
For    JovRXAL    agent   we   have   Sister 

Stevens,  who  Is  so  very  tall. 
And  we  'specs  that's  just  the  reason 

why  she  never  writes  at  all. 
So  get  busy.  Sister  Stevens,  or  your 

job  I'll  have  to  scab. 
For  you  know  a  Journal  agent  No.  Ts 

got  to  have. 
So  take  your  pen  and  paper  and  be 

goody,  that's  a  dearie. 
And   write   up  something  awful   nice 

'bout  the  members  of  Lake  Erie. 
And    for   the   board   of   directors  we 

elected  with  much  ado 
The    Sisters    Clark    and    Patton    and 

Comfort  number  two. 
These  sisters'  duties  are  at  the  books 

to  make  a  stand 
And  see  that  they  balance  with  the 

cash  we  have  on  hand; 
And  to  see  that  Sisters  Em  and  Mary 

are  not  blowing  In  our  mon. 
Around  attending  picture   shows   and 

buying  pepsin  gum. 


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UNION   OP  NORTH   AMERICA, 


267 


Now,  listen,  my  dear   sister,   far  you 

must  surely  know 
That  at  getting  in  new  members  we 

are  very,  very  slow. 
Let  us  get  out  and  hustle,  for  we've  all 

kinds  of  timber. 
And  let  each  one  try  this  year  to  get  at 

least  one  new  member. 
And  though  you  get  discouraged  and 

at  times  you  feel  so  weary. 
Just  remember  that  you're  working  for 

the  good  old  Lake  Erie. 
And  now  my  little  story  to  the  Journal 

I  will  send. 
And  I  think  that  if  they  print  it  I  can 

clearly  see — The  End. 
Si&tor  Waters  as  guard  sure  has  a  snap» 
Just  sit  and  look  wise  till  she  hears 

that  faint  rap; 
And  then  all  the  late  ones  she  does  get 

in  line 
And  make  them  walk  turkey — it  sure 

must  be  fine. 
Sister  Waters  at  the  turkey  trot  surely 

can  do  fine, 
She   finishes   every  act   right   in   the 

proper  time; 
About  her  practice  hours  our  sister  is 

very,  very  mum. 
But  for  lack  of  information  we  suspect 

her  wee  grandson. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Jemima. 
Lodge  No.  7. 


IN  MFMORIAM. 

Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
by  Buffalo  Lodge  No.  4  at  a  regular 
meeting  held  March  15,  1912: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father,  in 
His  infinite  wisdom.  h€ia  removed  from 
us  our  worthy  brother,  A.  L.  Clark, 
whose  death  occurred  on  March  13th, 
as  the  result  of  injuries  sustained, 
while  in  the  performance  of  duty  as 
night  switchman  at  Lackawanna  Steel 
Plant,  Feb.  27th;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death,  we  realize 
the  sadness  -brought  to  the  hearts  of 
his  relatives  and  friends,  as  well  as  to 
this  lodge,  of  which  he  was  an  hon- 
ored member,  and  for  all  whose  mem- 
bers he  was  ever  ready  to  extend  a 
helping  hand;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  relatives  their  heartfelt 
synupathy  in  this,  their  sad  time  of  be- 
reavement, with  the  hope  in  this  sad 


affliction  they  may  see  the  hand  of  God, 
and  in  Christian  confidence  be  submis- 
sive to  His  divine  will;  and,  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  of  respect  to 
our  beloved  brother,  our  charter  be 
draped  for  thirty  days,  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  min- 
utes of  this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the 
bereaved  relatives,  and  one  to  our 
Journal  for  publication. 

Geo.  J.  Hamh^tox, 

M.   J.  COLGAN, 

J.  M.  Kelley, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  at  a  regular 
meeting  of  Denison  Lodge  No.  90: 

Whereas.  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  us  our  dear- 
ly beloved  Bro.  B.  A.  Donald,  whose 
death  occurred  on  March  5th;    and 

Whereas.  By  his  death  a  wife  and 
seven  children  and  aged  father  and 
mother  are  left  to  mourn  his  sad  loss, 
and  this  lodge  a  most  worthy  brother; 
therefore  be  It  • 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Denison  Lodge  No.  90,  in  meeting  as- 
sembled, extend  their  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy to  the  bereaved  family  in  this 
their  time  of  bereavement;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  one  to  the  .Tourxal 
for  publication;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  in 
respect  to  the  memory  of  our  deceased 
brother.  B.  S.  Clark, 

E.  S.  Frost, 
M.  J.  Leabo, 
Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were  adopt- 
ed by  Lackawanna  Lodge  No.  221  at  a 
regular  meeting  held  on  March  8th: 

Whereas,  On  account  of  the  death  of 
our  beloved  brother  James  Flynn, 
which  occurred  on  Feb.  27th,  a  wife 
and  three  daughters  have  been  de- 
prived of  his  support  and  care  and  a 
host  of  friends  and  associates  are  also 
left  without  his  brotherly  advice  and 
companionship;    and 

Whereas,  By  hfs  death  his  bereaved 


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258 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEfN'S 


wife  and  children  have  lost  a  devoted 
husband  and  father,  the  state  a  good 
citizen  and  this  lodge  an  honored  mem- 
ber;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend 
their  sympathy  to  the  bereaved  family 
in' this  their  sad  time  of  atniction;  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  That  aa  a  mark  of  respect 
to  our  departed  brother  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  be  entered  upon  the  min- 
utes of  this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to 
the  bereaved  wife  and  one  to  the 
Journal  for  publication  and  that  our 
charter  be  draped  for  thirty  days. 

H.   T.   TUBNER, 

W.  Flynn, 
J.  Q.  EvoY, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Success 
Lodge  No.  37  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
the  following  resolutions  were  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Suc- 
cess Lodge  No.  37  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N. 
A.,  extend  their  heartfelt  sympathy  to 
Slsteu  Mary  O'Brien  on  tne  death  of 
her  beloved  husband  who  departed  this 
life  a  short  time  ago. 

Resolved,  That  we  sincerely  hope 
and  pray  that  God  in  His  infinite  kind- 
ness and  mercy  will  give  her  grace  and 
strength  to  be  submissive  to  His  holy 
will  and  enable  her  to  endure  the  loss 
which  is  beyond  the  power  of  expres-. 
sion;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  widow, 
one  sent  to  the  Journal  for  publica- 
tion and  one  be  spread  on  the  minutes 
of  this  meeting. 

Margaret  Goble, 
Florence  Davis, 
Irene  Price, 

Committee. 


Rochester,  N.  Y.,  March  10, 1912. 

At  a  meeting  of  Monroe  Lodge,  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.,  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted: 

Whereas,  The  Great  Reaper  has  en- 
tered our  midst  and  taken  from  us  our 
esteemed  brother,  Elbert  H.  Foote,  who 
was  killed  March  3d,  while  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duties,  in  the  P.  R.  R. 
yards  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.;  therefore, 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 


union  extend  to  the  sorrowing  wife  eLOd 
aged  father  and  mother  their  heartfelt 
sympathy,  and,  while  de  deeply  deplore 
the  loss  of  tihifi  brother,  may  God's  will 
not  ours  be  done.  May  they  find  peaoe 
and  comfort  in  the  thought  that  he  has 
but  passed  from  us  to  that  home  of 
eternal  rest  where  care  and  sorrow  are 
no  more  to  await  the  coming  of  those 
whom  he  held  meet  dear  on  this  earth; 
and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  tribute  to  his 
memory  we  drape  oiir  charter  for  a 
period  of  thirty  days,  that  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions  be  spread  on  the  min- 
utes of  this  meeting,  one  sent  to  the 
wife  and  father  and  mother  and  one  to 
the  Journal  for  publication. 

J.  P.  Crossen, 
B.  A.  Eldridge, 
T.  E.  Hall, 

Committee. 


The  members  of  Sunshine  Lodge  No. 
19  wish  to  extend  their  sympathy  to 
Brother  and  Sister  Cryan  and  Sister 
Williams,  also  other  members  of  their 
fSamily  in  their  sad  affliction — ^the  loss 
of  the  dearly  beloved  mother — whom 
the  good  Lord  has  seen  fit  to  take  unto 
Himself  to  dwell  in  the  land  of  eternal 
happiness  forever.  Their  loss  will  be 
her  gain. 

When  childhood's  sorrows  grieved  me 

In  the  days  of  long  ago, 
My  heartaches  were  shared 
With  one  who  always  caned, 

As  I  went  to  her  with  all  my  woe. 
But  today  my  grief  is  silent. 

My  sorrows  I  bear  alone, 
There's  no  haven  of  rest 
For  me  on  my  mother's  breast 

Till   I   meet   her   in   the   Great   Un- 
known. 

Ida  M.  Hughes. 
Mary  Lockhard. 
Maude  Bradford. 

Committee. 

The  following  resolutions  were  adopt- 
ed by  Helping  hand  Lodge  No.  47,  L. 
A.  toS.  U.  of  N.  A.: 

Whereas,  God  in  His  wisaota  has 
taken  from  her  family  and  friends  a 
beloved  sister  of  our  president.  Sister 
Scott;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
auxiliary,  in  meeting  assembled,  ex- 
tend our  herafelt  sympathy  to  Sister 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


Seott    in    her    bereavement;     be    it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
this  lodge  meeting,  one  sent  to  Sister 
Scott  and  one  be  sent  to  the  Jooubn al 
for  publication. 

MaBT   €k>MEBTOBD, 

Cabbie  Nicklow, 
Lbta  Dabbt, 

Committee. 


At  a  r^fular  meeting  of  Tri  City 
Lodge  No.  133,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebbas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  J.  O.  Logan;  and 

Whbbeas,  By  his  death  his  wife, 
children  and  relatives  are  left  to 
mourn  his  sad  loss  and  this  lodge  a 
faithful  member;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  lodge  extend 
heartfelt  sympathy  in  their  hour  of  sad 
bereavement;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  esteem 
and  respect  for  our  late  brotuer  we 
drape  our  charter  for  thirty  days;  and 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  his  bereaved  wife 
and   children,   one   spread    upon   the 
minutes  of  this  meeting  and  one  sent 
to  the  JouBNAL  for  publication. 
H.  W.  Olson, 
J.    B.    Pbitchett, 
Wm.  Mielke, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were  adopt- 
ed at  a  regular  meeting  of  Combina- 
tion Lodge  No.  45,  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.: 

Whebeas,  The  loss  of  her  beloved 
husband  a  short  time  ago,  while  in  the 
performance  of  duty,  has  occasioned 
deep  gloom  in  the  heart  of  our  dear 
sister  Alice  Roche  and,  while  realizing 
we  can  do  nothing  to  restore  the  irre- 
parable loss  sustained  by  her,  we  deem 
it  a  sacred  duty  to  take  suitable  action 
in  meeting  assembled  and  make  ex- 
pression to  her  of  the  truth  that  all 
the  members  of  this  lodge  aleo  recog- 
nise the  sorrow  that  now  fills  her 
heart;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Combi- 
nation Lodge  No.  45  that  our  heartfelt 
sirmpathy  be  extended  to  Sister  Roche, 


with  the  sincere  hope  that  God,  who 
has  taken  him  from  her,  will  comfort 
and  guide  her  throughout  the  re- 
mainder of  her  life;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  Sister 
Roche  and  one  be  forwarded  to  the 
JouBNAL  for  publication. 

Kathebine  Langan, 

Alicb  Mubpht, 

Blla  Wabneb, 

Committee, 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  March  13, 1912. 

At  the  last  regular  meeting  of  Given- 
ing  Star  Lodge  No.  209  it  was 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  heart- 
felt sympathy  to  Bro.  John  F.  Neiw- 
man,  who  on  March  9th  buried  his 
wife,  and  may  the  recollections  of  her 
be  ever  an  encouragement  to  guide  his 
footsteps  through  the  future  years. 
M«intKB8  Bvbnui  0  Stab  Lodge. 

Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  the  last  regular  meeting  of  North 
Star  Lodge  No.  63: 

Whebeas,  It  has  been  the  desire  of 
our  Almighty  Father  to  remove  from 
us  our  worthy  brother,  Wm.  J.  l«inch; 
and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  a  devoted 
wife  and  family  are  left  to  mourn  the 
loss  of  a  true  and  loving  husband  and 
father;  and 

Whebeas,  This  local  has  lost  a 
brother  who  never  ceased  to  talk  of 
the  benefits  derived  from  being  a 
member  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 
until  death  closed  his  lips;  therefore 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
local  extend  to  the  bereaved  family, 
relatives  and  friends  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  during  this  trial,  and  may 
God  help  and  comfort  them  through 
their  life;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  fam- 
ily,   one    to    our    Joxtbnal    and    one 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing and,  in  respect  to  the  memory  of 
our  deceased  brother,  that  our  char- 
ter be  draped  for  the  next  thirty  days. 
A.  J.  Young, 
J.  B.  Lee, 
A.  A.  Rieok, 

Committee. 


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260 


JOURNAL    OF   THE   SWITCHMEN'S 


CMnb  of  Thanks. 

Spbinoheld,  IAbbb.,  Mar.  11,  1912. 
E3DIT0B  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  wiah  to  eziMrefis,  through  the  col- 
umns  of  the  Journal,  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Bay  State  Lodge 
Na  73  for  the  noble  work  that  they 
did  for  me  in  my  time  of  trouble.  I 
also  wish  to  thank  Bro.  F.  J.  Sneehan 
for  the  interest  and  kindness  he 
showed  me.  I  also  desire  to  express 
my  deep  gratitude  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  the  prompt  payment  of  my  claim. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

John  G.  O'Bbibn. 


Newabk,  O.,  March  17,  1912. 
EniTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  wish,  through  the  columns  of  the 
Joubnal,  to  extend  my  thanks  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  promx>t  settlement 
of  my  claim  in  full;  also  to  the  offi- 
cers and  members  of  Lodge  No.  23  for 
their  kindness  and  courtesy  to  me  in 
my  bereavement  at  the  time  of  the  loss 
of  my  son,  David  Bush. 

Yours  truly, 

Cathebine  Bush. 


San  Fbanoisco,  Cal. 
To  the  Oijficers  of  the  Orand  Lodge  of 
the  8witchm€n*8  Union  of  North 
America: 
Please   accept   my   thanks   for   the 
promptness  in  settling  my  claim  in 
full  to  the  amount  of  |1,500  for  the 
loss  of  my  left  foot  on  Dec.  29,  1911. 
I  sincerely  hope  the  order  will  grow 
until  it  is  the  foremost  railroad  or- 
ganization. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

N.  P.  Whisenand. 


Kansas  Citt,  Kans.,  March  2,  1912. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  wish  to  express,  through  the  col- 
umns of  the  Joubnal,  my  most  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Riverview  Lodge  No.  2,  also  Golden 
Rule  Lodge  No.  17,  and  the  employes 
of  the  C,  R.  I.  ft  P.  Railroad  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offerings  and  their 
many  acts  of  kindness  shown  me  at 
time  of  death  of  my  dear  husband, 
Charles  B.  Rice.  Especially  do  I  wish 
to  thank  Mr.  and  Mrs.  F.  C.  Janes  for 


their  kindness.  True  friends  are,  in- 
deed, a  treasure.  I  cUso  wish  to  thank 
the  Grand  Lodge  tor  their  prompt  pay- 
ment of  policy  held  by  my  husband. 
May  success  ever  reward  the  8.  U.  of 
N.  A.  is  the  earnest  wish  of 

BfBS.  Kathabinb  Rice. 


DBS  Moines,  la.,  March  11, 1912w 
Editob  Switohmbn's  Joubnal: 

My  parents  and  I  desire  to  express 
to  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  174,  S. 
U.  of  N.  A.,  our  heartfelt  gratitude  for 
the  extreme  kindness  received  from 
them  at  the  time  of  the  death  of  my 
beloved  husband,  Meryan  E.  Cline,  who 
lost  his  life  while  in  the  performance 
of  his  duty  as  switchman  in  the  C,  R, 
I.  ft  P.  yards  at  Des  Moines,  Saturday 
morning,  March  9th;  also  to  all  others 
for  their  deep  personal  sympathy 
manifested.  Our  special  thanks  are 
due  to  the  brothers  and  sisters  of 
Lodge  No.  174  for  the  very  beautiful 
floral  offerings  and  we  assure  all  their 
kindness  will  never  be  forgotten,  al- 
though we  are  at  a  loss  to  sufficiently 
express  our  feelings  to  the  lodge  of 
which  my  husband  was  a  member  for 
such  brotherly  attention. 

Tours  respectfully, 
Mas.  Hazel  E.  Cline, 
Lodge  No.  SS. 


Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  the  memlbers  of  North  Star 
Lodge  No.  68  and  the  employes  of  the 
C.,  P.  R.,  C.  N.  R.  and  G.  T.  P.  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offering  and  other 
manifestations  of  kindness  snown  to 
us  in  our  late  bereavement  at  time  of 
death  of  our  dear  brother.  Win.  J. 
Finch,  who  died  Sunday  evening,  Feb. 
25th  of  pneumonia,  after  an  illness  of 
flve  days.  With  best  wLaOies  to  the 
employes  with  whom  he  labored  and 
the  union  of  which  he  was  a  member,, 
we  remain, 

Tours  sincerely, 
J.  E.  Finch, 
Wallace  M.  Finch. 


Chicago,  111.,  March  4,  1912. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
John  Drury  Lodge  No.  36  for  the  beau- 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMBRICA. 


261 


iSful  floral  offering  and  many  otber 
kindnesses  shown  us  in  time  of  our 
sorrow  and  bereavement  at  time  of 
death,  of  my  dear  son,  William  J. 
Roche*  who  was  killed  while  In  per- 
formance of  his  duties  in  B.  ft  O.  Chi- 
cago Terminal  yards,  Dec  18th.  Also 
wish  to  thank  the  members  of  Lodge 
No.  58  for  their  kind  remembrances^ 
and  also  the  members  of  the  O.  R.  C, 
the  Engineers,  Firemen,  and  Ladies' 
AuxUlary  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  tx) 
assure  r-ll  that  they  wlU  ever  be  re- 
membered for  their  kind  manifestar 
tions  of  sympathy.  I  wish  also  to 
thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for  prompt  set- 
tlement of  claim  held  in  the  union  by 
my  son.  With  best  wishes  to  aJl  the 
members  of  Lodge  No.  36,  and  hoping 
for  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  that  degree  of 
craccees  it  so  Justly  merits,  I  am, 
eincerefly  yours, 

Mbs.  Mary  Roche. 


Bttffalo,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  22,  1912. 
To  the  Offlcera  and  Members  of  Lacka- 
tcanna  Lodge  No.  221: 
1  desire  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  every  member  of  your  order  for  the 
extreme  generosity  and  kindness  shown 
in  behalf  of  my  late  brother,  James  F. 
Bums,  and  I  hope  and  pray  that  your 
officers  will  never  regret  such  kindness 
and  generosity,  and  that  I  will  at  all 
times  ever  praise  the  kindness  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 
Thanking  you  again  for  the  many 
favors  shown,  also  thanking  Mr.  M,  R. 
Welsh  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  prompt 
settlement  in  full,  I  remain, 
Yours  respectfully, 

Thos.  J.  Burns. 
l.'JS  O'Connell  avenue. 


Lackawanna,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  20,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  221  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  for  their  kindness  during  my 
recent  bereavement,  in  the  loss  of  my 
husband:  also  wish  to  thank  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment  of  in- 
surance claim.  Wishing  the  union  the 
best  of  success  and  prosperity  in  the 
future,  T  remain. 

Sincerely  youri, 

Mbs.  AiTNA  T.  Pbibstbr. 

14(57  South  Park  avenue 


HoBHKLL,  N.  Y.,  March  1, 1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Rough  Rider  Lodge  No.  108  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offering  and  kindness 
shown  us  in  our  sad  bereavement,  the 
death  of  our  beloved  husband  and 
father,  which  occurred  Jan.  23d.  I  am 
also  most  thankful  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  the  very  prompt  payment  of  the 
policy  held  by  my  husband,  which  1 
received  Feb.  19,  1912.  May  God  bless 
and  protect  every  member  of  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  is  the  prayer  of 

Yours  sincerely, 

Mrs.  Mart  Shannon. 

Beatrice  Shannon. 


Notice. 

Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  C.  D. 
Williams,  member  of  Lodge  No.  47, 
kindly  send  same  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  C. 
D.  Williams,  208  North  Van  Dom 
street,  Jackson,  Mich.,  who  is  very  ill. 
When  last  heard  from  was  working  for 
the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad  at  Detroit. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
P.  J.  Walsh  will  kindly  send  his  ad- 
dress to  W.  L.  Smith,  598  Madison  ave- 
nue, Grand  Rapids.  Mich.  When  laat 
heard  of  was  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  Was 
formerly  a  member  of  Lodge  No.  80. 


Wanted  to  know  the  whereabouts  or 
Information  concerning  Chas.  Greene 
(called  Doc)  formerly  of  Omaha,  Neb., 
and  employed  while  there  as  switch- 
man by  the  Missouri  Pacific  R.  R. 
Later  known  to  be  working  in  Hous- 
ton, Tex.  Any  information  will  be 
thankfully  received  by  Anna  C.  Greene 
612  North  23d  street,  Omaha.  Neb. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  H. 
C.  Gates,  formerly  a  member  of  Lodge 
No.  135,  will  kindly  send  same  to  Bro. 
Geo.  Hattersley,  618  Evans  street,  Cin- 
cinnati, O.,  President  of  Lodge  No.  26. 


The  attention  of  members  of  Lodge 
No.  47  is  called  to  the  fact  of  change 
In  time  of  holding  their  meeting.  The 
time  of  meeting  at  present  is  the  first 
Sunday  at  1.30  p.  m.  and  the  last  Sun- 
day at  7.30  p.  m.  Secretary  J.  F.  Mc- 
Donald hopes  that  all  brothers  will 
make  note  of  this  change. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


"THE  EXPERT  MIND. 


» 


In  the  March  issue,  under  the  title 
of  "A  Just  Verdict,"  brief  comment 
was  made  relative  to  the  suit  of  Mrs. 
Helen  Whittaker  against  the  New 
York  Central  R.  R.,  and  judgment  of 
16,178  awarded  her  in  the  courts  as 
compensation  for  the  loss  of  her  hus- 
band, (George  W.  Whittaker,  a  switch- 
man, who  received  fatal  injuries  while 
in  the  performance  of  duty  on  March 
15,  1911. 

These  remarks  were  based  upon  the 
disclosure  of  information  published  in 
the  Buffalo  Express  on  Feb.  16th  and 
17th.  The  subject  matter  ie  of  such 
interest  to  those  whose  lives  are  hour- 
ly exposed  to  the  same  sort  of  circum- 
stances when  performing  similar  du- 
ties that  we  believe  it  would  afford  our 
membership  a  fairly  good  insight  to 
the  statements  and  treatments  they 
may  reasonably  expect  when  accidents 
befall  them  and  their  wounded  bodies 
are  taken  charge  of  by  the  companies 
for  whom  they  work.  From  its  **write- 
up"  on  Feb.  16th,  under  the  caption, 
"The  Expert  Mind"  and  on  Feb.  17tli 
under  title  of  "Locomotive  or  Kid- 
neys?" we  quote  as  follows: 

A  jury  in  the  Supreme  Court  here 
last  Monday  returned  a  veroict  of 
$6,175  in  favor  of  Mrs.  Helen  Whit- 
taker, widow  of  a  New  York  Central 
brakeman,  who  was  fatally  injured  in 
the  Cbeektowaga  yards  on  March  15, 
1911. 

It  is  unusual  that  a  widow  secures  a 
verdict  of  such  size.  For  that  the  case 
is  noteworthy.  But  it  is  of  even  more 
interest  as  showing  the  difficulties  that 
lie  in  the  way  of  a  claimant 

George  Whittaker  was  crushed  under 
a  heavy  locomotive.  He  was  extricated 
from  under  the  engine  In  a  manner 
horribly  painful.  He  was  placed  on  an 
operating   table   without  much   delay 


and  his  leg  amputated.  And  he  died 
within  fifty  hours. 

His  death  certificate  reads  that  he 
died  of  "uremic  convulsions."  It  is 
noted  as  contributory  cause  that  his 
leg  had  been  crushed  in  a  railroad  ac- 
cident. 

Dr.  William  H.  Marcy,  a  railroad 
contract  surgeon,  amputated  the  man's 
leg.  He  maintains  tiiat  the  man  had 
Bright's  disease  and  hardening  of  the 
arteries. 

Besides  this  contract  surgeon  the 
railroad  had  other  doctors  at  the  trial 
to  swear  to  the  alleged  fatal  kidney 
trouble.  But  the  case  was  knocked 
into  a  cocked  hat  when  the  widow's 
lawyers  produced  other  surgeons  who 
had  examined  the  body  and  found  that 
the  dead  man's  pelvic  bones  had  been 
crushed  in  a  manor  that  made  it  most 
remarkable  that  he  was  alive  when 
dragged  from  under  the  engine. 

The  widow  hasn't  got  that  $6,175 
yet.  There  probably  will  be  an  appeal 
by  the  railroad. 

However,  the  jury  in  this  first  In- 
stance has  decided  that  George  Whitta- 
ker died  not  from  weak  kidhesrs,  but 
from  a  3t)-ton  locomotive  running  over 
his  body.  The  case,  as  discussed  by 
the  chief  factors  therein,  is  told  thus: 

George  W.  Whittaker  was  a  brake- 
man  working  with  a  day  crew  on  a 
New  York  Central  yard-engine  at  East 
Buffalo  and  Cbeektowaga.  At  9.35  a. 
m.  on  March  15,  1911,  Whittoker,  with 
the  others  of  the  crew,  was  making  up 
a  train  in  the  Cbeektowaga  yards. 

To  make  a  coupling  with  a  car, 
which  the  engine  was  approaching,  it 
was  necessary  for  Whittaker  to  swing 
over  to  the  oposite  side  of  the  running- 
board  and  in  so  doing  to  get  around 
the  projecting  drawhead  of  the  engine. 

Grasping  the  bar,  Whittaker  swung 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


forward.  As  he  did  so,  his  attorneys 
claim,  the  grab-iron  slipped  and  Whit- 
taker  plunged  to  the  ground  in  front 
of  the  moving  engine,  before  he  could 
move  he  was  crumpled  up  under  the 
boiler  and  one  of  his  legs  was  crushed 
under  the  wheels. 

Whittaker  was  a  large  man.  When 
the  engine  was  brought  to  a  stop  it 
was  found  that  his  body  was  so 
wedged  under  the  engine  that  It  was 
impossible  for  him  to  move,  nor  could 
anyone  get  in  a  position  to  lift  him 
out.  Laborers  were  set  to  work  to  dig 
away  the  cinders  and  roadbed  under 
Whittaker's  body.  A  portion  of  the 
sleeper  also  was  cut  away.  In  the 
meantime,  Whittaker  regained  con- 
sciousness. An  official  of  the  railroad 
who  had  been  summoned  got  down  on 
his  hands  and  knees  to  question  him  as 
to  how  the  aocident  happened. 

"The  grab-iron  slipped  and  threw 
me,"  said  Whittaker. 

In  this  condition  he  was  taken  to  the 
Emergency  Hospital.  Dr.  Marcy,  the 
railroad  contract  surgeon,  notified  Dr. 
James  W.  Charters,  Whittaker's  physi- 
cian, that  an  immediate  operation 
would  be  necessary  and  that  his  pres- 
ence was  desired.  Dr.  Charters,  Dr. 
Thomas  J.  Lynch  and  Dr.  Crawford, 
the  latter  two  hospital  internes,  were 
present  when  Whittaker's  leg  was 
taken  off  between  the  knee  and  the 
ankle.  Whittaker's  condition  at  this 
time  became  so  critical  that  examina- 
tion for  other  injuries  was  deferred  to 
give  him  time  to  pull  together.  No 
further  examination  was  made,  how- 
ever, for  two  days  later  Whittaker 
died.  Just  before  his  death,  it  is  al- 
leged, the  railroad  physician  told  Mrs. 
Whittaker  that  there  had  been  no 
chance  for  her  husband  from  the  first; 
that  he  was  suffering  from  Bright's 
disease  and  acute  alcoholism.  If  it  is 
true  that  the  railroad  physician  made 
this  statement,  there  is  nothing  in  the 
hospital  record  of  the  case  to  bear  him 
out. 

The  first  examination  of  Whittaker's 
urine,  according  to  this  record,  was 
made  at  5.30  p.  m.,  in  the  hospital  lab- 
oratory. It  showed  red  blood  corpus- 
cles, but  no  casts,  the  later  being  the 
sign  of  organic  trouble.  Dr.  Lynch, 
the  interne,  testified  at  the  trial  of  the 
danmge  suit  tiiat  his  examination  had 
shown  the  presence  of  casts.  When 
confronted  with  the  hospital  record, 
he  said  he  had  made  a  private  exami- 


nation during  tiie  afternoon.  The 
record,  howeVer,  shows  that  the  in- 
jured man's  urine  had  not  been  drawn 
prior  to  5.30  p.  m.,  when  the  recorded 
test  was  made. 

To  disprove  effectively  the  conten- 
tion of  the  railroad  that  Whittaker's 
death  was  due  to  causes  other  than  the 
accident,  it  was  decided  to  exhume  the 
body,  which  had  been  buried  at  Mans- 
field, Pa.,  and  to  hold  an  autopsy.  This 
was  performed  by  Dr.  Fred  G.  EUliott, 
one  of  the  oldest  practitioners  of  the 
town;  Dr.  Ditohburn  of  Arnot,  Pa., 
and  Dr.  James  A.  Gardner  of  Buffalo. 
They  found,  they  say,  that  Whittaker's 
pelvic  bones  had  been  so  terribly 
crushed  that  a  hand  of  one  of  the 
physicians  could  be  placed  between  the 
two  broken  portions  and  he  could  feel 
the  jagged  break  on  each  side.  It  was 
also  found  that  the  spinal  column  had 
been  s^arated  from  the  pelvic  bones 
at  the  sacro-iliac  joint,  a  condition 
which  made  paralysis  of  the  lower  part 
of  the  body  a  certainty  and  death  al- 
most as  sure.  There  was  no  hesitation 
on  the  part  of  the  three  phsrsiclans  in 
reporting  that  Whittaker's  death  had 
been  due  entirely  to  these  conditions. 
When  the  body  was  exhumed  no  exami 
nation  was  made  of  the  arteries  to  as- 
certain if  they  had  hardened  as  the  re- 
sult of  the  disease,  as  the  railroad 
physician  maintained  to  the  widow 
and  in  his  testimony  upon  the  stand. 

The  plaintiff,  however,  had  the  testi- 
mony from  the  doctors  at  the  autopsy 
that  death  was  due  to  the  crushing  of 
Whittaker's  bones,  and  that  of  the  fam- 
ily physician,  who  said  Whittaker 
never  had  suffered  from  kidney  trouble, 
which  apparently  knocked  flat  the  case 
the  railroad  attorneys  .had  built  up  to 
beat  the  widow  in  her  damage  suit. 

They  then  turned  their  attention  to 
the  switch  engine.  The  grab-iron  which 
Whittaker  grasped  when  he  leaped  on 
the  footboard  just  before  his  death  be- 
came tiie  pivot  of  the  whole  case.  This 
grab-iron  was  a  bar  of  metal  seven- 
eights  of  an  inch  thick  and  five  feet 
in  length.  It  was  held  in  position 
above  the  engine  pilot  by  iron  up- 
rights, passing  through  holes  in  the 
top  of  the  latter  and  secured  by  lynch- 
plns.  If  the  pin  had  been  in  position 
it  would  have  been  impossible  for  the 
bar  to  l^ave  moved  from  side  to  side, 
as  Whittaker's  attorneys  maintained 
that  It  did. 

Immediately  after  the  aocident  the 


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264 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITGHBfBN'8 


engine  was  sent  to  a  roundhouse, 
where.  It  is  alleged,  a  pin  was  inserted, 
after  which  a  photograph  was  taken  of 
the  front  of  the  engine.  All  this  was 
done  in  anticipation  of  what  was  like- 
ly to  follow  in  the  form  of  a  lawsuit, 
it  is  alleged.  It  came  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  railroad  attorneys,  it  is  stated, 
that  all  these  facts  were  known  to  the 
attorneys  for  the  defense,  and  that 
some  of  their  men  had  been  subpoenaed 
as  witnesses  for  the  widow.  Then  there 
was  another  shift  The  claim  was  fin- 
ally set  up  at  the  trial  that  even  if  the 
iron  pin  was  missing,  it  would  have 
been  impossible  for  the  grab-iron  to 
have  shifted  sidewise  to  any  degree, 
because  it  would  have  been  stopped  by 
the  iron  flagholders  on  each  side. 

To  uphold  the  widow's  case  against 
the  corporation  it  became  necessary  to 
prove  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Jury 
that  there  was  sufficient  space  between 
t^e  end  of  the  grab>lron  and  the  flag- 
staff to  allow  a  movement  of  the  grab- 
iron  that  would  tend  to  throw  Whit- 
taker  off  the  engine.  One  of  the  rail- 
road employes  swore  that  there  was  a 
space  of  several  Inches.  Other  wit- 
nesses for  the  railroad  said  there  was 
none.  It  became  a  question  of  fact  for 
the  Jury  to  decide. 

At  this  Juncture  attorneys  for  the 
widow  asked  the  railroad  people  where 
the  engine  was  at  that  time.  The  reply 
was  made  that  it  had  been  in  a  wreck 
and  the  whole  front  of  it  had  been  re- 
built They  were  then  asked  to  pro- 
duce the  photograph  taken  at  the 
roundhouse  immediately  after  the  ac- 
cident This  they  refused  to  do.  The 
verdict  of  the  Jury  granting  the  widow 
damages  indicates  that  the  Jury  be- 
lieved the  testimony  of  the  one  rail- 
road man. 


What  thb  Widow  Says. 

Railroad  Offebed  Heb  $600  in  Lieu  of 

All  Damages. 

She  describes  her  experience  at  the 
hospital  thus: 

"I  could  scarcely  believe  my  ears 
when  the  doctor  told  me  that  my  hus- 
band was  dying  from  ailments  other 
than  his  injuries.  We  had  been  mar- 
ried twenty-two  years  and  in  all  that 
time  George  had  never  been  ill.  save 
except  once  with  the  grip.  He  was  a 
large,  big  man,  weighing  about  190 
pounds. 


'X>n  the  day  he  was  hurt,  right  after 
the  operation.  Dr.  Marcy  told  tb&t 
George's  recovery  would  depend  on  his 
internal  injuries;  that  he  had  come 
out  of  the  operation  all  right  The 
next  day  George  told  me  about  the  ter- 
rible pains  he  had  near  the  hips  and 
the  feeling  that  broken  bones  were 
grating  and  grinding. 

"The  next  day  to  that  I  met  the  rail- 
road doctor  as  I  was  going  in  and  he 
told  me  that  George  was  dying,  'There 
was  no  hope  from  the  first'  he  said, 
lie  is  dying  from  Bright's  disease  and 
acute  alcoholism.' 

"  'Why  didn't  you  tell  me  that  in  the 
first  place?'  I  demanded.  I  don't  be- 
lieve any  such  thing.  He  has  never 
been  sick  in  his  life  and  he  never 
drank  to  excess.  'Then  the  railroad 
doctor  told  me  that  he  had  never  seen 
me  before.  He  absolutely  denied  see- 
ing me  the  day  of  the  operation. 

"I  didn't  consider  much  what  this 
railroad  doctor  had  said  at  the  time, 
for  my  husband  died  and  I  had  to  take 
the  body  to  Mansfield,  Pa.,  where  he  was 
bom,  for  burial.  A  week  after  the 
funeral  when  I  came  back  to  Buffalo 
the  claim  agents  of  the  railroad  called 
on  me.  They  told  me  that  really  I  had 
no  claims  for  damages,  that  I  would  be 
beaten  in  court,  that  in  kindness  the 
railroad  would  give  me  $600  as  a  gift 
if  I  would  sign  a  release. 

'Well,  I  went  and  saw  Bushnell  A 
Kent,  the  lawyers,  and  then  I  learned 
of  the  death  certificate  and  said  that 
perhaps  I  would  be  beaten  in  the 
courts  if  the  railroad  should  prove  that 
George  had  been  killed  by  disease  of 
the  kidneys  and  not  by  a  locomotive. 
The  lawyer  suggested  that  the  body  be 
exhumed  and  examined  and  I  didnt 
want  to  do  it,  but  they  pointed  out  that 
the  railroad  had  been  getting  its  case 
ready  from  the  very  first  and  that  we 
would  have  to  prepare  at  all  points 
and  I  gave  consent  and  they  found  how 
terribly.  George  had  been  crushed 
under  the  locomotive." 

Dr.  James  W.  Charters  of  No.  540 
Walden  avenue,  the  family  physician, 
says  that  Whittaker  had  no  such  thing 
as  chronic  Bright's  disease.  "I  was  his 
physician  for  fifteen  years.  He  was 
never  what  you  would  call  ill.  I  had 
occasion  to  attend  him  about  six  weeks 
before  the  accident  There  was  no  evi- 
dence of  hardening  of  the  arteries 
about  the  man,"  said  Dr.  Charters. 

In  regard  to  the  operation  at  the 


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266 


hospital  to  remove  Whlttaker's  leg, 
Dr.  Charters  said  that  after  the  opera- 
tion the  man  was  suffering  so  greatly 
from  shock  that  it  was  decided  to  put 
hdm  to  bed  and  defer  examination  for 
further  injuries.  The  leg  had  been 
cruflhed  and  was  amputated  between 
the  knee  and  ankle. 

''I  had  no  idea  that  any  other  claim 
would  be  set  up  in  the  case  than  that 
the  man  met  his  death  from  injuries 
and  so  paid  no  attention  to  the  death 
certificate,"  Dr.  Charters  stated.  "I 
understand  that  the  information  that 
the  man  died  from  uremic  convulsions 
was  furnished  by  Dr.  Ljmch.  The  ques- 
tion of  the  death  certificate  was  not 
called  to  my  attention  until  a  couple  of 
months  ago." 

Medical  Ebcaminer  Danser  said  last 
night  that  the  method  of  giving  the 
immediate  cause  of  death  first  and  as 
the  contributary  cause,  the  accident, 
was  as  Is  required  by  law.  Beyond 
that  he  had  no  knowledge  of  this  par- 
ticular case,  except  what  the  morgue 
records  would  show.  He  said  that 
death  certificates  from  his  department 
to  the  bureau  of  vital  statistics  are  al- 
ways made  out  in  his  name,  with  the 
initials  of  the  deputy  beneath,  if  the 
deputy  handles  the  case. 

Dr.  fitocker,  the  deputy  medical  ex- 
aminer, signed  that  certificate. 

He  contends  it  had  to  be  so  drafted 
under  the  law.  Health  Commissioner 
Fronczak  differs. 

"As  this  certificate  reads,"  said  Dr. 
Fronczak,  'the  inference  naturally 
would  be  drawn  that  Whittaker  was 
seized  with  an  uremic  convulsion  and, 
as  a  result  of  that  condition,  fell  in 
front  of  the  locomotive  and  was 
crushed,  which  appears  to  be  contrary 
to  the  facts  adducted  at  the  trial." 

Dr.  Fronczak  also  thought  the  facts 
upon  which  the  death  certificate  was 
based  should  have  been  obtained  from 
Dr.  Marcy,  who  was  the  physician  in 
charge  of  the  case  and  not  from  the 
hospital  interne,  who  it  appeared  in 
the  trial,  was  the  one  who  assigned 
uremic  convulsions  as  the  immediate 
cause  of  death. 

"This  whole  question  of  the  form  of 
a  death  certificate  is  under  considera- 
tion by  the  Erie  County  Medical  So- 
ciety," said  Dr.  Henry  R.  Hopkins,  a 
member  and  former  president  of  the 
society.  "I  have  read  with  interest 
the  remarkable  case  told  in  the  Ex- 
press.    We  have  contended  for  some 


time  that  these  certificates  should  rep- 
resent the  highest  medical  knowledge 
represented  in  a  case  of  this  kind  and 
should  give  nothing  but  the  facts  plain- 
ly stated.  In  the  case  of  Whittaker. 
according  to  the  Express  account,  it 
appears  that  the  information  upon 
which  the  certificate  was  issued  came 
from  the  physician  who  probably  knew 
the  least  about  the  case — ^an  interne  at 
the  hospital. 

"Accurate  vital  statistics  are  recog- 
nized to  be  one  of  the  essential  things 
in  the  never-ending  fight  for  t^e  pre- 
servation of  the  public  health.  But  of 
what  use  will  these  figures  be  if  they 
are  not  based  upon  the  most  accurate 
and  reliable  authority  in  each  case? 

"There  is  nothing  in  the  recital  of 
the  circumstances  of  the  Whittaker 
case  to  Indicate  unprofessional  conduct 
on  the  part  of  any  physician  connected 
with  it  No  doubt  they  acted  in  their 
best  judgment,  and  that  is  all  that  tiie 
board  of  censors  can  require.  The  fault 
is  In  the  system,  or  the  ladk  of  its 
proper  enforcement 

"Five  years  ago  an  ordinance  was 
prepared  by  the  public  health  commit- 
tee of  the  society  to  prevent  the  use  of 
pipeless  gas  stoves.  It  was  submitted 
to  the  aldermen  and  now  slumbers  In 
some  pigeonhole.  Every  winter  we 
have  our  return  of  victims— eight  this 
year,  I  believe— but  no  action  has  been 
taken  by  the  city  legislators. 

"In  this  connection  it  might  be  noted 
that  the  death  certificates  are  nothing 
short  of  falsification  of  the  facts.  The 
causes  of  death  are  given  as  heart 
failure,  or  lack  of  ventilation  in  the 
room  where  the  victim  died,  or  some 
other  such  pointless  wording,  when,  as 
a  matter  of  fact,  the  victim's  death 
was  due  to  poisoning  from  a  pipeless 
stove. 

"Just  a  plain  statement  of  the  facts 
is  what  we  should  have  on  our  death 
certificates,  and  then,  in  time,  we  will 
have  statistics  that  will  be  of  some 
value  to  ^e  medical  profession." 

Clarence  M.  Bushnell,  of  Bushnell  ft 
Kent,  the  attorneys  who  won  a  verdict 
of  $6,175  for  Mrs.  Whittaker  from  the 
New  York  Central,  returned  from  New 
York  yesterday. 

"I  read  with  interest  the  account  of 
the  Whittaker  case  in  the  Express," 
said  Mr.  Bushnell.  "It  was  a  plain, 
straightforward  statement  of  the  facts 
and  that  is  all  one  needs  to  realize 
why  and  that  all  one  needs  to  know  to 


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206 


JOUBNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBN'8 


realise  yf^j  it  is  a  question  not  for 
private  litigation  alone,  but  one  in 
which  the  public  should  be  interested. 
"In  approaching  this  question  of  ade- 
quate compensation  for  the  families  of 
men  killed  in  the  industries,  however, 
we  are  confronted  by  one  of  the  big 
problems  of  the  day;  one  that  Is 
broader  and  of  more  vital  importance 
to  the  public  than  the  tariff  or  a  sound 
banking  system.  It  is  a  question  that 
cannot  be  adequately  covered  in  a  few 
words." 


Getting  Direxa's  Birthday  Present 
Bt  Mbb.  Gbobok  Huohss. 

"Direxa,  do  thee  get  my  breakfast 
somewhat  earlier  than  thee  usually 
does,  in  the  morning,  for  I  am  going 
to  Boston,  the  Lord  willing." 

"Going  to  Boston,  Peter?  Why,  what 
has  given  thee  this  sudden  notion  of 
going  to  Boston?  Thee  has  not  told 
me  thy  intentions." 

"'Tis  a  little  pHvate  l>uslne8S,  Dl- 
rexa." 

"Tell  me  what  it  is,  Peter,  that  con- 
cerns thee  so  suddenly/'  said  Direza, 
his  wife,  as  she  glanced  curiously  at 
him,  at  the  same  time  pushing  "Polly," 
the  cat,  with  rather  unnecessary  force, 
from  the  rocking  chair,  where.  In  the 
depths  of  a  soft  cushion,  she  lay  com- 
fortably curled  up  for  the  night. 

"As  I  told  thee,  it  is  business,  Di- 
reza, business,  that  needs  attention. 
And  it  Is  not  meet  that  I  tell  thee  all 
my  affairs;  for  thee  being  a  woman, 
weak  and  Inefficient,  art  not  capable 
of  understanding  the  wear  and  tear  of 
things  pertaining  to  business.  And 
thee  is  too  inquisitive.  Inquisitive- 
ness  is  a  grievous  falling  of  thy  sex* 
Direxa." 

"Thee  should  have  no  secrets  from 
thy  wife.  As  for  thy  wonderful  brains* 
and  thy  great  business  ability,  thou 
art  forever  flaunting  them  in  my  face, 
as  thee  does  thy  lofty  opinions  on 
woman's  voting,"  said  Direxa. 

"Well,  it  would  be  dangerous  tor 
thy  sex  to  vote,  because  voting  would 
lower  thee  in  the  opinion  of  us  men 
and  the  public  generally,"  Peter  an- 
swered with  bland  complaisance. 

"Do  thee  tell  me,"  said  Direxa,  "how 
women  would  go  to  work  to  get  any 
lower  In  the  opinion  of  men;  how  they 
could  get  Into  any  lower  society  than 


they  are  mingling  with  now.  They 
are  ranked  now,»  by  the  laws  of  the 
United  States  and  the  will  of  men. 
with  idiots,  lunatics  and  criminals. 
Thee,  like  all  thy  sex,  Peter,  ever  since 
the  day  of  Adam,  think  thee  is  cock 
of  the  walk.    Thee  makes  me  sick." 

"  'Tis  not  worth  while  to  argue  with 
thee,  Direxa,  but  as  I  said  before,  I 
am  going  to  Boston  tomorrow,  the 
Lord  willin',  and  I  wish  thee  to  have 
breakfast  early.  And,  Direxa,  Just  in- 
struct thy  hand-maiden,  Bridget,  to 
make  a  little  extra  batter,  and  see  that 
she  puts  a  little  more  lightenln'  in.  I 
mistrust  it  is  thy  pancakes,  Direxa, 
that  is  causing  the  griping  in  my 
stomach  at  times.  And  thee  boils  thy 
coffee  a  little  too  long,  for  betimes  it 
comes  up  on  my  stomach." 

"Peter,  if  thee  would  be  more  mod- 
erate In  thy  pancake  eating  and  thy 
coffee-drinking,  thee  wouldn't  cause 
such  a  conmiotlon  in  thy  stomach. 
Thee  uses*  no  Judgment  Thee  Just 
stuffs  and  stuffs.  But  I  will  ^ve  thy 
breakfast  ready,"  said  Direxa  as  she 
looked  at  the  clock. 

"Direxa,  I  suspect  thee  is  gifted 
somewhat  with  a  rancorous  spirit 
Thee  gets  easily  upset  And  thy 
tongue  is  sharp  as  a  rasor's  edge  and 
stlngeth  unduly,"  answered  Peter.  "A 
woman's  tongue,"  Peter  went  on,  "can 
cause  a  deal  of  mischief.  I'd  advise 
thee  to  lift  up  thy  heart  in  prayer  and 
supplicate  the  Lord  to  endow  thee  with 
a  meeker  spirit  which  would  be  more 
befitting  thee  as  a  wife  of  an  elder.  I 
will  pray  for  thee." 

"Peter,  thee  is  both  vainglorious  and 
foolish,  and  thee  croweth  like  a  dung- 
hill rooster." 

Uncle  Peter  had  arrived  in  Boston 
shortly  after  noon.  He  stepped  smart- 
ly from  the  train,  carrying  his  small 
valise,  which  he  Intended  as  a  recep- 
tacle for  sundry  small  articles  he 
would  purchase,  among  them  a  silk 
dress  for  Direxa.  But  first  he  must 
have  something  with  which  to  appease 
his  appetite,  for  Direxa  had  prepared 
her  breakfast  somewhat  early,  as 
Peter  had  desired.  It  was  well  on  to 
two  o'clock  and  he  had  a  considerable 
of  a  gnawing  in  his  stomach.  So  he 
sped  hastily  toward  a  small  hotel  near 
where  he  procured  his  dinner  and  se- 
cured a  room  for  himself,  as  he 
thought  he  would  not  return,  perhaps, 


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267 


until  next  morning.  He  then  started 
out  to  make  his  purchases. 

"I  will  go  and  look  at  some  washing 
machines/'  Peter  said  to  himself,  as 
he  walked  along.  "I  will  get  her  a 
washing  machine  for  her  hirthday. 
Bridget  has  been  laboring  with  me  to 
get  one  for  the  last  six  months,  and 
Bridget  declares  she  will  not  tarry 
long  with  us  unless  I  get  a  washing 
machine  to  make  the  task  of  washing 
less  burdensome.  And  as  the  Lord  has 
alSicted  Direxa  with  somewhat  pre- 
carious health,  and  Bridget's  cooking 
is  excellent,  I  feel  it  Incumbent  upon 
me  to  procure  one.  So  I  will  get  one 
for  Direxa's  birthday.  It  is  a  most 
useful  and  appropriate  gift.  Direxa 
has  been  a  most  faithful  and  obedient 
wife,  even  if  she  be  endowed  with  a 
somewhat  turbulent  spirit  at  times. 
But  the  Lord  has  given  me  strength 
and  endurance  to  labor  with  her,  long 
and  earnestly,  to  overcome  somewhat 
the  most  common  failings  of  her  sex. 
And  I  can  see  a  change — sometimes. 
So  a  washing  machine  I  will  get,  also 
a  silk  skirt" 

It  was  just  at  dusk,  and  Uncle 
Peter,  having  completed  his  pur- 
chases, went  back  to  the  hotel.  He 
ate  his  supper,  then  went  to  his  room. 
After  remaining  there  a  short  time  he 
suddenly  concluded  to  go  home  that 
night  He  had  intended  to  visit  "one 
of  them  nickle  shows"  he  had  heard 
the  brethren  condemning.  He  felt  it 
his  duty  to  go  there  and  see  for  him- 
self just  how  wicked  it  was,  and  warn 
the  youth  of  the  congregation,  next 
flrst-dfty  meeting,  to  keep  away  from 
such  pitfalls  of  the  devil  held  out  to 
lure  the  youth  of  the  land  to  d^truc- 
tion.  Of  course,  he  being  an  "elder," 
and  in  the  mature  years  of  wisdom, 
would  not  fall  a  prey  to  their  glitter- 
iilg  allurements  and  sinfulness.  He, 
being  steadfast  and  firm  in  principle. 
No,  the  pictures  of  women  with  hardly 
any  clothes  on  he  would  frown  down 
with  severity  and  look  upon  with 
scorn,  and  witb  the  eye  of  an  elder 
and  "pillar"  of  the  meeting  house. 

But  Peter  was  tired  and  his  own 
feather  bed  held  out  seductive  induce- 
ments to  him.  After  remaining  there 
a  short  time  he  suddenly  concluded 
to  go  home  that  night 

He  had  not  quite  an  hour  in  which 
to  make  his  train.     So  he  hurriedly 


put  on  his  coat  and  hat,  packed  his 
purchases  in  his  valise  and  started. 

He  was  nearly  a  block  away  from 
the  hotel  when  it  came  to  his  mind 
that  he  had  left  his  overshoes  and 
neck  scarf  on  a  chair  near  the  door  in 
his  room.  So  back  he  went.  He  hur- 
ried up  through  the  darkened  hall,  as 
the  lights  had  not  yet  been  turned  on. 
He  cautiously  opened  the  door  of  the 
room,  as  he  thought,  opened  his  valise 
and  quickly  reached  over  to  the  chair 
on  whicih  he  had  left  his  belongings. 
He  speedily  transferred  them  into  his 
valise,  and  turned  to  go,  when  there 
was  a  swift  and  sudden  rush  from 
somewhere,  when  all  at  once,  crash! 
down  upon  his  head  with  determined 
force  came  the  butt  end  of  an  umbrella 
followed  by  something  wildly  clutch- 
ing at  his  shirt  front  and  shaking  him 
vigorously.  Then  cries  of  help,  mur- 
der! from  a  shrill,  high-pitched  female 
voice. 

"I  ain't  af eared  on  ye,  ye  rascal! 
Help — help!  Oh,  ye  can't  git  away 
from  me!  I'll  hang  on  tooth  and  nail. 
Help! — help!  Ye  thought  ye'd  burgle 
a  por  lone  widdy  woman,  did  ye.  Help 
—help!" 

"Madam,"  Peter  tried  to  say,  "thee 
is  mistaken.  I  am  no  burglar.  I 
merely — " 

But  this  was  followed  by  a  more 
vigorous  shaking,  and  the  laying  on, 
with  redoubled  force,  of  the  umbrella. 
It  all  came  so  suddenly  and  quickly, 
and  took  him  so  by  surprise  that, 
affrighted  and  helpless,  Peter  could 
only  defend  himself  as  best  he  could 
from  her  vicious  attacks. 

"Things  hez  come  to  a  pretty  pass 
when  a  respectable  widdy  woman  as 
has  always  held  her  head  high  in  sas- 
siety,"  she  shrieked,  "can't  take  up 
her  abode  in  a  public  hotel,  if  she  hez 
a  mind  ter,  without  bein'  merlested 
by  some  miserable,  sneakin'  critter 
of  a  no-account  man.     Help — help!" 

"But,  madame,  do  thee — " 

"Ye  miserable  coot,  ye,  how  dare  ye! 
I  lam  ye  to  scare  the  wits  out  of  an 
unprotected  female  woman.  I'll  hev 
ye  put  where  the  dogs  won't  bark  at 
ye!     Help— help!" 

"Do  let  me  explain,  madam.    I — " 

"I  don't  see  what  the  Lord  ever  put 
sich  miserable  critters  on  the  face  of 
the  earth  for;  they  ain't  no  good  as  I 
can  see.    Help!" 


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268 


JOUIRNAL   OF   THB    SWITOHMSN'S 


Peter,  struggling  to  get  away,  at  last 
with  one  quick,  strong  Jerk,  managed 
to  free  himself  from  the  grasp  of  the 
enraged  woman,  and  rushed,  dazed 
and  bewildered,  down  through  the 
ball,  past  the  servants  who  were  scur- 
nring  to  locate  the  noise  and  find  the 
cause  of  the  turmoil.  Out  into  the 
street  Peter  went,  still  holding  fast 
to  his  valise,  which,  through  all  the 
melee  he  had  not  once  let  go  of.  He 
rushed  to  the  nearest  corner,  where 
he  was  just  in  time  to  board  a  passing 
street  car,  sinking  exhausted  into  the 
farthest  seat  near  the  door;  going,  he 
knew  not  where  nor  in  what  direction. 
But  he  was  safe  at  last  from  "that 
virago,"  or  whatever  it  was. 

"Has  the  Almighty  in  his  infinite 
wisdom  seen  fit  to  deliver  me  from 
strange  women  and  Bedlamites?  I 
will  lift  up  mine  heart  in  praise  and 
tranksgiving,"  said  Peter,  but  pro- 
ceeded to  ask  the  conductor,  instead, 
where  they  were  going. 

"We  are  on  the  depot  car,  mister, 
and  will  be  there  at  the  next  corner," 
he  said,  looking  curiously  at  Peter. 

"The  Lord  be  praised,"  said  Peter. 

He  was  just  in  time  to  board  his 
train  and  was  soon  swiftly  speeding 
toward  home. 

It  was  a  quarter  of  twelve  when  he 
at  last  reached  home.  Seeing  a  light 
at  the  kitchen  window  he  quietly  went 
around  to  the  back  door,  where  he 
knew  by  the  moving  figure  within 
that  Bridget  was  still  up  and  fixing 
her  pancake  batter  for  morning.  Pat 
Maloney  had  been  spending  the  even- 
ing there,  he  knew,  by  the  way 
Bridget's  hair  was  be-ratted  and 
puffed;  for  on  ordinary  occasions  she 
wore  her  hair  combed  severely  back 
from  her  face  and  drawn  into  a  little 
knot  at  the  crown  of  her  head,  which 
always  reminded  him  of  their  top-knot 
hen. 

He  would  go  in  quietly  and  not  dis- 
turb Direxa,  he  thought,  as  he  gently 
opened  the  door  and  walked  in. 

"Be  the  howly  sufferin'  Moses!  Is 
it  yerself  sure  I  see  forninst  me?  Ye 
nearly  frightened  me  out  of  me  wits, 
comin'  in  in  such  a  snakin'  way,"  said 
Bridget,  as  she  dropped  her  spoon  and 
threw  up  both  hands. 

"I  did  not  wish  to  disturb  Direxa, 
Bridget,  and  seeing  a  light  in  thy 
kitchen  I  came  round  this  way." 

"Well,  ye  look  like  the  last  rose  of 


summer.     What   the   divil's  be^n   up 
feminst  ye?" 

"I  am  travel  stained  and  tired, 
Bridget,  and  if  you  will  give  me  a  cup 
of  tea  I  will  seek  my  rest." 

"There's  the  teapot;  help  yerself. 
But  sure  you're  a  sight  wid  yer  collar 
hanging  be  one  end.  Is  it  a  scrap 
yer  ben  havin'?"' 

"I  took  a  spell  of  coughin,  Bridget, 
and  bursted  the  buttonhole." 

"An'  yez  have  a  fine  scratch  on  yer 
nose." 

"I  ran  into  one  of  those  infernal 
contrivances  of  woman's  vanity,  a  hat- 
pin, Bridget.  I  am  seriously  contem- 
plating drafting  a  bill  to  send  to  our 
representative,  to  put  before  congress, 
a  bill  prohibiting  the  manufacture, 
make  or  sale  ofthe  so-called  hatpin, 
and  making  it  a  penal  offense  to  make, 
buy,  wear  or  sell  one." 

"Yez  are  a  lying  old  hypocrite,  so 
ye  are;   but  anyway  yer  tea  is  ready." 

"Bridget,  will  thee  take  my  valise 
and  put  it  in  the  closet  under  the 
stairway?" 

-Bridget  was  tired,  and  not  in  the 
best  of  humor,  for  she  and  Pat  had  a 
tiff.  She  picked  up  the  valise  with  a 
Jerk.  It  flew  open,  and  to  her  aston- 
ishment and  Peter's  consternation,  out 
tumbled  a  set  of  false  curls,  a  pair  of 
ladies'  slippers,  and  bust-pads  (not 
overly-clean,  either),  together  with 
the  silk  skirt  he  had  purchased  for 
Direxa,  and  also  the  few  articles  he 
had  purchased  for  himself. 

In  a  flash  he  saw  it  all.  In  his  hurry 
he  had  gathered  up  the  false  curls, 
slippers  and  that  other  "woman's  fan- 
dango," mistaking  them  for  his  over- 
shoes and  neck-ficarf.  He  started  to 
explain,  but  Bridget's  ire  broke  forth. 

"Sure,  this  is  a  nice  layout  for  a 
nice  Christian  gentleman,  as  ye  pre- 
tends to  be.  An'  yer  poor  wife  sleep- 
ing the  sleep  of  innocence  this  blessed 
minute.  Wurrah,  but  this  is  fine  curls, 
an'  a  pair  of  ladies'  slippers,  begob,  an' 
out  at  the  toes  at  that.  An'  this  other 
contrivance  that  I'd  not  be  touchln* 
wid  the  tongs  for  fearing  it  might  be 
crawlin'  wid  the  craytures,  bad  cess 
to  it.  If  it  wasn't  fer  the  good  and 
kind  missus  I'd  not  stay  under  the 
so  I  wouldn't." 

"Bridget,"  said  Peter,  "thee  is  mis- 
taken. Win  thee  stop  this  tirade  and 
listen  for  a  minute  until  I  explain?" 

"Tirade  Is  it,  yer  sayin'!     Sure  111 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBHICA. 


269 


stop,  for  it'8  curious  I  am  to  hear  what 
other  lies  you'll  be  coutrivin'.  Go  on 
wid  yer  explanations." 

Peter  explained  as  best  he  could, 
but  Bridget  <was  credulous  and  her 
whole  figure  seemed  bristling  with  re- 
sentment 

'•Don't  be  tellin'  me  any  more  of  yer 
lies,  for  111  not  believe  ye.  Be  off  to 
bed,  ye  old  scamp,  an'  not  foe  wakin' 
the  missus  before  she  do  be  seeing 
this  illigant  layout  and  breakin'  her 
heart" 

As  Peter  started  toward  the  sitting- 
room,  he  turned  back,  paused,  contem- 
plated a  moment,  then  said: 

"I  have  been  thinking,  Bridget,  that 
thee  has  been  a  model  hand-maiden, 
and  the  Lord  has  put  it  into  my  heart 
to  further  remunerate  thee  somewh;it 
foi  thy  willing  and  faithful  services 
that  thee  has  rendered  in  times  of  a'l- 
versity  as  well  as  in  times  of  peace. 
So  henceforth,  Bridget,  thee  will  re- 
ceive fifty  cents  per  month  extra,  as 
long  as  thee  continues  to  be  both 
faithful  and  willing." 

"Fifty  cents  a  month  is  it,  ye  old 
skinflint.  I'll  'be  after  takin'  for  me 
illigant  services.  Arrah,  but  ye  do  be 
generous  sure.  Now  listen  till  I  do 
be  tellin*  ye  something.  Yez'll  be 
adding  another  four  dollars  an'  fifty 
cents  on  to  that  same  fifty.  An*  don't 
ye  be  forgettin'  it  wlhin  pay  day 
comes  around,  either." 

••Very  well,  Bridget,  I  will  concede 
to  thy  wishes." 

As  Peter  left  the  room  Bridget  said 
to  herself: 

••I  don't  know  now,  maybe  the  o'd 
gent's  on  the  square  after  all.  But  ye 
can  never  trust  men  on  them  subjects. 
An'  men  is  men." 


Fables  of  Love  and  Duty. 

"I  committed  a  sin  upon  earth — a 
great  sin,"  said  a  woman  to  the  angel 
at  the  gates  of  heaven.  "But  I  gloried 
in  it  and  triumphed  in  it  and  am  will- 
ing to  receive  the  punishment." 

"Let  me  see  my  lover  just  one  more 
time,  then  on  to  the  pricks  of  the 
demons,  the  breath  of  the  stygian  pool 
and  to  Lucifer's  own  sulphuric  cav- 
erns, for  I  am  ready  to  pay  in  pain  for 
what  I  received  in  ecstacy." 

'^Stay!"  said  the  angel,  who  was  a 
man.    "A  part  of  the  punishment  for 


sin  committed  on  earth  is  to  confess 
to  me  in  heaven." 

"That  is  no  punishment  I  want  to 
tell  it  to  the  angels,  for  I  have  been  in 
heaven  while  still  on  earth.  I  loved  a 
man — you,  a  man  and  an  angel,  can't 
understand  exactly.  I  loved  him  not 
as  angels  love,  but  as  a  vibrant  ten- 
der, clinging  woman  loves.  I  want  to 
look  upon  him  once  more,  then  I  will 
enter  the  cavern  of  eternal  darkness 
and  pay  for  all  my  bliss." 

The  angel  agreed.  "Go  to  the  earth," 
he  commanded,  ''find  him,  look  upon 
him  and  return." 

In  joyous  haste  she  departed  for  the 
earth  visiting  first  their  favorite 
haunt  the  shady  garden,  where  they 
spent  their  last  happy  moments  to- 
gether. He  was  not  there.  Thence  to 
the  quiet  balcony  where,  hour  after 
hour  they  had  lingered.  He  was  not 
there.  She  hastened  to  their  fireside 
where  his  books,  his  guns  and  his  pa- 
pers lay  in  attractive  disorder.  He 
was  not  there.  Maybe  he  has  died  for 
love  and  is  waiting  for  me  at  the 
heavenly  gates.     I  must  return. 

As  she  departed  for  heaven,  passing 
out  of  the  house  through  the  arbor 
rich  with  the  purple  wisteria  in  royal 
clusters,  for  it  was  the  intoxicating 
mating  time  in  the  spring,  she  found 
her  lover  in  the  hidden  shade,  his 
arms  enclosed  the  yielding  form  of  a 
star-eyed  girl,  his  lips  were  upon  hers 
and  his  face  glowed  the  fire  of  conquer- 
ing and  conquered  passion. 

The  woman  near  turned  to  stone — 
gazed  and  gazed,  then  slowly  found 
her  way  back  to  the  gates  of  heaven 
to  the  angel. 

"Give  me  that  sulphur  and  brim- 
stone and  everlasting  eternal  punish- 
ment It  can't  hurt  me  now,  for  1 
have  been  to  the  heart  of  Erebus.  I 
have  seen  that  created  being  which  I 
loved  best  on  earth  happy  in  the  pos- 
session of  another.  What  care  I  for 
your  punishment  now?  The  angel 
spoke  no  word  as  he  looked  down  on 
the  earth. 

'•Well,  I  am  ready,  urged  the  wo- 
man, but  the  angel  rolled  a  stone 
against  the  caverns  of  Lucifer  and  he 
led  the  woman  away. 

"To  see  the  object  of  your  love  happy 
in  the  possession  of  another  is  punish- 
ment enough,"  spoke  the  angel. 

"Pass  into  heaven." 

Vashti  Glaxton. 


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270 


JOUCRNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


Our  newly-elected  president  is  happy 

as  can  be. 
And   said  he'd  never  Join  the  B.  of 

R.  T. 
Brother  Bolan,  the  man  with  all  the 

authority. 
Said   he  was   elected   yardmaster   by 

seven  hundred  majority. 

There    is    Brother    Knise,    or    better 

know  as  "Funny," 
He  would  rather  attend  a  meeting  than 

sit  at  home  with  his  honey. 
Brother  Craig  belongs  to  the  Big  S, 

too; 
When  he  can't  make  the  cut  the  air  Is 

quite  blue. 

Also    Brother    Lester,    ttie    would-be 

Iron  Worker, 
Makes  up  one  train  a  night  and  says 

he's  no  shirker. 
Brother  Chadwlck,  who  never  says  a 

thing. 
Threw  the  wrong  switch  to  hear  the 

bell  ring. 

Now  Brother  A.  Parrlsh  is  going  to 

buy  a  farm. 
He  tells  it  as  if  it  wasn't  a  yam. 
Brother  Chambers  took  to  himself  a 

bride, 
Then  went  on  his  honeymoon  just  for 

a  ride. 

But  Brother  Downey,  the  big  noise  at 

the  west  end. 
When  you  get  one  off,  his  services  he 

will  lend. 
Brother  Tighe,  or  Happy  Jack, 
Tou  can  tell  by  his  gait  that  he's  a 

shack. 

With    Brother   Stroud    I    worked   the 

other  night. 
Stub  swung  up  with  all  his  might; 
Out  went  the  blaze  from  his  B.,  R.  ft 

P.  light. 
He  licked  the  glim  then  threw  it  out 

of  sight. 

Brother  G.  Parrish,  the  frail  little  lad, 
Switches  cars  like  my  old  dad. 
Brother  H.  and  Al  Qulnter,  too. 
Both  work  on  the  very  same  crew. 

About  myself  I  can't  say  much, 
'Cause  I  was  raised  in  Pa.,  amongst 

the  Dutch, 
In  1901  moved  to  the  Empire  State, 
But  as  a  poet  I  started  too  late. 

Pork. 
Lodge  228,  Shortsville.  N.  Y. 


Among  the  Wits. 

"So  your  d<ebt8  are  bothering  you?" 

"Yes."     ' 

*'Walkins  the  floor  because  you  can't 
pay  'em?" 

"No;  because  I  can't  make  'em  any 
larger." — Washington  Star. 


"Tom,  what  Is  reciprocity?" 
"It's  this  way.  Mabel.    I  give  you  a 
hug  and  you  give  me  a  kisa    That's 
reciprocity.    Will  you  do  it?" 

"I  fear  it  might  lead  to  annexation, 
and  I  don't  know  that  I  am  prepared 
for  that." — Washington  Star. 


A  country  merchant  having  procured 
a  new  clerk  woke  him  up  Uie  next 
morning  after  he  was  hired  at  a  most 
unseasonably  oarly  hour,  by  calling  out 
that  the  family  were  sitting  down  at 
the  table. 

"Thank  you,"  said  th^  boy,  as  he 
turned  himself  over  in  bed  to  adjust 
himself  for  a  new  nap — "thank  you 
but  I  never  eat  anything  during  the 
night." 


Magistrate — ^"Drunk  again!  When 
you  were  last  here  you  promised  to 
sign  the  pledge." 

Prisoner — ^"Well,  I'm  goin'  to  as  soon 
as  I  can  write.  I've  bin  takln'  lessons, 
but  I  ain't  made  much  progress  yet!" 


Farmhand — "I'm  going  to  quit.  You 
promised  me  a  steady  Job." 

Farmer — **Well,  haven't  you  got 
one?" 

Farmhand — "No;  there  are  three  or 
four  hours  every  night  that  I  don't 
have  anything  to  do  and  fool  my  time 
away  sleeping." 


Denial  of  Free  Speech. 

Without  free  speech  no  search  for 
truth  is  possible;  without  free  speech 
no  discovery  of  truth  is  useful;  with 
out  free  speech  progress  is  checked 
and  the  nations  no  longer  march  for- 
ward toward  the  nobler  life  which 
the  future  holds  for  man.  Better  a 
thousandfold  abuse  of  free  speech 
than  denial  of  free  speech.  The 
abuse  dies  In  a  day,  but  the  denial 
slays  the  life  of  the  people  and  en- 
tombs the  hope  of  the  race. — Charles 
Bradlaugh.  ' 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


271 


The  Rounds  of  a  Boomer. 

I  have  always  been  a  boomer 
Aim!  have  roamed  throughout  the  land. 
I  have  carried  my  baggage  on  my  back 
and    hare    been    with    the    boomers' 

band. 
My  trade,  it  Is  a  switchman, 
I     have     learned     It     through     and 

through. 
The    most    Important    roads    I    have 

worked  upon 
In  rhyme  I  will  tell  to  you: 
The  old  West  Va.  Cent  Is  were  I  got 

my  start 
I  hired  there  as  a  greenhorn,  as  an  ex- 
pert I  did  depart 
Good  summer  times  I  have  seen  a  few, 
Hard  winters  I  have  felt  at  night 
When  I  was  flagging  on  the  little  West 

Side  Belt 
I  next  worked  on  the  Union  until  I 

drew  a  pay. 
Then,  like  all  other  wise  guys, 
I  drifted  far  away. 
I  have  switched  care  on  the  Cotton 

Belt 
The  Frisco  and  G.  N., 
The  L.  y.  and  the  Pennsy 
With  the  best  of  railroad  men; 
The  Rock  Island  and  Pacific, 
The  Denver  ft  Rio  Grande, 
The  a  ft  A.,  the  Sante  Fe 
And  the  Western  Maryland; 
The  M.,  K  ft.  T.,  the  Sunset  Route, 
The  Reading  and  Lake  Shore, 
The  Besmer,  the  Nickle  Plate, 
The  ESrie  and  Big  4, 
On  the  West  Penn  ft  Jersey, 
The  P.  V.  and  Fort  Wayne. 
I  worked  a  ten  days  notice  there 
In  case  I  go  back  again. 
On  the  €.,  B.  ft  Q.  I  ran  a  crew 
And  fired  on  the  Pan. 
But  the  B.  ft  0.  was  the  only  place 
I  ever  got  the  can. 
On  the  C,  H.  ft  D.,  B.,  R.  ft  P., 
The  P.  M.  and  the  Mo.  P. 
I  have  worked  on  the  Terminal 
Railroad  Association  of  St.  Louis  and 

New  York. 

M.  C.  Blevens. 


Pertifiefit  Suggestions. 

Are  you  a  union  manT   Tea! 

Do  you  wear  non-union  collars  T 
Why? 

There  are  over  2,000,000  union  men 
in  America.  Twenty-four  girls  in  Al- 
bany, N.  T.,  make  all  the  unlon^label 
collars.    They  supply  about  500O  men. 


There  must  be  1,996,000  union  men 
with  union  cardls  im  their  pockets 
spending  their  money  for  non-union 
EDd  scab  collars  and  wearing  them. 
How  about  you?  Are  you  one  of  them? 
Idle  Brothers,  Albany,  N.  T.,  make  the 
fiDjest  grade  of  union-label  collars.  If 
your  dealer  refuses  to  supply  you, 
write  direct  for  a  catalogue.  They 
make  all  styles. 

Do  you  wear  union^made  underwear? 

If  not  wh.y  not? 

The  B.  ft  L.  Textile  Company  of  Co- 
hoes,  N.  T.,  employ  strictly  union  la- 
bor, manufacturing  the  finest  line  of 
men^s  underwear  on  the  market  Aak 
your  merchant  for  this  line  of  under- 
wear, and  if  he  refuses,  write  ddrect  to 
B.  ft  L.  Textile  Company,  Cohoes^  N. 
Y  Bvery  garment  bears  the  Textile 
Workers'  label.  Urge  the  members  of 
your  union  to  buy  this  prodoict. — Ex, 


Progress  of  Wireless. 

By  the  law  of  the  land  no  vessel  car- 
rying fifty  or  more  persons,  including 
passengers  and  crew,  may  leave  any 
port  in  the  United  States  on  a  voyage 
of  more  than  200  miles  after  July  Ist 
unless  it  is  equipped  with  wireless 
telegraph  apparatus  capable  of  trans- 
mitting and  receiving  messages  over  a 
distance  of  at  least  100  miles,  day  or 
night,  in  charge  of  a  competent  oper* 
ator. 

Even  without  the  strong  encourage- 
ment of  the  law,  without  any  influence 
whatever  beyond  the  cold  logic  of 
achievement  the  world's  installation 
of  wireless  telegraph  apparatus  had 
grown  to  a  grand  total  of  1520  stations 
on  ships  and  shore,  exclusive  of  for- 
eign warships,  amateur  outfits  up  to 
Oct  1,  1910,  according  to  a  directory 
compiled  by  the  United  States  Navy 
Department.  Of  this  total,  821  were 
on  steamships,  yachts  and  tugs 
throughout  the  world.  Of  the  shore 
stations,  the  United  States  had  206,  of 
which  eighty-eight  were  on  the  Atlan- 
tic and  Gulf  coasts,  forty-eight  were 
on  the  Great  Lakes,  fifty-one  on  the 
Pacific  Coast  sixteen  in  Alaska  and 
three  in  the  interior.  The  United 
States  Navy  had  344  ships  and  forty- 
Bcven  shore  stations,  the  army  thirty 
sliore  and  sixteen  ship  stations. 

In  1909  the  Marconi  Company  trans- 
mitted between  ship  and  shore  mes- 
sages aggregating  619,000  words.  The 
trans- Atlantic   business    ranges    from 


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272  J 


JOURNMi   OF   THB    SWITQHMBN'8 


60,000  to  75,000  words  a  week.  The 
Britiah  PostofAce  Department  reported 
that  in  the  three  months  ending  Oct. 
1,  1910,  twice  as  many  wireless  mes- 
sages were  sent  and  received  as  in  any 
other  corresponding  period.  As  the 
first  step  toward  establishing  a  ring 
of  wireless  stations  completely  encir- 
cling the  United  Kingdom,  the  govern- 
ment has  purchased  the  stations  al- 
ready in  operation.  The  New  Zealand 
government  recently  asked  for  bids  for 
erecting  five  wireless  stations,  while 
fifteen  new  wireless  stations  now  be- 
ing constructed  along  the  Amazon  and 
Paraguay  rivers  in  Brazil  will  be  In 
operation  before  the  end  of  the  year. — 
Technical  World  Magazine. 


''A  Summer  Vacation." 

By  Miss  Hazel  M.  Dawdt. 

The  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun 
shone  through  the  open  window.  The 
immaculate  curtains  were  gently 
fanned  by  the  fragrant  breeze.  Near 
the  window  stood  the  tea  tahle,  daint- 
ily arranged  for  two.  An  elderly 
woman,  becomingly  attired  in  gray, 
waa  walking  impatiently  up  and  down 
the  room,  often  stopping  at  the  open 
door  to  look  up  the  road  to  see  if  the 
familiar  figure  of  her  niece  had  ap- 
peared. 

A  faint  rustle  was  heard  and  a 
young  lady  appeared  around  the  cor- 
ner of  the  house,  leaning  on  the  arm 
of  a  young  man.  She  limped  fright- 
fully at  every  step,  and  if  it  had  not 
been  for  the  support  of  the  young 
man's  strong  arm  she  would  pro^bably 
have  fallen  to  the  ground. 

In  her  free  arm  she  clutched  a  bou- 
quet of  flowers  of  every  description. 
Her  large  hat  was  hanging  down  her 
back,  the  silken  strings  tied  under 
her  chin.  In  many  places  her  gown 
was  ornamented  by  uneven  gashes 
which  had  been  inflicted  by  nature's 
inhabitants  of  the  woods. 

As  the  elderly  woman  glanced  that 
way  she  saw  them  and  hastened  down 
the  steps  to  assist  the  girl  onto  the 
veranda.  After  they  had  made  her 
comfortable  in  an  arm-chair,  she  ex- 
plained that  she  had  been  walking  in 
the  woods  when  she  tripped  over  a 
branch  that  had  fallen  directly  in  the 
middle  of  the  path,  and  sprained  her 
ankle.  This  gentleman  saw  her  in 
distress  and  assisted  her  home. 


Aunt  Betty  looked  inquiringly  from 
her  niece  to  the  young  man,  and  the 
girl  remembered  that  she  had  not  in- 
troduced him  to  her  aunt.  She  blushed 
and  said,  "Aunt  Betty,  Mrs.  Simpson, 
this  is  Mr.-HMr.— " 

**Mr.  Reginald  Denton,"  offered  the 
young  man. 

Mrs.  -Simpson,  commonly  known  as 
Aunt  Betty,  was  very  pleased  to  meet 
him,  and  would  he  not  stay  to  tea? 

Why,  certainly,  he  would,  if  they 
were  sure  he  was  not  intruding. 

The  meal  passed  very  pleasantly, 
and,  after  they  had  partaken  of  the 
many  dainties  prepared  by  Aunt 
Betty's  own  hands,  they  helped  Miss 
Betty  back  to  the  veranda.  Mrs. 
Simpson  Inquired  if  Mr.  Denton  was 
acquainted  with  Edgar  Raymond& 

Tes,  indeed,  he  was!  Their  mothers 
were  very  good  friends,  too.  Then  it 
was  discovered  that  young  Denton's 
mother  was  a  dear  school-mate  of 
Aunt  Betty's.  , 

Denton  was  invited  to  spend  the  re- 
mainder of  his  vacation  at  their  home, 
and  he  gladly  accepted  their  kind  in- 
vitation. 

Happy  dasrs  seined  to  fly,  and  when 
he  returned  to  the  city  the  latter  part 
of  October,  he  was  accompanied  by 
Miss  Betty  Hughes,  who  had  changed 
her  name  to  Mrs.  Reginald  Denton,  Jr. 


A  Rich  UtUe  GIri. 

This  mom  from  my  pillow 

As  I  lift  up  my  head. 
Sweet  violets  nod 

From  their  green,  mossy  bed. 

The  new  tender  rosebuds. 
All  kiseed  with  the  dew. 

In  a  breeze  gently  blowing. 
They  nod  to  me,  too. 

Who  gave  the  sweet  rosebuds 

And  violets  blue? 
Who  decked  them  with  diamonds 

Made  out  of  the  dew? 

For  whom  did  He  make  them. 
Fresh  each  morning  to  be? 

Not  for  gardens  or  forests — 
He  made  them  for  me. 

The  trees,  they  are  dressing 
In  leaves  fresh  and  new; 

The  birds  are  all  singing, 
Their  songs  are  mine,  too. 

Mrs.  Violet  Wilson. 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMEIRICA. 


278 


Ml  of  HofMN-  for  the  Montfi 
of  March,  1912. 

The  foOowing  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  Treaaorer  during  the  first  part  of 
iftreb: 

Mardi  lat— Lodges  5,  13,  103,  142, 
154, 156, 159. 

March  M— Lodges  32,  55,  60,  78,  92. 
100, 102,  149,  193,  203,  214. 

March  4th— Lodges  2,  19,  20,  21,  22, 
38,  41,  50,  53,  56,  61,  73,  74.  80,  88,  89. 
«,  94.  97,  98,  104,  110,  112,  113,  115, 
141.  152,  173,  188,  189,  194,  199,  217. 
218,220. 

March  5th— Lodges  9,  14,  23,  29,  44. 
ti,  51,  52,  83,  85,  90,  91,  95.  114,  116, 
120. 123,  129,  146,  151,  200,  212,  228. 

March  6th— Lodges  1,  3.  6,  10,  12, 
^  33.  37,  40.  42,  57.  ^,  77,  82.  84,  96, 
!««,  107,  117,  119,  126,  133,  143,  144, 
1»,  174,  175,  179,  201,  208,  215,  216, 
^  223,  224. 

March  7th— Lodges  4,  8,  11.  17,  31, 
J5.  36,  39,  69.  70,  71,  72,  101,  122,  124. 
15,  128,  134,  138,  147,  155,  158,  176, 
1».  181,  192,  229. 

Mardi  8th— Lodges  24,  26.  30,  43,  46. 
41  48,  49,  54,  64,  68,  75,  137,  177,  182, 
W.  205,  209,  219.  225. 

March  9th— Lodges  15,  58,  62,  63.  79, 
88.  87. 108,  111,  135.  166,  184,  202,  206, 
m,  226.  230. 

March  llth— Lodges  7,  16,  18,  34.  67, 
».  105, 130. 140.  145,  191,  210,  211. 

^P  to  the  time  of  going  to  press. 
5«*reh  15th,  Lodges  172  and  198  had 
Bot  arrived. 


Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  monUi. 

Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per  capita 
shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose 
reports  are  not  received  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  by  the  tenth 
day  of  each  month,  and  if  received  late 
for  two  or  more  months,  then  the  offi- 
cers shall  be  asked  to  remove  the 
cause  for  such  delay. 


Poverty's  Cause. 

''Inrtemperance  an^  immorality  are 
no  longer  the  chief  causes  of  poverty 
in  New  York  City."  So  runs  an  Asso- 
ciated Press  dispatch  of  the  9th  in 
transmitting  its  aocounit  of  a  report 
of  the  New  York  Association  for  Im- 
proving the  Condition  of  the  Poor.  In- 
temperance and!  immorality  never  were 
the  chief  causes  of  poverty,  in  New 
York  or  anywhere  else.  If  in/temper- 
ance and  immorality  were  the  chief 
causes  of  poverty  the  greatest  poverty 
would!  be  among  the  rich.  Is  that  a 
paradox?  Then  make  the  most  of  it. 
Heretofore  as  well'  as  now  it  has  been 
true,  as  the  above  named  society  re- 
ports for  the  current  year,  that  "pov- 
erty due  to  industrial  conddtione  is  far 
in  excess  of  that  prodluced  by  vices." 
Nor  are  the  conditians  accidental  or 
unavoidable.  Poverty  among  the  in- 
diustrial  poor  is  caused  by  the  wealth 
of  the  idle  rich.  EJvery  dollar  that 
goes  to  anyone  who  doesn't  earni  It,  is 
extorted  somehow  from  others  who  do 
earn  it— The  PuhHc. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
Ii'inn  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Journal  promptly  and 
without  fUl  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Cdftoratonoe: 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


274 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


Statement  af  Claims  Paid  During  the  Month  af  March,  i9ii 


No. 


NAM£ 


Date 
Proof 
Pap«rB 

oeived 


Date 
Paid 


PAID  TO 


HESIDKNCS 


H.  E.  Hughes 
A.  I.  Owen 
H.  A,  Gavin 
Harry  Call 
1499  B.  PuIMn 
ISOOC.J.Seanlon 
150;^  Jas.  M.  Rose 


1471 
1489 
1498 
1496 


1504 

1605 
1506 
1507 
IGOe 
1S()9 


K.  MarsnHll 
J.  B.  HaflTey 

A.  Bairge 
J.  C.  Davis 

J.  M.  Sullivan 

B.  J,  Reilly 


26 
104 
l*i 

12 

87 
144 

26 

79 
116 

29 
169 

16 
181 


DIs. 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Deatfa 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

DIs. 


2-16-'12 

2-23-' 12 
2-18.U2 
3-  9.'12! 
»-l4-'12! 
2-16-'l2 
2-  7-U2! 
l-29-'12 
2-  9-' 12 
2-27-Mi! 
2-27-*  12 
2-27-U2 


3-16-'r2  Himself 

3-1 6-' 12  Lucinda  M.,  wife 

3-16-'12  H.  E.  GavlQ.guardlan 

3-16 '12  Ellen  E.,  wife 

3- 16-' 12  Hadle,  wife 

3.16-'  12  W .Codd Ington^guard. 

3-16-'12JeDnle  J.,  wife 

H-16-'I2  Annie  Jones,  mother 

3-16-'12  Nfllle,  wife 

3-l6-'12  Alvina,  wife 

3-16-'12  Mary,  wife 

3-l(i-'12lEIIa  Rfdman,  sister 

3-16.'l2|Hlm8elf 


Cincinnati,  O. 
Arkansas  city,  K 
Rock  Island,  111. 
Topeka.  Kan. 
OlenlocK,  Kan. 
Elmira,  N.  Y. 
anclnnatl,  O. 
Chicago,  III. 
Conneaut,  O- 
Blue  Island.  III. 
Youngstown,  O. 
E.  f-t.  lyOUlS,  111. 
Dallas,  TexaB 


Previously  reported 11,458,901.00 

Paid  ilnoe  lait  report 17,625.00 


Total $1,476,526.00 

Acknowledgment  of  Claims  Paid  in  February,  iff  12 

Miss  Evelyn  Winner  (by  guardian),  Omaha,  Neb fltSOO 

Axel  Carlson,  Chicago,  111 1,500 

Mrs.  Minnie  Donovan,  Buffalo,  N.  Y 1,500 

N.  H.  Whlsenand,  Oakland,  Cal. 1,600 

Mrs,  Mary  Roach,  Chicago,  111 1,600 

Mrs.  Adele  Rawley,  Milwaukee,  Wis 1,600 

Mrs.  Anna  Prl ester,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y 1,500 

Thomas  J.  Burns,  Bufltalo,  N.  Y 760 

Mrs.  fciadle  C.  Whiteman,  Pittsburgh,  Pa 1,500 

Mrs.  Mary  Shannon,  Hornell,  N.  Y 1,500 

Mre.  Catherine  Rice,  Kansas  City,  Kan 1,500 

J.  C.  O'Brien,  Sprtngfleld,  Mass ...  1,500 

E.  T,  Berkley,  Memphis,  Tenn 1,600 


•^^^24..^^^ 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BUFFAM,  N.  Y^  AprU  1,  llftl 

BKOTHERS:  I 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  pi^able  to  the  Treasurer  i 
Financial  Becretaiy  of  your  Ixxlge  before  the  first  day  of  everr  month  (see  Section  218).  Grand  dm 
are  fifty  cents  (dOc)  per  month ;  membera  holding  class  **  B  *'  certlflcate,  aseed 
ment  fc.OO;  class  ^A"  certificate,  assessment  $1.00:  class  **C"  ct-rtiflcat 
assessment  50c  (see  section  8::^).  A  mllure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  In  the  Union  without  nirther  notice  (see  HectkM 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  aaseement  Is 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Grand  I/m« 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  from  members,  as  above  provided,  oi 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182) . 
YooninB.,  H.<&P., 

Bl.  R.  WELCH, 

Grand  Secretary  and  Trea«an 


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PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

1st.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
— of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


THE    JOURNAL 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  "op  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  H.  THOMPSON.  Editor  and  MaMgM* 


THOaC  WHO  BCAR  SQUALLY  THC  BURDBNS  OF  OOVCRNMBNT  SHOULD 
■OUALLV    PARTICIPATC    IN     ITS     BBNKPITS  —  THOMAS    JEFFERSON 


Emttrtd  ms  safmthtUss  mmll  mmtttr  Jmnmrnry  Ji,  191i^  at  tht  Ptt  0§t*  mt  Mufate^  N.  7.,  umdtr  tkt  Jitt  e/Jufy  16,  IS94 


VOL  XIV 


MAY,  1912 


Now  6 


A  %im9  of  Mus 


By  Willis  Oaylobd  Clark. 

The  spring-scented  buds  all  around  me  are  swelling. 

There  are  songs  in  the  stream,  there  Is  health  in  the  gale; 
A  sense  of  delight  in  each  blossom  is  dwelling, 

As  float  the  pure  day-beams  o'er  mountain  and  vale. 
The  desolate  reign  of  old  Winter  is  broken, 

The  verdure  is  fresh  upon  every  tree; 
Of  nature's  revival  the  charm — ^and  a  token 

Of  love,  O  thou  Spirit  of  Beauty!  to  thee. 
The  sun  brook eth  forth  from  the  halls  of  the  morning, 

And  flushes  the  clouds  that  begirt  his  career; 
He  welcomes  the  gladness  and  glory  returning 

To  rest  on  the  promise  and  hope  of  the  year. 
He  fills  with  rich  perfume  all  balm-breathing  flowers, 

He  mounts  to  the  zenith,  and  laughs  on  the  wave; 
He  wakes  into  music  the  green  forest-bowers, 

And  gilds  the  gay  plains  which  the  broad  rivers  lave. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


276  JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 

CONVia  LABOR  BILL  BEPORE  SENATE 


Disease  Conditions  in  Prisons  —  GNistihitionaiity  of 
Bill  as  Heaitii  Regulation. 


A  description  of  the  moral  and  sani- 
tary conditions  in  the  Maryland  House 
of  Ck)rrection  was  printed  in  TJte  Bur- 
vey  of  March  9th  because  it  bore  na- 
tional significance.  The  industrial 
conditions  resulting  from  the  contract 
4Bystem  at  present  in  use  in  this  and 
the  other  penal  institutions  of  Mary- 
land were  touched  upon.  The  contract 
system  is  one  by  which  the  labor  of  the 
•convicts  is  leased  to  individual  manu- 
facturers who  hire  the  use  of  the  con- 
victs along  with  prison  buildings  and 
produce  marketable  commodities  which 
are  sold  throughout  the  country.  The 
contamination  of  the  goods  manufac- 
tured in  prisons  and  shipped  far  and 
wide  makes  action  on  the  part  of  state 
boards  of  health  not  only  possible  but 
desirable.  It  also  raises  the  long- 
mooted  question  of  restricting  the 
transfer  of  convict-made  goods  from 
one  State  to  another  by  Interstate  com- 
merce. 

The  passage  this  week  through  the 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  Boher 
bill  permitting  the  States  to  prohibit 
the  bringing  of  convict  goods  across 
their  borders,  and  its  Introduction  into 
the  Senate,  has  direct  bearing  upon 
the  situation;  for  while  it  has  often 
been  held  that  the  bill  was  not  consti- 
tutional there  seems  little  doubt  now 
with  the  evidence  in  hand  that  it 
would  be  held  constitutional  as  a 
health  measure  under  the  general  wel- 
fare clause.  The  effect  of  the  passage 
of  this  bill  has  been  long  considered 
by  the  prison  contractors  in  Maryland 
and  other  States  and  protecting  pro- 
visos have  been  inserted  in  the  con- 
tracts. HerQ  is  a  typical  passage  from 
the  contract  of  the  Atlantic  Broom 
Company:  , 

Should  the  national  government  pass 
laws  against  the  sale  of  convict  goods, 
the  General  Assembly  of  Maryland,  or 
a  majority  of  the  following  States,  viz., 
Virginia,  Pennsylvania,  or  New  York, 
the  contract  is  cancelled  in  ninety 
days. 


The  rest  of  the  contracts  in  Mary- 
land and  in  a  dozen  other  States  con- 
tain practically  the  same  provision. 

Thus  the  passage  of  the  Boher  bill 
through  the  Senate  and  its  signing  by 
the  President  will  completely  wipe  out 
the  present  contract  system  in  this 
country.  The  fact  that  organized  labor 
is  determined  upon  this  measure  and 
that  it  is  in  agreement  also  with  con- 
structive remedies  to  meet  conditions 
which  would  arise  out  of  a  reconstruc- 
tion of  prison  industries  would  make 
it  practically  impossible  for  the  Presi- 
dent to  refuse  to  allow  the  bill  to  be- 
come law. 

Bills  already  pending  before  the 
Maryland  legislature,  providing  for  the 
introduction  of  the  State  use  system 
which  has  already  been  installed  in 
New  York,  New  Jersey,  Ohio,  Missouri, 
Oalifomia,  and  Wyoming,  will  ably 
take  care  of  any  emergency  caused  by 
the  passage  of  the  Boher  bill,  while  in 
Virginia  the  legislature  has  already 
anticipated  such  emergency  by  the 
passage  of  a  road  and  State  use  bill. 
In  many  other  States,  for  instance,  in 
Wisconsin  and  Rhode  Island,  the  cen> 
tral  boards  of  control  have  under  de- 
velopment an  adaptation  of  the  State 
use  principle.  It  is  fortunate  for  the 
prisoner,  the  State  official,  and  the 
community  in  general  that  as  the 
movement  for  the  restriction  of  the 
prison  contract  system  increases  in 
momentum  there  has  developed  the 
still  stronger  movement  for  the  use  of 
the  convict  on  State  roads.  State  farms, 
and  in  the  manufacture  of  goods  for 
consumption  in  the  State's  eleemosy- 
nary institutions  and  the  State  and 
city  departments.  This  movement 
links  up  directly  with  commonwealth 
efficiency  and  economy.  The  recent 
revelation  of  120,000,000  worth  of  goods 
needed  for  State  and  city  consumption 
in  New  York  has  given  reassurance  to 
hesitating  reformers  in  this  line  and 
has  made  the  passage  of  the  Boher  bill 
welcome  not  only  to  convicts  and  the 


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UNION    OF   NORTH   AMBRICA. 


277 


public  at  large  but  to  prison  officials 
who  have  no  longer  to  fear  tbat  idle- 
ness and  insanity  will  follow  in  its 
wake. — Reprinted  from  The  Survey, 
March  SO,  1912. 


When  They  are  Not  Crimes. 

Instructive  reading  indeed  have  the 
many  editorials  of  the  past  week  or 
two  been,  in  which  labor  organizations 
were  smugly  berated  and  advised  about 
the  wtckedness  of  crimes  Hke  those  of 
the  McNamaras  and  the  moral  respon- 
sibility of  labor  unions.  We  f^il,  how- 
ever, to  detect  any  such  pious  and  pa- 
triotic moralizing  in  the  same  quarters 
over  the  burning  of  three  negroes  by 
white  men  only  two  days  after  the 
McNamaras  were  sentenced  for  dyna- 
miting. The  McNamaras  say  we  are  in 
a  war,  Capital  versus  Labor;  the  white 
murderers  say  we  are  in  a  war,  Race 
versus  Race.  The  McNamaras  defend 
their  act  as  a  class  measure;  the  white 
men  defend  theirs  as  a  race  measure. 
One  was  reckless,  the  other  brutal,  and 
both  were  criminal.  But  while  the 
newspapers  denounce  the  former,  they 
afford  cover  to  the  latter.    Why? 

Once  it  was  argued  that  the  burning 
of  negroes  was  a  Southern  crime. 
This  counted  for  little  on  the  vital 
point,  whic/h  is  respect  for  life  and 
obedience  to  law,  for  Southern  news- 
papers not  only  covered,  but  shock- 
ingly defended  it,  and  Northern  news- 
papers were  as  good .  as  silent.  But 
that  argument  lost  all  its  possible 
force  when  negro  burnings  set  in  at 
the  North.  The  whole  country,  not 
one  section,  is  equally  guilty  ot\  this 
worst  of  all  murderous  crimes.  It  was 
argued,  too,  that  this  crime  yas  neces- 
sary to  stop  the  raping  of  white  wo- 
men by  black  men — a  queer  argument 
in  t&e  editorials  of  papers  that  tolerate 
no  suggestion  of  palliation  for  "Labor 
crimes."  But  that  argument  also  fades 
away  as  negro  burnings  are  extended 
Into  the  domain  of  punishment  for 
other  than  inter-racial  sex  ofTenses. 

The  instance  mentioned  above  by 
way  of  example  was  the  burning  of 
three  negroes  for  competing  as  farm- 
ers with  white  men.  One  of  the  vic- 
tims was  a  negro  woman,  and  no 
charge  of  rape  was  made  against 
either  of  the  other  two.  We  quote  In 
full   the  Memphis  dispatch  as  it  ap- 


peared on  the  7th  in  the  Chicago  Inter- 
Ocean: 

"Two  negroes  and  one  young  ne- 
gresB  were  burned  to  death  by  a  mob 
of  white  land  tenants  who  object  to 
the  occupancy  of  land  by  negroes, 
near  Savannah,  Tenn.,  yesterday,  ac- 
cording to  meagre  reports  received  here 
today.  The  negroes  were  traveling  to 
a  gin  with  a  load  of  seed  cotton.  They 
were  tied  to  the  wagonload  of  cotton, 
and  the  mob,  after  building  a  fire  be- 
neath the  wagon,  stood  guard  until  the 
negroes  were  cremated." 

Perhaps  the  report  isn't  true,  but  no 
one  has  denied  or  explained  it  Per- 
haps it  has  evoked  indignant  comment 
from  some  of  the  sources  that  are 
flinging  incriminations  in  the  disguise 
of  pious  advice  at  labor  unions,  but  in 
that  case  our  eye  has  missed  the  com- 
ment.— The  PuhUe. 


Glory  of  Trade  Unionisfii. 

Frank  K.  Foster,  of  Boston,  now  de- 
ceased, in  his  masterly  address  to 
President  Eliot,  said,  among  other 
things: 

'•For  good  or  for  ill  the  wants  of  the 
laborer  have  multiplied,  his  faculties 
have  become  developed,  and  his  aspira- 
tions have  been  awakened.  It  is. the 
glory  of  trade  unionism  that  has 
played  no  small  part  in  arousing  in 
him  ihat  righteous  discontent  which 
impels  him,  like  Oliver  Twist,  to  ask 
for  more  and  ever  more;  but  unlike 
the  timid  charity  boy,  he  is  not  to  be 
brow1>eaten  by  the  officious  Bumbles  of 
conservatism.  Here,  I  say  again,  is 
the  teet  wliioh  shall  stretch  to  the 
uttermost  the  elasticity  of  democratic 
institutions.  It  is  scarcely  a  kindness 
to  breed  men  in  the  faith  of  political 
equality  if  industrially  they  are  forced 
to  submit  to  despotism.  It  is  not  wise 
to  awaken  in  them  a  thirst  for  knowl- 
edge if  they  have  not  means  and 
leisure  to  slake  this  thirst.  It  is  high- 
ly injudicious  to  permit  them  to  ac- 
quire an  aptpreciatlon  of  the  beautiful 
in  art  and  nature  if  by  the  conditions 
of  their  employment  the  major  portion 
of  their  existence  must  be  spent  in  un- 
remitting toil  among  base  and  barren 
environments. 

"But  entirely  apart  from  this  phase 
of  the  subject  the  trades  unionists 
hold  that  existing  physical  conditions 


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27S 


JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


among  wage  earners  justify  the 
shorter  hour  demand  and*  will  continue 
to  justify  it  while  the  'chance  of  life' 
of  any  number  of  the  working  class  is 
by  reason  of  the  conditions  of  employ- 
ment less  than  that  of  a  like  number 
of  the  same  age  of  the  so-called  inde- 
pendent classes. 

"In  other  words,  the  trades  union 
maintains  that  the  social  service  ren- 
dered by  the  manual  laborer  Justifies 
him  in  insisting  that  society  has  no 
right  to  expect  him  to  shorten  his  life 
below  the  normal  limit  by  reason  of 
ill  conditions  in  this  service  for  wihich 
there  is  remedy. 

"While  hundreds  of  millions  of  the 
world's  workers  are  not  properly 
housed,  clothed  or  fed,  while  hundreds 
of  millions  more  are  barren  in  mind 
and  dormant  in  faculty,  we  feel  that 
trades  union  energy  may  safely  be  di- 
rected toward  enlarging  their  oonsum- 
ing  capacity  by  increasing  their  pur- 
chasing capacity." — M aiders'   Journal. 


f raigfU-Handlcrs'  Lockout. 

The  Caadian  Pacific  Railway, 
through  some  inexperienced  officials 
at  Winnipeg,  has  started  out  to  put  the 
Freight  Handlers*  Union  out  of  busi- 
ness. This  information  came  as  a  sur- 
prise to  most  employes  of  the  road, 
who  had  the  general  understanding 
that  the  policy  of  the  company  was 
now  definite  in  this  respect,  and  that 
it  would  as  a  matter  of  course  treat 
with  employes  collectively  and  refer 
disputes  which,  could  not  otherwise  be 
settled  to  the  Disputes  Act. 

Apparently  fhis  policy  does  not  ex- 
tend to  organizations  which  have  not 
previously  been  governed  by  schedules 
with  the  road;  for  these  there  is  the 
axe  if  it  can  be  made  effective. 

Freight  Handlers'  Union,  No.  177, 
comprises  upwards  of  two  hundred 
members,  including  all  the  old 
hands  in  the  local  sheds.  Recently 
four  men  were  summarily  discharged. 
The  four  included  the  president  and 
secretary  of  the  union.  The  men 
pressed  for  an  explanation.  Their 
records  with  the  road  were  first-class. 
They  were  told  that  "personal  services 
were  good,  but  at  the  same  time  un- 
satisfactory to  the  company." 

Shortly  after  this  twenty-eight  more 
members  of  the  Freight  Handlers' 
Union  were  let  out,  the  company  im- 


mediately taking  on  a  lot  of  inexperi- 
enced labor. 

Believing  that  this  lockout  had  been 
initiated  by  the  inexperience  of  the 
young  fellows  who  are  in  official 
positions  in  the  freight  department, 
and  would  not  be  sustained  by  the 
higher  officials  who  have  negotiated 
the  agreements  with  the  units  of  the 
Federated  Employes,  of  which  the 
Freight  Handlers  are  members,  an  ap- 
pointment was  made  to  meet  with 
Grant  Hall.  When  the  men  gathered 
for  the  interview  Mr.  Hall  refused  to 
meet  them  except  separately  and  as  in- 
dividuals. 

Now,  then.  It  will  be  up  to  the 
Freight  Handlers  to  Invoke  the  inter- 
vention of  the  Disputes  Act,  and  a 
vote  was  taken  for  that  purpoee. — The 
Voice. 


Start  the  Boy  Riglit. 


The  indusftrial  spirit  of  tJhe  German 
people  seeks  to  prepare  the  growing 
generation  for  achievements  in  produc- 
tion as  imposing  in  contrast  with  the 
present  as  the  work  of  today  compares 
with  that  of  the  '808. 

The  son  of  a  day  laborer  who,  with- 
in the  views  of  the  national  policy, 
should  be  more  useful  to  himself  and 
the  commonwealth  than  his  father,  is 
the  subject  of  careful  expert  observa- 
tion. His  teachers,  the  school  physi- 
cian and  the  parents  endeavor  to  de- 
termine the  handicraft  to  which  the 
boy  is  adapted.  The  physician  takes 
the  note  of  the  body.  The  strong  boy 
of  average  build  is  classified  as  suited 
to  become  a  brewer,  a  smith,  a  carpen- 
ter, a  mason,  a  worker  in  iron  con- 
struction or  some  other  calling  re- 
quiring at  least  average  strength.  The 
undersized  or  weaker  boy  is  consid- 
ered as  being  better  adapted  to  become 
a  tailor,  a  bookbinder,  a  basket  maker, 
a  wood  carver,  a  locksmith,  a  Jeweler, 
a  glazier,  a  joiner,  a  cabinet  maker,  a 
potter,  a  brushmaker,  or  a  confectioner. 

The  boy  with  weak  lungs  is  exclud- 
ed from  trades  where  there  is  a  good 
deal  of  dust,  such  a£  that  of  the  wood- 
turner or  the  paper  hanger.  The  boy 
with  pulmonary  weakness  would  also 
not  be  allowed  to  become  a  shoemaker 
or  a  tailor,  because  of  the  bent  alti- 
tudes In  which  he  would  have  to  work. 
Should  the  boy  have  a  weak  heart,  he 
would  be  classified    as    unfit    for   the 


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UNIOS  OF   NORTH   AMBRIOA. 


29 


lieavy  work  of  the  smitli,  the  butcher, 
the  miller,  or  any  of  the  building 
trades.  The  youth  who  has  chiH>nlcally 
perspiring  hands  is  deemed  incapaci- 
tated for  gold  work,  clock  making, 
book  binding,  or  lithographing.  The 
boy  with  inflamed  eyelids  is  as  fully 
excluded  from  work  in  colors  as  though 
he  were  color  blind.  Within  the  view 
of  the  school  medical  counselor,  the 
boy  must  be  saved  from  entering  upon 
a  trade  in  which  he  will  always  be  at 
a  disadvanftage  physically,  and  his 
whole  life  be  a  struggle  on.  unequal 
terms  with  those  better  qualified  to 
deal  with  the  peculiar  conditions  of 
that  trade. — Elmer  Roberts,  in  Scrih- 
ner's  Magaaine, 


CvHs  of  Uase  System. 

That  there  is  something  wrong  with 
the  present  system  of  convict  labor  Is 
apparent,  when  prominent  men  like 
Governor  W.  Donaghey  of  Arkansas 
has  this  to  say: 

'*The  management  of  the  Arkansas 
penitentiary  has  been  a  perplexing 
problem  to  the  people  of  the  State  for 
many  years.  The  penitentiary  is  de- 
signedly a  place  for  the  punishment  of 
criminals,  and  should  not  be  made  a 
football  for  politicians  to  toss  here  and 
there,  nor  a  means  of  personal  profit 
to  individuals,  corporations  or  con- 
tractors. Every  phase  of  monetary 
profit  -  coming  from  convict  labor 
to  any  one  except  the  State  should 
be  eliminated.  This  can  never  be 
done  under  any  form  of  leasing 
convicts  to  contractors.  Under  the 
best  system  of  management  for 
penal  institutions,  the  men  directly  in 
charge  of  convicts  become  negligent  of 
the  proper  protection  of  the  convicts 
against  .bad  treatment.  But  when  a 
convict  is  hired  out  and  with  the 
thought  uppermost  in  the  mind  of  the 
guard  or  warden  that  the  convict  is  iu 
the  penitentiary  to  be  punished,  it  is 
not  difficult  for  a  contractor,  having 
nothing  at  stake  but  the  money  he  is 
to  make  in  the  transaction,  to  influence 
the  protectors  of  the  State's  interests 
to  become  more  neglectful  of  the  wel- 
fiare  of  the  helpless  criminals  in  their 
charge.  As  an  instance  of  adverse 
conditions  under  the  lease  system,  I 
will  make  the  prediction  that  an  In- 
vestigation of  the  facts  would  show 
that  the  deaths  of  a  large  majority  of 


the  convicts  for  the  past  two  years 
have  occurred  in  cases  where  they 
were,  or  had  been  hired  out  to  con- 
tractor^. I  will  also  venture  the  state- 
ment that  escapes  are  made  from  thid 
same  camps  in  about  the  same  ratio  as 
these  deaths  occur.  Any  form  of  the 
lease  system  also  promotes  disorganiza- 
tion of  the  State's  interests  and  dis- 
content in  the  minds  of  the  convicts. 
When  the  State  works  her  own  oo|i- 
victs  directly  on  her  own  work  and  on 
her  own  premises,  there  is  no  incentive 
to  overwork,  underfeed  or  badly  clothe 
the  prisoners.  I  was  told  by  the  war- 
den on  the  State's  farm  that  during 
the  past  year,  on  a  certain  occasion,  he 
sent  eighteen  convicts  two  miles  away 
from  headquarters  without  a  guard,  to 
clear  some  land.  That  they  went  to 
and  from  work  daily  without  giving 
the  least  trouble.  Then,  as  a  matter 
of  actual  experience,  we  flnd  the  ex- 
pense of  maintenance  to  be  materially 
less  i^rhen  working  the  convicts  directly 
for  the  State.  On  our  convict  farm  if 
there  had  been  a  free  guard  employed 
in  the  past  two-  years,  it  was  a  useless 
expense.  During  my  several  visits 
there,  I  have  never  seen  one,  and  the 
statement  of  the  warden  to  me  was 
that  there  were  no  free  guards  on  the 
farm.  All  were  convicts  and  those  I 
noticed  were  mostly  cripples  or  other- 
wise disabled  so  they  could  not  have 
made  full  hands  at  other  kinds  of  la- 
bor. But  when  convicts  are  hired  out 
to  contractors  it  not  only  takes  free 
guards,  but  also  more  of  th^m  to  a 
given  number  of  men  than  it  would  re- 
quire on  the  farm. — The  Plasterer. 


Anti-Trust  Law  and  Unions. 

In  his  testimony  recently  before  the 
Senate  Committee  on  Interstate  Com- 
merce, Samuel  Untermyer.  one  of  the 
ablest  corporation  lawyers  of  the 
United  States,  defended  the  position  of 
organized  labor  as  to  the  Sherman 
Anti-Trust  Law  not  being  applicable  to 
workingmen's  organization,  when  he 
stated  in  reply  to  a  question  that  he 
did  not  believe  the  anti-trust  laws 
should  be  applied  to  labor.  "Labor," 
he  said,  "has  enough  to  contend  with 
In  its  conflict  with  capital  as  it  is." 
This  is  undoubtedly  one  view  that  was 
taken  into  consideration  when  the  anti- 
trust law  was  being  framed.  But  this 
is  not  the  strongest  reason  why  the 
law  should  not  apply  to  organizations 


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2B0 


JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMBN^ 


of  labor.  There  are  many  others,  and 
President  Gompers  very  forcibly  pre- 
sents some  of  the  differences  between 
the  trusts  and  the  laibor  unions  when 
he  says: 

"None  of  the  attributes,  methods  or 
achievements  of  organized  labor  in  be- 
half of  its  members  and  society  at  large 
can  properly  be  confounded  with  what- 
ever is  pernicious  and  selfish  in  the 
activities  of  the  trusts.  The  human 
power  to  produce  is  the  direct  opposite 
of  the  material  commodities  wlhich  be- 
come the  subject  of  trust  control." 

It  is  not  to  the  credit  of  the  Supreme 
Ck>urt  justices  that  they  failed  to  dif- 
ferentiate between  combinations  formed 
for  the  control  of  commodities  to  the 
public  detriment  and  those  formed  for 
the  purpose  of  human  betterment  and 
progress.  Their  Interpretation  of  the 
scope  of  the  law  is  a  blow  to  the  social 
advancement  of  the  workingmen,  and 
hence  an  injury  to  society.  The  law 
ihould  be  so  changed  that  there  c&n  be 
no  possibility  of  its  being  applied  to 
united  labor,  and  when  this  is  done  an 
obstacle  will  be  removed  that  now  hin- 
ders the  progressive  tendencies  of  trade 
unionism. — Clothing  Trades  Bulletin. 


Where  the  Traud  StMts. 

"As  mortar  sticks  between  stones,  so 
does  fraud  stick  between  buying  and 
selling,'*  says  the  old  proverb,  and  it 
was  never  better  illustrated  than  in 
the  testimony  given  on  Wednesday  by 
Andrew  Carnegie  before  the  committee 
investigating  the  Steel  Trust. 

The  old  gentleman  chuckled  with  un- 
disguised glee  in  recounting  his  "tri- 
umph" In  a  "business  deal"  over  the 
wily  John  D.  Rockefeller  whereby  he 
managed  to  swindle  that  old  fox  Into 
parting  for  a  paltry  sum  with  his  con- 
trol over  ore  deposits  which  are  now 
valued  at  $700,000,000  by  the  Steel 
Trust.  The  transaction  "did  his  heart 
good,"  as  he  told  the  investigators.  He 
had  "fooled"  Rockefeller. 

But  his  triumphant  mood  changed 
when  he  afterwards  discovered  that  he 
could  have  had  $100,000,000  more  from 
the  Morgan  syndicate  for  his  steel 
properties.  The  vast  profits  of  the 
Steel  Trust  since  made  him  regretfully 
reminiscent  "Wasn't  I  a  fool,"  he  de- 
clared, "to  sell  for  $420.000,000r' 

And  a  short  time  after  making  these 


declarations,  in  answer  to  a  question 
about  the  Carnegie  Company  receiving 
railroad  rebates,  he  replied  with  appar- 
ent wonderment  that  it  was  "astonish- 
ing how  suspected  an  honest  corpora- 
tion can  be.  I  rever  received  a  rebate 
that  I  know  of  in  all  my  life."  This, 
after  a  declaration  that  he  had  never 
looked  over  the  books  of  the  company, 
never  saw  an  inventory  in  his  life  of 
the  pr(H;»erties  and  knew  nothing  of 
their  actual  value,  leaving  all  these  de- 
tails for  his  "partners." 

However,  the  "morality"  of  the  capi- 
talist is  not  a  matter  that  concerns  us 
much.  The  working  class  are  neither 
interested  nor  shocked  because  Car- 
n^e  swindled  Rockefeller  and  was 
swindled  in  turn  by  Morgan.  These 
are  minor  and  secondary  matters  from 
their  point  of  view.  In  all  probcOiility. 
Rockefeller  bears  no  particular  malice 
toward  Carnegie  or  Carnegie  toward 
Morgan  over  these  "business  deals."  It 
is  all  part  of  the  game  of  buying  and 
selling  and  the  fellow  who  is  over- 
reached takes  his  medicine  like  a  true 
sport  Bven  when  he  is  completely 
cleaned  out  and  applies  for  "justice" 
to  the  capitalistic  law  courts  or  recites 
his  grievances — as  Mr.  Merritt  recently 
did  against  Rockefeller—to  a  body  of 
would-be  trust  busters,  in  the  hope  of 
redress  of  some  kind,  that  also  is  part 
of  the  great  game  of  swindle  and  chi- 
cane as  it  is  played  by  the  exploiting 
class  between  themsefves. 

What  does  or  should  interest  the 
working  class  is  the  fact  that  the  fraud- 
ulent  game  of  buying  and  selling  really 
opens  with  them  in  the  buying  and  sell- 
ing of  tiieir  laibor  power,  a  game  in 
which  they  invariably  lose.  It  is  there 
where  the  fraud  actually  starts,  a 
game  played  with  loaded  dice,  the 
means  of  life  in  the  possession  of  the 
capitalist  against  the  life  of  the  worker, 
who  has  no  means  of  sustaining  it  ex- 
cept through  the  sale  of  his  labor  power 
— ^the  freedom  of  contract,  that  "in- 
alienable right"  which  he  can  exercise 
only  on  condition  that  he  produces  five 
and  accepts  one  as  his  reward. 

We  have  no  right  to  sneer  at  or  de- 
nounce the  immorality  of  the  buying 
and  selling  by  which  the  capitalists 
swindle  one  another,  while,  as  Lassalle 
says,  we  furnish  with  our  own  backs 
the  green  table  on  which  the  capitalist 
starts  his  game.  If  in  our  ignorance 
and  simplicity  we  permit  them  to  de- 


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281 


fraud  08  out  of  what  our  labor  pro- 
(hioes,  we  oannot  logically  condemn 
tliem  for  gambling  with  the  loot  they 
ka?e  extracted  from  ns.  If  they  did 
not  swindle  as,  they  could  not  swindle 
one  inother,  and  while  providing  the 
stakes,  we  cannot  condemn  the  play- 
ers.—r*e  Vew  York  Call, 


SpM  of  ResSstancc. 


The  pognacious  instinct  in  man 
forais  the  core  for  considerable  debate 
on  the  part  of  students  of  sociology 
and  hunan  psychology.  The  tendency 
of  boys  to  fight  is  so  strong  that  it  be- 
comes a  matter  of  considerable  concern 
to  teadiers  and  parents.  What  shall 
be  done  with  the  boy  that  "scraps"? 
Usoally  we  encourage  him  to  stand  up 
for  his  ri£^ts — to  take  his  own  part- 
to  haTe  Bome  "apunk/*  for  we  feel  in 
some  way  that  these  are  qualities 
needed  in  the  struggle  that  he  will 
enter  into  as  he  grows  to  manhood. 
On  the  contrary,  we  deplore  the  spirit 
of  the  boy  that  submits  tamely  to 
ftl>nse  or  unfairness,  or  who  hesitates 
to  attack  a  difficult  task  with  a  vim 
that  means  something,  or  who  cannot 
be  induced  to  put  all  his  mettle  to  the 
test 

Tbeee  facts  would  seem  to  indicate 
that  the  pugnacious  instinct  is  but  a 
mark  of  a  needed  quality  in  the  boy*s 
mske-np.  It  is  strong  in  animals,  and 
is  eeaential  for  self -protection  and  self- 
preservation.  In  manhood  we  have  the 
same  tendency  finding  its  expression 
In  Tarious  forms  of  activity.  War  and 
eonfticts  mark  the  entire  history  of  the 
race.  Some  think  that  wars  are  essen- 
tia] to  human  progress,  and  that  uni- 
▼ersal  peace  and  disarmament  would 
mean  degeneracy  and  decline.  Those 
holding  this  view  base  their  conclu- 
sions on  the  theory  that  the  combative 
instinct  would  decline  and  ultimately 
become  extinct,  and  this  would  be  an 
irreparable  loss  to  humanity.  They 
bold  that  the  war  spirit  is  essential  to 
progresR,  that  the  fighting  edge  goes 
band  in  hand  with  alertness,  progres- 
"•▼wisss  and  power  to  overcome  difll- 
nUtles.  They  refer  to  past  history  to 
prove  their  statements,  and  call  atten- 
tion to  the  fact  that  the  most  warlike 
ottioiis  and  trit)e8  are  the  ones  that 
btTe  been  the  most  progressive,  and 
btn  fteged  to  tlie  front  in  point  of 
•«W«»«inent  and  progress. 


As  to  the  merits  or  weaknesses  of 
this  view  of  the  value  and  tenacity  of 
the  pugnacious  spirit  we  do  not  wish 
to  go  into  here.  Be  that  as  it  may,  we 
are  sure  that  it  is  a  strong  maiic  in  the 
history  of  the  race,  and  is  certainly 
prominent  in  the  primitive  instincts 
of  man.  Indeed,  in  this  particular,  we 
t^nk  man  shows  a  very  close  resem- 
blance and  relationship  to  the  entire 
animal  creation.  While  it  is  and  has 
been  essential  to  man's  existence  and 
maintenance,  yet  we  cannot  help  but 
feel  that  in  the  natural  evolution  to- 
ward a  higher  and  more  delicately 
poised  personality,  the  fighting  Instinct 
will  have  to  be  utilized  as  a  force  for 
man's  betterment  But  perhaps  this 
may  not  always  be  in  ways  that  have 
been  found  necessary  in  the  past. 
Progress  is  the  watchword  of  human- 
ity»  and  peace  and  harmony  rather 
than  war  and  strife  are  the  ideals  to- 
ward which  we  as  a  people  are  turning 
for  inspiration. 

Our  inference  from  this  view  of  the 
subject  is  that  there  is  abundant  use 
for  the  fighting  instinct  in  the  complex 
and  highly  organised  systems  of  civil- 
ization today.  The  qualities  that  were 
deemed  necessary  in  the  make  up  of  a 
good  warrior  are  the  very  ones  needed 
today  as  urgently  as  ever  before.  Per- 
severance in  the  pursuit  of  objects, 
courage  in  the  execution  of  purposes, 
alertness  and  fertility  of  resources,  a 
keen  sense  of  Justice,  loyalty  to  truth 
and  to  a  high  riru,  these  are  some  of 
the  chara-iterlstics  of  a  valuable  mem- 
ber of  society,  whether  he  be  a  war- 
rior or  a  civilian.  In  fact,  unless  a 
man  shows  a  goodly  share  of  the  pug- 
nacious instinct  in  his  behavior,  it  is 
more  than  likely  that  he  will  not  be  of 
any  great  consequence  in  his  immedi- 
ate environment.  We  are  not  pleading 
for  a  quarrelsome,  unpleasant,  dis- 
.  gruntled  disposition,  not  at  all.  We 
refer  to  the  manly,  courageous,  imsel- 
fish  devotion  to  a  lofty  purpose— « 
spirit  that  will  not  be  subdued  by  de- 
feat nor  intimidated  by  any  apparently 
insurmountable  difficulty. 

In  this  particular  we  wish  to  draw  a 
parallel  to  the  need  of  this  same  tone 
in  our  industrial  and  labor  organiza- 
tions. We  are  not  setting  up  a  defense 
for  unjustifiable  violence,  neither  are 
we  pleading  for  the  perpetuation  of 
discord  and  strife.  But  we  do  urge 
that  there  is  abundant  room  for  the 
utilization  of  this  primordial  instinct 


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282 


JOURNAL    OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


in  the  activities  of  the  social  organ- 
izations of  today. 

Men  need  to  take  up  the  cause  of  the 
oppressed  and  drive  home  the  truths 
which  alone  can  set  right  the  wrongs 
that  exist  on  every  hand.  They  need, 
as  much  as  did  the  knights  of  old,  to 
practice  the  spirit  of  chivalry,  to  de- 
fend the  weak,  to  maintain  the  right. 
Not  only  in  the  wrongs  inherent  in 
present  social  standards  and  practice 
is  there  an  abundant  field  for  action, 
but  in  the  realm  of  material  progress 
this  same  spirit  can  find  room  for  all 
the  exercise  of  which  it  is  capable. 

For  illustration,  the  spirit  that 
pushes  to  a  successful  issue  difficult 
projects,  such  as  an  engineering  or 
building  scheme,  or  that  keeps  the  in- 
ventor at  his  task  through  long  periods 
of  discouragement  or  delay — these  are 
legitimate  and  proper  channels  for  the 
exercise  of  the  pugnacious  instinct. 
We  commend  it  to  all  as  a  proper  and 
effective  element  in  man's  behavior  if 
directed  and  regulated  according  to  the 
advancing  ideals  that  society  should 
constantly  be  setting  up. — The  United 
Mine  Workers'  Journal. 


Darrow's  Imlictfneiit. 

By  Eugene  V.  Debs. 

Clarence  S.  Darrow  is  about  to  be 
tried  in  Los  Angeles  upon  a  grave 
charge,  and  with  all  the  chances  for  a 
square  deal  against  him.  It  appears 
that  some  of  Darrow's  trusted  agents 
and  confidential  advisers  were  bought 
up  by  the  other  side  or  betrayed  him 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  for  some 
other  consideration.  In  either  case 
Darrow  is  in  a  tight  place,  and  the 
friends  he  has  should  stand  by  him 
now. 

Clarence  Darrow  has  fought  many  a 
good  fight  for  labor  unions  and  for  the 
working  class,  and  they  ought  not  to 
f9rget  him  now  that  he  Is  himself  in 
need  of  friends.  I  know  that  this  and 
that  will  be  brought  against  I>arrow 
by  those  who  for  some  reason  or  other 
are  inclined  to  discredit  him,  but  what- 
ever objection  there  may  be  to  him  this 
is  not  the  time  to  urge  it.  Darrow  ihas 
faults;  so  have  I.  Darrow  has  made 
mistakes;  so  have  I.  But  with  all  his 
faults  and  mistakes  he  has  served 
many  a  poor  devil  without  fee,  and  he 
has  all  his  life  been  on  the  side  of  the 
bottom  dog. 


As  a  lawyer,  Darrow  stood  for  labor 
unions  and  their  officials  in  many  hard- 
fought  fights,  and  he  certainly  has 
enough  to  his  credit  in  the  service  thus 
rendered  to  entitle  him  to  some  con- 
sideration at  their  hands  now  that  he 
is  surrounded  by  the  enemies  of  labor 
wtho  are  threatening  to  put  an  end  to 
him. 

There  is  no  use  of  going  into  detail, 
and  I  am  not  going  to  waste  words. 
Darrow  needs  help,  and  I  am  going  to 
do  what  I  can  to  give  him  a  hand. 
Otis  and  the  union  haters  who  make 
up  the  Merchants  and  Manufacturers' 
Association  are  leaving  no  stone  un- 
turned to  destroy  his  reptEtation  and 
send  him  to  the  penitentiary.  They 
know  that  he  has  been  the  friend  of 
labor  if  the  labor  unions  know  it  or 
not. 

I  do  not  know  what  methods  Darrow 
pursued  in  his  plans  for  the  defense 
of  the  McNamaras,  nor  do  I  care.  I 
am  sure  of  only  one  thing,  and  that  is 
that  he  fought  on  the  side  of  the  work- 
ing class  and  that  in  every  step  he  took 
and  every  move  he  made  he  was  doing 
what  he  believed  to  be  best  for  his 
clients.  This  is  enough  for  me,  and  I 
am  not  going  to  desert  him  now  that 
the  wolves  are  closing  in  on  him. 

It  has  already  been  sneeringly  said 
that  Darrow,  who  for  years  served  the 
labor  unions,  is  now  deserted  by  them 
and  left  to  his  fate.  I  confess. that  it 
looks  that  way.  But  I  cannot  believe 
that  all  of  Darrow's  friends  are  going 
to  turn  their  backs  upon  him  and  treat 
him  with  cold  indifference  and  cruel 
neglect  In  this  hour  of  his  trial.  If 
they  did  they  would  give  Otis  and  his 
crowd  no  greater  comfort  for  it  would 
justify  the  16w  estimate  they  have  al- 
ways placed  upon  the  intelligence  and 
manliness  of  the  working  class. 

It  is  no  time  now  to  criticize  Dar- 
row and  to  find  fault  with  him,  so  far 
as  those  who  ought  to  be  'his  friends 
are  concerned.  Let  us  remem'ber  every- 
thing he  has  done  for  the  working  class 
and  for  the  unions  and  for  the  unfor- 
tunates, and  we  shall  at  once  realize 
that  our  duty  is  to  stand  by  him  in- 
stead of  deserting  him,  and  that  to 
abandon  him  to  his  fate  would  be  to 
disgrace  ourselves. 

Above  all,  Darrow  needs  synopathy 
just  at  this  moment,  for  he  has  a  heart 
in  him,  and  he  needs  to  know  that  in 
the  fight  that  is  being  made  upon  him 
and  the  treachery  of  which  he  has  been 


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UNION    OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


the  victim  wiiile  fighting  the  battle  of 
labor,  his  former  friends  are  atUl  his 
friends  and  believe  in  him,  notwith- 
standing the  charges  brought  against 
him  by  his  enemies,  who  have  always 
been  the  bKterest  enemies  of  the  work- 
ing class. 

If  the  socialist  and  labor  paper  will 
speak  the  friendly  word  for  Darrow 
they  should  speak  for  him  now  there 
wtti  soon  be  a  change  of  sentiment, 
and  t^e  labor  haters  of  California  will 
cease  to  flatter  themselves  that  Darrow 
has  been  deserted  by  his  former  friends. 
— Appeal  to  Reason. 


Charity  of  the  Poor. 

We  hear  much  at  this  season  of  the 
year  concerning  charity,  charity  organ- 
izations and  those  to  whom  it  is  dis- 
pensed, and  while  we  are  willing  to 
concede  that  many  of  the  organizations 
having  for  their  purpose  the  relief  of 
"human  suffering  and  humane  need,  are 
worthy  institutions,  we  also  know  that 
much  viciousness  is  hidden  beneath  the 
•cloak  of  charity,  and  we  know,  too, 
that  the  greater  relief  of  human  suf- 
fering, the  greater  amount  of  real 
charity  is  doled  out  in  an  unostenta- 
tious manner  by  the  great  uncounted 
millions  who  themselves  live  close  up 
to  the  border  line  of  need.  The  dimes, 
quarters  and  dollars  given  out  daily 
"by  this  army  of  men  and  women,  no 
one  ever  hears  of.  yet  taken  in  the  ag- 
negate  it  amounts  to  millions  upon 
millions.  And  while  dealing  with  this 
phase  of  the  situation  we  desire  to 
mention  a  class  of  men  who,  taken  as 
a  class,  are  the  biggest  hearted  people 
of  our  country,  yet  who  seldom  get 
credit  for  being  anything  but  hard- 
working plodders  in  the  battle  for 
existence — we  refer  to  the  country 
newspaper  man,  who  just  about  makes 
a  living  out  of  hie  little  paper,  but  who 
is  constantly  dealing  out  charity  with- 
out a  thought  of  how  badly  he  needs 
the  money  himself.  There  are,  of 
course,  bad  ones  among  them,  but 
taken  as  a  class  they  will  compare  fa- 
vorably with  any  other  class  on  earth. 

The  money  given  out  in  the  way  of 
relief  by  the  charity  organizations  is 
as  nothing  compared  with  the  relief 
which  the  poor  are  all  the  time  provid- 
ing for  each  other. 

There  is  never  a  call  for  relief  but 
the  poor  respond.     There  is  never  an 


opportunity  for  the  poor  to  give  for  the 
relief  of  others,  but  the  response  is  in- 
stant, large-hearted  and  generous. 

Indiscriminate  giving  is  not  a  desir- 
able thing  at  all,  for  it  frequently  re- 
sults in  bad  to  the  human  race  by  en- 
couraging shiftleseness  and  fraud  on 
the  part  of  the  worthless  elements  of 
.society.  But  just  as  frequently  the  de- 
lay and  probing  of  charity  organiza- 
tions work  injustice  and  wrong  upon 
needy  and  honest  individuals.  We 
have  in  mind  particularly  a  lodging 
house  in  Philadelphia,  some  years  ago, 
conducted  in  the  name  of  charity, 
which  was  a  colossal  fraud.  The  indi- 
vidual was  required  to  saw  about  a 
quarter  of  a  cord  of  wood  for  a  bowl 
of  stew  and  a  bed.  How  much  money 
those  in  charge  made  out  of  the  oper- 
ation of  their  institution  we  do  not 
know,  but  the  place  was  crowded 
nightly  by  the  human  driftwood  will- 
ing to  do  anything  for  a  cbance  to 
sleep.  There  existed  in  this  city  also, 
a  few  years  ago,  and  perhaps  it  is  here 
yet,  for  aught  we  know,  an  institution 
conducted  under  the  guise  of  charity 
which  was  purely  a  profit  producing 
business,  and  which  took  advantage  of 
the  unfortunate  circumstances  of  help- 
less men  while  deceiving  the  general 
public. 

The  incentive  which  caused  this  dis- 
cussion, however,  came  to  us  in  a  story 
from  Los  Angeles,  which  told  of  the 
great,  throbbing  heart  of  the  poor. 
Here  it  is  as  related  by  an  observer: 

"My  attention  was  directed  to  a  little 
newsie  attentively  counting  his  pennies. 
He  repeated  the  operation  several 
times  and  appeared  to  be  thinking 
seriously.  No  doubt  he  was  trying  to 
see  how  he  could  make  both  ends  meet. 
Presently  he  sorted  out  a  nickel  and 
walking  quickly  to  where  a  blind 
middle-aged  lady  sat  grinding  a  hand- 
organ,  by  the  side  of  whom  stood  a 
poor,  little,  forlorn  child,  daughter  of 
the  woman,  dropped  the  coin  into  the 
tin  cup  provided  for  the  purpose,  and 
was  soon  busily  engaged  in  selling  his 
papers,  forgetful  of  his  kindly  act.'V 

Ponder  over  this  and  comnare  it 
with  the  charity  of  a  Carnegie  or  a 
Rockefeller,  and  note  the  difference  be- 
tween ostentation  and  modesty,  selfish- 
ness and  generosity. 

May  the  little  man  live  a  life  as  use- 
ful as  it  is  happy,  and  as  free  from  woe 
as  it  is  from  selfishness,  is  our  best 
wish  for  him. — Labor  Clarion. 


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284 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHMBN'8 


Abrahmn  Uncolfi— And  After. 

Bt  Joseph  E.  Cohen. 

It  eliould  always  be  a  source  of  en- 
couragement that  the  people  of  this 
nation  honor  the  memory  of  Abraham 
Lincoln  above  that  of  any  other  man. 

Because  Abraham  Lincoln,  better 
than  any  other  man  In  our  history,  ex- 
presses the  faith  and  the  Ideals  of  the 
common  man. 

It  is  especially  encouraging,  because 
America,  in  so  many  other  directions, 
seems  bent  upon  going  as  far  as  pos- 
sible in  its  worship  of  the  golden  calf, 
the  rule  of  dollars  and  dividends. 

There  is  hardly  a  literature  in  other 
countries  but  what  has  sprung  from 
folk  lore;  there  is  hardly  a  music  but 
what  had  its  beginnings  In  folk  tunes 
and  dance.  In  this  country  we  have 
had  our  negro  "sorrow  songs"  and 
adopted  Indian  tales  and  Western 
stories,  but  most  of  our  music  and  liter- 
ature is  taken  from  the  old  countries. 

It  remained  for  politics  to  give  us 
what  is  America's  chiefest  contribution 
tj  the  common  store. 

Bom  on  the  border  between  things 
as  they  are  and  as  they  need  to  be, 
schooled  in  the  sharp-edged  adventure 
of  the  pioneer,  what  men  like  Lincoln 
know  of  life  comes  at  first  hand,  in 
open  conflict.  They  strip  Issues  of  sur- 
face and  subterfuge;  they  peer  into  the 
very  heart  of  every  matter. 

They  feel  the  world's  pain  as  keenly 
as  it  is  given  men  to  feel,  and  they  are 
endowed,  possibly  as  a  compensation, 
with  the  rarest  sense  of  humor,  which 
eases  their  journey  through  ithe  valley 
of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  enables 
them  to  work  wisely  to  make  things 
better. 

It  Is  not  too  much  to  say  that  Lin- 
coln's vision  was  as  clear  as  anyone's 
of  his  time.  He  weighed  the  circum- 
stances that  surrounded  slavery,  4nd 
he  thought  it  might  take  a  hundred 
years  to  wipe  out  the  "peculiar  institu- 
tion of  the  South."  And  now,  just  half 
a  century  after  he  put  pen  to  the  eman- 
cipation proclamation,  the  race  ques- 
tion is  as  much  alive  as  it  was  before 
the  war,  and  still  remains  to  be  set- 
tled, and  settled  right. 

In  his  last  debate  with  Douglas, 
when  Lincoln  was  looking  ahead  to  be 
President,  he  said:  "That  is  the  real 
issue.  That  is  the  issue  that  will  con- 
tinue in  this  country  when  the  poor 


tongues  of  Judge  Douglas  and  myself 
shall  be  silent  It  is  the  eternal  strug- 
gle between  these  two  principles — right 
and  wrongs— throughout  the  world. 
They  are  the  two  principles  that  have 
stood  face  to  face  from  the  beginning 
of  time,  and  will  ever  continue  U> 
struggle.  The  one  is  the  common  right 
of  humanity,  and  the  other  is  the  di- 
vine right  of  kings.  It  is  the  same 
principle  in  whatever  shape  it  dev^ops 
itself.  It  is  the  same  spirit  that  says, 
Tou  toil  and  work  and  earn  bread  and 
I'll  eat  if  " 

It  was  for  the  sake  of  taking  hi» 
stand  upon  that  issue  that  Lincoln 
gave  up  "the  last  full  measure  of  de- 
votion." Guided,  as  he  knew  he  was, 
entirely  by  the  trend  of  events,  he  is 
remembered  because  it  was  his  to  ren- 
der a  striking  service  in  the  cause  of 
those  who  earn  bread  but  go  hungry. 

The  present  crisis  to  which  this  na- 
tion, and  every  nation  in  a  condition  of 
modem  civilization  built  upon  wage 
labor,  has  come  is  so  vastly  different 
from  that  which  beset  us  in  1861  that 
one  must  tread  very  cautiously  in 
making  general  comparisons. 

But  in  those  relations  which  exist 
among  men  and  women  who  are  moved 
by  common  impulses  and  common  faith, 
comparisons  may  very  readily  be  made- 
and  very  justly  so. 

For  tie  world  to  be  delivered  from 
its  present  plight  requires  the  Intelli- 
gent action  of  the  people  everywhere, 
in  city,  in  State  and  in  nation.  It  re- 
quires ability  for  statesmanship  and' 
industrial  administration  by  the  great 
masses  of  the  people. 

And  it  requires,  above  all  else,  that 
abiding  faith  in  the  common  people 
that  was  Lincoln's  guiding  spirit;  It 
requires  his  presence  to  build,  how- 
ever slowly,  to  build  ceaselessly,  ev«n 
when  those  who  work  like  three 
months'  volunteers  and  conscript  sol- 
diers have  rturned  home;  to  go  6» 
building  and  having  faith,  until  the 
people  of  this  nation,  and  of  every  na- 
tion, are  firmly  resolved  that  none 
shall  longer  eat  bread  of  another's 
earning. 


Pity,  forbearance,  long-suffering,  fair 
interpretation,  excusing  our  brother 
and  taking  in  the  best  sense  and  pass- 
ing the  gentlest  sentence  are  certainly 
our  duty,  and  he  who  does  not  so  is  an 
unjust  person. — Jeremy  Taylor, 


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The  Journal  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 


OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


Devoted  to  the  interest  of  those  switching  cars  in  particular,  and  to  the  advancement 
of  all  useful  ioiUrs  in  general. 


Pobliabed  monthly  bj  the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America  at  No.  826  Brisbane  Buildings 

BafRilo,  N.  T. 


aUBaCRIPTION  PRICE, 


ONE  DOLLAR  PER   YEAR  IN  ADVANCE 


AU  matter  Intended  for  publication  snonld  be  In  not  later  than  IGth  of  month  to  insure  appearance 
in  loUowlng  month's  lasne.  No  article  will  be  published  unless  name  of  author  aooompanies  same 

Unless  chances  of  addreas  are  4«oelved  by  16th  of  month  subsftrtbers  must  look  out  for  receipt  of 
foUowlng  month's  issue  at  old  address. 


INTERNATIONAL  OFFICERS 

INTXBNATXONAL   PRMIDENT. 

8  EL  Heberllng.  326  Brtshane  Bld«..  Buf- 
(Uo.  N.  T. 

QmJMD  SaCRSTABT  AND  TRBABURBU 

M.  R.  Weloh,  S26  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Bultalo. 
N.  T. 

Journal  Editor. 

W.  H.  niompaon,  S26  Brisbane  Bids.,  Buf- 
f»Jo,N.  yT^ 

Gramd  Board  or  DiRBcroRfl. 

F.  a  Janes*  Itf  1  MetropoUtan  Ave.,  Kan- 
ma  a^,  Kan. 

C  R  Cnrmnfngiti  250  Whlteaboro  St. 
Utica.  N,  T. 

W.  A.  Tltoa  1S78  B.  92d  St.  aeveUnd.  O. 

ImTBKATIONAL   VlCB-PRBimRNTt. 

J.  B.  Oonnor%  SIS  B.  41at  St,  Chicago,  Dl. 
U  H.  Porter,  Nottlngfaam,  O. 
T.  Cloh«MT,  7107  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  111. 
r.  J.  Sbeefaan, »  Oakdale  Place,  BuflUo  J?.  T. 
T.  J.  Mlaoihalter,  507  OoUege  Ave..  Boae- 
tele.  Kan. 

pROTBcnvR  Board. 

R.  W.  Plymi,  427  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton, 

Pa. 
O.  C  HeasL  579  18th  St.  Detroit  Mt^i. 
T.  H.  Stone.  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago, 

XSL 
Din  Smith.  5547  Prinoeton  Ave..  Ghioaco. 

ni. 

A  J.  Petanon.  1908  Heath  St  Wast-Ft 
William,  Ont 

Grand  Mb>ical  BxAMiNSt 

if- A  Sullivan.  IC  D..  888  Brlahaaa  Bide. 
HMfldeooc.  oor.  Ri^^  Road  and  South 
PMi  AveL,  Lackawaxma.  N.  T. 


THE  TITANIC  SCA  HORROR  SHOULD  Bit 
A  LCSSON  TO  THE  WORLD. 

With  the  closing  of  the  waters  over 
the  great  ocean  steamer,  the  Titanic, 
during  the  night  of  April  14th.  when 
she  disappeared  from  view,  carrying 
with  her  to  an  ocean  grave  1,500  souls, 
was  the  world's  greatest  sea  tragedy 
recorded.  As  her  name  indicated,  the 
Titanic  was  a  superior  vessel,  colossal 
in  its  compartments  and  the  mechan- 
ism that  entered  into  its  structure,  the 
acme  of  latest  knowledge  and  skill 
blended  Into  a  sea-going  monster,  the 
mightiest  ever  constructed.  It  was  the 
world's  largest  ship,  and  it  was  her 
maiden  trip,  and  the  ambition  of  her 
crew  and  owners  that  it  would  also 
prove  to  be  a  new  world's  record  speed 
trip.  For  months  her  initial  start  had 
been  anticipated  by  her  owners  and  the 
public,  and  doubtless  many  sojourns 
had  been  so  timed  to  have  the  honor 
and  pleasure  of  riding  the  waves  of 
the  briny  deep  in  her  elaborate  com- 
partments. This  cargo  of  human  souls, 
representative  of  wealth  and  poverty. 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMBN'8 


was  marking  progress,  and  nearly  all 
were  buoyant  in  the  hope  of  soon 
touching  shore  at  New  York,  uncon- 
scious of  the  Impending  perils  coming 
down  from  polar  regions  in  the  form 
of  giant  icebergs,  to  contest  their  right 
of  way  and  destroy  them.  While  its 
captain  had  received  knowledge  of 
their  congregating  in  the  pathway  and 
had  transmitted  warnings  to  others 
about  them,  he  detoured  not  his  course, 
nor  slackened  the  speed,  until  the  fatal 
crash  with  one  of  those  drifting  ice 
mountains  had  rended  in  twain  this 
mightiest  of  sea  maidens,  and  which 
sent  those  1,500  souls  to  an  ocean 
grave.  Whatever  may  have  been  the 
blame  of  Captain  Smith,  if  any,  for 
the  accident,  he  and  the  gallant  crew 
displayed  the  fortitude  and  courageous 
bravery  of  noble  mariners  by  lending 
all  possible  aid  within  their  power  to, 
save  all  they  could  of  the  human  cargo 
aboard  the  ill-fated  sea  monster;  and*, 
to  their  credit  be  it  said,  they  sacrificed 
their  own  lives  and  saved  as  many 
others  as  possible.  And  be  it  further 
said  to  their  credit,  the  sea  rule  was 
adhered  to  in  giving  women  and  chil- 
dren preference  and  without  distinc- 
tion as  to  class.  The  world  mourns 
the  loss  of  such  heroes  as  the  occu- 
pants of  this  ship  proved  to  be,  and 
long  will  the  stories  of  manly  sacrifice 
of  life  that  others  might  live  be  a 
heritage  to  the  progeny  of  those  meet- 
ing death  on  that  night.  But  let  not 
our  grief  for  those  heroes  and  heroines 
detract  from  our  minds  all  othe»' 
thoughts  relative  to  this  disaster — and 
others,  equally  appalling,  that,  per- 
chance, await  other  seagoing  crafts. 
This  largest  vessel  was  made  such  for 
a  specific  purpose,  even  though  it  re- 
quired an  outlay  of  $10,000,000  to  con- 
struct it.  That  object  was  profit  for  its 
owners,  and  we  should  not  allow  our- 
selves to  get  away  from  this  thought, 
for  a  realization  of  the  profit  part  of 
this  ship  and  the  utter  disregard  of  life 


safeguards  for  the  traveling  public  was 
most  sorrowfully  apparent  to  not  only 
the  survivors  but  to  the  world  as  welL 
She  was  equipped  with  lifeboats  far 
inadequate  to  care  for  those  upon  her 
at  the  time  of  accident.  In  order  to 
save  a  few  hours'  travel  ^nd  be  able  to 
have  a  few  extra  trips  to  her  credit, 
the  Journey  was  made  through  Known 
treacherous  ice  fioes,  which  .could  have 
been  avoided  in  a  more  southward 
course.  It  is  generally  conceded  by  the 
survivors  of  this  catastrophe  that  if 
there  had  been  a  sufficient  number  of 
lifeboats  for  all*  the  lives  upon  her 
there  would  have  been  an  excellent  op- 
portunity of  having  saved  most  all  of 
them.  But  a  full  complement  of  life- 
boats would  have  added  to  the  cost  of 
the  ship.  It  would  also  have  reduced 
the  tonnage  capacity  somewhat,  which 
in  turn  would  have  affected  the  earn- 
ings. So,  in  order  to  keep  the  cost 
down  and  the  diridends  up,  only  a  few 
lifeboats  were  furnished,  and  the 
shorter  route  through  the  ice  floes  was 
selected,  and  a  proud  ship  and  the 
major  portion  of  its  human  cargo  were 
sent  to  the  fathomless  depths.  In  the 
end  it  'Will  all  be  charged  up  to  Je- 
hovah, and  fade  from  public  view,  and 
another  ship  reared  in  its  place  to 
break  the  speed  and  profit  records  that 
this  one  was  intended  to  have  estab- 
lished. If  the  nations  of  the  world 
owned  their  ships,  the  profit  feature 
would  not  enter  so  largely  into  their 
management,  and  safety  and  sanity 
would  enter  more  largely  into  their 
construction  and  operation.  Another 
feature  of  Interest  in  connection  with 
this  is  not  yet  explained  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  lay  citizenship,  which 
was  the  suppression  of  wireless  news 
from  the  public.  No  very  intelligent 
data  could  be  secured  by  an  intensely 
anxious  host  of  relatives  and  friends 
of  the  survivors  when  in  easy  hailing 
distance  with  the  ship  bringing  them 
shoreward.     And  thus  to  the  already 


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extensive  suppressed  list  has  been 
added  another  form  of  its  application. 
This  is  another  matter  the  government 
might  with  good  grace  take  up  and 
regulate,  if  not  take  over — all  wireless 
rights  that  require  signal  stations  in 
this  country  to  be  used  by  foreign  ves- 
sels, and  to  own  and  control  all  those 
used  on  United  States-owned  vessels. 
If  from  this  marine  disaster  proper 
life-saving  equipment  is  demanded 
and  required  on  all  sea-going  crafts, 
and  keeping  out  of  known  extra- 
perilous  sea  routes,  and  wireless 
information  becomes  available  at  all 
times  upon  ocean  steamers  in  the 
future,  a  useful  lesson  will  have  been 
learned  that  will  greatly  aid  in  pre- 
venting a  repetition  of  future  catas- 
trophes of  similar  nature.  It  was  an 
international  horror,  and  from  it  there 
(Should  be  learned  and  put  into  com- 
plete practice  a  world  lesson. 


PRINOPLCS,  NOT  PCRSONALITICS 

SHOULD  DCODC  ARGUMENTS 

The  discussions  going  on  through 
the  JouBNAi.  during  the  last  few 
months  have  brought  out  comments 
and  opinions  upon  several  issues  that 
are  important  to  all  members  giving 
thought  to  the  questions  under  discus- 
sion. The  question  of  the  application 
of  the  initiative  and  referendum  to 
affairs  pertaining  to  labor  unions  is 
not  an  untried  one,  since  it  has  been 
in  operation  to  a  certain  extent  for  a 
number  of  years  in  some  of  them,  par- 
ticularly so  in  reference  to  the  selec- 
tion of  their  officials;  and  in  this 
manner  the  entire  membership  is  given 
the  opportunity  to  register  an  expres- 
sion as  to  choice  of  who  shall  admin- 
ister and  transact  their  affairs  for 
them.  This  mode  of  business  is  demo- 
cratic. During  the  existence  of  this 
union  the  affairs  of  subordinate  lodges 
have  been  chiefly  conducted  at  regu- 
larly   established    meetings,    where   a 


majority  vote  of  those  present  decide 
the  'questions  coming  before  them. 
Whatever  actions  taken  at  those  meet- 
ings may  lack  from  being  the  expres- 
sion of  the  will  of  the  lodges  is  attrib- 
utable to  non-attendance  at  such  meet- 
ings rather  than  being  deprived  of  an 
opportunity  of  an  expression  of  the 
members'  will  upon  the  subjects  com- 
ing before  such  bodies  for  disposition. 
So  far,  our  order  is  democratic  in  the 
literal  sense,  and  the  same  principle 
holds  true  relative  to  grievance  ques- 
tions, where  the  membership  of  a  con- 
siderable group  of  lodges  is  involved, 
as  well  as  in  the  election  of  delegates 
to  conventions.  But  in  the  larger 
workings  of  the  organization,  where 
the  laws  governing  the  union  are  made, 
it  is  the  work  of  a  representative  body 
and  reflects  the  will  of  the  majority 
only  to  the  extent  the  actions  of  dele- 
gates express  the  will  of  those  sending 
them  to  conventions.  It  has  been  an 
open  question  in  the  minds  of  dele- 
gates for  some  time  at  the  conventions 
of  this  union  that  there  was  a  dis- 
parity in  the  representation  features  of 
the  organization  in  reference  to  the  ap- 
portioning of  delegates  among  the  lodges 
in  such  manner  as  would  nearest  repre- 
sent the,  expression  of  the  will  of  the 
entire  membership.  As  our  constitu- 
tion is,  a  lodge  with  five  members  has 
the  same  authority  and  voting  strength 
as  one  having  100  members,  or  twenty 
times  its  own.  Yet  it  has  been  clearly 
recognized  right  along  that  the  small 
lodge  is  a  necessity,  and  that  great 
good  accrues  to  the  organization  from 
the  influences  exerted  by  them  in  the 
smaller  terminals.  The  belief  that  it 
would  be  a  great  hardship  on  such 
lodges  to  be  deprived  of  representation 
In  conventions  has  been  also  a  convic- 
tion 80  strong  that  the  law  has  re- 
mained as  it  is  now.  But  aside  from 
that  question,  would  it  or  would  it  not 
be  advisable  to  submit  all  or  much  of 
the  matter  now  disposed  of  at  conven- 


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JOURNAL    OP   THE    SWITCHMBN'8 


tlons  to  the  rank  and  file  of  the  mem- 
bership for  an  expression  of  their  will 
thereon?  Would  it  be  preferable  for 
each  delegate's  vote  to  be  counted  as 
90  many  units,  according  to  the  mem- 
bership of  his  lodge,  or  merely  as  one 
vote  on  a  parity  with  all  other  votes  as 
now?  The  selection  of  location  for 
holding  of  conventions,  whether  tem- 
porary or  perpetual,  with  a  view  of 
accessibility,  with  least  expense  to  thei 
union  and  inconvenience  to  the  dele- 
gates, is  a  topic  that  might  have  been 
discussed  with  profit  to  the  union  some 
time  ago.  Altogether  these  letters  are 
bringing  out  some  excellent  ideas,  but 
there  has  been  one  unfortunate  feature 
which  has  entered  into  some  of  them 
that  has  already  necessitated  the  blue 
penciling  of  some  of  them  and  must 
of  necessity  more  of  them,  if  continued 
In  the  same  vein.  Regardless  of  our 
opinions  of  the  motives  that  actuate 
or  may  have  actuated  the  endorsement 
or  opposition  of  these  questions  in  the 
past,  they  are  of  interest  to  any  labor 
organization,  and  their  merits  or  de- 
merits should  be  discussed  entirely 
aside  from  personalities.  No  principle 
or  policy  should  be  adopted  or  rejected 
from  the  mere  fact  that  some  particu- 
lar person  is  vouching  for  it,  or  is 
against  it,  but  should  be  decided  upon 
by  the  right  or  wrong  of  the  principle 
and  not  of  the  person.  So  it  Is  hoped 
all  who  discuss  these  topics  through 
the  medium  of  the  Joubnal,  will  seek 
for  arguments  of  facts  upon  the  sub- 
ject matter  under  discussion,  when 
writing,  and  eliminate  the  sarcastical 
personal  features  of  their  letters.  How- 
ever much  we  may  differ  from  others 
in  our  views,  all  should  be  given  credit 
for  sincerity  of  purpose  In  their  con- 
victions of  belief.  A  fair,  open  discus- 
sion of  the  topics  being  brought  out 
in  the  Journal  will  be  productive  of 
good,  but  it  is  facts  based  upon  sub- 
stantial arguments  that  count,  and  not 
personal  rancor  based  upon  prejudice. 


Let  us  all  remember  this  in  our  letters 
— that  progressive  principles' are  well 
worth  discussing,  and  good  will  result 
from  an  exchange  of  varying  opinions 
in  regard  to  them,  but  to  get  the  beet 
results  we  should  concentrate  our 
minds  fully  to  the  questions  at  issue, 
which  in  this  instance  is  material  and 
not  personal. 


INSURANCC  RCSTmcnONS. 

I  think  it  not  amiss  to  call  attention 
of  our  members  to  the  following  ex- 
tract from  the  Fraternal  Beneficiary 
Laws,  known  as  the  Mobile  Bill, 
adopted  by  the  Insurance  Commission- 
ers at  their  National  Convention,  held 
in  Mobile,  Ala.,  September  1910,  and 
enacted  into  a  law  by  several  states  of 
the  Union: 

'^^Section  31.  (Penalties).  Any  per- 
son, officer,  member  or  examining 
physician  of  any  society  authorized  to 
do  business  under  this  act,  who  shall 
kpowingly  or  wilfully  make  any  false 
or  fraudulent  statement  or  represen- 
tation in  or  with  reference  to  any  ap- 
plication for  membership,  or  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  money  from  or 
benefit  in  any  society  transacting  busi- 
ness under  this  act,  shall  be  guiHy  of 
a  misdemeanor  and,  upon  conviction 
thereoif,  shall  be  punished  by  a  fine 
of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars, 
nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or 
imprisonment  Itl  the  county  jail  for 
not  less  than  thirty  days,  nor  more 
than  one  year,  or  both,  in  the  discre- 
tion of  the  court;  and  any  person  who 
shall  wilfully  make  a  false  statement 
of  any  material  fact  or  thing  in  a 
sfwom  statement  as  to  the  death  or 
disability  of  a  certificate  holder  in  any 
such  society  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
curing payment  of  a  benefit  named  in 
the  certificate  of  such  holder,  and  any 
person  who  shall  wilfully  make  any 
false  statement  in  any  verified  report 
or  declaration  under  oath  required  or 
authorized  by  this  act,  shall  be  guilty 
of  perjury,  and  shall  be  proceeded 
against  and  punished  as  provided  by 
the  statutes  of  this  State  in  relation 
to  the  crime  of  perjury.'* 

"Any  society,  or  any  oflker,  agent  or 
employe  thereof  neglecting  or  refus- 


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Ing  to  comply  with,  or  violating  any  of 
the  provisions  of  this  act,  the  penalty 
for  which  neglect,  refusal  or  violation 
Is  not  ^ec^ed  in  this  section,  shall 
be  fined  not  exceeding  two  hundred 
•dollars  upon  conviction  thereof." 

You  will  notice  from  the  above  that 
It  behooves  the  members  of  the  organi- 
zation to  be  guarded  when  approached 
by  a  prospective  member,  whose  phyei 
<»l  condition  would  be  such  that,  were 
the  truth  known,  he  would  not  be  ad- 
mitted as  a  beneficiary  member  into 
any  organization  in  this  country.  We 
frequently  hear  of  members  interced- 
ing for  a  brother  employe  on  account 
of  his  physical  condition.  The  same 
applies  to  the  payment  of  dues  and  as- 
sessments, where  members  become 
•careless  in  their  own  behalf  when,  by 
neglecting  to  pay  per  the  requirements 
of  the  constitution*  they  become  sus- 
pended, and  if  they  meet  with  an  acci- 
dent they  or  their  friends  rush  to  the 
treasurer  and  endeavor  to  pay  dues 
■covering  his  memibership.  Now,  this 
has  been  done  in  a  number  of  in- 
stances, and  you  will  note  from  the 
above  extract  what  it  means  to  the 
guilty  party  if  this  law  is  enforced. 

We  hope  it  wiU  never  be  necessary 
to  enforce  the  requirements  of  the  law 
■on  meniKbers  of  this  union,  but  that 
they  will  avoid  it  by  a  strict  compli- 
ance with  the  laws  covering  the  pay- 
ment of  dues  and  assessments,  as  the 
<:ollecting  of  same  by  the  treasurer 
will  prevent  any  such  possibility. 

The    treasurer    should    also    know 
positively  of  the  physical  condition  of 
a  member  whose  money  is  tendered  to* 
him  by  a  friend  of  the  family  or  a 
relative  during  suspension. 

The  Switchmen's  Union  is  incorpor- 
-ated  under  the  Fraternal  Laws  of  the 
State  of  New  York.  We  report  the 
affairs  of  the  organization  to  the  In- 
•surance  Commissioner  annuiUly,  sub- 
mitting a  copy  of  our  constitution. 
"We  likewise  report  to  a  large  number 
of     commissioners    of    other    states, 


from  whom  we  receive  a  permit  or 
license  to  transact  business  as  a  fra- 
ternal beneficiary  organization. 

The  Mobile  Bill  above  referred  to 
became  a  law  in  twenty-eight  states  of 
the  Union.  The  provisions  of  the  con- 
stitution of  any  fraternal  insurance 
corporation,  or  association,  is  the  law 
governing  such  society.  The  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vide that  certain  forms  shall  be  exe- 
cuted for  making  proof  of  death  or 
disability.  The  form  to  be  used  is 
in  the  way  of  an  affidavit  setting  forth 
the  facts.  It  is  assumed  that  every 
member  wilf  conform  to  the  constitu- 
tion and  on  his  neglect  to  do  so,  if  the 
ofTense  is  the  neglect  of  paying  dues 
and  assessments,  he  will  stand  sus- 
pended. The  rules  of  the  constitution, 
which  are  our  laws,  provide  when  such 
suspension  shall  Uke  place;  they  also 
provide  how  a  member  may  be  rein- 
sUted  and  plainly  state  that  he  shall 
pay  to  the  treasurer  of  the  lodge  the 
necessary  amount  covering  his  rein- 
statement. 

He  shall  also  sign  certain  forms  be- 
fore his  reinstatement  has  been  com- 
pleted. In  this  respect  you  will  note 
that  Section  31  of  the  Mobile  Bill, 
above  referred  to,  provides  among 
other  things,  as  follows: 

"Any  person,  officer  or  member  who 
wilfully  makes  any  false  or  fraudu- 
lent statement,  or  representation,  in 
or  with  reference  to  any  application 
for  membership,  shall  be  guilty  of  a 
misdemeanor." 

In  the  preparing  of  death  or  dis- 
ability claims,  this  section  says  in 
part  as  follows: 

"Any  person  who  shall  wilfully 
make  a  false  statement  of  any  mate- 
rial facts,  shall  be  guilty  of  perjury 
and  shall  be  proceeded  against." 

I  call  particular  attention  to  the 
penalty  clause  in  the  Mobile  Bill,  as 
we  know  the  members  of  the  organiza- 
tion, or  organizations  in  general,  are 
not  in  a  position  to  familiarize  them- 


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JOURNAL   OP    THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


selves  with  the  insurance  laws  and, 
therefore,  do  not  appreciate  the  fact 
that  the  constitutions  of  organizations 
transacting  business  under  those  rigid 
laws  are  not  elastic,  but  are  to  be  en- 
forced to  the  letter.  Therefore,  do  not 
take  offense  when  your  attention  is 
called  to  certain  sections  of  our  laws 
when  we  find  it  necessary  to  communi- 
cate with  you  relative  to  matters  per- 
taining to  the  Union. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  R.  Welch, 

Grand  SecretaryTreaaurer. 


EXPRESS  COMPANY  INVESTIGATION. 

Whatever  comes  of  the  investigation 
of  the  Interstate  Commerce  Commis- 
sion into  the  valuation  of  property, 
earnings  and  cost  of  operation  of  ex- 
press companies,  it  has  brought  out 
facts  as  to  how  the  people  are  fleeced 
out  of  millions  annually  beyond  a  fair 
rate  of  dividends  on  the  investments 
in  such  properties.  This  commission 
has  found  that  not  only  are  their  regu- 
lar I  ate  charges  grossly  exorbitant,  but 
the  patrons  have  in  numerous  instances 
paid  these  charges  at  both  ends  of  the 
line.  As  a  result  of  this  inquiry  into 
the  express  business,  a  number  of  bills 
have  come  before  Congress,  any  of 
which,  if  enacted  into  law,  would  af- 
ford much  relief  to  the  public  against 
extortions  long  practiced  upon  it  by 
express  companies.  The  bill  intro- 
duced in  Congress  by  Representative 
Adamson  of  Georgia,  and  said  to  be 
most  favored  by  the  Committee  on 
Interstate  and  Foreign  Commerce,  and 
with  most  likelihood  at  present  of 
being  passed,  applies  to  all  packages 
under  eleven  pounds'  weight,  with  val- 
uation not  to  exceed  $80.  According  to 
this  bill  a  plan  would  be  arranged  for 
minimum  charges  as  follows:  Between 
any  two  points  in  the  United  States 
more  than  2,000  miles  apart,  12  cents 
per  pound ;   points  not  over  2,000  miles. 


10  cents  per  pound;  not  over  1.200 
miles,  7  cents  per  pound;  not  more 
than  800  miles,  5  cents  per  pound;  not 
more  than  600  miles,  4  cents  per 
pound;  and  points  not  over  250  miles,. 
2  cents  per  pound.  That  is  an  estimate 
of  fair  rates  for  such  packages.  If 
those  figures  present  a  fair  charge  from 
which  express  companies  can  conduct 
their  business  and  realize  a  fair  divi- 
dend upon  their  investments,  what 
brazen  robberies  that  have  been  per- 
petrated upon  the  long-patient  public 
may  be  ascertained  by  asking  for  a 
prepaid  rate  for  a  11-pound  package  to 
any  point  within  the  mileage  limits 
above  given.  The  difference  in  the  two 
rates  would  tell  the  story  for  the  single 
package,  unless  your  package,  like 
thousands  of  others  doomed  to  such 
charge  at  both  ends  of  the  line,  if  you 
were  fortunate  to  receive  it  at  all. 


rOUR  NEW  LODGES. 

The  following  new  lodges  have  been 
Instituted  since  the  time  of  going  to 
press  with  April  Joxjbnal  niatter: 

Regina  Lodge  No.  213,  Reglna^ 
-Sask.,  Canada,  and  Saskatoon  Lodge 
No.  207,  Saskatoon,  Sask.,  Canada,  or- 
ganized by  Bro.  P.  H.  Merriman;  Ely 
Lodge  No.  204,  East  Ely,  Nev.,  organ- 
ized by  Vice-President  Thomas  Clo- 
hessy,  and  Bend  City  Lodge  No.  187, 
Muscatine,  la.,  organized  by  Vice- 
President  J.  B.  Connors. 

We  are  very  glad  to  welcome  this 
new  addition  of  lodges  to  our  roster, 
and  the  members  of  same  to  our  organ- 
ization. We  are  also  glad  they  recog- 
nize the  mission  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America  among  the 
railway  brotherhoods,  and  that  their 
recognition  of  such  has  developed  into 
convictions  and  actions  to  the  extent  of 
becoming  active  branches  and  units  In 
the  work.  In  their  decision  to  become 
an  active  part  of  this  union  they  have 
shown  good  judgment,  as  any  worker 
does  who  Joins  an  organization  insti- 
tuted for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the 


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291 


weltere  of  his  general  conditions,  and 
eq>eclall7  tlie  working  conditions  pecu- 
liar to  his  vocation.  8ince  every  Toca- 
tion  has  a  multitude  of  environments 
pecularly  its  own,  and  which  can, 
under  no  circumstances  be  fully  sus- 
ceptible to  those  engaged  in  others,  as 
they  are  by  themselves,  it  behooves  all 
workers  to  become  conscious  of  their 
true  bearings  in  regard  to  such  mat- 
ters and  enter  actively  into  the  council 
ahd  life  of  the  organization  that  best 
r^resents  their  work.  This  these 
brothers  have  done,  and  the  hand  of 
brotherly  fellowship  and  good  will 
from  every  lodge  in  our  organization  is 
extended  to  the  brothers  of  these  new 
lodges  with  the  hope  and  belief  that 
all  of  their  ^  members  will  become 
active  workers  in  the  union  of  which 
each  has  become  an  active  voice  and 
influence.  Success  to  all  Is  our  best 
wish. 


''PHOSSY-JAW  Bi.L  A  LAW  AT  LAST." 

After  years  of  agitation  on  the  part 
of  organized  labor  and  after  many 
fsces  of  matchmakers  had  been  eaten 
up  by  the  poisons  resulting  from  the 
use  of  phosphorous  in  the  manufacture 
of  matches,  a  federal  law  has  now  been 
enacted  prohibiting  the  use  of  this 
poisonous  element  entering  into  the 
shops  where  matches  are  made.  It 
has  required  a  vast  amount  of  pub- 
licity in  reference  to  the  cruelties  that 
were  being  forced  upon  the  employes 
of  such  concerns  before  the  law-mak- 
ers took  cognizance  of  the  matter.  For 
several  years  in  European  countries  a 
means  had  been  found  of  making 
matches  without  the  deadly  phosphor- 
ous entering  into  the  process  of  their 
making  and  where  laws  have  for  some 
time  prevented  its  use  in  such  fac- 
tories. But  in  this  country  such  a 
humane  law  is  not  readily  forthcom- 
ing, especially  if  the  cost  of  the  output 
is  enhanced  by  its  enactment,  and  that 


was  the  trouble  in  this  case.  Without 
the  use  of  this  poison  entering  into 
the  composition  of  matches,  it  has 
been  estimated  it  would  add  to  their 
cost  about  one  cent  per  family  per 
year  in  this  country. 

But  let  us  be  thankful  that  a  con- 
tinuous agitation  of  the  humane  side 
of  the  question  has  finally  won  and  the 
law  passed,  making  the  lives  of  those 
who  are  employed  in  the  production 
of  this  useful  Work  worth  living.  Thd 
following  excerpt  from  Tne  Burvey, 
April  12th,  gives  an  interesting  brief 
of  the  concluding  scenes  relative  to 
this  long  sought  for  and  humane  law: 

On  April  3d,  the  United  States  Ben- 
ate  pased  the  phosphorous  match  bill 
of  the  American  Association  for  Labor 
Legislation  by  a  practically  unanimous 
viva  voce  vote.  The  House  passed  it 
March  28th,  by  a  vote  of  163  to  31.  It 
was  signed  by  President  Taft  April  9th. 

Investigations  of  "phossy  jaw,"  the 
occupational  disease  of  match  factory 
workers,  led  to  the  introduction  of  the 
bill  in  June,  1910,  immediately  after  the 
publication  of  the  report  on  phosphor- 
ous poisoning  by  John  B.  Andrews, 
secretary  of  the  association.  Public 
sentiment  demanded  the  prohibition 
of  the  death-dealing  match.  Through 
this  legislation  one  of  the  most  loath; 
some  of  all  industrial  diseases  will  be 
abolished. 

Other  countries  took  similar  action 
years  ago  and  nine  countries  have 
even  signed  an  international  treaty 
prohibiting  the  use  of  phosphorus  for 
which  there  are  many  harmless  sub- 
stitutes. Because  the  poison  is  a  lit- 
tle cheapa:  no  match  manufacture' 
was  willing  to  stop  using  it  until  a 
national  uniform  law  could  be  passed. 
Now  all  will  be  obliged  to  stop  using 
the  poison  at  the  same  time  and  no 
one  will  suffer.  Thousands  of  work- 
ers  will  be  spared  unnecessary  ex- 
posure to  this  peculiar  poison. 

The  law  prohibits  the  importation 
and  exportation  of  poisonous  phos- 
phorous matches  and  places  a  pro- 
hibitive internal  revenue  tax  on  their 
manufacture  within  the  United  States. 
Drastic  penalties  are  provided  for  vio- 
lations of  the  law,  which  will  foe  ad- 
ministered through   the  eflicient  fed- 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHBfBN'8 


eral  Internal   revenue  service  of  the 
Department  of  the  Treasury. 

Constitutional  o'bjectlon  was  raised 
against  the  bill  by  "strict  construc- 
tionists/' who  deplored  this  use  of  the 
federal  taxing  power.  But  even  Sena- 
tor Bailey,  of  Texas,  the  most  bitter 
opponent,  admitted  in  tlie  closing  min- 
utes of  debate  that  the  courts  would 
not  inquire  int^  the  purpose  of  Con- 
gress in  levying  *the  tax  and  that  "The 
rule  Is  too  well  established  now  to  be 
successfully  assailed,  and  I  know  pei*- 
fectly  well  that  if  Congress  passes  this 
act,  the  courts  will  sustain  it." 


VOTC  fOR  THOSE  WHO  RCPRCSENT  THE 
WORKERS. 

This  year  is  a  most  Important  one, 
or  at  least  should  be,  to  all  working 
men  In  this  country,  for  they  will  have 
an  opportunity  of  ascertaining  who 
are  their  friends  among  the  host  of 
those  seeking  political  preferment  and 
honors  coming  through  the  ballot 
route. 

However  little  the  workers  are  loved 
by  those  they  have  elevated  to  places 
of  great  trust,  there  are  times  when 
even  the  highest  officials  must  cater  to 
the  lowly  for  a  new  lease  of  privilege 
to  serve  or  swindle  them,  as  the  case 
n&y  be. 

They  must  now  appeal  to  the  "mo- 
mentary gusts  of  popular  passion*'  for 
a  renewal  of  the  permit  to  continue  to 
show  the  people  how  much  they  love 
them,  and  how  they  desire  to  remain 
guardians  over  their  welfare,  and  "God 
knows,"  It's  a  pretty  hard  pill  for  some 
of  the  big  fellows  to  get  out  and  mix 
with  the  undesirable  citizenship.  But 
they  are  doing  It,  and  making  some 
pretty  long  jumps  over  the  country 
when  doing  so.  It  all  goes  to  show 
where  the  real  power  is,  and  It  should 
also  have  a  tendency  to  open  our  eyes 
to  the  extent  of  seeing  where  our  real 
Interests  are  and  taking  advantage  of 
the  opportunities  we  have  of  placing 
those  of  our  own  class  into  these  posi- 
tions of  trust  that  are  at  the  disposal 


of  those  having  the  rights  of  suffrage. 
Those  having  such  rights  should  see 
to  It  that  they  are  registered  and  other- 
wise qualified  to  perform  these  sacred 
obligations  In  their  own  interests. 
The  time  Is  most  opportune  for  the 
workers  to  fill  both  State  and  national 
legislative  halls  with  their  own  men. 


REMEMBER  MEMORIAL  DAY,  SUNDAY, 
MAY  26III. 

There  Is  no  service  in  connection 
with  the  affairs  of  this  union  that  can 
be  attended  by  the  members  of  this 
organization,  their  families  and  friends 
with  a  spirit  of  greater  charity  and 
fraternal  love  than  can  a  memorial  ser- 
vice. It  is  to  be  hoped  that  a  general 
observance  of  this  feature  of  the  organ- 
ization will  be  as  well  arranged  for  as 
possible  by  the  membership  of  this 
union  and  the  auxiliary,  wherever  we 
have  a  lodge  or  lodges  located.  Those 
living  today  owe  a  very  large  debt  of 
gratitude  to  those  who  have  entered 
the  life  beyond,  and  such  debt  should 
not  be  forgotten.  It  is  a  most  appro- 
priate feature  In  the  work  of  any  insti- 
tution that  It  pay  homage  to  those  who 
have  been  removed  from  it  by  death, 
yet  upon  whose  activity  and  sincerity 
when  living  It  received  so  much  of  Its 
inspiration  and  useful  Influences.  Let 
all  our  members  join  in  this  laudable 
feature  of  the  organization,  and  they 
will  have  participated  In  something 
that  will  broaden  their  conceptions  of 
life,  brotherly  love  and  duties  to  our 
fellow  creatures. 


BROKEN  RAH^. 

The  public  press  and  railroad  maga- 
zines have  contained  many  articles  of 
interest  relative  to  railroad  accidents 
due  to  broken  rails.  It  Is  claimed  that 
there  have  been  over  2,000  accidents 
attributable  to  this  cause  alone  within 


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UNION   OP   NORTH    AMERICA. 


the  last  ten  years.  Most  everything 
imaginable  is  attributed  as  causes  for 
these  breakages,  but  instead  of  ascer- 
taining their  causes  and  applying  a 
remedy  to  prevent  them,  they  are  ap- 
parently on  the  increase  as  causes  of 
accidents.  Science  has  greatly  im- 
proved the  means  of  getting  out  any 
kind  of  rail  desired,  but  to  the  casual 
observers  of  those  employed  along  the 
vast  stretches  of  rails  now  in  use,  it 
has  been  a  hard  task  to  convince  them- 
selves that  the  life  of  the  modem  type 
of  rail  has  the  non-breakable  or  wear- 
ing resistance  that  the  rails  of  a  few 
years  ago  had  without  so  much  science 
in  them.  Like  the  liquor  interests,  the 
steel  mills  find  the  "chemical  man"  the 
most  valuable  asset  around  their 
plants.  In  either  case,  when  a  substi- 
tute, instead  of  a  real  essential  in- 
gredient can  be  worked  off  upon  inspec- 
tors, it  is  done,  and  when  *'salvey" 
chemicals  can  be  used  upon  the  mind 
of  inspectors  all  the  more  profit  for 
those  concerns,  more  libraries,  other 
philanthropies  and  dangers  to  the  coun- 
try. A  transition  from  the  40  to  60- 
pound  rails  of  thirty-five  years  ago  to 
the  80,  90,  100  to  115-pound  railings  of 
today  indicates  the  growth  of  resist- 
ance that  has  been  required  to  over- 
come the  added  weights  of  engines  and 
cars  moving  over  them.  The  govern- 
ment has  gone  to  considerable  trouble 
and  expense  togAscertain  the  causes  of 
broken  rails  and  even  the  composition 
of  the  rail,  but,  so  far,  has  not  endeav- 
ored to  use  any  serious  authority  to 
have  proper  inspection  of  the  output  of 
steel  mills  to  detect  and  reject  rails 
that  were  unfit  to  use.  The  profit 
feature  of  the  quality  used  is  the  pre- 
dominating feature  in  the  question  of 
purchase  with  the  roads,  as  it  is  in 
the  sale  of  it  with  mill  companies. 
Neither  party  is  concerned  in-  the 
question  of  safety-  to  the  public  only  as 
it  affects  their  profits.  But  the  govern- 
ment should  be,  and  will  be,  when  the 


people  have  representatives  sent  to 
Washington  who  represent  them  in- 
stead of  the  corporations.  The  mill 
companies  claim  the  traflic  is  too  heavy 
for  rails  that  formerly  served  necessary 
purposes,  and  the  Interstate  Commis- 
sion has  intimated  in  its  findings  that 
"possibly  the  maximum  weight  of 
power  and  rolling  stock  that  can  safely 
be  used  on  rails  of  present-day  manu- 
facture has  been  reached,  if  indeed  it 
lias  not  been  passed."  So,  with  the  de- 
terioration of  material  used  in  manu- 
facture of  rails  and  inferior  quality  of 
ties  placed  under  them  and  the  ever- 
increasing  tonnaged  engines  and  cars 
being  placed  over  them,  the  outlook, 
for  safety  and  accident  preventives, 
is  not  of  an  optimistic  hue.  Until 
such  time  as  it  is  more  profitable  to 
prevent  accidents  due  to  broken  rails 
than  it  is  to  have  them  on  the  increase, 
as  now,  they  will  continue,  as  now,  or 
become  more  frequent. 


BiTTCR  DCPCmCNCK  — VALUABLE 
LCSSONS. 

According  to  reports  the  strike  on 
the  Illinois  Central  Railway  is  still  in 
full  force,  and  while  the  company  has 
induced  an  army  of  strike-breakers  of 
every  variety,  from  those  desiring 
transportation  to  different  climates  to 
the  most  disreputable  thugs,  in  fact, 
every  kind  of  bad  actors,  every  kind  of 
humanity,  except  those  who  could  do 
the  proper  repair  work  on  engines  and 
cars  to  keep  the  trains  running  in  nor- 
mal condition  and  the  road  furnish- 
ing good  service  to  the  public,  and 
earning  good  dividends  for  its  owners. 
For  want  of  attention  of  the  skilled 
mechanics,  who  were  forced  to  strike 
for  principle  last  fall,  the  engines  and 
other  rolling  stock  equipment  has  so 
deteriorated  in  efficiency  that  for  sev- 
eral months  business  has  been  so  far 
below  normal  on  this  great  dividend- 
earning  sjrstem  as  to  alarm  its  owners 


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X^URNAL   OF   THSr   SWITCmiBN*8 


abd  officials,  and  the  service  famished 
its  patrons  has  long  since  t>een  con- 
demned by  the  patrons  of  the  road  who 
are  protestinsr  against  the  injustice  of 
it  all.  There  is  nothing  more  provok- 
ing to  the  traveling  and  business  public 
than  to  be  compelled  to  pay  for  efficient 
service  and  receive  just  the  opposite' 
brand.  This  is  the  condition  along  the 
Harriman  lines  today,  and  all  due  to 
the  refusal  of  the  companies  to  recog- 
nize and  deal  honorably  with  a  repre- 
sentative body  of  their  faithful  and 
efficient  employes.  As  a  result  of  this 
niggardly  policy  on  part  of  those  lines 
a  state  of  demoralization  prevails 
along  them.  Train  schedules  cannot 
be  properly  maintained,  shippers  have 
no  assurance  of  getting  cars  when 
wanted,  nor  of  them  reaching  points  of 
destination  when  they  have  them.  Tlie 
net  earnings  of  these  roads,  according 
to  their  figures,  have  almost  dwindled 
away  into  deficits,  and  receiverships 
for  them  are  not  among  the  impossi- 
bilities unless  a  settlement  wltb  their 
striking  shop  men  is  soon  ^ected,  in 
order  to  get  the  roads'  equipment  in 
decent  running  order  again.  It  is 
much  more  profitable  in  the  end  to 
deal  flairly  with  faithful  employes  than 
it  is  with  treacherous  thugs  and  strike- 
breakers, and  though  it  is  hard  for 
corporations  to  realize  this,  they  are 
perforce  and  bitter  experience  learn- 
ing the  truth  of  it. 


rrom  Vloe-Pntsklent  Porter. 

CiNCIITATTI,   O. 

Editok  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

We  have  just  endured  a  most  trying 
season,  one  that  has  severely  tested 
the  endurance  qualifications  of  those 
whose  working  duties  necessitated  a 
constant  exposure  to  the  very  low 
weathery  elements,  to  which  they  were 
so  long  exposed.  There  is  scarcely  a 
class  of  workers  who  know  better  than 
the  switchmen  the  real  hardships  of 
winter  work.  Their  duties  are  right 
out  in  the  open,  exposed  all  the  while, 
regardless  of  bitter  storms  or  biting 


zero  elements.  None  can  dispute  but 
that  they  have  stood  their  full  share  of 
discomforts  in  order  to  live  and  let 
others  live.  Much  of  this  season  our 
members  were  compelled  to  work  a 
great  deal  of  overtime,  and  in  many 
instances  as  much  as  the  law  would 
allow  them  to  work.  I  contend  this  is 
an  injustice  to  our  men,  and  while 
there  seems  to  be  no  remedy  at  present 
to  overcome  this  hardship  unjustly' 
borne  by  railroad  men,  there  should, 
in  my  judgment,  be  a  constant  insist- 
ency and  advocacy  for  the  eight-hour 
work  day,  to  become  applicable  in  all 
branches  of  railroad  service,  and  espe- 
cially so  in  all  where  the  duties  require 
an  extra  amount  of  phjrsical  and 
mental  strain  upon  those  doing  this 
important  work.  Now,  brothers,  which 
do  you  think  the  better  policy,  an 
eight-hour  day  at  the  present  hourly 
rates  of  pay,  or  be  patient  until  such 
time  as  the  earning  time  for  a  shorter 
day  will  equalize?  I  have  no  patience 
with  the  "overtime  hog,"  as  he  will  not 
live  ,long  enough  to  enjoy  his  earnings 
for  overwork,  and  if  he  has  a  family 
they  can  not  enjoy  the  pleasures  of 
home  as  they  should.  While  all  yards 
have  fair  working  conditions,  some  are 
much  better  than  others.  Fortunately 
for  our  membership,  those  working 
agreements  reasoned  out  and  adjusted 
by  the  committees  of  this  union,  men 
who  devote  their  entire  time  to  this 
particular  kind  of  work,  whose  sole 
thought,  when  arranging  them,  is  a 
realization  of  the  attainment  of  re- 
sults best  calculated  to  serve  their  best 
interests,  do  we  find  the  best  schedules 
today.  And  when  one  carefully  refiects 
on  the  question  a  moment,  it  is  not 
strange  that  this  is  tffe  case,  and  it 
would  be  out  of  the  usual  if  it  were 
not  so.  Tn  this  union  we  have  a  band 
of  men  working  for  a  common  purpose* 
working  at  the  same  kind  of  duties, 
and  it  is  but  natural  that  their  line  of 
reasoning  and  their  ideas  as  to  what 
conditions  should  prevail  in  connec- 
tion with  their  duties,  could  be  better 
solved  by  them  than  through  any  other 
agen^.  Road  men,  whose  minds  and 
hands  are  engaged  in  duties  quite  for- 
eign to  those  of  the  switchmen,  could 
hot  be  expected  to  legislate  for  yard 
teen  with  the  same  -degree  of  intelli- 
gence they  would  for  the  road  men. 
and  their  attempts  at  such  legislation 
cliearly  bears  out  the  correctness  of  thi« 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OF  NORTH   AMERIOA. 


m 


tbnorj.    I  realise  how  very  tight  our 
great  competitor  endeavors  to  hold  on 
to  each  of  their  members  who  is  en- 
caged in  this  kind  of  work,  and  in 
doing  so  they  realize  the  power  pos- 
sessed by  tliem  for  the  correction  of 
abuses  or  the  attainment  of  just  condi- 
tions, and  that  it  is  much  greater  per 
man  tban  is  any  other  portion  of  their 
constituency.     But  that  is  no  reason 
wby  members  of  other  organizations 
wbo  switch  cars  should  refrain  from 
becoming  a  part  of  the  union  thai  is 
in  tbe  field  for  the  special  benefit  of 
this  class  of  workers,  and  all  of  which 
energy  possessed  is  available  for  the 
promotion  of  their    interests,    instead 
of  a  minor  portion  of  it  in  any  other 
organization  catering  to  yardmen  for 
membership.    This  is  a  fact  that  can 
not  be  too  strongly  impressed  upon  the 
minds  of  members  of  any  of  the  other 
brotherhoods  that  are  entering  switch- 
ing service  for  a  livelihood.     In  any 
other  organization  they  are  in  a  hope- 
less minority,  and  their  consideration 
is  a  secondary  feature  at  best.     It  is 
bard,  though,  to  make  people  realize 
such  things  as  they  should,  and  our 
efforts  to  convince  them  of  their  truth- 
fulness, while  not  always  accomplish- 
ing all  we  had  hoped  for,  has,  none- 
the  less,  been  instrumental  in  convinc- 
ing many  that  their  interests  can  be 
best  promoted  in  this  union,  the  suc- 
cessor of  the  old  S.  M.  M.  A.,  the  ship 
that  carried  a  heavy  burden,  until  it 
was  dashed  upon  the  rocks  in  1894  and 
lost  for  a  time.    But  many  members  of 
tbe  old  union,  realizing   its   value   in 
the  past,  as  well  as  the  urgent  need  of 
an  organization  for    future    guidance 
and  which  would  embody  most  of  its 
progressive    characteristics,    launched 
the    present    Switchmen's    Union    of 
North  America. 

The  impetus  given  to  it  at  its  incep- 
tion by  those  landmarks  in  switching 
service,  together  with  that  imparted  to 
it  by  the  younger,  yet  courageous 
lives  that  have  since  taken  up  this 
kind  of  work,  have  built  for  It  a  firm 
foundation  upon  which  is  gathered  to- 
day a  host  of  as  true  and  reliable  mem- 
hership  as  can  be  found  in  any  labor 
organization  In  the  land,  and  one  to 
which  every  switchman  owes  allegiance 
tor  improved  jrard  conditions  enioyed. 
and  of  which  every  one  of  them  should 
^apart 
T  meet  many  members  of  the  B.  of 


R.  T.  in  the  yards,  and  their  principal 
argument  against  "lining  up'*  in  this 
union  is,  "I  have  belonged  to  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  a  number  of  years  and  have  paijd 
a  lot  of  money  in  it  and  I  don*t  wai^t 
to  lose  it,  and  I  don't  feel  able  to  pay 
for  protection  in  both."  These  men 
do  not  realize  that  they  have  paid  a 
large  sum  into  the  wrong  treasury  for 
so  many  years  for  the  benefit  of  an  in- 
surance l^iat  only  protects  them  from 
day  to  day;  and  if  they  would  stop  to 
think  of  it  they  would  see  it  was 
through  the  influence  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  that  much  of  their  money  cam» 
from  with  which  to  pay  for  the  protec- 
tion of  their  families  on  account  of  the 
wage  increases  secured  through  it. 
More  and  more  all  those  working  in 
3rard  service  are  realizing  these  truths 
and  see  the  justice  in  our  contention 
that' this  is  the  proper  organization  for 
them  to  affiliate  with,  and  we  hope  ere 
long  the  conviction  will  be  so  firmly 
impressed  upon  the  minds  of  all  en- 
gaged in  such  service  that  all  will  place 
their  allegiance  in  this  union.  The 
time  of  such  solidity  of  yard  forces 
can  only  be  brought  about  by  a  per- 
sistent and  continuous  course  of  activ- 
ity on  the  part  of  our  membership  in 
every  part  of  the  country. 

I  am  glad  to  state  that  in  most 
places  I  have  visited  during  the  last 
two  months  that  a  little  more  activity 
is  apparent  among  our  members,  and 
they  begin  to  see  where  they  will  land 
if  they  don't  come  out  of  their  slumber. 
For  they  have,  in  some  places,  been 
asleep  to  the  flact  that  all  the  good 
work  they  can  give  to  the  S.  U.  of  N. 
A.  will  not  half  pay  for  what  they 
have  received  through  its  guiding  poli- 
cies. 

But  to  be  in  a  position  to  get  proper 
recognition  we  should  have  greater  nu- 
merical strength  on  all  sjrstems,  as 
without  this  you  can  not  legislate  for 
yourselves,  but  will  be  obliged  to  ac- 
cept what  you  get  and  be  satisfied  with 
what  is  given  you,  which  I  fear  will  be 
very  little.  I  am  ^ery  much  pleased 
with  the  March  report,  which  shows 
substantial  gains;  and,  hrothers,  my 
closing  admonition  is,  keep  up  this 
srood  work,  for  it's  up  to  the  rank  and 
file  to  make  steady  gains,  and  by  giving 
a  very  little  of  time  from  each  of  otrr 
members  to  thfs  cause  we  ^  will  soon 
have  accomplished  the  desired  strength, 
so    that    when    the    opportune    time 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


f96 


JOURNAL   OP  THB   SWITCHHBN'8 


comes,  we  will  be  In  a  position  to  do 
as  we  have  done  since  1902,  place  In 
your  hands  a  substantial  increase  of 
pay.  Let  us  also  work  for  the  shorter 
workday,  that  you  may  be  enabled  to 
finish  a  day's  work  in  ample  time  that 
your  wife  may  wash  her  supper  dishes 
and  be  ready  to  spend  a  pleasant  even- 
ing with  you  before  it  is  time  to  go  to 
bed,  and  Uiis  will  only  be  accomplished 
when  you  work  with  an  honest  spirit 
for  the  success  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
the  order  that  endeavors  to  protect  you 
against  the  great  money  power  that  is 
ever  figuring  how  it  can  get  a  little 
more  out  of  the  working  man.  You 
will  agree  with  me  that  it  alwajrs 
"stands  pat*';  so,  brothers,  we  who 
switch  cars,  must  do  likewise.  We 
will  see  which  hand  will  win;  but  di- 
vided, we  must  lose.  So  to  all  those 
who  have  not  been  active  in  this  good 
cause,  I  would  ask  that  you  get  busy, 
and,  wherever  needed,  assist  In  the  ex- 
pansion and  upbuilding  of  this  good 
work,  and  towards  the  accomplishment 
of  this  end  I  will  be  with  you  and  ren- 
der all  the  aid  within  my  power.  I  re- 
main. 

Your  servant  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  H.  Porter. 


Memorial  Services  of  Buffalo  Lodges  Under 
AiiHiices  of  the  District  Coundi. 

In  compliance  with  the  announce- 
ment of  our  International  President 
that  May  26th  was  to  be  observed  as 
Memorial  Day  in  this  union,  the  Buf- 
falo District  Council  have  arranged  to 
conduct  exercises  representing  the 
eight  lodges  of  Buffalo.  This  service 
will  be  held  in  Moose  Hall,  130-134 
Pranklin  street  (comer  Franklin  and 
Court  streets).  Bros.  Thomas  O. 
Meaney  of  Lodge  No.  39,  G.  C.  Roth  of 
Lodge  No.  201,  and  M.  J.  Colgan  of 
IjOdge  No.  4,  are  the  members  of  the 
committee  in  charge  of  the  program. 
It  is  their  earnest  request  that  all 
members,  their  families,  and  all  mem- 
bers of  our  deceased  brothers'  families 
be  present  at  this  memorial  service.  It 
Is  the  purpose  of  the  committee  in 
charge  to  provide  a  good  program  and 
their  sincere  hope  that  the  member- 
ship and  Irlends  will  turn  out  in  such 
numbers  as  will  crowd  the  hall  to  its 
limit. 


Govemmeiit  Ownenliip  of 

Bt  Db.  p.  a.  Kanb. 

At  the  present  time  there  are  about 
seventeen  hundred  thousand  men  and 
women  working  for  the  steam  surface 
railroads  of  this  country.  They  work 
from  ten  to  twenty  hours  a  day  and 
seven  days  in  the  week.  Government 
ownership  would  reduce  those  hours 
to  eight  and  six  days  in  a  week. 

All  employes  would  be  under  civil 
service  and  practlcaly  have  a  life 
position.  No  pettifogging  boes  would 
be  able  to  discharge  at  will  whom  he 
wished.  No  aliens  could  be  emfdoyed 
until  American  citizens  were  taken 
care  of.  I  do  not  believe  in  any  re- 
strictions to  emigration  from  European 
countries,  or  wherever  the  Caucasslan 
race  resides.  But  I  do  believe  citizens 
should  have  fir^  choice  when  any 
positions  are  to  be  filled  in  this  or  any 
other  country. 

The  reduction  in  hours  would  not  re- 
duce present  wages,  but  would  raise 
those  of  trackmen,  freight  handlers, 
lady  clerks,  car  cleaners  and  all  em- 
pfloyes  who  were  getting  less  than 
twenty-five  cents  an  hour.  It  would  be 
safe  to  say  that  wages  in  general 
\70uld  be  much  more  than  at  present. 

Eight  hours  a  day  would  build  up 
many  new  terminals,  or  else  trains 
would  have  to  be  considerably  short- 
ened in  order  to  make  running  time. 
Terminals  at  present  are  built  for 
long  hours  haul.  Shortening  of  trains 
or  building  of  closer  terminals  would 
put  many  more  men  to  work.  It  would 
be  safe  to  say  that  the  number  of  em- 
ployes would  be  at  least  doubled  so 
that,  instead  of  1,700,000  as  at  pres- 
ent, 3,500,000  would  be  the  number 
needed  to  operate  the  railroads  under 
government  ownership. 

Why  do  not  the  vast  majority  of 
railroad  employes  own  their  own 
homes?  They  work  thirty  days  in  the 
month,  earn  big  money  and  all  would 
like  to  own  their  homes.  Their  earn- 
ing capacity  entitles  them  to  a  home, 
but  the  Insecurity  of  their  position 
says  beware.  So,  Instead  of  home- 
owning  community  on  the  railroads, 
they  are  nearly  all  renters.  They  can- 
not or  dare  not  make  that  first  pay- 
ment on  a  home  because  they  may  lose 
their  position  or  be  transferred  to  an- 
other terminal. 

In  case  of  a  strike  or  lockout,  every 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


297 


scab  in  the  country  could  not  take 
their  place,  as  they  would  have  to  be 
intelligent  American  citizens.  No  real 
Intelligeut  citizen  would  scab  it  on  his 
fellow-man. 

Eight  hours  a  day  would  draw  men 
from  other  Industries,  especially  mines 
and  factories.  The  necessity  of  the 
factory  and  mine  owners  to  reitain  em- 
ployes would  force  them  to  raise 
wages  in  those  industries.  So  we 
would  not  now  see  the  miners  out  on 
strike,  starving,  shot  down  by  con- 
stabulary and  private  watchmen, 
dubbed  by  policemen  and  shot  by 
soldiers,  while  the  whole  country  suf- 
fers for  coal  and  the  price  going  up. 
Baer  and  other  coal  barons,  "to  whom 
Prividence  in  His  Infinite  wisdom  has 
confined  the  coal  deposits,"  would  be 
only  too  glad  to  grant  a  raise  of  pay. 

What  would  these  3,500,000  civil 
service  employes  do  the  first  thing? 
The  vast  majority  would  immediately 
buy  or  build  homes.  Now  that  they 
know  their  positions  to  be  secure 
there  would  be  no  fear  of  making  that 
first  payment  They  would  become 
happy  home-loving  people  instead  of 
as  now,  boomers  and  renters. 

Building  of  new  homes  would  start 
a  boom  in  that  industry.  All  the 
building  trades  would  become  busy. 
This  would  be  so  far-reaching  that  it 
would  put  every  man  to  work  in  this 
country  and  create  prosperity,  the  Uke 
of  which  has  never  occurred  before. 

Ctovemment  ownership  would  stop 
the  accumulating  of  unearned  values 
into  the  hands  of  a  few  like  the 
Goulds,  Vanderbilts  and  Rockefellers, 
people  who  do  not  one  thing  to  pro- 
duce or  operate  a  railroiid. 

This  would  stop  those  parasites 
from  buying  rare  paintings,  carvings 
and  antiques,  stop  hobnobbing  with 
royalty  and  buying  titles  for  their 
shameless  daughters.  Stop  ttie  spend- 
ing of  $3,000,000  to  refbuilt  the  Castle 
of  Blenheim,  so  that  Consuelo  Vander- 
bilt  and  her  kept  duke  might  have  a 
home  worthy  of  their  presence.  These 
$3,000,000  were  produced  by  the  em- 
ployes of  the  N.  Y.  C.  R.  R. 

Anna  of  the  Srie  wanted  to  emulate 
Consuelo,  so  she  got  Count  Castalane 
and  kept  him  under  the  noly  bonds 
(?)  of  modern  matrimony^  Being 
shameless,  she  divorced  him  and  con- 
tracted another  alliance  with  a  cousin 
of  his.    This  keeping  counts  and  other 


titled  foreigners  is  done  on  the  wealth 
the  railroad  workers  create. 

Not  one  protest  have  any  of  you  put 
up  about  this  injustice.  You  are  all 
too  busy  fighting  each  other--the 
switchmen  against  the  brak^nen,  the 
firemen  against  the  engineers,  ad 
nauseam — so  busy  that  you  are  unable 
to  see  your  arch  enemies — the  owning 
class,  your  masters — the  ones  who 
keep  you  in  su^>en8e  about  your 
positions  and  flocations,  who  pays  your 
widows  $600  after  they  kill  you,  who 
would  see  your  orphan  c^ldren  go  to 
the  orphans'  home  after  killing  you, 
who  would  put  you  on  the  world  a 
beggar  after  crippling  you,  who  have 
made  you  a  class  of  renters  and  boom- 
ers. 

Now,  railroadmen,  get  together. 
Throw  away  your  cdass  bittemese  and 
amalgamate  into  one  united  body — not 
looking  for  recognition  of  your  rights, 
not  looking  for  higher  wages,  but 
work  and  act  with  a  united  front  for 
the  government  ownership  of  your 
positions  and  not  have  them  as  today 
owned  by  a  few  parasites. 


Bro.  F.  C.  Lockwood,  president  of 
Illinois  Central  Lodge  No.  83,  and  well 
remembered  by  all  delegates  to  the  St. 
Paul  convention,  is  a  candidate  on  the 
Democratic  ticket  for  the  office  of  mem- 
ber of  State  Legislature  in  the  13th 
legislative  district  of  Illinois.  He  is 
well  and  favorably  known  among  the 
union  men  of  Chicago. 


Just  Its  Nature. 

The  sun  does  not  try  to  shine;  it 
shines  because  it  is  its  nature  to 
shine.  Capitalism  does  not  try  to 
breed  poverty,  it  Is  the  nature  of  capi- 
talism to  breed  poverty. — Hope, 


They  are  slaves  who  fear  to  speak 

For  the  fallen  and  the  weak; 

They  are  slaves  who  will  not  choose 

Hatred,  scoffing  and  abuse. 

Rather  than  in  silence  shrink 

From  the  truth  they  needs  must  think; 

They  are  slaves  who  dare  not  be 

In  the  right  with  two  or  three. 

— James  Russell  Lowell. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


CoHUBnlMtioM  forth*  JOUINAL  nst  b«  MMtv*d  BEPOU5 
th«  10th  of  tho  Movth  to  tai««r«  pahltoottoal.  All  CoMMvaloa- 
tioBS  for  tho  JOUINAL  Hivat  bo  aoooMpo^od  hy  tho  ummm 
of  tho  •midor*  mid   wrlttmi  osly   ob  obo  sldo  of  tho  popor. 


Ludlow,  Ky.— No.  214. 

Bditob  Switchmeit'b  Joubi7al: 

Haying  a  few  spare  moments  I  will 
write  a  few  words  for  the  Joubnal. 
Boslness  Is  fairly  good  here  on  the 
Queen  ft  Orescent  at  present  We  had 
Vice-President  Porter  with  us  tMs 
week  and  heM  an  open  meeting  at 
€k>8mopolltan  Hall  In  Cincinnati,  O., 
April  3d,  which  was  well  attended. 
Now  since  prospects  are  bright  for  a 
prosperous  year  and  a  new  union  depot 
In  Cincinnati  and  also  a  belt  line 
around  that  city,  we  should  all  get 
busy  and  each  one  get  a  new  member. 
No.  214  Is  forging  to  the  front.  At 
last  meeting  we  added  three  more 
members,  two  new  ones  and  reinstated 
one.  We  add  some  at  every  meeting. 
Now,  brothers,  one  tiling  I  think  we 
should  cut  out  of  our  letters  Is  vilifica- 
tion of  other  organizations,  as  we  do 
not  gain  anything  by  writing  such  ar- 
ticles. I  firmly  belieye  that  the  day 
will  come  when  In  order  to  get  that 
which  we  sore  Justly  entltied  to  we  will 
become  affiliated  with  those  that  we 
work  with,  side  by  side,  dally.  Now 
if  the  six  big  organizations  were  fed- 
erated on  every  railroad  In  this  coun- 
try, then  we  would  never  be  in  danger 
of  small  skirmishes.  Stop  to  consider 
wliat  the  results  have  been  in  almost 
every  war  on  the  American  railroads 
In  the  last  thirty  years.  It  Is  not 
necessary  to  go  into  details  at  all. 
Railroad  men  of  experience  know  that 
90  per  cent  of  these  strikes  have  been 
lost  Why?  Because  the  organdza- 
tlons  were  not  a  unit  in  their  battles. 
Take  the  last  big  strike  of  men  in 
train  service.  Everybody  knows  why 
this  strike  was  lost  Now  If  the  six 
big  trahsportation  organizations  had 
been  federated  on  the  thirteen  rail- 
roads where  this  strike  occurred,  In 


all  probability  there  would  be  a  good 
many  happy  homes  in  the  northwest 
today  instead  of  broken  homes  and 
broken  hearts.  Now,  brothers,  there 
is  a  right  way  and  a  wrong  way  of 
doing  eveoTthlng.  If  you  have  a  good 
set  of  olficers  and  good,  honest  mem- 
bers, that  is  what  Is  needed  to  consti- 
tute a  good  organization  or  society. 
Prevention  Is  what  we  desire  most, 
and  In  order  to  prevent  strikes  and 
gain  that  which  rightfully  belongs  to 
the  employes  in  the  train  and"  yard 
service.  In  this  coi^try,  we  should  be 
federated.  Now  I  know  from  experi- 
ence here  In  Cincinnati  that  the  mar 
jorlty  of  the  rank  and  file  in  train  aind 
yard  service  here  desires  federation. 
Some  pessimists  will  tell  you,  broth- 
ers, that  if  you  were  federated  with 
such  an  organization  that  they  would 
not  stand  by  you  in  time  of  trouble. 
The  individual  who  talks  that  way 
does  so  through  lack  of  knowledge. 
Were  the  train  and  yard  forces  united, 
namely,  engineers,  firemen,  switchmen, 
trainmen,  conductors  and  operators, 
there  would  be  contracts  entered  Into 
between  the  different  organizations 
that  would  make  it  ill^ral  for  them  to 
violate.  Now  the  Supreme  Oourt  has 
upheld  contracts  entered  into  between 
employer  and  employe,  so  any  contract 
entered  Into  in  writing  between  two  or 
more  bodies  or  parties  is  and  has  been 
declared  legal  and  lawful  by  the  high- 
est court  of  the  nation.  Therefore  we 
need  not  fear  from  that  score.  Now 
there  have  been  some  very  Interesting 
debates  on  the  question  of  delegates  to 
the  conventions.  I  cannot  see  wliy 
there  should  be  any  controversy  over 
delegates,  inasmuch  as  some  lodges  do 
not  even  live  up  to  the  constitution  in 
electing  delegates,  and  even  were  they 
to  Hve  up  to  the  constitution  In  all 
oases  half  of  the  lodges  would  not  be 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH  AlOBRICA. 


represented  at  our  conventloiis.  In 
concluding  will  say  t^at  Lodge  No.  214 
lost  the  best  treaaurer  it  ever  bad.  In 
two  years  be  brought  the  funds  up 
from  notliing  to  oyer  $246.43,  together 
with  the  assistance  of  the  memibei^ 
The  officers  and  members  of  Lodge  No. 
214,  one  and  all.  Join  in  wishing  bim 
and  his  family  a  joyous  and  successful 
trip  to  Redibank,  Gal.,  where  he  per- 
haps will  make  his  future  home. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Gantz. 


NwhyiiMy  Tcnii* 

EDrroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

In  the  (Silarch  issue  of  your  Journal 
I  noticed  that  you  published  an  ar- 
ticle by  Mr.  James  B.  Connors,  which 
stated  that: 

;  "In  the  south,  switchmen  are  work- 
iner  twelve  hours  a  day  for  $1.50,  and 
the  schedule  is  signed  by  the  commit- 
tee of  road  men,  who  represent  the 
yard  men  before  the  officials.  I  refer 
to  the  Rome  yard  on  the  N.  €.  &  St.  L. 
The  section  reads:  'On  and  after  July 
1,  1910,  helpers  will  receive  $1.50  per 
day,  overtime  after  twelve  hours.' " 

Would  like  you  to  give  space  in 
your  JouBRAL  and  quote  me  as  saying 
that  these  statements  are  erroneous, 
and  that  Mr.  Connors  was  misinformed 
as  to  the  conditions  on  the  N.  C.  & 
8t  L. 

In  the  first  place  the  N.  C.  ft  St  L. 
operates  no  j^rd  in  Rome,  Ga.,  nor  is 
any  yard  at  that  place  spedfled  in  tiie 
trainmen's  contract. 

Again,  the  statement  is  misleading 
inasmuch  as  it  states  that  yard  men 
were  represented  by  road  men,  since 
the  committee  consisted  of  four  road 
men  and  two  yard  men  at  the  time  of 
the  signing,  and  at  the  present  time 
the  N.  C.  ft  St  L.  system  is  represented 
by  three  road  men  and  three  3rard 
men. 

iHoplng  you  will  find  space  to  pub- 
lish this,  and  that  it  may  be  a  source 
of  information  to  the  writer  of  the 
article,  and  also  remove  any  bad  effect 
which  this  might  have  upon  other 
^readers,  I  am, 

Yours  very  truly, 

J.  A.  KiMBBO, 

Chairman  G,  G,  0., 
y.  0.  d  8t.  L.  System. 


Tcm  Itaiils,  liid.— No.  94 

Eorrorf  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Having  Just  finished  reading  Bro. 
Frank  D.  BalFs  letter,  contained  in 
the  April  number  of  the  Joxtbnal,  will 
say  it  was  with  sorrow  in  my  heart 
that  I  read  it.  Poor  boy,  little  did  he 
think  while  writing  his  letter  in  the 
interest  and  for  the  good  and  welfare 
of  the  order  he  so  loved  that  before 
his  letter  would  appear  the  brain  that 
conceived  it  and  the  hand  that  penned 
the  thoughts  would  be  stilled  forever 
by  the  icy  hand  of  death,  he  being  in- 
stantly killed  on  the  morning  of  the 
13th  of  March,  while  in  performance  of 
his  duties.  In  his  death  Lodge  No.  94 
loses  one  of  its  best  and  most  energetic 
members,  and  his  mother  and  wife  and 
children  a  loving  and  true  son^  hus- 
band and  father.  May  his  soul  rest  in 
peace. 

Having  been  appointed  to  fill  his 
place  as  Jottbnal  agent,  will  say  I  will 
do  my  utmost  to  perform  my  duties  as 
such,  and  hope  with  the  assistance  of 
some  of  the  good  brothers  of  Ledge 
No.  94  to  be  of  some  service  to  the 
brothers  here  and  our  noble  order  in 
general.  By  reading  the  Joubnal 
every  month  I  become  more  and  more 
interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  each  day  and  very  much 
pleased  to  see  the  interest  the  brothers 
are  taking  lately  in  the  different  ques- 
tions brought  up  through  that  medium. 
I  am  of  the  opinion  that  I  voice  the 
sentiment  of  a  great  many  of  our  mem- 
bers when  I  say  that  we  have  not  got 
one  too  many  Grand  officers,  nor  is 
anyone  of  them  paid  too  high  a  salary, 
when  one  takes  into  consideration  the 
territory  covered  and  the  fact  that  our 
Grand  officers  are  called  on  to  meet 
and  fight  out  vital  questions  with  very 
high-salaried  officials  and  corporation 
lawyers.  It  would  most  certainly  be 
the  height  of  folly  to  expect  to  get 
good  results  from  cheap  officials 
chosen  to  represent  our  side  of  the 
controversy. 

Am  pleased  to  see  some  of  the  broth- 
ers are  strongly  in  favor  of  fewer  con- 
ventions, and  am  in  hopes  that  at  our 
next  convention  our  constitution  may 
be  changed  to  comply  with  the  views 
of  the  brothers  as  to  holding  such  con- 
vention every  four  years,  and  as  to  lo- 
cation of  future  conventions,  and  think 
the  stand  well  taken  when  arguing  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


doo 


JOURNAL  OF   THB    SWITCHliBN'S 


favor  of  a  location  more  centrally  lo- . 
cated   as   to   distance   and   numerical 
strength  of  the  order,  with  the  aim  of 
working    the    least    hardship    to    the 
larger  number. 

Well,  before  this  reaches  the  Joubnal 
readers  our  seventh  annual  ball  will 
be  a  thing  of  the  past,  and  at  the  pres- 
ent time  Indications  are  that  It  will  be 
a  success. 

Times  are  rather  dull  here  just  now, 
owing  to  the  miners  being  out  and  the 
mines  all  closed.  This  being  the  center 
of  coal  mining  district  No.  11,  am 
pleased  to  state  that  the  prospects  are 
for  a  shutdown  of  short  duration,  as 
the  miners'  officials  and  operators  have 
signed  jap  an  agreement  and  the  miners 
are  voting  to  ratify  their  action. 

Our  members  here  are  taking  consid- 
erable interest  In  order  work,  and  we 
are  keeping  our  goat  very  busy  taking 
in  new  members  at  every  meeting,  and 
how  switchmen  can  stay  out  of  the  S. 
U.  of  N.  A.  I  can't  understand.  I 
would  like  to  see  them  have  to  go  back 
to  old  times  when  I  began,  with  the 
link  and  pin,  work  from  12  to  15  hours 
per  day,  and  get  $45  per  month  If  they 
made  a  full  month. 

Well,  as  this  Is  my  maiden  effort  as 
Joubnal  agent,  I  will  close  with  a  few 
more  words.  While  I  am  no  spring 
chicken  at  the  footboard  business.  I  am 
a  very  poor  pencil  sllnger,  and  hope 
the  proofreader  will  be  able  to  read 
this  and  that  It  will  not  let  go  the  grab- 
Iron  and  fall  Into  the  waste  basket.  I 
will  get  Into  clear  for  this  time. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Goodwin. 


b  Kaed— Defective  Bnike-wlied 
Caused  Acddent. 

Organized  labor  In  Terre  Haute  and 
vicinity  is  in  mourning  over  the  un- 
timely death  of  unionist  and  soldier 
Frank  D.  Ball,  which  occurred  early 
Wednesday  morning,  while  at  his  work 
in  the  east  yards  of  the  Vandalla  Rail- 
road. Bro.  Ball  had  been  working 
only  about  twenty  minutes,  switching 
cars  on  what  Is  known  as  the  "hump." 
The  brake  wheel,  it  Is  said,  on  the  car 
which  the  deceased  was  riding,  loos- 
ened from  Its  fastenings,  hurling  him 
to  the  track  between  the  cars,  five  of 
which  passed  over  his  body,  from  head 


and  shoulders,  mangling  it  in  a  fright- 
ful manner. 

Bro.  Ball  attended  the  meeting  of 
Banks  of  the  Wabash  Lodge,  Switch- 
men's Local  No.  94,  Tuesday  night,  of 
which  he  was  a  member,  as  well  as 
Joubnal   representative.     He   was   In 


(Courtesy  Terre  Haute  Clarion.) 
rRANK  D.  BALL. 

good  health  and  took  an  active  part  In 
the  discussions  with  the  various  mem- 
bers present,  tending  to  the  future  wel> 
fare  of  his  organization.  At  the  con- 
clusion of  the  meeting  he  spent  short 
time  with  members  of  the  painters*^ 
local  and  the  editor  of  the  CkMion,. 
talking  about  the  advancement  of  or- 
ganized labor  in  Terre  Haute,  particu- 
larly, and  the  entire  country  In  gen- 
eral. He  was  since  boyhood  a  unionist 
apd  his  loyalty  to  the  cause  was  never 
questioned.  With  his  brother  Joe,  who 
Is  a  member  of  the  Reld  faction  of 
Eleotrlcal  Workers*  Local  No.  25,  they 
were  known  as  model  unionists  and 
often  pointed  to  as  the  men  who  would 
not  purchase  anything  without  the 
union  label  if  It  was  poslble  to  get  it 
anywhere. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP  NOmRH  AMBRJCA. 


901 


The  deceased  was  33  years  old,  and 
leaves  besides  a  sorrowing  wife  and 
two  children  (Edith,  6  years  old,  and 
Charles,  8  years),  one  brother,  Joe,  and 
three  sisters,  Mrs.  James  Snyder,  wife 
of  the  president  of  Local  No.  94;  Mrs. 
William  Strachan,  Mrs.  John  Richard- 
son, and  his  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
James  L.  Ball,  2728  South  Third  street. 

The  funeral,  which  took  place  Thurs- 
day afternoon  at  2.30  o'clock,  was  held 
at  his  late  residence,  1628  Second  ave- 
nue, was  in  charge  of  Banks  of  the 
Wabash  Lodge  Switchmen's  Local  No. 
94.  The  burial  was  at  Highland  Lawn 
Cemetery. 

Bro.  Ball  served  with  distinction  for 
several  years  in  the  United  States 
army,  taking  part  in  <the  Boxer  upris- 
ing in  China  in  1900,  and  was  also  with 
the  famous  Fighting  Ninth  of  the  U.  S. 
Infantry  in  the  Philippines. — Terre 
Haute  Clarion. 


Biifralo,N.Y.~No.4. 

E2DITOB  SwrroHMEN*B  Journal: 

It  is  with  deep  regret  we  announce 
tlie  death  and  funerals  of  Bros.  A.  L. 
dark  and  Albert  Zinvmerman,  caused 
from  injuries  received  while  in  the 
performance  of  ifheir  duties.  Bro. 
Clark  met  with  an  accident  which  re- 
sulted in  his  death  at  the  Lackawanna 
Steel  Plant  and  Bro.  Zimmerman  on 
the  D.  L.  A  W.  at  East  BufTalo.  Bro. 
Clark  was  injured  on  Feb.  28,  1912, 
and  Ungered  in  great  agony  at  the 
Moses  Taylor  Hospital  at  Lackawanna 
City  until  March  5th,  when  death  re- 
lieved him  of  his  sufferings.  The 
funeral  was  held  from  the  home  of 
his  aunt,  Mrs.  W.  E.  D.  Stokes,  395 
Hampshire  Mr^t,  on  March  7th.  The 
padl-fi>earer6  were  Bros.  J.  E.  Galvin. 
J.  M.  Kelly,  M.  Motsch  and  L.  Reith 
of  Lodge  No.  4;  Bros.  John  McEvoy, 
Sr.,  and  P.  Shea  of  Lackawanna  Lodge 
No.  221.  Burial  was  at  Limestone 
Hill.  Bro.  Zimmerman  was  injured  on 
August  7,  1911,  and  lingered  until 
March  21,  1912,  and  was  buried  March 
25tlL  from  the  home  of  Ms  parents,  113 
Smith  street  The  bearers  were  Bros. 
John  Oangloft,  John  McfMillan,  Thos. 
P.  Duffy,  Edward  Kenney,  J.  R.  Dig- 
macn  and  Thomas  Hollaran.  The 
flower  bearers  were  Bro.  C.  Steinenger 
and  engineer  Peter  Buckley,  who  was 
running  the  engine  wben  Bro.  Zim- 
merman received  the  injuries  which 


resulted  in  his  death.  Bro.  Zimmer- 
man is  survived  by  his  wife,  fa^er, 
mother  and  two  brothers. 

May  26th  has  been  named  by  our 
International  President  as  Memorial 
Day  to  honor  the  memory  of  the  de- 
parted brothers  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America.  The  fami- 
lies and  friends  of  the  switchmen  are 
cordially  invited  to  attend  the  serv- 
ices, which  will  be  held  at  Moose  Hall, 
comer  Franklin  and  Court  streets,  in 
the  evening  at  half-past  eight. 

It  is  with  pleasure  I  announce  the 
a(ppolntment  of  Bro.  Jimmie  Digman 
to  represent  the  switchmen  of  Buffalo 
yard  on  the  D.  L.  A  W.  Safety  Appli- 
ance Committee.  We  consider  that 
our  interests  will  be  well  looked  after. 

Now,  brothers,  I  wish  to  call  your 
attention  to  the  fact  that  Lodge  No.  4 
meets  the  first  and  third  Friday  eve- 
nings at  8.30  p.  m.,  and  the  fourth 
Sunday  morning  at  9.00  a.  m.,  at 
Buyer's  iHall,  corner  Swan  and  Ehnslie 
streets,  where  all  business  and  griev- 
ances should  be  settled,  not  in  the 
shanties  and  yards. 

Bro.  Jack  Hoare  says  wat  Bros* 
Duffy,  Donahue  and  Maurer  should  be 
placed  at  the  head  of  the  class — $3.00. 

Bro.  John  W.  Scully,  business  agent 
of  the  United  Hatters  of  North  Amer- 
ica was  a  visitor  at  our  meeting  on 
April  5t^.    Call  again,  Bro.  Scully. 

Well,  as  I  do  not  know  of  .anything 
more  for  this  issue,  I  will  cut  off  and 
go  on  the  dumip. 

Before  I  close  I  wish  to  stat^  that 
in  my  article  of  the  dance  in  the  April 
issue  of  the  Journal,  for  the  benefit 
of  Bros.  Murnin  and  O'Brien  of  the  B., 
R.  A  P.,  that  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  Inserted 
is  either  a  misprint  or  a  mistake  on 
my  part  and  was  unintentional. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gib. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.— No.  209. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  this  is  my  first  attempt  at  writing 
anything  for  the  Journal,  I  hope  to  be 
excused  for  all  mistakes.  I  will  say 
eight  hours  per  day,  with  sixteen 
hours'  rest,  is  my  motto,  and  I  will  try 
to  state  my  reasons.  Take  a  man 
working  12  hours  every  day,  from  the 
time  he  leaves  home  in  the  morning 
until  he  gets  home  at  night  he  is  any- 
where from  13  to  16  hours  on  duty. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


302 


JOXmSAL  OWrmK   SWITO^MBN'S 


figuring  In  the  time  going  to  and  from 
work^  Take  it  in  the  winter  time,  you 
are  going  and  coming  in  the  dark,  and 
for  four  or  five  months  you  don't  see 
any  of  your  family  only  by  lamp  or 
gaslight,  unless  you  lay  off  a  day  and 
lose  the  time,  which  you  can  never 
make  up.  I  was  employed  on  a  road, 
one  time,  where  we  worked  anywhere 
from  12  to  24  hours  in  one  day.  The 
committee  that  called  on  the  manage- 
ment and  requested  that  they  cut  out 
the  long  hours  of  oyer-tlme  work  were 
told  it  was  impossible  to  do  so.  Well, 
since  that  time,  they  have  put  the 
time  down  to  10, 11  and  12  hours,  some- 
times a  little  longer.  Now,  by  a  little 
coaxing,  perhaps  we  could  put  it  down 
to  eight  hours  per  day.  The  govern- 
ment employes  work  eight  hours  per 
day,  and  most  of  them  under  cover, 
and  if  the  law  can  be  made  for  them, 
why  not  for  switchmen,  for  our  hazard- 
ous position,  where  every  move  we 
make  puts  our  lives  in  danger?  This 
country  has  gone  on  record  by  making 
a  law  whereby  no  railroad  man  In  the 
transportation  department  will  work 
over  16  hours  per  day.  Now,  then,  if 
the  law  can  be  made  for  16  hours,  is 
there  any  reason  why  it  can't  be  made 
for  eight  hours  per  day.  and  16  hours' 
rest? 

I  would  recommend  that  every 
switchman  appoint  himself  a  commit- 
tee of  one  and  write  a  letter  to  his 
Beprespntative  in  Congress  on  this  sub- 
ject, and  I  am  sure  it  will  bring  good 
results.  Hoping  to  hear  from  some 
other  brothers,  I  am, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Bight  Houbs  Per  Day. 


Buffab,  N.Y.— No.201. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubital: 

On  April  6th  the  sad  intelligence  of 
the  death  of  Bro.  Oeorge  Wagner  of 
Indianapolis,  Ind.,  was  made  known  to 
us,  when  the  bereaved  wife  came  to  us 
telling  us  she  accompanied  the  body  of 
her  husband  from  Indlanai>olis  for 
burial  in  this  city.  As  Bro.  Wagner 
was  formerly  a  member  of  Lodge  No. 
201,  she  came  to  me  requesting  advice 
and  assistance  in  regard  to  arrange- 
ments for  funeral  exercises  and  Inter- 
ment of  body.  We  came  to  her  rescue 
as  best  we  could,  considering  the  very 
short  notice  we  had.    Not  being  a  mem- 


ber of  Lodge  No.  201,  we  were  not  at 
liberty  to  proceed  as  we  could  have 
done  had  he  beeii,  but  this  fact  did  not 
deter  us  from  aiding  her  to  the  extent 
of  our  ability,  which  we  did  by  getting 
together  the  pallbearers,  and  also  pur- 
chasing a  very  nice  pillow  of  flowers 
for  her.  The  body  was  laid  to  rest  on 
Tuesday,  April  9th.  The  pallbearers 
were  C.  L.  Taggart,  William  Krieger 
and  B.  J.  Schreiner  of  Ix>dge  No.  201, 
Thomas  Manning  of  Lodge  No.  39, 
Peter  Clark  of  Lodge  No.  19d,  and  Her- 
bert Kless  of  Lodge  No.  4.  Bro.  Kless 
performed  the  last  rites  for  the  switch- 
men at  the  grave,  and  I  desire  to  say 
he  is  past  master  at  the  business.  I 
also  desire  to  state  that  Mrs.  Wagner 
wishes  to  thank  all  the  brothers  who 
were  so  kind  to  her  in  time  of  need 
and  sorrow.  While  always  a  duty  we 
owe  to  a  deceased  brother  to  see  that 
he  is  properly  laid  away  when  death 
removes  him  from  the  cares  of  this 
life,  I  felt  it  was  especially  so  in  this 
case,  in  as  much  as  he  was  formerly  a 
member  here,  and  a  member  of  the 
Orand  Lodge  since  that  time. 

Brothers,  "a  friend  in  need  is  a 
friend  indeed,"  is  as  true  today  as  it 
was  when  that  expression  was  first 
uttered.  If  in  bygone  days  this  brother 
had  not  often  spoken  of  me  to  his  wife 
she  wouldn't  have  known  whom  to  call 
upon  in  this  most  trying  time.  And 
while  not  desiring  to  be  considered  in 
the  attitude  of  throwing  bouquets  at 
myself,  I  do  desire  to  impress  upon 
your  minds,  if  I  can,  the  fact  that 
when  you  treat  a  brother  right  he  can 
never  forget  you  for  it,  and  that  it  is 
our  duty  to  so  treat  them  all. 

Now,  brothers,  get  your  shoulder  to 
the  wheel  and  keep  it  there,  and  stick 
to  the  ship  and  it  will  never  sink,  but 
will  sail  on  to  brighter,  better  harbors, 
and  all  will  be  the  happier  for  having 
done  their  part  in  making  the  voyage 
both  pleasant  and  honorable.  With 
best  wishes.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Wn^LiAM  Kbeioeb, 
Trea9urer  Lodge  No.  201. 


Buffalo  District  Coundl. 

EnrroR  Swttchmen's  Joubnal: 

The  regular  monthly  meeting  of  Buf- 
falo District  Council  was  held  WeiHI- 
nesday,  April  10th.  each  lodge  in  Buf- 
falo being  represented.  A  lively  dis- 
cussion  of  topics   of  Interest  to  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UKION  OF^  NOft'FH  AMmM^ 


30S« 


membera  of  this  union  oame  up  for 
dJaeoflBlon  as  the  delegatee  presented 
their  r^[H>rts  from  lodges.  Prdgrees 
was  generally  noted  In  the  Increase  of 
memfoership  and  Applications,  which 
was  rery  encouraging. 

The  qaestlon  of  holding  memorial 
service  on  Sunday,  May  26th,  was  die- 
cased  freely.  There  was  a  scattering 
s^itiment  of  opinion  that,  owing  to 
oar  incipient  stage,  we  could  not  ar- 
range a  soTice  to  do  ample  justice  to 
our  organisation  on  such  short  notice 
this  rear.  However,  the  prevailing 
sratiment  of  those  in  attendance  was 
to  enter  tliia  ^project  with  all  earnest- 
neas  and  make  It  a  success.  Bro. 
Meaney  of  Liodge  No.  39,  Roth  of 
Lodge  No.  201  and  Colgan  of  Lodge 
Na  4  were  appointed  a  committee  of 
arangementa.  The  president  was  given 
fun  power  to  carry  out  this  project,  ap- 
point the  other  necessary  committees 
and  assess  the  expense  so  Incurred. 
The  Ladies'  Auxiliary  were  tendered 
an  invitation  to  act  In  conjunction 
with  this  project.  The  sulM^ommlttee 
are  arranging  to  hold  this  event  at  the 
Mooae  Hall,  comer  Franklin  and 
Court  streets,  which  they  expect  to  ob- 
tain for  this  occasion.  Therefore  I 
hope  that  all  brothers  will  lend  a  help- 
ing hand  and  make  this  a  fitting  serv- 
ice which  we  will  be  able  to  carry 
out  yearly. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Joseph  Kellet. 


Dcs  Moines,  Iowa.— No.  1 74. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  am  not  going  to  start  in  with  the 
phrase  it  has  been  a  long  time  since  you 
saw  Lodge  No.  174  represented  in  our 
pink  book.  Ton  can  see  It  In  every 
JouBHAL  for  1912,  and  more  power  to 
the  JousNAi.  agents  who  are  able  to 
take  a  few  moments  and  let  all  the 
brothers  hear  of  the  working  condi- 
tions of  their  lodges. 

Lodge  No.  174  initiated  two  new 
members  at  its  last  meeting,  reinstated 
one,  passed  favorably  on  three  applica- 
tions and  one  reinstatement  for  our 
aext  regular  meeting.  Our  members 
are  not  lasring  off;  we  are  all  working 
fbr  the  6.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  our  beloved 
ones  at  home.  We  are  trying  to  fulfill 
our  obligation  to  our  noble  order.  T 
am. an  advocate  of  the  labor  movement 
anci  T  want  to  see  It  move,  and  we  are 


moving  on  at  a  rapid  rate.  I  am  glad 
to  say  I  am  not  an  agitator,  but  I  have 
often  thought  why  an  employe  would 
not  get  into  the  labor  movement,  and 
I  have  not  solved  the  problem,  yet  it 
does  look  to  me  that  if  any  man  would 
just  think  and  consider  for  one  mo- 
ment the  importance  of  being  organ- 
ised he  would  say  to  himself,  1  see 
my  duty  not  only  to  my  organisation, 
but  to  my  family  as  well,  and  he  would 
go  in  with  a  determination  to  stand 
by  what  was  right  and  just  and  to 
kick  out  all  wrongs  that  may  arise. 
But  it  is  a  fact,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  that 
we  have  men — non-inembers  of  the  S. 
U.  of  N.  A. — ^following  after  a  switch 
engine  day  after  day  for  their  living 
and  their  entire  support,  not  only  here 
but  other  places,  men  with  good  com- 
mon sense.  Why  will  they  stay  in  that 
class?  Because  some  of  their  friends 
wanted  them  to  do  so,  and  they  are  led 
astray  because  John  Doe  or  some  other 
Duke's  Mixture  told  them^  that  they 
could  get  along  just  as  well  not  to 
leave  the  old  den.  But  the  better  class 
is  coming  out  by  themselves,  coming 
out  where  they  belong  and  see  now 
where  they  have  been  doing  wrong. 
Now,  you  switchmen  who  do  not  be- 
long to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  if  you  will 
fill  out  those  applications  which  you 
have  been  carrying  around  in  your 
pockets  and  send  them  in  at  the  next 
meeting  3rou  will  be  doing  something 
to  benefit  yourself  and  all  concerned. 
The  S.  U.  man  pays  all  cost  of  in- 
crease of  wages,  and  you  can  hear  the 
other  craft  say,  "Oh,  well,  If  the  S.  U. 
gets  any  increase  we  will,  too."  Now, 
if  I  should  go  to  one  of  those  men's 
homes  aud  say  to  him,  "I  have  come  to 
stay  with  you,  and  I  am  not  going  to 
pay  for  my  board ;  you  have  to  work  to 
support  your  family  and  that  Is 
enough;  if  you  eat  I  will  eat,  and  if  you 
buy  a  new  suit  of  clothes  T  will  expect 
one,  too.  You  can  talk  and  try  to  per- 
suade me  to  leave;  you  can  kick  and 
curse  me,  but  I  am  here  and  I  am 
going  to  stay  and  I  will  stay  here 
among  you  as  a  traitor  to  the  organiza- 
tion which  I  should  be  a  member  of." 
T  would  like  to  ask  you  what  you  would 
do  with  such  men  as  those?  This  very 
thing,  in  a  way,  is  going  on  among  us 
every  day.  You  work  by  or  among 
men  who  are  maklns:  the  great  fight 
to  jrain  their  freedom  and  better  their 
working  conditions  that  they  may 
properly   take   care   of  their  families 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


J04 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITGHMBN'S 


and  protect  them  from  want.  We 
spend  our  money  and  time  to  better 
our  conditions  in  yard  service.  What 
are  you  doing?  Does  it  cost  you  any 
more  to  live  than  it  does  the  S.  U. 
man?  I  say  no.  Then  what  is  your 
reason  for  staying  out  of  the  S.  U.  < 
N.  A.,  or  what  are  you  going  to  do? 
want  to  ask  you  if  you  feel  happy  to 
take  increases  that  men  spend  their 
time  and  money  for,  or  do  you  have 
any  sympathy  at  all  for  the  men  you 
are  working  among?  I  believe,  if  they 
once  see  that,  we  will  have  to  write 
and  talk  about  something  else,  and  that 
we  "won't"  have  many  of  this  kind  of 
men.  I  would  like  to  see  and  I  will 
«ee  it,  if  I  live,  in  the  next  few  years, 
the  time  when  you  will  have  to  hunt 
all  railroad  yards  over  throughout  the 
United  States  and  Canada  to  find  a 
person  switching  cars  who  is  not  a 
member  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A..  So  to 
all  train  men  working  in  S.  U.  yards 
I  must  say  to  you,  get  in  where  you 
belong,  and  'then  we  can  go  hand  in 
hand  with  every  man  in  our  yards,  auv'. 
we  will  be  brothers  in  the  spirit  of  our 
noble  order  and  will  not  know  such  a 
thing  as  defeat.  So  let  us,  every  one, 
see  how  much  we  can  do  in  this  year 
to  strengthen  our  noble  order,  and  suc- 
cess will  crown  our  efforts.  With  best 
wishes  to  all,  I  remain. 

Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  F.  SAincoif , 
Journal  Agent. 


Blue  rstaiNl.  lll,-No.  29. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  try  to  let  the  brothers  know 
how  we  are  getting  along.  We  are 
having  most  interesting  meetings  of 
late,  and  I  feel  safe  in  stating  that  this 
fact  has  had  much  to  do  with  good  in- 
terest that  has  been  taken  in  our  work 
of  late.  We  have  a  number  of  live 
members  and  they  have  been  takln^r 
such  active  part  in  all  matters  pertain- 
ing to  the  union  of  late,  that  it  has 
made  our  meeting  hall  a  very  lively 
place  to  spend  a  couple  evenings  of  the 
month.  As  a  result  of  this  new  life 
and  energy,  our  membership  is  getting 
well  up  towards  the  hundred  mark, 
and  we  must  keep  it  going  until  there 
is  no  more  territory  unorganized.  We 
should  have  all  who  switch  cars  with- 
in our  foM.  and  if  we  but  get  after 
them  in  the  right  manner  and  keep 


after  them  we  will  get  a  large  portion 
of  them,  if  not  all.  So  let  us  keep  up 
the  good  work  and  interest  and  we  will 
all  be  the  better  off  on  account  of  so 
doing.  I  would  like  to  say  a  word  to 
those  belonging  to  other  lodges  who 
are  working  with  us.  We  believe  it 
would  only  be  fair  that  you  take  trana- 
fers  from  your  lodges  and  unite  with 
us.  We  understand  that  it  is  some- 
times hard  to  give  up  old  fellowship  in 
the  lodges  first  joined,  and  we  even  ad- 
mire you  for  the  good  feeling  and 
brotherly  spirit  that  exists  around  tbe 
old  altar  where  you  took  your  obliga- 
tion and  became  a  part  of  this  union. 
But  now  you  are  beyond  their  com- 
munities and  working  for  another 
company,  and  it  is  to  the  men  with 
whom  you  work  and  mingle  that  yon 
must  look  to  adjust  your  difficulties 
that  may  and  do  arise  in  the  perform- 
ance of  your  daily  duties.  Of  course, 
you  are  assessed  with  the  rest  oi  uii, 
for  the  cost  of  adjusting  of  grievances, 
but  you  should  be  a  member  here  and 
have  a  vote  and  an  equal  part  in  all  the 
proceedings  that  directly  affect  you  but 
which  yon  do  not  fully  enjoy  unless 
you  are  a  member  of  the  lodge  at  the 
point  at  which  you  are  employed. 
Brothers,  we  need  your  full  support, 
and  you  need  ours  to  an  equal  extent, 
80  we  invite  you  to  transfer  to  us,  and 
it  will  be  to  the  mutual  benefit  of  all 
when  you  have  done  so.  There  is  no 
compulsion  in  regard  to  this  matter, 
but  it  seems  to  me  there  should  be  a 
desire  and  willingness  on  the  part  of 
every  member,  who  leaves  his  former 
place  of  work  to  take  up  residence  else- 
where, to  join  in  fully  with  those  at 
the  point  to  which  he  has  moved.  On 
account  of  considerable  work  having 
recently  been  done  by  the  adjustment 
committees  along  the  C,  R.  I.  ft  P. 
system,  there  was  considerable  expense 
incurred,  as  a  result  of  which  there  is 
an  assessment  of  fifty  cents  due  from 
each  member  of  this  lodge  who  hasn't 
already  paid  the  same,  and  1  am  taking 
this  method  of  again  calling  the  atten- 
tion of  all  members  to  the  fact  and 
trust  those  who  have  not  will  pay  this 
and  enable  us  to  s:et  our  books  cleared 
up  in  rei?ard  to  the  matter. 

Bro.  George  Warren's  father  died  on 
April  5th,  and  Bro.  W.  B.  McGuire's 
wife  on  the  11th.  Both  brothers  are 
assured  of  the  sympathy  of  all  the 
members  in  the  sad  loss  sustained.  The 
burden  will,  indeed,  be  a  most  trying 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


ao6 


one  to  Bro.  BfcGuire,  who  has  now  the 
4iole  care  of  five  children  in  addition  to 
his  work.  Both  brothers  are  grateful 
to  the  brothers  who  aided  them  during 
their  trying  ordeals. 

We  lately  had  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing Bro.  Dave  McGuire  of  Lodge  No.  3. 
who  informed  us  Lodge  No.  29  was  al- 
ways on  hand  when  a  brother  was  in 
trouble.  Well,  that's  what  we're  here 
for,  and  it  is  our  duty  to  minister  to 
the  brothers  in  such  times  to  the  ex- 
tent of  our  ability.  We  also  had  the 
pleasure  of  recently  meeting  our  old- 
time  brother,  Tom  Donahue,  from 
^Morris  City,  or  the  capital  of  the  world, 
as  Moran  calls  It. 

Bro.  P.  C.  Lockwood,  president  of 
Xiodge  No.  83,  has  received  the  nomina- 
tion for  representative  to  the  State 
Legislature  on  the  Democratic  ticket 
in  the  Thirteenth  district.  Bro.  Lock- 
wood  is  well  known  to  the  switchmen 
in  Chicago  and  is  an  excellent  hustler 
for  our  union.  I  feel  that  he  is  well 
qualified  to  represent  the  people  of  his 
district,  and  hope  to  see  him  elected. 

Trusting  it  will  be  a  long  time  be- 
fore any  of  our*  members  may  have  to 
bear  the  misfortunes  Bros.  Warren  and 
McGuire  have  had  to  do,  and  hoping 
for  good  success  and  health  for  all  the 
membership  and  their  families,  I  re- 
main.       Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thomas  Earner. 


Gnmd  Itepicto,  Mich.~No.  80. 

Bditor  SwrrcHMEN's  Journal: 

As  several  things  of  importance 
liave  transpired  since  the  last  issue  of 
the  pink  book,  I  will  make  a  few  re- 
marks on  them.  Our  Journal  agent 
has  trou4)les  of  his  own,  so  please  ex- 
cuse him  for  not  writing. 

On  the  Pere  Marquette  a  General 
Adjustment  Board  was  recently  elected 
'wlio  are  not  ashamed  of  their  prin- 
ciples and  to  whom  we  can  all  appeal 
and  expect  their  best  efTort  in  our  be- 
lialf.  We  certainly  have  reason  to  be 
proud  of  this  General  Adjustment 
Board. 

Grand  Rapids  City  Council  has 
passed  an  ordinance  through  the  ef- 
forts and  labors  of  Lodge  No.  80, 
which  is  as  follows: 

289.  An  ordinance  to  regulate  the 
number  of  men  to  be  employed  in  the 
business  of  operating  engines  engaged 
In  switching  cars  and  to  prescribe  the 


qualifications  of  such  men  within  the 
city  oif  Grand  Rapids. 

The  Common  Council  of  the  city  of 
Grand  Rapids  doth  ordain: 

Section  1.  That  it  shall  be  unlaw- 
ful for  any  person,  firm  or  corporation 
engaged  in  operating  standard  gauge 
railroad  switch  engines  within  the 
limits  of  the  city  of  Grand  Rapids,  to 
operate  said  engine  in  the  business 
of  switching  cars  or  making  up  trains 
with  less  than  a  full  crew,  consisting 
of  not  less  than  one  engineer,  one  fire- 
man, one  foreman  and  two  helpers. 
Said  foreman  and  one  of  said  helpers 
must  have  had  at  least  one  year's  ex- 
perience as  switchmen. 

Sec.  2.  Neither  the  foreman  nor 
either  of  the  helpers  mentioned  in 
Section  1  dhall  be  permitted  to  per- 
form any  other  duties  in  addition  to 
their  duties  as  foremen  or  helpers, 
while  the  engine  upon  which  they  are 
working  is  actually  engaged  in  the 
business  of  switching  cars. 

Sec.  3.  Any  person,  firm*  or  corpora- 
tion, violating  any  of  the  provisions  of 
this  ordinance  shall,  upon  conviction 
thereof,  be  fined  the  sum  of  not  more 
than  one  bundred  ($100)  dollars,  nor 
less  than  ten  ($10)  dollars  and  costs. 
Or  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  in 
the  common  jail  of  Kent  County,  in 
the  discretion  of  the  court  or  magis- 
trate before  whom  the  conviction  may 
be  had,  for  a  period  of  three  months, 
and  In  case  the  court  or  magistrate 
shall  impose  a  fine  and  costs,  the 
offender  may  be  sentenced  to  be  im- 
prisoned at  hard  labor  in  the  common 
jail  of  Kent  County  until  the  payment 
of  sudh  fine  and  costs,  for  a  period  not 
more  than  ninety  days. 

The  person,  firm  or  corporation 
mentioned  in  this  section  slutll  be 
deemed  to  be  any  owner  of  such  en- 
gine and  any  officer  of  a  corporation 
owning  such  engine  and  any  agent 
(within  the  city  of  Grand  Rapids)  of 
such  owner  or  corporation  having  con- 
trol of  the  men  who  operate  such 
switching  engine. 

Passed  and  aiH)roved  by  the  Com- 
mon Council  of  the  city  of  Grand 
Rapids,  In  regular  session,  held  Mon- 
day evening,  April  8,  1912. 

James  Schriver, 
City  Clerk. 

If  this  looks  good  to  all  brothers 
switching  cars,  try  to  get  one  like  it 
or  better.    Secure  the  support  of  your 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


800. 


JOimNAL  OF  TSB  gwK^cffoavn 


city  Trades  and  Labor  Council  or 
Federation,  whatever  may  be  its  name, 
and  then  have  your  ordinance  passed. 
As  many  cities  as  possible  should  have 
this,  as  it  will  have  a  tendency  to  com- 
pel our  legislatures  to  sit  up  and  take 
notice.  A  full  crew  bill  will  be  passed, 
but  it  will  require  all  our  best  efforts 
to  do  it  Let  us  all  do  our  share,  no 
matter  how  small  it  is,  and  we  will 
all  mutually  enjoy  the  benefits. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  O.  Koch. 


B  Reno,  OMalionMU— No.  124. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Well,  1[)rothers,  spring  has  come 
down  here  and  it  looks  as  if  our  seven 
years  of  famine  were  over.  If  every- 
thing keeps  on  like  it  is,  we  will  sure- 
ly have  plenty  of  work  this  fall.  It 
has  been  fierce  in  this  part  of  the 
country  this  winter.  We  had  some  of 
the  worst  blizzards  and  sleet  storms 
ever  known  in  Oklahoma. 

Bro.  W.  E.  Collett  has  returned  from 
the  adjustment  convention  at  Chicago. 
He  was  made  grievance  man  for  the 
third  district  on  the  C,  R.  I.  P.  R.  R. 
Bro.  Collett  is  a  fair  and  square  fellow 
and  T  am  sure  that  every  one  con- 
cerned will  be  well  pleased  with  their 
choice.  Let  it  be  understood  taough 
that  it  matters  not  how  good  a  man  he 
is  for  this  work,  nor  how  hard  he  tries 
to  attend  to  the  adjustment  of  con- 
troversies entrusted  to  himi  for  arbi- 
tration, he  can  not  make  a  success  of 
his  work  without  the  assistance  and 
co-operation  of  all  the  men  working  in 
the  yards  in  his  district  This  fact 
had  better  be  understood  correctly  by 
us  all  so  that  there  may  be  no  mis- 
understanding about  the  matter  later 
on.  If  we  all  endeavor  to  do  our  work 
for  the  company  in  the  manner  we 
should  and  our  conduct  toward  one 
nother  is  also  what  it  should  be,  he 
will  have  no  serious  difficulty  in  the 
adjustment  of  misunderstandings  or 
mishaps  that  enter  largely  into  our 
work,  try  as  hard  as  we  may  to  pre- 
vent them. 

Many  times  our  troubles  are  at- 
tributable to  actions  due  to  quick  tem- 
per, intemperance  and  indifference  to 
our  own  or  the  company's  welfare. 
We  should  all  be  fair  with  ourselves 
in  regard  to  these  things  and  try  to 
guard  against  them.    For  every  case  of 


this  nature  brings  unnecessary  em- 
barrassment upon  those  trying  to  ad? ! 
Just  them  for  us.  Let  us  all  try  to 
be  so  manly,  fair  and  painstaking  Iq 
our  duties  and  our  conduct  that  our 
difficulties  may  be  few  and  far  be- 
tween. A  conscientious  endeavor  along 
this  line  will  lessen  our  woes  and 
greatly  reduce  the  loss  of  time  and 
worry  about  us  by  our  committeemen 
and  assure  us  of  a  much  greater  de- 
gree of  protection  at  the  hands  of 
those  whom  we  have  chosen  to  adjust 
such  matters  for  us. 

Mrs.  Frank  Scott,  wife  of  Bro.. 
Frank  Scott,,  lately  presented  SSI  Reno 
Lodge  No.  124  with  a  very  beautiful 
piece  of  needle  work  which  was  sold 
by  the  lodge  for  ^oO.OO.  El  Reno 
Lodge  No.  124  heartily  thanks  Mrs. 
Scott  for  the  present  and  hopes  to  be 
able  to  repay  her  in  some  way  and,  by 
the  way,  wouldn't  one  of  the  cleverest 
ways  of  rewarding  her  be  for  all  the 
brothers  to  talk  the  matter  over  with 
their  wives,  sisters,  mothers  and 
daughters  and  see  what  the  sentiment 
is  among  them  in  regard  to  the  ad- 
visability of  instituting  an  auxiliary 
to  the  S:  U.  at  this  point  with  Mrs. 
Scott  or  some  other  equally  good  sis- 
ter as  its  first  president,  so  it  could  < 
be  said  that  in  this  great,  progressive 
young  state  there  was  really  and  truly 
within  its  borders  a  live  auxiliary  to 
an  organization  that  has  several  thriv- 
ing lodges  within  its  borders.  Of 
course  I  don't  know  anjrtiiing  a^ut 
how  the  women  here  feel  upon  the 
question,  much  less  about  how  the 
men  do,  and  Just  now  you  couldn't  get 
an  expression  on  the  question  out  of 
me  (not  even  if  you  place  me  under 
hydraulic  pressure  sufficient  to  com- 
press a  bale  of  cotton)  in  its  proper 
form,  but  I  was  just  merely  wonder- 
ing a  little  alwut  the  matter  anyhow. 

The  wives  and  sisters  gave  us  a  very 
pleasant  surprise  the  other  night  at 
our  lodge  hall.  While  the  lodge  was 
in  session  there  came  some  raps  on 
the  door  which  the  guard  did  not 
"savvy."  Upon  investigation  it  proved 
to  be  a  party  of  ladles  with  all  kinds 
of  eatables,  in  the  preparation  of 
which  such  culinary  cleverness  en- 
tered as  would  have  appeased  the  dis- 
torted etomach  of  a  king.  So  you  do. 
not  have  to  stretch  your  imagination 
very  much  to  know  how  i^OPetising  it 
was  to  the  alimentary  canal  of  the 
"rough  necks,"  at  whose  uoor  those. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH   AMBRICA. 


3Q7 


strange  knocks  were  heard.  Lodge 
meeting  was  adjourned  and  eyeryone 
proceeded  to  participate  in  the  good 
things  provided  for  them.  The  boys 
all  Join  me  in  inviting  the  ladies  to 
come  again.  If  they  will  let  us  know 
when  they  are  condng  the  next  time, 
we  will  be  better  prepared  for  the  re- 
ception.    . 

Bro.  Scott  was  pleasantly  surprised 
by  about  forty  friends  the  other  night. 
The  only  way  Mrs.  Scott  could  keep 
Frank  at  home  was  to  have  him  pulled 
out  of  service  for  one  ni^t.  He  could 
not  figure  out  what  it  was  for,  as  he 
had  not  delayed  any  passenger  trains 
or  torn  up  any,  box  cars  for  some 
time.  Everyone  had  a  splendid  time 
and  enjoyed  himself  to  the  limit. 
Mrs.  6cott  served  a  delicious  lunch, 
after  which  everyone  voted  the  Scotts 
as  most  royal  entertainers. 

We  are  expecting  to  take  in  several 
new  members.  We  took  in  two  new 
members  two  weeks  ago  and  have  two 
more  applications  now. 

Bros.  Trltz  and  Wyatt,  who  are  in 
the  hospital*,  are  both  getting  along 
nicely.  It  will  be  some  time  before 
Tritz  will  be  able  to  be  out,  as  he  was 
very  seriously  injured. 

Well,  brothers,  I  will  close  for  this 
time.        Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Davt  Hovebden, 
Journal  Agent. 


Minncipois,  Minn.— No.  7. 

EdITOB   SwnCHMEN'S  JOUBNAIi: 

For  some  time  I  tiave  noticed  that 
members  from  nearly  all  the  iodges 
throughout  the  country  have  been  in- 
teresting themselves  in  suggestions 
which  have  been  offered  tending  to 
bring  about  more  improved  methods  of 
operation,  and  have  expressed  their 
opinion  of  the  same  through  the  col- 
umns of  the  JouBNAC,  and  all  this  time 
I  have  been  waiting  patiently  for  some 
one  of  the  members  of  the  Twin  Cities 
to  take  some  part  in  these  discussions, 
but  no  one  here  has  taken  sufficient 
interest  in  the  matter  to  get  busy.  Be- 
lieving that  the  questions  which  are 
being  discussed  are  worthy  of  serious 
consideration,  I  will  take  it  upon  my 
own  shoulders  to  see  to  it  that  the 
Twin  Cities  shall  be  heard  from,  al- 
though I  am  frank  to  admit  that  my 
offering  may  not  have  the  polish  to  it 


that  some  of  the  more  able  writers  are 
able  to  add  to  theirs,  Bro.  Meaney  of 
Buffalo  seems  to  have  taken  the  initia- 
tive in  making  these  suggestions,  and 
as  a  result  he  and  his  suggestions  are 
the  target  which  the  others  are  shoot- 
ing at.  First,  let  me  say  that  up  to 
date  I  am  unable  to  see  that  the  target 
has  been  seriously  disturbed.  It  seems 
to  me  that  he  is  particularly  well  for- 
tified in  his  position,  and  it  will  take 
some  mighty  good  shooting  to  force 
him  to  retreat.  His  suggestions  are 
not  the  whims  of  a  thoughtless  indi- 
vidual, but  the  result  of  careful 
thought,  and  based  upon  years  of  ex- 
perience. His  suggestion  for  quadren- 
nial conventions  is  a  very  good  one,  it 
seems  to  me.  It  brings  to  the  mem- 
bership a  splendid  opportunity  to 
strengthen  the  finances  of  the  union, 
and  this  feature  alone  is  worthy  of  the 
most  careful  consideration.  Conven- 
tions are  an  expensive  proposition 
with  us.  If  conditions  were  such  that 
the  business  of  the  union  could  be 
handled  in  five  or  six  days  at  conven- 
tions, thus  holding  the  expense  below 
the  amount  received  through  a  conven- 
tion assessment,  we  might  still  con- 
tinue two  or  three  weeks  to  transact 
the  business  of  the  union.  It  has  be- 
come a  very  serious  proposition,  and  1 
candidly  believe  that  quadrennial  con- 
ventions is  the  best  and  surest  way  of 
economizing.  Provision  can  be  made 
whereby  matters  of  vital  importance, 
which  might  present  themselves  dur- 
ing the  time  intervening  between  con- 
ventions, could  be  submitted  to  the 
locals  for  a  referendum  vote.  This  is 
undoubtedly  an  important  proposition, 
and  I  am  greatly  pleased  to  note  that 
it  has  aroused  so  much  interest,  and 
hope  to  see  an  expression  of  opinion 
from  every  local  lodge.  The  question 
of  holding  conventions  at  headquarters 
is  also  a  valuable  suggestion,  but  ^ 
would  hardly  favor  that  proposition 
unless  the  Grand  Lodge  headquarters 
were  located  at  a  nolnt  based  centrally 
by  our  membership.  If  this  could  b«» 
done,  I  would  also  be  in  favor  of  hold- 
ing the  convention  at  Grand  Lodge 
headquarters.  If  the  next  convention 
should  authorize  the  removal  of  Grand 
Lodge  headquarters  to  some  point 
more  centrally  located,  say  Rock 
Island,  Peoria,  or  Danville,  and  pro- 
vide for  quadrennial  conventions,,  and 
the  levy  of  the  customary  assessment 
at  the  expiration  of  two  years,  allow- 


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308 


JOUKNAX.   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


in^  the  same  to  be  used  in  purchasing 
a  suitable  site  and  putting  up  a  suit- 
able building,  we  could  hold  the  next 
convention  in  our  own  building,  and 
this  would,  in  my  opinion,  be  a  grand 
feature  as  well  as  a  most  economical 
one.  I  want  to  say  a  word  also  regard- 
ing a  member  who  is  not  in  actual  ser- 
vice not  being  eligible  to  represent  his 
lodge  in  convention.  This,  I  believe, 
is  a  question  which  should  be  decided 
by  the  local  lodge  itself.  If  any  local 
has  a  member  whom  they  wish  to  rep- 
resent them  in  convention  I  believe 
they  should  be  able  to  send  him  as 
their  delegate  regardless  of  his  occupa- 
tion. The  membership  of  that  local 
would  be  far  better  able  to  decide  on 
the  man's  qualifications  than  any  one 
else,  and  I  am  heartily  in  favor  of 
eliminating  this  prohibition  clause 
from  the  constitution.  It  is  a  most 
selfish  law,  and  I  believe  close  investi- 
gation of  its  intent  would  divulge  the 
(act  that  it  was  intended  to  shut  out 
some  few  members  in  particular. 

With  my  most  sincere  wish  for  the 
welfare  of  our  union  and  its  members. 
T  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

L.  b.  Bendixen. 


rrwiMin  Parle,  M.— No.  1 93. 

&DITOB  Switchmen's  Jouucal: 

We  were  not  represented  in  the  Joub- 
NAL  last  month,  but  for  the  benefit  of 
the  members  will  say  it  will  not  hap- 
pen again  very  soon. 

Everything  is  on  Easy  street  here 
now,  as  business  on  the  I.  H.  B.  has 
fallen  off,  but  the  Soo  Line  is  still  rush- 
ing things;  always  a  shortage  of  men. 
but  don't  come  out  unless  you  are.  a 
snake  or  willing  to  be  one,  for  you 
sure  would  have  to  join. 

I  notice  an  article  in  last  month's 
JouBNAi*  from  Bro.  Akers  of  Lodge  No. 
146,  Indianapolis,  Ind.  Bro.  Akers  is 
advocating  a  permanent  convention 
city,  also  changing  headquarters  of  the 
Grand'  Lodge  from  Buffalo  to  Indian- 
apolis. Both  suggestions  are  of  the 
best,  but  to  bring  this  about.it  will 
take  some  hard  plugging.  As  for  my- 
self I  would  do.  anything  to  help 
secure  Lodge  No.  146  the  honor  of 
being  in  the  permanent  convention 
city'.  As  for  the  advantages  of  Indian- 
Apolls;  the  location  could  not  be  im- 
proved   upon.      Hotels   are   second    to 


none,  go  where  you  may,  and,  above  all, 
the  inhabitants  are  with  the  switch- 
men. Then,  when  It  comes  to  the  finan- 
cial part,  the  expense  would  not  be  as 
great  on  account  of  the  central  loca- 
tion of  the  city.  So  get  busy.  Lodge 
No.  146,  and  get  a  few  others  in  line 
and  bring  it  about.  All  great  thlni^s 
began  on  a  small  scale. 

Now,  a  few  words  to  the  members  of 
Lodge  No.  198  who  have  not  made  a 
settlement  for  their  dance  tickets.  The 
committee  would  very  much  like  to 
get  their  report  in,  and,  remember, 
boys,  we  cannot  do  it  until  you  are 
heard  from. 

Hoping  to  see  you  all  at  the  next 
meeting  of  Lodge  >to.  193,  I  remain. 
Yours  truly  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  J.  Brkrn. 


ClevdaiNl,  O.— No.  1 1 . 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  try  to  write  a  letter  once  more 
and  hope  you  will  print  the  same. 

We  held  our  annual  ball  on  Easter 
Monday  evening  and  it  was  a  grand 
success  and  a  grand  time  was  had  by 
all  present.  Lodges  No.  11  and  215 
will  apllt  the  returns. 

The  ladies  were  out  in  force  and 
handled  the  refreshments  with  a  will 
and  were  on  the  Jump  all  the  time  and 
were  an  asset  we  could  not  have  got- 
ten along  without,  and  I  hope  they 
got  a  good  return  for  their  good  work. 

Well,  brothers,  luck  and  nature  were 
against. me  for  the  last  six  months, 
but  I  hope  to  come  to  the  front  once 
more  and  take  up  your  time  and  space, 
so  be  ready  from  now  on. 

I  see  in  the  late  Joubnal  that  Bro. 
Thomas  G.  Meaney  is  beset  ft*om  all 
sides  because  of  his  idea  of  economy 
in  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  I  wis^  to  state 
that  the  brothers  of  Cleveland  are 
progressive  and  are  in  favor  of  the 
initiative^  referendum  and  recall,  and 
it  is  very  necessary  to  the  labor  and 
political  outcome  of  the  country.  The 
late  convention  cost  thQ  union  upward 
of  $25,000,  and  I  am  sure  that  with 
the  referendum  vote  of  the  whole 
union  it  would  not  cost  $10,000,  and 
mistakes  would  not  be  held  up  to  two 
hundred  or  more  delegates,  but  to  the 
whole  union. .  Candidates  could  carry 
on  a  lively  campaign  through  the  col- 
umns of  the  Joubnal  to  the  whole 
linion  instead  of  to  only  a  s&all  por- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


tion  of  ^e  membera.  With  the  Initia- 
tlTe  we  could  make  moyes  between 
^lectiona  which  would  help  the  local 
lodges  and  all  comcerned.  And,  with 
the  recall,  we  could  oust  men  who 
were  elected  to  positions  they  were  un- 
fit to  have,  for  they  are  no  better  than 
the  men  on  the  footboard  who  are  dis- 
charged when  unfit  or  when  they  make 
mistakes.  The  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  should 
not  follow,  but  should  break  a  road  of 
their  own  and  lead  for  the  betterment 
of  organised  labor  and  the  working- 
man.  The  JouBNAL  is  the  place  to  dis- 
cuss this  matter  and  I  hope  to  see  it 
•discussed  more  freely  in  the  future. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

T.  B.  Dawbon. 


drioigo,  ni.-No.  68. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxjbxal: 

I  will  endeavor  to  write  a  few  lines 
for  May  Journal,  and  it  is  with  a  sad 
heart  I  announce  to  our  membership 
the  loss  of  our  dear  brother,  Philip 
Smith,  who  was  a  charter  member  of 
this  lodge  and  who  had  been  actively 
identified  with  its  work  since  the  time 
it  was  organized.  He  was  well  and  fa- 
vorably known  to  the  switchmen  of 
this  city,  and  his  sudden  death  was  a 
severe  shock  to  them,  many  of  whom 
showed  their  respects  to  his  memory 
by  attending  the  funeral.  This  was 
true  of  other  lodges  as  well  as  of  No. 
6S.  Among  the  old-timers  who  at^ 
tended  the  funeral  were  Bro.  Brown 
and  Vice-President  Connors.  Bro.  Ck>n- 
nors  has  always  been  very  good  about 
attending  such  exercises  and  we  cer- 
tainly appreciate  his  assistance  and 
presence  in  such  times,  as  well  as  at 
our  lodge  meetings. 

Have  you  been  keeping  your  weather 
eye  upon  the  membership  barometer 
of  Lodge  No.  68?  If  not,  let  me  inform 
you  it's  on  the  progressive  order.  Al- 
most 90  members  now,  and  we  are 
striving  to  reach  the  100  mark  ere  the 
close  of  the  year.  I  hope  each  member 
will  do  all  he  can  towards  seeing  that 
we  reach  the  century  mark  in  1912. 
and  there'll  be  no  question  about  it  if 
we  all  pull  together  and  try  for  it.  We 
are  headed  in  the  right  direction. 
I^efs  keep  so,  and  the  results  will  Jus- 
tify the  efforts,  if  we  but  take  the 
active  interest  in  lodge  matters  we 
should. 


All  our  brothers  should  spend  a  por- 
tion of  their  time  at  our  meetings.- 
They  are  held  for  the  benefit  of  all: 
all  must  help  pay  for  them  and  alP 
should  participate  in  conducting  them. 
Matters  of  interest  to  all  are  discussed 
and  acted  upon  by  those  who  do  at- 
tend, but  how  much  more  manly  and 
brotherly  it  would  be  if  all  the  mem- 
bers came  out  to  the  meetings  and  took 
active  part  in  all  matters  that  came  up 
for  action  and  the  results  of  which 
action  affected  all  the  membership. 
Certainly  all  could  devote  a  portion  of 
their  time  to  matters  that  so  vitally 
affect  their  homes,  their  positions  and 
their  opportunities  for  a  higher  stand- 
ard of  living. 

Well,  brothers,  I  haven't  much  in  the 
way  of  news  this  time.  But  we  are 
taking  in  from  one  to  five  members  at 
our  meetings  and  most  of  the  brothers 
carry  application  blanks  with  them. 

Now,  if  we  can  only  prevail  upon  all 
members  to  see  there  is  no  such  thing 
as  failure  on  their  part  in  regard  to 
payment  of  dues,  we  will  soon  rank 
well  up  among  the  strongest  switch- 
men lodges  in  the  city.  If  we  were  all 
like  Bro.  Momey  we  would  have  long 
ago  been  in  that  rank,  for  he  always 
has  an  application  blank  with  him  and 
goes  after  "no-bills"  in  such  a  method- 
ical manner  they  can  hardly  get  away 
from  him  without  filling  it  out  and 
coming  in. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  brothers,   I 
remain,    Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
John  Cole, 
Journal  Agent  No.  6H. 


Chicago,  M.— No.  83. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxtrkal: 

In  the  April  issue  a  letter  appears 
from  Bro.  Fate,  in  which  he  states 
that  he  can't  spare  time  to  attend  S.  U. 
conventions  as  a  delegate.  This  bears 
out  my  contention  in  the  February 
Journal.  At  the  beginning  of  Uiis  dis- 
cussion Bro.  Fate's  case  was  cited  as 
an  objectrlesson,  and  I  want  to  say  that 
no  one  appreciates  Bro.  Fate's  ability 
more  fully  than  the  writer.  Bro. 
Meaney  compares  the  B.  of  R.  T.  and 
S.  U.,  and  says  that  what  has  been 
done  by  the  B.  of  R.  T.  would  never  be 
tolerated  in  a  S.  U.  convention.  I  be- 
lieve that  he  will  agree  with  me  that 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  numbers  some   very 


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310 


JOURNAL   OF    THB    SWITCHMBN'S 


earnest,  intelligent  men  amongst  its 
members,  as  witness  some  of  our  ac- 
quisitions from  their  ranks,  and  what 
can  be  done  in  one  organization  may 
be  done  in  another.  The  softest  mark 
for  the  "con"  man  \a  the  fellow  who 
thinks  himself  so  clever  that  no  one 
would  think  of  attempting  to  slip  him 
a  gold  brick.  Bro.  Meaney  gives  us 
the  names  of  the  brothers  whom  it  was 
desired  to  keep  out  of  the  conventions. 
I  never  heard  Ford»  McMillan  or  Mor- 
gan accused  of  anything  more  serious 
than  having  brains  and  aspiring  to 
Orand  Lodge  offices,  and  it  seems  a 
Jittle  strange  that  we  have  never  heard 
•of  the  injustice  of  this  law  before.  I 
.am  a  little  curious  to  know  if  the  dele- 
.gates  to  the  various  conventions,  at 
which  this  law  was  enacted,  were  in- 
formed that  it  wag  the  intention  to  bar 
Ford,  McMillan,  Morgan,  or  whoever 
the  victim  was  to  be,  or  wajs  the  tip 
igiven  to  the  faithful  and  the  orators 
-given  their  cues.  I  am  also  a  little 
l>it  curious  to  know  how  Bro.  Meaney 
stood  on  the  question.  Bro.  Carius 
says  It  is  nonsense  to  talk  of  ma- 
chines or  gangs,  but  it  looks  as  if  the 
machine  was  in  pretty  fair  working 
condition  even  in  those  early  days. 
Again,  I  would  like  to  know  why,  when 
the  constitution  was  so  amended  as  to 
bar  these  brothers  from  conventions. 
It  was  not  left  that  way?  Did  some 
good  brother  who  had  quit  switching 
appear  on  the  scene,  whom  the  powers 
that  were  desired  to  have  on  the  con- 
vention floor?  It  looks  as  if  there  was 
someone  to  keep  out  or  to  get  in  at 
every  convention.  I  know  of  nothing 
In  the  constitution  which  bars  any 
member  from  seeking  a  Grand  Lodge 
office,  whether  he  be  a  delegate  or  not. 
and  T  don't  think  it  robbery  to  accept 
dues  from  a  member  who  has  quit 
switching  and  desires  to  continue  his 
membership  in  the  S.  U.  A  beneficiary 
certificate  for  $1,500  for  %Z  per  month 
Is  a  pretty  good  investment  for  a  man 
over  forty  years  of  age.  The  brother 
who  quits  switching  and  continues  to 
hustle  for  the  S.  U.  is  a  very  rare  bird, 
of  which  a  great  deal  is  heard,  but 
little  seen,  unless  there  is  an  office  In 
sight,  or  the  business  in  which  he  is 
engaged  makes  such  activity  desirable. 
Am  pleased  to  learn  from  Bro.  Carius 
that  we  have  no  politicians  or  grafters 
In  our  ranks.  This  places  us  on  a 
plane  far  above  any  social,  fraternal  or 
political     organization     in     existence. 


However,  it  leaves  me  without  a  classi- 
fication for  some  of  the  retired  broth- 
ers, who  are  willing  to  work  for  the 
S.  U.  for  66%  per  cent,  of  the  gross  re- 
ceipts, or  start  a  new  organization  if 
the  S.  U.  don't  suit  These  same  fel- 
lows are  always  ready  to  serve  their 
lodges  as  delegates.  As  to  the  place 
of  holding  conventions,  I  agree  with 
Bro.  Akers,  that  a  central  location 
should  be  chosen.  At  St  Paul  I  fa- 
vored Rock  Island  because  fully  80  per 
cent,  of  the  delegates  could  reach  there 
in  a  day's  travel,  and  the  amount  thus 
saved  would  more  than  offset  the  cost 
of  transferring  Grand  Lodge  property. 
The  four-year  term  would  be  all  right, 
providing  we  had  a  Grand  Board  with 
nerve  enough  to  tie  a  can  on  the  fellow 
who  wouldn't  do  business.  As  to  the 
referendum,  the  only  means  of  com- 
munication between  the  lodges  would 
be  the  Journal,  and  if  a  brother  should 
write  a  letter  stating  that  a  Grand 
Lodge  officer  had  betrayed  his  trust  or 
failed  to  do  his  duty  he  would  prob- 
ably be  accused  of 'having  a  personal 
grudge  and  the  Grand  Lodge  officer 
could  pose  as  a  martyr.  Too  many  of 
the  brothers  believe  that  old  saying. 
'The  king  can  do  no  wrong,"  but.  as  T 
believed  it  myself  at  one  time,  I  won't 
criticize  them  for  it.  Let  the  delegates 
get  together  and  exchange  notes,  and 
if  changes  are  advisable  there  is  a  pos- 
sibility of  making  them.  You  all  know 
that  the  yardmaster  keeps  cases  on  you 
to  see  that  you  earn  your  money.  Do 
likewise  with  the  men  you  are  pasrinc. 
As  I  am  out  of  paper  and  my  pencil  Is 
running  hot,  I  will  close  with  best 
wishes  to  all. 

Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  S.  Meehan. 


Scrantom  P«i.-— No.  129. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  I  did  not  see  any  eontribntioin 
from  Lodire  No.  129  in  our  April  num- 
ber, and  as  I  do  not  want  the  brothers 
to  forget  that  Scranfon  is  on  the  map. 
I  will  try  once  more  for  a  little  space 
in  the  pages  of  the  Journal.  The  tact 
that  a  ^brother  from  Lodge  No.  9€ 
seemed  to  like  my  letter  and  spoke  a 
word  of  praise  in  my  behalf,  gave  me 
courage  to  come  again. 

While  reading  many  interesting  let- 
ters in  last  month's  issue  I  was  mach 


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UNION   OP   NORTH    AMERICA. 


311 


disappointed   at   not   finding   another 
one  tram  Bro.  Meelian  of  Chicago. 

I  agree  most  heartily  with  all  he 
said  in  hia  March  letter  and  am  quite 
sure  no  one  could  say  it  better  or 
crowd  so  many  good  points  into  such 
small  space,  and  I  sincerely  hope  he 
will  let  us  hear  from  him  soon  again. 
I  cannot  see  how  any  mem^r,  after 
reading  his  very  clear  and  convincihg 
statement,  can  still  find  anything  to 
object  to  in  Section  157  of  our  consti- 
tution. It  seems  to  me  that  no 
brother  would  wish  to  represent  any 
lodge,  either  at  conTentions  or  on  com- 
mittees, when  he  is  really  nothing 
more  than  an  honorary  member  of 
that  lodge.  I  have  nothing  whatever 
against  any  honorary  member  of  our 
union  and  have  some  personal  friends 
among  them,  but  would  not  give  my 
vote  to  any  of  them  to  represent  me 
as  delegate  or  committeeman  and,  as 
I  said  before,  they  should  not  desire  to 
represent  us.  It  would  be  just  as 
suitable  to  let  a  man,  who  is  only 
paying  his  board  in  a  house,  interfere 
in  family  affairs.  When  Bro.  Meaney 
says  if  we  do  not  want  to  send  th^n 
as  delegates,  then  we  should  not  take 
their  money,  he  seems  to  forget  that 
no  force  is  used.  We  neither  force 
them  to  stay  in  our  ranks  nor  grive  us 
their  money.  They  have  perfect  liib- 
erty  to  withdraw  at  any  time.  While 
they  were  engaged  in  active  switching 
service,  they  naturally  belonged  to  the 
S.  U.  for  their  own  protection,  as  we 
all  do;  but  once  they  leave  the  service 
and  engage  in  other  occupations, 
either  business  or  professional,  then 
they  stay  with  us  for  one  of  two  rea- 
sons: either  in  a  social,  friendly 
spirit  of  good  comradeship,  or  else  they 
retain  their  membership  because  they 
think  such  action  will  help  them  in 
their  business  or  profession.  Such 
men  will  never  want  to  be  delegates 
and  while  I  have  nothing  to  say 
against  such  members  as  long  as  they 
pay  their  way,  I  am  very  sure  it  is 
Bot  for  the  best  interests  of  the  union 
to  allow  them  to  represent  ua,  either 
at  conventions  or  on  committees. 

I  see  that  Bro.  Meaney  is  to  the 
front  again  with  several  observations 
on  my  former  letter,  which  in  my  own 
inatiflcation  require  an  answer.  He 
states  that  I  construed  his  letter  in  the 
February  Joubnal  to  suit  myself. 
Well,  I  have  it  before  me  now  and  I 
am   quoting  his  exact   words:    "The 


meeting  at  St  Paul  cost  this  organiza- 
tion between  $28,000  and  $30,000,  and 
what  was  accomplished,  simply  the 
changing  of  a  few  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers, the  raising  of  our  insurance 
policies  and  a  few  minor  changes  in 
our  constitution,"  etc.  Now,  if  that 
is  not  speaking  slightingly  of  the  work 
of  the  convention,  then  I  cannot  read 
plain  English.  Of  course,  I  took  it  for 
granted  tiiat  he  meant  just  what  he 
said  and  answered  accordingly.  Then 
again  he  states  he  does  not  believe  I 
think  eight  years  too  long  for  any 
Grand  Lodge  officer  to  serve.  I  did 
not  say  that  I  thought  it  too  long.  I 
said  that  even  the  great  Washington 
would  not  hold  his  office  longer  than 
eight  years  and  that  I  considered  him 
a  very  wise  man  and  a  good  example 
for  all  fraternal  organizations  to  fol- 
low. I  am  willing  to  stand  by  what  I 
said,  for  I  still  think  no  one  should 
hold  the  same  office  for  an  unlimited 
number  of  years  and  believe  it  a  good 
plan  to  limit  the  number  of  times  a 
candidate  can  be  put  up  for  re-election. 
Then,  when  the  time  comes  for  him 
to  step  down  and  out,  there  will  be  no 
misunderstanding  about  it.  Everyone  v 
will  understand  it  is  not  because  he 
is  unworthy,  but  that  there  are  others 
just  as  worthy,  just  as  capable  and 
just  as  deserving.  I  do  not  see  why 
he  should  take  such  exception  to  my 
words,  for  he  says  practically  the  same 
thing  in  both  his  February  and  April 
letters  when  he  states,  "No  Grand 
Lodge  officer  has  a  right  to  feel  that 
he  is  elected  for  life." 

Another  thing  I  did  not  say  that  we 
had  too  many  Grand  Lodge  officers. 
But  when  he  raised  an  issue  in  regard 
to  the  cost  of  conventions,  I  simply 
suggested  that  if  it  was  so  necessary 
to  economize  and  if  the  transportation 
charges  for  the  Grand  Lodge  officers, 
office  force,  records,  etc.,  were  the 
items  that  made  our  conventions  so 
costly,  then  I  suggested  it  would  be 
better  to  reduce  the  number  of  officers 
rather  than  the  number  of  conven- 
tions. I  do  not  see  the  necessity  for 
so  much  economy  myself  and,  as  for 
appointing  district  organizers  in  place 
of  vice-presidents,  I  do  not  ^ink  there 
would  be  much  difference.  I  suppose 
the  district  organizers  would  have  to 
be  paid  also;  they  could  not  live  on 
wind. 

Again  he  states  I  did  not  protest 
against  the  raise  in  salaries  given  to 


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312 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITOHIiBN'S 


our  Grand  Lodge  offlcars.  Most  cer- 
tainly not  I  'would  be  the  last  man 
to  enter  any  such  protest  I  think 
good  officers  deserve  the  highest  sal- 
ary we  can  afford  to  pay  them,  and  if 
they  are  not  good  officers,  they  deserve 
no  salary  at  all  and  should  he  dis- 
missed from  service  as  soon  as  possible. 
And,  as  far  as  our  Grand  Secretary 
and  Treasurer  is  concerned,  I  certain- 
ly did  not  mention  his  name  nor  refer 
to  him  in  any  way.  I  have  no  fault 
to  find  with  the  way  he  manages  our 
finances  and  nothing  whatever  to  say 
aibout  him. 

I  would  also  suggest  to  the  brother 
the  advisability  of  keeping  his  letters 
on  file  in  the  future  and  refer  to  them 
often  while  he  is  writing  a  new  one, 
then  he  will  not  be  so  likely  to  con- 
tradict himself  as,  for  instance,  he 
states  in  his  February  letter  that  he 
fails  to  see  any  great  benefit  from 
our  connection  with  the  A.  F.  of  L., 
and  that  the  only  thing  is  an  affiliation 
with  the  other  railroad  organizations. 
In  the  April  Joubnal  he  hoasts  of  our 
alliance  with  the  A.  F.  of  L.  and  its 
two  million  union  men,  yet  he  still 
claims  the  only  way  the  switchmen 
can  get  an  eight-hour  day  is  to  affiliate 
with  the  other  organizations.  Well,  if 
that  is  the  only  way,  then  I  think  the 
only  sensible  thing  to  do  is  to  begin 
taking  steps  in  that  direction  without 
further  delay.  One  of  the  first  steps 
I  would  advise  to  take  is  to  lay  away 
the  little  hammer,  as  I  do  not  think 
such  constant  knocking  is  the  best 
way  to  accomplish  our  end. 

I  notice  the  B.  of  R.  T.  comes  in  for 
a  special  share  of  knocks.  Of  course 
I  cannot  answer  for  them  throughout 
the  country.  Perhaps  they  feel  all  the 
hostility  and  ill-will  toward  us  that 
they  are  credited  with.  But  here  in 
Scranton,  a  few  years  ago,  when  the 
switchmen  had  a  little  trouble,  the  B. 
of  R.  T.  stood  with  us,  not  against  us. 

I  certainly  agree  with  Bro.  Olohessy 
that  we  should  have  an  eight, hour  day 
and  fifty  cents  an  hour,  then  I  think 
we  could  safely  rest  a  while  and  then, 
pertiaps,  biennial  conventions  might 
not  be  necessary.  But  at  present  1 
think  they  encourage  and  stimulate 
interest  in  the  union,  especially  in  the 
locals  where  there  are  very  few  mem- 
bers, because  they  are  not  strong 
enough  to  do  very  much  for  them- 
selves. But  when  their  delegates  go 
back  and  report  to  them  all  the  trans- 


actions of  the  convention  and  how  the 
more  powerful  lodges  are  working  t» 
bring  about  better  conditions  for  all. 
it  gives  them  renewed  courage  to  go 
on  and  at  least  hope  for  a  good  time 
coming.  I  do  not  believe  two  years 
any  too  often  to  hand  out  such  ^- 
couragement  nor  do  I  think  the  cost 
should  be  counted. 

I  do  not  see  any  crying  need  of  a 
home  for  old  and  disa%>led  switchmen. 
If  we  had  an  eight-hour  day  the  two 
extra  hours  for  rest  and  recreation 
would  keep  the  switchmen  from  grow- 
ing old  so  quickly,  and  if  we  received 
fifty  cents  an  hour,  surely  out  of  $4.00 
per  day  any  man  could  lay  away 
enough  to  enable  him  to  sit  at  his 
own  hearthstone  in  his  old  age. 

I  can  also  assure  the  brother  that  it 
was  not  necessary  for  him  to  remind 
us  for  whom  he  worked  at  St  Paul. 
We  have  very  good  memories  and  have 
not  forgotten  and  are  willing  to  admit 
he  worked  very  hard,  almost  as  hard 
as  he  did  on  the  N.  T.  C.  grievance 
committee  and  with  Just  about  the 
same  measure  of  success.  Also  he 
tells  us  he  is  still  working  as  hard  as 
ever.  He  certainly  is  a  wonder  when 
it  comes  to  work  and,  no  matter  how 
many  sides  a  question  has,  seems  able 
to  be  on  all  sides  at  once.  He  reminds 
me  of  the  Irishman  who  was  forced 
to  travel  through  a  lonesome  stretch 
of  woods.  The  night  was  dark  and  he 
was  very  much  afraid.  So,  to  keep  up 
his  courage  he  kept  repeating,  '*The 
Lord  is  good,  the  Lord  is  good!"  But 
the  further  he  traveled  and  the  darker 
it  grew,  the  more  frightened  he  be- 
came and  he  thought  it  would  be  good 
policy  to  be  in  with  both  parties,  so  he 
said,  "Yes,  the  Lord  is  good,  but  the 
devil  is  not  so  bad  either,  only  every- 
body is  down  on  him." 

Now  I  have  Just  one  more  point  to 
discuss  with  him.  He  accuses  the  dele- 
gates from  No.  129  of  going  to  the  St 
Paul  convention  to  satisfy  a  personal 
grudge.  For  his  information  we  will 
state  that  we  went  because  we  were 
the  choice  of  our  lodge — almost  t^e 
unanimous  choice — for  I  was  the  low- 
est man  of  the  three  and  the  combined 
vote  of  the  other  four  candidates  scarce-  - 
ly  equalled  two-thirds  of  mine.  The 
brothers  who  voted  for  us  were  well 
aware  of  our  sentiments  on  all  sub- 
jects likely  to  be  brought  up  at  that 
convention  and  they  were  perfectly 
willing  to  trust  us  to  represent  them. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UmON   OF.  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


818 


When  he,  therefore,  castB  reflections 
OB  our  good  faith,  he  also  offers  an 
insult  to  the  lodge  that  sent  us  and  1 
expect  an  apology  from  him,  not  only 
to  the  delegates,  but  to  Lodge  No.  129 
as  well.  As  for  Bro.  Flaiherty  and  my- 
self. I  defy  him  to  prove  that  we  have 
ever  had  any  personal  clash  whatever 
with  any  Grand  Lodge  (Acer,  either 
past  or  present,  and  it  is  hardly  neces- 
sary for  me  to  defend  Bro.  Flynn 
from  such  charges,  for  he  is  well 
known  to  the  rank  and  file  of  switch- 
men throughout  the  country  as  an 
honorable  and  most  loyal  union  man 
and  would  be  the  very  last  man  in  our 
ranks  to  allow  either  the  satisfaction 
of  a  personal  grudge  or  the  hope  of 
personal  gain  to  interfere  with  his 
duty  to  the  union  and  under  no  cir- 
cumstances would  he  betray  the  trust 
of  the  lodge  who  sent  him  as  their 
delegate. 

I  wish  to  suggest  to  Bro.  Carius  that 
it  is  not  necessary  to  strain  his  spirit 
of  charity  too  much.  The  correspond- 
ence schools  are  certainly  famous  and 
they  teach  many  things,  but  they  can 
not  and  do  not  teach  switching.  1 
learned  to  switch  cars  twenty-five 
years  ago  in  the  yard  of  the  Lacka- 
wanna. I  do  not  know  wnetuer  or 
not  they  have  ever  heard  of  that  rail- 
road down  In  Newport,  Ky. 

As  to  those  things  concerning  our 
last  convention  he  claims  he.  cannot 
understand,  I  would  like  to  explain 
them  to  him,  but  there  are  so  many 
of  them  and  his  comprehension  of 
them  not  being  clear  after  two  weeks 
debating,  I  am  afraid  my  task  would 
be   a   hopeless   one. 

Yard  work  is  very  slack  in  Scranton 
and  vicinity  at  present  owing  to  tiie 
suspension  in  the  coal  mines,  but  we 
are  all  hoping  for  a  speedy  and  peace- 
ful settlement. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  brothers 
throughout  the  country,  I  will  draw 
my  letter  to  a  close. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thomas  F.  Rowan. 


country  know  what  we  are  doing  for 
the  good  of  this  great  union.  I  used  to 
see  a  letter  from  the  Denver  lodges. 
What  have  become  of  them? 

Lodge  No.  37  is  still  holding  its  own, 
and  always  will  as  long  as  it  has  those 
hardworking  officers. 

The  ball  committee  reports  progress, 
if  they  did  have  a  stormy  night  and  16 
below. 

We  are  taking  in  new  members 
right  along,  lining  up  some  that  finally 
found  out  where  they  belong,  and  we 
are  letting  some  of  them  go  that 
thought  Lodge  No.  37  was  a  charitable 
institution,  as  it  kept  our  treasury 
drained  all  the  time.  It  is  now  pay 
your  dues  or  go  by  the  wayside.  There 
is  some  excuse  when  sick  or  injured. 

We  have  a  good  attendance,  but 
would  like  to  see  some  of  the  old- 
timers  once  in  awhile.  It  would  do 
your  heart  good  to  hear  our  old  work- 
horse, Barney  Plynn.  Somebody  called 
him  a  snake,  and  he  answered,  'Tes,  I 
am,  full  of  poison  from  head  to  foot." 
Right  you  are,  Barney. 

Our  worthy  president  gave  some  ad- 
vice, not  long  ago,  which  I  think  was 
pretty  good,  as  jobs  are  pretty  scarce 
nowadajrs,  as  I  know  after  being  on 
the  injured  list  for  seven  months. 
Business  is  on  the  bum  around  here. 

Sister  Sheridan  reports  Sister  Logan 
is  very  sick,  and  all  hope  to  hear  of  a 
speedy  recovery  to  good  health. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  L.  A.  and 
S.  U.  members, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Journal  Agent. 


Si.  Louis,  Mo.- No.  37. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Jotjbnal: 

As  this  is  iay  first  attempt  to  write 
a  few  lines  for  our  noble  pink  book  I 
hope  the  editor  will  not  throw  it  in 
thei  waste  basket  I  think  every  lodge 
oui^t  to  write  a  few  lines  to  let  the 


Erie,  Pa.~No.  38. 

Editob  Switchmrw's  Jottbnal: 

Now  that  the  winter,  which  has  been 
so  long  drawn  out,  has  come  to  an  end 
and  the  buds  are  again  showing  their 
tiny  heads,  it  calls  to  mind- the  t&ct 
that  no  matter  how  severe  has  been 
the  weather  these  things  will  appear 
in  their  order  and  at  their  own  time 
because  it  is  the  natural  order  of 
things  for  them  to  do  so,  and  because 
the  Hand  that  brings  them  forth  knows 
it  is  right. 

So  it  is  with  our  organization.  No 
matter  how  severely  we  have  been  criti- 
cized, no  matter  how  deeply  we  have 
been  covered  with  the  attacks  of  our 
enemies,  we  will  peep  our  heads  out 
again  in  our  time  and  by  our  united 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


814 


JOURNAL    OF    THB   SWITCHMaN'6 


effort  appear  again  with  the  flower  of 
unloniBm  more  fragrant  than  ever,  be- 
cause we  know  we  are  right. 

I  do  not  like  to  use  these  columns  to 
discuss  politics,  but  now  that  we  are 
nearing  another  general  election  it  be- 
hooves each  and  every  member  who 
has  the  interests  of  the  labor  move- 
ment at  heart  to  keep  his  eyes  open 
and  see  what  is  going  on. 

We  should  look  back  over  the  four 
years  now  drawing  to  a  close  and  see 
how  the  party  in  office  has  kept  the 
promises  made  during  the  last  cam- 
paign. 

Look  at  the  records  of  our  Congress- 
men from  each  of  our  own  different 
districts  and  see  how  they  voted  on 
questions  which  benefited  organized 
labor,  and  if  they  have  done  their  duty 
and  have  been  unwilling  to  be  "fixed" 
and  are  again  running  for  office,  give 
them  your  vote.  If  not,  then  come  for- 
ward and  by  your  vote  show  them  that 
the  laboring  men,  especially  those  who 
are  organized,  have  intelligence  enough 
to  know  when  they  are  being  "done." 
But,  first  of  all,  have  we  taken  interest 
enough  in  things  to  go  to  the  polls  and 
register  so  we  could  vote  If  not,  we 
have  put  ourselves  upon  an  equal  with 
the  alien  laborers  whom  we  see  landing 
every  day  at  Ellis  Island. 

These  are  things  that  should  engage 
our  attention  during  the  coming  few 
months,  in  order  that  the  things  we 
have  been  striving  to  attain  will  not 
receive  any  setback,  and  that  those 
things  we  have  will  not  be  taken  from 
us.  Each  member  of  our  organization 
should  make  himself  a  part  of  this 
great  movement,  so  that  when  the  time 
comes  for  us  to  cast  our  vote  we  will 
know  enough  to  say.  "We  want  what 
we  want  when  we  want  It." 

The  Switchmen's  Union,  with  its 
progressiveness  and  determination, 
which  has  characterized  it  since  its  in- 
ception, reminds  me  of  a  beautiful 
painting  I  have  seen  of  an  old  hunter 
and  his  dogs  in  pursuit  of  the  deer, 
which,  upon  coming  to  the  edge  of  a 
steep  precipice  fell  to  their  death  be- 
low,  and  the  dogs,  true  to  their  animal 
instinct,  plunged  headlong  after  them. 
The  old  hunter,  when  he  had  reached 
them  found  one  dog  still  alive,  and,  as 
he  holds  its  head  in  his  lap,  mur- 
mured, "There's  life  in  the  old  dog 
yet."  If  each  of  our  members  would 
take  the  proper  interest  in  the  lodge 
meetings  and  other    movements    that 


are  on  foot,  and  pay  attention  to  the 
great  questions  that  are  before  the 
people,  and  use  the  means  they  have 
at  hand  to  combat  the  powers  that 
assail  from  all  sides,  and  after  the  chase 
has  ended  and  we  see  the  result  of  our 
organized  effort  we  could  say  with 
candor.  'There's  life  in  the  old  dog 
yet."  M.  A.  Goolkt, 

Journal  Agent  Lodge  No.  M. 


New  Yofic  Qty.—Ho.  56. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  have  not  seen  anything  from 
Lodge  No.  56  in  the  pink  book  for 
some  time  and,  as  I  have  a  few  min- 
utes to  spare,  I  will  try  to  let  the 
brothers  In  the  West  know  that  No.  56 
is  still  on  the  ground  and  fighting  for 
the  good  union  men  here,  and  all  who 
are  acquainted  with  the  Switchmen's 
Union  know  it  has  no  taint  on  it  and 
is  a  union  from  top  to  bottom. 

I  wish  to  state  that  Vice-President 
Sheehan  paid  us  a  visit  at  our  last 
meeting  and  gave  much  good  advice 
to  all  who  heard  him.  Come  again, 
Bro.  Sheehan!  Lodge  No.  56  is  al- 
ways glad  to  see  our  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers. Come,  along,  Bro.  Connors  and 
see  the  big  city.  A  visit  to  Lodge  No. 
56  from  you  would  be  very  much  ap- 
preciated by  the  members.  I  have 
been  telling  .them  you  would  come 
some  dajr,  so  do  not  be  afraid.  There 
are  some  of  the  old  school  switchmen 
here,  so  you  will  be  welcome  to  come 
and  I  know  you  would  do  good  work 
here. 

I  hear,  now  and  then,  members  say, 
"If  I  was  at  the  meeting  this  thing 
would  not  take  place!"  If  space  in  the 
pink  book  will  permit  I  will  say  that 
there  is  no  good  reason  for  such 
brother  not  having  been  there  in  most 
cases,  and  not  have  one  or  two  mem- 
bers do  all  the  work.  I  would  like  to 
give  a  few  reasons,  as  I  see  them,  why 
all  members  should  attend  meetings. 
First,  it  is  encouraging  to  the  officers 
of  the  lodge  and  the  committee  men 
who  are  representing  them  to  see  the 
members  take  an  interest  in  the  lodge 
and  attend  the  meeting  and  by  that 
means  they  know  that  every  man  is 
back  of  them.  Secondly,  the  man  who 
attends  the  meeting  does  not  have  to 
come  and  ask  what  took  place  at  the 
meeting.  We  generally  find  the  m^n 
who  does  not  attend  is  usually  the  ^ne 


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UNION   OF  NORTH    AMBRICA. 


316 


wko  does  the  most  talking:  outside  of 
the  lodge  room.  Success  can  only  be 
achiered  by  constant  endearor  on  the 
part  of  every  switchman  in  the  organi- 
lation.  A  lod^e  with  good  attendance 
at  one  meeting  and  then  practically 
none  at  the  next,  does  not  usually 
amount  to  much.  Attend  your  lodge 
meetings  and  what  you  have  to  say, 
■ay  it  in  the  lodge  room,  and  if  I  am 
in  the  wrong  in  a  defbate  it  is  your 
duty  to  tell  me  so,  not  forgetting  that 
there  is  a  chance  of  you  yourself  being 
wrong.  If  you  remember  that  the  ma- 
jority rules,  you  will  have  no  kick 
coming  if  things  are  not  done  to  you? 
liking.  Attend  the  meetings,  brothers, 
as  we  hare  good  work  ahead  of  us 
and  we  must  be  up  and  doing,  or  the 
simplers  wUl  try  to  tell  the  no-^ills 
that  they  will  have  another  Eastern 
movement.  It  will  reach  this  line  to 
6.  T.  and  all  the  men  that  lost  their 
jobs  in  that  strike  two  years  ago  will 
have  to  be  taken  back.  O,  you  sim- 
plers! Will  you  ever  see  anything  for 
yourself  and  families.  There  is  a  good 
chance  for  you  no-bills  to  get  into  the 
class  and  craft  you  are  working  in 
and  to  be  men  with  men  and  not 
drones.  Ton  will  find  the  members  of 
No.  56  a  good  set  of  fellows  and  they 
will  give  you  a  royal  welcome  to  the 
ranks  of  the  organization.  Tou  should 
be  in  the  S.  U.,  as  you  are  switching 
cars.  Bro.  Mc,  you  are  all  right!  Ket^p 
it  up  and  educate  the  no-bill  and  you 
will  make  a  good  showing  this  year 
and  will  be  on  the  roll  of  honor. 

Well,  brothers,  I  think  I  have  said 
enough  for  this  time,  so  I  will  close 
with  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers  in 
the  West,  not  forgetting  old  Baldy 
O'Brien.     I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


David  Coombs. 

Editor  SwrrcHMEW's  Joubnal: 

The  photograph  herewith  repro- 
duced will  introduce  to  the  readers  of 
the  Journal  Bro.  David  Coombs  who, 
while  switching  cars  on  Sunday, 
March  24th,  at  Chestnut  Street  Yard, 
a.  M.  &  fit  P.  R.  R.,  Milwaukee,  Wis., 
had  the  grievoue  misfortune  to  lose 
one  eye  entirely  and  affecting  the 
other.  This  misfortune  happened 
.while  coupling  up  the  air  on  a  trans- 
fer ran. 


Bro.  Coombs,  who  is  the  oldest  mem- 
ber of  Lodge  No.  10,  is  well  known  and 
liked  throughout  the  Northwest.  In 
the  early  days  of  the  S.  M.  A.  A.  he 
was  a  loyal  brother  and  was  tireless 
in  brotherhood  work,  being  engaged 
on  the  old  M.  ft  St.  L.  at  that  time, 
which  was  about  thirty  years  ago. 
This  was  in  18^2  and  to  Bro.  Coombs' 
credit  it  can  be  said  that  he  lined  up 


DAVID  COOMBS 

for  the  Main  Line  of  Union  Brother- 
hood and  has  never  faltered  or  been 
side-tracked  since  that  time.  He  went 
from  the  M.  ft  St  L.  to  the  Northern 
Pacific  and  the  old  war  horses  on  that 
system  know  him  well. 

For  the  last  twenty  years  he  has 
worked  in  Milwaukee,  acting  in  the 
capacity  of  helper,  foreman  and  yard- 
master,  but  found  time  to  devote  much 
of  his  energies  to  establishing  Dodge 
No.  10,  and  was  a  very  active  member 
in  the  Milwaukee  convention  of  18t)l. 

Bro.  Coombs  is  a  man  who  is  very 
broad  in  his  views  and  sound  and  con- 
servative in  reasoning,  and  when  the 
lodge  was  in  need  of  a  good  and  com- 
petent man  to  fill  a  responsible  posi- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


316: 


JOURNAL    OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


tioD»    lie   was   the   first   brother   they 
looked  too. 

But  now  the  time  haa  come  when 
his  switching  days  are  past,  noTerthe- 
lees  his  spirit  of  fraternal  brother- 
hood is  not  quenched  and,  in  the  same 
spirit  in  which  he  has  stood  by  Lodge 
No.  10,  Juat  so  do  the  brothers  of  our 
lodge  stand  shoulder  to  shoulder  back 
of  Bro.  Coombs  and  offer  to.  him  and 
his  family  every  assistance  possible  in 
their  power  and  thank  the  heavenly 
Father  that  Bro.  Coombs  is  still  pre- 
served to  us.  May  he  and  his  family 
live  and  prosper  to  a  good  old  age. 
Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P., 

Alexander  McRae. 


Nottingham,  C— No.  55. 

Editor  SwrrcHMEN's  Journal: 

Come  all  you  switchmen  if  you  want 
to  hear  a  little  truth  about  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  from  a  member  of  Lodge  No. 
55.  We  are  still  thriving  and  doing  all 
in  our  power  to  elevate  the  S.  U.  in 
the  mind  of  every  man  making  his 
livelihood  at  switching  cars.  Every 
member  should  keep  on  trying  to  get 
all  the  eligible  men  in  the  switching 
business  to  Join  our  noble  order,  so  as 
to  make  it  the  strongest  in  the  land. 
Our  order  certainly  gives  the  best  in- 
ducements to  members  that  can  be 
obtained  in  the  U.  S.  A.  Just  think  of 
what  we  would  be  receiving  for  our 
daily  toil  and  risk  if  It  were  not  for 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  we  are  bound 
to  get  more,  too,  so  you  see  the 
stronger  we  get  the  easier  it  will  be 
for  us  to  get  still  better  working  con- 
ditions than  we  now  have. 

Speaking  of  business,  it  has  been 
good  here  all  the  winter,  and  is  still 
holding  out  pretty  well.  We  took  ad- 
vantage of  the  rush  and  got  a  good 
many  new  members  to  Join  the  good 
cause.  There  are  two  or  three  more 
tightwads  here,  but  we'll  get  them 
with  a  little  more  explaining  of  what 
benefit  it  is  to  them,  their  families 
and  fellow  men. 

In  reference  to  the  election  of  dele- 
gates to  conventions.  I  for  one  can 
truthfully  state  that  every  lodge  In  the 
S.  tJ.  of  N.  A.  should  elect  their  own 
delegates,  for  the  simple  reason  that 
they  understand  their  men  better  than 
an  outsider  would;  they  know  his 
quality  and  also  his  character.  And  T 
am  sure  that  the  Grand  Lodge  at  least 


should  give  every  local  lodge  credit  for 
having  one  or  two,  if  not  more,  mmt 
smart  enough  to  arrange  this  attmir 
and  have  same  correct.  If  you  good 
brothers  wish  to  read  a  good  piece  on 
the  delegate  question  pick  up  your 
April  Journal  and  read  what  Bro. 
Clarence  P.  Fates  of  Lodge  No.  146, 
Rensselaer,  Ind.,  has  to  say.  With  best 
wishes,  I  remain, 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Fred.  Beroer. 


Peoria,  W.— No.  224. 

Editor  Switchiccn's  Journal: 

I  have  found  out  why  the  17th  of 
March  is  held  so  sacred  by  every  de- 
scendant of  the  Emerald  Isle,  at  least 
one  reason  is  that  it  is  Bro.  Bill 
Deady's  birthday.  Bill  had  been  devel- 
oping for  thirty-six  St.  Patrick's  daya 
and  has  developed  into  a  great  big 
whole-souled  good  fellow,  and  it  is  not 
surprising  that  on  the  17th  of  March 
so  many  make  merry  throughout  the 
land.  But  this  year  Bill  received  a 
surprise.  He  moseyed  uptown  and 
when  he  came  home  he  found  the  house 
filled  with  his  friends  and  decorated 
from  cellar  to  garret  with  shamrocks 
and  a  great  big  easy  chair  for  him  to 
rest  his  weafy  bones  in.  After  Bro. 
Deady  had  recovered  from  his  sur- 
prise, the  good  Mrs.  Deady  (I  can't 
help  but  say  it,  the  best  cook  in 
Peoria),  requested  their  presence  in  the 
dining-room,  where  everyone  did  hom- 
age to  the  bounteous  spread  that  was 
laid  before  them,  and  the  last  car  that 
night  carried  many  home  who  will 
always  have  pleasant  memories  of  the 
thirty-sixth  birthday  of  Bro.  W.  J. 
Deady,  treasurer  of  Sill  City  Lodge 
No.  224.       Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P.. 

J.  H.  Brown. 


Toledo,0.— No.  14. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

The  great  activity  that  is  being 
manifested  by  various  members  of  this 
organization  in  the  numerous  articles 
that  have  appeared  in  the  Journal  in 
the  very  recent  past  are  mementoea  of 
reasonable  usefulness  and  conducive  to 
the  welfare  of  this  union.  I  also  be- 
lieve that  further  controversy  will  ad- 
vance a  more  vigorous,  yet  cheerful 
and  intelligent  response  which  in  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


817 


«nd  will  be  the  means  of  producing  a 
more  perfect  constitution. 

With  reference  to  Section  157,  and 
particalarly  to  that  part  which  debars 
members  not  actively  employed  in  the 
switching  service  from  representing 
his  lodge  as  a  delegate  to  the  conven- 
tion of  this  union.  After  giving  this 
proviso  proper  attention  and  con- 
sideration, it  appeiOs  to  me  that  the 
point  of  injustice  this  section  intends 
to  correct  is  far  inferior  to  the  one  it 
creates  and  will  not  fit  all  cases,  as 
for  instance,  an  active,  respected  and 
diligent  member  of  this  union  has  the 
misfortune  of  losing  his  position  as 
switchman.  He  has  also  advanced  to 
an  age  which  is  very  apt  to  cause  him 
delay  and  trouble  in  procuring  another 
job  at  his  particular  vocation.  He  is  a 
man  of  family  and  as  we  are  all 
aware,  a  man  who  has  the  care  of  a 
family,  cannot  stand  for  a  prolonged 
period  of  idleness,  so  he  is  compelled 
to  take  employment  at  some  inferior 
position,  pending  an  opportunity  to 
employment  with  some  other  railroad 
as  switchman.  But,  in  the  meantime, 
the  time  arrives  to  select  delegates  to 
the  convention  and  this  man  is  not 
actively  employed  in  the  switching 
service  immediately  preceding  the 
election  of  delegates,  yet  he  has  the 
welfare  of  this  union  at  heart  and  is 
well  able  to  represent  his  lodge  at 
convention.  But,  according  to  Section 
157  he  is  aot  eligible;  he  is  down  and 
must  stay  down,  as  far  as  being  a 
delegate  to  the  convention  is  con- 
cerned, until  such  time  as  some  rail- 
road company  allows  him  to  work  In 
its  switching  service.' 

Another  case  that  comes  under  Sec- 
tion 157  and'  appeals  to  my  sense  of 
Justice  ^  being  out  of  harmony  with 
the  fundamental  principle  of  unionism 
— and  it  should  be  particularly  so  with 
switchmen — and  that  Is  when  an  offi- 
cer of  this  organization  Lb  defeated  for 
re-election  at  convention  he  is  then 
out  of  employment.  If  he  has  ad- 
vanced Ln  years  beyond  the  age  limit 
estaft>lished  by  the  various  railroads 
throughout  the  country,  he  is  forced 
to  pdi'due  some  other  means  to  earn  a 
livelihood  and  by  so  doing  he  is  de- 
barred frem  taking  any  part  in  the 
conveihtiML  of  this  organization.  So  it 
is  apparent  that  this  union  is  very 
cunningly,  In  an  indirect  manner, 
plactlhg  a  ban  on  those  who  have 
reached  the  age  limit  and  served  us  in 


an  official  capacity.  There  are  many 
arguments  of  a  logical  charactA*  that 
may  be  set  forth  in  opposition  to  Sec- 
tion 157  and^  perchance  before  our 
next  biennial  convention,  enough  will 
be  said  to  cause  it  to  be  amended  or 
repealed,  so  as  to  be  more  in  keeping 
with  our  watchword,  **The  injury  of 
one  is  the  concern  of  alL" 

The  discussion  relative  to  the  estab- 
lishing a  permanent  quadrennial  con- 
vention city  for  this  organization 
seems  to  be  favored  by  many  of  our 
mem4>ers  whose  sincerity  of  purpose  is 
based  on  economy.  However,  I  am  of 
the  opinion  that  the  amount  saved  by 
the  proposed  plan  would  not  excell  the 
benefits  derived  through  the  present 
biennial  and  movaible  way  of  holding 
them,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  the 
more  direct  censorship  this  system 
provides  for  guidance  of  government 
through  the  delegates  over  its  welfare, 
and  I  say  this  with  due  respect  to  the 
ofDfcers,  both  past  and  present  of  this 
organization,  as  well  as  those  who  are 
discussing  the  question  in  the  Joub- 

NAL. 

In  conclusion  permit  me  to  express 
my  ardent  hope  and  militant  demand 
for  an  eight-hour  day  for  all  switch- 
men.        Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

John  J.  Dean. 


"Brothers,  let's  be  up  and  doing. 

Else  our  motto's  but  a  myth. 
Ills  and  wrongs  are  fast  accruing. 

Let  us  prove  us  men  of  pith. 
Parliaiment's  delays  spell  danger. 

Swifter,  surer  is  the  goal. 
When  we  know  no  man  as  stranger. 

Land  to  landf,  and)  pole  to  pole. 
If  uniting  makes  us  stronger, 

Who,  or  what  can  stay  our  oourse. 
When  no  section,  fighting  section. 

Labor  wieldls  ltd  solid  fcH'ce. 
Pridie  of  craft  has  kept  us  sundered. 

On  its  cuflt  our  masters  reckied; 
Still,   though   in   the   peat   we  blun- 
dered, 

Now  erectors,  'stand  erect' 
This  the  newer,  truer  message, 

This,  the  sweeter,  nobler  call, 
(Fuller  life  it  needis  must  preseage), 

'EJach  for  each,  and'  all  for  all.' " 
— Belected. 


Seventy  per  cent,  of  the  children  em- 
ployed in  the  cotton  industries  of  Vir- 
ginia are  illiterate. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


Buffalo.  N.  Y. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Another  month  has  flown  around  and 
it  is  time  for  the  Journal  to  go  to 
press,  and  I  want  to  write  about  our 
nice  card  party  and  dance  held  the 
17th.  It  rained  enough  to  keep  a  few 
of  the  timid  ones  at  home,  but  those 
that  came  enjoyed  a  most  pleasant 
evening. 

Lodge  No.  6  is  doing  very  nicely  in 
every  way  and  several  of  the  members 
report  having  applications,  which  is 
encouragring. 

The  benefit  dance  given  April  16th 
was  a  great  success  and  a  nice  sum  will 
be  realized  for  Bro.  Davis. 

The  dance  given  by  Lodge  No.  39 
happened  to  be  on  the  same  night  our 
card  party  was  scheduled  for,  and  it 
was  the  regret  of  the  writer  that  she 
could  not  be  in  two  places  at  one 
time,  but  the  report  is  that  their  dance 
was  as  successful  as  all  the  aCFairs  of 
this  lodge  usually  are. 

The  president  of  the  District  Council 
reports  that  Memorial  Day  will  be 
celebrated  by  the  BufTalo  lodges  and 
they  can  rest  assured  that  Lodge  No.  6 
will  help  in  any  way  they  can.  It  is 
right  and  fitting  that  this  be  done  in 
memory  of  those  who  have  worked  for 
the  order  and  been  called  to  the  great 
Beyond,  as  we  all  will  be  some  day. 
We  hope  that  the  lodges  in  t>ther  cities 
will  also  hold  memorial  services  on  the 
last  Sunday  in  May. 

The  thought  often  comes  to  me  in  my 
work,  and  in  talking  with  others  who 
are  following  work  in  labor  and  fra- 
ternal orders  as  to  why  the  members 
do  not  show  more  appreciation  for  th« 
work  of  those  who  try  to  build  up 
their  lodges  and  attend  their  meetings 
and  transact  the  business  at  those 
meetings.  Someone  must  do  the  work, 
and  when  these  someones  do  their  best 
and  use  their  brains  and  energy  in  so 
many  cases  they  get  abuse  instead  of 
thanks,  and  many  times  they  get  dis- 


gusted and  discouraged  and  quit  their 
good  work  and  the  order  and  lodge  are 
ne  losers.  Even  those  who  are  the 
best  workers  have  their  faults  and 
may  err  to  some  extent,  for  it  is 
human  to  err,  and  those  who  set  them- 
selves up  as  criticis  would  probably 
not  do  half  as  well  had  they  been  in 
the  others*  places,  and  often  are  the 
ones  who  have  sat  idly  by  and  let  the 
others  do  the  work.  When  a  person,, 
be  it  man  or  woman,  enters  an  order, 
they  take  an  obligation  to  do  all  they 
can  to  help  the  other  members  and  to 
build  up  their  lodge  and  the  order 
whenever  it  is  possible  to  do  so;  and 
if  their  time  or  inclination  does  not 
allow  them  to  do  so,  they  can  at  least 
appreciate  the  work  of  the  one  that 
does,  and  by  their  appreciation  they 
can  be  of  some  help.  Members  think 
this  over,  and  if  you  are  not  among  the 
workers,  try  to  appreciate  the  work 
done  for  you,  and  If  you  are  a  worker 
you  will  feel  better  and  more  encour- 
aged to  know  that  your  fellow-members 
appreciate  your  work. 

So  many  of  the  lodges  have  been  add- 
ing news  members  lately  that  I  think 
it  will  encourage  the  members  to  know 
it,  and  I  surely  do  like  to  receive  ap> 
plications  with  the  reports  each  month. 
I  must  compliment  Lodge  No.  32  on 
the  good  work  of  that  lodge — twenty- 
four  new  members  since  the  convention 
and  only  two  suspensions,  putting  this 
lodge  in  second  place,  and  the  outlook 
seems  good  for  it  being  in  first  place- 
in  the  near  future.  Lodge  No.  14  is 
one  of  the  few  lodges  which  can  boast 
of  having  no  suspensions  in  the  past 
year.  Lodges  Nos.  37  and  40  of  Peoria 
have  been  doing  excellent  work,  too, 
and  have  had  few  suspensions,  ho&ge 
No.  1  also  holds  its  members  well,  but 
has  not  added  members  as  fast  as  I 
should  like  to  see  it,  and  Lodge  No.  31 
is  making  a  record  for  itself  by  not 
having  any  suspensions  and  adding 
new  members,  too.  T  hope  in  the  near 
future  to  be  able  to  comment  on  the 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


319 


£Ood  work  of  some  of  the  other  lodges, 
and  will  gladly  give  the  credit  at  all 
timee  where  credit  is  due. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Saba.  T.  Jackson, 
Orand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


Em-roB  Switchmen '8  Jouenal: 

In  reading  April  Journal  wa^  very 
much  pleased  with  Jemima's  letter 
written  in  rhyme,  and  hope  she  will 
favor  us  often,  hut,  dear  sisters  and 
Mr,  Editor,  I  don't  think  Jemima  has 
anything  on  the  Journal  agent  in  re- 
gard to  height,  as  I  helieve  the  same 
plan  was  carried  out  in  that  case.  Any 
way,  I  And  it  very  convenient  to  be 
taU,  especially  when  out  to  see  the 
sights  at  the  circus.  Tou  don't  have 
to  taJce  a  back  seat  for  anyone  in  order 
to  see  down  front.  Well,  a  little  non- 
sense now  and  then  is  relished  by  alX 
and  half  the  cure  is  to  look  for  all 
that  is  good  and  bright  in  everything, 
and,  in  regard  to  Lodge  No.  7,  things 
are  livelier  than  ever.  We  have  been 
having  10-cent  socials  all  winter,  every 
two  weeks  at  the  members'  homes,  and 
a  fine  dinner  you  get  for  ten  cents. 
The  last  one  was  held  April  11th,  at 
Sister  Mccarty's,  and  the  bill  of  fare 
included  meat  pie,  baked  beans,  sand- 
wiches, pickles,  olives,  cheese,  lemon 
cream  pie,  three  kinds  of  cake,  and 
coffee,  ten  cents  to  all.  After  dinner, 
progressive  cards  were  played,  first 
prize  being  carried  off  by  your  humble 
servaiit  while  Sister  Comfort  was  con- 
soled, and  our  worthy  president.  Sister 
Madden,  furnished  the  music.  A  neat 
sum  was  realized,  which  is  used  for 
flowers  and  to  help  the  sick.  We  are 
now  preparing  for  our  annual  May 
party,  but  at  this  writing  arrangements 
are  not  complete.  We  are  glad  to  have 
Sister  Sweet  with  us  again,  also  Sister 
M.ir/  Gauhin,  who  brings  us  a  young 
candidate.  Sister  Patton  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  have  her  house  bum  entire- 
ly to  the  ground,  saving  nothing  but 
her  piano;  house  and  contents  covered 
by  insurance.  They  have  bought  them 
a  new  home  and  are  already  located. 
The  L.  A.  is  planning  to  have  a  bee 
and  help  her  get  her  linen  made  up.  I 
think  Lodge  No.  95  needs  a  stirring 
up.  Have  not  heard  from  them  for 
some  time.  Bro.  Charles  Nelson  has 
returned  from  his  trtp  looking  very 


much  rested.  1  would  like  to  call  at- 
tention to  a  letter  in  April  number 
from  Margaret  Bertrand  of  Lodge  No. 
39,  Milwaukee,  in  regard  to  the 
amount  of  insurance  and  the  dues  we 
have  to  pay,  and  sincerely  hope  at  our 
next  convention  it  will  be  advanced  to 
at  least  $500.  It  has  been  a  very  severe 
winter,  but  we  weathered  the  gales 
and  are  looking  for  better  times  this 
spring.  Despite  the  high  cost  of  living, 
which  you  hear  on  every  side  and  in 
regard  to  it  will  say  that  If  .every  wo- 
man would  take  a  basket  with  her  and 
bring  her  groceries  home  there  would 
be  no  need  of  delivery  boys,  wagons, 
horses,  and  all  that;  but  if  you  must 
have  a  yeast  cake,  or  a  spool  of  thread, 
or  a  loaf  of  bread  brought  to  your  door, 
you  must  expect  to  pay  their  black- 
smith bill,  also  for  their  delivery 
wagon  and  automobile.  Well,  I  am 
afraid  I  have  worked  over-time,  and 
will  get  sidetracked  when  our  worthy 
editor  reads  this,  so  with  best  wishes 
to  all  L.  A.  and  S.  IT.  of  N.  A.  mem- 
bers, I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Helen  Stevens, 
Journal  Agent. 


Chicago,  HI. 

EoiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Comibination  Lodge  No.  45,  having 
bestowed  on  the  undersigned  the 
honor  of  Joubnal  agent  and  not  as 
yet  being  familiar  with  the  duties  of 
such  a  position  in  the  lodge,  I  am 
under  the  impression  that  one  holding 
such  an  office,  be  it  in  the  auxiliary 
or  in  the  ranks  of  the  bold  chieftains 
of  the  road  service,  a  switchman,  is 
to  write  a  few  lines  to  our  editor  with 
the  hope  tiiat  he  can  give  it  8i;>ace  and 
so  will  proceed  to  let  sister  lodges 
know  that  we  have  a  live  and  promis- 
ing addition  to  the  ranks  of  our  al- 
ready growing  and  progressive  aux- 
iliary. 

It  is  with  a  great  amount  of  pleas- 
ure that  my  thoughts  revert  to  our  an- 
nual ball  which  was  held  on  March 
18th.  The  sisters  should  all  remember 
to  give  thanks  to  the  committee — Sis- 
ters Sterling,  iSample,  Warner,  Orainey 
and  MicCague— 4or  their  efforts  in 
bringing  about  such  a  successful  event 
as  it  proved  to  'be,  both  socially  and 
financially.  It  is  to  be  regretted, 
however,   that   more   of   our   brothers 


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320 


JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


do  not  dance,  but  we  can  not  criticise 
them  on  their  smoking. 

It  was  Indeed  a  pleasing  sight  to  see 
Bros.  lAw  and  Connors  dancing  an  old 
fashioned  quadrille,  and  several  other 
brothers  too  old  to  mention.  It  would 
not  be  a  bad  idea  to  form  a  dancing 
class  in  each  brothers'  lodge  and  teach 
some  of  their  prominent  wall  flowers 
how  to  do  a  step  or  two  in  round  danc- 
ing. Perhaps  they  .find  enough  of  it 
during  their  day  or  night  work,  as  I 
understand  their  movements  are  some- 
what speedier  than  in  the  days  gone 
'  by.  But  I  wish  to  thank  all  the  broth- 
ers that  were  present  at  this  Joyous 
event  Just  the  same. 

We  are  having  a  friendly  contest  be- 
tween two  divisions  of  our  lodge  led 
respectively  by  Sisters  Murphy  and 
Bowman,  and  which  has  brought  out 
some  energetic  work  from  the  sisters 
and  promises  to  luring  about  a  large 
increase  to  our  roster.  The  contest 
closes  April  80th,  and  the  side  bring- 
ing in  the  least  members  at  said  date 
must  furnish  a  dinner  to  the  winning 
side.  The  sister  with  the  largest 
numft>er  to  her  individual  credit  will 
receive  a  prize  in  addition  also. 

Now  sisters  I  would  like  to  call  your 
attention  to  the  fact  that  all  officers 
would  be  more  than  pleased  to  see 
a  larger  attendance  at  our  meetings, 
as  they  are  not  of  long  duration  and 
most  interesting  topics  come  up  for 
discussion  at  each  meeting,  so  try  to 
visit  us  at  least  once  a  month. 

We  wish  to  thank  Sister  Janes  for 
her  recent  visit  to  our  meeting. 

We  trust  that  our  worthy  Grand 
President,  Sister  Clark,  has  entirely 
recovered  from  her  recent  illness  and 
that  she  may  be  permitted  to  resume 
her  work  in  behalf  of  the  auxiliary 
in  the  possession  of  all  her  talents 
that  in  the  past  have  proven  of  such 
good  value  toward  the  advancement  of 
the  cause. 

Let  me  also  remind  our  members 
that  however  able  and  fanthful  our 
Grand  Lodge  officers  are,  our  duties 
are  not  ended  when  they  are  chosen. 
True,  they  are  an  essential  feature  to 
the  welfare  of  the  auxiliary  and  the 
benefit  derived  from  association  with 
them  and  the  friendly  and  valuable 
advice  received  from  time  to  time 
from  them,  and  which  is  the  result 
of  their  experience  and  lessons  learned 
during  the  years  of  thought  and  work 
devoted  to  the  cause,  yet  we  must  at 


all  times  keep  the  fact  uppermost  in 
our  minds  that  it  is  upon  each  indi- 
vidual sister  that  we  must  depend,  and 
as  each  devotes  her  time  and  attention 
to  its  welfare,  Just  to  that  extent  vfil\ 
we  progress  or  retrogress.  We  have 
each  a  responsibility  and  we  each 
have  an  influence  for  good  which,  if 
fully  realized,  appreciated  and  applied 
will,  in  the  aggregate,  mean  much  for 
the  organization.  We  are  advancing 
as  it  is,  for  there  are  several  who  are 
sincerely  improving  every  opportunity 
they  have  in  explaining  the  object  and 
aim  of  the  auxiliary  to  their  neigh- 
bors and  friends  who  are  eligible  to 
membership  and  asking  them  to  be- 
come a  part  of  the  good  cause.  But 
when  we  all  get  this  habit.  Just  im- 
agine how  we  will  thrive.  We  never 
know  what  we  can  accomplish  along 
this  line  until  we  have  tried,  nor  of 
the  Joys  and  victories  that  will  result 
as  rewards  for  our  efforts.  We  should 
each  eliminate  the  words  "can't"  and 
"failure"  from  our  vocabularies,  for 
they  have  no  place  in  the  mind  and 
heart  of  an  auxiliary  worker  and,  in- 
stead, let  us  substitute  the  words 
"can"  and  "will." 

In  conclusion  I  would  add  a  word 
to  the  brothers'  wives  and  sisters  who 
are  not  enrolled  on  our  books  that  it 
would  be  very  gratifying  to  us  to  be 
able  to  forward  to  each  and  every  one 
an  application  card  and  have  them 
Join  us  in  our  good  work.  Any  sister 
that  you  may  call  upon  will  be  only  too 
glad  to  explain  the  benefits  of  our 
auxiliary  and  the  good  work  we  are 
doing.        Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Kathebinb  Lang  an. 


Detroil,  Midi.>-No.  32. 

EiDiTOK  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  must  hurry  or  else  I  will  be  too 
late  for  the  May  Journal.  Was  quite 
disappointed  at  seeing  so  few  letters 
in  April  number.  Probably  the  sisters 
are  busy  housecleaning. 

Lodge  No.  82  is  on  the  gain,  taking 
in  new  members  every  meeting.  We 
are  selfish  enough  to  want  more,  and 
if  we  expect  to  get  the  coveted  five 
hundred  dollars  we  must  keep  on  In- 
creasing our  membership,  for  in  num- 
bers there  is  strength.  Just  a  few  of 
the  brothers  are  beginning  to  see  a 
little  of  the  good  we  can  do.  It  is  to 
be  hoped  they  will  see  it  plainer  and 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


321 


be  the  means  of  inducing  the  eligible 
ladies  to  join  us. 

A  very  enjojrable  evening  was  spent 
a  few  weeks  ago  when  a  number  of 
the  ladies  decided  to  surprise  the 
brothers,  and  surprise  them  we  did,  for 
the  "oysters  were  swrved  In  New  York 
style/'  and  the  coffee  that  Sister 
Pringle  can  make  was  enough  to  charm 
the  most  pessimistic,  not  forgetting  the 
delicious  cake.  Sisters  M.  Thompson, 
Greenan,  Wagner,  Smith,  Schrader, 
Hamilton,  iStubbs,  and  many  others 
were  there  to  do  the  honors  for  the 
brothers,  and  I  assure  you  the  commit- 
tee acquitted  themselves  in  their  best 
style.  We  know  that  those  brothers 
who  were  there  enjoyed  it,  for  Bro. 
Padgett  made  one  of  his  characteristic 
sp^teches,  and  assured  us  that  Bro. 
De  Rousie  was  too  overcome  to  give  us 
a  speech,  and  that  is  assurance  that  all 
were  pleased  for  it  is  a  very  hard  pro- 
position to  overcome  the  above-named 
brother.    Ha,  ha! 

I  hope  Sister  Bertrand  does  not  feel 
hard  towards  me,  for  I  certainly  would 
do  anything  in  my  power  for  Mil- 
waukee; but  the  Grand  President  gave 
me  jurisdiction  over  Michigan  only, 
therefore  I  did  not  like  to  Intrude.  If 
I  can  be  of  any  service  would  be  glad 
to  favor  you  at  any  time.  I  wilt  be 
in  your  city  June  10th,  and  then  we 
will  see  what  Is  and  can  be  done. 

Thanks  to  all  the  sisters  for  Easter 
cards.  Will  close  with  best  wishes  to 
all.    I  remain, 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

M.  M.  Whiteman. 


NottNigfliain,  O. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  don't  believe  Lake  Shore  Lodge 
No.  31  L.  A.  to  8.  U.  of  N.  A.  has  a 
Journal  agent.  If  it  has,  she  must  be 
a  very  hard  worker,  and  on  that  ac- 
count unable  to  devote  any  of  her  time 
to  correspondence.  At  any  rate,  we 
are  doing  fine,  and  I  feel  like  taking 
the  liberty  of  telling  Journal  readers 
about  It.  We  have  lately  had  Uie 
pleasure  of  placing  six  new  names 
upon  our  membership  roll  and  have  a 
Bumber  of  new  applications  passed 
upon,  which  we  soon  hope  to  have 
added  to  our  membership.  So,  on  the 
x^hole,  everything  looks  favorable  for 
a  f^ubstantial  increase  in  membership 


in  our  progressive  union.  As  a  rule, 
the  sisters  are  disposed  to  do  what 
they  can  towards  the  advancement  of 
the  cause,  and  if  this  rule  of  action 
and  good  interest  is  maintained  on  the 
part  of  all,  as  we  hope  and  have  reason 
to  believe  it  will  be,  there  is  nothing 
that  can  prevent  the  upbuilding  of  the 
cause  at  this  point  When  each  sister 
realises  she  is  a  full  part  in  the  work 
and  that  its  success  or  failure  is  meas- 
ured by  the  interest  she  devotes  to- 
wards it,  then  will  there  be  a  true 
realization  of  a  condition  that  will 
mean  much  for  the  advancement  of  the 
cause.  We  are  trying  to  Impress  that 
great  truth  upon  the  minds  of  every 
sister  at  Nottingham  and  Gollinwood. 
What  are  very  heavy  burdens  for  a 
faithful  few  become  light  ones  when  all 
join  in  and  share  them.  At  our  last 
meeting  we  had  one  swell  time,  which, 
of  course,  would  not  have  been  quite 
such,  without  an  elaborate  feast  enter- 
ing into  the  program.  While  it  is  our 
chief  aim  to  teach  the  cardinal  prin- 
ciples of  our  organization— 'U.,  H.  and 
J.,— we  can't  think  of  neglecting  such 
functions  as  those  just  alluded  to>  for 
it  would  be  quite  out  of  our  normal 
natures  to  think  of  such  a  thing;  be- 
sides they  add  to  the  interest  and 
pleasures  of  any  Institution,  and  all 
progressive  ones  recognize  their  merits 
and  adopt  them,  more  or  less,  as  an 
advertisement  feature  towards  the  ex- 
tension of  their  work.  Our  members, 
who  fail  to  attend  the  regular  meet- 
ings, really  do  not  know  what  they  are 
mtesing,  on  account  of  their  absence. 
We  are  very  sorry  that  we  have  quite 
a  large  sick  list  to  report:  Sisters 
Tippin,  Kirkland,  Holden  and  Neale 
have  all  been  sufferers  for  some  time, 
but  am  very  glad  to  be  able  to  state 
that  each  of  them  is  doing  nicely  at 
present,  and  we  trust  all  will  soon  be 
able  to  perform  their  usual  duties. 
While  mentioning  the  names  of  these 
sisters,  it  would  not  be  amiss  to  remind 
each  of  our  members  it  is  one  of  our 
duties  to  minister  to  our  sick  sisters, 
and  we  can  greatly  lighten  the  burdens 
of  those  aflMcted  by  taking  that  kind 
Interest  we  should  in  them  when  ill- 
ness overtakes  them.  We  should  neg- 
lect no  opportunity  to  call  upon  them 
and  render  whatever  assistance  within 
our  ability,  and  in  so  doing  we  will 
have  only  performed  a  sacred  duty  we 
owe  to  them,  but  the  doing  of  It  will 


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322 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


iuake  us  the  possessors  of  a  clearer 
<ron8cience  and  those  visited  of  a  better 
realization  of  the  sisterly  love  for  each 
other  that  permeates  the  hearts  of  the 
membership  of  our  organization.  We 
are  to  give  a  dance  at  Smith's  Hall, 
Aprtl  17th,  and  hope  to  have  a  good 
attendance  present  We  have  already 
given  two  this  winter  and  had  such 
good  success  with  them  that  we  just 
couldn't  help  having  one  more.  As  a 
result  of  these  entertainments,  we  have 
a  lovely  piano  to  show,  which  is  proof 
enough  that  there  was  some  interest 
manifested  in  these  balls.  We  are  en- 
couraged in  our  work  by  reading  so 
many  favorable  reports  from  the  vari- 
ous lodges  throughout  the  country,  and 
sincerely  hope  for  them  all  that  degree 
of  success  which  their  earnest  efforts 
merit.  I  think  I  have  written  quite 
enough  for  this  time,  and  besides  I  just 
ran't  write  any  more  without  taking 
another  look  at  the  most  beautiful 
thing  ever,  and  I  know  you'll  pardon 
me  for  it  when  I  confide  my  secret  to 
vou— that  it's  my  new  Easter  hat  I 
remain, 

Sincerely  In  U.,  H.  and  J.. 

A  Pie  Lover. 


IN  MCMOMAM. 

Sandusky.  O..  March  16,  1912. 

Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  meeting  of  Lake  Erie  Lodge  No. 
B7: 

Whereas,  The  Angel  of  Death  has 
entered  our  midst  and  taken  from  us 
our  esteemed  brother.  Berten  Hamil- 
ton;   and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  a  dear 
father,  mother,  sister  and  brother  have 
"been  deprived  of  the  worldly  love  and 
association,  the  community  of  an  hon- 
ored citizen,  and  this  lodge  of  a  be- 
loved member;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  bow  our  heads  in 
humble  submission  to  the  will  of  our 
Divine  Creator,  and  utter  these  words. 
"'O  Lord.  Thy  will,  not  ours,  be  done"; 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Lake 
Erie  Lodge  No.  57  extend  to  the  be- 
reaved parents  In  this  their  sad  hour 
of  afBlction,  their  sincere  sympathy 
and  condolence;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 


ing;  also  a  copy  foe  sent  to  the  family, 
and  one  to  the  Journal  for  publication. 

F.   P.   MOOBE, 

Peteb  B.  Cowley, 
OsoAB  Reib, 

Committee. 

Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
by  Buffalo  Lodge  No.  4  at  a  regular 
meeting  held  March  24th: 

Whsebas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  Albert  Zimmer- 
man, whose  death  occurred  March  14. 
from  injuries  received  in  August,  1911; 
and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  a  bereaved 
wife,  an  aged  father  and  mother  are 
left  to  mourn  his  sad  loss,  and  this 
lodge  is  deprived  of  the  influence  and 
assistance  of  a  most  upright  and  wor- 
thy brother;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend 
their  heartfelt  sympathy  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  parents,  in  this,  their 
time  of  deep  sorrow;  and,  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved.  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  records  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  parents  and  one  be 
forwarded  to  the  Joubnal  for  publica- 
tion. 

Joseph  Kellt, 
Geoboe  Hamilton. 
John  Hoabe, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Evening  Star 
Lodge  209,  held  April  4th: 

Whebeas,  The  death  of  our  late  be- 
loved brother,  Edward  Clark,  which  oc- 
curred on  April  3d,  from  injuries  re- 
ceived on  that  date,  while  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties,  has  removed 
from  us  a  most  worthy  brother  of  this 
union  and  a  model  son  and  brother 
from  the  home  of  bereaved  family, 
whose  welfare  and  happiness  he  was 
ever  anxious  to  promote;   and 

Whebeas,  His  death  has  also  de> 
prived  this  lodge  of  a  beloved  member 
and  faithful  worker,  and  we  feel  suit- 
able action  should  be  taken  by  it  to 
bear  witness  of  those  facts;  therefore, 
belt 

Resolved,  That  our  sincere  sympa- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


888 


thy  be  conveyed  to  the  bereaved  rela- 
tives, in  this,  their  time  of  deep  sor* 
row,  with  the  assurance  we  mourn 
with  them,  the  sad  loss  of  this  bright 
life  so  suddenly  taken  from  them;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That,  in  respect  to  the  es- 
teem held  for  our  deceased  brother,  a 
copy  of  these  resolutions  be  entered 
upon  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  one 
be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family,  and  a 
copy  be  forwarded  to  the  Joubnal  for 
publication. 

J.  W.  SlATTEBT, 

Thomas  Davis, 
W.  J.  McObbgob, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Council  Bluffs 
Lodge  No.  6,  March  28th: 

Whkbeas,  Death  has  moved  from 
our#  midst  Brother  Walter  W.  Clark, 
who  sustained  fatal  injuries  on  March 
11th,  from  which  he  died  on  the  same 
date;    and, 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  great  sorrow 
has  been  brought  to  a  bereaved  father 
and  mother,  who  now  mourn  his  sad 
loss,  as  well  as  the  entire  membership 
of  this  lodge,  of  which  he  was  an  hon- 
ored member;   and. 

Whereas,  The  severance  of  such  ties 
of  fellowship  has  brought  sadness  into 
all  our  hearts,  and  we  deem  it  a  duty 
to  take  suitable  action  in  giving  testi- 
mony to  the  brotherly  love  cherished 
for  him;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  our  deepest  sympa- 
thy be  extended  to  the  bereaved  fam- 
ily, in  this,  their  time  of  sorrow;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  mark  of  respect  to 
our  departed  brother,  our  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  3Q  days,  a  copy 
of  these  resolutions  to  be  spread  upon 
the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  a  copy  be 
sent  to  the  bereaved  family  and  one 
forwarded  to  the  Joubnal  for  publica- 
tion. 

Frank  Colbtjrn, 
A.  H.  Grenshaw, 
John  Butler, 

Committee. 


God,  in  His  infinite  wisdom,  to  call 
from  our  midst  our  dearly  beloved 
brother,  R.  B.  Brasher,  who  died  at 
Cincinnati,  O.;  and. 

Whereas,  By  his  death  this  lodge 
has  lost  a  good  and  faithful  member, 
ever  ready  to  help  a  brother  in  need, 
or  otherwise;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  while  in  session  assembled,  ex- 
tend to  the  wife  their  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy, in  her  sad  hour  of  bereavement, 
and  may  she  train  her  heart  to  say 
Thy  will  be  done,  O  Lord;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  respect 
for  our  departed  brother,  we  drape  our 
charter  for  thirty  4ays;  a  copy  of 
theae  resolutions  be  spread  upon  our 
minutes,  one  be  sent  to  the  wife  and 
one  to  the  Journal  for  publication;  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  thanks  be  ex- 
tended to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Royal   Blue  Lodge  No.   26   for  their 
kindness  and  willingness  in  looking 
after  Bro.  Brasher  in  time  of  death. 
Ed.  D.  Bbouoh, 
Wm.  Sheehy, 
J.  W.  Hemen, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Chicago 
Lodge  No.  199,  the  following  resolu- 
tions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty 


Terre  Haute,  Ind.,  April  9,  1912. 

Death  has  again  taken  from  Lodge 
No.  94  one  more  of  its  best  members, 
Bro.  Ira  D.  East.  Before  our  charter 
was  undraped  for  our  late  Bro.  F.  D. 
Ball  we  have  laid  to  rest  one  more  be- 
loved brother,  and  at  the  regular  meet- 
ing held  the  9th  day  of  April,  1912,  the 
following  resolutions  were  adopted  by 
the  members  of  Banks  of  the  Wabash 
Lodge  No.  94  S.  U.  of  N.  A.: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  us  our 
dearly  beloved  brother,  Ira  D.  East, 
whose  death  occurred  April  7th,  while 
in  the  performance  of  his  duties  in  the 
Vandalia  yards;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  hearts  of 
his  relatives  and  friends  as  well  as  to 
the  lodge  of  which  he  was  an  honored 
member;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge  in  meeting  assembled  extend 
their  sympathy  to  the  bereaved  wife 
and  relatives  in  this  their  sad  time  of 
affliction;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved.    That    as    tribute    to    his 


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824 


JOIJRNAL   OP   THE   SWITGHMBN'S 


memory  we  drape  our  charter  for  a 
period  of  thirty  days,  that  a  copy  of 
theQe  resolutions  be  spread  on  the  min- 
utes of  this  meeting,  one  sent  to  his 
wifey  father  and  mother,  and  one  to 
the  JoTTBNAL  for  publication. 
-A.  L.  Goodwin, 
H.  H.  Byington, 

DlTSTIN  CbAWFOBD, 

Committee. 


who  were  near  and  dear  to  him,  with 
an  earnest  prayer  that  the  Lord,  wbo 
hath  given  and  taken  away,  will  com- 
fort their  sorrowing  hearts;  and,  be  It 
further 


Tebbe  Haute,  Ind.,  March  26,  1912. 

At  H  regular  meeting  of  the  Banks 
of  the  Wabash  Lodge  No.  94,  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  held  March  26,  1912,  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebbas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly. Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
Brother  F.  D.  Bhll,  who  met  his  death 
March  13,  1912,  while  in  the  perform- 
ance of  his  duties  as  switchman  in  the 
Vandalia  yards; 

Whereas,  By  his  untimely  death,  a 
bereaved  wife  And  two  children  are 
now  deprived  of  his  support  and  at- 
tention and  this  lodge  has  lost  one  of 
its  best  members;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  in  meet* 
ing  assembled,  that  our  deepest  sym- 
pathy be  extended  to  the  bereaved 
wife,  children  and  relatives,  in  this, 
their  sad  time  of  so  great  a  loss;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  tribute  of  re- 
spect to  our  departed  brother,  we 
drape  our  charter  for  .thirty  days;  a 
copy  of  these  resolutions  be  spread  on 
the  minutes,  one  sent  to  his  wife,  and 
one  sent  to  the  Joubnal  for  publica- 
tion. 

DusTiN  Cbawfobd, 

E.  T.  Baldwin, 

F.  O.  Van  Absdall, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Electric 
Citgr  Lodge  No.  129  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America,  the  following  reso^ 
lutions  were  adopted: 

Whereas,  God,  our  kind  and  loving 
Father,  who  doeth  all  things  well,  has 
taken  our  beloved  brother,  Patrick 
McGuire,  to  his  eternal  home;  and 

WHEREAS,  We,  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  must  mourn  his  loss  as  a  true 
and  faithful  member,  and  an  honest, 
upright,  kindly  friend;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep- 
est apd  most  sincere  sympathy  to  those 


Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these 
lutions  be  sent  to  his  family,  one  to 
the  JoxTRNAL  for  publication,  and  one 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meet* 
ing,  and  that  our  charter  be  draped 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a  tribute 
of  respect  and  honor  to  his  memory. 
Thos.  Douoher, 
J.  B.  Hennioan, 
Martin  Reqan, 

Committee. 

Fort  Worth,  Tex.,  Feb.  28,  1912. 
Following   resolutions   were   unani- 
mously adopted  by  Trinity  Lodge  No. 
38  at  their  last  regular  meeting,  held 
Feb.  28th: 

Whereas,  Almighty  God  in  Hiii  in- 
finite wisdom  has  deemed  fit  to  remove 
from  our  midst  Sister  Rosa  B.  Weir; 

Whereas,  We  deeply  deplore  and  are 
likewise  grieved  at  her  death;  there- 
fore, be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  her  be- 
reaved sons  and  sorrowing  relatives 
our  sincere  sympathy  in  this,  their 
hour  of  grief;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  Trinity  Lodge  No.  38 
drape  its  charter  for  a  period  of  30 
days  as  a  mark  of  respect  to  her  mem- 
ory, and  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be 
sent  to  the  bereaved  family;  a  copy 
to  the  JouRNAi.  for  publication,  and  a 
copy  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this 
meeting. 

Kathleen  Heilioman, 
Vashti  Glanton, 
Agnes  Martin, 

Committee. 


The  many  friends  of  Patrick  Mc- 
Guire, of  Moosic  street,  were  surprised 
and  grieved  to  hear  of  his  sudden 
death  from)  hemorrhage  on  Saturday, 
April  13tii.  He  was  a  young  man 
about  thirty  years  of  age,  well  known 
in  Scranton  and  vicinity,  where  he 
had  lived  all  his  life.  His  cheerful 
disposition  and  kind  heart  had  en- 
deared him  to  a  large  circle  of  friends, 
who  extend  their  deepest  sympathy  to 
his  bereaved  family  and  mourn  with 
them  for  his  sad  and  untimely  deatti. 
He  is  survived  by  his  motiier,  Mrs. 
Bridget  McGuire,  also  the  following 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AME91ICA. 


825 


Bisters  and  brothers:    Mrs.   William 
Kilpatrick*   Ellzabetli   and  Tillie   Mc- 
Gulre,  Michael,  Philip  and  John  Mc- 
Gulre.     The  fnneral,  which  -was  held 
at  9.30  o'clock  Tuesday  morning,  was 
attended    by    a    large    gathering    of 
friends  and  relatives,  also  by  a  dele- 
gation   of    switchmen    from    Electric 
City  Lodge  No.  129,  of  which  he  was 
a  good  and  faithful  member.     A  re- 
quiem, mass   was   celeibrated   at   the 
Church  of  the  Nativity  and  interment 
was  in  the  Cathedral  Cemetery.    Sud- 
den and  swift  came  the  Master's  call — 
'Thy  work  is  United,  come"; 
Meekly  he  folded  his  weary  hands 
Ajkk  answered,  "Thy  will  be  done!" 
And  ye,  who  grieve  at  his  going. 
Remember  that  God  knows  best; 
And  weep  no  more  o'er  the  lonely 

grave 
Where  you  laid  him  down  to  rest. 
Though  his  face  be  hid  from  your 

yearning  gaze. 
And  his  glory  you  cannot  see, 
Tou  can  hear  God's  message  of  com- 
fort, 
••Grieve  not.  he  is  safe  with  Me." 
Thomas  P.  Rowan, 
Lodge  No,  129,  Bcranton,  Pa, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Des  Moines 
Lodge  No.  174  the  following  resolu- 
tions were  adopted: 

Whebbas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  call  into  everlasting  life 
our  beloved  Bro.  M.  EI.  Cline  who,  on 
March  9,  1912,  met  an  untimely  death 
while  in  the  performance  of  his  duty; 
and 

Whxbeas,  The  sudden  removal  of 
this  bright  life  from  his  beloved  wife 
leaves  a  vacant  place  and  sad  remem- 
brance in  the  hearts  of  his  family  and 
friends;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  sin- 
cere ^rmpathy  in  their  great  affliction 
and  bereavement;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  family,  one  to 
ttie  JouBKAL  for  publication  and  a 
copy  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  the 
lodge  and,  in  respect  to  the  memory 
of  our  deceased  brother,  that  our  char- 
ter be  draped  in  mourning  for  the  next 
thirty  days.  A.  L.  Ketteb, 

A.  E.  Wilson, 
J.  F.   Sammon, 
Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Golden  Gate  Lodge  No. 
158: 

Whebeas,  Once  again  our  dear  Lord 
has  come  in  the  midst  of  our  com- 
munity and  taken  unto  Him  one  of 
our  highly  esteemed  members  and  loyal 
workers  in  the  person  of  John  B.  Dun- 
can of  Oakland,  whose  life  has  been  a 
shining  star  to  all  who  knew  bin,  but 
now  must  shine  in  a  brighter  world, 
thus  depriving  those  that  knew  him 
of  a  friend  and  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  of  a 
dutiful  and  upright  member;  there- 
fore be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  as  brothers,  ex- 
tend our  heartfelt  sympathy  to  all 
who  were  near  and  dear  to  him;  and 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  his  son,  a  copy  be 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing, one  be  sent  to  the  Joxtbnal  for 
publication  and  our  charter  be  draped 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days  in  honor 
of  his  memory. 

B.  R.  Stockton, 

C.  J.  MoCabtht, 
Colonel  J.  Huckett, 

Oom^i^ittee. 

The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Union  Stock  Yard  Lodge 
No.  68  at  its  regular  meeting  held 
ApHl  14,  1912: 

Whebeas,  Our  heavenly  Father  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  removed  from 
our  midst  our  worthy  brother,  Philip 
Smith,  whose  death  occurred  on  April 
2d,  after  a  k)ng  illness;  and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  hearts  of 
his  relatives  and  many  friends  as  well 
as  to  this  lodge,  of  which  he  -  was  a 
charter  member  as  well  as  an  honored 
member;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge  in  meeting  assembled  extend  to 
the  bereaved  relatives  their  heartfelt 
S3nnpathy  in  this  their  hour  of  sadness, 
with  the  hope  that  in  this  they  may  see 
only  the  hand  of  God  and  in  Christian 
confidence  be  submissive  to  His  divine 
will ;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  tribute  of  re- 
spect to  our  beloved  brother  our  char- 
ter be  draped  for  thirty  days  and  a 
copy  of  these  resolutions  be  spread 
upon  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  one 


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JOURNAL   OP   THE   SWITCHBIBN'S 


be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family,  and 
one  to  our  Journal  for  publication. 
When  the  cares  of  life  have  ended 
And  1  cross  the  silent  stream. 
As  I  reach  the  heavenly  portals 
And  its  glories  on  me  beam 
I  shall  hear  the  song  of  welcome 
As  I  sweep  within  the  wall, 
I  shall  see  the  Saviour  coming, 
'And  shall  hear  His  loving  call. 

Gbobge  Shoup, 
p.  j.  mobonet, 
P.  B.  Pratt, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  of  respect 
were  adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of 
Empire  iState  Lodfee  No.  39,  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  Thursday,  April  11th: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Pather  to  call  into  everlasting  life 
our  beloved  brother,  H.  Richer,  who 
on  April  ^th  died  after  an  illness  of 
fourteen  months;    and 

Whereas,  The  nvembers  of  this 
lodge  sincerely  mourn  the  loss  of  an 
esteemed  brother  and  wish  to  condole 
with  his  family  in  their  hour  of  afflic- 
tion;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  his 
family  and  friends  our  profound  sym- 
pathy in  their  bereavement;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  respect 
to  our  departed  brother  our  charter 
be  draped  In  mourning  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  his  wife, 
*  also  one  to  our  Journal  for  publica- 
tion. P.  Gackle, 
W.  Brown, 
F.  Feloer, 

Committee. 


Cards  off  Thanks. 

Blue  Island,  111.,  March  29,  1912. 
EiDiTOR  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  officers  and  members  of  Blue  Isl- 
and Lodge  No.  29,  for  their  kindness 
shown  me  in  my  sad  bereavement  in 
the  sudden  death  of  my  dear  husband, 
Andrew  G.  Bagge;  also  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  offering.  I  also  desire  to 
thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt 
payment  of  the  claim  held  by  my  hus- 


band in  the  Union-,  and  may  the  8.  U. 
of  N.  A.  prosper  as  long  as  the  world 
goes  round  is  the  wish  of 

Mrs.  Alvina  Bag«e  and  daughter 
Mildred. 
325  Chicago  St 


South  Chicago,  111.,  April  1,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  thank  the  officers  and 
members  of  Calumet  Lodge  No.  15,  L. 
A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  for  their  beautiful 
floral  offering,  and  their  many  acts  of 
kindness  shown  us  in  the  death  of  onr 
beloved  father,  Patrick  Crowley. 
Sincerely  yours. 

Miss  Agnes  Crowlct. 


Glenloch,  Kan.,  March  28,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We    wish    to    express    our    sincere 
thanks  to  Columbia  Lodge  No.  80  for 
kindness  at  death  of  our  beloved  hus- 
band and  father,  Samuel  Pullin.  I  also 
wish  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
prompt  payment  of  the  insurance  pol- 
icy.   With  best  wishes  for  prosperity 
and  success  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Sincerely  yours, 
Mrs    Sadie  Pulun, 
John  Edward  Pullin. 


To  the  Officers  and  Members  of  Mil- 
waukee Lodge,  No.  10,  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 

Dear  Friends — ^This  is  an  humble  ef- 
fort on  the  part  of  my  family  and  my- 
self to  extend  to  you  our  profound 
thanks  and  our  deep  sense  of  gratitude 
for  the  many  manifestations  of  friend- 
ship, brotherly  love  and  loyalty  that 
you  have  accorded  us  during  the  death 
and  burial  of  our  dear  son  and  brother, 
Bert  J.  Shanesy,  who,  I  am  proud  to 
say,  was  a  member  of  your  order. 

Your  kindness  in  sending  flve  loyal 
brothers,  H.  E.  Gormley,  Mr.  Sackett, 
Mr.  McHugh,  Mr.  Brown  and  Mr.  Wil- 
son to  be  present  at  the  funeral  and 
extend  to  us  as  they  did  their  heartfelt 
sympathy,  and  the  beautiful  flowers 
which  they  brought  as  a  manifestation 
of  the  love  your  order  bears  for  a 
brother,  was  such  that  we  were  greatly 
consoled  and  our  burden  lightened. 

That  your  noble  order  and  loyal 
members  in  time  of  sorrow  may  have 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


827 


the  sympathy  and  comfort  accorded 
each  and  every  one  of  you  that  you 
have  accorded  to  us,  is  the  sincere 
wish  of 

J.  J.  Shanesy  and  Familt. 


Chicago,  111. 
E^DiTOB  Switchmen's  Jottbnal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Jackson 
Park  Lodge  No.  79  and  to  the  employes 
of  the  L.  S.  A  M.  S.  Railroad  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offerings  and  other 
manifestations  of  kindness  shown  to 
us  in  our  late  bereavement — the  death 
of  our  dear  son  and  brother,  Fred  C.  H. 
Marshall,  who  was  killed  on  the  even- 
ing of  Jan.  26,  1912,  on  the  L.  S.  A 
M.  S.  Railroad.  With  best  wishes  to 
the  employes  with  whom  he  labored 
and  the  union  of  which  he  was  a  mem- 
ber. Yours  sincerely, 

MOTHEB.  FaTHEB  AND  BROTHER. 

We  have  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one 

We  did  our  best  to  save; 

Now  mourned  on  earth,  regretted,  gone, 

Remembered  in  the  grave. 

We  loved  him,  oh,  no  tongue  can  tell 

How   much   we   loved   him,  and   how 

well; 
God  loved  him  too.  He  thought  it  best 
To  take  him  home  with  Him  to  rest. 


Bekxeville,  Kans.,  March  21, 1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Topeka  Lodge  No. 
12  for  the  beautiful  emblem  and  kind- 
ness shown  me  in  my  bereavement  in 
the  sudden  death  of  my  dear  husband. 
Especially  do  I  desire  to  thank  the 
switchmen  and  their  wives  of  Belle- 
ville for  their  kindness  and  assistance, 
remembered  with  gratitude  and  sincer- 
est  respect.  I  also  thank  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  payment  of  the  policy 
held  by  my  husband  in  the  union.  My 
best  wish  is  that  the  Switchmen's 
Union  and  all  of  the  members  may 
prosper  as  they  Justly  deserve  to  do.  I 
remain.      Very  sincerely  yours, 

Mrs.  EjLlbn  E.  Call. 


Ft.  Worth,  Tex.,  April  7,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Jottrnal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Lodge  No.  38  Ladies'  Auxiliary  to  the 


8.  U.  of  N.  A.,  for  the  kindness  shown 
us  in  our  sad  bereavement — the  death 
of  our  beloved  mother — which  occurred 
Feb.  9th.  We  also  want  to  thank  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment 
of  the  policy  held  by  our  beloved 
mother,  which  we  received  March  9th. 
May  God  bless  and  protect  every  mem- 
ber of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  and 
brother  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  hope 
to  see  Ladies'  Auxiliary  the  leading 
auxiliary  of  all  the  railroad  organiza- 
tions.   We  remain.    Tours  truly, 

G.  W.  Weir, 
P.  H.  Weir. 


Conneaut,  O.,  April  21,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  116  S. 
U.  of  N.  A.,  for  their  kindness,  also 
for  the  prompt  payment  of  insurance 
claim  from  Grand  Lodge,  which  my 
husband  held.  Wishing  the  union  the 
best  of  success  and  prosperity  in  the 
future,  I  remain, 

Sincerely  yours, 

Mrs.  N.  A.  Hoffet. 


Notice* 

Mrs.  Margaret  Walsh,  1332  West 
Sixteenth  street,  Des  Moines,  la.,  is 
very  anxious  to  know  of  the  where- 
aibouts  of  her  son  George  Walsh,  a 
memfber  of  Lodge  No.  174,  When  last 
heard  from  he  was  very  sick  at  Ham- 
mond, Ind. 


Anyone  knowing  the  present  address 
of  T.  H.  Hamilton,  formerly  a  member 
of  Lodge  No.  181,  will  greatly  oblige 
his  mother,  Mrs.  T.  M.  Hamilton,  418 
E.  Garfield  avenue,  Springfield,  Mo.,  by 
notifying  her  of  same. 


C.  E.  Stewart  of  Lodge  No.  225  is  re- 
quested to  communicate  with  Sectetary 
and  Treasurer  W.  A.  Heathering,  1234 
Claiborne  street,  New  Orleans,  La. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts 
of  A.  F.  Murphy,  will  confer  a  favor 
by  sending  his  address  to  his  sister, 
Mrs.  J.  Clancy,  Hamburg,  N.  Y.,  or  E. 
Southard,  71  Sage  avenue,  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.    This  request  is  on  account  of  re- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAIi   OP   THE    SWITOHMBN'8 


cent  death  of  his  mother.    When  last 
heard  from  he  was  at  Chicago,  lU. 


James  T.  Murphy  of  Lodge  No.  176, 
Syracuse  avenue,  Salamanca,  N.  T.,  is 
anxious  to  know  the  whereabouts  of 
Dennis  Sullivan,  who  left  Forrestville, 
N.  Y.,  thirty  years  ago.  When  last 
heard  from  was  in  San  Francisco,  Cal., 
and  expected  to  go  to  Australia. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
Ernest  Bullock,  a  late  member  of 
Lodge  No.  201,  will  please  send  his  ad- 
dress to  William  Krleger,  treasurer 
Lodge  No.  201,  28  French  street,  Buf- 
falo,  N.  Y. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  M. 
C.  Baggs,  will  oblige  by  notifying  his 
brother,  Lew  Johnson,  1126  Bast 
Douglas  avenue,  Wichita,  Kans.  When 
last  heard  from  he  was  a  brakeman  in 
Falrvlew,  Okla.,  on  the  K.  C.,  M.  6.  O. 
Railroad. 


A  Pernidous  System. 

In  the  campaign  for  organization 
among  the  clothing  workers  in  New 
York  City  many  startling  conditions 
have  been  disclosed  that  seem  almost 
impossible  of  belief,  as  their  imposi- 
tion would  seem  to  have  been  beyond 
the  presumptive  arrogance  of  even  a 
clotbmg  manufacturer. 

In  addition  to  long  hours,  small 
wages,  unsanitary  workshops,  con- 
tracting and  subcontracting,  bonus 
systems,  beneficial  societies  (where  the 
benefits  are  mostly  for  the  employer), 
we  find  that  in  some  shops  the  men 
have  to  make  a  cash  deposit  with  the 
firm  of  from  $50  to  $100  as  a  guaran- 
tee they  will  not  participate  in  a 
strike. 

This  is  what  one  of  the  firms  who 
have  the  deposit  system  in  effect  has 
to  say  in  its  favor:  "The  cash  deposit 
plan  has  the  approval  of  the  help,  and 
because  it  makes  each  employe  feel 
that  he  is  protected  against  the  other 
going  on  strike  and  thereby  drawing 
him  into  one.  The  money  deposited 
is  really  a  saving,  on  which  regular 
bank  interest  is  paid,  and  it  Is  abso- 
lutely secured  to  the  employes  by  a 
contract." 

Surely  this  plan  should  meet  the  ap- 
proval of  every  one,  because,  as  this 


dear,  kind,  loving  employer  says,  "it 
has  the  approval  of  the  employe,"  as 
he  is  their  friend,  for  if  he  were  not 
caring  for  the  $60  or  $100  of  each 
employe  they  would  spend  it  and  not 
be  receiving  "regular  bank  interest," 
and  hence  would  certainly  be  dissat- 
isfied with  their  lot. 

It  goes  without  saying  there  aro  no 
union  men  in  the  employ  of  firms  who 
use  this  system,  and  we  are  4}herefore 
justified  in  the  belief  that  the  men 
who  are  emii^oyed  under  the  plan  out- 
lined are ,  enjoying  to  its  full  extent 
the  right  of  a  "freedom  of  contract" 
which  we  hear  so  much  about,  and 
which  is  so  much  better  for  the 
worker  in  theory  than  in  practice. 

This  plan  has  the  "approval  of  the 
men"  sounds  very  nicely,  but  when  it 
is  realized  that  in  order  to  secure  em- 
ployment a  man  must  hand  over  his 
money  to  the  employer  as  a  guarantee 
that  he  will  meekly  submit  to  any 
conditions  imposed  upon  him,  and  will 
not  resent  this  imposition  either  indi- 
vidually or  with  his  fellows,  one  can 
readily  understand  why  the  system 
has  his  approval. 

So  far  as  we  know,  there  is  no 
financial  obligation  offered  by  or  ex- 
acted from  the  employer  as  a  guaran- 
tee that  the  worker  will  not  be  laid 
off  in  dull  periods  nor  be  discharged 
at  any  time  the  firm  may  decide  they 
have  no  further  use  for  his  services, 
yet  we  are  told  the  "employe's  money 
is  secured  by  a  contract." 

To  us  it  would  appear  that  a  worker 
under  the  deposit  system  has  about 
as  much  chance  to  assert  his  inde- 
pendence over  his  Job  as  the  prover- 
bial relation  of  the  cloth  to  the  shears. 
This  system  and  other  bad  conditions 
can  only  be  eradicated  by  the  workers 
themselves  through  an  effective  trade 
union.— TTie  Weekly  Bulletin  of  the 
Clothing  Trades. 


Are  you  paying  your  dues,  attend- 
ing union  meetings,  saying  a  good  word 
for  the  union,  and  supporting  tt  at  all 
times  and  places,  or  are  you  withhold- 
ing your  support,  criticising  the  union 
and  condemning  its  officers?  If  you 
are  doing  the  latter  things,  you  are 
hardly  justified  in  expecting  any  re- 
sults, and  the  union  is  to  be  com- 
mended for  being  able  to  aocomplisb 
some  things  in  spite  of  you. — Bx, 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


1828— fIRST  WOMEN'S  STRIKE 


By  Ruth  Delzsll. 


A  moet  fitining  story  of  the  first  at- 
tampts  at  trade  unions  among  women 
Is  told  In  Vol.  X  of  the  Government 
Report  on  conditions  of  "Woman  and 
CaUld  Wage  Ea^rners  in  the  United 
SUtee." 

We  ar^  very  grateful,  not  only  to  the 
goremment  arranging  for  the  work, 
but  also  to  Dr.  John  B«  Andrews,  by 
whom  the  work  was  done,  for  the  story 
has  been  brought  together  from  many 
soo^ceB,  and  tells  in  a  very  intimate 
way  Uie  struggle  of  nearly  a  hundred 
years  ago.  Most  of  the  information  is 
taken  from  the  labor  newspapers  of 
that  day,  when  the  courage  of  .  those 
editors  made  it  possible  for  the  story 
to  be  told  from  the  laborer's  viewpoint. 
One  of  the  fii^  industries  to  be  estab- 
lished in  factory  and  v^th  the  machine 
was  the  manufacturing  of  cotton,  so  it 
is  not  at  all  surprising  that  the  first 
uprising  we  hear  of  should  occur  in 
New  England,  the  home  of  the  cotton 
industry. 

A  strike!  That  means  suffering  for 
days,  and  n^iybe  weeks,  and  months — 
perhaps  even,  cold  and  hunger,  before 
the  fight  is  won.  It  takes  courage  and 
a  real  love  of  freedom  to  endure  such 
liardBhip  for  the  sake  of  a  right  cause, 
even  today,  and  we  are  fairly  well  or- 
ganised, with  strong  leaders  at  our 
iMd. 

But  just  think  what  it  must  have 
meant  for  girls  nearly  a  hundred 
ysars  ago  to  unite  against  oppression 
when  no  woman  had  ever  dared  do 
such  a  thing  before!  Those  New  Bng- 
laod  girls  hadn't  been  working  in  fac- 
tories very  many  years,  for  machinery 
was  only  beginning  to  be  invented. 
Men  and  women,  and  children  as 
yoong  as  eight  years,  worked  all  in 
the  8ame  mUls,  and  they  did  the  work 
that  the  women  and  igirls  used  to  do 
is  their  homes,  only  they  did  it  faster 


by  tending  machines  all  day  long. 
Tb»7  did  not  knew  at  first  tjiat  the  em* 
ployers  might  try  to  make  the  pe<^ler 
in  their  factories  work  long  hours 
without  any  rest  or  any  sunshine,  just 
as  they  did  the  madiines,  without  pay•^ 
Ing  them  very  much.  But  they  learned; 

In  the  cotton  mills  the  girls  who 
worked  were  mostly  daughters  of  the 
New  England  farmers  and  eariy  set- 
tlerSf  and  were  quite  as  independent 
as  their  fathers  and  grandfathers  ^ver. 
were.  They  did  not  intend  to  endure 
tyranny  or  oppression,  and  it  was  not 
long  before  Uiey  protested  against 
some  of  the  things  their  stem  employ- 
ers demanded. 

In  Dover,  N.  H.,  the  girls  were 
successful  when  they  marched  otit 
of  the  factory  in  December,  1828. 
Four  hundred  girls  formed  a  proces- 
sion to  show  their  objections  to  a 
group  of  factory  regulations  which, 
took  away*  even  their  personal  liberty. 
The  girls  were  very  fearless,  and  they 
otten  told  their  story  in  verses,  one  of 
which  was  the  question: 

"Who  among  the  Dover  girls  could  eyer 

bear 
The  shocking  fate  of  slaves  to  share?** 

Unorganised  as  they  were/  they 
could  not  win  aH  they  desired^  but 
when  they  struck  again,  five  years* 
later,  they  were  better  prepared,  and 
protested  through  their  trade  union. 

This  time  nearly  eight  hundred  very 
determined  girls  marched  out  because 
of  a  reduction  in  wages.  The  employ-' 
ers  saw  how  strong  this  made  them, 
and  so  all  applicants  for  work  had  to 
sign  an  agreement  which  said  that 
they  would  accept  whatever  wages 
the  company  wanted  to  pay  them, 
and  also  that  they  would  not  ''engage' 
in  any  combination  whereby  thef  work 
may  be  Impeded  or  the  company's  in- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOJnXSAIL   OF   THB    SWITOHMBN'6 


terest  in  any  way  injured."  But  these 
Dover  girls  who  had  struck  held 
meetings  where  they  agreed  never  to 
give  in.  They  adopted  resolutions 
stating  that  they  felt  that  the  way 
they  had  been  treated  by  their  em- 
ployers and  the  unfriendly  newspa- 
pers was  "in  the  last  degree  insulting 
to  the  daughters  of  freemen."  And 
then  they  said,/'However  freely  the 
epithet  of  factory  slaves  may  be  be- 
stowed upon  us,  we  will  never  deserve 
it  by  a  base  and  cringing  submission 
to  proud  wealth  or  haughty  inso- 
lence." They  voted  to  raise  a  fund  to 
pay  the  expenses  of  those  girls  who 
did  not  have  means  to  return  to  their 
homes. 

Evidently  the  spirit  of  the  Dover 
girls  went  abroad,  for  when  the  glris 
of  Lowell,  Mass.,  went  on  strike  in 
1834,  they  had  already  formed  a  union, 
and  we  also  hear  of  the  Factory  Girls' 
Association  of  2,600  members,  but 
when  they  struck  in  1834  they  went 
out  under  the  leadership  of  a  Dover 
girl.  Evidently  she  had  gone  to  work 
in  a  Lowell  factory,  for  we  read  that 
when  the  overseer  found  out  who  she 
was  he  dismissed  her,  whereupon  she 
waved  her  poke  bonnet  to  the  girls  in- 
side the  factory  and  they  all  struck. 
Nearly  two  thousand  of  them  formed  a 
procession  and  marched  around  town 
that  morning,  and  several  speeches 
were  made  by  their  leaders.  The  next 
day  they  issued  this  stirring  proclama- 
tion: 

•^NiON  Is  Power." 

"Our  present  object  is  to  have 
union  and  exertion,  and  we  remain  in 
possession  of  our  own  unquestionable 
rights.  We  circulate  this  paper,  wish- 
ing to  obtain  the  names  of  all  who 
imbibe  the  spirit  of  our  patriotic  an- 
cestors, who  preferred  privation  to 
bondage  and  parted  with  all  that  ren- 
ders life  desirable— and  even  life  Itself 
— to  produce  independence  for  their 
children.  The  oppressing  hand  of 
avarice  would  enslave  us,  and  to  gain 
their  object  they  very  gravely  tell  us 
of  the  pressure  of  the  times;  this  we 
are  already  sensible  of  and  deplore  it. 
If  any  are  in  want  of  assistance,  the 
ladies  will  be  compassionate  and  assist 
them,  but  we  prefer  to  have  the  dis- 
posing of  our  charities  in  our  own 
hands,  and,  as  we  are  free,  we  would 
remain  in  possession  of  what  kind 
Providence  has  bestowed  upon  us,  and 


remain  daughters  of  freemen  still. 

*'A11  who  patronize  this  effort  we 
wish  to  have  discontinue  their  labor 
until  terms  of  reconciliation  are  made. 
"Resolved,  That  we  will  not  go  ba^ 
into  the  mills  to  work  unless  our 
wages  are  continued  to  us  as  they 
have  been. 

"Resolved,  That  none  of  us  will  go 
back  unless  they  receive  us  all  as  one. 
"Resolved,   That   if   any   have   not 
money   enough   to  carry   them   home 
that  they  shall  be  sui^lied. 
"Let  Oppression  shrug  her  shoulders. 
And  a  haughty  tyrant  frown. 
And  little  upstart  Ignorance 
In  mockery  look  down. 
Tet  I  value  not  the  feeble  threats 
Of  Tories  in  disguise. 
While  the  flag  of  independence 
O'er  our  noble  nation  flies." 

—Life  and  La:bor. 


A  Day's  Woric  OM  the  UiM. 

It's  Montgomery,  Lingle  and  ManlegTf 

too. 
And  the  good  old  kettle,  the  202. 
The  yard  is  blocked  flrom  end  to  end. 
So  on  .the  line  our  time  we  spend. 

Monty  sa3ni  to  Sandy,  iK^en  you  have 

plenty  steam. 
We  will  follow  Logan  through  track 

sixteen. 
Head  up  on  the  line  loads,  you  know 

where  they're  at. 
There  is  some  snow  in  the  switch,  Irat 

don't  mind  that 

Bring  out  aplenty,  leave  nothing  un- 
done; 

We  came  here  for  work,  so  strike  up  a 
run. 

We  will  start  in  at  Stink  Town  and  go 
right  through. 

So  keep  step  to  the  music,  for  there  is 
lots  to  do. 

Now  Mathiason  wants  his  car  of  coal. 

So  I'll  Just  leave  it  in  the  hole 

And  let  the  eight  o'clock  engine  set  it 

on  their  way  down. 
So  Monty  he  winked  and  tbe  Jew  he 

frowned. 

Next  Mayer,  he  wants  a  car  set  on  the 

scale. 
So  Monty  he  said  to  the  guy  with  a 

pail. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


881 


If  yoa  want  the  work  done  just  leave 

It  to  me. 
For  I  used  to  handle  a  list  on  the 

D.  R  4k  O. 

So  we  fixed  him  up  and  started  away. 
And  'Mbnty  said  that's  the  second  man 

I've  got  hy  today. 
We  started  Into  the  feed  mill  with  a 

rip  and  roar. 
When  a  big  fat  man  darkened   the 

door. 

I've  got  two  for  the  Bridge  and  one 

tw  the  Wiggins, 
So  just  pull  them  out  and  keep  on 

dlggln'. 
I  headed  Into  Burkhart'a  with  a  full 

head  of  steam. 
And  a  guy  run  out  and  looked  right 

mean. 

I  looked  for  a  pin  to  hit  him  a  pelt. 
And  I  looked  around  and  I  was  all  by 

myself. 
So   I   said  to  Sandy,   I   don't   really 

know. 
But  I  guess  it's  our  move,  so  we  had 

better  blow. 

We  backed   into  Waltke  where  they 

make  lava  soap. 
And    out   came    the    Dutchman    that 

handles  the  dope. 
Put  the  box  car  there  and  the  coal  car 

here. 
And   Monty's  eyes  stuck  out  like  a 

Texas  steer. 

One  talked  with  his  hands  and  one 

with  his  feet — 
For  a  ten-year-old  child  it  would  have 

been  a  treat. 
We  win  stick  here  for  the  plug,  Monty 

said  with  a  frown. 
For  we  have  got  the  soap  man  done  up 

brown. 

Then  well  head  right  out  up  to  the 

Hide, 
Make  a  few  turns  and  then  well  glide. 
Spot  the  coal  and  one  empty  box, 
This  place  is  as  strong  as  an  old  pair 

of  socks. 

So  we  left  as  soon  as  the  switch  was 

made. 
And  pulled  three  empty  out  of  Charley 

Quade. 
The  oil  men  and  the  varnish  people 

wanted  a  set. 


Monty  said,  we  can't  take  time  to  do 
that  yet. 

So  we  worked  right  along  with  our 

feet  hot  as  fire, 
And  we  got  by  the  man  that  makes 

rope  out  of  wire. 
For  the  motor  wants  a  set  and  the 

bucrgy  man,  too; 
I  must  fix  them  right  up  or  to  Stroebel 

they  will  chew. 

So  we  gave  them  a  switch  and  I  got 

on  our  way 
To  the  chemical  works  across  the  bay. 
We  shoved  them  in  a  tank,  for  we  had 

nothing  more, 
Then  to  the  Mississippi  glass  to  do  a 

small  chore. 

Now,  up  through  the  cut-off  and  get 

hold  of  the  drag. 
We  have  no  time  to  spare,  so  don't  try 

to  lag. 
Orasselli  swltdi,  we  didn't  touch  that. 
At  the  Union  Cooperage  we  got  one 

flat 

We  stopped  at  Pohlman's  and  there 

was  nothing  to  do, 
So  I  said  to  Monty  what  do  you  say 

we  chew. 
It's    12.20    now    and    the   chicken    is 

made. 
And  his  face  brightened  up  like  the 

Saturday  Blade. 

We  will  stop  right  here  and  eat  our 

bite; 
I  will  look  over  my  orders  and  see  if  I 

am  right. 
The  thirty  minutes  gone  and  we  are 

on  our  way. 
Lots  of  hard  work  and  dam  little  play. 

We  run  three  cars  into  Lukes,  then 

shoved  them  back; 
Hung  on  to  the  head  car  and  set  it  on 

the  paper  track. 
Leave  your  drag  to  clear  Breman  and 

come  down  the  line. 
The  Mechanic's  is  clear  now,  isn't  that 

fine. 

We  will  back  in  at  the  United  and 

give  them  a  turn. 
For  street  car  fare  Is  easy  to  earn. 
We  coupled  into  our  drag  and  started 

to  drill 
To  Nick  Andrew  street,  some  call  it 

Bugville. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


ssa 


JOURNAL   OF   THB  SWITCHMEiN^S 


Th^  OoDBumers'  Coal  track  was  cov- 
ered with  snow. 

And  the  Chemical  awitchee  were  tiie 
same  way,  you  know. 

So  we  pulled  the  Bash  A  Door,  while 
the  weather  was  cool. 

Then  set  the  empties  out  of  the  Union 
FueL 

Oflcott  was  contented  as  well  as  others. 
So    we    made    one    turn    at    Foster 

Brothers. 
We  headed  across  to  the  Granite  Iron 

tradk. 
Switched  out  the  empties  and  shoved 

right  l>ack. 

Fixed  up  the  log  man  and  the  lime 

man,  too, 
Thank  God,  this  is  one  day  that  we 

got  through. 
We   want   some  water,   the   fireman 

cried, 
Monty's    lip    dropped    like    his    best 

friend  had  died. 

So  we  backed  in  on  19  and  filled  her 

up  full. 
For  the  fire  was  bad  and  the  drag 

hard  to  pull. 
We  got  to  the  avenue  at  twenty  after 

five; 
We  were  about  half  dead,  t^e  other 

half  alive. 

He  looked  for  the  Tardlet's,  but  he 

could  not  be  seen. 
But,  later,  we  found  him  on  track  13. 
Where  have  you  been  the  live  long 

day? 
Up  around  Grand  Avenue  in  the  hay! 

We  told  him  our  tale  and  it  made  him 

sick. 
And  his  face  got  as  red  as  a  paving 

brick. 
He  stood  right  still,  with  cap  in  his 

hand. 
Like  a  big  red  bull  making  a  stand. 

The  way  he  gummed  his  tobacco,  it 
wae  a  sin. 

And  the  old  yellow  juice  ran  down  his 
chin. 

I  run  that  crew,  we  heard  him  say. 

You  can  tell  by  my  hair,  for  it's  al- 
most gray. 

And  I  set  many  a  car  with  that  little 

jine, 
And  I  was  always  here  at  the  avenue 

ahead  of  time. 


So  back  in  on  15,  your  drag  will  not  be 

heavy. 
And  I'll  call  Franklin  Avenue  and  «ee 

what's  on  the  Levee. 

Nine-three  has  nothing  for  you  imd 

the  Levee  is  clear. 
So  take  what  you  have  and  get  out  ot 

here. 
We  landed  at  the  outbound  at  six  and 

a  dime. 
The  engine  was  leaking  and  we  had 

made  poor  timo. 

We  got  her  to  the  house  at  6.45—^ 
All  had  done  the  hardest  day's  work  of 
our  life. 

Deck  Manlet. 
St  Louis,  Mo. 


They  Need  a  PriMn  Sentence. 

The  law  says  women  shall  not  be 
employed  more  than  64  hours  in  one 
week.  There  is  i^ot  a  business  mer- 
chant in  this  city  but  is  aware  that 
this  is  the  law;  and,  yet  in  their  greed 
for  gain,  we  find  merchant  after  mer- 
chant violating  the  provisions  of  this 
statute.  Judge  Jeffries  has  had  seiveral 
of  these  cases  before  him,  and  we  are 
pleased  to  find  that  he  is  handling  the 
offenders  with  proper  severity.  One  of 
these  was  the  Trojan  Laundry  Com- 
pany. He  informed  the  head  of  that 
institution  that  the  law  was  one  of  the 
best  ever  passed  by  the  legislature  of 
Michigan,  it  being  a  measure  that 
worked  for  greater  civilization. 

David  S.  Jones,  business  agent  of 
Cigarmakers*  Union  No.  22,  complains 
that  a  number  of  non-union  cigar  fac- 
tories are  working  the  womien  help 
overtime;  and,  moreover,  they  are  em- 
ploying girls  under  legal  age.  He  re- 
ports that  the  Sari  Telmo  Cigar  Mfg. 
Co.,  540  Forest  avenue  east,  and  the 
Lilies  Cigar  Co.,  222  Forest  avenue 
east,  in  particular  are  offenders. 

If  these  parties  will  not  live  up  to 
the  letter  of  the  law  they  should  be 
made  to  do  so.  These  rich  men  are 
not  troubled  by  being  fined.  What  they 
need  is  a  prison  sentence  to  make  them 
notice  that  others  beside  themselves 
have  rights  which  should  be  respected. 
— Detroit  American. 


At  Rome,  Ga.,  the  ptatsterers  have  se- 
cured a  raise  of  50  cents  a  diay  and^  the 
eight-hour  day. 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


UNION    OP   NORTH    AMERICA. 


388 


Remittafice  RoN  of  Honor  for  the  Montli 
off  April,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  renUttances  have 
been  received  by  the  G.  ^.  &  T.  during 
the  first  part  of  April: 

April  Ist—Lodges  5,  13.  73,  88,  102, 
i03,  110,  111,  142,  154,  166,  173,  200, 
204,  213,  216. 

April  2d— Lodges  78,  141,  188,  194, 
217. 

.  April  3d— Lodges  28,  30,  32,  38,  60, 
-74,  881,  92,  97,  115,  130,  151,  169,  189, 
193,  203,  214. 

April  4th— Lodges  3,  12,  14,  19,  20, 
21,  23,  40,  41,  44,  51,  53,  55,  61,  68,  80, 
83,  84.  85,  93,  95,  98,  112,  120,  152,  155, 
190. 

April  5th— Lodgee  1,  2,  6,  10,  15,  18. 
29,  54,  56,  59,  67,  72,  77,  82,  86,  90,  96, 
99,  101.  104,  106,  107,  123,  129,  133,  134, 
146,  169,  174,  175,  179,  192,  199,  201, 
208,  209,  224,  228. 

April  6th— Lodges  8,  24,  31.  37,  39, 
65,  67,  79,  91,  94,  108.  113.  116,  119,  122, 
124, 125, 143.  144,  145,  180,  212,  215,  220, 
225. 

April  8th— Lodges  9,  17,  22,  33,  35, 
43,  45.  46,  48.  49.  62,  64,  71,  75.  114,  126, 
128, 135,  137,  138.  140.  147. 156,  158.  176, 
181.  218.  219.  222,  230. 

April  9th— Lodges  4,  11,  36,  47,  52, 
57,  63.  100.  177.  182,  202,  210,  229. 

April  10th— Lodges  16,  26,  42,  58, 
105,117,172,184,191,211.221. 

Aprtl  11th— Lodges    7,    70,    87,    149, 
223,  226. 
April  12th— Lodge  206. 
April  15th— Lodge  205.      . 


April  17th— Lodge  34. 

Up  to  date  the  report  of  Lodge  No. 
198  has  not  arrived. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  HONOR  ROLL  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  Constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  shall  be 
imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose  reports 
are  not  received  by  the  G.  S.  St  T.  by 
the  10th  day  of  each  month,  and  if  re- 
ceived late  for  two  or  more  months 
then  the  officers  shall  be  asked  to  re- 
move the  cause  for  such  delay. 


Most  Hideous  Poverty. 

Poverty,  the  poverty  of  civilized 
man,  which  is  everywhere  co-ezistant 
with  unboundied  wealth  and  luxury,  is 
always  ugly,  repellant  and  terrible 
either  to  see  or  to  experience;  but 
when  it  assails  the  cradle  it  assumes 
its  most  hideous  form. 

Under-fed,  or  badly-fed,  neglected, 
badly  housed  and  improperly  clad,  the 
child  of  poverty  is  terribly  handi- 
oapped  at  the  very  start  It  has  not 
an  even  chance  to  begin  life  with. 
While  still  in  ite  cradle,  a  yoke  is  laid 
upon  its  after  years,  and  it  is  doomed 
.either  to  die  in  infancy,  or,  worse  still, 
to  live  and  grow  up  puny,  weak,  both 
in  body  and  in  mind,  inefficient  and 
unfitted  for  the  battle  of  life. 

And  it  is  the  consciousness  of  this, 
the  knowledge  that  poverty  in  child- 
hood blights  the  w)hole  of  life,  which 
makes  it  the  most  appalling  of  all  the 
.phases  of  the  poverty  problem. — John 
Spdrgo. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Joubnal  promptly  and 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  tlie  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 

Tiame Lodge  No 

Btreet  Town State 

Hat  moved  to Btreet 

Town atate 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


Statmmmnt  of  Claim*  Paid  During  thm  Month  of  Jtprll,  i9i2 


1472 
14S8 
1602 
1610 
1611 
1512 
1513 
1514 
1515 
1516 
1517 
1518 
1519 
1520 
1521 
1522 
1523 


NAME 


John  C.  Benz 
J.  H.  Hubbard 
Sam  F.  Lowery 
John  L.  Barry 
(3eo.  l>eCuyer 
Wm.  Sherwood 
M.  A.  Danahy 
R.  W.  Campbell 
Jas,  P.  Flynn 
Wm.  J.  Finch 
Chas.  W.  Gibson 
Jas.  O.  Logan 
Elbert  H.Foote 
R.  K.  Trusler 
Byron  A.  Donald 
Marion  E.  Cline 
John  P.  Dally 


Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Dis. 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Dis. 

Death 

Death 

Dis. 

Death 

Death 

Death 


Date 
Proof 

oelTttd 


ll-23-'U 

2-21-*12 
2-16.'12 
3-  4-' 12 
3-  9-' 12 
3-16-'12 
:P23-'12 
3-15-'12 
3-12-*12 
3-18-'12 
3-1UU2 
4-9-'12 
3-14-U2 
4-8-M2 
4-5-'12 
3-22-' 12 
8-25.U2 


Paid 


PAID  TO 


4-17-'12  John  Mullady,  guard. 
4-17-42  Alma r,  brother 
4-17-U2  John  W.,  brother 
4-17-'12  Palrlclt  F.,  father 
4-17-U2  Himself 
4-17-U2  Kate,  wife 
4-17.*12,  Ellen,  mother 
4-17-U2  Helen,  wife 
4-17-'12!  Anna,  wife 
4-17-U2!  Lucy,  wife 
4-17-'12i  Himself 
4.17-'12|EilenC.,  wife 
4-17-»l2lCora,  wife 
4-17-' 12  Himself 
4-17-'i2  Lottie,  wife 
4-l7-'l2;  Hazel,  wife 
4-17-'I2  Anna  A.,  wife 


KB8IDEKCS 


Kreeport,  111. 
Terrel,  Ok  la, 
Mt.  Jackson,  Va. 
St.  Joseph,  Mo. 
Chicago,  111. 
JoUet,  111. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Bay  City.  Mich. 
Buflklo.  N.  Y. 
Paducah,  Ky. 
Madison,  111. 
Davenport,  Xa. 
Rochester,  N.  Y. 
Memphis,  Ten n. 
Den  1  son,  Texas 
Valley  J u net' n, la. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 


t  760 
1,500 
1,500 
1,600 

750 
1.600 

760 
1,600 
1,600 
1,5C0 
1,500 
1,600 
1,600 
1,600 

760 

750 
1,600 


PTOTloiuly  rapoited tl.«8,808>60 

Pidd  ■inoe  last  raport 21,760.00 

Refunded  InaaFanoe 27.60 

TotaL 11,478.606.00 

Acknowlodgmont  of  Claims  Paid  In  March,  1912 

H.  PJ.  Hughes,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.. %  750 

Mrs.  Lucinda  M.  Owen,  Arkansas  City,  Kan        **  876 

H.  E.  Gavin,  guardian,  Rock  Island,  111....     '. 1,600 

Mrs.  Ellen  Call,  To peka,  Kan          ..                                  1,500 

Mre.  Sadie  Pullin,  Glenlock,  Kan  .      iSoO 

W.  Coddington.  guardian,  Klmlra,  N.' Y"! '. \'"  1,600 

Mrs,  Jennie  J.  Rose,  Cinciunatl,  O ...!!!.!!!.!!!!!!!  1,600 

Mrs.  Annie  Jones,  Chicago,  111. 1,600 

Mrs.  Nellie  Haffey,Conneaut,0.  ., 1,600 

Mrs,  Al Vina  Bagge.  Blue  Island,  111 '.*.*.'.*  \".."\,'  ....  1,600 

Mrs.  Mary  Davis,  Youngstown,  O......  1,600 

M Hi.  Ella  Redman,  E.  Mt.  Louis,  111..            1,600 

B,  J.  KeiUy.  Dallas,  Texas. '.".'.*.*'.*'.'.*'.'.'.*.'.*.'.*.'.  1,600 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasur 


cn^TSO 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BuFFAZiO,  N.  T.,  May  1,  Ifli. 

BROTHBRS: 

You  are  herehy  notifled  that  dues  and  asBeumenti  are  dae  and  payable  to  the  Treaniver  or 
Financial  (deoretaiy  of  your  Lodge  before  the  flrst  day  of  every  month  (see  Hection  218).  Grand  d«ei 
are  fifty  oents  (60c)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  **  B  '*  oertiflcate,  aasass- 
ment  $2.00;  class  ^A"  cerUfloate.  assessment  fl.OO:  class  **C"  oertUtoale, 
assessment  60c  (see  section  88).  A  failure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  la 
a  forfiBlture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  rarther  notice  (see  Sectlans 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitntion).  The  purpose  of  the  assessment  to  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Grand  Lodfe, 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collectod  fh>m  members,  as  above  provided,  Boi 
later  than  the  third  (Sd)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182). 
Toun  in  B.,  U.  A  P., 

M.  R.  WELCH. 

Gimnd  Secretary  and  Treasiiwr. 


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THE       ROSTER 


INTERNATIONAL  OITICERS 

IlfTBRKATIONAL   PUBBIDBNT. 

8  E.  Heberlinff,  886  Brtebaae  Bldfl^,  Buf- 
falo. N.  T. 

Grand  Sscsstart  and  Trbasubbk. 

M.  R.  Welch,  386  Briabaae  Bldg.,  Buffalo, 
N.  T. 

Journal  Editor. 

W.  H.  Thompaon.  886  Brisbane  Bldff..  Bmf- 
f  alo.  N.  y: 

Grand  Board  op*  DiRacroRs. 

F.  C.  Janee;  1861  Metropolitan  Ave.,  Kan- 

KM  Ci^,  KaiL 
C    R    CumSEffS,    860    White^boro    St. 

Utica,  N.  T. 
W.  A.  Titus,  1378  EL  98<1  St,  Cleveland*  O. 

Intbrnational  Vicb-Prbbidbnts. 

J.  B.  Connors,  638  K  4l8t  St,  Chicago.  HL 
L.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 
T.  Clohessy.  7807  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  HI. 
P.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  BaflUo,  U.  Y. 
T.  J.  Minenhelter,  607  College  Ave.,  Rose- 

dala,  Kaa. 

PROTBCTIVB  Board. 
R.  W.  Flynn,  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton, 

Pa. 
Q.  a  Hess.  679  18th  St.  Detroit  Bfich. 
T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago, 

HL 
Dan  Smitli,  6647  Princeton  Ave..  Chicago, 

IlL 
A  J.   Peterson,  1908  Heath  St  West-Ft 

William,  Ont 

Grand  Medical  Bxaminbr. 
M.  A  SuUivan.  M.  D..  386  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridige  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave..  Lackawanna.  N.  Y. 


SUBORDINATE  LODGES 

KANSAS  CITY  LODGE  No.  1,  Kansas 
City.  Mo.,  meets  second  Sunday  and  fourth 
Saturday  at  7.30  p.  m..  at  708  Southwest 
Boulevard. 

President — E.  W.  Randolph.  2726  West 
Prospect  Ave. 

Sec — ^T.  J.  Condon.  2110  Madison  Ave. 

Treaa — S4.W.  Greene,  1439  Jefferson. 

RIVERVIEW  LODGE  No.  2,  Kansas 
City,  Kan.,  meets  on  second  and  fourth 
Thursdays.  8  p.  ra..  In  Motter's  Hall,  cor- 
ner Tenth  St  and  Central  Ave.,  third  floor. 

President — ^Edward  Monez.  331  N.  20th 
St 

^  Sec  and  Treas. — A,  A,  Faus,  28  South 
Ferre©  St 

Journal — S.  E.  Stinson.  1016  Hcusbrook 
St 

JOLIET  LODGE  No.  3,  Joliet  HI., 
meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  3  p.  m.,  of  each 
month,  in  Connor's  Hall.  cor.  Joliet  and 
Jefferson  Sts. 

President— Nick  Welch,  400  S.  Ottawa 
St 


Sec  and  Journal — F.  P.  Lumley,  803 
Glenwood  Ave. 

Treaa. — J.  W  Austin,  104  Gardner  St 

BUFFALO  LODGE  No.   4.  Buffalo.  N. 

Y..  meets  every  first  and  third  Friday  at 

8.30  p.  ni..  and  fourth  Sunday,  9.30  a.  m., 

in  Beyer's  Hall,  cor.  Swan  and  Emslle  Sta 

President — M.  J.  Colgan,  66  South  St, 

Sec— Joseph  M  Kelly,  101  Peabody  St 

Treaa — Geo.  Hamilton,  234  W.  Delavan 

Ave. ;   phone  North  1873-R. 

Journal — A.  W.  Glbney,  18  Prospect  Av. 

OVERLAND  LODGE  No.  6,  Omaha, 
Neb.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays, 
8.30  p.  m.,  Quinn's  Hall,  southwest  comer 
16  th  and  Cummings  Sta 

President— H.  G.  Stalder,  1257  S.  16th 
St 

Sec — J.  L.  Finch,  2820  Capitol  Ave. 

Treaa— A  L.  Short  4210  North  25th 
Ave. •_ 

COUNCIL  BLUFFS  LODGE  No.  6, 
Council  Bluffs,  la.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Thursday  evenings  at  8.30  in  K.  P. 
Hall,  First  National  Bank  Building.  Bfaln 
and  Broadway. 

President — C.  Lee,  1711  Sixth  Ave. 

Rec  Sec — ^A  H.  Granshaw.  9th  St  and 
16th  Ave. 

Treas. — Frank  Colbum.  164  Grahaln 
Ave. 

FLOUR  CITY  LODGE  No.  7.  Minne- 
apolis. Minn.,  meets  at  Mozar  Hall.  1417 
Washington  Ave.  South,  on  the  first  Sun- 
day of  the  month  at  2.30  p.  m..  and  on 
the  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  G.  Kelley,  3136  22d  Ave. 
South. 

Sec— T.  J.  Kelley,  3240  23d  Ave  South. 

Treaa— D.  E.  Clifford,  1863  26  1-2  St 

Journal — J.  L.  Holscher,  Albert  Lea, 
Minn. 

TRILBY  LODGE  No.  8,  Fort  Worth. 
Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  at 
8.30  p.  m..  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  Fourth 
and  Biain  Sta 

President— D.  L.  MartUi,  1516  E.  Bel- 
knap St 

Sec-Treaa — ^L.  C.  Woods,  1100  Jose- 
phine St 

Journal — G.  W.  Weir,  1318  B.  Bluff  St 

ST.  JOSEPH  LODGE  No.  9,  St  Joseph, 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8 
p.  m..  Putter's  Hall,  King  Hill  and  Mis- 
souri Ave. 

President— Theo.  Miller,  104  W.  Elk  St 

Sec  and  Jour. — Geo.  H  Scheinert,  311 
W.  Valley  St 

Treas.— E.  PrUie,  1416  S.  19th  St 

MILWAUKEE  LODGE  No.  10,  Milwau- 
kee, Wia,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoons  of  eexih  month  at  2.30  o'clock 
at  Third  and  National  Avea,  Witt's  HaU. 
President— Maurice  ColUna  246  Wash- 
ington St 
^ec — ^WnL  S.  Herze,  460  S.  Pierce  St 
Treaa — ^Fred  Glese.  691  Scott  St 
Journal — Charles  Colllna  249  Washing- 
ton St 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMaNH 


M.  J.  NAUGHTON  LODGE  No.  11. 
Cleveland*  O..  meets  in  Letter  Carriers* 
Hall,  Beokman  Bldg.,  409  Superior  Ave.. 
N.  W.»  first  Sunday  at  8.80  a.  m.,  and 
third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President— S.  M.  Ryan.  10680  Dupont 
Ave. 

Sec.— B.  R  Weir.  2092  W.  86th  St 
^  Treaa— W.  J.  Keegan,  789  E  106th  St. 

Journal— W.  A.  Titus,  1878  E  92d  St 

TOPBKA  LODGE  No.  12,  Topeka,  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Thursday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8.30  o'clock,  corner  6th 
Ave.  and  Qulncy  St,  K.  of  P.  Hall. 

President— J.  E  Strain,  118  W.  6th  St, 
Room  3. 

Sec. — G.  E  Durbin,  1680  N.  Harrison 
St 

Treas. — Geo.  A.  Fltsgibbons,  201  Polk 
St 

Journal — ^F.  H  Morgan,  722  Jefferson 
St 

DETROIT  LODGE  No.  18,  Detroit 
Biich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at  8 

E.  m..  and  second  Sunday  at  9  a.  m.,  in 
O.  O.  F.  Hall,  comer  Hubbard  Ave.  and 
Baker  St 

President^^.  G.  McMurchy,  80  High  St 
West 

Sec — Cory  Derousie,  220  18th  St 
Treaa — James  Trant,  106  20th  St 
Journal — Geo.  C.  Hess.  579  18th  St 

TOLEDO  LODGE  No.  14,  Toledo.  Ohio, 
meets  third  Thursday  at  8  a.  m..  and 
fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Broer's 
Hall,  626  So.  St  Clair  St 

President — ^Thomas  Dean,  213  South  St. 

Sec — Joseph  Keegan,  1617  Indiana  Ave. 

Treas. — Henry  Gale.  1010  Junction  Ave. 

Journal — D.  J.  Dorcy,  330  Dale  St 

BLUE  GRASS  LODGE  No.  16,  Coving- 
ton,  Ky.,   meets   second   Sunday  at   2.80 

m.,  and  fourth  Wednesday  at  7.80  p.  m., 

owe  Kemp's  Hall,  cor.  16tn  and  Greenup 
Sts. 

President— C.  W.  Richter,  816  W.  19th 
St 

Sec— Thoa  McGaff.  1612  Banklick  St 

Treas. — H  E  Jameson.  1628  Banklick 
St 

Journal — Geo.  Davis,  18th  and  Kellogg 
Sts. 

VICrpRY  LODGE  No.  16,  East  Saint 
Louis.  IlL.  meets  first  and  third  Thursday 
nights  at  8  o'clock,  in  Music  Hall,  809  Col- 
linsvlUe  Ave. 

President— J.  E  White,  812  N.  8th  St 
Sec-Treas.   and  Journal — ^E.   K.   Cobbs. 
1910  N.  21st  St 

JAMES  MILLS  LODGE  No.  17,  South 
Chicago,  HI,,  meets  first  Simday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.  of  each 
month  at  Union  Bank  Hall,  cor.  92d  St. 
and  Erie  Ave..  Brie  Ave.  side 

President — J.  M.  Fisher.  7718  Coles  Ave. 

Sec. — Geo.  H.  Hoos,  8062  E  91st  St 

Treaa — ^T.  H.  Stone.  9140  Buffalo  Ave. 

Journal — R  J.  Manley,  1618  E.  66th  PL 

STAR  OF  HOPE  LODGE  No.  18.  Coal 
City,  HI.,  meets  third  Sunday,  2.30  p.  m., 
and  last  Sunday  of  each  month  at  7.80 
p.  m.,  at  Forester's  HalL 

President  and  Jour. — M,  J.  Horan. 

Sec-Treas. — A.  P.   Ayersman. 


p.  n 
Rov 


BURLINGTON  LODGE  No.  19,  Chl^ 
cago,  HI.,  meets  second  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.80  p.  m..  In  Duf- 
f tic's  Hall,  cor.  21st  and  California  Avi. 

President — James  E  Hayesi  8072  Colo^ 
rado  Ave. 

Sec — ^W.  J.  Aheam,  1418  B.  Western 
Ave. 

Treas. — ^E.  R  RuUer,  2225  Park  Ave 

SEDALIA  LODGE  No.  20,  Sedalla,  Mo., 
meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Labor  Temple  Hall, 
818-816  South  Lamine  St 

President— J.  M.  Bgui,  1012  E  4th  St 

Sec-Treaa — G.  E.  Wilson,  629  R  11th 
St 

Journal — ^M.  M.  Crane,  817  Saline  St 

CAPITAL  CITY  LODGE  No.  21.  Co- 
lumbus, O.,  meets  seoond  Monday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8  p.  m.,  at 
Ehigineer's  Hall,  South  Fourth  St 

President— L  J.  O'Rourke,  409  W.  RIoh 
St 

Sec— a  W.  Teal,  81  W.  Bii^th  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Jour. — E  J.  Hexter,  616  Kll- 
boume  St 

GATEWAY  CITY  LODGE  No.  22,  La 
Crosse.  W1&.  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  7.80  p.  m.,  in  K.  of  P.  Hall,  Rose. 
St 

President— Jno.  P.  Downs,  226  Mill  St 

Sec  and  Treas. — John  E.  Wilson.  222  a 
8th  St 

Journal — Archy  Berry,  1015  Berlin  St 

LICKING  LODGE  No.  28.  Newark,  O. 

meets  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays  at 

7.30  p.  m..  in  Newark  Trades  and  Labor 

Council  Hall.  W.  Park  PL 

President— G.  W.  Hughes,  276  a  Webb 

St 

Sec — S.  B.  Smith.  5  Spencer  St 
Treas. — J.  H  Dial,  5  Mechanic  St 
Journal — G.  W.  Hughes^  276  Sumner  St 

THE  SWITCHMEN'S  HOME  LODGE 
No.  24.  Mandan,  N.  D.,  meets  Blaccabee 
Hall  last  Sunday  of  month. 

President — Peter  Wagner,  108  1-2  Fourth 
Ave.  N.  W. 

Sec — ^B.  L.  Anderson.  607  Sixth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

TreasL — Martin  Larson,  106  Fourth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

Journal — Dennis  Tobin.  206  Seoond  Ave. 
N.  W. 

ROYAL  BLUE  LODGE  No.  26.  Cincin- 
nati, O.,  meets  first  Simday  morning  at  9 
o'clock,  and  third  Friday  evening  at  8.80. 
in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Fourth  and  Home 
St& 

President — G.-  Hattersly,  618  Evans  St 
Sec— J.  M.  Folt  1619  Cumber  St 
Treaa — R    E    McKenna.    489    Elberon 
Ave. 

Journal — ^T.  Murphy.  164  W.  Linden  St^ 
Ludlow,  Ky. 

ZENITH  LODGE  No.  28,  Duluth.  ! 

meets  first   and   third    Sundays   of    

month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Sloan  HSU.  SOth  At«l 

President-^-G.  F.  Brennison,  811  EL  fth 
St 

Sec-Treaa— C.  H.  Stang,  2208  West  24 
St 


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337 


.  BLUE  ISLAND  LODGE  No.  29,  Blue 
Island,  IlL,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
day evenings  of  each  month,  at  8  o'clock. 
Jewel  Hall.  321  Western  Ave. 

President — Wm.  J.  Roach.  856  Grove  St 
Sec. — ^H.  N.  Allen,  728  Western  Ave. 
Treas.  and  Journal — ^Thoa  Earner,  381 
Vermont  St. 

MINNEAPOLIS  LODGE  No.  80,  Mln- 
neapoUs.  Minn.,  meets  second  Sunday 
evening  at  8  o'clock  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoon  at  2  o'clock,  each  month,  in 
Richmond  Hall,  5th  St  and  3rd  Ave.  S. 

President — Henry  Swark,  618  Hennepin 
Ave. 

Sec--Morrl8  Full.  801  Plymouth  Av.  N. 

Treaa—A  A.  Wilson,  816  4th  Ave.  N. 

ST.  PAUL  LODGE  No.  81.  St  Paul. 
Minn.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays, 
at  8  p.  m..  in  Wittisle's  Hall,  Robie  and 
Greenwood  Sts. 

President — J.  M.  Young,  482  Hall  Ave. 

Sec. — A.  F.  Pabst,  643  Lafayette  Ave. 

Treas. — J.  H.  Griffin,  81  E.  Isabelle  St 

Journal — Geo.  W.  Smith,  335  E.  Wlnne- 
f ray  St 

FRISCO  LODGE  No.  32,  Monett  Mo., 
meets  each  Thursday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  521 
Scott  St 

President  Sec  and  Treas. — C.  O.  Wil- 
liams, 521  SeoU  St 

Journal — ^A.  G.  Long.  Sapulpa,  Okla. 

SUNFLOWER  LODGE  No.  83,  Em- 
poria,  Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock,  in  Labor  Hall,  821 
Merchants  St 

President— C.  M.  Young,  202  a  State  St 
Sec— Robt  O.  Griffith,  15  Union  St 
TreasL — J.  E.  McDonald,  115  Neosho  8t 

WATERLOO  LODGE  No.  34,  Waterloo, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Thursdays  or 
eft6h  month,  at  8  p.  no.,  Kurth's  HalL 

President — ^E.  C  Page,  116  IrvingSt 

Sec-Treaa — F.  C.  Hartman,  1121  \7ash- 
IxigUm  St 

Journal — ^F.  Dahl,  320  Argyle  St 

CENTENNIAL  LODGE  No.  85,  Denver. 
CoL,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Club  Building,  Room  415. 
1749  Arapahoe  St 

President — J.  H.  Clark.  3425  Arapahoe 
8t 

Sec.  and  Jour. — J.  D.  Peery,  P.  O.  Box 
447. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Riordan,  8963  Larimer  St 

JOHN  W.  DRURY  LODGE  No.  36.  Chi- 
cago.  m..  meets  at  Carry's  Hall.  5444 
Wentworth  Ave.,  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.. 
and  third  Sunday  afternoon  at  2.30 
o'clock. 

President — Joseph  T.  Murphy.  929  W. 
68rd  PL 

Sec— WUliam  J.  Giroux,  450  W.  46th 
St 

TreasL — ^W.  H.  Langan,  1044  W.  56th 
8t 

Journal — ^W.  Hickey.  4610  Wentworth 
Ave. 

ST.  LOUIS  LODGE  No.  87,  St  Louis, 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8  o'clock  in  Druid's  Hall, 
cor.  Ninth  and  Market  Sts. 

President— Thoa  Nester,  2106  N.  9th  St 

Sec  and  Jour. — ^F.  J.  Cotter,  2390  Pope 
Ave. 

Treaa — J.  P.  Sheridan.  2217  Robins  Av. 


PRESQUE  ISLE  LOD^E  No.  88,  Erie, 
Pa.,  meets  the  first  and  third  Thursday 
evenings  of  each  month  at  8.30  o'clock,  at 
Zuck's  Hall,  cor.  16th  and  State  Sta 

President — ^T.  M.  Dundon.  2001  Sassa- 
fras St 

Sec. — Michael  A  Gk>oley,  212  Holland 
St 

Treaa  and  Jour. — E.  Fleming.  1611 
Chectnut  St 

EMPIRE  STATE  LODGE  No.  89,  Buf^ 
falo,  N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Thursday^  8  p.  m..  and  third  Tuesday.  9 
a.  m.,in  ©'Grady's  Hall.  cor.  Broadway 
and  N.  Central  Ave. 

President^ — ^W.  a  Young,  423  Ideal  St 

Sec — Julius  Schults,  986  Fillmore  Ave. 

Treaa — ^Fred  Gackle,  192  Oneida  St 

PAEIK  CITY  LODGE  No.  40.  Bridge- 
port Conn.,  meets  first  and  second  Sun- 
day at  1.30  p.  m..  in  Enmiett  Hall,  100 
State  St 

President  Sec  and  Journal — L.  A,  Hem- 
mingway,  92  6th  St 

Treaa— D.  E.  Griffith.  129  Clifford. 

HARD  STRUGGLE  LODGE  No.  41. 
Elyria,  O..  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
at  8  p.  m.,  at  Elks^  HalL 

President — ^N.  J.  Gerhart  911  East  Ave. 

Sec-Treaa — J.  Francia  905  13th  St, 
Lorain.  O. 

Journal — ^A.  Forbea  114  Highland  Ave. 

SILVER  CITY  LODGE  No.  42,  Argen- 
tine, Kan.,  meets  every  third  Wednesday 
at  8  p.  m.,  each  month,  in  Nokes*  Hall. 

President — F.  C.  Janea  1261  Metropoli- 
tan Ave. 

Sec  and  Treaa — Thoa  Monohan.  8704 
Strong  Ave. 

PRIDE  OF  THE  WEST  LODGE  No. 
48.  Los  Angelea  Cal..  meets  second  and 
fourth  Friday  eveninga  8  o'clock.  In  Labor 
Temple^  517  South  Broadway. 

President — J.  F.  Seymour,  2€21  East  3d 

Sec— M.  F.  Pontlua  Station  V. 
Treaa— W.  B.  Tllley,  2670  N.^  Sichel  St 
Journal— T.  A.  Bailey,  213  So.  Ave  21. 

UTICA  LODGE  No.  44,  Utica,  N.  Y.. 
meets  second  and  fourth  Friday  eveninga 
at  8  o'clock,  at  651  Whitesboro  St 

President — J.  Mahar.  103  Taylor  Ave. 

Sec — ^EMward  King,  2  Thomas  Lane. 

Treaa — C.  B.  Cumminga  250  Whites- 
boro St 

Journal — ^h:  Zemmeng,  638  Lincoln  Ave. 

GAS  BELT  LODGE  No.  45,  Mtmoie, 
Ind.,  meets  in  Anthony  Blk.,  third  floor. 
Room  11.  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
7.80  p.  m..  Labor  Hall 

President — Chaa  F.  Thorpe.  1575  W. 
7th  St 

Sec-Treaa  and  Jour. — Chaa  Lawrence, 
2206  S.  Madison  St 

HAPPY  THOUGHT  LODGE  No.  46, 
Colorado  City.  Col.,  meets  first  and  third 
Sunday  at  9.30  a.  m,.  each  month,  in  K. 
of  P.  HalL 

President — M.  M.  Sonnlchsen,  225  Mon- 
roe Ave. 

Sec-Treaa — J.  J.  Elliott  420  Robinson 
St 


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JOURNAIi   OF   THB   SWITCHMBN^ 


GARY  IX>DaB  No.  47.  Gary,  Ind..  meets 
at  Odd  FeUowi^  Hall,  Sixth  and  MaMa- 
chuaetta  Sta,  first  Sunday  at  1.80  p.  m.» 
and  last  Sunday  at  7.30  p.  m. 

President — J.   B.   Farrell.   569  Harrison 
Sec— J.  F.  McDonald,  406  Harrison  St 
Treas. — ^W.   R.   Brown.   Tolleston,   Ind., 
Box  181. 

Journal — Jaa   Atchlnson.   656  Harrison 

COPPER  CITY  LODGE  No.  48,  Butte. 
Mont,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock,  at  Old  Masonic  Hall, 
86  West  Park  St 

President— Harry  Miller.  728  N.  Main 
St 

Sec  and  Treas. — ^P.  O'Shea,  887  a  Main. 

Journal — ^E.  F.  Vincent  Rocker,  Mont 

THRBB  RAH.  LODGE  No.  4f,  PttOblO. 
CoL,  meeu  first  Tuesday,  7.80  p.  m.,  and 
third  Tuesday  at  2  p.  m. 

President— A.  B.  Hamilton,  Box  1080, 
Sta.  D. 

Sec — ^Wm.  R.  WUson.  18  2f  Orman  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Journal— B.  N.  Haling.  1708 
Orman  Ave. 

PARSONS  LODGE  No.  50.  Parsona 
Kan..  meeU  first  and  last  Saturday  even- 
ings of  each  month,  at  8  p.  no.,  at  200  1-2 
N.  Central  Ava 

President— Laurence  Smith.  706  N.  Cen- 
tral Ave.  

JUNCTION  LODGE  No.  61.  West  Bay 
City,  Mich.,  meets  In  Odd  Fellows'  Hall 
second  and  fourth  Sundays  at  7.80  p.  m. 

President — Carl  Dean.  816  King  St 

Sec.  and  Jour. — b\  J.  Roach.  1012  N. 
Line  St 

Treaa — A  Strachan.  210  Raymond  Ave. 

EXCELSIOR  LODGE  No.  62.  Port  Jer- 
vls,  N.  Y..  meets  in  H.  H.  Fumum's  Hall, 
Pike  St.  first  Sunday.  1.80  p.  m..  second 
Thursday.  8.16  p.  m. 

Preaident^-J.  A  Boyle.  184  W.  Main  St 

Sec  and  Journal — ^Wm.  Walx.  12  Buck- 
ley St 

Treas. — ^Frank  Goble.  99  FrankUn  St 

WELCOME  LODGE  No.  63,  Decatur. 
HI.,  meets  first  Thursday.  8  p.  m..  In  B. 
of  L.  E.  Hall. 

President— W.  W.  Albright  428  N.  Mor- 
gan St 

Sec. — ^Walter  Grant  200  N.  Calhoun  St 
Treas. — J.  Bamett  933  N.  Edward  St 
Journal— T.  A.  Nolan.  1694  E.  North  St 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN  LODGE  No.  54, 
St  Louis,  Mo.,  meets  in  Dewey  Hall.  2301 
South  Broadway,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days. 8.30  p.  m. 

President — L,  Roberts,  1626  S.  Broad- 
way. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — J.  J.  Ruesing.  1818 
Lynch. 

LAKE  SHORE  LODGE  No.  66,  Not- 
tingham, O..  meets  first  Thursday  at  8  a. 
m..  and  third  Thursday.  8  p.  no.,  of  each 
month,  in  King's  Hall.  Nottingham.  O. 

President — Fred  Krum. 

Sec. — George  Home. 

Treaa — ^Thoa  W.  Baldwin. 

Toumal — C.  W.  Hammond,  881  E.  167th 
St,  Cleveland,  O. 

HARLEM  RIVER  LODGE  No.  66,  New 
York  City,  meets  first  Monday  at  10  a.  m.. 


and  third  Thursday  at  10  a.  m..  In  Aurora 
Maennerchor  HaU,  444  WlUls  Ave. 

President— Jaa  Wendllng.  724  B.  lS4tli 
Sec — C.  B.  Benson,  69  S.  Boulevard. 
TrecM.— George  McMichael,  249  B.  126th 
St 

LAKE  ERIE  LODGE  No.  57.  Sandusky, 
Ohio,   meets   second  and  fourth   Mond^ 
evenings,   at   7.80   p.   m..   In  Trades  and 
Labor  Assembly  Hall. 
President — G.  Schiller,  686  OiA>om  St 
Sec— A.  J.  Dledrich,  112  Van  Buren  St 
Treaa — E.  A.  Roth.  811  Pearl  St 

PROGRESS  LODGE  No.  68,  Chicago, 
m.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  8 
p.  m..  at  Marquette  Halt  1910  W.  12th  St 

President — ^T.  T.  Sample,  1220  &  Lin- 
coln St 

Sec. — ^W.  J.  Sweeney,  1141  Richmond  St 

Treaa — ^W.  A  Welsh,  2081  Washburn 
Ave. ;   phone  Canal  4646. 

MONROE  LODGE  No.  60,  Rochester. 
N.  Y.,  meets  every  third  Thursday  at  8 
p.  m..  in  Lathers'  Hall,  88  Exchange  St 

President — J.  P.  Crosson.  140  Frost  Ave. 

Sec  and  Jour. — ^Bert  Elbridge,  76  Sher- 
wood St 

Treaa — F.  E.  Hall,  49  Gardner  Ave. 

JACKSON  LODGE  No.  61,  Jackson. 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.80  p.  m..  in  Odd  Fallows'  Halt  140 
Courtfand  St 

President— D.  J.  CKeefe.  1512  B.  Mate 
St 

Sec — ^H.  S.  Hashbrouck.  816  Detroit  St 

Treaa — ^B.  Blgalke,  219  Chapin  St 

GILT  EDGE  LODGE  No.  62.  Pltt»- 
burgh.  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.46 
p.  m..  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.46  p.  m.,  te 
union  Labor  Temple,  cor.  Washington  and 
Webster  Ave. 

President — ^D.  A.  Harshbarger.  626 
Boggs  Ave. 

Sec — H.  H.  Pape.  838  Main  Ave,  Roch- 
ester. Pa. 

Treaa — ^F.  W.  Brown,  5262  Holmes  St 

NORTH  STAR  LODGE  No.  68,  Winni- 
peg, Man.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  2.80  p. 
m.  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Labor 
Temple,  cor.  Louise  and  James  Sta 

President— W.  A.  Walden,  666  McMHlaa 
Ave. 

Sec — A  J.  Young,  469  Rosser  Ave. 

Treaa — J.  B.  Lee.  469  Rosser  Ave. 

Journal — ^W.  J.  Mnch,  348  William  Ave. 

LITl'LE  FORT  LODGE  No.  64,  Wan- 
kegan.  HI.,  meets  in  G.  A  R.  Hall,  North 
Genesee  St.  second  and  -fourth  Tuesdays 
at  8  D.  m. 

President — ^F.  ISarley.  Q,  Utlca  St 
Sec. — C.  S.  Hanford.  S.  St  James  St 
Treaa — David  L.  Donohue.  429  N.  Utlea 
St  _ 

Journal — ^F.  E.  Hoff,  W.  Wa^ington  St 

FORT  SCOTT  LODGE  No.  66.  Port 
Scott  Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  2.30  p.  m.,  in  K.  of  P.  HalL 

President — Geo.  E.  DeJean,  716  B.  Wall 
St. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — J.  H.  Huffman,  215  S. 
Broadway. 

Journal — H.  P.  Hopkins,  208  S.  Broad- 
way. 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


MARTHA  LODGE  No.  67,  Hammond. 
IncL,  meets  first  Monday  afternoon  and 
night  and  third  Monday  afternoon  and 
night  in  Eagles'  HalU  171  Homan  St 

President— H.  W.  Stewart  251  Sibley 
St 

Sec^-O.  A.  Liletson,  426  Michigan  Ave. 

Pin.  Sec — ^A.  J.  Rogers.  529  Murray  St 

Treas. — ^E.  Soott  46  Summer  Ave. 

UNION    STOCK    YARDS   L.ODOB   No. 

68,   Chicago,   IlL,   meets  first   Sunday   at 

7.30  p.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  In 

McNally's  New  Hall.  47th  and  Halsted  Sts. 

President— Ed.  Lyons,  6919  Justine  St 

Bec-Treas. — F.  E.  Pratt  6920  Laflin  St 

Journal — John  Cole,  6416  Bishop  St 

HOUSTON  LODGE  No.  69,  Houston, 
Tex.,  mc^ts  on  the  first  Tuesday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  In  K. 
of  P.  Hall.  McKee  and  Liberty  Ave. 

President — Chaa  Lease,  1709  Blvsian  St 

9ec-Treaa — H.  R.  Brandt  1907  Gentry 
St 

Journal — H.  R  Christian.  2308  Wash- 
Ington  Ave 

OLEANDER  LODGE  No.  70.  Galveston. 
Tcz.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
3  p.  m..  in  Cook  ft  Walters'  HalL 

President — ^V.  V.  Cooper,  83d  St  and 
Ave.  A. 

Sec — ^W.  J.  Hardy.  8Sd  St  and  Ave.  A. 

Treaa — ^W.  H,  Forbes,  8621  Ave.  L 

Journal— A.  D.  Crow.  38d  St  and  Av.  A. 

QUEEN  Crrr  TX>DGE  no.  71.  Seattle, 
Wasb«.  meets  In  Hall  No.  2.  Labor  Temple, 
Sixth  Ave.  and  University  St,  second  Sun- 
day at  2  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8 

^  ^^sidcnt— a.   H.   Arbuthnot   1847   17th 
Ave.  8. 

Sec — C.  E.  Lindsev.  Station  S.  Box  67. 

Treas. — ^T.  A.  Hayden.  Columbia  JSta. 

PEORIA  LODGE  No.  72.  Peoria.  IlL, 
meets  first  Sunday,  8  p.  m.,  and  third  Sun- 
day at  2.80  p.  m.,  in  Schmidt's  H^l.  2901 
S.  Adams. 

President — ^Bdw.  Storey,  1117  Ann  St 
Sec— F.  M.  Piatt  618  Blaine  St 
Treas. — ^W,  S.  Dlmon,  127  Lincoln  Park 
PL I 

BAY  STATE  LODGE  No.  78,  Spring- 
field. Bfass..  meets  at  Harmony  Hall,  sec- 
ond Saturday  of  each  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  C.  O'Brien.  87  Flsrmouth 
8t 

Sec-Treas. — ^E.  T.  Clark.  118  Plalnfield 
St 

Journal — ^H.  D.  Marsh.  98  Marengo  Pk. 

CLIPPER  LODGE  No.  74.  Michigan 
City,   Ind..  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.80 

{>.  m.  and  fourth  Thursday  at  2.80  p.  m.. 
n  Condon's  Hall   206  1-2  N.  Franklin  St 

President — John  Hutton,  415  Michigan 
St 

Bee — O.  H.  Muse,  511  Washington  St 
Treas. — W.  H.  H.  Ruggles.  620  E.  2nd 
St 

Journal — "R,  L.  Mattex,  117  Earl  Road. 

8TEARNES  LODGE  No.  76.  Ludlngton. 
MlHi.r  meets  in  K.  C.  Hall  first  and  sec- 
ond Tuesdays  of  each  month  «t  «  p.  m. 

President — S.  W.  Oonkling,  408  B.  Me- 
llndy  St 


Sec  — ^Irvbi  Clark.  215  E.  Helindy  Ave. 
Treaa — Chaa  D  Morarity,  608  8.  James 
St 

Journal — ^E.  T.  Eamond,  510  N.  Row  St 

SOUTHERN  KANSAS  LODGE  No.  77. 
Chanute.  Kan.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Wednesdays  of  each  month  at  7.80  p.  m.. 
In  Carpenters'  HalL 

President — K,  Hendrlckson,  602  S.  Ever- 
green Si. 

Sec. — C.  D.  Coulter,  618  S.  Central. 

Treaa — G.  G.  Basler.  1112  S.  EVergreen. 

Journal — A  Gross,  408  W.  1st  St 


FORT  WAYNE  LODGE  No.  78,  Fort 
Wayne,  In'l.,  meets  at  Harmony  Hall,  120 
W.  Berry  St.,  fourth  Tuesday  evening  at  8 
o'ck>dc 

President — Emll  Florent  2828  S.  Hoag- 
land  Ave. 

Sec. — G.  T.  Sunley,  605  Holman  St 
Treaa — G.  W.  Thlebolt,  952  Erie  St 
Journal — Charles  Taylor,   1108  N.  Case 
St 


JACKSON  PARK  LODGE  No.  79,  Chi- 
cago. HI.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  G.  A.  R 
Hall,  6236  Princeton  Ave. 

-President — J.  G.  Rlordan,  5518  Indiana 
Ave.  • 

Sec  and  Journal — J.  H  Landers,  708 
W.  50th  St 

Treaa — E.  G.  Wilson.  8280  Princeton 
Ave. :    phone  Yards  2584. 

UNION  LODGE  No.  80.  Grand  Rapids, 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at 
7.80  p.  m.,  Simmons'  HalL  S.  Division  St. 
and  Fifth  Ave. 

President — A.  L.  Snell,  411  Woodlawn 
Ave. 

f5ec.— W.  H.  Woods,  128  11th  Ave. 

Treas. — G.  M.  Johnson,  1806  Cass  Ave. 

Journal — W.  B.  Danerberg,  49  12th  St. 

PARK  LODGE  No.  82,  Herlngton,  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays,  8  p.  m., 
I.  O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

President — W.  H.  Bonner.  Box  262. 

Sec-Treas. — P.  G.  Towey,  Box  445. 


ILLINOIS  CENTRAL  LODGE  No.  83. 
Chicago,  111.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2.30 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  at 
Calumet  Hall,  63d  St.  and  Stony  Island 
Ave. 

President — F.  C.  Lockwood,  718  E.  90th 
St 

Treas. — R.  W.  Fisher.  1433  E.  64th  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Journal — F.  W.  Day,  9040 
Dauphin  Ave. 


MAPLE  LEAF  LODGE  No.  84.  Oelwein. 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  of 
each  month  at  8  p.  m..  in  Temple  Bloc^. 

President— J.  R  Nichols,  410  8rd  Av.  N. 

Sec-Treas. — C.  S,  Scoles,  816  1st  Av.  E. 

Journal — Geo.  D.  Gibbons,  19  1-2  South 
Frederick  St. 

WICHITA  LODGE  No.  85,  Wichita. 
Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday 
evening  In  Labor  Hall.  607  E.  Douglas  Av. 

President — J.  E.  Ceurvorst.  886  North 
Washlnsrton  St. 

Sec — W.  J.  Gould. 

Sec.  and  Trens. — A.  W.  Bums.  612 
Cleveland  Ave. 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


SANGAMON  LODOB  No.  86,  Sprlns- 
field,  m..  meets  second  and  fourth  Fn- 
daars  at  8.80  p.  m.,  in  Odd  Fellows'  Bld^., 
seventh  floor. 

President — ^T.  B.  Degge^  1787  B.  Rey- 
nolds St 

Treas.— R  R  Weston.  486  1-2  N.  5th  St 

Journal — C.  A.  Turner,  126  1-2  N.  6th 
St 

COLUMBIA  LODOB  No.  87,  Portland. 
Ore.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  and 
last  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  at  614  Delay  St 

President — T.  J.  McCambridge,  614  De- 
lay St 

Sec — A.  F.  Schuman.  619  1-2  Williams 
Ave. 

Treas.— Frank  Mlebus.  220  N.  17th  St 

Journal — B.  F.  Smith.  628  Miss.  Ave. 

BNTBRPRISB  LODGB  No.  88,  QreSD 
Bay,  Wis.,  meets  last  Sunday  of  month  at 
P  .M.  in  Maoabees  Hall,  in  Funk  Block,  cor. 
Main  and  Adams. 

Presidents-Truman  Culsh,  1110  Division 
St 

Sao. — M.  H.  Thompson,  608  Ashland 
Ave. 

Treas. — ^H.  B.  Janson,  826  S.  Jameson 
8t 

Journal — A.  Lewti^  1248  Broadway. 

OTTUMWA  LODOB  No.  89,  Ottumwa, 
la.,  meets  first  and  thixid  Mondays  at  8  p. 
RL,  in  Labor  Hall,  oor.  Biain  and  Court 
Sts. 

President  and  Treas. — O.  C.  Kenney. 
706  W.  4th  St 

Sec— O.  R  Zellers.  609  W.  BCain  St 

Journal-^.  H.  Loring,  116  Fairview 
Ave. 

DBNISON  LODGE  No.  90,  Denison, 
Tex.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock.  In  O.  R  C.  New 
Hall.  Main  St 

President— B.  S.  Clark,  R  F.  D.  No.  4. 

Sec  and  Treas. — ^M.  J.  Leabo,  1319  W. 
Oandy  St 

IRONDALB  LODOE  No.  91,  Chicago. 
IlL,  meets  Duffy's  Hall.  cor.  106th  St  and 
Torrance  Ave.,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  Kilduflf,  6536  Peoria  St 

Sec  and  Journal — H  A.  Flynn,  9041 
Commercial  Ave 

Treaa — T.  L  Roderick.  10440  Calhoun 
Ave.,  South  Chicago,  111. 

STANDARD  LODOE  No.  92,  Cedar 
Rapids.  la.,  meets  in  Acema  Bldg.,  be- 
tween 5th  and  6  th  Sts.  E.,  second  Monday 
and  fourth  Tuesday.  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  P.  Holmes,  R  F.  D.  No.  6. 

Sec — H.  J.  Manchester.  Beaver  St 

Treaa— J.  H.  McKinley.  Ill  N.  2d  St  W. 

Journal— O.  H.  Black,  1002  A  Ava.  m 

TRUE  BLUB  LODOB  No.  98,  Oska- 
loosa.  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays. 
8.80  p.  m..  at  610  High  Ave.  West 

President — 'R.  H.  Fuller,  718  W.  A  Ave 

Sec-Trea& — J.  Brown,  802  Ist  Ave.  W. 

Journal — Harry  McSpadden,  610  N.  C 
St 

ON  THB  BANKS  OF  THB  WABASH 
LODOB  No.  94,  Terre  Haute,  Ind..  meets 
every  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  at  8  p. 
m.,  hi  C.  L  U.  Hall,  426  1-2  Main  St 
Preiddent-^.  Snyder,  642  N.  6th  St 
Sec— Dusthi  Crawford,  418  N.  ISth  St 
Treaa— H.  H.  Byington.  818  N.  16th  St 
Journal — ^F.  D.  Ball.  1628  2nd  Ave. 


ASHTABULA  LODOB  No.  96.  Ashto.- 
bula,  O.,  meets  second  Sundc^  at  7.30  p. 
m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  2.89  p.  m..  in 
O.  R  C.  Hall,  Main  St 

President— A.  T.  Hartnell,  33  Camp  St. 

Sec — C.  J.  McKenzie.  19  Stark  St 

Treas. — Chaa.  L.  Kain.  68  Fisk  St 


LIMA  LODOB  No.  96,  Lima.  O..  meet* 
first  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.  and  third  Sundasr 
at  7  p.  m..  Machinists'  Hall,  Fisk  Block. 

President — John  O.  Stegeman.  667  M. 
Jackson  St 

Pec. -Treas. — S.  O.  Irwin,  476  W.  Mur- 
phy St 

FRBBBORN  LODOB  No.  97,  Albert 
Lea,  Minn.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  5  p.  m.. 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  in  Red  Men's 
Hall,  cor.  William  and  Broadway. 

President — O.  C.  Riley.  815  Court  St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^J.  P.  Woods,  326  W. 
College  St 

Journal — ^A,  L  Hove,  258  S.  PearL 

CADILLAC  LODOB  No  98.  CadiUa4:. 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  in 
Trades  and  Labor  Council  Hall,  at  8  p.  m. 

President — B.  B.  Stansbury,  429  Wal- 
lace St 

Sec — ^Bernard  Loi)g.  406  B.  Pine. 

Treas. — ^Thoa  Long.  1049  Haring  St 

Journal — A.  Craig,  Wright  St 

BLK   LODOB   No.   99,   Buffalo,   N.   T., 

meets  in  Nagel's  Hall,  oor.  Hayward  and 

Blk  Sta,  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8jlo 

p.  m..  and  last  Wednesday,  at  8  a.  m. 

President — ^W.  F.  Schleua  67  Monroe  St 

Sec. -Treaa — C.  Souter,  62  Oorham  St 

LITTLB  OIANT  LODOB  No.  100  Mc- 
Kees  Rocks,  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at 
7.80  p.  m..  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.80  p. 
m..  in  Christian  Hall,  219  Chartiers  Ave. 

President — ^W.  A.  Oanan,  222  Munson 
Ave 

Sec — B.  T.  Brown,  227  Munson  Ave. 

Treas.— Robt  McCarthy,  400  Woodward 
Ave. 

Journal — ^W.  Byster,  110  Margaret  St 

ALUM  ROCK  LODOB  No.  101.  San 
Jose,  Cal.,  meets  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall. 

President — ^Frank  B.  Webber,  S.  P. 
Yard  Oflncc 

Sec  and  Treaa — P.  J.  McKay,  126  N. 
4th  St 

LBHIOH  LODOB  Na  lOS,  T.rfrtgii»^y,i 
Pa.,  meets  In  Reber's  Hall,  second  aad 
fourth  8undAy%  at  8  p.  m 

President— O.  Merta.  Packerton,  Pa. 

Treas. — M.  A.  Cochran,  R.  F.  D.  No.  1. 
Box  f  1,  Welsnort  Pa. 

Sec — B.  Sillers,  R.  F.  D.  No.  1,  Mauoh 
Chunk,  Pa. 

Joomal— -Qso.  Dolan.  Lehlghton,  Pa. 


SHRBVBPORT  LODOB  No.  lOS^Shreve- 
port  La.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  in  Frank  Ryan's  resi- 
dence. 

President — ^Frank  Rsran.  Bossier  City, 
La. 

Sec-Treaa — ^R.  B.  Jones,  546  Davis  St 

Journal — S.  P.  Moore.  Oary  St 


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UNION   OF  NORTH    AMERICA. 


841 


SWEET  CLOVER  LODGE  No.  104.  Ar- 
kansas CiUs  Kan. 

Presidont — ^J.  A,  Kanuth. 
Sec — ^L.  F.  Dodson.  BellvUle^  Okla. 
TreasL — Geo.  B.  Hammond,  611  S.  C  St 
Journal — ^R.  B.  Collins,  Muskogee,  Okla. 


OZARK  liODQS  No.  106,  Sprlnsfleld. 
Mo.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesdaja  at 
&se  p.  m.:  each  naonth.  In  Workmen's  Hiil, 
888  Boonyllle  St. 

President— W.  R.  Stewart.  1619  Poplar 


St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^B.  F.  Col%  Camphell 
and  Camey  StSL 

JovSal— O.  B.  Smith,  lOSO  W.  Atlantic 

^ > 

TUBE  CITY  LODGE  No.  106,  McKeos 
pert  Pa.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  7.80  p.  UL,  in  First  National  Bank 
Bids. 

President — ^P.  J.  Brennan,  689  6th  Ave. 

Sec -Treas. — J.  E.  Bevans.  119  8th  Ave. 

Journal — J>,  P.  Costeilo,  172  Duquesneb 
Duquesne,  Pa. 

HEAD  OF  THE  LAKE  LODGE  No. 
107,  Superior,  Wis.,  meets  first  Sunday  at 
2.80  p.  m.  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  in 
Union  Labor  HiOl.  1428  Belknap  St 

President — O.  F.  Ells,  1028  Banlcs  Ave. 

Sec  and  Journal— J.  C.  p'Connell,  1124 
Grand  Ave. 

TYeaa — ^W.  Whearatt  1628  Banks  Ave. 

ROUGH  RIDER  LODGE  No.  108,  Hor- 
nell,  N.  T.,  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
evenings  of  each  month  at  8.16  o'clock, 
and  second  and  fourth  Fridays  at  4  p.  m., 
in  Engineers'  Hall,  108  Main  St 

President — ^P.  L.  Cullinan,  91  River  St 
Sec— W.  R.  Burke,  100  Maple  St 
Treas. — Jaa  Colbert  68  Pine  St 
Journal— J.  H.  Baldwin,  11  Pleasant  St 

SAGINAW  LODGE  No.  110,  Saginaw, 
B.  a,  Michigan,  meets  at  9.80  a.  m.  on 
the  first  and  third  Sundays  of  eadkk  month, 
at  MyrUe  HaU.  602  Potter  St 

President— Seth  Bark,   218  Wadsworth 

Sec— ^ames  H.  Hickey.  1027  N.  7th  St 
Treas.— H.  a  Gay.  1028  N.  ith  St 
Journal — J.  G.  Ladebauche,  708  Farwell, 
B.  8 

INDIAN  CREEK  LODGE  No.  Ill, 
Marion.  la.,  meets  second  Saturday  after- 
noon and  fourth  Saturday  evening,  at  L 
O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

President — E.  P.  Reid. 

Sec  and  Treas. — John  Leming,  482  18th 
St 

Journal — ^T.  J.  Ryan,  7  th  Ave. 

NBTCONG  LODGE  No.   112,   Netcong. 
N.   J.,  meeU  in   Clark's  Hall,   on  second 
Wednesday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sun- 
day at  2.80  p.  m. 
^President— C.  Bird,  Dell  Ave. 
Sec  and  Jour. — BurUs  Bird,  Allen  St 
Treas. — James  O'Neil,  Mechanic  St 

EAST  END  LODGE  No.  118,  Clncm- 
natl,  O.,  meets  in  Vulcan  Hall,  Martin  St. 
third  Friday  of  each  month,  at  8.30  p,  m. 

President,  Trean.  and  Journal — A.  T. 
Cartus^  848  Overton  St,  I^ewport  Ky. 

S<»c.— F.  E.  Alwin,  2708  Hoff  Ave. 


BROOME  LODGE  No.  114,  Binghamton. 
N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Monday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock -In  Odd  Fellows'  Hah. 
299  Chenango. 

President — John  McMahon,  43  Griswold 
St 

Sec  and  Treas. — Geo.  Martin.  41  Men- 
delssohn 

Journal — ^Michael  Sheehan,  88  f^ette. 


JERSEY  CITY  LODGE  No.  116,  Jersey 
City,  N.  J.,  meets  at  Fisher's  Hall,  126 
Hudson  St,  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  third  Sunday 
at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  Londregon,  724  Monastery 
St.  W.  Hoboken,  N.  J. 

Sec — J.  J.  Devtae.  286  St  Paul  Ave. 

Treaa — Martin  Keating,  1816  Willow 
Ave.,  Hoboken,  N.  J. 

BUCKEYE  LODGE  No.  116,  Conneaut 
O..  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and 
third  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  eadi  montli.  in 
G.  A^  R.  HalL  Stanley  Block.  Main  St 

Preaidentp--P.  J.  ^lley.  287  Adams  St 

Sec  and  Jour.— H.  D.  Badger,  887  Har- 
bor St 

Treaa— E.  a  MoClodray,  698  Broad  St 

HARMONY  LODGE  Na  117,  Chicago, 
lU.,  meets  in  Colonial  Hall,  oor.  Chicago 
and  Western  Avea,  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  2  p.  m. 

President--^.  H.  Dodgion,  4407  W.  Park 

Sec— D.  E.  Burke,  4125  W.  North  Ave. 
Treas. — S.  E.  Goveia,  1605  Warren  Av«. 
Journal — ^W.  C.  Tousey,   1648  Fairchlld 
Ave. 

SALT  LAKE  LODGE  No.  11^,  Salt 
Lake  City.  Utah,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Tuesdays  at  8.80  p.  m.,  at  Labor  Temple, 
2d  St  Eiast  between  1st  and  2d  South. 

President — John  Hayes.  469  N.  1st  W. 

Sec-nJ.  E.  McLaughlin.  263  W.  N. 
Temple. 

Treaa— H.  a  Smith,  644  West  4th  N. 

Journal — ^E.  A.  Fullerton,  628  W.  1st 
North  St 

LINCOLN    LODGE    No.    120,    Lhioohi. 

Neb.,   meets  first   Sunday,    2  p.   m.,   and 

third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  in  Labor  Temple, 

216  N.  11th  St 

President— J.  H.  Francisco,  620  N.  19th 

St 

Sec— P.  J.  Helser,  716  C  St 
Treaa — A.  Q.  Strouse.  821  H  St 
Journal — Fred  Manchester.  2536  H  St 

MISSOULA  LODGE  No.  122,  Missoula. 
Mont,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  of 
each  month  at  8  p.  no.,  in  L  O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

President — ^Robt  Sheehan,  186  E.  Main 
St 

Sec-Treaa — C.  A.  Maloney,  General  De- 
livery, Deer  Lodge,  Mont 

Journal — Bruce  Maokey,  626  Sherwood 
St 


IVORYDALE  LODGE  No.  128,  Elm- 
wood  Place,  O.,  meets  in  Keller's  Hall.  800 
Main  Ave.,  second  and  fourth  Fridays  at 
8  p^  m. 

President  and  Jour. — K.  J.  Alexander, 
100  Park  Ave.,  HartweU,  O. 

Sec— W.  DeNeeM.  416  Walnut  8t 

Treaa — Anthony  Ash,  800  ElmWood  Av. 


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JOURNAL.   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


KL,  RENO  LODGS;  No.  124^  BU  Reno. 
Okia..  meeU  In  Red  Men's  Hall,  second 
and  fourth  Tuesdays,  8  p.  m. 

.President — H.  Sievers,  620  S.  Choctaw 
St. 

Sec— Ted  Torpey,  410  S.  McCk>mb  St 

TreaSL — ^Uarry  Morris,  811  N.  EJvans  St. 

Journal — ^Dacy  Hovenden,  808  S.  Rob- 
ertsSt 

NECHSS  LODGB  No.  126,  Beaumont. 
Tex.,  meets  at  K.  of  P.  Hall  on  the  second 
and  fourth  Sundays  of  each  month  at  8 

^  President— L.  C.  Kelly.  1647  Laurel  Av. 
Sec— A.  T.  Wood,  1194  Liberty  Ave. 
Treaa— B.  C.  Kirk.  1168  South  at. 
Journal — ^W.  &  Graves,  1806  Liberty. 

HAWKE3YB  LODGE  No.  126.  Marshall- 
town,  la.,  meets  third  Sunday  each  mouth 
at  8  p.  m.,  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Hail. 

President — O.  Morgan,  712  S.  Center  St 

Sec,  Treas.  and  Journal — J.  G.   Lynch, 

702  S.  3rd  St 

ST.  ANTHONY  LODGE  No.  128.  Min- 
neapolis, Minn.,  meets  in  Odd  Fellows' 
Hall,  Fourth  St  and  Central  Ave.,  first 
Sunday  8  p.  m..  third  Sunday  at  2.30  p.  m. 

Sec  and  Journal — ^A.  L.  Maeby,  242:) 
7  th  St  S. 

Treas. — J.  E.  La  France,  110  4  th  St. 
S.  E. 

ELECTRIC  CITY  LODGE  No.  1S9. 
Scrsnton,  Pa.,  meets  at  G.  A.  R.  Hall. 
Pennsylvania  and  Linden  Sts..  second  Sun- 
day at  8.46  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at 
7.30  p.  m. 

President — Robert  W.  Flynn,  437  Rail- 
road Ave 

Sec. — Patrick  Ryan.  424  Railroad  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Joiu*. — J.  P.  Crowley.  274 
Railroad  Ave. 

FORT  HAMILTON  LODGB  No.  130, 
Hamilton,  O.,  meets  in  Trades  Council 
Hall,  Second  and  Court  Sts.,  second  and 
fourth  Thursdays  at  8.30  p.  m. 

President — John  H.  Connell,  621  S.  4th 
St 

Sec— Charles  J.  Welch.  524  S.  4th  St 
Treas.— W.  J.  Welch,  624  S.  4th  St 
Journal — ^Albert  Gronbact  919  E.  Lud- 
low St 


TRI-CITY  LODGB  Na  188.  Rock  Isl- 
and, IlL.  meets  first  Monday  nigrht  at  8 
o'clock,  and  third  Sunday  momins  at  9.80 
o'clock.  Industrial  Home  Hall,  21st  St 
and  8rd  Ave. 

President— J.  B.  Pritchett  3016  10th 
Ave. 

Sec— H.  W.  Olson.  2680  6  1-2  Ave. 

Treaa— W.  Meilk^  610  89tb  St 

Journal — Ben  Jaoobson,  602  89th  St 


SUCCESS  LODGE  No.  184,  St  Louis, 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays,  8  p.  m., 
Bremen  Hall.  8606  N.  11th  St 

President — Wm.  Ferguson.  2266  Alice 
Ave. 

Sec — Frank  Calhoun.  2140  Salisbury  St 

Treas. — J.  J.  McCarthy.  2248  Geralaine. 

PUGET  SOUND  LODGB  No.  186.  Ta- 
coma.  Wash.,  meets  in  Milwaukee  HaU. 
cor.  28rd  and  Jefferson  Sts.,  second  and 
fourth  Mondays  of  each  month  at  2.30 
p.  m. 


President— F.  J.  Maxfield.  4020  &  F  St 
Sec— S.  M.  Griflln.  2620  S.  L  8t 
Treaa— C.  B.  Whitman.  2716  A  St 
Journal— J.  W.  Vail,  Spanaway.  Wash. 


SPOKANE  LODGE  No.  137,  Spokane. 
Wash.,  meeU  in  Bartenders'  Hall.  612  1-2 
Riverside  Ave.,  second  Tuesday,  at  2.80 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday,  at  7.30  p.  m. 

President — H.  H.  Chapman.  10  W.  3rd 

Sec — R.  D.  Buckley,  717  E.  Ermina  St 
Treas. — A,  J.  Welton.  2318  E.  6th  Ave. 
Journal — ^F.  A  Guentx,  1019  Ist  Ave. 


ALAMO  LODGE  No.  138,  San  Antonio. 
Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesday  even- 
ings at  8.30  o'clock,  at  Murries*  Hall,  Aus- 
Un  and  10th  Sta 

President  Sec  and  Treaa — J.  R.  Webb, 
500  Lamar. 

Journal — B.  M.  Bason,  328  Carson  St 

SECOND  CITY  LODGE  No.  140,  Nas- 
hua, N.  H.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  noon,  in  Barker's  Halt 

President— H.  E.  Page,  8  Allds  St 
Sec — J.  Enright  10  Foundry  St 
Treaa — John  Brennan.  104  Vine  St 
Journal — Wm.   J.    Howard,    90  1-2    Pine 
St 

SUSQUEHANNA  LODGB  No.  14L  Sus- 
quehanna. Pa.,  meets  every  Wednesday  at 
8  p,  m.  at  84  High  St.  Oakland. 

President  and  Sec-Treas. — J>,  H.  Grls- 
wold.  84  High  St.  Oakland. 


OPEN  PORT  CITY  LODGE  Na  142. 
Muskegon,  Mich.,  meets  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  10  a.  m.,  at  North  Yard's  Of- 
fice^ Ottawa  St 

President — P.  J.  Hawkins,  56  Ramson 
St 

Sic  and  Journal — W.  A.  Dennia,  202 
Ottawa  St 

Treaa — L.  A.  Knapp,  62  Ottawa  St 


LAFAYETTE  LODGE  No.  148,  Lafay- 
ette, Iiid.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  1.30  p.  m.,  in  Leache's  Hall,  cor.  3rd 
and  Chestnut  Sta 

President — R  J.  Stevens,  1103  Queen 
St 

Sec. — E.  G.  Hannagan,  255  Green  St 

Treaa — J.  C.  Kennedy,  240  Green  St 


TELEGRAM  LODGB  No.  144,  Blmlra. 
N.  Y.,  meets  the  first  Monday  at  8  p.  no., 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  or  each 
month,  at  St  James'  Hall.  Pant  PL  and 
Clinton  St 

President— M.  W.  Powers.  766  a  Main 
St 
Sec— Wm  Murphy.  818  W.  7th  St 
Treaa— T.  J.  Hurley.  962  Main  St 
Journal — J.  W.  Bowes.  448  W.  6th  St 


CALUMET  LODGE  No.  145,  East  Chi- 
cago, Ind.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Moss*  Hall. 

President  and  Journal — Daniel  Sterling. 
4912  Northcote  St 

Sec — ^T.  A.  Crc-gan,  4854  Lagoon  Ave. 

Treas.— Martin  M.  McGregor,  Flat  •"B." 
Freedman  Bldg. 


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INDIANAPOLIS  LODGE  No.  146,  In- 
dianapolis, Ind.,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  8  p.  m..  at  Morrison's  Hail,  62  1-2 
Monument  PL 

President— P.  O'Shea,   128  S.  Noble  SL 

Sec. — C.  A.  Akers,  1012  Hoyt  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — H.  L.  Hicks,  2528 
Central  Ave. 

gAtB  city  LODGE  No.  147;  Texar- 
kana*  Tex.,  meets  on  second  and  fourth 
Tuesday  evenings  at  1820  Maple  St 

President— J.  T.  Smith,  811  E.  Broad  St 
Sec-Treas. — ^Wm.  Kelley,  1820  MM>le  St 
Journal — ^F.  J.  Bunib,  112  State  St 

FRBEPORT  LODGE  No.  149.  Preeport 
IlL,  meeto  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  second 
Sunday  at  2.30  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday 
at  7  p.  m. 

President— -Wm.  H.  O'Malia,  17  Kicka- 
poo  St 

Sec  and  Treaa — ^F.  R.  Dunlap,  Room  7, 
146  Stevenson  St 

BLiCHART  LODGE  No.  151,  Elkhart 
Ind.,  meets  first  Tuesday  at  2.80  p.  m.. 
and  third  Tuesday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  in  Red 
Men's  Hall,  228  &  Main  St 

President — ^L.  H.  Martin,  428  Sherman 
St 

Sec — C.  a  Wagner,  1418  Prairie  St 
Treas.— G.  P.  EUiott  1604  &  Main  St 
Journal— C  H.  Hamelin,  108  Washing- 
ton St 

SYRACUSE  LODGE  No.  152,  Syracuse, 
N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days of  every  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Kear- 
ney's Hall,  cor.  S.  Geddes  and  Gifford  Sts. 

President— W.  A.  Ryan,  1Q4  Willis  Ave. 

Sec— T.  W.  Reillv.  307  WhitUer  Ave. 
.  Treaa — ^A.    H.    Richardson,    732    Otesco 
St 

TRIANGLE  LODGE  No.  154,  Staples. 
TreasL — W.  A.  Cimmiings,  Box  623. 


THANKSGIVING  LODGE  No.  166.  Chi- 
cago, O.,  meets  in  K.  of  C  Hall  flfst  Fri- 
day in  month  at  7.80  p.  m..  and  third 
Friday  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  W.  Heckman. 

Sec — J.  F.  Cooley. 

Treas. — J.  a  Swartz. 


FRONTIER  LODGE  No.  156,  Cheyenne. 
Wyo. 

President— J.  L.  Falrchlld.  306  E.  10th 
St 

Treas. — C.  E.  Stabler,  908  E.  16th  St 

GOLDEN  GATE  LODGE  No.  168,  Oak- 
land,  CaL.  medts  in  Fidelity  Hall,  comer 
Seventh    and    Peralta    St&.    second    and 
fourth  Tuesday  evenings  at  8  o'clock. 
President— E.  R.  Stockton.  1701  11th  St 
Sea— C  J.  McCarthy.  692  1-2  26th  St 
Tre*».a   axid  Journal — C,    H.   Scott    1627 
8th  St 


FORKED  DEER  LODGE  No.  159.  Jack- 
son. Teon.,  meets  first  and  third  Saturdays 
at  7.80  p.  m..  in  B.  of  L.  F.  ft  E.  Hall, 
cor.  Market  and  Main  Sts. 

President— Edward  J.  Phillips.  146  Mo- 
bile Ave. 

Sec — ^Robert  B  Curry,  624  E.  Chestnut 
St. 

Treas. — C.  I.  Goodman,  103  Lee  St 


BIENVILLE  LODGE  No.  166.  Mobile. 
Ala.,  meets  at  402  Bloodgood  St.  first  and 
third  Tuesdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  Connors,  260  Beauregard 
St 

Sec. — H.  D  Meadows.  816  N.  Conception 
St 

Treaa — C.  W.  Rayfleld,  867  Earl  St 

Journal — W.  C  Burton,  S.  BL  cor.  Con- 
ception and  Beauregard  Sta 

GOOD  HOPE  LODGE  No.  169,  Youngs- 
town,  O..  meets  third  Tuesday  at  243-245 
Federal  St. 

Presidt^nt — J.  F.  Owens.  724  Wilson  Ave 

Sec — E.  J.  Korman.  1552  Millicent  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — P.  Owens,  724  Wil- 
son Ave. 

VALLEY  LODGE  No.  172,  Sayre.  Pa., 
meets  in  P.  O.  S.  of  A,  Hall,  Lockhart  St, 
second  and  fourth  Tuesdays  at  8.30  p.  m. 

President— M.  J.  Harding,  10  William 
St,  Waver ly.  N.  Y. 

Sec. — John  Goodall,  Fallott  Bldg.,  Sayre, 
Pa. 

Treaa — Robert  Fitzgerald,  5  Ulster  St, 
Waverly,  N.  Y. 

Journal — Thomas  F.  Frost  Broad  St, 
Waverly,  N.  Y. 

TWIN  CITY  LODGE  No.  173,  La  Salle. 
111.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  10 
a.  ra.,  Eagles'  Hall,  corner  1st  and  Good- 
ing Sta 

President — A.  J.  Kerwick,  35  6th  St. 

Sec.  and  Journal — J.  E.  Bowers,  308  4th 
St 

Treaa — P.  B.  Davis.  184  Gooding. 

DES  MOINES  LODGE  No.  174.  Valley 
Junction,  la.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p. 
m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  2  p.  m..  in  Fra- 
ternal Hall,  Valley  Junction.  la. 

President — ^A.  L.  Shearer. 

Sec. — Cliarles  F.  Shuey. 

Treas.— A.  L.  Ketter. 

Journal — Jolm  F.  Sammon. 

DANVILLE  LODGE  No.  176,  Danville. 
BL,  meets  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  first  and 
third  Mondays,  at  8  p.  m. 

President — C.  J.  McGlinchy,  17  Robin- 
son St 

Sec. — L.  J.  Hagerman.  1000  Myers  St 
Treaa. — John  King,  1210  Tennessee  St 
Journal— J.  H.  Smith.  627  Porter  St 


SALAMANCA  LODGE  No.  176,  Sala- 
manca, N.  Y.,  meets  at  Royal  Arcanum 
Hall,  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  and  fourth 
Sunday  at  8.30  p.  m..  Salamanca.  N.  Y. 

President — J.  Murphy,  Sycamore  Ave. 

Sec  and  Treas. — J.  J.  Connelly,  4  Plm- 
lico  Ave. 

WHIRLPOOL  LODGE  No.  177,  Niag- 
ara Falls.  N.  Y.,  meets  the  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Central  Labor 
Council  Hall. 

President — S.  Caldwell,  8  Bath  Ave. 

Sec. — N.  F.  Walrod,  2232  Lockport  St 

Treaa — W.  C.  Hubbard.  38  Falls  St ; 
'phone  Bell  6111. 

Journal — Geo.  B.  Hall,  342  2nd  St 


BLACK  DIAMOND  LODGE  No.  179. 
Plttston,  Pa.,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  at  St  Aloyslus'  Hall.  S 
Main  St 

President — Pat  Kelly.  12  Center  St 
Sec.  and  Treaa — G.  Scharar,  30  Wash- 
ington St..  West  Plttston. 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'B 


FARQO  LODGB  No.  180,  Fargo,  N.  D., 
meets  at  AMembly  Hall  woond  |uid  fourth 
Saturdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — C.  Simons,  707  Second  N. 

Sec  and  Jour. — 1>,  M.  Hurley,  Assembly 
HalL 

Treaa — G.  Welssert,  28  Oak  Grove. 

BIG  PIVB  LODGE  No.  181,  Dallas. 
Tex.,  meets  at  W.  O.  W.  Hall,  346  Main 
St,  last  Sunday  in  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President — Frank  Mackin,  321  Swiss 
Avew 

Sec  and  Treaa — Thomas  J.  Peters,  2708 
Birmingham  St. 

Journal — W.  P.  Hooker,  132  Nusbaumer 
St 


KALI-INLA  LODGE  No.  182,  fiaUey- 
vllle,  Okla.,  meeu  first  and  third  Fridays 
at  8  p.  m..  In  Mesenla  HalL 

President — J.  Yockstlck. 

Sec-Treas. — B.  W.  Edwards,  Box  267. 

Journal — C.  T.  Norman. 

WINDSOR  LODGE  No.  184,  Windsor. 
Ont.  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8 
p.  m.,  at  Foresters'  HalL 

President — ^Thomas  Barrowa  38  Curry 
Ave. 

Sec— J.  W.  Alldritt  Box  406. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Lonnee,  Box  406. 


BEND  CITY  LODGE  No.  187,  Musca- 
tine, la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.30  p.  m.,  in  6.  A.  R.  HaU. 

President — James  H.  Young,  215  Rose- 
lfi.vim  .Ave. 

Sec — Ollie  A.  Els,  304  East  2d  St 

Treas.  and  Journal — F.  A.  Tiram,  1000 
East  8th  St 

MAD  RIVBR  LODGE  No.  188,  Dayton. 
O.,  meets  first  and  fourth  Mondays  at 
7.80  p.  m.,  in  HoUenoamp  Hall,  Market 
and  Jefferson  8t& 

President — WUllam  IL  Thompson,  887 
Huffman  Ave. 

Sec — M.  J.  O'Connor,  484  B.  2nd  St 

Treaa— Wm  A.  MiUer,  134  Baker  St 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON  LODGE  No. 
189,  Dolton,  111.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall. 

President — J.  O'Brien,  227  Lincoln  Ave. 

Sec — ^D.  J.  Gallagher,  13743  Leyden 
Ave.,  Chic%?o,  IlL 

Treaa — JT  A.  Headley. 

Journal — P.  H.  Sexton. 

GREENVILLE  LODGE  No.  190,  Green- 
ville, Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Thursdays 
at  8  p.  m. 

President  Sec.  and  Treaa — H.  C.  Al- 
len, 1818  N.,  King  St 


JUYONS  LODGE  No.  191,  Lyons.  N.  T. 
President — Jas.  McDennott  Geneva  St 
Sec-Treaa — Jaa  Sheldon,  169  Canal  St 

TIGER  LODGE  No.  192,  Detroit  Mich., 
meets  in  Schiller's  HalL  cor.  St  Aubm 
and  Gratiot  Ave.,  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  UL 

President — C.  P.  GofL  488  Toledo  Ave. 

Sec — Edw.  Wa«ner,  988  Meldrum  Ave. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Kenyon,   128  Chestnut  St 

Journal — Prank  D.  Conway,  67  Alios  Av. 


PRANKLIN  PARK  LODGB  Na  19S, 
Prankiin  Park.  Til.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  In  Swltohmcn's 
HalL 

President — George  W.  Clssna. 

Sec — ^Albert  H  Barton. 

TreasL — ^Prank  Brlnkerhofl. 

Journal— John  J. 


KEYSTONE  LODGB  No.  194,  Hall- 
stead,  Pa.,  meets  first  Wednesday  at  7.30 
p.  nL,  and  third  Wednesday  at  7.30  a.  m., 
at  Clune's  HaU,  Main  St 

President — Wm.  Squires,  154  Murray 
St,  Binghamton,  N.  Y. 

Sec — ^Thomas  Casey. 

Treaa — ^Pred  Decker,  8  Rose  St 

Journal — ^Daniel  Downey. 
■ 

TERMINAL  LODGE  No.  198,  LitUc- 
Rock,  Ark.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Vogel's  HalL 

President — G.  C.  Long,  710  Pine  St,  Ai^ 
genta,  Ark. 

Sec  and  Treaa — J.  Car  mack,  523  Cy- 
press .St,  Argenta.  Ark. 

CHICAGO  LODGE  No.  199,  Cnicago, 
Hi.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and 
fourth  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  each  month,  at 
Hannah  Hogg's  HaU.  128  W.  Randolph  St. 

President — John  J.  Clyne,  2623  Prince- 
ton Ave. 

Sec — J.  W.  Hemen,  3819  Lowe  Ave. 

Treaa — K.  D.  Brough,  1214  E.  46th  St 

Journal — S.  A.  Pogarty,  1186  Richmond 
St 

CONSTITUTION  LODGE  No.  200. 
South  Boston,  Masa,  meets  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,  150  1-2  South  Boston. 


President— Geo.  Wise,  150  1-2  M  St 
Sec  and  Treaa — ^T.  C.  Lamb,  34  Cres- 
cent St,  E.  Somerville,  Masa 

Journal — ^B.  B.  Rice,  752  Main  St, 
Greenwood,  Mass. 

fiAPPY  DAY  LODGE  No.  201,  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.»  meets  second  and  fourth  Pridsy 
evenlgs  at  8.80  o'clock,  third  Thursday  at 
9  a.  m.,  at  Beyer's  Hall,  cor.  Emslie  and 
Swan  Sta 

President— J.  J.  O'Connell,  40  Bolton  PI. 

Sec  and  Journal — G.  C.  Roth,  159  Higti 
St 

Treaa — ^Wm.  Krieger,  28  Prench  St 

PASCO  LODGB  No.  202,  Pasco,  Wash., 
meets  last  Saturday  of  month  at  8  p.  m.. 
at  Eagles'  HalL 

President — ^P.  R.  Lee,  Box  716. 

Sec. — G.  Sanderson,  Box  716. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Kolinsky,  Box  716. 

Journal — L.  M.  Emery,  Box  716. 

FORT  DODGE  LODGB  No.  20^,  Port 
Dodge.  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundasrs 
of  each  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  G.  A.  R.  Hall, 
Central  Ave. 

President — M.  D.  Kane,  1407  Bleventh 
Ave.  a 

Sec  and  Jour. — S.  B.  HuflFman,  1027  S. 
11th  St 

Treaa— P.  L  Barker,  607  a  17th  St 

ELY  LODGE  No.  204,  East  Ely,  Nev. 
President — ^N.  McGovem. 
Treas. — W.  E.  Rice. 


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346 


DE2LTA  LODGE  No.  206.  Cairo*  Uh, 
meets  In  Day's  Hall,  ISth  and  Washington 
Sts.,  second  and  fourth  Friday  evenings 
at  8  o'clock. 

President — Frank  Sauerberg,  2108  Pine 
Sec. — ^Alonso  F.  Kellls,  606  Jefferson  Av. 
Treas. — Q*»o.  J.  Ollmore,  BIO  Walnut  St 
Journal— Frank  N.  Ireland,  218  12th  St. 

BODWAT  LODOB  No.  206.  St  Paul. 
Minn.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday. 
8  p.  m..  In  Columbia  Hall,  cor.  Prior  and 
University. 

President  and  Treas. — B.  L.  Matheny, 
202  4th  Ave.  8.  B.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

SASKATOON  LODGE  No.  207,  Saska- 
toon.  Sask.,  Canada. 

AUBURN  PARK  LODGE  No.  208,  Chi- 
cago,  HI.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Auburn  Hall,  cor.  79th  St 
and  Lowe  Ave. 

President — IL  H  Spence,  869  W.  86th  PI. 

Sec — M.  E.  Glover,  5946  Marshfleld  Av. 

Treaa — ^Louis  Boyce,  444  W.  80th  St 

EVENING  STAR  LODGE  No.  209.  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  meets  In  Beyer's  Hall,  cor. 
BmsUe  and  Swan  Sts.,  first  and  third 
Thursdays  at  8.80  p.  m.,  and  third  Wednes- 
day at  8.80  a.  m. 

Presir  -    - 


PL 


laent— J.  W.    Slattery.   28   Oakdale 


Sec — ^Thomas  Davis,  886  Elk  St 
Treas. — W.  J.  McGregor.  68  Goode  Ave. 
Journal — C.  Barker.  57  Greene  St 


MONONGAHBLA  LODGE  No,  210. 
Pittsburg,  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at 
10.46  a.  m,,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  7.45 
p.  m.,  in  A.  O.  H.  Hall.  2815  Sarah  St  S.  S. 

President — ^L.  J.  Sauers.  2902  Carey  Al- 
ley. 

Sec. — ^B.  Wilkins.  2514  Buelah  St 

Treas.—W.  J.  Mangan,  99  S.  11th  St. 

PRIDE  OF  THE  VALLEY  LODGE  No. 
211,  Elrama.  Pa.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundairs  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  at  2  p.  m. 

President — ^W.  R  Prout 

Pec — ^L.  F.  Lynch. 

Treaa— J.  H.  Golllck.  Box  138. 

Journal — P.  J.  (Savaghan. 

3RADDOCK  LODGE  No.  212.  Brad- 
dock,  Pa.,  meets  at  117  Bessemer  Terrace, 
Blast  Pittsburg.  Pa.,  second  Sunday  at  2 
p.  m..  and  fourth  Sunday  at  7  p.  m.,  in 
Rnbenstlne  Hall,  1082  Washington  St 

Presid^t — ^Mlke  Mulkerrin,  117  Besss- 
mer  Terrace,  E.  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Sec — ^R  B.  Stell,  212  Curry  St,  Brad- 
dock,  Pa. 

Treas. — J.  J.  McCormick.  233  Bell  Ave.. 
North  Braddock,  Pa. 

Journal — J.  T.  McKenna,  278  Braddock 
St..  Bast  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

REGINA  LODGE  No.  218,  Reglna  Sask.Can. 
President-^.  A.  Hanrahan. 
Trea8.~Q.P.Dewitt 

OLD  KENTUCKY  LODGE  No.  114, 
Ludlow,  Ky..  meets  second  Sunday  at  2 
p  m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  in 
Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Elm  and  Butler  Sts. 

President— M.  M.  Miller,  2  Euclid  Ave. 

Sec— W.  J.  Schachlelter,  949  W.  8th  St.. 
Cincinnati.  O. 

Treas. — J.  K  Cartwrlght  1214  Glrard 
Ave.,  Covington,  Ky. 

Journal— 5*.  W.  Nlebaum.  Elm  and  Ken- 
ner  Sts. 


TRUE  SPIRIT  LODGE  No.  215,  Cleve- 
land, O. 

President— E.  Goldrick,  935  Ida  St 
Treas. — P.  J.  Goldrick,  7203  Hague  Ave 

OKLAHOMA    CITY    LODGE   No.    816, 
Oklahoma  City,  Okla. 
President — Cha&  Noble,  505  E.  3d  St. 
Treas. — R  a  Oldham,  10  B.  8rd  St 

CHICKASHA  LODGE  No.  217,  Chlck- 
asha,  Okla. 

President— R  T.  Estes,  410  Choctaw  Av. 

Treas. — ^L.  R  Rusiall,  218  Penn.Ave. 

Journal — ^Ray  MoCormick,  care  R  R 
yards  Office. 


NORTH  McALISTER  LODGE  No.  218, 
North  McAlister,  Okla. 

President — W.  C.  Tippit  24  Townsend 
Ave. 

Sec  and  Treas. — A.  C.  Drumb,  Jr.,  66 
Bolen  Ave. 

Journal — C.  E.  Powers,  8  Springer  Ave. 

HULBERT    LODGE   No.    219.    Hulbert. 
Ark.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundaya 
President — ^W.  Butler. 
Sec — ^F.  Lloyd. 
Treaa — ^R  A.  Hewett 


NICKEL  PLATE  LODGE  No.  220.  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fouith  Tues- 
days at  8.80  p.  m..  and  third  Tuesday  at 
8.80  a  m.,  at  McCarthsr's  Hall,  Seneca  and 
Walter  Sta 

President — Homer  Dewett  20  Weyand 
St 

Sec-Treaa — J.  J.  Smith,  51  Imson  St 

Journal — ^F.  M.  McFarland,  1060  Elk  St 

LACKAWANNA  LODGE  No.  221.  Lack- 
awanna, N.  Y..  meets  second  and  fourth 
Fridays  of  each  month  at  8.80  p.  m.,  and 
fourth  Friday  at  8.30  a  m..  at  McCarthv's 
Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sta,  Buffailo. 

President — J.  G.  Evoy,  816  Smith  St, 
Buffalo.  N.  Y. 

Sec — Jas  Garvey.  760  S.  Division  St, 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Treaa — H.  Turner,  78  Lilac  St,  Buffalo. 
N.  Y. 

Journal — ^Wm.  Flvnn.  1759  South  Park 
Ave..  Lackawanna  N.  Y. 

EVANSVILLB  LODGE  No.  222,  Bvans- 
ville,  Ind..  meets  in  C.  L.  U.  Hall.  Third 
and  Division  Sta.  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  8  p.  m. 

President— J.  B.  La  Mell.  1600  Walnut 
St 

Sec-Treaa — ^W.  W.  Harria  1500  Bast 
Michigan  St 

Journal — J.  P.  Glass,  28  William  St 

YOAKUM  LODGE  No.  228.  Yoakum. 
Te3C 

President — O.  H.  Sinnott. 

Sec — T.  B.  Harria 

Treaa — S.  S.  Applewhite.  Box.  349. 


STILL  CITY  LODGE  No.  224,  Peoria, 
m.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundasrs  at 
8  p.  m.,  in  Room  400.  sixth  floor.  Obser- 
vatory Bldg. 

President — ^D.  F.  Clancy.  1821  N.  Wa«h- 
incton  St 

Sec  and  Jour. — J.  H.  Brown.  816  Mor- 
ton St 

Treaa — ^W.  J.  Deady,  902  Hurlbert  St 


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346 


JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITOHMBirS 


PONTCHARTRAIN  LODOB  No.  SS6, 
New  Orleans,  La.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8 
p.  m.,  and  24th  of  each  month  at  Vra 
Loeper's  Hall,  Annunciation  and  Brato,  at 

^^r^dent— H.  J.  Scott,  1916  Vllbre  St 
Sec-Treas. — ^W.  A.  Heatherlngton,  1284 
S.  Claiborne  St 

ERIE  LODGE  No.  226.  Buftalo,  N.  Y.. 
meets  in  McCarthys  Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and 
Walter  Sta.  second  and  fourth  Thursdays 
at  8.80  p.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  7.80 
a.  m. 

President — F.  A  Clinch,  44  Lester  St 
Sec. — Jaa  Hasnet  2886  Seneca  St 
Treas.   and   Jour. — E.   D.   Southard.   71 
Sage  Ave. 

MANCHESTER  LODGE  No.  228.  Shorts- 
ville,  N.  T..  meets  first  Wednesday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  third  Wednesday  at  8  p.  m.,  of 
each  month,  at  Odd  Fellowi^  Hall. 

President — ^R  B.  Ijoring.  Manchester. 
N.  T. 

Sec. — Geo.  Parish,  Shortsville.  N.  T. 

Treas. — ^M.  F.  Bolan,  Shortsville.  N.  Y. 

Journal — ^E.  R.  Quinter,  Shortsville,  N.  Y. 


President— W.  A.  McCaU,  143  8.  Meade. 
Sec.  and  Trea& — W.  R.  Graver,  20  Wyo- 
ming St. 
Journal — Howard  Ricketts,  34  Wyoming 

St  

iODNSINGTON  LODGE  No.  280,  Chi- 
cago, ni..  meets  third  Monday  at  8  p.  m.. 
in  Bock's  Hall.  11628  Michigan  Ave. 

Pre5«ident-"J.  B.  Mcllvain.  11812  State 
St 

Sec. — ^P.  J.  Salter,  11985  Yale  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Jour. — ^Hugh  Dean,  401  B. 
118th  St 

CHICAGO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL.  Chi- 
cago.  111.,  meets  first  Saturday  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Federation  Hall,  27 1 
La  Salle  St 

President— L.  Lasare.  689  W.  47th  St 
S€C. — E.  D.  Brough.  1214  E.  46th  St 
Treas.— B.  G.  Wilson,  8280  Princeton  Ave., 
phone  Yds.  2584. 


ANTHRACITE  LODGE  No.  229.  Wilkes- 
barre,  Pa ,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  2  p.  m..  in  Owls*  Hall.  East  Market  St 


BUPPAIiO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL.  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,»  meets  second  Wednesday  of 
oach  month,  at  8.30  p.  m..  in  McCarthy's 
Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sts. 

President — ^Thomas  G.  Meaney,  176  Miay 

Sec-^Frank  A.  Bristol.  786  Glenwood 
Avtt. 

Treaa — ^W.  F.  Schleus.  67  Monroe  St 


The  Wage  ProUem. 

A  careful  study  of  the  best  available 
evidences  suggests  that  in  a  normal 
year  one-half  of  the  adult  male  wage- 
earners  east  of  the  Rockies  and  north 
of  the  Ohio  get  lees  than  five  hundred 
dollars  each,  and  t^ree-fourths  of  them 
less  than  six  hundred  dollars:  while 
three-fifths  of  the  adult  female  wage- 
earners  get  less  than  three  hundred 
and  twenty-five  dollars.  Thle  calcula- 
tion embraces  an  Immense  number  of 
persons — literally  millions. 

The  sums  named  do  not  represent  a 
decent  living  for  free  and  industrious 
inhabitants  of  the  richest  country  in 
the  world  in  a  prosperous  time. 

Unquestionably,  as  a  general  state- 
ment, wages  ought  to  be  higiher;  but 
where  is  the  additional  money  to 
come  from? 

Some  industries  that  pay  the  lowest 
wages  yield  only  a  moderate  return 
upon  the  capital  employed:  and  if  the 
price  of  the  products  is  enhanced  in 
order  that  wages  may  be  increiwed 
what  win  the  people  who  already  com- 
pl«in  of  high  orices  say  to  that? 

There  is  a  huge  maladjustment  here. 
Socialists  think  they  know  how  to  cure 
it.  but  they  are  only  a  handful  and 
other  people  prefer  the  disease  to  their 
remedy. 

Certainly  competition  is  not  the  cure 
for  competition  usually  is  the  cause  of 


low  wages  and  low  return  upon  the 
capital. 

One  point  is  clear:  If  a  great  num- 
ber of  industrious  people  are  unable  to 
get  a  decent  living  in  normally  prosper- 
ous times,  as  a  country  we  are  still 
considerable  of  a  failure. — Editorial, 
Saturday  Evening  Post. 


Liflicobi  on  the  Rigfite  of  Ubor. 

"I  am  gkid  a  system  of  labor  pre- 
vails under  which  laborers  can  strike 
when  they  want  to,  w^ere  they  are 
not  obHgeil  to  work  under  all  circum- 
stances, and  they  are  not  tied  down 
and  obliged  to  work  whether  you  pay 
them  for  It  or  npt — I  like  the  system 
which  lets  a  man  'quit'  when  he  wants 
to,  and  I  wish  it  might  prevail  every- 
where. 

"I  do  not  believe  in  a  law  to  prevent 
a  man  getting  rich;  that  would  do 
more  harm  than  good.  Bo,  wfclle  we 
do  not  propose  any  war  on  capital,  we 
do  wish  to  allow  the  humblest  an  equal 
chance  to  get  rich  with  ever3i)ody  else. 

"I  want  every  man  to  have  a  chance 
to  better  his  conditions;  that  is  the 
true  system. 

"I  am  not  ashamed  to  confess  tiiat 
twenty-five  years  ago  I  was  a  hired  iBr 
borer." — From  a  speech  at  New  17a«eii» 
Conn.,  March,  6,  1860. 


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PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

1st.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
— of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

'  3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 

or  THE 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  H.  THOMPSON.  Editor  and  Manascr 


THOSE  WHO  BBAII  KQUALLY  THE  ■URDBNS  OF  GOVCRNMfcNT  SHOULD 
SQUALLY    FARTICIFATK    IN     ITS     SBNEFITS  —  THOMAS     JEFFERSON 


Enurtd  a$  Mttoudrctmst  mmil  matur  Jmnumrf  31^  2911,  at  tht  Post  Oge*  at  BugaJo.  N.  Y.,  umdtr  th*  Jict  ofJmlf  16, 1894 


^OL.  XIV 


JUNE,  1912 


No.  6 


TWENTY-PIVE  YEARS  BEHIND  THE 

TIMES  AND  PACING  BACKWARD 


"I  undertake  to  say  to  this 
house  deliberately  that  no  ex- 
pert on  the  face  of  this  earth 
can  today  come  within  fifteen  or 
twenty  millions  of  dollars  of 
what  the  compensation  ought  to 
be  for  the  transportation  of  sec- 
ond-class mail,  and  the  very 
minute  you  undertake  to  reach 
the  correct  result  you  are  con- 
fronted with  a  proposition  that 
you  cannot  with  justice  flatly 
charge  the  cost  of  transporta- 
tion and  handling  to  a  class  of 
matter  that  in  itself  produces  a 
return  to  the  government  in  an- 
other class  of  matter,  probably 
in  excess  of  the  charges  of  trans- 
portation and  handling  of  that 
matter  itself — the  second-class." 
— Hon.  John  A.  Moon,  Chairman 
01  House  Committee  on  Post- 
offices  and  Post  Roads. 


We  consider  the  comments  of  Mr. 
Atkinson,  of  the  Farm  Journal^  Phila- 
delphia, Pa.,  relative  to  the  recom- 
mendations of  the  Hughes  Postal  Com- 
mission in  regard  to  proposed  doubling 
of  rates  of  postage  on  second-class 
mail  matter  such  an  able  and  timely 


statement  of  the  question,  that  it  is 
herewith  reproduced  for  the  benefit  of 
Journal  readers: 

The  Hughes  Commission  Report  In- 
complete AND  Inadequate. 

"The  law  which  coerces  the  clreula* 
tion  of  truth  cannot  be  vindicated 
upon  any  principles  of  justice,  or 
reconciled  to  any  rational  theory  of 
government." — Tunis  Wortman, 

The  President  transmitted  the 
Hughes  Postal  Commission  report  to 
Congress  on  the  22d  of  February,  1912, 
approving  the  recommendation  of  the 
Commission  that  the  postage  rate  on 
newspapers  and  periodicals  be  doubled. 
William  Howard  Taft  is  the  twenty- 
seventh  President  of  the  United 
States.  In  1792,  just  120  years  ago. 
George  Washington,  the  first  Presi- 
dent, sent  a  message  to  Congress 
recommending  '*A  repeal  of  the  tax  on 
the  transportation  of  public  prints." 
It  is  a  striking  coincidence  that  the 
Hughes  recommendation  was  sent  to 
Congress  on  the  anniversary  of  Wash 
iilgton's  birth. 

The  report  of  the  Commission  Is  a 
remarkably  able  paper,  such  as  might 
be  looked  for  from  that  source;  it  in- 
dicates great  painstaking  thorough- 
ness and  well  covers  the  ground  up  to 


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S48 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


a  certain  point  Its  estimates,  argu- 
ments, deductions,  calculations,  infer- 
ences and  conjectures  dovetail  to- 
gether fairly  well,  but  its  conclusions 
are  unwarranted,  as  I  shall  endeavor 
to  show. 

The  resolution  of  Congress  appoint- 
ing the  Commission  called  for  findings 
as  to  ''what  the  cost  of  transporting 
and  handling  different  classes  of  sec- 
ond-class matter  is  to  the  Government, 
and  what  should  be  the  rate  for  the 
different  classes,  in  order  to  meet  and 
reimburse  the  Government  for  the  ex- 
pense to  which  it  is  put  in  transport- 
ing and  handling  such  matter?" 

The  Commission  ascertained,  accord- 
ing to  its  statement,  that  the  cost  of 
all  second-class  matter  is  five  cents  a 
pound  and  some  more,  but  it  was  un* 
able  to  discover  "with  any  satisfactory 
approach  to  accuracy  what  charge  for 
the  different  classes  of  secondKslass 
matter  would  meet  and  reimburse  the 
Government  for  the  expense  which  it 
incurs  in  their  handling  and  trans- 
porting." 

Then  it  proceeded  to  recommend 
that  publications  of  every  class  be  re- 
quired to  pay  two  cents  a  pound. 
Where  the  Commission  falls  down  is 
in  not  ascertaining  how  much  mail 
matter  of  the  other  class  is  originated 
by  the  second-class,  for  without  this 
information  no  one  can  say  whether 
the  Government  makes  or  loses,  or 
how  much.  The  Commission  appears 
to  have  made  no  effort  to  obtain  this 
knowledge.  Publishers,  therefore, 
must  consider  the  findings  incom- 
plete and  inadequate. 

For  it  is  obvious  that  it  matters  not 
how  much  second-class  matter  costs  if 
it  pays  its  way  and  more  in  furnishing 
matter  of  the  first,  third  and  fourth 
classes,  and  in  increasing  the  revenue 
derived  from  registered  mail  and 
money  orders. 

It  seemed  to  have  escaped  the  notice 
of  the  Commission  that  in  1902  second- 
class  matter  only  amounted  to  454,- 
157,5^  pounds,  and  the  sale  of  stamps, 
stamped  envelopes  and  wrappers,  and 
postal  carda  to  only  $112,187,120.41; 
that  in  1911  second-class  matter  had 
Increased  to  898,309^3  pounds,  and 
the  sale  of  stamps  to  $213,666,348.47; 
that  the  per  capita  revenue  of  the 
Postal  Department  had  increased  from 
$1.53  to  $2.B3.  Why  then  speak  of 
"the  great  loss  on  second-class  mat- 
ter?"     Th«    rapid    increase    of    per 


capita  revenue  can  be  accounted  for  in 
no  other  way  than  in  a  similar  rapid 
increase  in  second-class  matter. 

It  is  a  fair  estimate  that  more  than 
half  of  the  revenues  of  the  Postoffice 
Department  in  1911,  as  in  previous 
years,  were  derived  directly  or  indi- 
rectly from  second-class  matter.  The 
real  question  is,  therefore,  not  what 
second-class  matter  costs  the  Govern- 
ment to  handle  and  transport,  but 
what  profit  there  is  in  it?  This  the 
Commlseion  should  have  ascertained 
or  tried  to.  Common  sense  cannot  be 
side-tracked  in  a  matter  like  this. 

if  the  Commission  had  consulted  the 
postal  officials  of  Canada  it  would 
have  learned  that  the  Ottawa  Govern- 
ment handles  and  transports  second- 
class  matter  at  half  the  rate  now  ex- . 
acted  here.  It  sends  it  by  fast  trains 
and  not  by  freight,  to  every  part  of  the 
Dominion,  with  distances  as  great  as 
in  our  own  country,  and  has  a  hand- 
some surplus  at  the  end  of  every  year. 
Why  should  the  American  people  pay 
four  times  as  much  postage  as  the 
Canadian  people  do,  and  why  should 
Canada  always  have  a  postal  surplus 
and  not  a  deficit?  Did  the  Commis- 
sion extend  its  inquiries  along  this 
line?  We  have  no  evidence  that  it 
did. 

The  Commission  appears  to  have 
proceeded  upon  the  assumption  that 
the  additional  tax  of  one  cent  a  pound 
would  be  paid  by  publishers,  whereas 
it  would  have  to  be  paid  by  the  public. 
If  it  had  taken  the  findings  of  the 
Overstreet  Commission  as  to  this  it 
would  have  known  that: 

"There  is  great  force  in  the  argu- 
ment that  the  advantage  of  the  low 
rate  has  been  passed  on  to  the  sub- 
scriber, and  it  is  too  late  to  take  it 
away  from  him." 

Had  it  consulted  the  report  of  ex- 
Postmaster-General  Meyer,  the  fact 
would  have  been  confirmed.  Had  it 
inquired  as  to  the  present  prices  to 
subscribers  of  newspapers  and  periodi- 
cals, and  compared  them  with  those 
charged  when  the  rate  was  from  two 
to  three  cents  a  pound,  it  would  have 
learned  that,  to  a  certainty,  the  Ipw 
rate  has  been  passed  on  to  subscribers 

Had  the  Commission  read  the  an- 
nual report  of  Charles  Emory  Smith, 
Postmaster-General  under  William  Me- 
Klnley,  it  would  have  learned  that  "In 
harmony  with  a  sound  and  judicious 


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UNION   OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


349 


policy  the  Government  has  deliberate- 
ly established  a  low  rate  of  postage 
with  the  express  design  of  encouraging 
and  aiding  the  distribution  of  the 
recognized  means  and  agencies  of  pub- 
lic information.  It  is  not  for  the  pub- 
lishers hut  for  the  people.** 

At  the  New  York  hearing,  the  Com- 
mission's attention  was  called  to  the 
facts  that  there  are  over  six  million 
illiterates  in  this  country  and  at  least 
ten  million  youth  who  receive  only  a 
meagre  education  in  the  schools;  that 
there  are  millions  of  American  men 
and  women,  who,  because  of  the  high 
cost  of  living,  cannot  pay  any  more 
for  their  reading  matter  than  they  do 
now;  that  more  than  five  hundred 
thousand)  immigrants,  unable  to  speiUc 
our  language,  come  to  our  shores  an 
nually  to  stay,  who  must  become  as 
similated  and  transformed  into  citi- 
zens. These  facts  appear  to  have  been 
brushed  aside  as  of  no  consequence. 

If  the  Commission  had  closely 
scanned  the  table  furnished  by  the 
Auditor  of  the  Postoflace  Department 
for  1911,  it  would  have  learned  that  an 
increase  of  the  per  capita  revenues  of 
the  postoffice  is  dependent  upon  the  in- 
crease of  second-class  matter,  one  keep- 
ing pace  with  the  other. 

It  would  have  learned  that  at  the 
close  of  the  Civil  War  un<ier  the  high 
psotage  rate,  the  per  capita  revenue- 
was  only  42  cents,  and  that  in  the  next 
twenty  years  it  increased  only  34 
cents;  that  after  the  one  cent  rate 
was  instituted  the  per  capita  revenue 
increased  by  leaps  and  bounds;  that 
in  1886  the  weight  of  second-class  mat- 
ter was  only  109,962,589  pounds  with 
a  per  capita  revenue  of  only  77  cents; 
that  in  1911  it  was  $2.53,  while  the 
weight  of  second-class  matter  had  In- 
creased to  893,096,89<3  pounds;  that 
each  year  during  the  period  from  1886 
to  1911.  whenever  there  was  a  large  in- 
crease of  second-class  matter,  the  per 
capita  revenue  increased  correspond- 
ingly. ' 

Had  the  Commission  consulted  the 
annual  reports  of  the  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral for  1909  and  1911.  it  would  have 
learned  that  170,076,711  pounds  of  new 
second-class  matter  had  been  received 
into  the  postal  circulation,  with  an  in- 
crease of  postal  revenues  within  the 
two  years  of  $34,3»17,440.53,  with  an 
increase  in  expenditures  of  only  $17,- 
231,228.48,  and  with,  an  increase  of  per 
capita  revenue  of  29  cents,  equal   to 


the  per  capita  increase  of  seventeen 
years  immediately  preceding  the  insti- 
tution of  the  one  cent  a  pound  rate. 
Why  did  it  slight  these  potent  facts 
and  proceed  as  though  they  had  no  ex 
istence? 

The  Commission  says  that  the  pro- 
posed increase  will  not  bring  distress 
upon  the  pul>li8hers  of  newspapers  and 
periodicals.  What  evidence  has  the 
Commission  of  the  correctness  of  this 
statement?  None  is  presented.  Pub- 
lishers ought  to  know  and  are  the  only 
persons  who  do.  What  was  their  tes- 
timony at  the  hearing? 

In  transmitting  the  report  of  the 
Commission  to  Congress  the  President 
recommended  that  the  rate  be  doubled 
on  newspapers  and  periodicals  alike, 
"Because  they  are  now  not  only  edu- 
cational but  highly  profitable." 

If  educational  they  ought  to  remain 
so  without  abatement;  if  profitable, 
why  should  they  not  continue  to  be 
profitable?  Is  not  advantageous  and 
proper  for  all  honorable  and  legitimate 
business  to  be  profitable? 

The  statement  that  newspapers  and 
periodicals  are  educational  is  true; 
that  they  are  highly  profitable  requires 
proof  and  this  is  lacking. 

The  President  was  a  victim  of  de- 
ception or  he  would  not  have  made 
such  a  statement. 

The  official  reports  of  the  Postoffice 
Department  show  that  3,519  publica- 
tions discontinued  Issue  in  1909,  3,725 
in  1910.  and  3,335  in  1911,  a  total  of 
10,579  for  the  last  three  years — more 
than  one-third  as  many  as  are  now 
published.  Since  1901,  42,639  publica- 
tions have  given  up  the  ghost,  which 
is  one  and  one-half  times  as  many  as 
are  now  in  existence.  Here  we  find 
that  over  ten  papers  die  every  day  in 
the  year  under  the  one  cent  rate;  did 
the  Commission  or  the  President  esti- 
mate the  probable  mortality  under  a 
two  cent  rate?  Obviously  had  these 
publications  been  highly  profitable 
they  would  still  be  alive.  The  habit 
of  profitable  enterprises  Is  to  live  and 
not  to  die. 

It  is  not  denied  that  there  are  a 
limited  number  of  publications  that 
are  profitable,  but  the  great  majority 
are  not.  The  policy  of  the  Postoffice 
Department  has  been  to  promote 
monopoly  among  a  few  newspapers 
and  periodicals  by  allowing  the  old 
and  firmly  established  publications 
with    large   circulations,   to   send   out 


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350 


JOURNAL    OP    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


many  times  more  sample  copies  co 
induce  new  subscriptions  than  the 
weak  and  struggling  publications  may 
send  out. 

For  instance,  a  paper  with  100,000 
circulation  may  mail  at  pound  rates 
10,000  sample  copies  each  issue;  one 
of  1,000  circulation  may  send  out  100 
each  issue;  one  of  200  circulation  is 
limited  to  twenty  copies  each  issue.  If 
these  papers  of  limited  circulation 
send  out  more  than  the  number  men- 
tioned they  must  pay  a  rate  four  times 
higher.  If  there  should  be  any  fa- 
voritism shown  it  should  be  allowed 
the  weak  papers,  not  the  strong  ones. 

The  department  also  established  an 
arbitrary  rule,  without  any  warrant 
in  law,  limiting  credits,  which  struck 
a  heavy  blow  at  many  country  week- 
lies, but  had  no  adverse  effect  upon 
metropolitan  dailies  and  popular  maga- 
zines. 

Doubling  the  postage  rate  would 
prove  the  destruction  of  many  of  these 
struggling  publications,  the  Presi- 
dent's statement  and  the  Commission's 
findings,  notwithstanding.  The  old  es- 
tablished and  richer  publications 
might  stand  the  new  rate,  and  might 
gain  something  by  the  ruin  of  many 
feeble  ones,  but  is  it  a  wise  Govern- 
ment policy  to '  bring  about  such  re- 
sults? 

In  summing  up,  I  may  say  that  the 
Commission  scored  a  notable  success 
In  listening  with  marvelous  courtesy 
to  all  the  arguments  presented  to  it; 
in  listening  with  infinite  patience  for 
many  days  to  the  hair-splitting  con- 
test between  postal  officials  and  coun- 
sel for  the  magazines  on  the  subject 
of  mail  transportation  and  the  cost 
of  handling  second-class  matter;    but: 

It  failed  to  ascertain  whether  the 
Government  gains  or  loses  on  second- 
class  matter  and  how  much. 

It  failed  to  ascertain  how  much 
second-class  matter  increases  the  sale 
of  stamps  and  the  revenue  from  regis- 
tered mail  and  money  orders. 

It  failed  to  ascertain  how  much  the 
volume  of  second-class  matter  would 
be  curtailed  under  a  two  cent  a  pound 
rate. 

It  failed  to  ascertain  how  much  ad- 
ditional second-class  matter  would  be 
transferred  to  the  express  companies 
for  distribution  under  a  two  cent 
rate. 

It  failed,  therefore,  to  ascertain 
whether  the  annual  net  revenue  of  the 


Postofflce  Department  would  be  at  ail 
increased  under  the  higher  rate  or  the 
deficits  lessened. 

It  failed  to  ascertain  the  future 
lessened  cost  of  shipment  by  freight 
instead  of  by  fast  trains;  or  whether 
it  would  not  be  better  to  ship  by  canal, 
stage  coach,  Conestoga  wagon,  or  ox 
cart. 

It  failed  to  inform  why  the  Ameri 
can  people  should  pay  four  times  as 
much  postage  on  their  reading  matter 
as  the  Canadian  people. 

It  failed  to  inform  that  the  addi- 
tional postage  tax  must  necessarily  be 
passed  on  to  subscribers. 

It  failed  to  ascertain  to  what  extent 
the  general  business  of  the  country 
would  be  affected  and  prostrated  be- 
cause of  the  additional  cost  of  pub- 
licity owing  to  diminished  circulation 
of  newspapers  and  periodicals. 

It  failed  to  note  that  the  advertising 
business  will,  under  the  increased 
rate,  be  dislocated,  prostrated  and  suf- 
fer great  diminution,  throwing  many 
out  of  employment. 

It  failed  to  explain  how  it  is  that 
for  the  twenty-one  years  preceding  the 
red-uction  of  the  postage  rate  the  per 
capita  revenue  increased  only  thirty- 
five  cents,  while  for  the  twenty-five 
years  since,  the' per  capita  revenue  In- 
creased $1.76. 

It  failed  to  inform  how  it  is  that 
since  1909,  170,076,711  pounds  of  sec- 
ond-class matter  have  been  added  with 
an  increase  of  revenue  of  134,317,- 
440.53,  while  the  expenditures  in- 
creased only  n7,231,228.4S. 

It  failed  to  note  the  significance  of 
the  fact  that  under  the  present  rate 
10,579  newspapers  and  periodicals  sus- 
pended publication  in  the  last  three 
years. 

It  failed  to  recognize  the  essential 
fact  that  the  common  people  cannot 
attend  colleges,  ui^iversities  and  law 
schools  and  must  depend  largely  for 
their  education  upon  cheap  periodical 
literature  and,  therefore,  are  most  to 
be  considered  in  fixing  the  postage 
rate,  and  finally: 

It  failed  to  realize  that  this  is  the 
twentieth  century,  a  new  age,  the  age 
of  electric  power,  an  age  of  cheap  and 
swift  and  ever  cheaper  and  swifter 
transportation,  and  the  circulation  of 
thought  among  people  the  world  over, 
and  that  it  is  not  for  us  to  lag  behlni 
the  car  of  progress. 

I  have  the  highest  respect  for  the 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


351 


Prefiident,  for  Mr.  Hughes  and  other 
members  of  the  Commission;  but  I 
have  no  respect  whatever  for  the  at- 
tempt to  double  the  postage  rate  on 
the  people's  reading  matter.  On  the 
other  hand  I  denounce  it  as  an  unwise 
measure,  deserving  the  unqualified 
condemnation  of  every  citizen.  Thero 
Is  no  merit  in  It;  there  is  no  sense  in 
it;  it  will  not  improve  the  finances  of 
the  Postofllce  Department  in  the  lea^st; 
it  will  benefit  no  one  but  be  a  great 
loss  and  Injury  to  many.  It  will  pros- 
trate the  business  of  those  who  seek 
publicity  by  advertising.  It  will  great- 
ly damage  printers  and  all  allied 
tradies. 

It  seems  to  me  to  have  been  an  er- 
ror to  call  Mr.  Hughes  down  from  the 
Supreme  bench  to  figure  up  the  cost  of 
second-class  matter.  Not  that  he  is  not 
competent  for  the  task,  but,  first,  be- 
cause the  Supreme  Court  is  already 
overworked,  and,  second,  because  it  ts 
a  bad  precedent. 

The  business  of  our  highest  court  i^ 
to  Interpret  and  expound  the  laws,  not 
to  make  them  nor  to  help  make  them, 
nor  to  advise  Congress  with  respect  to 
the  making  of  them.  "It  is  the  func- 
tion of  a  Judge  not  to  make  but  to  de- 
clare the  law." — Coke.  Any  fairly  ex- 
pert accountant,  at  ten  dollars  a  day, 
such  as  the  Overstreet  Commission  em- 
ployed, could  figure  out  the  cost  of  sec- 
ond-class matter.  There  was  no  need 
to  impose  this  burden  on  Mr.  Hughes 
and  further  clog  the  business  of  the 
Supreme  Court  by  his  absence.  This 
is  the  first  time  the  recall  has  been  ap 
plied  to  the  Judiciary  and  should  be 
iLo  last. 

The  public  press  is  the  most  potent 
agency  for  the  education  and  for  the 
intellectual  and  moral  advancement  of 
the  people — on  a  par  with  the  schools 
and  churches — yet  for  a  dozen  years  or 
more  there  has  been  an  incessant 
clamor  on  the  part  of  postal  officials 
and  others,  for  an  increase  of  the  post- 
age rate;  every  Congress  has  been 
solicited  to  pass  laws  restricting  its 
freedom  of  circulation  and  its  oppor 
tunlty  for  public  service;  but  no  Con- 
gress down  to  this  time  has  ever  given 
heed  to  the  improper  proposal. 

Let  me  say  in  all  kindness  that  this 
is  a  country  of  progress,  not  retrogres- 
sion. We  are  not  back  numbers,  or 
ought  not  to  be.  We  should  not  for- 
ever be  urged  to  face  backward,  but 
We  must  push  forward,  hand  in  hand, 


with  all  civilizing  and  enlightening 
agencies  and  instrumentalities,  with 
the  rest  of  the  world. 

The  scheme  of  advancing  the  post- 
age rate  on  any  class  of  mall  matter, 
least  of  all  reading  matter,  is  fit  only 
for  some  Ualf-civlilzed  country  and 
utterly  out  of  place  here.  It  is  the 
policy  of  the  crawfish  and  should  have 
no  footing  anywhere  under  the  stars 
and  stripes. 


MHdidl's  Answer  —  Dedines  the  Offer  of 
Justice  Wright  for  Immunity. 

John  Mitchell,  In  a  letter  to  Justice 
Wright  declining  to  avail  himself  of 
the  immunity  offer  of  the  court,  pro- 
vided he  would  make  certain  promises, 
made  it  clear  that  the  position  which 
he  has  maintained  since  the  Inception 
of  the  contempt  proceedings  will  be 
maintained  to  the  end.  Mr.  Mitchell's 
letter  follows: 

** Judge  Wright: 

"Sib— At  the  close  of  my  cross-exam- 
ination In  the  contempt  proceedings 
Instituted  against  Mr.  Gompers,  Mr. 
Morrison  and  me,  the  court  stated  that 
I  was  free  at  any  time  before  the  pro- 
ceedings closed  to  give  expression  to 
the  court,  either  orally  or  in  written 
communication,  upon  the  subject  of 
the  following  recommendations;  The 
court  strongly  recommends  that  you 
consider  again  the  propriety  of  ac- 
quainting the  court  before  these  pro- 
ceedings close  with  your  conviction, 
whether  you  ought,  and  whether  you 
expect,  hereafter  to  lend  adherence  to 
the  decrees  of  the  Judicial  tribunals  of 
the  land  in  matters  committed  by  law 
to  their  Jurisdiction  and  power.*  I 
have  given  the  court's  recommendation 
careful  thought  and  serious  considera- 
tion, as  a  result  of  which  I  desire  to 
say  that  I  believe  a  statement  by  me 
that  I  "expect  hereafter  to  lend  adher- 
ence to  the  decrees  of  the  Judicial 
tribunals  of  the  land"  would  be  sub- 
ject to  no  other  interpretation  than 
that  I  have  heretofore  failed  or  refused 
to  comply  with  the  lawful  decrees  of 
the  court,  and  that  my  evidence  in  this 
proceeding  was  not  truthful  and  sin- 
cere and  In  keeping  with  the  facts  in 
the  case.  I  am  not  willing  to  make 
any  statement  that  would  imnugn  my 
own  testimony.  I  am  not  willing  by 
any  device  or  subterfuge  to  attempt  to 


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852 


JOURNAL    OF    THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


deceive  the  court  or  secure  an  acquit- 
tal by  any  other  means  than  those  of 
the  evidence  and  the  truthfulness  of 
my  testimony.  Indeed,  I  should  feel 
more  contentment  if  convicted,  con- 
scious of  the  rectitude  of  my  course 
and  the  truthfulness  of  my  evidence, 
than  if  acquitted  on  any  other  ground 
than  the  facts  as  they  have  been  pre- 
sented to  the  court  and  the  law  as  It 
has  been  enunciated  by  the  higher 
tribunal.  Yours  respectfully, 

"John  Mitchell.'* 


Al  Should  Join  Unions. 

Every  craftsman's  common  sense 
tells  him  he  ought  to  belong  to  the 
union  of  his  trade.  His  duty  to  his 
family,  to  his  fellow  workers  and  to 
himself  demands  this.  He  knows  that 
as  an  individual  worker  he  is  power- 
less to  improve  his  working  conditions, 
and  has,  perhaps,  made  up  his  mind  to 
some  time  Join  the  union.  He  ought 
to  realize  that  he  cannot  afford  to 
neglect  this  important  duty;  that 
every  day's  delay  helps  to  place  him 
and  his  fellow  workers  in  a  more  dan- 
gerous position,  and  that  unless  he 
aids  in  putting  a  stop  to  the  tendency 
he  is  responsible  for  his  own  and  his 
fellow  workers'  degradation. 

The  non-union  worker  may  argue 
that  he  is  a  freeborn  American  citizen, 
and  intends  to  work  for  whom  he 
pleases,  for  what  he  pleases  and  as 
many  hours  a  day  as  he  pleases.  But 
he  knows  that  he  has  to  ask  the  em- 
ployer for  the  opportunity  to  work, 
take  what  the  employer  chooses  to  pay 
and  work  as  many  hours  a  day  as  the 
employer  requires. 

Only  through  the  united  action  and 
collective  bargaining  of  organized  la- 
bor has  it  been  possible  to  shorten  the 
workday,  raise  the  wages  and  in  many 
ways  improve  conditions  for  the  work- 
ers. Only  by  these  means  have  the 
toilers  of  the  land  been  able  to  success- 
fully resist  reductions  in  pay  or  ex- 
tensions of  hours;  to  make  themselves 
respected ;  to  secure  better  homes,  bet- 
ter clothes,  better  food  and  more  com- 
forts for  themselves  and  their  fam- 
ilies; to  make  the  shop  a  better  place 
to  work  in;  to  secure  some  measure 
of  protection  in  their  labor,  and  in 
many  other  ways  to  raise  the  stan- 
dards of  living  and  citizenship  for 
working  people. 


Organized  labor  has  established  the 
principle  that  men  and  women  have  mm 
much  right  to  say  what  wages  they  will 
accept  and  how  many  hours  a  day  they 
will  work  as  employers  have  to  raise 
the  price  on  their  products  whenever 
they  see  fit  In  their  efforts  in  this  di- 
rection they  all  work  together  and 
reach  their  end  by  "collective  bargain- 
ing," or  what  is  the  same  thing — 
united  action.  The  only  successful 
way  to  cope  with  them  is  to  use  the 
same  methods,  and  this  can  be  done 
only  through  thorough  organization  in 
the  whole  industrial  field. 

It  cannot  be  too  forcibly  stated  or  re- 
peated too  often  that  the  only  way  in 
which  a  non-union  worker  can  help 
himself  is  by  joining  with  others  of 
his  craft  in  a  common  effort  to  help  all. 
By  becoming  a  member  of  the  union 
of  his  trade  he  combines  the  whole 
force  of  that  union  with  his  for  his 
own  advantage  and  that  of  all  the  other 
members  and  in  addition  he  enlists 
the  sympathy  and  support  of  all  the 
other  unions  in  his  behalf.  The  fight 
of  one  is  the  fight  of  all,  and  when  all 
stand  together  victory  in  almost  every 
case  is  assured.  By  remaining  out  of 
the  union  the  worker  not  only  stands 
alone,  but  he  has  the  whole  power  of 
the  union  necessarily  against  him  in- 
stead of  with  him,  as  it  would  be  if  l^e 
were  a  member.  By  all  means,  non- 
union worker,  get  at  once  into  the 
union  you  are  entitled  to  enter  and 
help  swell  its  power  for  good  for  your- 
self and  everybody  else. — Exchange. 


Opposed  to  Progress— Courts  Seem  to  Use 
Thdr  Po%yer  to  Defeat  People's  WM. 

Another  United  States  judge  has  up- 
set a  state  law  and  granted  an  injunc- 
tion against  its  enforcement.  This  is 
Judge  John  H.  Cotteral  of  the  United 
States  Circuit  Court,  at  Guthrie,  Okla. 
He  declared  in  a  recent  decision  that 
the  act  passed  by  the  1910  Oklahoma 
legislature  requiring  the  labeling  of 
all  convict-made  goods  was  unconsti- 
tutional. Then  to  make  his  action  ef- 
fective he  enjoined  the  labor  commis- 
sioner and  other  state  officials  from 
enforcing  that  law. 

The  injunction  was  asked  for  by  the 
Hoge-Montgomery  Company,  a  Ken- 
tucky corporation  which  deals  largely 
in  manufactured  goods  made  in  the 
penitentiary  of  that  state.    In  the  trial 


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UNION   OP   NORTH   AMERICA. 


353 


the  state  authorities  of  Oklahoma  at- 
tempted to  prove  that  disease  of  highly 
commimicabie  character  prevailed  in 
the  Kentucky  state  prison  in  many 
fonns  and  after  the  decision  was  ren- 
dered, gave  notice  of  an  appeal  to  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 

Every  effort  to  Improve  conditions 
for  the  people  of  the  country  is  over- 
thrown by  some  antiquated  busybody 
on  the  bench.  Hosts  of  persons  are 
unwilling  to  use  or  buy  convict-made 
goods,  and  they  have  a  right  to  know 
by  unmistakable  signs  what  such 
goods  are  when  offered  for  sale. 

We  have  made  progress  in  every 
other  way  in  this  country,  but  Judicial 
proceedings  are  slower,  more  uncertain 
and  more  expensive  than  they  were 
fifty  years  ago.  Our  courts  seem  to  be 
opposed  to  progress  of  all  kinds  and 
use  their  power  whenever  they  can  to 
block  its  wheels  and  defeat  its  bene- 
ficent results.  The  power  to  upset  sol- 
emn legislative  acts  on  technicalities 
and  grant  Injunctions  against  orders 
made  by  governmental  bodies  ought  to 
be  taken  away  entirely  or  radically 
curtailed. — Minnesota  Union  Advo- 
cate, 


Why  We  Are  Organized. 

[Paper  read  Z>y  Mrs.  Walter  Harring- 
ton before  the  Machinists'  Auxiliary. 1 

*'Why  are  we  organized?" 

I  suppose  some  sisters  have  been 
asked  this  question  many  times  by 
their  friends. 

"What  good  does  the  Ladles'  Auxll- 
iaiy  do,  and  why  do  we  belong  to  it?" 

I  venture  that  some  of  our  sisters 
would  hesitate,  at  first,  to  answer.  I 
know  I  did.  before  I  got  better  ac- 
quainted with  our  organization. 

One  of  my  reasons  for  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Machinists'  Auxiliary  is 
that  it  educates  me.  Before  I  became 
a  member,  I  had  no  conception  of  exist- 
ing conditions.  I  never  dreamed  that 
girls  worked  at  the  age  of  18  and  20  in 
sweat  shops  for  $3  and  less  a  week, 
and  10  and  12  hours  a  day.  I  never 
dreamed  they  were  blacklisted  if  they 
tried  to  organize  a  union,  bo  they 
could  better  conditions. 

The  labor  union  aims  to  make  good 
work  for  them.  It  asks  that  the  man 
or  woman  who  works  shall  have  good 
pay  for  their  labor,  and  shall  have  a 
▼oice  in  that  labor.    It  insists  that  the 


worker  shall  be  intelligent  and  self- 
respecting;  that  they  must  think  and 
hold  their  heads  up  as  a  Christian  and 
a  citizen  beside  their  employer.  It 
teaches  the  strong  to  help  the  weak, 
the  skilled  to  help  the  less  skilled — 
each  to  contribute  to  the  good  of  all. 
It  takes  the  child  from  the  factory  and 
puts  it  in  the  school.  It  takes  the  wo- 
man from  the  sweat  shop  and  puts  her 
in  the  home.  It  places  chairs  behind 
the  counters  of  stores  for  the  weary 
girls  obliged  to  work.  It  places  vesti- 
bules on  street  cars  for  shivering  mo- 
tormen,  and  it  builds  homes  for  wid- 
ows and  orphans. 

Could  a  holy  God  ask  more  for  a 
human  institution? 


Great  Northern  Railway  Against  Unions- 
Gives  Carmen  the  Choice  of  Quitting 
Organizations  or  Their  Jobs. 

As  If  such  an  attitude  were  not  anti- 
quarian, the  Great  Northern  Railway 
has  taken  steps  to  kill  the  Carmen's 
Union  along  its  line,  east  of  the  Mis- 
souri river.  The  car  repairers  are  the 
workmen  that  the  road  is  seeking  to 
reach,  and  it  may  get  their  scalps. 

An  exchange  says: 

A  few  months  ago  the  car  repairers 
and  inspectors  along  the  Great  North- 
em  organized  under  the  banner  of  the 
Brotherhood  of  Railway  Carmen.  Lo- 
cal lodges  were  installed  at  almost 
every  division  east  of  the  Missouri 
River.  No  attempt  has  been  made  to 
get  a  schedule  from  the  railroad,  but 
the  company  evidently  believes  that 
such  a  step  is  soon  contemplated. 

Orders  were  sent  out,  it  is  said,  from 
the  office  of  General  Manager  Gruber  to 
notify  all  members  of  the  Carmen's 
Union  that  they  must  either  surrender 
their  membership  in  the  union  or  their 
job  on  the  railroad.  As  a  result  many 
men  are  leaving  the  union,  while  a 
goodly  number  are  forced  to  leave 
their  jobs  because  of  their  loyalty  to 
the  principle  of  unionism. 

The  alleged  order  of  Mr.  Gruber  is  a 
direct  violation  of  a  Minnesota  law, 
and  the  Bureau  of  Labor  has  been 
asked  to  investigate  the  matter.  Com- 
missioner Houk  directed  one  of  his 
deputies  to  go  to  Crookston,  Monday, 
where  the  most  flagrant  violations  of 
the  law  are  reported.  Action  on  the 
charges  was  taken  Wednesday  of  last 


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JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


week  and  two  arrests  of  petty  officials 
have  been  made,  but  the  men  higher 
up  who  issued  the  orders,  seem  to  be 
exempt  for  they  have  permitted  their 
subordinates  to  openly  do  the  criminal 
work,  while  they  moved  under  cover. 

Next  to  section  men  the  car  repair- 
ers are  the  poorest  paid  in  the  railroad 
service.  The  Great 'Northern  gives  its 
experienced  re];>alrers  and  inspectors  a 
wage  of  21  cents  an  hour  for  a  12-hour 
day.  These  men  work  365  days  a  year 
without  a  single  day  off  and  no  Sun- 
days. 

The  men  of  less  experience,  who  are 
classed  as  helpers,  are  paid  nt  the  rate 
of  11.35  per  day.  The  Hill  road  pays 
the  least  wages  to  its  unskilled  labor- 
ers of  any  railroad  in  Minnesota.  On 
the  Northern  Pacific  car  repairers  re- 
ceive 26  cents  an  hour. — The  Artisan. 


Strike  of  the  IMroad  Men  Must  Be  Main- 
talfied  to  End. 

On  the  30th  day  of  September  of  last 
year  35,000  men,  comprising  the  Fed- 
eration of  Shop  Employes,  which  is 
composed  of  the  affiliated  crafts  as  fol- 
lows: Members  of  the  International 
Association  of  Machinists,  Interna- 
tional Brotherhood  of  Boilermakers, 
International  Brotherhood  of  Black- 
smiths, Amalgamated  Sheet  Metal 
Workers,  Brotherhood  of  Railway  Car- 
men. Machinists,  Boilermakers  and 
Blacksmiths'  Helpers,  and  several 
other  organizations  of  shop  men,  on 
the  Harrlman  railroad  lines,  were  or- 
dered out  on  strike  by  the  officers  of 
their  respective  international  unions. 

The  principal  cause  that  led  up  to 
the  strike  was  the  refusal  of  the  offi- 
cials to  recognize  or  treat  with  the 
affiliated  organizations  or  their  inter- 
national representatives.  Not  only  did 
they  refuse  to  treat  with  the  commit- 
tees, but  they  proceeded  to  discharge 
in  large  numbers,  men  who  were 
active  in  the  ranks  of  organized  labor. 
High  board  fences  and  stockades  for 
the  housing  of  strikebreakers  were 
built  in  advance,  and  every  precaution 
for  a  lockout  was  made.  After  exhaust- 
ing every  means  to  avoid  trouble,  and 
being  completely  ignored  by  the  Harrl- 
man officials,  the  strike  was  finally 
called  on  the  above-mentioned  date 
and  responded  to  fully  98  per  cent, 
strong. 

This  is  now  one  of  the  most  gigan- 


tic struggles  between  capital  and  labor 
this  country  has  ever  known.  Very 
little  appears  in  the  daily  papers  in 
r^;ard  to  it,  as  the  corporations  con- 
trol a  majority  of  the  newspapers,  and 
ail  information  that  would  be  damag- 
ing to  the  cause  of  the  railroad  com- 
pany is  suppressed. 

The  strikers  are  possessed  of  a 
•  splendid  spirit  of  determination  in  this 
struggle,  and  are  standing  shoulder  to 
shoulder,  even  though  deprivation  has 
entered  the  ranks  of  the  strikers'  wives 
and  families.  These  men  are  fighting 
to  secure  for  their  families  a  little 
more  money  to  purchase  a  little  more, 
and  perhaps  a  little  better  food,  than 
has  been  their  lot,  and  the  lot  of  thou- 
sands of  wage  slaves  for  many  years 
past;  something  which  is  denied  them 
by  the  millionaire  crew  who  control 
the  railroads  and  other  large  interests 
of  this  country. 

Many  of  these  men  have  been  work- 
ing for  very  small  wages  for  years, 
and  have  never  had  a  chance  to  save 
a  dollar.  When  their  employment 
ceased  their  credit  ceased,  and  if  they 
had  continued  to  work  under  the  same 
conditions  for  the  next  twenty  years 
they  would  not  have  any  more  money 
than  they  have  at  the  present  time, 
and  it  is  these  men  and  their  families 
that  organized  labor  must  assist  in  a 
financial  way  in  the  great  struggle. 
Unions  will  be  called  upon  to  contrib- 
ute until  the  strikers  are  returned  to 
their  former  positions. — The  Citizen. 


To  Organized  Labor  and  Thdr  friends. 

All  of  you  no  doubt  still  recollect 
that  memorable  twenty  weeks'  strike 
of  last  summer  of  6,000  Ladies'  Gar- 
ment Workers  of\  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
against  the  Cloak  and  Suit  Manufac- 
turers' Association  of  that  city,  headed 
by  Morris  Black,  manufacturer  of  the 
"Wooltex"  brands  of  cloaks  and  skirts. 
This  strike  has  never  been  declared 
off.  Most  of  the  workers  have  re- 
turned to  the  factories  temporarily, 
or  have  gone  into  other  lines  of  work. 
But  their  bitter  grievances  have  never 
been  arbitrated  by  this  powerful 
Manufacturers'  "Union,"  which  dic- 
tates unjust  terms  of  work  and  con- 
ditions of  labor  to  six  thousand  work- 
ers, and  maintains  a  blacklist  to  pun- 
ish members  of  the  union. 

To  prevent  a  recurrence  of  a  strike 


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in  Cleveland,  we  are  urging  merchants 
in  all  cities  of  Ohio  and  neighboring 
states  to  buy  cloaks  and  suits  from 
firms  which  recognize  the  organization 
of  their  employes  and  arbitrate  with 
the  union. 

We  are  having  great  success  in  en- 
listing trades  unions,  women's  clube, 
suffrage  societies  and  friendly  organi- 
zations, etc.,  to  send  trade  .to  mer 
chants  who  give  their  orders  to  firms 
which  arbitrate. 

It  will  help  us  materialy  if  your  or- 
ganization will  send  a  committee  to 
wait  upon  the  merchants  of  your  city 
to  get  their  promise  to  patronize  the 
firms  named  on  the  fair  List  below. 

Trusting  that  we  may  count  upon 
your  promiyt  co-operation  and  thank- 
ing you  in  advance  for  any  assistance 
you  may  render,  we  are 

Fraternally  yours, 

John  A,  Dyche, 
General  Secretary-Treasurer,  Interna- 
tional Ladies*  Garment  Workers' 
Union, 

Some  of  the  "fair"  manufacturers  or 
merchants  are  as  follows: 

Toledo,  O.— Alexander  Black  &  Co., 
Kohn,  Friedlander  &  Martin. 

Cincinnati,  O.— Bishop,  Stern  6 
Stein,  Fa^rian  Manufacturing  Co.,  La- 
dies' Tailoring  Co.,  EJpstein  Bros. 

New  York  Ctty — ^All  manufacturers. 


Tnathf  III  Wonis  of  Cariyle. 

Many  a  man  thinks  that  it  is  good- 
ness that  keeps  him  from  crime,  when 
It  is  only  his  full  stomach.  On  half 
allowance  he  would  be  as  ugly  and 
knavish  as  anybody.  Don't  mistake 
potatoes  for  principles." — Thomas  Car- 
iyle. 

There  never  came  from  the  lips  of 
man,  more  truthful  words  than  the 
above  from  Thonas  Cariyle.  It  is  an 
easy  matter  for  a  man  in  a  comfort- 
able home  and  a  well-filled  larder,  to 
respect  the  law  and  merit  by  his  acts 
and  conduct  the  title  of  law-abiding 
citizen.  The  man  who  is  supplied 
with  the  necessaries  of  life  and  at 
times  enjoys  some  of  Uie  luxuries,  is 
but  little  tempted  to  become  a  law- 
breaker. But  the  man  who  feels  the 
pinch  of  hunger  and  the  Insolent  sneer 
that  is  usually  accorcted  the  victim  of 
poverty,  is  always  treading  the  dan- 


gerous pathway  that  leads  to  a  prison 
cell. 

Every  student  of  social  questions  is 
realizing  more  forcibly  than  ever  that 
poverty  breeds  crime. 

The  young  lady  surrounded  by  the 
comforts  of  life  and  shielded  by  the 
affection  of  loved  ones,  is  deserving  of 
no  vast  amount  of  credit  becaupe  she 
retains  upon  her  brow  the  crown  of 
chastity.  But  the  woman  who  has  met 
the  storms  of  life's  battle,  who  has  felt 
want  clutching  at  her  vitals  and  re- 
mained unsullied,  is  a  heroine  whose 
womanhood  is  worthy  of  the  most 
glowing  tributes  that  can  be  plucked 
from  the  flowers  of  rhetoric. 

Criminals  are  the  products  of  wrong 
economic  conditions,  and  when  the 
time  comes  that  the  earth  will  be 
blessed  with  a  humane  civilization, 
man  will  become  what  he  was  intended 
to  be,  '^the  noblest  work  of  God." — 
Miners'  Magazine. 


VALUE  or  TUBERCULOSIS  CURE 


National  Authorities  Will  Discuss  Prosress 
of  Campaign  at  Annual  Meeting. 


Substantial  progress  in  the  anti- 
tuberculosis campaign  will  be  reported 
when  the  National  Association  for  the 
Study  and  Prevention  of  Tuberculosis 
meets  in  Washington  on  May  30th  and 
31st.  Dr.  Mazyck  P.  Ravenel,  of  the 
University  of  Wisconsin,  is  President 
of  the  Association,  and  Col.  Theodore 
Roosevelt  and  Sir  William  Osier  are 
Honorary  Vice-Presidents. 

One  of  the  subjects  that  will  receive 
especial  attention  at  the  meeting  will 
be  that  of  the  permanent  value  of  the 
cure  of  tuberculosis  in  restoring  pa- 
tients to  working  efficiency.  Dr.  Her- 
bert M.  King  of  the  Loomis  Sana- 
torium, Liberty,  N.  Y.,  will  discuss  the 
subject  from  the  point  of  view  of  sana. 
torium  treatment.  Dr.  H.  R.  M. 
Landis,  Director  of  the  Clinical  De- 
partment of  the  Henry  Phlpps  Insti- 
tute of  Philadelphia  will  present  the 
results  of  dispensary  treatment.  Dr. 
W.  J.  Vogeler  of  Yonkers,  N.  Y.,  will 
show  how  discharged  sanatorium  pa- 
tients fare  best  when  they  return  to 
work  in  their  original  occupations. 
Prof.  Irving  Fisher  of  Yale  University 
win  present  revised  figures  as  to  the 


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JOURNAL.   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'B 


coBt  of  tuberculosis,  and  will  show  the 
economic  loss  from  the  disease  and 
the  value  of  sanatorium  treatment  In 
offsetting  this  loss  to  some  extent. 

Another  subject  of  imqportance  will 
be  that  discussed  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Advisory  Council,  on  the  relative  func- 
tions of  the  health  officer,  the  physi- 
cian, and  the  layman  In  the  campaign 
against  tuberculosis.  Representative 
speakers  in  each  of  these  groups  will 
discuss  the  subject. 

The  chairman  of  the  CWnical  Section 
of  the  Association  is  Dr.  Charles  L. 
Minor,  Asheville,  N.  C;  of  the  Path- 
ological Section,  Dr.  WlMam  H.  Park, 
of  the  New  York  City  D^artment  of 
Health;  of  the  Sociological  Section, 
Mr.  Frederick  L.  Hoffman,  Newark, 
N.  J.;  and  of  the  Advisory  Council,  Dr. 
Charles  O.  Probst,  Columbus,  O. — Press 
Service  for  Study  and  Prevention  of 
Tuberculosis. 


Who  Creates  Wealth. 

We  have  found  that  wealth  does  not 
consist  of  money,  stocks,  bonds,  rail- 
roads, factories  or  mines.  That  with 
all  these  the  people  might  still  be  in 
want 

We  have  found  that  wealth  consists 
of  good  and  abundant  food,  good  and 
suitable  clothing,  good  and  comfort- 
able homes,  clear  and  intelligent 
minds,  freedom  to  enjoy  and  develop 
life. 

Now  let's  see  who  makes  it  possible 
to  have  these  things — the  things  that 
constitute  wealth. 

Labor  creates  food. 

The  possessors  of  money,  stocks  and 
bonds,  the  owners  of  the  earth,  only 
consume  food,  but  do  not  create  it. 

Labor  goes  forth  and  tills  the  soil, 
reaps  the  grain,  grinds  it  into  flour, 
bakes  it  into  bread. 

Labor  herds  the  cattle  and  sheep, 
slaughters  the  beef  and  cooks  the 
meals. 

Labor  plants  the  trees,  grows  the 
fruit,  ships  it  out  and  serves  it  at  the 
table. 

Can  you  point  to  one  thing  in  the 
process  of  obtaining  food  under  pres- 
ent conditions  that  is  not  accomplished 
by  the  brain  and  muscle  of  labor? 

Labor  creates  clothing. 

The  owners  of  the  cotton  plantations 
and  sheep  ranches  and  silk  worms  do 
not  create  anything.    The   owners   of 


the  cotton  gin,  the  textile  mills  and 
the  tailoring  establishments  do  not 
work  in  them.  Stocks  and  ibonds  and 
money  cannot  raise  a  single  pod  of  cot- 
ton, a  pound  of  wool  or  produce  a  yard 
of  silk. 

Labor  raises  and  shears  the  sh^^, 
raises  and  spins  the  cotton,  gathers 
and  weaves  the  silk. 

Labor  .  cuts  and  sews,  fits  and 
presses,  distributes  and  furnishes 
every  garment,  from  the  overalls  tliat 
labor  itself  wears  to  the  costly  ward- 
robes of  the  millionaire  spendthrifts. 

Labor  creates  the  hats  and  the 
shoes,  the  broadcloth— everydiing  used 
for  the  body  of  man,  woman  and  child, 
while  on  Mother  Earth  and  when  dead, 
from  the  baby's  long  dresses  to  the 
shroud  of  our  loved  ones  when  they 
are  laid  in  the  sleep  of  death. 

Money  cannot  build  as  much  as  a 
wigwam.  It  cannot  chop  down  a  tree 
nor  turn  over  a  stone. 

Labor  goes  into  the  forest,  fells  the 
timber,  saws  it  into  boards,  laths  and 
shingles,  planes  it  into  sidings,  mold- 
ings and  finishing  stripe. 

Labor  draws  the  plans  and  prepares 
the  foundation,  lays  the  stone  and 
brick,  makes  the  steel  and  iron  frame- 
work, cuts  and  polishes  the  granite, 
laths  and  plasters,  paints  and  deco- 
rates. 

Labor  makes  the  furniture  and  the 
instruments  of  music,  curtains  and 
carpets,  stoves  and  furnaces. 

Ten  million  dollars  conld  not  build 
a  corn  crib  without  labor. 
Labor  makes  possible  Intelligence. 
Dollars  and  checks  cannot  write 
books  or  build  libraries.  Stocks  and 
bonds  cannot  teach  school  or  run  uni- 
versities. 

Labor  brings  about  experience  and 
writes  books,  delves  into  science  and 
the  arts,  probes  Into  the  mysteries  of 
life. 

Labor  prints  and  preserves  our 
literature,  builds  our  libraries  and 
sdhool  houses,  teaches  our  children 
and  develops  the  young  folks. 

Without  labor  there  would  not  be 
one  single  school,  not  one  newspaper 
or  magazine,  not  a  chemistry  or  bi- 
ology, not  a  doctor  nor  an  architect, 
not  a  painter  nor  a  sculptor. 
Labor  makes  it  possible  for  freedom. 
The  time  required  to  get  the  ma- 
terial necessities  of  life  is  the  period 
of  our  enslavement. 
Labor,  by  its  Inventive  genius  and 


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its  ability  to  harness  nature  and  make 
her  do  most  of  our  work,  has  virtually 
become  the  giver  of  liberty. 

Labor  can  in  two  or  three,  hours 
each  day  provide  the  material  necessi- 
ties for  the  whole  race.  Our  period  of 
enslavement  can  be  reduceu  still 
further,  and  will  finally  be  eliminated 
altogether. 

Labor  thus  makes  it  possible  for  the 
race  to  be  free  from  anxiety  and 
worry,  and  to  square  such  mental, 
moral  and  social  qualities  as  only 
union  men  can  picture. — The  Advocate. 


cause  we  are  constantly  moving  on 
toward  the  ideal.  And  may  we  ever 
remember — and  let  us  be  grateful  for 
it — ^that  our  ideal  of  the  perfect  so- 
ciety will  be  improved  upon  by  our 
children. 


Cvolulion  Versus  Revokiliofi. 

By  the  Rev.  Chables  Stelzle. 

It  was  a  curious  process  of  construc- 
tion, but  a  very  effective  one.  The 
newspaper  that  occupied  the  building 
had  outgrown  its  dimensions,  but  it 
seemed  impossible  to  move  to  larger 
quarters  while  waiting  for  the  new 
building,  which  was  to  be  erected  upon 
the  old  site.  It  was  therefore,  decided 
to  continue  doing  business  at  the  old 
stand,  and  with  an  occasional  shift  of 
the  departments  from  floor  to  floor,  the 
new  buiilding  was  finally  completed, 
from  foundation  to  dome,  without  a 
single  interruption  in  the  getting  out 
of  one  of  the  most  important  journals 
in  this  country. 

It  was  an  evolutionary  process.  The 
managers  might  have  gone  out  of  busi- 
ness until  their  new  building  was  com- 
pleted, but  that  did  not  seem  the  wise 
nor  the  sensible  thing  to  do.  But  that 
is  what  some  social  reformers  would 
have  us  do.  They  would  demolish  old 
things  before  they  would  begin  the 
construction  of  the  new.  They  imagine 
that  our  social  system  can  be  changed 
in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye.  They  be- 
lieve that  the  enactment  of  a  new  law 
win  usher  in  the  mlllenium. 

Ideal  social  systems  do  not  come 
that  way.  They  are  bom.  They  grow. 
They  change.  They  are  a  develop- 
ment. And  we  must  continue  to  do 
business  at  the  old  stand  while  all  this 
is  going  on. 

Taking  advantage  of  every  factor 
which  helps  in  this  development  and 
ignoring  no  man  wlio  has  a  contribu- 
tion to  offer,  we  must  go  on  to  better 
things  with  the  consciousness  that 
only  the  end  of  days  will  see  perfec- 
tion, for*  soon  we  shall  outgrow  any 
system  that  may  be  inaugurated,  be- 


Recall  of  Judges,  an  Authority  in  Support 

Bt  a.  a.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kans. 

'^he  antiquity  and  excellence  of  this 
trial  (by  jury)  for  the  settling  of  civil 
property,  has  been  explained  at  large. 
And  it  will  hold  much  stronger  in 
criminal  cases  since,  in  times  of  diffi- 
cnlty  and  danger,  more  is  to  be  appre- 
hended from  the  violence  and  partial- 
ity of  judges  appointed  by  the  Crown, 
in  suits  between  the  king  and  the  sub- 
ject, than  in  disputes  between  one  in- 
dividual and  another,  to  settle  the 
metes  and  bounds  of  private  property." 
Blacks.  CJom.  IV,  p.  349. 

Taken  from  the  course  of  a  discus- 
sion, the  foregoing  quotation  appears 
awkward  and  disjointed;  but  the 
meaning  may  be  made  appreciable,  in 
the  light  of  current  procedure,  thus: 

In  times  of  difficulty  and  danger, 
more  is  to  be  apprehended  from  the 
violence  and  partiality  of  judges  ap- 
pointed by  the  Crown  in  criminal  than 
in  civil  cases. 

To  give  this  local  application  among 
ourselves,  as  to  our  United  States 
judges,  we  need  only  substitute  the 
word  "president"  for  "crown,"  our  ap- 
pointive power  residing  in  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  as  fully  as 
in  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain. 

Understand  that  the  above  quotation 
was  written  by  Sir  William  Black- 
stone,  at  the  time  himself  a  judge  ap- 
pointed by  the  crown  of  Great  Britain, 
and  the  greatest  and  best  legal  text 
writer  and  commentator  of  all  time, 
still  and  perhaps  always  to  remain  the 
highest  judicial  authority  and  the 
model  and  oracle  of  every  student  of 
the  law. 

Sir  William  gives  us  plainly  to  un- 
derstand that  we  are  to  entertain  fears 
"from  the  violence  and  partiality  of 
judges,"  in  civil  but  more  in  criminal 
cases,  "in  times  of  difficulty  and  dan- 
ger." Civil  and  criminal  cases  make 
up  the  sum  total  of  all  our  litigation. 

No  exception  is  stated  to  save  any 
judge  from  the  operation  of  this  rule, 
all  "judges  appointed  by  the  crown" 
being    included,    and    there    were    no 


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JOURNAL    OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


other;  so  that  these  words  might  have 
been  omitted  without  changing  the 
meaning,  as  with  us  we  have  no 
United  States  Judges  except  those  ap- 
pointed by  the  President. 

We  can  now  give  this  a  complete  and 
comprehensive  rendering:  All  Judges, 
appointed  by  the  Crown  or  the  Presi- 
dent, in  all  the  cases  of  every  nature 
coming  before  them,  "in  times  of  diffi- 
culty and  danger,*'  are  to  be  feared  on 
account  of  their  "violence  and  partial- 
ity/' but  more  in  criminal  than  in  civil 
cases. 

We  have  proceeded  with  this  much 
as  with  an  algebraic  equation,  and  the 
only  factor  we  have  been  able  to  elim- 
inate, to  give  the  whole  a  complete 
generalization,  is  the  term  "in  times 
of  difficulty  and  danger,"  as  the  one 
limiting  element  of  condition. 

This  condition,  however,  Is  most  dis- 
tressing; for,  while  not  always  pres- 
ent, is  yet  the  time  of  greatest  appre- 
hension "from  the  violence  'and  par- 
tiality of  Judges." 

If  judges  were  fearless  and  Just,  or 
otherwise  measured  up  to  the  standard 
of  the  average  man,  "times  of  difficulty 
and  danger"  would  call  for  acts  of 
heroism  and  rectitude,  not  "violence 
and  partiality." 

Following  the  dictates  of  conscience 
and  the  obligations  of  patriotism,  "in 
times  of  difficulty  and  danger,"  men 
generally,  rising  to  the  Importance  of 
the  occasion,  forget  themselves,  and. 
rushing  Into  the  breach,  do  deeds  of 
valor  and  acts  of  heroism;  but,  under 
like  conditions,  the  people  have  then 
more  to  "apprehend  from  the  violence 
and  partiality  of  Judges." 

This,  Blackstone  says,  is  their  rule 
of  action  without  exception,  and  for 
such  conduct  they  cannot  be  im- 
peached. 


Charity  Begins  at  Home. 

The  following  resolution,  presented 
by  A.  G.  Whlteman,  was  adopted  by  the 
Olympia  Trades  Council  at  a  regular 
meeting  held  on  Monday  evening, 
March  18,  1912: 

Whereas,  In  response  to  repeated 
calls  being  made,  many  citizens  of  this 
State,  and  charitable  institutions,  are 
contributing  money  to  a  fund  which  is 
to  be  forwarded  to  a  national  treasurer 
at  Washington,  D.  C,  and  by  him  to 
the  starving  in  China;  and 


Wheheas,  While  in  accord  with  these 
good  intentions  of  extending  relief  to 
the  starving  In  foreign  countries,  if  it 
were  possible  to  do  so,  with  a  full 
knowledge  that  all  at  home  were  pro- 
vided for;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  Olympia  Trades 
Council  In  regular  session  assembled, 
that  it  is  the  first  duty  of  our  citizens 
to  extend  aid  and  assistance  to  our 
brothers  and  sisters  at  home,  who  are 
out  of  work  and  In  want;  and,  there- 
fore, be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  some  means  should  be 
provided  whereby  temporary  relief 
could  be  given  to  those  who  are  in 
distress  and  unable  to  secure  employ- 
ment; and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  investigate  the  cause  for  so 
many  idle  men  in  a  country  able  tp 
produce  more  than  all  can  use;  there- 
fore, be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  we  request  all  unions, 
central  bodies,  and  other  organizations 
to  publish  this  appeal  to  our  citizens 
to,  first,  relieve  those  of  our  own  coun- 
try who  are  out  of  employment  and  in 
need,  through  old  age  and  sickness, 
and  when  this  is  accomplished,  then 
contribute  to  the  relief  of  the  needy  in 
foreign  lands. 

R.  E.  Eastman.  President. 
C.  E.  Browx.  Sec'y-Treas. 


Keep  These  in  Mind. 

Never  discuss  salaries  and  never  tell 
anyone  how  much  you  are  getting.  If 
you  say  you  are  getting  more  than  the 
man  you're  talking  to,  either  It  will 
cause  dissatisfaction  or  he  won't  be- 
lieve you. 

The  man  who  Is  continually  whining 
about  "never  having  half  a  chance"  Is 
the  same  man  who  wouldn't  succeed  If 
he  were  allowed  to  choose  his  own 
work  at  his  own  salary.  Chances 
come  when  a  man  Is  ready  for  them. 

Some  folks  start  worrying  along 
about  the  first  of  February  as  to  what 
their  boss  wlH  give  them  as  a  Christ- 
mas present. 

Of  course,  there  are  folks  who  are 
really  earning  more  money  than  they 
are  getting,  but  the  average  man  had 
better  lie  low  and  hope  that  the  boss 
won't  find  out  how  much  more  he  Is 
getting  than  he  is  worth.         • 

Don't  look  in  books  for  examples  of 


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UNION   OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


359 


suoceeeful  men.  Choose  a  man  in  real 
life  who  has  gained  succeee  by  honor- 
able methods  and  follow  his  business 
ideas.  If  soccess  doesn't  come  in  a 
week,  don't  get  discouraged;  it  may 
come  in  a  month. 

Don't  worry  because  you  think  you 
haven't  attracted  the  favorable  atten- 
tion of  your  Immediate  superior.  He 
may  be  more  observant  than  you 
imagine. 

Don't  ask  advice  all  the  time.  The 
man  who  can  go  ahead  with  a  job,  fin- 
ish it  successfully  on  his  own  initia- 
tive without  a  lot  of  foolish  and  un- 
necessary questions,  is  the  man  who  is 
most  needed  in  the  modern  business 
world. 

The  man  who  knows  the  latest  thing 
about  neckties  and  silk  socks  is  usually 
the  man  who  does,  not  know  the 
latest  things  about  successful  business 
methods. 

There  may  be  work  without  success, 
but  there  is  never  any  success  without 
work. 

Don't  take  spells  for  working  and  try 
to  accomplish  in  one  day  the  thli^s 
you  should  have  done  in  two  weeks.  A 
little  every  day  is  better  than  spasms 
of  hard  work,  interpolated  with  spells 
of  no  work  at  all. — Ex, 


Competition  is  DcmI. 

Andrew  Carnegie  says  that  competi- 
tion is  dead.  Of  course  he  ought  to 
know;  and  if  it  is,  certainly  efforts 
to  revive  the  old  corpse  are  unavail- 
ing. In  a  commercial  sense  Carnegie 
is  right.  Competition  is  dead,  and  it 
was  killed  by  such  men  as  Carnegie 
in  so  far  as  It  affected  their  interests. 
But  as  regards  labor  competition  It  is 
fhe  liveliest  corpse  in  America  today. 
And  it  is  alive  because  Carnegie  and 
his  compatriots  fed  it  on  lockouts, 
blacklists,  police  clubs.  Pinkerton  bul- 
lets and  injunction. 

While  deprecating  competition,  our 
sanctimonious  philanthropist  is  very 
much  in  favor  of  it:  but  only  in  the 
ranks  of  labor,  because  here  competi- 
tion is  as  profitable  to  him  as  it  is 
ruinous  in  the  field  of  commercialism. 

When  workers  compete  they  reduce 
wages  and  increase  dividends.  When 
capitalists  compete  they  reduce  prices 
and  dividends.  The  latter  then  hurts 
business  and  that  is  why  it  was  de- 
stroyed.   Is  it  any  wonder,  then,  that 


Big  Business  is  opposed  to  its  revival? 
And  while  this  opposition  continues, 
what  chance  has  the  government  of 
enforcing  its  decree  that  the  corpora- 
tions shall  compete?  None!  Busi- 
ness, like  anything  else,  wll  be  car- 
ried on  along  the  lines  of  least  resist- 
ance and  any  interference  with  this 
process  will  inevitably  result  in  con- 
fusion and  demoralization. 

What  we  should  do  is  to  kiU  com- 
petition in  all  that  the  term  implies. 
We  know  what  baneful  effects  compe- 
tition produces  on  the  labor  market. 
It  keeps  down  wages.  Low  wages,  on 
the  other  hand,  require  that  those  who 
work  must  produce  more  in  order  to 
live.  And  that  again  is  the  direct 
cause  of  increased  idleness,  which 
tends  to  a  keener  competition. 

A  striking  and  also  painful  illustra- 
tion of  this  point  can  be  seen  on  any 
workday  at  some  of  the  Carnegie  mills. 
Low  as  the  wages  are  at  the  mills, 
there  is  always  a  line  of  workers  at  the 
gates  waiting  impatiently  for  the  boss 
to  come  out  and  select  some  of  them 
for  service;  and  being  desirous  of  se- 
curing the  most  capable  and  efficient 
workers*  the  boss  selects  the  biggest 
and  strongest.  Every  time  this  is  done 
— and  It  is  done  daily  at  the  mills  and 
factories — the  features  of  the  small  and 
weak  become  harder  and  the  suffering 
more  intense.  For  these  workers  there 
is  no  room  while  there  is  a  supply  of 
the  strong.  This  is  the  law  of  competi- 
tion. How  inexorable  in  its  operation! 
Its  effect  is  the  survival  of  the  fittest. 

It  is  quite  apparent  that  competition 
is  not  dead.  It  lives  and  haunts  like 
a  hideous  spectre  the  workers  of  the 
land.  That  it  is  a  bad  thing  none  can 
deny. 

Carnegie  and  the  rest  of  the  indus- 
trial kings  have  killed  the  species  of 
competition  that  hurt  their  business; 
but  they  saw  to  It  that  the  competition 
that  helped  their  business  was  kept 
alive.  To  this  end  they  used  all  the 
available  means  at  their  disposal,  even 
the  government  forces. 

Now,  what  is  the  duty  of  labor?  Or- 
ganize. Let  go  of  thy  brother's  throat. 
Rather  clasp  his  hand  and  act  unitedly 
for  your  advancement.  Learn  from 
Carnegie,  et  al.  the  practical  lesson  of 
life. 

There  should  be  no  competition  for 
the  right  to  live.  Labor  is  struggling 
for  life — for  happiness.    Monster  is  he 


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360 


JOURNAL   OP   THE   SWITCHMEN'S 


who  would  deny  any  human  being  this 
eternal  aspiration.  But  it  has  been 
denied — denied  to  millions  of  workers, 
by  the  beneflciaries  of  special  privilege, 
who  are  using  the  stolen  political 
power  to  oppress  the  poor. 

Well  it  is  known  by  what  foul  and 
diabolical  means  Carnegie  perpetuated 
competition  at  his  Homestead  mills. 
Here  he  waB  and  is  in  favor  of  what 
he  considers  destructive  of  business. 

Competition  in  the  ranks  of  labor  is 
destructive  of  life,  and  therefore  it 
should  be  destroyed,  root  and  branch. 
— Mine  WarkerB*  Journal, 


Indifferefit  Union  Men. 

There  are  different  kinds  of  union, 
men.  One  kind  Is  the  man  who  pays 
his  dues  and  considers  that  he  has 
fulfilled  all  his  obligations  to  his  or- 
ganization by  so  doing.  He  is  never 
seen  at  a  meeting  of  his  union  unless 
some  matter  is  coming  up  for  action 
which  would  affect  his  pocket.  An- 
other kind  is  the  man  who  earns  good 
wages  under  union  conditions  and 
spends  the  money  so  earned  for  non- 
union products.  He  does  not  take  the 
trouble  to  even  ask  for  union  label 
goods.  But  the  king  pin  of  all  is  the 
man  who  joins  the  union,  not  because 
he  wants  to,  but  because  by  so  doing 
he  can  benefit  financially— can  enjoy 
the  better  conditions  brought  about  by 
the  unselfish  devotion  of  real  union 
men  to  the  cause  of  trades  unionism, 
and  who  have  given  of  their  time  and 
money  to  make  it  what  it  is  today — 
one  of  the  greatest  forces  for  the  up- 
lift of  mankind  in  this  world  of  ours. 
—Newark  Labor  Bulletin. 


A  Tragedy. 

Here  is  a  man.  He  is  well  propor- 
tioned—«oimd  in  body  and  limb.  He 
is  honest,  careful,  thrifty,  Industrious. 
He  is  fond  of  his  home,  fond  of  his 
wife,  fond  of  his  children. 

Tet  he  is  widking  about  the  streets 
— 4iungry,  gloomy,  despairing.  He 
does  not  know  what  to  do  with  him- 
self. 

He  is  unemployed.    . 

He  was  compelled  to  leave  his  last 
job  because  work  fell  slack.  Work 
falls  slack  sometimes  in  all  trades. 
Vainly  has  he  walked  from  shop  to 


shop— from  factory  to  factory.  Meek- 
ly^ and  with  a  quaking  at  the  knees, 
has  he  gone  in  and  asked  the  foreman 
if  they  want  any  workmen.  The  re- 
ply has  always  been:  "No  -hands 
wanted." 

He  is  willing  to  work— only  too  glad 
to  be  able  to  work — ^but  work  is  de- 
nied him. 

His  heart  is  heavy,  his  feet  are 
weary,  his  stomach  craves  for  food. 

He  does  not  care  about  going  home 
Just  yet.  He  dreads  facing  a  hungry 
wife  and  hungry  children.  It  hurts 
him  to  see  those  he  loves  in  want.  It 
pains  him  to  see  the  look  of  infinite 
sadness  and  worry  in  the  eyes  of  his 
wife  and  hear  his  children  ask  in  vain 
for  food. 

So  he  wanders  aimlessly  about  the 
streets  until  darkness  comes  down  and 
he  knows  his  children  are  aibed.  He 
looks  in  at  the  library,  but  too  troubled 
In  spirit  to  remain  there  he  comes  out 
and  gazes  moodily  in  the  shop  win- 
dows. 

And  then  his  lagging  footsteps  drag 
wearily  home. 

In  the  early  grey  of  the  morning 
he  will  be  up  and  out  again.  Once 
more  the  same  old  round  of  shops  and 
factories— once  more  the  discouraging 
replies  that  sink  like  lead  into  his 
heart — once  more  that  gnawing  des- 
pair, that  terrible  hopelessness — once 
more  the  weary  drag  home  in  the  dark. 

So  it  goes  on. 

Day  by  day  he  will  offer  himself  for 
sale  and  be  rejected.  It  may  be  weeks 
before  some  master  condescends  to  em- 
ploy him.  It  may  be  months.  It  may 
be  till  all  his  savings  are  spent,  every- 
thing pawnable  is  pawned,  his  shoddy, 
but  dearly-loved,  household  furniture 
is  sold  up. 

And  then  slowly — ^terribly  slowly — 
the  iron  will  enter  into  his  soul.  He 
will  drop  down  the  ladder  rung  by 
rung.  Employers  will  notice  some- 
thing seedy  and  woebegone  about  him. 
They  will  prefer  other  men — smarter 
and  more  brisk.  His  chances  of  work 
will  grow  still  more  scarce. 

With  continued  rebuffs  and  refusals 
will  grow  in  him  neglect  both  of  him- 
self and  his  home.  He  will  grow  care- 
less. Vain  attempts  at  trying  to  make 
both  ends  meet  will  make  his  wife 
neglectful  also.  His  home  and  his  chil- 
dren will  lose  their  old  attraction. 
Continuous  going  short  of  fo<>d  will 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBIRIGA. 


361 


weaken  him.  Hie  features  will  stand 
out  sharp,  his  back  will  become  a 
trifle  bent,  his  legs  crooked.  He  will 
obtain  a  precarious  living  first  by  beg- 
ging from  hie  mates,  and  when  they 
fail,  from  strangers.  His  whole  moral 
nature  will  be  undermined — his  man- 
liness destroyed. 

And  then  will  he  be  seen  shuflUng 
miserably  along  our  streets — dead  to 
hope  and  Joy.  Respectable  and  com- 
fortable passersby  will  point  at  him 
the  finger  of  scorn.  They  will  unctu- 
ously pride  themselves  on  their  su- 
periority. They  will  tell  themselves— 
with  a  gesture  of  contemptuous  pity 
— that  this  ruin  was  brought  about  by 
wickedness,  laziness,  drink.  They  will 
say:  "There  goes  one  of  the  unem- 
ployable. What  is  the  good  of  giving 
him  work.  He  couldn't  do  it  if  he 
had  it." 

A  tragedy. 

Just  a  common,  dull,  everyday  trage- 
dy. A  tragedy  that  is  so  common  no- 
body notices  it  To  workers  In  every 
trade — ^unskilled  and  skilled — it  may 
happen  at  any  time.  No  one  can  say 
his  Job  is  safe  nowadays,  and  once  un- 
employed no  one  can  say  when  he  will 
get  another  Job. — Tom  Quelch  in  Jus- 
tice. 


The  Gciardfaiiis  of  Liberty. 

A  condition  that  we  warned  the 
workers  upon  several  occasions  to  be 
prepared  to  meet  Is  now  in  process  of 
development,  says  the  Cleveland  Oi^i- 

9091. 

And  history  is  again  repeating  itself. 
If  certain  interests  could  have  their 
way  we  would  be  in  for  another  period 
of  religious  wrangling  in  order  to  di- 
vert the  attention  of  the  people  from 
the  great  economic  and  political  prob- 
lems that  are  pressing  for  solution. 

New  York  new8];>apers  report  the  or- 
ganization of  the  "Guardians  of  Lib- 
erty," which,  like  the  American  Pro- 
tective Association  a  score  of  years 
ago,  is  to  bend  all  its  efforts  to  pre- 
vent the  selection  and  appointment  of 
Roman  Catholics  to  public  positions. 

General  Nelson  A.  Miles  and  other 
distinguished  patriots  are  said  to  be 
active  in  the  work  of  spreading  the 
''Guardians  of  Liberty"  into  every  part 
of  the  country,  and  it  is  predicted  that 
converts  by  the  thousands  will  soon  be 


rushing  into  the  new  organization  to 
save  the  country  from  being  gobbled 
up  bodily  by  the  old  man  on  the  Tiber. 
Prior  to  the  Civil  War,  when  the 
slavery  question  was  being  agitated, 
religious  fanaticism  was  injected  into 
the  pending  discussion  and  strenuous 
efforts  were  made  to  set  the  Catholics 
and  Free  Masons  and  other  elements 
at  each  others'  throats. 

In  the  '80s,  when  the  Knights  of  La- 
bor were  becoming  a  mighty  power, 
their  progress  was  hampered  and  final- 
ly checked  by  insidious  hints  and  whis- 
perings .that  Powderly  and  other  ofll- 
cials  were  in  the  employ  of  the  Pope. 
These  suspicions  and  the  boodle  poli- 
tics that  crept  into  the  order  nearly 
everywhere  soon  resulted  in  disrupt- 
ing and  disintegrating  that  once  prom- 
ising organization. 

In  the  '90s  the  A.  P.  A.  became  the 
craze,  blocked  the  progress  of  the 
American  'Federation  of  Labor  to  a 
large  extent,  and  aided  materially  in 
destrosring  the  Populist  movement.  In- 
deed, a  prominent  official  of  the  Na- 
tional Civic  Federation  has  made  the 
boast  publicly  that  when  the  Populists 
of  Kansas  and  other  Western  States 
threatened  the  money  power,  he  went 
among  them  and  started  a  religious 
fight,  with  the  result  that  the  People's 
party  was  demolished  by  internal  dis- 
sensions. 

A  year  ago  last  November,  in  9t. 
Louis,  certain  Catholic  workers  formed 
an  organization  called  the  Militia  of 
Christ,  and  about  six  months  ago  the 
Men  and  Religion  Forward  Movement 
was  launched  by  Protestant  preachers 
and  unionists.  Now  come  the  "Guar- 
dians of  Liberty"  to  assist  in  stirring 
the  religio-political  pot. 

Throughout  its  existence  of  twenty- 
one  years  the  Citizen  has  consistently 
refrained  from  engaging  in  religious 
controversies  and  discouraged  its  read- 
ers and  correspondents  from  participat- 
ing in  such  discussions.  Religious 
contentions  are  as  old  as  the  world  and 
will  likely  continue  for  some  years  to 
come,  although  we  believe  less  bitterly 
as  intelligence  increases  and  supersti- 
tion disappears. 

We  are  unconcerned  whether  a  man 
is  a  Protestant,  Catholic,  Jew,  Moham- 
medan or  any  other  believer  or  non- 
believer  respecting  religious  matters; 
but  we  are  concerned  in  every  move- 
ment that  tends  to    uplift    humanity 


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862 


JOURNAL    OP    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


and  to  make  life  worth  living  while  we 
are  here  on  earth — ^we  are  concerned  In 
the  questions  of  abolishing  poverty  and 
all  its  attendant  evils  and  to  establish 
freedom  and  Justice  for  all  mankind. 

We  know  that  those  are  our  ideals 
for  which  the  organisation  of  the 
workers.  Industrial  and  political,  are 
striving,  and  therefore  we  caution 
them  to  beware  of  the  sinister  schemes 
that  are  being  concocted  by  the  privi- 
leged few  to  incite  religious  quarrels 
for  the  purpose  of  once  more  blocking 
progress  and  inaugurating  a  period  of 
reaction. — Brewery  Workers*  Journal. 


How  to  Secure  Needed  Labor  L^islation 
—A  Practical  Suggestion. 

By  a.  a.  Graham,  Topeka,  Kans. 

If  organized  labor  is  ever  to  exer- 
cise much  influence  in  the  enactment 
of  laws  for  the  benefit  of  the  wage- 
worker,  the  coming  together  of  the 
various  orders  In  a  common  under- 
standing, looking  to  the  attainment  of 
the  desired  end  is  the  very  first 
requisite. 

I  do  not  mean  the  consolidation,  but 
the  marshaling  of  forces,  the  orderly 
and  advantageous  planting  of  the  field 
batteries  of  every  division,  to  work  in 
harmony  and  unison  with  all  allies, 
and  thus  play  upon  the  enemy,  not  the 
cumulative  assembling  of  all  ammuni- 
tion in  one  heap  to  be  touched  off  with 
a  tremendous  explosion. 

Such  exhibitions  are  spectacular  in 
the  extreme  and  very  entertaining,  like 
a  display  of  fireworks  at  a  great  cele- 
bration, but  disappear  in  the  darkness 
with  noise  and  smoke. 

No  gun,  located  at  the  national  cap- 
ital, can  possibly  be  made  large  enough 
to  throw  a  projectile  across  the  coun- 
*  try,  nor  shake  the  four  corners  of  the 
republic,  nor  be  heard  in  all  the  land. 

The  same  applies,  but  in  a  less  de- 
gree, with  respect  to  the  States. 

I  would  rather  depend  upon  small 
arms  at  close  range,  where  the  sharp 
report  and  the  singing  of  the  bullet, 
directed  by  an  unerring  aim,  will  send 
home  the  warning  message. 

Discarding  now  the  figure  and  cling- 
ing to  the  fact,  assuming  that  all  indi- 
vidual effort  is  concentrated  to  the 
same  end  or  purpose: 

When  legislative  and  executive  can- 
didates,   whether   muncipal,    State    or 


national,  announce  themselves  for 
nomination  to  any  ofllce,  every  lodge 
within  the  district  or  constituency  of 
such  candidates  should  send  them  an 
official  communication,  setting  forth 
the  views  and  wishes  of  the  lodge,  and 
request  a  public  declaration  of  prin- 
ciples. Members  will  then  know 
where  to  cast  their  votes  at  tie  pri- 
maries. 

The  primaries  over,  the  information 
theretofore  obtained  will  be  your  guide 
at  the  general  election. 

The  general  election  over,  if  your 
candidate  has  been  successful,  a  con- 
gratulatory letter,  ending  with  a  re- 
minder of  his  pre-election  pledges,  will 
be  in  order,  because  men  soon  forget, 
particularly  after  success. 

If  a  municipality,  the  local  lodges 
will  then  be  ih  a  position  to  take  up, 
at  any  time,  the  matters  of  importance 
to  the  wage-worker,  as  occasion  or 
necessity  may  arise. 

If  a  State,  then  on  the  convening  of 
the  legislature  and  during  the  session, 
as  occasion  seems  to  demand,  the  gov- 
ernor, by  all  the  lodges  of  the  State, 
and  the  members  of  the  legislature,  by 
all  the  lodges  of  their  respective  dis- 
tricts, should  be  memorialized  by  an- 
other communication,  repeating  their 
wants,  accompanied  by  a  direction,  be- 
cause these  officials  are  now  the  ser- 
vants of  the  people,  and  must  take 
orders. 

If  the  nation,  then  the  president,  by 
all  the  lodges  in  the  United  States, 
and  the  senators  and  representatives, 
by  all  the  lodges  of  their  respective 
districts,  should  be  handled  In  a  man- 
ner similar  tb  the  States. 

Legislative  agents  and  committees 
on  the  ground  would  help  out,  and  be 
like  superintendents  to  see  that  your 
cause  was  pushed. 

By  such  a  method,  I  believe,  organ- 
ized labor  would  become  the  balance  of 
political  power,  and  be  able  to  readily 
secure  needed  laws  without  actually 
entering  into  politics  as  the  ally  or  op- 
ponent of  any  faction  or  party.  Your 
hold,  thus  secured  upon  the  individual, 
would  make  him  obey  you,  irrespective 
of  his  party  affiliation,  because  his  elec- 
tion or  defeat  would  be  in  your  hands. 

Any  apparent  necessity  for  the  or- 
ganization of  a  new  party,  always  a 
doubtful  expedient,  seldom  a  success, 
and  never  desirable,  would  also  be  thus 
avoided. 


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The  Journal  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 


OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


Devoted  to  the  interest  of  those  switching  cars  in  particular,  and  to  the  advancement 
of  att  useful  toilers  in  general, 

PabUflhed  monthly  by  the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America  at  No.  S20  Brisbane  Building, 

BoflUo,  N.  Y. 


aUBaCBIPTJON  PRJCSy 


ONE  DOLLAR  PER   YEAH  IN  ADVANCE 


All  matter  Intended  for  publication  suould  be  in  not  later  than  15th  of  month  to  insure  appearance 
in  following  month's  Issue.  No  article  will  be  published  unless  name  of  author  accompanies  same 

Unless  changes  of  address  are  received  by  15th  of  month  subscribers  must  look  out  for  following 

month's  Issue  at  old  address. 


INTERNATIONAL  OFHCERS 

INTBBNATIONAL   PRB8IDBNT. 

8.  E.  Heberllns,  8SC  BrlrtMine  Bldg..  Buf- 
falo. N.  T. 

Grand  Sborbtart  and  TtaABURBu 

M.  R  Welch,  SSC  Brisbane  Bldff..  BufEalo. 
N.  T. 

JOITBNAL  BDITOB. 

W.  H.  Ttiompaon,  826  Brisbane  Bids..  Bmf- 
f  alo.  N.  T. 

GftAMD  BOABO  OP  DntacTosa. 

F.  C.  Janeii  ISf  1  Metropolitan  Ave..  Kan- 
sas Cl^.  Kan. 

C  R  Cummlnffs;  250  Whitesboro  St.. 
Utl<%  N.  T. 

W.  A.  Titus.  1878  B.  92d  St.  aereland.  O. 

iNTKtNATIONAL   VICB-PRBSIDBNTS. 

J.  B.  Connors.  707  B.  40th  St.  Chicago,  XIL 
Li.  H.  Porter.  Nottingham.  O. 
T.  ClohessF.  7207  Peoria  St.  Chicago.  111. 
F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Bufliao,  N.  Y. 
T.  J.  Mlsenhelter.  607  College  Ave..  Rose- 
dale.  Kan. 

PROTBCnVB  BOABO. 

R  W.  Flynn,  487  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton, 
a  a  B^n.  (79^18th^8t...I>eUt»lt.  lOoh. 


HL 


Stonsb  9140  Buffalo  Ave..  Chicago. 


Dan  Smith.  5547  Princeton  Ave..  Chicago, 

ni. 

A.  J.  Peterson.  1808  Heath  St  West-Ft 
William,  Ont 

GSAKD  MBDICAL  BXAMXmBL 

M.  A.  Sullivan,  IC.  D..  828  BrUAwae  Bide. 
Resldenoe,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  Sooth 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


AU   SHOULD   TAKE  AN    INTEREST   IN 
THE  NATIONAL  CAMPAIQN. 

It  will  be  but  a  few  days  now  until 
the  conventions  will  have  nominated 
presidential  candidates  and  each  party 
will  be  waging  a  vigorous  campaign  in 
its  endeavor  to  promulgate  its  plat- 
form principles  and  elect  their  candi- 
dates. The  socialists  have  already  held 
their  convention  and  selected  their 
standard  bearers.  Eugene  V.  Debs 
was  again  chosen  as  presidential  can- 
didate, and  Emil  Seidel  was  selected 
as  candidate  for  vice-president.  Both 
are  well  known  to  the  rank  and  file  of 
the  party,  and  both  have  achieved 
splendid  records  in  their  battles  for  a 
brighter,  better  lot  for  those  who  do 
the  world's  useful  work.  Debs  is  per- 
sonally known  by  thousands  of  fam- 
ilies from  one  end  of  the  country  to 
the  other,  since  he  has  covered  every 
important  labor  center  in  the  country 
in  his  speaking  tours  several  times  in 
the  interests  of  working  humanity. 
As  a  speaker  he  is  in  a  class  of  his 
own — and  but  fjdw  halls  in  the  country 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHlfflN'S 


can  be  found  with  seating  capacity 
safflclent  to  seat  the  audiences  who 
throng  to  hear  him  and  who  pay  ad- 
mission fee  for  the  privilege  of  so 
doing  when  announcements  are  made 
of  his  coming.  Mr.  Seidel  is  also  a 
prominent  figure  In  the  councils  of  the 
party  and  rec^itly  came  into  special 
public  notice  from  the  fact  of  his  elec- 
tion as  mayor  in  the  city  of  Mil- 
waukee two  years  ago  and  the  splen- 
did administration  of  its' affairs  during 
his  incumbency  of  that  office.  Though 
defeated  for  re-el^tion  this  spring,  it 
was  not  due  to  either  want  of  confi- 
dence in  the  man,  nor  the  administra- 
tion of  the  citsr's  alEairs  by  Mr.  Seidel 
or  those  elected  to  office  at  the  same 
time  with  him,  but  to  the  fact  of  an 
obliteration  of  the  republican  and 
democratic  parties  and  the  merging  of 
their  combined  forces  into  a  non- 
partisan party  in  that  city.  So  instead 
of  being  a  "three-cornered"  race  as  it 
was  two  years  ago,  it  was  all  opposi- 
tion arraigned  against  Seidel.  But  at 
that,  he  and  the  party  he  represented 
received  oiter  three  thousand  votes 
more  than  they  did  when  elected  two 
years  before. 

Both  Debs  €uid  Seidel  are  able 
champions  for  the  cause  of  labor,  and 
their  party  platform  will  firmly  insist 
upon  the  rights  of  labor  not  only  being 
universally  raised  to  the  best  union 
standards  of  today,  but  even  much 
more.  The  republican  and  democratic 
conventions  will  be  held  this  month, 
so  we  will  soon  know  the  personnel  of 
their  candidates  and  the  doctrines 
enunciated  in  their  platforms  and  at 
the  time  of  going  to  press  there  ap- 
pears to  be  a  race  royal  in  each  of  the 
old  parties  for  the  honor  of  heading 
their  respective  tickets  in  the  impend- 
ing campaign. 

While  labor  is  concerned  in  the  per- 
sonnel of  the  candidates  to  the  extent 
of  the  belief  that  they  should  measure 


as  nearly  as  possible  up  to  ideal  stand- 
ards of  manhood,  upon  which  all  good 
government  rests,  yet  above  and  be- 
yond the  personal  ideals  or  aspirations 
of  any  candidate  for  leadership  prefer- 
ment is  the  advocacy  and  securement 
of  sultaible  conditions  of  life  for  those 
who  do  the  world's  useful  work;  that 
should  be  of  greatest  moment  all  the 
while.  Parties  and  measures  should 
only  be  supported  when  they  are 
known  to  be  the  best  means  to  that 
end,  and  this  should  be  the  dominant 
thought  in  the  mind  of  all  citizens  in 
November  when  they  oast  their  ballots 
for  those  heading  the  tickets.  Labor 
should  scan  well  every  partsr's  record 
now  seeking  its  vote,  and  after  such 
scanning  be  ready  on  November  6th  to 
deposit  its  expression  of  choice  accord- 
ing to  the  manner  each  party's  record 
measures  up  to  the  standard  of  hon- 
orable labor  ethics.  Let  there  be  a 
thorough  study  into  each  partsr's 
record  and  the  verdict  of  the  voter  be 
reached  after  a  thorough  study  into 
the  questions  at  issue,  which,  if  done 
in  such  manner,  there  will  be  many 
surprises  in  store  for  the  people  after 
the  counting  of  the  votes.  Every  citi- 
zen who  has  a  proper  regard  for  the 
welfare  of  his  own  conditions  should 
make  it  a  point  to  be  registered  and  to 
go  to  the  polls  and  vote,  since  it  is  to 
their  public  servants  they  must  look 
for  proper  protection  and  conditions. 


THE  WORLD  MOVES. 

According  to  the  acceptance  of  the 
Bristow  amendment  to  the  joint  reso- 
lution recently  brought  before  Con- 
gress proposing  to  amend  the  conati- 
tution  to  the  effect  that  United  States 
Senators  be  elected  by  direct  vote  in 
their  respective  states,  instead  of  by 
their  representatives  in  state  legisla- 
tures as  now,  the  question  of  aocept- 
ant;e  of  this  principle  as  an  amend- 
ment to  the  constitution  will  now  be 


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UNION  OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


866 


submitted  to  the  legislatures  of  the 
different  states  for  ratification  and,  if 
ratified  by  three-fourths  of  them,  it 
will  be  embodied  in  the  amendments 
of  the  constitution.  For  many  years 
ibis  Question  has  been  advocated  by 
advanced  progressives,  but  this  is  the 
first  time  such  a  resolution  has  passed 
both  houses,  which  is  a  necessary  pro- 
cedure before  it  could  be  submitted  to 
the  different  states  for  approval  or  re- 
jection. This  marks  a  step  towards 
progress,  even  though  it  has  taken  so 
long  to  get  such  joint  action  in  Con- 
sresa  More  and  more  is  the  tendency 
of  the  public  mind  inclined  to  the  be- 
lief that  the  voice  of  the  people  should 
be  the  controlling  factor  pertaining 
to  all  questions  of  public  estate/  and 
e&a;>ecially  so  in  reference  to  the  choice 
of  the  public  servants  who  are  en- 
trusted with  the  grave  responsibilities 
of  making  the  laws  under  which  we 
live,  as  well  aa  those  who  interpret 
them.  Here  is  afforded  to  all  citizens 
in  the  union  an  opportunity  to  get  in 
touch  with  their  representatives  in  the 
state  legislature  of  the  state  of  which 
they  are  citizens  and  urge  upon  them 
their  views  upon  this  question  and,  if 
they  believe  in  a  real  democratic  form 
of  government  (wbere  the  people  have 
a  voice  and  vote  for  all  public  oflicials, 
etc.,)  then  they  should  urge  their  rep- 
resentatives to  support  this  proposed 
constitutional  amendment.  It  is  to 
be  regretted  that  another  joint  resolu- 
tion was  not  provided  for  submission 
to  the  legislatures  along  with  this  one, 
and  which  is  that  all  United  States 
Judges  and  postmasters  be  also  elected 
by  direct  vote  of  the  people.  At  least 
progression  has  been  made  from  the 
fact  that  both  houses  in  Congress 
have  awakened  to  the  call  of  the  peo- 
ple sufficiently  to  allow  the  proposition 
upon  the  question  of  popular  election 
of  Senators  to  be  placed  before  the 
various  State  legislatures  with  a  view 


of  having  the  principle  become  a  part 
of  the  constitution  if  they  so  will  it 
The  world  moves. 


A  RCSPONSIBILITY  RESTING  UPON  ALL 

If  you  feel  that  your  lodge  is  not 
conducting  matters  in  the  manner  it 
should,  it  is  possible  that  your  absence 
from  its  meetings,  or  a  failure  to  take 
an  active  interest  in  its  affairs,  may 
have  been  largely  the  cause  of  things 
being  somewhat  out  of  gear.  Bach 
member  should  always  remember  if  he 
does  not  perform  his  own  part  of  the 
obligations  due  to  the  organization  he 
has  no  right  to  expect  that  the  union 
can  do  its  part  towards  him.  If  you 
will  come  out  to  your  meetings,  par- 
ticipate in  the  exercises  and  aid  the 
officers  in  their  efforts  to  promote  the 
welfare  of  the  organization,  they  will 
only  be  too  glad  to  reciprocate  and 
help  you  all  they  can.  If  all  members 
of  the  lodges  will  pay  their  dues 
promptly  and  do  all  they  can  in  other 
ways  to  promote  the  interests  of  the 
organization,  there  will  never  be  any 
question  about  their  standing  in  the 
lodge,  nor  in  regard  to  their  attitude 
upon  every  question  coming  before  it 
for  action. 

Many  just  reforms  are  either  de- 
feated or  seriously  delayed  and  handi- 
capped on  account  of  the  indifference 
and  neglect  of  the  members,  who 
should  be  as  much  interested  in  their 
successful  termination  as  are  those 
who  are  making  great  efforts  and  sac- 
rifices in  trying  to  upbuild  the  organ- 
ization and  promote  its  interests  every 
day  of  their  lives.  It  is  the  sacred 
duty  of  every  member  of  a  labor  union, 
as  it  is  a  member  of  any  other  form 
of  society,  to  assume  his  full  share  of 
the  obligations  incumbent  upon  such 
union  or  society;  and  its  success  or 
failure  hinges  very  largely  upon  the 
atttitude  assumed  by  each  individual 
member.    The  lodge  officers  may  be  of 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE   SWITQEDOBN^B 


the  best  possible  brand  of  manhood, 
efficiency  and  progressiveness,  and  do 
all  they  can  to  promote  the  cause  in 
which  they  are  enlisted,  yet  with  their 
very  best  attention  devoted  to  the 
cause,  their  efforts  will  fall  far  short 
of  the  success  that  results  from  their 
energies  expended,  or  what  they  had  a 
right  to  expect,  unless  having  the 
hearty  support  and  co-operation  of 
every  memiber. 

This  union  needs  the  active  and 
loyal  support  of  every  member  of  it, 
and  every  member  of  it  owes  his  best 
possible  support  to  it  for  what  he  has 
already  secured  through  its  efforts  in 
his  behalf.  No  member  can  hope  for 
the  enjoyment  of  good  wage  and  work- 
ing conditions  unless  his  attitude  to- 
wards it  is  that  of  a  sincere  friend  and 
advocate.  In  that  respect,  this  union 
is  no  exception  from  any  other,  and 
every  member  of  it  is  an  active  advo- 
cate in  the  promotion  of  its  welfare, 
or  else  is  indifferent  in  regard  to  his 
own  welfare.  Each  member  should 
share  his  full  part  of  the  responsibil- 
ity and  must  do  so  if  it  grows  and 
prospers  as  it  should,  and  its  member- 
ship receive  the  advantages  and  pro- 
tection they  should.  A  responsibility 
rests  upon  all,  and  all  should  bear 
their  full  share  of  it. 


THC  EXCRCISC  Of  PRCROGATIVCS. 

As  defined  in  the  Standard  Diction- 
ary, a  prerogative  is  "An  indefensible 
and  unquestionable  right  belonging  to 
a  person  or  body  of  persons  by  virtue 
of  position,  or  relation,  and  exercised 
without  control  or  accountal)ility; 
specifically,  a  hereditary  or  official 
right;  as  the  prerogative  of  a  father 
to  compel  his  children's  obedience, 
etc.,  etc." 

The  exercise  of  prerogatives  has 
ever  been  an  inherent  right  of  the  hu- 
man race.  Their  proper  exercise  be- 
comes a  very  serious  question   with 


every  one  when  arriving  at  the  age  of 
accountability,  anil  must  even  be  seri- 
ously   reckoned    with    in   the   puerile 
stages    of    life,    since    they    manifest 
themselves  in  no  uncertain  mood  long 
before  childhood  reaches  its  teens.    It 
is  an  inherent  attribute  of  our  anato- 
my, one  we  cannot  discard  if  we  try, 
nor  should  we  if  we  could.     Like  all 
other  human  traits  it  is  susceptible  to 
culture     and     development     and     its 
proper   exercise   is   greatly    aided    by 
education.    The  true  standing  of  man 
or  woman,  groups  of  individuals,  or 
even  governments,  is  largely  measured 
by  the  exercise  of  prerogatives  and  the 
respect  secured  for  them  from  those 
to    whom    directed    and    upon    whom 
their   terms  apply.     Were  the  differ- 
ent minds,  of  which  world  society  is 
constituted,  all  of  one  blend  of  com- 
placency, the  question  of  prerogatives 
would  be  a  uniform  one  instead  of  a 
multifarious  one,  or  one  for  every  dlf 
ferent  unit  of  society,  as  we  find  It  to- 
day.    The  exercise  of  this  God  given 
quality  of  the  human  mind  is  one  that 
manifests  itself  almost  as  soon  as  our  . 
entity  begins  and  remains  a  dominant 
force  for  good  or  evil  so  long  as  we 
have  our  rational  being.     Though   it 
may    not    be    always    directed    as    it 
should  be,  or  exercised  according  to 
the  best  dictates  of  mature  judgment 
and  deliberation,  yet  it  continues  to 
act  and  we  are  held  accountable  for 
the  actions,  however  impulsive  or  ir- 
rational   they    may    be,    or    however 
much  good   or  evil  may   result  from 
such  actions.    The  effects  of  preroga- 
tives vary  greatly  in  scope  and  pur- 
port,  though   the  principle  actuating 
them   may   be  the  same  or  at  least 
similar,  whether  they  are  exercised  by 
the  nursing  babe,  the  parent,  a  war 
general,  despotic  ruler  of  a  great  cor- 
poration or  government.    Their  effects 
upon  society  vary  also,  according  to 
the  number  affected  by  them  and  their 


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nature.  Thus  the  stem  prerogative 
of  an  infant  against  the  mandates  of 
its  mother  may  only  cause  broken- 
hearted despondency  in  Irresponsible 
filial  matters,  as  far  as  the  child  is 
concerned,  though  many  times  being 
the  cause  of  trying  ordeals  in  the  pa> 
ental  exercise  and  proper  adjustment 
of  them.  The  prerogative  of  a  general 
in  command  of  an  army  may  mean  the 
crushing  of  thousands  of  lives  and  the 
visitations  of  untold  sorrows  upon 
loved  ones  as  the  result  of  an  exercise 
of  it.  The  same  is  true  in  their  ex- 
ercise by  great  rulers  of  state  under 
whatever  title  their  official  capacity 
may  be  designated  by,  and  often  the 
great  masses  of  citizenship  under 
them  are  greatly  iperturbed  and  justly 
so,  on  account  of  a  questionable  exer- 
cise of  a  prerogative  of  some  ruler 
elected  to  represent  the  interests  of 
the  constituency  of  a  borough,  muni- 
cipality, county,  state  or  government, 
as  the  case  may  be.  Their  exercise  by 
officials  of  great  corporate  interests 
are  also  many  times  most  nauseating 
to  a  host  of  their  employes  who  are 
seriously  affected  by  their  scope  and 
purports.  A  concrete  illustration  of 
this  form  of  the  exercise  of  a  preroga- 
tive was  that  lately  exercised  by  the 
officials  of  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad 
Company  where  it  was  applied  for  the 
purpose  of  abrogating  a  portion  of  a 
wage  and  working  agreement  with  the 
Brotherhood  of  Railroad  Trainmen 
and  the  Order  of  Railroad  Conductors, 
with  which  it  had  formerly  entered 
into  contracts.  As  the  result  of  it 
there  was  a  reduction  in  wages  of 
passenger  conductors  on  forty-seven 
runs,  ranging  from  $7.3i9  to  $88.76  per 
month;  brakemen  on  forty-seven  runs, 
ranging  from  $4.10  to  $55.84  per 
month;  and  baggagemen  on  thirty-two 
runs,  ranging  from  $1.57  to  $60.00  per 
month.  In  other  words,  by  the  exer- 
cise of  the  prerogative  of  the  general 


transportation  manager  of  that  system 
on  February  29th,  as  expressed  in  cir- 
cular 67,  he  made  a  most  serious  in- 
road upon  the  earnings  of  those  three 
classed  of  employes,  taking  from  each  of 
them  amounts  varying,  according  to  the 
figures  as  above  given,  and  which  in 
the  aggregate  means  a  handsome  sum 
for  the  company,  even  for  one  month, 
and  an  average  loss  to  the  group  of 
men  involved  of  21  per  cent,  of  their 
wages  formerly  received  on  those 
runs.  But,  as  a  precedent  for  such 
exercise  of  prerogative,  the  comipany 
was  perhaps  somewhat  actuated  in  its 
motives  by  the  exercise  of  one  by  the 
Brotherhood  of  Trainmen  who,  at  the 
time  of  entering  into  an  agreement 
some  time  prior  to  the  company's  ex- 
ercise of  prerogative  to  reduce  their 
pay,  were  a  party  to  an  arrangement 
whereby  authority  was  given  to  the 
company  to  work  their  switch  engines 
with  two  switchmen  instead  of  with 
three  (the  minimum  complement  of 
switchmen  that  should  be  allowed  to 
work  with  any  such  engine,  and  the 
minimum  numrber  trying  to  be  se- 
cured by  law  for  such  crews)  in  twenty- 
eight  specified  yards  along  that  sys- 
tem if  they  so  desired.  The  company, 
of  course,  gladly  complied  with  this 
arrangement  to  add  to  its  dividends 
and  have  its  yards  protected  (?)  and 
took  the  third  man  off  of  those  en- 
gines. This  exercise  of  prerogative 
was,  of  course,  exercised  in  compli- 
ance with  the  expressed  willingness  of 
the  representatives  of  the  largest  rail- 
road brotherhood  in  the  world  and 
whose  proud  slogan  is  its  ability  to  af- 
ford the  greatest  protection  to  its 
membership  of  any  railroad  union  ex- 
tant. Tet  it  had  no  serious  scruples  in 
exercising  a  prerogative  that  legislated 
one  of  its  members  out  of  a  job  on 
all  those  switching  crews  working  day 
and  night  shifts  in  those  twenty-eight 
specified  yards.     Please  let  it  also  be 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


868 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


borne  in  mind  that  those  memberB  of 
that  great  labor  (?)  union  were  also 
presented  with  a  substantial  assess- 
ment for  the  purpose  of  helping  de- 
fray the  expense  incurred!  by  the  com- 
mittee to  legislate  themselves  out  of  a 
j€(b.  But,  thanks  to  a  highly  devel- 
oped theology  of  loyalty  (?)  incul- 
cated into  the  hearts  of  their  brethren, 
their  assessments  are  always  forth- 
coming, even  though  it  be  to  defray 
the  expense  of  putting  themselves  out 
of  positions.  Such  exercise  of  pre- 
rogatives is  certainly  the  wonder  of 
the  age  in  which  we  live,  and  the  com- 
pany, not  any  too  appreciative  of  the 
expression  of  loyalty  on  the  part  of 
the  brotherhood,  concluded  to  give  It 
a  further  test  by  the  exercise  of  a 
prerogative  which  they  did  in  the 
form  of  a  reduction  in  pay,  as  above 
cited.  Thus  those  men  who  have 
been  compelled  to  sacrifice  a  fifth  of 
their  earnings  on  account  of  this 
variety  of  exercise  of  prerogative,  also 
allowed  practically  one-third  of  their 
switchmen  to  be  taken  off  of  the 
switch  engines  in  twenty-eight  yards. 
Now,  the  status  of  something  like 
175,000  men,  who  are  members  of  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  and  the  O.  R.  C,  and  both 
of  which  onganizations  claim  substan- 
tial majorities  of  the  men  working  in 
those  departments  on  that  system  af- 
fected by  the  company's  exercise  of 
the  prerogative,  that  has  so  disastrous- 
ly been  applied  to  their  earnings 
which  formerly  went  to  their  familiea, 
is  in  the  balance  and  it  would  seem 
that  at  least  those  switchmen,  mem- 
bers of  the  brotherhood  who  were 
taken  out  of  service  through  the 
negotiations  of  their  brothers,  (?) 
would  somewhat  question  the  powers 
of  the  great  fulcrum  trying  to  hold 
them  in  proper  equilibrium;  at  least 
a  fefw  more  Jolts  of  this  brand  of  pro- 
tection would  fill  the  cup  of  sorrow  to 
the  point  of  overflow  in  the  hearts  of 


some  switchmen  not  so  well  nurtured 
in  the  ethics  of  loyalty  and  protection. 
The  other  railroad  brotherhoods,  as 
well  as  all  labor  unions,  are  watching 
with  apprehensive  fortitude  the  quali- 
ty of  exercise  of  prerogative,  if  any. 
that  will  manifest  itself  in  resistance 
to  such  an  onslaught  being  made  upon 
the  brothers  of  these  two  great  labor 
brotherhoods,  whether  they  will  fight 
to  prevent  its  continuance  or  let  it  go 
by  default  It  has  required  years  of 
strenuous  effort  on  the  part  ot  those 
organizations  to  secure  those  wage 
schedules  that  were  'so  ruthlessly 
punctured  by  the  management  of  that 
company  and  yet  there  seems  to  have 
been  no  published  list  of  stockholders 
on  that  system  that  have  had  to  go  to 
the  poorhouse  on  account  of  th«a. 
But  a  few  more  exercises  of  preroga- 
tives  like  the  one  Just  administered, 
and  some  of  the  loyal  trainmen  wiU 
not  be  far  from  its  door.  All  that  or- 
ganized labor  has  ever  accomplished 
or  ever  will  secure  has  been  throogb 
the  exercise  of  the  prerogatives  its  ad- 
herents saw  fit  to  exercise  and  push  to 
the  limits  that  brought  the  desired  re- 
sults to  them,  and  which  they  believed 
they  were  Justly  entitled  to.  Corpor- 
ate exercise  of  prerogatives  is  baaed 
very  largely  at  present,  as  it  has  ever 
been,  upon  the  presumable  attitude  of 
those  to  be  affected  by  their  exercise 
of  them.  Their  severity  or  leniency 
depends  upon  the  probable  amount  of 
war  anticipated  against  them  or  will- 
ingness on  the  part  of  those  to  whom 
directed  to  peacefully  submit  to  them. 
There  will  soon  be  an  opportunity 
given  to  several  millions  of  workers 
in  this  country  to  exercise  their  pre- 
rogative in  the  selection  of  rulers  or 
servants  for  a  term  of  four  years.  It 
behooves  every  worker  clothed  with 
the  right  of  such  prerogative  to  exer- 
cise well  his  mind  in  regard  to  the 
great  questions  of  policy  at  issue  in 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


this  Impending  conflict  for  the  pur- 
pose of  influencing  the  voters  through- 
out  the  land.  There  is  no  difficulty 
in  finding  your  true  friends  in  this 
battle  if  you  so  desire — friends  who 
are  always  outspoken  for  anythlLg  or- 
ganized labor  endeavors  to  secure 
from  corporate  wealth — friends  who 
come  out  openly  an-d  firmly  in  advo- 
cacy of  labor  unions  and  every  prln 
ciple  essential  to  their  development 
JLs  men  who  are  trying  to  be  good 
unionists,  let  us  pry  loose  the  lid  of 
prejudice  so  long  corked  up  in  our 
mental  chambers,  and  allow  the  light 
pf  reason  and  consistency  to  circulate 
therein  and,  when  we  have  so  done, 
let  us  go  to  the  polls  and  cast  our  bal- 
lot for  those  who  have  ever  espoused 
our  cause,  instead  of  for  those  who 
have  been  giving  us  broken  promises 
and  bayonets.  Every  member  of  every 
labor  organization  should  guard  wel! 
his  right  to  an  exercise  of  his  pre- 
rogative upon  every  question  at  issue 
in  the  world,  otherwise  there  is  no  as- 
surance of  proper  possession  and  en- 
joyment of  it. 


''NKKCL   PLATE''  MCMB»S  Of  THIS 

UNION  NOW  HAVE  SCtlCDULC  IN 

BUrrALO  TOiMINAL. 

The  members  of  this  union  now 
working  in  the  N.  Y.,  C.  ft  St.  L. 
(Nickel  Plate)  Buffalo  yards  are  doing 
80  undier  an  agreement  recently  entered 
into  between  the  general  manager  of 
that  company  and  the  members  of  this 
union.  The  brothers  are  all  well 
pleased  over  the  results  of  their  com- 
mittee's work  in  adjusting  this  mat- 
ter, and  since  they  had  90  per  cent,  of 
those  employed  in  the  Buffalo  ter- 
minal in  their  membership,  it  wasn't 
a  diflicult  matter  to  convince  the  ofli- 
cials  of  the  company  of  their  right  to 
the  working  schedule,  even  though  thp 
Trainmen  had  held  it  for  several  years 
and  bitterly  protested  against  giving  it 


up  at  this  time.  We  feel  sure  our 
brothers  will  all  do  their  utmost  to 
keep  their  forces  well  organized  in 
that  terminal,  as  well  as  to  attend 
faithfully  to  a  strict  observance  of  the 
terms  of  their  new  agreement  By  a 
course  of  this  kind  there  can  be  no 
cause  for  regret  on  the  part  of  any- 
one, on  account  of  the  work  recently 
accomplished  by  the  brothers  in  the 
"Nickel  Plate"  terminal. 


CNGINCCRS'  CONTROVERSY  TO  BE 
SETTLED  BY  ARBITRATION. 

The  engineers  of  the  eastern  section 
of  the  country,  who  have  for  some 
time  been  advocating  a  substantial  in- 
crease of  pay,  and  who,  after  their  de- 
mands had  been  refused  by  the  rail- 
road companies  involved,  took  a  strike 
vote  of  their  membership  involved  in 
the  controversy,  with  the  result  that 
it  received  a  large  majority  vote  in 
favor  of  going  to  that  extreme  if  neces- 
sary to  secure  the  advances  in  pay. 
However,  any  possibility  there  may 
have  been  of  going  to  that  extreme 
limit  to  settle  their  wage  move  has 
now  been  averted  by  a  mutual  agree- 
ment to  have  the  question  settled  by 
arbitration.  According  to  the  plan  as 
now  arranged  each  party  to  the  con- 
troversy will  select  one  arbiter  and 
those  two  select  flve  others  and  the 
seven  thus  selected  hear  the  evidence 
and  make  the  award  according  to  their 
convictions  from  the  facts  submitted. 
So  f^r  two  of  these  judges  have  been 
selected.  President  Willard  of  the  B., 
O.  ft  S.  W.  Railway,  for  the  companies, 
and  P.  H.  Morrissey  of  the  Railroad 
Employers  and  Investors'  Association, 
for  the  engineers.  In  the  event  these 
two  fail  to  agree  upon  the  selection  of 
the  other  flve  within  a  specifled  time 
limit,  their  selection  will  be  made  by 
other  parties  provided  for  in  the  terms 
of  the  plan  for  arbitration  as  agreed 
upon  when  deciding  upon  that  mode 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


870 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


of  settlement.  The  engineers  seek  to 
ha^e  their  wages  equalized  on  a  basis 
already  enjoyed  by  the  men  employed 
on  the  lines  west  of  the  Mississippi 
river.  There  are  several  thousand 
men  Involved  in  the  movement,  and 
should  they  be  successful,  as  we  hope 
they  will  be,  in  getting  what  they  ask 
for,  it  will  mean  about  $18,000,000 
more  annually  for  their  labors  and 
their  homes. 


MAY  IT  SCRVC  A  USCrUL  MISSION. 

The  Titanic  disaster,  which  carried 
so  many  to  an  untimely  watery  grave 
on    account    of    improper    life-saving 
precautions,  has  brought  to  the  atten- 
tion of  the  world,  as  no  other  misfor- 
tune, if  such  a  mild  term  may  be  used 
in  reference  to    that    life-destruction 
disaster,  has  been  able  to  bring  out  and 
focus    public   attention    upon.     As    a 
result  of  the  adverse  comment,  to  the 
utter  disregard  to  safety  precautions 
for  the  crew  and  passengers  embarked 
upon  that  vessel,  and  the  awful  death- 
toll  sacrificed  to  make  dividends  for 
the   steamship   line   and   dangers   for 
those    furnishing    the    revenue    from 
which  profits  were  derived,    may    be 
found  food  for  useful  lessons  for  fu- 
ture guidance.    From  this  lesson,  and 
the  comment  brought  out  on  account 
of  it,  it  is  found   that    scarcely   any 
oceanic    vessels    afloat    are    equipped 
with  anything  near  enough  lifeboats 
to  provide  in  them   a   place   for   the 
crews  and  passengers  on  such  vessels 
in  the  event  of  a  similar  misha"^  ^n  a 
voyage,  that  befell  this  mighty  steau.  ^ 
on  her  maiden  trip.    Displacement  c. 
room  and  equipment  necessary  for  life- 
saving  precautions  has  been  sacrificed 
into    promenades,    larger   parlors,    or 
anything    else    that    would    afford    a 
means    of    increased    earnings.      The 
saving  of  life  is  a  question  relegated 
to  the  rear,  in  the  mind  of  shipbuild- 
ing architects,  and,  of  course,  so  at 


the  instance  of  the  corporations  hav- 
ing them  constructed,  since  the  archi- 
tectural  features  entering    into    any- 
thing built  is  but  a  reflection  of  that 
which  is  desired  by  those  financing  the 
construction  of  it,  and  since  a  large 
dividend  is  the  end  sought,  it  is  but 
natural  that  master  minds  call  for  de- 
signs that  will  produce  them,  regard- 
less   of   anything   else,    especially   so 
when   they  can  keep  within  the  law 
when  so  doing.     Since    that    disaster 
occurred,  it  has  become  known  to  the 
public  that  even  the  war  ships  go  to 
sea  with  far  less  supply  of  lifeboats 
than  would  be  necessary  to  provide  for 
their  crews,  if  such  an  accident  should 
befall   one   of   those   vessels.     Hence, 
while  taking  to  task  those  survivors 
connected    with    the    sinking    of    the 
great  leviathan  that  cost  so  many  lives, 
it  would  be  well  for  the  Senate  com- 
mittee to  make  special  effort  to  pro- 
vide for  adequate  safety  appliances  for 
our  government  vessels,  while  they  are 
bringing  to  the  attention  of  the  world 
the  deficiency  of  lifeboats  on  commer- 
cial vessels.    Every   day   of  the  year 
there's  a  Titanic  disaster,  and    then 
some    in    the    aggregate,    when    the 
world's    fatalities    are    collected    and 
tabulated,  due  to  the  disregard  in  re- 
spect to  safety  of  the  workers  of  the 
world,  and  yet  but  little  attention  does 
it  receive  from  those  in  control  of  in- 
dustry or  those  filling  the  legislative 
halls  in  the  nations  of  the  world.    As 
a  rule,  this  titanic  sacrifice  is  nearly 
a^ll  contributed  by  the  poor  toilers,  and 
consequently  but  little  heed  is  given  to 
it.    In  this  one,  though,  there  was  an 
unusually     large     representation     of 
wealthy  people,  who  found  themselves 
on  a  level  with  their  poorer  kindred 
and  who  lost  their  lives  on  account  of 
inadequate  supply  of  lifesaving  boats. 
It  was  due  to  this  fact  that  this  dis- 
aster has  received  the  degree  of  puln 
licity  it  has,  and  It  will  doubtless  have 
some  influence  towards  securing  legls- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


871 


lation  for  protection  against  t^epetitions 
of  such  catastrophies  in  the  future. 
Almost  every  railroad,  factory,  mine, 
or  other  corporate  institution  of  such 
nature  Is  beeet  with  pitfalls  and  dan- 
gers which  are  a  constant  menace  to 
the  lives  of  those  doin&  its  work  and 
no  day  is  there  during  the  year  but 
that  there  is  unnecessary  sacrifice  of 
lives  around  them,  due  to  the  disre- 
gard of  arrangements  to  prevent  them 
and  which  are  not  installed  on  account 
of  the  effect  their  introduction  would 
have  on  their  dividends.  Whenever 
human  life  values  are  placed  above 
those  of  material  matter,  titanic  de- 
struction of  them  will  soon  be  reduced 
to  a  sane  minimum.  Whatever  tend- 
ency the  loss  of  the  wealthy  passen- 
gers on  the  fateful  night  of  April  14th 
may  have  towards  the  enactment  of 
suitable  legislation  for  the  prevention 
of  accidents  to  those  whose  duties 
place  their  lives  largely  in  the  care  of 
such  institutions,  so  far  will  their  loss 
have  served  a  useful  mission  to  man- 
kind. 


Wa.L  DONC»  LAKC  SHORE  BROTHCRS 

The  attention  of  our  readers  is  called 
to  the  letter  from  our  Lake  Shore 
brothers  elsewhere  in  this  issue,  rela- 
tive to  the  renewal  of  schedule  be- 
tween the  members  of  this  union  and 
the  Lake  Shore  ft  Michigan  Southern 
Railroad  Company,  governing  the  wage 
and  working  conditions  in  every  yard 
along  that  system.  The  lodges  along 
that  road  deserve  much  credit  for 
maintaining  the  solidarity  of  member- 
ship as  they  have,  and  which  stood 
them  in  hand  so  well  when  the  time 
came  for  entering  into  negotiations 
with  the  general  manager  for  a  new 
agreement.  The  success  with  which 
the  committee  met  in  straightening 
out  the  matter  of  long  standing  under- 
payment for  the  men  engaged  in  pas- 
senger switching  service  at  Toledo  and 


Cleveland  was  an  accomplishment  of 
most  meritorious  work  on  the  part  of 
the  committee. 

Just  why  anyone  engaged  in  switch- 
ing service  in  any  yard  along  that 
system  doesn't  belong  to  this  union  Is 
a  conundrum  difficult  of  solution.  But 
80  per  cent,  or  more  of  them  do  belong 
to  it,  so  there  was  no  question  in  the 
mind  of  the  general  manager  as  to 
whom  he  should  do  business  with  when 
arranging  conditions  that  should  pre- 
vail In  the  yards  where  they  work. 
These  brothers  afford  an  excellent 
Illustration  of  what  may  be  accom- 
plished along  all  other  systems  when 
the  men  switching  cars  along  them  at- 
tend to  the  question  of  properly  organ- 
izing their  forces,  and  which  is  a  ques- 
tion of  vital  importance  to  all  who 
follow  the  vocation  for  a  livelihood, 
and  therefore  one  they  should  all  be 
much  concerned  about.  Well  done, 
Lake  Shore  brothers! 


The  attention  of  the  members  of  all 
Buffalo  lodges  1b  called  to  the  an- 
nouncement In  Bro.  Meaney's  (39)  let- 
ter, In  this  issue  of  Journal,  relative 
to  the  outing  to  be  given  by  the  Buf- 
falo District  Council,  Thursday,  Aug. 
1st,  to  Crystal  Beach,  the  tickets  for 
which  are  already  printed  and  ready 
for  distribution.  It  Is  the  hope  of  the 
council  to  make  a  most  pleasant  event 
of  this  outing,  and  the  committee  In 
charge  are  sparing  no  efforts  to  see 
that  It  proves  to  be  just  that  very 
thing.  It  Is  their  desire  to  have  the 
family  of  every  switchman  in  Buffalo 
participate  In  the  enjoyment  of  this 
outing,  which  Is  given  for  the  benefit 
of  all  lodges  of  this  union  In  the  city. 
The  price  of  round  trip  tickets,  good 
on  all  boats  to  that  point,  Is  25  cents 
for  adults  and  15  cents  foi'  children. 
The  committee  also  desire  It  under- 
stood that.  In  the  event  of  Inability  of 
anyone  being  able  to  use  their  tickets 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


872 


JOURNAL   OF  THE   SWITCH10»ra 


on  Aug.  1st,  they  will  be  good  on  those 
boats  any  day  of  the  week  thereafter, 
except  on  Saturdays  and  Sundays. 
They  also  desire  the  fact  to  be  known 
that  the  council  will  derive  no  revenue 
on  any  tickets  sold  unless  they  are 
stamped  as  given  by  the  District 
Council  of  the  3,  U.  of  N.  A.  Another 
thing  they  desire  made  known  in  con- 
nection with  the  purchase  of  tickets: 
The  switchmen's  tickets  may  be  pur- 
chased on  the  day  of  the  outing  at  the^ 
ticket  booth  at  the  foot  of  Main  street, 
provided  they  are  called  for,  but  un- 
less the  call  is  for  this  particular  kind 
of  ticket  it  will  not  be  given  and  the 
commission  on  them  will  be  lost.  The 
committee  in  charge  of  the  matter 
have  been  very  fortunate  in  getting 
the  concessions  they  have  in  regard  to 
time  limitations  on  use  of  their  tickets, 
and  if  the  families  of  the  switchmen  of 
Buffalo  will  arrange  their  time  of  out- 
ings to  that  famous  summer  resort  for 
Aug.  Ist,  or  any  date  thereafter  during 
the  season,  excepting  Saturdays  and 
Sundays,  and  make  it  a  point  to  se- 
cure only  switchmen  tickets,  there  is 
no  reason  why  a  nice  amount  may  not 
be  turned  into  the  treasury  of  the 
council.  All  Buffalo  lodges  are  re- 
quested by  the  committee  to  give  as 
much  publicity  to  this  matter  as  pos- 
sible, and  the  members  and  their  fam- 
ilies to  encourage  the  project  all  they 
can,  and  if  they  do  so  its  success  is 
assured. 


The  habit  of  paying  dues  and  assess- 
ments promptly  In  advance  as  required 
by  the  constitution,  to  enable  the 
treasurer  to  arrange  his  report  and  re- 
mittance and  forward  them  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer  before 
the  first  of  the  month,  is  a  most  com- 
mendable kind  of  practice  to  get  Into, 
and,  in  fact,  is  the  only  sane  and  safe 
method  to  pursue  in  regard  to  such 
matters.    The  neglect  of  attention  at 


the  right  time  in  such  things  has  been 
the  cause  of  many  lapses  in  insurance 
policies,  and  as  a  result  brought  many 
sorrowful  heartaches  to  those  left  be- 
hind, and  all  on  account  of  neglect  in 
the  payment  of  dues.  Tour  insurance, 
above  most  anything  else,  is  a  thing 
you  can't  play  with  or  neglect  without 
great  and  bitter  sacrifice.  Its  pro- 
visions are  based  on  rigid  rules,  as 
they  must  be,  and  no  one  is  safe  who 
disregards  them.  Cultivate  the  habit 
of  always  having  your  dues  in  your 
treasurer's  hands  in  ample  time  to  pro- 
tect you  and  you'll  be  on  the  safe  side ; 
otherwise  not. 


The  star  of  hope  and  success  in  any 
lodge  in  this  union  lies  in  the  efforts 
exerted  by  its  members  to  thoroughly 
acquaint  themselves  pertaining  to  its 
mission  in  the  labor  movement,  and 
then  make  all  with  whom  you  work 
conversant  with  them.  Wherever  this 
policy  is  generally  applied  by  the  mem- 
bers there  we  are  able  to  find  the  near- 
est approach  to  ideal  conditions. 


The  attention  of  all  members  is 
called  to  the  fact  of  the  desire  of  the 
Grand  Board  of  Directors  to  receive 
as  many  of  the  suggestions  for  pro- 
posed changes  in  the  constitution  as 
possible  before  their  next  meeting, 
which  will  be  held  in  September,  In 
order  that  any  of  the  lodges  or  mem- 
bers thereof  may  desire  to  submit  for 
their  consideration  with  a  view  of  hav- 
ing them  incorporated  in  the  oonstitu- 
tion  to  be  adopted  at  the  convention  at 
Houston,  Texas,  next  year.  According 
to  Section  199  of  our  constitution,  such 
recommendations  should  be  sent  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 
and  through  him  be  given  to  the 
Grand  Board  of  Directors  in  time  that 
they  may  be  gone  over  by  its  members 
and  arranged  by  them  for  transmls- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRIGA. 


873 


Bion  to  the  subordinate  lodges  for  their 
action  thereon.  As  this  is  a  matter  of 
much  importance,  members  or  lodges 
having  studied  out  changes  they  be- 
lieve would  be  an  improvement  over 
our  present  laws  should  send  them  in 
80  the  Grand  Board  of  Directors,  which 
is  now  the  constitution  committee, 
may  have  ample  time  and  opportunity 
to  attend  to  this  very  important  duty. 
There  should  be  no  delay  in  regard  to 
this  matter. 


from  Vke-Presidefit  Cofinofs. 

Louisville,  Ky. 

BDITOB  fiWITCHM£N'B  JoUBI7AL: 

Eksonomic  conditions  are  constantly 
changing.  The  day  of  individual  effort 
in  the  labor  crafts  has  undergone  radi- 
cal changes  within  the  last  few  years. 
Today  we  find  that  it  is  impossible 
for  any  one  craft  to  stand  out  against 
combined  opposition.  The  employer  is 
federated.  You,  the  workers,  the  pro- 
ducers of  all  the  world's  goods,  must 
organize  if  you  wish  to  successfully 
cope  with  organized  capital.  This 
should  be  perfectly  clear  to  every 
working  man,  since  every  great  indus- 
try, every  great  movement,  every  gov- 
ernment, owes  its  greatness  to  organ- 
ization. The  steel  trust,  the  sugar 
trust,  the  lumber  trust,  the  railroad 
trust,  and  all  other  trusts  were  first 
organized  before  they  were  successful. 
During  the  recent  trial  in  Chicago  of 
the  beef  trust,  it  was  shown  that  it 
defied  the  courts,  and  imposed  upon 
the  public;  it  crushed  out  small  com- 
petitors, forced  wages  down  and 
lengthened  the  hours  of  labor  per  day, 
all  through  organization.  It  should  be 
plain  to  every  working  man  ^  that  he 
must  organize  if  success  is  to  be 
achieved.  If  you  are  not  a  member  of 
your  union,  you  are  a  menace;  a  plastic 
putty  in  the  hands  of  those  who  capi- 
talize your  toil;  you  are  helpless,  you 
work  longer  hours,  you  get  smaller 
wages,  your  family  is  deprived  of  com- 
fort and  education.  Your  future  holds 
nothing  in  store  for  you. 

Let  me  say  to  switchmen  who  are 
unorganized,  that  there  is  a  chance  for 
them  to  redeem  themselves;  an  oppor- 
tunity is  at  hand  now;    an  institution 


lies  within  your  grasp  to  ameliorate 
your  conditions.  The  Switchmen's' 
Union  of  North  America  means  to  you 
everything  that  is  worth  while.  It  has 
increased  the  wages  of  the  switchmen 
in  all  parts  of  this  country;  it  has 
prevented  wage  reductions.  This  union 
has  enabled  its  members  to  receive  due 
consideration  of  their  grievances. 
This  union,  because  of  its  aggressive- 
ness, has  made  it  possible  for  other 
crafts  to  be  successful  in  obtaining  in- 
creases in  wages;  it  has  fostered  edu- 
cation; helped  the  weak;  aided  the 
sick  and  injured;  assisted  the  widow 
and  orphan.  It  also  gives  you  in- 
creased independence;  makes  you  more 
self-reliant,  gives  your  family  better 
clothes,  better  food,  better  and 
brighter  homes  and  firesides;  your 
children  better  opportunities  for  edu- 
cation. These  are  not  idle  claims. 
Thousands  of  human  experiences  are 
at  hand  to  prove  to  you  that  this  union 
has  done  and  will  continue  to  do  for 
switchmen  things  that  are  beneficial  to 
you.  Perhaps  no  union  in  the  labor 
movement  of  today  has  had  a  harder 
battle  for  existence  than  the  Switch- 
men's Union  of  North  America.  Yet, 
we  have  reason  to  feel  proud  of  the 
accomplishments  achieved  by  this 
union.  It  was  bom  a  child  of  neces- 
sity. It  was  conceived  and  bom  with- 
in the  minds  of  the  switchmen  them- 
selves. The  employer,  who  profits  by 
low  wages  and  long  hours,  would  never 
suggest  the  institution  of  such  a  thing 
as  the  Switchmen's  Union.  Its  prime 
purpose  is  to  make  work  more  profit- 
able to  the  switchmen  and  life  less 
burdensome.  In  other  words,  its  mis- 
sion is  to  establish  a  more  liberal  dis- 
tribution of  the  value  of  production  to 
the  members  of  our  craft,  that  they 
may  have  more,  with  less  effort,  for 
their  own  use  and  enjoyment.  It  has 
blocked  the  employer  from  setting  his 
own  price  to  be  paid  for  your  labor. 
The  more  switchmen  that  join  our 
union,  and  become  acquainted  with  its 
nrincinlefl  and  numoses,  the  greater 
the  dignity  and  ability  of  the  union, 
the  more  easily  do  the  purposes  of 
organization  obtain,  and  the  more  may 
benefits  be  extended,  where  there  is  a 
strong  federation  of  national  and  in- 
ternational unions.  We  should  profit 
bv  the  lessons  tausrht  us  by  the  em- 
ployer, we  should  build  un  a  defense 
fund  to  enable  us    to   withstand    the 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


374 


JOUBNAL   OF  THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


hardBhips  of  a  strike;  there  should  be 
no  rivalry  between  organizations.  We 
should  more  forcefully  exemplify  the 
principle  of  the  Injury  to  one  Is  the 
concern  of  ail.  Strikes  undeV  the  pres- 
ent form  of  organization  are  a  useless 
waste  of  energy,  and  will  never  be  sue- 
cefisful  as  long  as  the  members  of  one 
union  persist  in  scabbing  upon  the 
members  of  another  union.  The  em- 
ployer is  constantly  taking  advantage 
of  the  employes  because  of  their  help- 
less condition.  On  the  first  day  of 
April,  this  year,  the  Grand  Trunk  Rail- 
road reduced  the  wages  of  its  conduc- 
tors, baggagemen,  and  brakemen.  In 
some  instances,  conductors  were  re- 
duced as  much  as  $88.76  per  month; 
baggagemen  and  brakemen  were  re- 
duced as  much  as  $41.16  per  month. 
The  third  man  was  taken  off  switch 
engines.  Nothing  was  done  to  stop 
this  injustice.  The  engineers,  with  all 
their  boasted  strength  and  importance, 
had  to  sue  for  mediation  and  arbitra- 
tion, all  of  which  is  a  sign  of  weak- 
ness on  the  part  of  the  organization  as 
now  constructed,  and  shows  the  neces- 
sity of  a  strong  federation  of  crafts. 
Unless  something  is  done  along  those 
lines,  the  employers  will  open  up  a 
war  on  the  railroad  brotherhoods  and 
wipe  them  out  by  fighting  them  one  at 
a  time.  Leaders  who  oppose  federa- 
tion are  not  leaders:  they  are  trailers, 
and  a  menace  to  the  future  happiness 
and  prosperity  of  the  toiling  masses. 

The  time  is  at  hand  when  the  agita- 
tion for  a  shorter  work-day  should  be 
started,  a  campaign  of  education  along 
those  llnee  is  an  urgent  necessity. 
Some  of  our  members  were  compelled 
to  work  during  the  severe  months  of 
the  past  winter,  12,  16  and  18  hours 
per  day,  but  with  the  opening  up  of 
spring,  and  the  falling  off  of  business, 
the  force  has  been  reduced;  men  have 
been  taken  out  of  service,  but  those 
who  remain  In  service  are  working  12, 
16  and  18  hours  per  day.  If  we  had 
an  eight-hour  day  established,  during 
the  busy  season,  we  would  probably  be 
working  lon^  hours,  but  over-time 
should  be  penalized.  Switchmen 
should  receive  time  and  a  half,  or 
double  time,  for  all  time  worked  after 
elffht  hours.  Then,  when  business  fell 
off,  we  would  return  to  the  eight-hour 
dav  and  everybody  would  be  working. 

I  realize  that  It  Is  a  hard  task  to 
educate  our  members  to  the  Importance 


of  the  eigh^hour  day,  because  there 
are  so  many  of  them  who  want  to  work 
long  hours  since  it  brings  to  them  a 
larger  pay  check.  They  do  not  realize, 
however,  that  the  longer  work  hours 
nmke  them  prematurely  old  men,  nor 
do  they  realize  that  they  are  keying 
other  good  men  out  of  positions,  and 
who  should  receive  humane  treatment 
from  us.  I  would  advise  that  you 
think  this  matter  over;  give  it  serious 
consideration,  and  in  time  you  will 
realize  that  the  eight-hour  day  will  be 
beneficial  to  the  members  of  our  craft 
Yours  truly  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

James  B.  Ck>xNoss. 


The  most  unselfish  person  in  the 
world  is  mother.  There  is  no  sacrifice 
too  large  for  her  to  make,  none  too 
small  that  she  does  not  enjoy.  The 
home  life  centers  around  mother.  Her 
counsel  is  sought  on  the  most  impor- 
tant matters  and  the  most  trifling  de- 
tail of  any  plan  must  have  her  ap- 
proval. When  a  member  of  the  family 
goes  for  a  trip  it  is  mother  who  gener- 
ously plans  and  prepares  and  sees  that 
everything  is  arranged  for  a  pleasant 
journey.  When  a  storm  suddenly 
breaks  forth  in  the  middle  of  the  night 
mother  quietly  hurries  to  each  bed 
chamber,  lowers  the  windows  and 
draws  the  curtains,  taking  every  care 
not  to  awaken  the  sleeping  children. 
When  sickness  Invades  the  ihome  and 
death  lurks  just  beyond  the  little  fam- 
ily circle,  It  Is  mother  again  who  grai>- 
pies  with  the  grim  persecutor  as  hour 
after  hour  and  night  after  night,  un- 
mindful of  herself,  she  watches  over 
the  bedside  of  the  dlsease^trlcken 
child.  And  when  the  crisis  Is  passed 
and  hope  awakens  life  to  contravene 
against  death,  mother  slips  softly  away 
for  a  little  rest.  She  falls  asleep 
serenely  happy  that  her  service  and 
sacrifice  have  saved  the  life  of  a  dear 
one. 

Everything  that  Is  dearest  and 
sweetest  in  life  In  some  way  Is  linked 
up  with  mother.  The  home  Is  a  mere 
house  without  motJher.  And  yet  we 
wonder  If  the  home  always  appreciates 
mother. — Atchison  (Kan.)  Champion. 


What  men  want  is  not  talent,  it  is 
ourpoee;  not  the  powers  to  achieve, 
but  the  will  to  labor. — Bulwer  Lytton. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


Commimloatlona  for  the  JOURNAL  mnut  be  r«o«lVMl  BEFORE 
the  1 5lli  of  the  month  to  Inavre  pvblloatloB.  All  CominvBlca- 
tloBfl  for  the  JOURNAL  mvflt  be  aooompaalad  by  the  naina 
of   the  flonder,  sad   written  only   on  one  side  of   the   paper. 


Switchmen's  Union  Renews  Schedule  with  Many  Improvements 
on  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  System — Switch- 
men in  Cleveland  and  Toledo  Passenger  Yard 
Receive  Handsome  Increase  in  Pay. 


On  Feb.  5,  1912,  pursuant  to  the  law 
laid  down  at  the  St.  Paul  convention, 
the  General  Adjustment  Committee  of 
the  Lake  Shore  system  convened  in 
Cleveland,  O.,  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
organizing. 

Roll-call  showed  the  following  broth- 
ers present: 

Bro.  J.  G.  Riordan  (79),  Chicago,  IlL 

Bro.  C.  O.  Worton  (78),  Fort  Wayne, 
Ind. 

Bro.  C.  C.  Wagner  (151),  Elkhart, 
Ind. 

Bro.  J.  M.  Kelleher  (13),  Detroit, 
Mich. 

Bro.  F.  O.  Myers  (14),  .Toledo,  O. 

Bro.  G.  Schiller  (57),  Sandusky,  O. 

Bro.  A.  Forbes  (41),  Blyria,  O. 

Bro.  F.  Flnlln  (11),  Cleveland,  O. 

Bro.  T.  Baldwin  (55),  Nottingham, 
Ohio. 

Bro.  C.  Nelson  (95),  Ashtabula,  O. 

Bro.  P.  J.  Havey  (38),  Brie,  Pa. 

Bro.  F.  Owens  (169),  Youngstown. 
Ohio. 

Bro.  G.  C.  Roth  0201).  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Bro.  J.  G.  Riordan  (79)  was  elected 
general  chairman,  Bro.  F.  Flnlin  (11) 
elected  vice-general  chairman,  and 
Bro.  F.  O.  Myers  (14)  was  elected  gen- 
eral secretary. 

After  disposing  of  several  minor 
matters  the  committee  decided  to  re- 
vise the  schedule,  and  the  adjustment 
of  the  wage  question  applying  to 
Cleveland  and  Toledo  passenger  yards. 

On  Feb.  8th,  the  General  Committee 
completed    the   task   of   revising   the 


schedule,  and  Bros.  Riordan  and  Fin- 
lin  personally  delivered  a  copy  of  the 
same  to  Mr.  D.  C.  Moon,  General  Man- 
ager L.  S.  &  M.  S.  Railway,  and  re- 
quested him  to  set  a  date  to  meet  the 
General  Committee  on  the  questions 
involved. 

Mr.  Moon,  being  very  busy  with 
other  matters  at  this  time,  and  the 
issues  presented  by  the  General  Com- 
mittee being  of  great  importance,  he 
asked  time  to  consider  the  questions 
involved,  stating  he  would  endeavor  to 
meet  the  committee  in  the  near  future. 

On  Feb.  9th  the  General  Committee 
decided  to  turn  the  entire  matter  over 
to  a  sub-committee  to  handle,  and  ad- 
journed. The  sub-committee  consisted 
of  Bros.  Riordan,  Flnlin  and  Myers. 
The  sub-committee  then  adjourned  to 
await  a  date  to  be  set  by  Mr.  Moon. 
On  Feb.  28th,  Mr.  Moon  advised  Bro. 
Riordan,  by  letter,  that  he  would  meet 
the  General  Adjustment  Committee  of 
the  Switchmen's  Union,  Monday, 
March  18th,  to  consider  the  revision  of 
the  schedule  and  adjustment  of  wages, 
etc.,  per  our  request  of  Feb.  8th. 

Monday,  March  18th,  the  General 
Committee  went  into  conference  with 
Mr.  Moon,  general  manager;  Mr.  A.  S. 
Ingalls,  general  superintendent,  and 
Mr.  F.  H.  Wilson,  assistant  general  su- 
perintendent, and  was  in  conference 
with  them  until  March  25th. 

The  result  of  our  conference  was 
highly  satisfactory.  It  resulted  in  the 
Switchmen's  Union  obtaining   for^  its 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


876 


JOUHNAiL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBNIi 


ducted  negotiations  until  the  final 
word  from  the  general  manager  con- 
firming the  agreement  and  advising  us 
of  the  decision  of  the  vice-president  in 
favor  of  the  Switchmen's  Union. 
These  questions  were  discussed,  more 
or  less,  by  the  brothers  in  the  Cleve- 
land passenger  yard,  and  finally  the 
terrible  news  that  the  Switchmen's 
Union  was  negotiating  with  the  gen- 
eral manager  to  bring  about  an  in- 
crease in  wages  for  the  passenger  yard 
men  came  to  the  ears  of  two  lone  B 
of  R.  T.  men  in  the  passenger  yard. 
And,  as  is  the  policy  of  our  opponents 
in  such  cases,  they  carried  the  terrible 
tidings  to  their  lodge,  thence  to  the 
"Big  Office"  on  the  Public  Square,  in 
the  city  of  Cleveland;  they  then  be- 
came suddenly  obsessed  with  a  sump- 
tuous arrogance  of  their  omnipotence 
(?)  and  numerical  strength,  and  with 
a  malevolent  desire  to  rob  the  Switch- 
men's Union  of  its  prestige  and  gain 
the  credit  for  themselves,  passed  out 
the  word  that  they,  they  with  their 
"hundred  thousand"  strong,  were  get- 
ting an  increase  in  wages  for  the 
switchmen  in  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo 
passenger  yards. 

But  the  little  organization — the  one 
that  carries  a  UNION  card, — ^the  one 
that  our  opponents  have  tried  so 
often  to  annihilate,  has  always  been 
obsessed  with  a  sumptuous  desire  to 
benefit  the  switchmen  on  the  entire 
sjrstem,  to  do  them  some  real  good, 
and  we  accomplished  our  aim  and  pur- 
pose in  a  quiet,  business-like  manner, 
saying  naught  against  anyone,  attend- 
ing strictly  to  our  own  affairs;  that  of 
representing  the  switchmen. 

About  80  per  cent,  of  the  men 
switching  cars  on  the  Lake  Shore 
system  belong  to  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America.  It  is  to  be 
wondered  if  the  few  no-bills  and  train- 
men on  this  great  system  will  continue 
to  accept  the  benefits  gained  through 
the  efforts  of  the  Switchmen's  Union, 
and  still  refuse  to  come  into  the  organ- 
ization that  represents  their  craft,  and 
assist  in  further  bettering  their  condi- 
tion, or  will  they  continue  in  the  fu- 
ture as  in  the  past? 

What  the  General  Committee  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union,  representing  the 
switchmen  on  the  Lake  Shore  system, 
has  accomplished,  must  surely  bring  to 
the  minds  of  all  right-thinking  men 
switching  cars  for  a  livelihood  that 
there  is  only  one  sure  way  to  bring 


members  on  the  Lake  Shore  system 
one  of  the  best  schedules  of  working 
rules  ever  granted  to  any  body  of  rail- 
road men  in  the  country. 

Bach  rule  as  presented  by  the  Gen- 
eral Committee  was  taken  up  separ- 
ately and  argued  pro  and  con,  the  com- 
mittee winning  out  by  sheer  force  of 
argument.  Simply  another  case  where 
the  Switchmen  submitted  their  case  In 
a  terse,  concise  manner,  pitting  their 
brains  against  those  of  highly  edu- 
cated men,  and  winning  their  points 
by  a  forceful  exposition  of  logic  and 
facts. 

Of  course,  like  all  questions  involv- 
ing  a  monetary  consideration,  the  issue 
raised  concerning  the  rates  of  pay  for 
the  switchmen  in  the  Cleveland  and 
Toledo  passenger  yards  assumed  one 
of  considerable  magnitude.  These 
switchmen  have,  "from  time  whereof 
the  memory  of  man  runneth  not  to  the 
contrary,"  been  paid  on  a  monthly  sal- 
ary basis,  with  seven  cents  per  hour 
worked  added.  For  instance:  A  night 
foreman  received  |95  per  month,  and 
seven  cents  per  hour  worked,  would 
make  his  salary  $120.20  for  a  thirty- 
day  month,  and  $121.t)4  for  a  thirty- 
one  day  month.  The  General  Commit- 
tee wanted  these  men  paid  the  stand- 
ard rate  of  pay  prevailing  In  these 
territories,  which  would  mean  a  flat 
increase  in  wages  to  these  switchmen 
of  124.04  per  month.  The  idea  of 
granting  the  large  number  of  men  in- 
volved such  a  large  increase  in  wages 
was  very  strenuously  opposed  by  the 
management,  and  was  finally  submitted 
to  the  vice-president  of  the  New  York 
Central  Lines  for  final  decision,  who, 
on  April  Ist,  granted  the  contentions 
of  the  Genera]  Committee,  and  the 
switchmen  in  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo 
passenger  yard  received  an  increase  in 
wages  of  124.04  per  month. 

A  proof  of  the  schedule  was  pre- 
pared by  the  management  and  sub- 
mitted to  the  General  Committee  for 
correction  on  Anril  18th.  and  on  Anril 
22d  the  General  Committee  convened 
and  corrected  the  nroof,  same  to  be 
nrinted  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
brothers  on  the  sirstem. 

Of  course,  all  this  was  not  accom- 
plished without  a  bit  of  humor,  pathos, 
and  even  a  little  tragedy.  As  in  all 
cases  of  its  kind,  the  brothers  directly 
affected  by  the  increase  in  wasres  were, 
more  or  less,  on  the  qui  vive  durlns 
the  time  the  General  Committee  con- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


877 


about  the  millennium  of  tlie  switch- 
men, and  that  Is  by  coming  into  the 
organisation  that  represents  the  switch- 
men— ^men  who  are  switching  cars. 
We  don't  want  conductors,  flagmen, 
baggagemen  or  brakemen,  because  we 
can't  represent  them,  and  don't  want 
to.  That  would  be  entirely  out  of  our 
line  of  duty.  Biit  we  do  want  every 
honest,  upright  man  switching  cars  to 
come  into  the  Switchmen's  Union  of 
North  America,  because  we  can  repre- 
sent him,  we  do  represent  him  and 
will  continue  to  represent  him  to  the 
very  best  of  our  ability. 

The  definition  of  the  word,  "history," 
if  I  remember  correctly,  is  "a  record 
of  past  events."  A  very  small  defini- 
tion, and  a  very  small  word  to  cover 
such  a  vast  subject  The  records  of 
yesterday  are  "history"  for  the  present 
and  future  generations.  When  we  wish 
to  find  out  any  information  concern- 
ing a  nation,  a  race  of  people,  a  col- 
lective body  of  people,  or  Individual, 
or  somo  object,  we,  so  to  speak,  dig  up 
the  history  of  the  subject.  We  go  back 
a  year,  two  years,  and  even  a  hundred 
years;  ah,  yes,  we  go  back  Into  history 
a  thousand  years,  and  we  have  a  record 
of  past  events,  a  record  concerning  the 
subject  which  we  are  Interested  in.  If 
we  wish  to  know  whether  the  leader- 
ship, actions,  or  movements  of  a  na- 
tion, race  of  people  or  a  collective  body 
of  people  were  wise  and  discreet,  we  go 
back  Into  history  and  there  we  find  the 
records — the  plain,  simple  truth.  If 
we  contemplate  joining  an  organiza- 
tion whose  policy  was  not  generally 
known,  we  would  Immediately  dig  up 
the  history  of  that  organization  and 
find  out  If  Its  past  record  would  justify 
you  In  afiUlatlng  yourself  with  It. 

So  It  is  with  the  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America.  If  we  go  back  Into 
the  history  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America,  we  find  that  It  Is  an 
organization  organized  by  the  switch- 
men, for  the  switchmen  and  of  the 
switchmen;  an  organization  that  con- 
centrates Its  entire  efforts  In  behalf  of 
the  men  switching  cars  for  a  liveli- 
hood. We  find  out,  also,  by  consulting 
the  history  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America,  that  within  the 
short  space  of  ten  years  It  has  been 
the  means  of  bringing  about  an  In- 
crease of  one  dollar  per  day  In  the 
wages  paid  to  switchmen,  to  say  noth- 
ing of  the  many  pernicious  abuses 
eliminated  by  having  suitable  working 


rules  granted  which  govern  the  ser- 
vice of  switchmen.  We  find  that  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America 
has  lived  and  prospered,  in  spite  of 
the  fact  that  our  opponents  have  tried 
for  years  to  destroy  us.  Every  kick 
has  been  a  boost. 

We  find  that  the  Switchmen's  Union 
is  financially  strong,  carrying  on  the 
insurance  feature  of  the  organization 
pursuant  to  the  Insurance  laws  of  the 
State  of  New  York  (the  most  vigor- 
ous Insurance  laws  in  the  United 
States),  and  is  the  only  railway  organ- 
ization In  existence  that  pays  its 
claims  within  thirty  days  after  they 
are  approved.  And  so  it  Is  the  history 
of  the  Switchmen's  Union  could  be  re- 
peated ad  WHtum,  and  it  would  be  one 
continuous  story  of  how  it  has  strug- 
gled for  justice  and  right  for  the 
switchmen.  Time  does  not  permit 
giving  a  complete  history  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union,  but  the  plain  facts 
that  are  generally  known  concerning 
it  should  be  sufllclent  to  convince  any 
fair-minded  man  who  switches  cars  for 
a  livelihood  that  he  belongs  In  the 
Switchmen's  Union.  He  owes  it  to 
himself,  his  family,  and  his  fellow- 
workmen  to  come  Into  the  Switchmen's 
Union  and  assist  in  further  bettering 
his  condition. 

How  many  will  come?  How  many 
will  throw  off  the  yoke  of  Indifference 
and  assume  their  share  of  the  great 
work  that  Is  at  hand,  that  victory  may 
crown  our  efforts  In  all  our  undertak- 
ings the  same  as  it  did  on  the  great 
Lake  Shore  system? 

"He  that  Is  not  with  me  Is  against 
me;  and  he  that  Is  against  me  Is 
against  the  labor  movement  In  gen- 
eral." G.  C. 


Tcire  Haute,  Ind.— No.  94. 

Edftob  SwrroHMBTf's  Joubnal: 

Lodge  No.  94  Is  again  called  upon  to 
mourn  over  the  untimely  death  of  an- 
other one  of  Its  most  worthy  members, 
Bro.  Ira  Bast.  He  was  Instantly  killed 
while  In  the  dilscharge  of  his  duty  as 
a  switchman  early  Sunday  morning, 
April  7th.  at  the  east  yards  of  the 
Vandalla  Railway  Co.  at  this  point  He 
leaves  a  wife,  father,  mother  and  sis- 
ters to  mourn  his  untimely  death. 
They  have  the  heartfelt  ssrmpathieo  of 
all  his  associates  and  especially  of  the 
members  of  Lodge  No.  94.  The  funeral 
was  held  from  his  father's  residence 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


878 


JOUBNAL   OP    THE    SWIT0HMBNM5 


and  was  attended  by  a  large  number 
of  switchmen.  Lodge  No.  ^  has  been 
rather  unfortunate  of  late,  this  being 
the  fifth  memft)er  claimed  by  death  m 
less  than  two  years. 

Well,  brothers,  the  oeventh  annual 
ball  given  by  Lodge  No.  ^  is  a  thing 
of  the  past.  While  there  was  a  pall  of 
sorrow  hanging  over  the  members  ow- 
ing to  Bro.  East's  death,  yet  the  bail 
was  a  grand  success,  both  socially  and 
financially.  Bro.  Dust  in  Crawford 
proved  himself  an  able  Stewart  in 
charge  of  the  cloak  room. 

I  received  my  Joubnal  for  May  in 
due  time  and,  as  usual,  find  it  teeming 
with  most  interesting  articles  and  let- 
ters on  the  topics  of  the  day.  I  am 
most  heartily  pleased  to  see  so  many 
letters  from  the  brothers  on  the  ques- 
tions (pro  and  con)  of  vital  interest 
to  our  whole  order  and  hope  they  will 
increase,  both  in  numbers  and  inter- 
est. I  for  one  feel  certain  that  a  large 
majority  of  the  brothers  would  be 
pleased  to  see  a  letter  from  each  rep- 
resentative of  local  lodges  of  the  or 
der  throughout  the  country.  I  am 
pleased  to  learn,  through  the  letters, 
that  the  brothers  in  many  places  are 
taking  more  interest  in  lodge  work 
and  that  the  attendance  is  growing  Id 
numbers  and  I  hope  the  good  work 
will  continue.  Say,  brothers,  you  stay 
at  home  bunch  that  kick  about  the 
gang  that  run  the  thing  to  suit  them- 
selves, did  you  ever  stop  to  think  that 
the  work  necessary  to  perform  in 
lodge  matters  is  as  much  your  work 
as  that  of  any  other  member?  And 
you  fellows  who  start  to  go  to  lodge 
and  get  lost  on  the  way  and  settle 
down  with  your  feet  under  a  card 
table  at  some  place  and  stay  there 
until  long  after  lodge  is  over,  or 
wander  into  some  place  of  amusement 
and  then,  next  day,  when  one  of  the 
bunch  that  runs  things  broaches  the 
subject  as  to  why  you  were  not  there 
your  excuse  will  be,  "Oh,  I  was  too 
tired,"  or,  "I  got  in  late."  Now,  hon- 
estly, did  you  ever  hear  of  one  of  your 
dear  friends  who  profit  off  the  dimes 
taken  from  you  over  the  bar,  at  the 
card  table,  or  at  the  place  of  amuse 
ment,  interesting  himself  when  it 
came  to  the  question  of  a  raise  in  your 
wages  or  better  working  conditions? 
Not  much,  I  guess. 

I  have  before  me  an  article  headed 
"Government  Ownership  of  Rutlroads," 
written  by  Dr.  P.  A.  Kane,  and  would 


most  strenuous^ly  object  to  at  least 
two  propositions  contained  in  same. 
He  says  all  employes  would  be  under 
civil  service  and  practically  have  a 
life  position  and  that  no  pettifogging 
boss  would  *be  able  to  discharge  at  will 
whom  he  wished.  Now,  as  to  the  civil 
service  examination  one  would  have 
to  pass,  would  it  place  competent  per- 
sons in  positions?  From  personal  ob- 
servations I  would  say  no.  With  the 
press  of  the  country  full  of  advertise- 
ments offering  to  sell  the  required  in- 
formation to  enable  any  person  to 
pass  a  civil  service  examination,  it 
would  be  a  hard  matter  to  get  a 
square  deal.  He  says  that  wages  m 
general  would  be  much  more  than  at 
present.  Can  he  cite  any  cases  in  the 
government  employ,  everything  being 
equal  as  to  the  moral  character,  intel- 
ligence and  education,  where  the  gov- 
ernment employe  is  in  receipt  of  a 
higher  wage  than  the  civil  employe 
engaged  in  similar  occupations?  Take 
the  clerical  department  of  the  govern- 
ment for  instance,  and  the  railway 
mail  clerks.  Where  can  you  find  a 
class  harder  worked  than  they  for  the 
amount  of  wages  received?  Then, 
again,  if  the  employes  of  the  railroads, 
under  government  ownership  should 
ask  for  a  raise  in  salary  and  better 
working  conditions,  would  they  get 
it?  Or  would  they  get  set  on  as  the 
railway  mail  clerk  did.  The  petti- 
fogger might  not  be  able  to  discharge 
yoUf  but  might  make  it  so  interesting 
for  you  that  you  would  be  compelled 
through  self-respect  to  resign,  as  in 
the  case  of  Dr.  Wiley  and  several 
other  cases  that  I  can  not  recall  to 
memory.  Again  he  says  that  he  does 
not  believe  in  any  restrictions  being 
made  to  emigrations  from  European 
countries,  and  again  I  beg  to  differ  from 
him.  Is  this  country  not  well  enough 
supplied  at  the  present  time  with  un- 
employed? We  read  in  our  Joubnal 
of  organized  labor  in  the  West  adyis- 
ing  workin^^nen  to  stay  away  from 
there  as  there  are  thousands  of  good 
American  citizens  idle  there  and  on 
the  verge  of  starvation,  and  yet  we 
see  from  one  to  three  coach  loads  of 
these  same  European  immigrants  go- 
ing through  here  for  the  West  every 
few  days.  It  looks  as  though  those 
that  bring  them  here  take  good  care 
of  them,  as  you  never  see  any  of  them 
on  the  tramp  looking  for  work  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  one  sees  hundreds 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OF  NORTH  AMHRICA. 


879 


of  good  American  citizens  willing  to 
work  wandering  over  the  country 
seeking  employment.  Then  again, 
these  same  immigrants  just  stay  long 
enough  in  the  majority  of  cases  to 
accumulate  what  to  us  would  be  a  lit- 
tle dab  of  money,  then  back  to  E«urope 
they  go,  money  and  all,  taking  with 
them  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dol- 
lars that  would  be  spent  here  to  take 
merchandise  from  the  shelves  of  the 
merchants  and  keep  the  wheels  of 
commerce  moving.  And  now  I  will 
say,  God  forbid  that  the  American  la- 
borer may  ever  be  compelled  to  live 
as  these  foreigners  in  order  to  ac- 
cumulate money. 

Well  now,  boys,  if  you  will  overlook 
a  little  weakness,  I  will,  in  conclusion, 
blow  my  own  horn  a  little.  On  the 
20th  of  last  March  my  two  sons-in-law 
were  mean  enough  to  persuade  me  to 
attend  a  lecture  with  them  and  when 
we  came  home,  lo,  and  behold!  a 
bunch  of  "rough  necks"  and  their 
wives  had  taken  possession  of  my 
home  and  it  dawned  on  my  mind  im- 
mediately that  it  was  my  sixty-seventh 
birthday.  It  was  certainly  a  surprise 
and  they  gave  me  a  strong  hint  to 
keep  dean  shaved  and  dry,  as  they 
presented  me  with  a  Gillette  safety 
razor  and  a  silk  umbrella.  Everybody 
seemed  to  have  a  good  time  and  I 
am  sure  I  did. 

Well,  for  fear  the  editor  may  get 
tired  and  refuse  to  give  this  a  place  »in 
our  little  pink  book,  I  will  close  for 
this  time  with  good'  wishes  for  all 
worthy  brothers  and  the  success  of 
our  nobl«  order. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Goodwin. 


O. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal  : 

Another  cycle  of  time  has  passed 
into  immortal  memory.  Another  year 
has  gone  into  the  records  of  the  past, 
and  once  again  the  members  of  Lake 
Shore  Lodge  No.  55  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and 
Ladies'  Auxiliary  No.  31  of  Notting- 
ham, O.,  assembled  together  and  held 
their  sacred  memorial  services  Sunday, 
May  19th,  in  honor  of  those  who  have 
answered  to  the  last  "swing  down,*' 
and  whose  memory  will  always  linger 
with  us. 
For  the  benefit  of  those  who  could 


not  atttend  the  morning  services  at 
the  Congregational  Church,  where  Dr. 
McMahon  preached  a  most  eloquent 
sermon,  services  were  held  at  the 
Methodist  Church  in  the  evening, 
where  Dr.  Wood  delivered  a  very  beau- 
tiful and  touching  eulogy.  The  ser- 
vices were  well  attended,  which  speaks 
volumes  for  our  noble  order. 

Thomas  S.  Clague. 


MuBcatiiie,  Iowa.— No.  187. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joitrnal: 

As  this  is  my  first  attempt  to  write 
for  the  Journal,  and  besides  being  new 
at  the  business,  I  trust  I'll  not  be  too 
severely  criticized  if  my  attempt  Is 
not  quite  up  to  the  standard  of  Jour- 
nal letters.  I  assure  all,  however, 
what  it  lacks  in  form  will  be  made  up 
in  spirit  and  intent. 

This  is  a  new  lodge,  and  was  or- 
ganized by  Vice-President  James  B. 
Connors  on  April  13th.  As  far  as 
could  be  observed,  none  of  the  mem- 
bers placing  their  names  on  the  char- 
ter seemed  to  be  worried  over  the  fact 
of  the  date  falling  upon  that  supersti- 
tious thirteen  number;  and  from  the 
way  Bro.  Connors  took  hold  of  matters 
dates  were  the  least  of  his  troubles. 
His  voice  was  in  excellent  trim,  and 
he  soon  had  as  good  a  bunch  of  6.  IT. 
men  as  ever  joined  a  lodge  properly 
lined  up  under  the  new  charter  which 
now  graces  our  hall.  After  all  prelim- 
inary exercises  were  over,  he  favored 
us  with  an  excellent  talk  on  the  good 
and  welfare  of  the  union,  giving  us  an 
outline  of  the  progress  being  made  in 
the  organization  at  the  present  time, 
as  well  as  much  information  pertain- 
ing to  its  record  in  the  past.  He 
closed  his  remarks  by  impressing  upon 
all  present  the  necessity  of  entering 
actively  upon  the  work  of  doing  all  we 
can  to  upbuild  the  organization,  and 
emphasized  the  fact  of  the  importance 
of  the  individual  part  each  member 
must  take  in  this  work.  There  were 
18  charter  members,  and  it  is  our  aim 
to  make  it  a  progressive  lodge,  and  we 
believe  every  member  will  do  his  duty 
to  see  that  it  is.  We  have  not  much 
of  a  field  to  draw  from  for  new  mem- 
bers, but  we  have  been  lining  them  up 
in  the  S.  U.  as  fast  as  they  get  old 
enough. 
Business  is  very  slack  here  at  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


380 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMAN'S 


present  time,  but  as  this  is  the  home 
belt  of  the  cabbage  and  melon  fields, 
we  look  for  a  boom  about  the  last  of 
Jane»  and  hope  there  will  be  no  disap- 
pointments in  regard  to  the  present 
indications. 

.  We  wi^  to  announce  for  the  benefit 
of  the  brothers  of  Lodge  No.  133  that 
the  transferring  from  that  good  old 
Btand-by  lodge  and  the  placing  of  a 
charter  here  will  not  lessen  our  regard 
for  the  success  of  your  efforts  in  the 
tri-cities,  but  it  was  felt  that  our  in- 
terests could  be  best  subserved  here  by 
having  a  subordinate  lodge  in  our 
midst,  and  we  expect  to  continue  in 
the  future,  as  we  have  in  the  past,  to 
do  all  we  can  for  the  advancement  of 
the  good  cause.  If  every  brother  does 
this,  as  he  should,  our  new  lodge  will 
prosper  as  it  should,  and  I  trust  each 
member  will  do  all  he  can  towards 
doing  his  full  part  to  see  that  it  does. 
Well,  if  this  appears  in  the  Joubnal, 
will  take  courage  on  account  of  it,  and 
try  and  do  better  next  time.  With 
best  wishes  to  all  brothers.  I  remain. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

P.  A.  TiMM, 

Journal  Agent. 


BifffalOtN.Y.— No.  4. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

On  April  16th  Lodge  No.  4  held  a 
benefit  dance  for  Bro.  Jack  Davis  at 
Beyer's  Hall,  and  those  who  did  not 
enjoy  themselves  cannot  hold  anyone 
but  themselves  responsible.  Leib's 
union  orchestra  was  employed,  and  the 
way  they  dtohed  out  the  music  cer- 
tainly took  the  kinks  out  of  the  old- 
timers  who  were  present;  the  young 
folks  have  no  kinks.  The  floor  was 
handled  in  a  very  able  manner  by 
Bros.  J.  G.  Bvoy,  Jr.,  chairman;  P. 
Duffy,  A.  Bvoy,  W.  J.  Casper,  and  J.  R. 
Digman.  Bros.  B.  H.  Davis  and  J. 
Galvin  had  charge  of  the  door;  gentle- 
men's wardrobe,  Bros.  J.  M.  Kelly  and 
H,  C.  Cowlea;  ladies'  wardrobe,  Bros. 
F.  P.  Roberts  and  A.  W.  Glbney.  The 
committee,  of  arrangements,  Bros.  B. 
H.  Davis,  Thomas  P.  Duffy  and  John 
Galvin,  are  to  be  congratulated  for 
their  efforts  to  make  the  dance  a 
financial  as  well  as  a  social  success 
were  untiring.  A  neat  sum  was  real- 
ized and  turned  over  to  Bro.  Davis, 
which  we  hope  will  aid  him  and  his 


family   in   their  time  of   misfortune. 

During  the  evening  we  were  favored 
with  an  Irish  reel  by  Bro.  M.  Courtney 
and  wife. 

Through  the  overseeing  of  Plug  Hat, 
Bros.  Chuck,  Jack  the  Horse  and  Dub- 
lin Dan  each  got  a  swing  in  their  turn. 
Jack  lost  his  rheumatism  and  says  he 
can  put  it  all  over  Chuck  as  a  waltzer. 

l!)ublin  Dan  says  the  kissing  part  of 
the  eight-hand  reel  was  invented  for 
him,  but  Prof.  Leib  tells  me  that  there 
is  nothing  in  the  dance  where  it  says 
to  fall  down. 

Bros.  Scanlon  and  Donohue  tried  to 
show  Bro.  Courtney  how  an  Irish  reel 
was  done,  but — nothing  doing. 

Won't  somebody  please  show  Bro. 
Quinn  how  to  do  the  two-step? 

Bro.  Duify  was  afraid  that  Dublin 
Dan  was  going  to  take  his  honors  as 
a  turkey-trotter  away  from  him,  and 
has  the  dance  barred. 

We  have  been  given  to  understand 
that  Bro.  Duffy  has  become  a  rabbit 
fancier. 

On  Aug.  1st,  the  District  Council  is 
going  to  run  an  excursion  to  Crystal 
Beach,  and  a  first-class  time  is  assured 
to  all  those  who  attend.  Bros.  Kelly 
of  Lodge  No.  4,  J.  G.  Bvoy,  Sr.,  of 
Lodge  No.  221,  and  C.  D.  Souter  of 
Lodge  No.  39  have  been  placed  in 
charge  of  the  arrangements,  and  their 
efforts  will  be  untiring  to  satisfy  those 
who  attend.  Adults'  tickets  will  be  25 
ccfnts  and  children  between  the  ages 
of  7  and  14,  15  cents.  Let  us  not  for- 
get the  date,  brothers  and  sisters,  Aug. 
1st.  Let  us  all  get  on  the  Job  and 
help  the  committee  to  make  this  ven- 
ture a  financial  as  well  as  a  social 
success,  which  you  can  do  by  urging 
your  friends  to  attend  and  being  sure 
to  buy  switchmen's  boat  tickets  and 
insisting  upon  your  friends  to  do  like- 
wise, for  it  is  only  from  the  commis- 
sion on  these  tickets  that  any  revenue 
comes  to  the  council.  So  please  re- 
member this  fact 

Now,  brothers,  as  you  all  know, 
business  in  Buffalo  is  not  any  too 
good,  and  our  grievance  committee  is 
doing  all  that  possibly  can  be  done  to 
hold  us  together  and  to  see  that  the 
extra  men  get  as  much  work  as  they 
can.  Therefore,  instead  of  kicking 
apd  howling,  let  us  put  our  shoulder 
to  the  wheel  with  the  committee  and 
push  the  good  work  along.  When  any 
of  the  members  have  a  grievance  let 


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UNION  OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


881 


him  or  them  present  them  at  Beyer's 
Hall,  where  we  meet  the  first  and  third 
Friday  ni^t  and  fourth  Sunday  mom- 
ins  of  each  month  and  these  troubles 
will  be  adjusted  in  a  satisfactory  man- 
ner. Let  us  have  a  peace  and  harmony 
yard,  brothers,  not  a  dog-eat-dog  and 
cutrthroat  system  as  now  seems  to  pre- 
vail, and  I  can  safely  say  if  we  all 
work  together  there  will  be  a  big 
change  in  our  conditions. 

Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gib. 


Buffalo,  N.Y.— No.  39. 

Editob  Switchmxn's  Joubi^al: 

Business  on  the  railroads  at  the 
present  time  is  pretty  slack,  owing  to 
strikes  in  different  parts  of  the  coun- 
try. However,  navigation  should  open 
soon,  and  perhaps  that  may  have  a 
tendency  to  start  business  booming  in 
Buffalo  and  throughout  the  eastern 
country.  However,  I  would  not  advise 
any  brother  who  is  seeking  employ- 
ment to  bank  too  much  on  that.  Buf- 
falo, as  far  as  our  organization  is  con- 
cerned, is  doing  fine.  At  the  last 
meeting  of  the  Central  Council  every 
lodge  reported  an  increase  of  member- 
ship. Lodge  No.  39  had  seven  new 
members,  and  the  brothers  on  Uie 
Pennsylvania  are  certainly  putting 
that  road  on  the  right  side  of  the  cal- 
endar, as  they  are  taking  in  a  great 
many  who  were  once  strong  members 
of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  I  am  greatly  afraid 
Tom  Crossin's  prediction  will  come 
true  in  a  way  not  thought  of  by  him 
when  he  made  it  He  said  about  one 
year  ago  that  in  six  months  every  man 
switching  c^rs  on  the  Niagara  Fron- 
tier, which,  of  course,  includes  BufTalo, 
would  belong  to  the  B.  of  R.  T.  Well, 
at  the  present  time  there  are  about 
1,200  men  employed,  and  at  the  last 
meeting  of  the  Central  Council  the  re- 
ports of  the  various  lodges  showed  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  had  973  in  good  standing 
and  about  15  applications  pending. 
Now,  I  believe  that  in  six  months 
more  every  man  switching  cars  on  the 
Niagara  Frontier  will  belong  just 
where  he  should,  and  where  he  will 
be  well  taken  care  of — and  that  is  in 
the  Switchmen's  Union — and  this  in- 
cludes Mr.  Tom  Crossin.  So  get  a 
move  on  you,  Tom.  Tou  certainly  see 
the  way  the  wind  is  blowing.    Tou  will 


feel  better  with  a  big  "S"  button  on 
your  cap. 

Now,  a  few  words  to  the  various 
lodges  who  elected  delegates  to  the 
Central  Coimcil.  We  only  meet  once  a 
month,  and  if  men  who  are  working 
nights  and  who  lay  ofT  and  lose  the 
time  without  any  compensation  can 
manage  to  attend  these  meetings,  men 
who  work  days  certainly  can  afford  to 
attend.  Some  of  the  lodges  have  a  full 
delegation  at  every  meeting,  while 
others  have  a  fair  one,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  one,  that  has  never  had  but 
one  delegate  present  at  any  meeting 
and  he  was  a  night  man,  who  was 
losing  four  dollars  and  a  half  every 
meeting  he  attended,  and  he  has  never 
missed  one  so  far.  I  am  not  going  to 
mention  any  lodge,  but  the  delegate 
has  been  innstructed  to  make  it  known 
to  his  lodge  and  have  a  new  set  of 
delegates  elected  who  will  attend. 
And,  by  the  way,  our  council  constitu- 
tion is  printed  and  distributed,  and 
Section  5,  Article  4,  reads:  Any  dele- 
gate absenting  himself  three  succes- 
sive meetings  from  the  council,  unless 
on  account  of  sickness  or  injury,  shall 
be  suspended  and  his  lodge  notified  to 
elect  another  delegate  in  his  place. 
Every  member  in  BufEalo  should  take 
an  interest  in  the  council,  and  the 
delegates  elected  by  the  various  lodges 
should  consider  it  an  honor  to  be 
selected  by  their  brothers  to  represent 
them.  After  the  ooimcil  has  been  in 
existence  a  few  months  more  the  mem- 
bers will  commence  to  realize  the  vast 
amount  of  good  that  can  be  accom- 
plished by  It  and  which  will  redound 
to  the  credit  of  thi^  organization.  So, 
brothers,  put  your  shoulder  to  the 
wheel  and  help  along  a  good  thing. 
One  meeting  in  a  month  is  not  too 
much  to  ask  of  you. 

The  council  has  completed  all  ar- 
rangements for  our  first  memorial  ser- 
vice, and  expect  it  to  be  an  event  that 
will  bring  credit  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

We  have  also  made  arrangements  to 
hold  a  Switchmen's  Union  day  at 
Crystal  Beach  on  Thursday,  Aug.  let, 
details  of  which  will  be  furnished 
later  on.  I  am  just  calling  the  atten- 
tion of  the  many  lodges  within  a 
radius  of  100  miles  of  Buffalo;  so  they 
can  make  preparations  to  attend. 
Organize  excursion^  and  come  to  Buf- 
falo on  Aug.  1st,  and  we  will  show 
you  the  best  time  of  yotir  nfe.    Any 


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JOURNAL   OF   THS   SWITCHMEN'S 


information  desired  will  be  ^adly  fur- 
nished by  the  officers  of  the  council, 
whose  names  and  addresses  appear  in 
the  roster  for  May. 

Now,  Bro.  Editor,  I  am  foing  to  say 
a  few  words  along  the  lines  of  your 
editorial  principles,  not  personalities. 
When  I  wrote  the  first  article  I  cer- 
tainly expected  it  to  be  criticised,  but 
in  a  business-like  manner,  and  ex- 
pected that  the  arguments  offered  back 
and  forth  would  be  of  benefit  to  the 
organization  and  the  delegates  who 
will  assemble  in  Houston  in  1913,  and 
I  am  candid  in  saying  that  I  firmly 
believe  that  before  the  time  comes  for 
the  delegates  to  go  into  session  some 
good  points  will  be  presented  that  will 
bft  of  financial  benefit  to  this  organiza- 
tion. But  I  did  not  expect  any  of  the 
brothers  to  think  I  was  indulging  in 
personalities  or  had  a  grouch  on  at  any 
certain  few  or  place,  for  that  was 
farthest  from  my  thoughts.  I  was 
simply  referring  to  our  last  conven- 
tion in  a  general  way,  and  this  applies 
to  all  of  our  other  conventions,  and 
from  what  I  can  learn  from  delegates 
to  conventions  of  other  organizations, 
I  suppose  the  same  conditions  prevail 
in  all.  But  some  of  the  brothers 
didn't  seem  to  accept  the  ideas  as  in- 
tended, but  started  right  in  to  indulge 
in  personalities  and  sarcasm.  To  find 
fault  with  an  article  in  print  is  the 
simplest  thing  in  the  world.  I  don't 
believe  there  ever  was  a  pamphlet  or 
book  printed  that  suited  everybody 
who  read  it.  Even  the  holy  bible  has 
its  assailants;  but  the  objector  should 
be  able  to  offer  something  better  in  the 
way  of  a  substitute,  and  I  have  failed 
to  see  any  substitute  so  far.  They  re- 
mind me  greatly  of  the  story  of  the 
Widow  Jones.  She  lived  with  her 
only  son  on  a  small  farm,  that  was 
heavily  mortgaged.  One  day  while 
driving  a  load  of  garden  truck  to  mar- 
get,  the  son  got  on  a  railroad  track 
and  both  he  and  the  team  he  was  driv- 
ing were  killed.  Of  course,  the  poor 
mother  was  driven  nearly  insane  over 
the  loss  of  her  son.  The  neighbors, 
desiring  to  help  her  in  her  financial 
difficulties,  had  the  minister  of  the 
church  she  attended  call  a  meeting  of 
the  parishioners  to  see  what  eould  be 
done  in  the  premises.  The  meeting 
was  well  attended,  and  amompr  those 
present  was  Farmer  Smith.  The  min- 
ister called  for  suggestions,  and  many 


good  ones  were  offered,  but  as  soon  as 
one  was  made  Farmer  Smith  would 
jump  to  his  feet  and  object  and  find 
fault  with  it  Finally  the  good  min- 
ister saw  the  people  present  were  get- 
ting restless,  and  as  he  was  thorough- 
ly disgusted  himself,  he  arose  to  his 
feet  and  pointing  his  finger  at  Farmer 
Smith,  said:  "Brother,  you  have  found 
fault  with  every  suggestion  that  has 
been  made  here  to  help  the  Widow 
Jones.  Now,  what  have  you  to  offer 
as  a  substitute?"  Bro.  Smith  arose  to 
his  feet,  rubbed  his  hands  together, 
rolled  his  eyes  to  heaven,*  and  said  in 
dismal  tone  of  voice,  "Nothing,  O 
Lord,  nothing!"  and  that  seems  to  be 
the  general  run  of  objectors. 

The  brother  from  Scranton,  after  all 
his  objections,  finally  comes  out  in  last 
month's  Journal  and  says  he  cannot 
see  the  need  of  so  much  economy. 
Well,  if  we  were  an  organization  com- 
posed of  millionaires  I  don't  believe 
there  would  be.  But  the  fact  that 
every  dollar  spent  on  conventions  Is 
earned  by  switchmen  who  toil  in  the 
rain,  snow  and  heat,  saying  nothing 
of  the  danger  they  encounter  every 
minute  they  are  at  work  should  bring 
to  his  mind  the  very  urgent  need  of 
economy,  and  if  it  is  possible  to  save 
$25,000  or  $30,000  every  four  years 
(and  many  others  besides  myself  think 
it  is),  it  should  be  done.  Brothers, 
there  will  be  old  and  disabled  switch- 
men as  long  as  switching  exists,  even 
if  we  worked  only  four  hours  a  day, 
and  many  a  good  old  scout  has  fkillen 
by  the  wayside,  the  victim  of  circum- 
stances, and  those  conditions  will  also 
be  with  us.  And  I  for  one  would  far 
rather  see  the  money  we  would  save 
on  conventions  applied  to  helping 
those  poor  unfortunate  brothers,  who, 
when  in  their  prime,  were  the  boys 
who  saved  neither  their  time  nor 
money  when  it  was  needed  to  help 
build  up  this  organization  and  the  old 
S.  M.  A.  A.;  men,  who  while  boomers, 
so-called,  were  the  apostles  who  spread 
the  seeds  of  unionism  throughout  this 
land,  than  to  see  it  spent  (as  I  said  in 
my  first  letter)  by  a  crowd  of  delegates 
having  a  good  time. 

I  also  want  to  correct  the  brother 
in  reference  to  a  N.  Y.  C.  grievance  he 
refers  to  but  knows  so  little  about  I 
was  never  on  the  N.  Y.  C.  grievance 
committee  until  this  year.  I  nerer 
settled,  or  tried  to  settle,  any  griev- 


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UNION   OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


ance  on  the  N.  Y.  C.  until  this  year. 
I  would  ask  the  brother  to  remember 
this:  Never  condemn  a  man  until  you 
hear  both  sides  of  the  story.  The  first 
story  might  be  false,  and  many  a  man 
has  been  accused-  wrongfully.  How 
would  you  like  to  be  accused  of  some- 
thing you  didn't  do?  If  you  have  any 
doubts  on  the  subject,  the  N.  Y.  C.  is 
still  on  the  map,  and  I  am  still  in  Buf- 
falo— but  the  ex-member  who  started 
the  story  is  in  the  B.  of  R.  T.  Come 
to  Buffalo  on  our  field  day,  Aug.  Ist, 
and  investigate.  We  will  treat  you 
right,  and  assure  you  of  a  good  time. 

And  now,  if  the  editor  will  kindly 
put  this  in  the  pink  book  without 
using  the  blue  pencil,  I  promise 
to  eliminate  personalities  and  hew 
straight  to  the  line  in  all  further  argu- 
ments.   I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

Thos.  G.  Meaney. 


Buffalo,  N.Y.-No.  209. 

EorroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

In  reading  the  Jovbnal,  one  cannot 
help  but  notice  the  increasing  interest 
the  brothers  are  taking  in  the  corre- 
spondence department.  This  being  a 
Presidential  year,  union  men  through- 
out the  country  are  looking  to  their 
labor  publications  for  the  thoughts 
and  expressions  of  those  writers  who 
champion  Labor's  cause,  and  while  our 
union  is  not  a  political  one,  our  motto, 
"The  injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of 
all,"  leads  us  to  discuss  affairs  which 
have  to  do  with  our  future  well-being. 
Strictly  class  organizations  were  all 
right  when  unionism  was  in  its  in- 
fancy, but  if  you  have  read  the  Asso- 
ciated Press  dispatches  for  any  length 
of  time,  the  fact  has  probably  im- 
pressed itself  on  your  mind  that  the 
owners  of  our  national  industries,  of 
which  railroads  are  only  one,  have  or- 
ganized. The  main  object  in  business 
life  of  these  men  is  to  extract  all  the 
profit  possible  out  of  their  various 
holdings  at  the  least  possible  expense. 
That  is  the  reason  they  are  against 
the  workers'  organizations,  which 
strive  to  obtain  the  best  working  con- 
ditions and  wages  for  themselves  and 
those  that  will  come  after  they  are 
gone.  While  the  incorporated  capital- 
ist reaps  large  dividends,  a  portion  of 
which  he  uses  in  suppressing  legisla- 


tion detrimental  to  his  interests,  but 
which  i^i^t  benefit  the  working  class, 
and  you  will  notice  that  they  are  will- 
ing to  pay  all  expenses  of  those  candi- 
dates whom  they  can  trust  to  advance 
their  cause.  So  why  should  not  organ- 
ized labor  stand  back  of  those  candi- 
dates who  will  look  to  Labor's  interest? 

We  have  enough  ballots  in  this 
country  to  control  our  own  destinies. 

I  hope  in  the  near  future  to  see.  in- 
dustrial unionism  in  full  swing.  As 
an  illuJBtration  of  what  I  mean,  a  rail- 
road organization  should  include  all 
who  have  the  handling  of  traffic  from 
the  time  it  is  received  at  the  initial 
terminal  up  to  the  time  it  is  delivered 
to  its  connections.  Each  class  organ- 
ization to  have  its  interests  guarded 
by  delegates  to  central  councils. 

The  question  of  wages  and  working 
conditions  would  then  become  more  of 
a  question  of  equality  of  men,  which 
I  believer  to  be  a  step  toward  the  broth- 
erhood of  man. 

Business  here  in  Buffalo  is  not  as 
good  as  it  should  be,  but  as  soon  as  a 
settlement  of  working  rules  and  wages 
between  the  miners'  union  and  the 
mine  owners  is  ratified,  business  at 
this  gateway  to  the  West  will  tax  all 
the  equipment  at  the  command  of  the 
railroads. 

It  is  pleasing  to  note  the  increasing 
membership  of  our  order,  and  hope 
that  all  men  switching  cars  through- 
out the  country  would  line  up  with  us 
as  they  should  and  help  support  the 
organization  that  takes  care  of  their 
interests. 

Evening  Star  Lodge  No.  209  is  hold- 
ing good  meetings  at  which  members 
of  the  other  lodges  who  might  be  in 
the  vicinity  of  Beyer's  Hall,  corner 
Seneca  and  Swan  streets,  on  our  meet- 
ing nights,  second  and  fourth  Thurs- 
days, are  cordially  invited. 

Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P., 
Chables  Barker, 
Journal  Agent. 


Grand  Rapids,  Mldi.-No.  80. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  this  is  the  time  of  the  year  that 
politicians  are  telling  us  (numbskulls) 
how  to  vote  to  conserve  the  interests 
of  the  country,  I  believe  we  should  all 
ask  them  how  they  stand  on  labor 
legislation.     Office-seekers  at  the  pres- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


884 


JOURNAL   OF    THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


ent  time  know  that  it  is  to  their  wel- 
fare to  secure  the  labor  vote,  and  we, 
as  voters,  should  secure  from  them 
their  pledges  to  support  the  moves 
which  are  conducive  to  the  welfare  of 
labor  in  all  its  branches,  and  especially 
union  labor. 

We  should  ask  how  they  feel  about 
an  eight-hour  day  for  switchmen,  and 
at  least  three  men  with  each  engine? 
When  they  pledge  their  support  to  but 
these  two  moves,  in  my  mind  we 
should  support  them  by  our  votes. 

We  as  switchmen  do  not  interest 
ourselves  quite  enough  in  politics.  Our 
vote  is  worth  something,  or  politicians 
would  not  be  so  anxious  to  secure 
them.  Several  inquiries  in  regard  to 
our  Pull  Crew  ordinance  in  Grand 
Rapids  leads  me  to  say  this:  Convince 
the  ordinance  committee  that  such  an 
act  is  an  act  to  protect  the  public 
safety  and  is  a  public  convenience  in 
being  able  to  get  crossings  cut  and 
thus  avoid  delays  to  the  public.  Be 
sure  the  penalty  clause  is  under  police 
court  jurisdiction,  and  it  will  not  con- 
flict with  any  iState  statute.  Any  per- 
sonal advice  that  may  be  desired  along 
these  lines  will  be  cheerfully  given 
upon  request.  Any  good  Lodge  No.  80 
can  do  In  this  way  is  gratis.  Michi- 
gan will  soon  be  on  record  with  a  State 
law  if  the  pledge  of  our  next  governor 
is  good  and  we  believe  the  man  to  tell 
the  truth.  He  Is  a  former  Grand 
Rapids  business  man,  and  his  attitude 
toward  labor  has  always  been  fair. 

It  is  only  our  duty  to  give  our  beet 
support  to  the  men  who  will  support 
our  moves.  Another  thing  that  comes 
to  mind  quite  forcibly  is:  Should 
switchmen  belong  to  other  labor  or- 
ganizations and  which  side  of  the 
fence  would  they  be  on  in  case  of 
trouble  if  they  did?  Personally  I  be- 
lieve one  has  about  all  he  can  do  to 
serve  one  such  union  and  do  it 
properly. 

Hoping  soon  to  see  eight  hours  and 
50c  an  hour  wherever  men  switch  cars, 
I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

C.  O.  Koch. 


Chicago,  IN.— No.  199. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joitbnal: 

As  we  have  had  one  of  the  coldest 
and  longest  winters  for  years,  we  have 
read  in  the  newspapers  of  the  decrease 


in  earnings  of  the  various  railroads, 
which  was  due  to  the  extreme  cold 
weather  and  the  railroads  not  being 
prepared  for  it,  on  account  of  the 
power  being  in  very  poor  shape  and 
they  could  not  pull  more  than  one- 
third  of  their  tonnage,  therefore  the 
increase  of  expenses  to  the  railroads 
was  due  to  the  poor  condition  of  the 
locomotive  more  than  the  cold  weather. 
And  yet  we  find  that  the  greater  num- 
ber of  them  have  declared  a  very  nice 
dividend.  So  much  for  the  employer. 
The  employe  had  this  same  cold  win- 
ter to  contend  with,  and  the  switchman 
was  expected  to  make  up  just  as  many 
trains  and  do  just  as  much  work,  re- 
gardless of  the  weather  and  conditions 
of  the  yards  from  snow  and  ice,  which, 
of  course,  made  the  calling  a  great 
deal  more  hazardotis.  When  onr 
power  gave  out,  we,  like  the  locomo- 
tive, went  to  the  hospital.  The  switch- 
man, like  railroads,  was  not  prepared 
for  the  extreme  cold  winter  and  their 
expenses  were  greater  than  their  earn- 
ings, and  we  have  no  chance  of  a  divi- 
dend being  declared  in  our  favor. 

In  February  Journal  there  appeared 
a  letter  from  the  writer  on  the  question 
of  national  federation  of  the  five  rail- 
road organizations.  If  we  expect  to 
continue  and  be  progressive  we  must 
have  a  national  federation.  Is  it  not 
a  fact  that  all  railroads  are  federated 
and  represented  by  the  General  Man- 
agers' Association.  The  Chicago  Amer- 
ican and  Evening  Examiner  locked  out 
their  pressmen  and  caused  a  strike  of 
newsboys,  delivery  and  drivers.  The 
Chicago  American  on  the  first  day  of 
the  strike  called  on  the  Chicago  Inter- 
Ocean  for  their  pressmen  to  get  out 
the  evening  paper.  Inasmuch  as  the 
Inter-Ocean  has  no  evening  paper  and 
their  pressmen  were  non-union,  the  re- 
quest was  granted,  and  the  last  edition 
of  the  Chicago  American  was  gotten 
out  by  pressmen  borrowed  from  the 
Chicago  Inter-Ocean  and  put  on  tbe- 
street  for  sale,  and  which  caused  more 
men  to  quit,  as  there  is  an  agreement 
with  newspapers  that  if  one  paper  can 
not  get  out  a  paper  on  account  of  a 
strike  the  others  will  not  publish  a 
paner.  So  the  Chicago  Am^erican  was 
called  back,  notwithstanding  the  fact 
that  the  Hearst  papers,  the  Chicago 
Tritune  and  Inter-Ocean,  have  been  at 
swords'  points — that  is,  any  person 
would  think  so  from    reading    those 


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papers  for  the  last  year.  Now,  then, 
is  there  any  question  that  the  Chicago 
newspapers  are  not  federated? 

The  railroads  are  represented  by 
a  Qeneral  Managers'  Association,  then 
we  have  the  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, and  the  building  trades  have  the 
Empire  Constructing  Company.  Well, 
you'  may  call  them  what  you  like — 
associations,  constructing  or  a  merger. 
They  are  federated  and  they  are  one 
when  it  is  a  question  of  labor,  and 
yet  the  rank  and  file  of  our  organiza- 
tions see  this  day  after  day  and  there 
is  no  effort  made  to  get  together.  If 
not  now,  when? 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

S.  A.  FOGARTY. 


Chicaio,  III.-N0.  208. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  this  is  my  first  attempt  at  writing 
for  the  Journal,  I  trust  its  readers 
will  not  expect  too  much  news  from 
me;  but  I  feel  that  we  should  be 
heard  from  occasionally,  and  that  we 
shouldn't  wait  any  longer  before 
making  the  start.  I  am  glad  to  be 
able  to  state  that  we  are  initiating 
members  at  every  meeting,  and  indica- 
tions at  the  present  time  look  very 
encouraging  for  a  successful  year  in 
the  affairs  of  Lodge  No.  208,  on  account 
of  which,  like  several  other  lodges,  we 
bave  a  very  cheerful  feeling  aa  we 
work  for  the  advancement  ot  the  cause 
we  are  all  trying  in  our  humble  way 
to  promote.  While  fairly  successful  in 
securing  members,  we  are  not  as  faith- 
ful in  attendance  at  our  regular  lodge 
meetings  as  we  should  be,  nor  as  we 
must  be  in  order  to  make  the  progress 
we  should  in  affairs  pertaining  to  the 
union.  While  there  is  always  a  faith- 
ful few  at  all  the  meetings,  yet  the  at- 
tendance could  be  greatly  increased 
without  working  any  hardship  on  any 
of  the  members,  and  we  hope  to  soon 
convince  our  "stay  at  home"  members 
of  the  importance  of  their  duty  In 
coming  out  to  as  many  of  the  meetings 
as  they  can.  What  are  very  heavy  re- 
sponsibilities for  a  few  become  com- 
paratively easy  ones  for  a  large  num- 
ber, and  since  the  work  of  the  organ- 
ization is  for  the  benefit  of  all,  its 
work  and  burdens  should  be  borne  by 
all.    All  have  greatly  benefited  on  ac- 


count of  it,  and  all  should  take  an 
active  interest  in  its  welfare. 

We  are  glad  to  state  that  Bro.  John 
O'Connell,  who  has  been  sick  so  long, 
has  returned  to  work  again,  and  all 
«  are  very  glad  to  see  him  back.  We 
also  hope  Bro.  Wilson,  who  has  been 
sick  for  a  year,  will  soon  be  back  on 
the  job,  he  going  away  for  a  short 
time  for  his  health. 

We  would  be  very  thankful  to  have 
anyone  knowing  the  address  of  Bro. 
James  A.  Thorpe,  member  of  this 
lodge,  forward  same  to  us.  His  folks 
haven't  heard  from  him  since  April 
24th,  and  are  fearful  that  something 
has  happened  to  him. 

Well,  everything  is  very  slow  on  the 
Belt  here  at  present,  and  it  is  bump, 
bump,  bump,  and  the  one  who  has  the 
best  bumper,  of  course,  gets  the  beet 
job. 

Wishing  all  lodges  the  best  of  suc- 
cess, as  well  as  all  the  auxiliaries,  I 
remain.     Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  E.  Gloveb, 
President  Lodge  No.  208. 


Chicago,  ll.-~-No.  68. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  is  time  for  getting  in  matter 
for  the  June  Joubnal,  I  will  endeavor 
to  contribute  a  few  lines  for  the  bene- 
fit of  our  members.  We  are  all  trying 
as  best  we  can  to  keep  in  good  shape 
the  affairs  of  our  union  in  the  part  of 
the  city  we  represent,  and  while  it  re- 
quires much  efTort  and  time  to  do  so, 
we  realize  It  is  time  well  spent,  and 
that  we  must  keep  constantly  at  the 
good  work,  or,  like  every  other  work 
of  this  nature,  it  will  not  accomplish 
the  results  our  adherents  hope  to 
secure  as  the  result  of  efforts  ex- 
pended. While  there  was  a  slight  de- 
crease in  membership  in  our  May  re- 
port over  that  of  April,  it  was  a  very 
slight  one,  yet  we  hope  to  prevent  the 
loss  of  a  single  member,  and  whenever 
a  brother  goes  suspended,  we  should 
exercise  every  honest  effort  to  get  him 
reinstated,  feeling  sure  he  needs  the 
protection  he  has  sacrificed  by  such 
suspension,  as  well  as  the  fact  that  the 
union  needs  his  aid  in  carrying  out  the 
good  work  of  the  organization.  Let  us 
all  try  and  keep  our  ranks  as  nearly 
complete  as  possible,  realizing  well  in 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


80  doing  tbat  we  can  better  accomplish 
the  full  objects  and  aims  of  the  union. 
So  we  trust  each  member  will  be  an 
active  worker  towards  getting  in  new 
members,  getting  the  suspended  ones 
reinstated  and  attend  all  the  meetings 
possible.  If  we  all  do  these  things, 
we  are  bound  to  prosper  and  increase 
in  strength  and  influence,  and  these 
are  things  all  should  try  and  do  to  the 
full  extent  of  their  time  and  ability. 

It  is  now  time  for  summer  outings, 
and,  lest  we  forget,  1  desire  to  here 
make  announcement  of  the  fact  that 
Union  Stock  Yards  Lodge  No.  68  will 
give  a  grand  boat  excursion  on  Sun- 
day, June  16th,  to  St.  Joseph,  Mich., 
and  which  all  our  members  are  espe- 
cially requested  to  interest  themselires 
as  fully  as  possible  in  order  to  make 
it  the  success  that  it  should  be.  We 
also  would  be  pleased  to  have  as  many 
of  the  brothers  of  other  lodges  as  can 
do  so  to  so  arrange  their  dates  that 
they  could  nuike  it  a  point  to  accom- 
pany us  on  this  outing  and  bring'  their 
friends  and  families  along  with  them. 
We  will  assure  all  of  a  most  pleasant 
time  if  they  will  do  so. 

And  now  a  word  to  the  sisters  about 
thl3  matter.  We  don't  know  Just  how 
they  stand  on  the  suffrage  Question, 
but  we  do  feel  that  they  should  stand, 
squarely  for  us  on  this  excursion 
proposition,  and  that  they  will  come  to 
our  rescue  with  their  good  will,  and 
assist  us  in  every  way  they  can  to  add 
to  the  attendance  and  enjoyment  of 
this  occasion,  since  it  is  given  for  a 
good  purpose,  and  since  we  fully  real- 
ize it  will  not  be  the  success  it  should 
be  without  the  aid  of  the  sisters.  Last 
year  we  realized  to  our  sorrow  their 
absence  at  the  time  of  our  outing,  and 
we  hope  there  will  be  no  repetitions 
of  this  nature  in  connection  with  this 
one.  for  we  are  figuring  strongly  both 
on  their  good  will  In  giving  encourage- 
ment to  it  before  it  comes  off,  as  well 
as  their  presence  and  participation  on 
the  day  the  trip  is  made.  So,  sisters, 
we  are  figuring  on  you,  and  we  can 
accept  no  excuses  for  non-attendance 
this  year  as  we  were  compelled  to  do 
last  summer.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to 
state  we  expect  every  member  of 
Lodge  No.  68  to  be  a  committee  of  one 
to  assist  in  selling  as  many  tickets  as 
he  can,  and  to  aid  in  every  other  pos- 
sible way  towards  making  this  event 
the  most  enjoyable  outing  of  the  sea- 


son. Let  there  be  no  misunderstand- 
ings about  accounting  for  every  ticket 
taken.  Every  brother  is  expected  to 
sell  as  nuiny  as  he  can,  but  no  brother 
must  get  the  idea  that  he  is  to  handle 
them  without  giving  our  treasurer  the 
money  for  those  sold  and  returning  to 
him  all  that  are  not  sold,  in  order  for 
him  to  make  a  full  accounting  for  them 
to  the  lodge.  So  let's  get  this  matter 
clearly  fixed  in  our  minds  at  the  start 
and  avoid  trouble  later  on. 

Our  meetings,  while  fairly  well  at- 
tended, could  be  improved  upon.  The 
meetings  are  so  arranged  that  there  is 
but  little  excuse  for  non-attendance  on 
the  part  of  any  brother,  either  day  or 
night  man.  Tou  owe  it  to  the  lodge, 
as  well  as  to  yourself,  to  come  out  and 
participate  in  everything  coming  be- 
fore the  union  pertaining  to  its  wel- 
fare. Let's  all  put  our  shoulder  to  the 
wheel  and  get  the  benefit  of  the  work, 
as  well  as  share  our  full  part  of  the  re- 
sponsibility. Don't  forget  the  excur- 
sion on  June  16th. 

We  read  with  much  interest  the  let- 
ters in  the  Journal  from  the  various 
parts  of  the  country  and  are  much 
pleased  to  see  the  interest  that  is  being 
manifested  in  the  good  work  of  both 
organizations,  as  it  speaks  well  for 
those  giving  time  and  attention  to  the 
subjects  being  discussed,  and  out  of  it 
all  is  bound  to  come  good  results  for 
the  union. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers 
and  sisters,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

John  Cole. 


CMcago,  NL— No.  83. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  my  letter  to  the  May  Joubn^i< 
escaped  both  the  wastebaaket  and  the 
blue  pencil,  I  will  try  again. 

Bro.  Porter,  in  his  very  interestins 
letter,  wants  to  know  if  we  prefer  the 
eight-hour  day  at  present  wages,  or  if 
we  should  wait  until  our  earnings  are 
greater.  Well,  brothers,  less  than  ten 
years  ago  we  were  working  eleven 
hours  for  $2.75.  Today  eight  hours 
will  pay  $2.80.  So  that  is  the  answer 
as  far  as  I  am  concerned.  The  time 
will  never  come  in  this  world  when 
the  overtime  hog  will  get  enough.  It 
may  In  the  next  Aside  from  this  the 
history  of  the  labor  movement  shows 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMEStlCA. 


887 


that  where  the  hours  of  labor  have 
been  decreased,  the  wages  have  in- 
creased. Bro.  Porter  speaks  of  the 
fellow  who  has  paid  so  much  into  an- 
other organization  that  he  does  not 
want  to  quit  and  join  the  8.  U.  1 
know  from  experience  that  it  is  a 
waste  of  breath  to  talk  to  that  kind 
of  people.  In  the  early  days  of  the  S. 
U.  we  nad  to  contend  with  arguments 
that  our  insurance  was  no  good  and 
that  the  switchmen  were  incompetent 
to  handle  their  own  affairs  without 
the  supervision  of  some  master  minds 
from  another  class.  There  is  no 
longer  any  question  on  these  points, 
00  they  must  fall  back  on  the  '*I  paid 
so  much/'  etc.  The  3.  U.  must  build 
for  the  future.  When  a  student  is  put 
on  to  help  you,  do  not  turn  him  in 
because  he  is  green.  We  all  had  to 
learn.  Inject  a  little  class  pride  into 
him  and  give  him  an  application  blank 
as  soon  as  you  have  taught  him  that 
the  first  principle  of  switching  cars  is 
to  keep  from  killing  himself  and  the 
men  he  is  working  with.  The  time  is 
fast  approaching  when  the  railway 
unions  will  have  to  bury  their  class 
prejudice  and  get  together  for  mutuaJ 
protection.  The  attitude  of  the  rail- 
ways toward  requests  for  increased 
wages  has  been  hostile  and  some  re- 
ductions have  taken  place.  So,  in  my 
opinion,  it  is  a  case  of  hanging  to- 
gether or  hanging  one  at  a  time.  How 
ever,  I  believe  that  before  this  can  he 
brought  about  it  will  be  necessary  to 
Oslerize  the  Grand  Lodge  staff  of  some 
of  the  unions. 

Now  a  few  words  in  regard  to  Sec- 
tion 157  and  I  am  through  with  that 
subject.  Some  of  the  brothers  seem  to 
think  that  any  one  can  represent  the 
switchmen  regardless  of  his  occupa- 
tion. I  presume  that  these  brothers 
contend  (or  should  contend  that  every 
man  switching  cars  should  belong  to 
the  S.  U.  In  fact,  that  is  the  conten- 
tion of  all  class  unionists  and  the 
union  man  who  quits  switching  and 
engages  in  another  occupation  will 
bend)  his  energies  to  the  betterment  of 
conditions  in  his  present  vocation.  In 
order  to  be  eligible  to  membership  in 
the  iS.  U.  you  must  be  actually  engaged 
in  yard  service  and  if  anyone  not  so 
engaged  is  eligible  to  represent  you 
on  a  committee  or  In  a  convention, 
then  there  is  no  excuse  for  the  S.  U. 
being  on  the  map.  A  number  of  peo- 
ple have  tried  for  a  long  time  to  con- 


vince me  that  anyone  can  represent 
the  switchmen,  but  up  to  the  present 
writing  I  am  still  unconvinced.  With 
best  wishes  to  all  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  S.  Mbehait. 


Ckkmg^  UL— No.  36. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  is  quite  a  while  since  anything 
has  appeared  from  me  in  the  pink 
book,  will  try  and  tell  you  all  I  know 
about  the  doings  of  Lodge  No.  36  in  a 
few  words  and  hope  none  of  the  broth- 
ers were  offended  because  there  was 
nothing  in  the  Journal  from  Lodge 
No.  36  for  quite  a  while.  But  you  all 
know  that  when  you  are  working  15 
or  16  hours  every  day,  when  you  come 
home  you  do  not  feel  like  writing. 
Well,  that  is  enough  of  that  stuff  for 
the  present,  and  I  will  try  to  tell  you 
all  about  something  else. 

Since  the  last  Journal  was  out  we 
gave  our  annual  ball  at  Visitation  Hall, 
Plfty-flfth  and  Peoria  avenue,  and  it 
was  certainly  a  great  success.  We  had 
a  nice  bunch  there  that  night,  and  all 
the  brothers  and  sisters  who  were 
present  certainly  had  a  fine  time. 
Everything  went  off  in  Al  shape.  I 
will  now  try  to  tell  you  something 
about  the  affairs  ^f  the  lodge. 

Well,  as  It  is  nearly  summer  time 
business  is  as  usual  at  this  time  of  the 
year  falling  ofP  on  most  of  the  roads 
around  Chicago.  We  are  having  some 
fine  weather  right  now  and  I  look  for 
the  most  busy  summer  that  we  have 
ever  had.  Now  since  the  coal  strike 
is  settled  in  this  section  of  the  coun- 
try, business  will  certainly  get  a  little 
better  than  it  was  for  the  last  five  or 
six  weeks. 

Well,  we  have  another  big  strike  on 
in  Chicago.  The  pressmen  on  all  the 
big  dally  papers  went  out  on  a  strike 
about  a  week  or  ten  days  ago,  and  you 
cannot  get  a  paper  on  most  of  the 
comers  if  you  wanted  to.  But  the  Chi- 
cago Daily  Socialist  and  the  World 
are  out  and  doing  a  great  business. 
Well,  brothers,  you  know  that  we  are 
all  on  the  same  terms  as  they,  and  we 
will  give  them  our  support  by  not  buy- 
ing any  paper  that  is  printed  by  non- 
union men. 

We  are  still  taking  in  members 
every  meeting,  and  we  are  getting  up 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOTJBNAIj  of  THB   SWlTGBMSirB 


around  the  three  hundred  mark — a 
point  we  are  hopeful  of  soon  reaching, 
and  will  if  we  all  work  together  as  we 
have  been  doing  in  the  past. 

Well,  brothers,  as  it  is  getting 
pretty  late  now  I  will  have  to  be 
closing,  but  I  have  one  thing  more  to 
say  before  I  say  good-bye  for  this 
month's  Journal,  and  that  is  we  meet 
the  first  and  third  Sunday  of  every 
month  at  5444  Wentworth  avenue,  and 
we  would  be  glad  to  see  a  few  more 
attend  the  meetings  than  have  been 
doing  80  in  the  past.  And  now,  broth- 
ers, let's  put  our  shoulder  to  the  wheel 
and  get  some  of  these  no-bills  up  to 
the  hall,  as  we  would  gladly  take  time 
to  let  them  ride  the  goat.  And  get  to- 
gether and  attend  one  meeting  every 
month  at  least,  and  then  you  won't 
have  to  ask  someone  else  things  about 
the  meeting.  And  remember  that 
there  is  always  room  for  one  more 
brother  in  the  lodge  hall. 

Hoping  to  see  this  printed  in  the 
July  pink  book,  I  remain, 

Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Haebt  Wilkins, 
Journal  Agent, 


Kansas  €3ty,  Kans.— No.  2. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

If  this  will  not  take  up  too  much 
space  in  the  Journal  I  wish  you 
would  insert  It. 

In  behalf  of  the  members  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  and  their  friends, 
I  wish  to  thank  the  ladles  of  Golden 
Rule  Lodge  No.  17,  through  the  col- 
umns of  the  Journal,  for  the  pleasant 
evening  that  we  all  enjoyed  on  April 
25,  1912,  at  their  annual  ball,  and  I 
will  say  that  the  ladies  deserve  great 
praise  for  good  work  they  did  in  get- 
ting the  affair  together.  They  were  to 
have  a  side  issue  at  intermission  for 
the  benefit  of  the  spectators — a  wrest- 
ling match  between  Mr.  Charles  (Peg) 
Cooker  and  his  sister,  Mrs.  S.  E.  Peete 
— but  before  intermission  came  around 
they  put  up  the  fiag  of  truce  and  de- 
cided to  dance  a  quadrille  together  for 
old  time  sake,  and  during  the  dance 
Pe^  made  Sis  mad,  so  she  threw  him 
down  and,  in  trying  to  get  the  toe  hold 
on  him,  she  got  the  wrong  leg  and 
broke  the  strap  on  his  cork  leg,  so  the 
intermission  bout  had  to  be  declared 
off,  but  Peg  says  he  won.  and  Sis  says 


she  won,  but  Sye  Fry,  who  was  to 
referee  the  bout  says  that  both  had 
visited  the  punch  bowl  too  oflten. 

Well,  sisters,  I  hope  you  will  give  us 
another  treat  in  the  near  future,  and 
wishing  you  the  best  of  luck  and  may 
no  obstacle  ever  get  in  your  path,  I 
remidn.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Ohab.  M.  Davis, 
Member  Lodge  No,  2.  - 


Chicago,  NL— No.  230. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  has  been  quite  an  elapsed 
length  of  time  since  Lodge  No.  230  has 
appeared  in  the  pink  book,  and  as  I 
am  entrusted  with  the  worthy  honor 
of  trying  to  contribute  our  share  of 
what  the  switchmen  are  doing  in  this 
part  of  Chicago,  we  will  try  to  put 
forth  our  best  literary  efforts. 

Although  not  as  large  in  membership 
as  other  lodges  in  Chicago,  and  not 
having  the  territory  to  draw  from  as 
others  have.  Lodge  No.  230  is  plodding 
right  along,  and  at  our  last  meeting 
the  brothers  decided  they  would  all 
load  up  with  application  cards  and  get 
busy,  and,  if  it  became  necessary,  they 
would  go  after  the  non-airs  with 
lassoes,  so  you  can  see  how  determined 
our  brothers  are  getting  in  regard  to 
increasing  our  membership. 

I  understand  the  B.  of  R.  T.  are 
seeking  another  increase  of  pay,  but 
if  they  don't  have  any  more  success 
than  they  did  at  their  last  attempt,  I 
am  thinking  they  will  finally  make  up 
their  minds  to  leave  the  yard  service 
in  the  hands  of  those  best  adapted  to 
legislate  for  themselves,  and  that 
means  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

Election  time  is  soon  coming,  and 
the  brothers  when  they  go  to  the  polls 
to  cast  their  ballots  should  remember 
the  candidates  who  are  always  in  the 
battle  for  the  benefit  of  union  labor, 
and  by  so  doing  union  labor  will  be 
able  to  demand  and  be  given  their  just 
dues. 

The  schedule  with  the  M.  C.  R.  R. 
has  been  drawn  up  successively  for 
years  with  committees  representing 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  along  come  a 
few  members  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  who 
have  the  audacity  or  whatever  you 
wish  to  call  it,  to  attempt  to  wrest 
the  schedule  from  the  hands  of  the 
switchmen.  But  as  In  unjon  there  Is 
strength,  and  with  the  M.  C.  solid  S. 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMESRICA. 


389 


U.  of  N.  A.  from  Chicago  to  Buffalo, 
with  the  exception  of  the  few  above 
mentioned,  there  is  little  likelihood  of 
the  schedule  being  given  only  to  those 
to  whom  it  belongs,  and  that  is  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

There  is  one  thing  that  seems  to  be 
affecting  all  the  lodges  more  or  lose, 
and  that  is  non-attendance  at  meet- 
ings, and  devious  ways  have  been  tried 
to  overcome  this,  but  with  only  partial 
success.  But  the  brothers  should  take 
it  upon  themselvee  to  try  to  attend 
at  least  one  meeting  a  month. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Journal  Agent. 


Blye  btend,  IN.— No.  29. 

E^DiTOR  Switchmen's  Journal: 

In  looking  over  the  Journal  I  find 
the  brothers  of  our  lodge  very  slow  in 
putting  news  in  the  Journal. 

Well,  as  I  am  a  new  member,  I  can- 
not say  very  much  at  the  present  time, 
but  you  will  hear  from  me  again  in  the 
near  future.  I  have  a  little  piece  I 
would  like  to  have  published  in  next 
month's  Journal.    The  title  is 

What  Ib  Home  Withoui'  a  Mother? 
Strange,  we  never  praise  the  music 
Till  the  sweet-voiced  bird  has  flown. 
What  is  home  without  a  mother, 
With  her  tender  love  and  care, 
All  your  sorrows,  all  your  troubles. 
All  your  woes  she'll  gladly  share. 
When  your  comrades  all  forsake  you, 
And  it  makes  you  feel  so  sad. 
Is  it  not  y</ur  dear,  sweet  mother 
Who  will  cheer  and  make  you  glad? 

What  is  home  without  a  mother. 
With  her  dear,  sweet,  loving  smile, 
Always  working,  ever  toiling, 
For  the  welfare  of  her  child? 
When  your  father  gets  impatient. 
And  is  as  cross  as  he  can  be. 
Is  it  not  thy  dear,  sweet  mother 
Who  says  cheering  words  to  thee? 

What  is  home  without  a  mother 
When  you're  as  sick  as  you  can  be? 
Is  it  not  thy  dear  mother 
Who  watches  closely  over  thee? 
Who  is  it,  then,  who  tells  you 
Of  that  beautiful  heaven  above. 
And  the  dear,  sweet  Saviour's  love. 
And  the  great  things  he  can  do; 
Is  it  not  your  dear,  sweet  mother 
Who  unveils  it  all  to  you? 


What  is  home  without  a  mother 
When  you've  been  led  to  sin. 
And  they  take  you  to  the  station 
Where  you're  safely  locked  within. 
When  the  world  seems  all  against  you 
And  the  trial  will  soon  begin; 
Is  it  not  your  dear,  sweet  mother 
Who  stays  by  you  through  thick  and 
thin? 

O  brothers,  my  friends,  I  tell  you, 
Tou  who  have  a  mother  dear. 
Ton  should  stay  faithfully  by  her. 
She  is  your  only  light  and  cheer. 
Tou  should  do  all  you '  can  to  please 

her. 
For  you  may  not  have  her  long; 
And  no  one  will  love  and  cheer  you 
When  your  dear,  sweet  mother's  gone. 
Yours  In  B.,  a  and  P., 

Alfred  D.  Fitch. 


Los  Angdes,  CaL-No.  43. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  suppose  you  will  be  surprised  to 
see  the  handwriting  on  the  wall  from 
Lodge  No.  43,  but  better  late  than 
never. 

I  will  say  that  Lodge  No.  43  is  still 
alive  and  we  have  the  true-hearted 
brand  of  switchmen  among  us  who 
never  give  up  a  good  cause  and  all 
have  been  born  with  the  true  blue 
blood  that  a  switchman  should  have. 
We  also  believe  that  every  man  who  is 
switching  cars  should  belong  to  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  But,  unfortunately,  on 
the  Pacific  Coast,  we  are  up  against  a 
hard  thing,  since  the  Santa  Fe  and  the 
Southern  Pacific  are  in  favor  of  the 
other  organization  and  we  have  a  hard 
uphill  fight  as  a  result  But  Lodge  No. 
43  will  never  give  up  and  will  continue 
to  work  and  look  for  better  times  aud 
I  hope  it  will  not  be  long  before  we 
have  them.  I  will  also  state  that  we 
have  new  courage  in  us  since  our 
President  Bro.  Heberling  paid  us  a 
visit,  remaining  with  us  for  three 
days.  We  called  a  special  meeting  on 
account  of  his  visit  and  he  gave  us  a 
good  talk  that  should  carry  convictlor. 
to  every  one  who  heard  him.  He  made 
no  promises  nor  brags,  but  we  hope 
that  everything  will  all  come  out  al- 
right with  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  we 
believe  it  will  if  all  do  their  duty. 

I  will  also  state  that  we  lost  one  of 
our  best  members  on  the  14th  day  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THS   SWITCHiaN*8 


April,  Bro.  Frank  Dow,  who  was  a 
former  member  of  Lodge  No.  36  and 
who  was  killed  in  the  Santa  Fe  yards 
at  Los  Angeles.  His  body  was  sent  to 
Chicago  for  burial  and  was  accom- 
panied by  Bro.  Barney  Shearrard,  who 
was  his  close  friend  in  life.  Bro.  Dow 
will  be  greatly  missed  by  his  friends 
here. 

Brothers!,  I  will  also  state  that  Los 
Angeles  is  a  hard  place  for  S.  U.  men 
to  get  a  Job  and  would  advise  any 
member  who  has  a  job  not  to  quit  and 
come  to  Los  Angeles  looking  for  one. 

I  beliere  I  have  said  about  enough 
for  tbis  time  and  I  will  therefore  bring 
my  letter  to  a  close  by  wishing  all  S. 
U.  lodges  success. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

•     J.  F.  S.,  Lodge  43. 


Ludlow,  Ky.— No.  214. 

Editor  Switchmen*s  Journal: 

I  have  a  very  important  question  to 
place  before  the  members  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union,  and  which  every 
member  of  the  beneficiary  department 
should  fully  consider  before  next  con- 
vention. The  question  at  issue  is: 
Shall  we  abrogate  Section  100  of  the 
Constitution,  or  that  part  of  it  which 
reads,  *'No  claim  will  be  paid  where 
death  or  disability  is  in  consequence 
of  the  following  causes:  making  bal- 
loon ascensions,  bell-diving,  working 
in  powder  mills;  nor  when  caused  by 
any  wrongful  act  on  the  part  of  the 
insured,  or  when  caused  by  alcohol- 
ism." EiSpecially  do  I  say  to  you, 
brothers,  who  have  loved  ones  depend- 
ing on  you  and  who  would  be  left 
without  any  support  in  case  you  were 
to  meet  death  in  violation  of  this  sec- 
tion, suppose,  for  instance,  you  have 
a  wife  and  children  depending  on  you 
for  support,  you  Join  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
take  out  class  B,  $1,500.  Tour  wife 
feels  Secure  in  saying  that  if  anything 
were  to  happen  to  you  she  and  the 
children  would  be  protected  with  that 
$1,500.  But  k>,  some  night  an  enemy 
meets  you  alone.  The  assassin  strikes 
you  down.  He,  the  assassin,  goes  to 
the  police  and  gives  himself  up,  say- 
ing he  had  to  kill  you  in  self-defense. 
Then  wlien  the  widow  seeks  her  claim, 
she  finds  this  big  barrier,  which  makes 
her  an  object  of  charity;  or,  on  the 
other  hand,  her  husband  engages  in 


an  unlawful  act  and  meets  death.  Is 
that  any  reason  why  the  widow  and 
Glhildren  should  be  punished  and  made 
to  suffer  for  the  faults  of  the  insured? 
Now,  brothers,  we  are  the  joke  of  the 
other  organizations  in  this  respect 
Study  this  carefully  before  you  send 
your  delegate  to  the  next  convention, 
as  I  think  this  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant articles  to  be  brought  before 
It.  We  members  of  Lodge  No.  214 
have  had  this  question  brought  square- 
ly before  us.  In  April,  in  case  of 
Maud  T.  Saylor  vs.  Switchmen's  Union 
in  Judge  Tracsr's  court,  Kenton  county, 
Kentucky.  Now,  in  this  case  the 
plaintiff  attempted  to  show  insanity 
on  the  part  of  the  insured  at  time  of 
his  death,  which  they  failed  to  prove, 
as  I  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  all 
testimony  given  by  all  witnesses  at 
that  trial,  and  while  the  jury  found 
for  the  plaintiff  In  full,  despite  the 
fact  that  the  insured  was  committing 
an  unlawful  aot  when  he  entered  his 
father-in-law's  home,  shooting,  on  Dec. 
17,  1909,  and  was  killed  by  his  brother- 
in-law,  McClure.  Now,  I  claim  that 
the  beneficiary  should  not  be  made  to 
suffer  by  and  through  the  act  of  the 
insured.  So,  brothers,  let  us  get  busy 
on  this  section  of  the  Oonstitntion,  and 
at  our  next  convention  be  ready  to 
amend  it  if  necessary.  The  decision, 
as  rendered  In  the  case  of  Mrs.  Maud 
F.  -Saylor  vs.  Switchmen's  Union  I  do 
not  think  would  stand  before  a  higher 
court,  Inasmuch  as,  first,  the  insanity 
of  the  insured  at  the  time  he  com- 
mitted the  cr4me  was  not  established 
by  witnesses  for  the  plaintiff;  on  the 
other  hand,  witnesses,  men  who  worked 
with  him  for  years  clearly  testified  to 
his  sanity  at  all  times:  second,  if  this 
decision  were  allowed  to  stand  It 
would  establish  a  precedent  in  murder 
cases  In  the  State  of  Kentucky  which 
would  make  It  unsafe  to  live  In  Ken- 
tucky, inasmuch  as  this  verdict  hav- 
ing made  one  William  F.  Savior  insane 
at  time  of  attempting  murder,  accord- 
ing to  the  coroner's  verdict  in  Decem- 
ber, 1909.  Then,  on  the  other  hand,  if 
anyone  enters  your  home  In  Kentucky, 
according  to  this  decision,  with  felon- 
ious intent,  he  can  avail  himself  of 
this  decision  and  plead  insanity,  if  the 
evidence  as  produced  by  the  plaintiff's 
witnesses  will  be  considered  sufficient 
to  establish  the  insanity  of  the  in> 
Bured.    Then,  God  help  us,  we  are  all 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


891 


Biad<  This  is  our  fault  that  these 
cases  arise.  We,  the  memhers  of  the 
Switohmen's  Union,  are  the  law- 
makers of  our  union,  not  our  officers. 
We  elect  officers  to  see  that  our  laws 
are  carried  out  I  have  heard  so  many 
unintelligent  remarks  ahout  our  offi- 
cers. Dear  brothers,  if  you  know  of  a 
Grand  Lodge  officer  violating  the  Con- 
stitution prefer  charges  according  to 
our  Constitution.  This  Saylor  claim 
should  not  have  been  paid.  So  this  is 
what  I  had  in  mind,  next  March  when 
electing  delegates  to  your  next  conren- 
tion  select  good  lawmakers;  don't 
send  some  poor  fellow  down  to  Hous- 
ton, Tex.,  Just  because  he  is  a  good 
fellow.  Select  a  brainy  member,  even 
if  he  is  the  biggest  crank  in  the  lodge, 
and  instruct  him  what  you  desire  to 
have  done  by  him,  and  you  can  tell  by 
the  minutes  of  the  convention  if  he 
has  done  his  duty.  Just  one  more 
word — ^the  switchmen  want  an  eight- 
hour  workday  and  they  want  it  badly. 
Wishing  to  hear  from  some  of  the 
brothers  on  this,  I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Qathtz. 


New  Yofic  aty,  N.  Y.--No.  56. 

B^DiTOB  Smtitchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  my  last  letter  did  not  find  the 
wastebasket  I  will  try  this  time  to 
give  all  the  brothers  in  the  West  what 
information  I  have  at  hand.  I  hope 
to  be  able  to  inform  them  in  the  near 
future  that  Lodge  No.  56  is  the  ban- 
ner lodge  in  the  £a8t  It  was  indeed 
gratifying  at  our  last  meeting  to  see 
such  a  large  number  of  our  brothers 
present  Four-fifths  of  the  member- 
ship were  in  attendance  at  that  meet* 
ing  and  the  interest  manifested  in  the 
proceedings  showed  very  plainly  that 
they  are  interested. 

<Bro.  McQuire,  you're  all  right.  Keep 
up  the  good  work  and  get  after  the 
simplers,  or  herring  chokers,  as  Bro. 
Hawley  would  say.  Tel)  them  what  the 
switchmen  stand  for  and  you  will  suc- 
ceed, as  you  have  already  done,  in 
getting  the  men  in  the  organization 
that  has  no  taint  on  it 

There  is  one  thing  more,  at  this 
time,  I  wish  to  call  attention  to  and 
that  is  not  to  speak  ill  of  any  brother. 
Words  have  wings  and,  while  we  may 
deem   it  a  very  trival  matter  it  is. 


nevertheless,  the  cause  of  much  ill- 
feeling,  especially  is  this  true  if  words 
are  uttered  that  have  a  sting  in  its 
tale.  We  make  a  very  serious  mistake 
if  we  underestimate  the  trading  Quall- 
ties  of  words  as  we  should.  A  word 
spoken  in  jest  may  be  innocent 
enough  in  itself,  but  very  often  seri- 
ous consequences  result  as  a  matter  of 
fact  You  may  rob  a  brother  of  his 
good  name  by  an  ill  spoken  word  and, 
since  there  are  some  persons  who  have 
cultivated  such  a  suspicious  attitude 
that  they  are  always  ready  to  believe 
anything  spoken,  even  though  it  be 
something  derogatory  to  a  brother's 
character  whom  they  have  known  for 
years  to  be  an  estimable  man,  they 
will  instantly  forget  his  good  qualities 
and  brand  him  a  scoundrel.  This  Is 
what  happened  to  a  friend  I  have  in 
mind.  You  can  scarcely  ever  trace 
such  things  to  their  original  source  or 
the  man  who  started  them.  We  are  so 
constituted  that  after  years  the  origi- 
nal will  keep  popping  up  from  some 
unexpected  source  and  this  goes  to 
prove  that  ill-spoken  words  have 
wings  and  no  power  on  earth  can  stop 
them  in  their  flight  Well,  I  think  1 
have  said  enough  on  this  matter  and 
hope  my  words  of  advice  will  be 
heeded. 

The  time  is  now  here  when  the 
switchmen  will  have  to  show  the  la- 
bor unions  in  the  tranq;>ortation  de- 
partments how  to  better  the  working 
conditions,  as  it  is  near  election  time 
and  it  is  up  to  the  switchmen  to  hdp 
nominate  men  for  office  who  have  the 
interest  and  welfare  of  the  men  work- 
ing in  the  transportation  department 
at  heart  and  not  that  of  the  common 
enemy.  I  hope,  brothers,  that  you  all 
have  the  prospective  Congressman  iu 
mind  in  your  district  who  will  always 
be  ready  to  look  after  the  union  labor 
man's  interest.  I  surely  have  my 
mind  made  up  how  to  vote  this  time 
and  I  hope  all- the  brothers  have  their 
minds  made  up  also  to  vote  for  candi- 
dates friendly  to  union  labor.  If  the 
men  in  the  transportation  department 
would  select  skilled  and  experienced 
men  as  candidates  to  look  after  their 
interests,  the  men  on  all  railroads 
wouM  be  well  represented  in  the  legis- 
lative halls  of  the  country.  Until  such 
time  as  we  do  so  the  conditions  will  not 
be  much  better  than  they  now  are. 
The  railroads  that  kill  and  cripple 
their  men  should  be  made  to  protect 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


892 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


them  and  then  the  men  would  not 
have  to  dis  down  into  their  own  pock- 
ets and  pay  dues  for  protection.  Then 
the  railroads  would  not  want  the  men 
to  work  60  fast  and  would  discharge 
a  man  if  he  was  caught  running  and 
this  is  at  it  should  be.  A  switchman 
switching  cars  with  his  feet  is  no 
switchman.  There  should  be  more 
headwork  and  less  racing,  as  is  done 
at  present  The  switchmen  desire 
thoughtful  men  in  the  organization, 
for  it  is  recognized  as  a  labor  union 
and  its  members  are  skilled  workmen, 
which  ie  proven  by  the  fact  that  when 
a  man  comes  to  a  yard  to  work  you 
can  tell  right  away  whether  he  is  a 
member  of  the  3,  U.  or  not.  Ask  any 
yardmaster  about  this  and  he  will  teli 
you  that  this  is  true. 

I  think  I  have  said  enough  for  this 
time  and  I  hope  to  see  a  letter  in  the 
pink  book  from  our  Joxtbnal  agent 
I  will  now  close  my  letter  with  beet 
wishes  to  all,  not  forgetting  old 
"Baldy"  O'Brien,  I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


Toledo,  C— No.  14. 

EoiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  it  has  been  some  time  since  any 
missive  from  Lodge  No.  14  has  made 
an  appearance  between  the  pink  cov- 
ers, I  will  endeavor  to  let  the  readers 
know  that  we  are  still  in  existence 
and  in  a  prosperous  condition,  taking 
in  new  members  at  every  meeting. 

Again  our  heads  are  bowed  in  sor- 
row as  with  deep  regret  we  announce 
the  death  of  Bro.  A.  B.  Soncrant,  who 
was  ill  for  a  number  of  weeks  before 
the  end  came.  Lodge  No.  14  had 
charge  of  the  funeral,  which  took 
place  at  his  late  home,  Thursday, 
April  14th,  after  which  the  remains 
were  taken  to  Adrian,  Mich.,  the 
former  home  of  his  wife,  for  burial. 
He  leaves,  besides  his  wife  and  a  little 
son  of  tender  years,  an  aged  father 
and  mother,  one  brother  and  three  sis- 
ters to  mourn  his  sad  loss.  Fred  was 
hot  only  an  old  and  faithful  member, 
but  a  loyal  one  whose  honest  and  up- 
right life  was  one  we  were  proud  of, 
as  we  worked  shoulder  to  Moulder 
with  him  for  many  years. 

Bro.  Harvey  Viers  is  back  again  in 
the  Lake  Shore  yards,  after  being  con- 


fined to  his  home  all  winter  with  a 
broken  leg. 

The  boys  all  thank  the  Ladies'  Aux- 
iliary for  the  royal  entertainment  they 
gave  us  on  the  last  meeting  night 
Whenever  the  auxiliary  undertakes 
anything— well,  all  there  is  to  it  is 
that  there  is  something  doing  that  is 
worth  the  while  and  if  all  old^ime 
switchmen  had  the  same  brand  of  en- 
thusiasm and  energy  about  us  in  af- 
f^rs  pertaining  to  our  union,  we 
would  soon  have  solid  S.  U.  yards 
from  one  end  of  the  line  to  the  other. 
It  is  wonderful  what  amount  of  good 
things  they  can  arrange  for  those 
spreads  and  not  one  of  the  stay-at- 
home  brothers  knows  what  he  misses 
when  he  is  absent  at  the  time  these 
fair  damsels  knock  gently  at  the  lodge 
hall  door.  Any  time  you  get  ahead 
of  our  sisters  in  Toledo — well,  "you've 
got  to  go  some."  And,  Just  on  the 
quiet,  did  your  ever  observe  how  the 
auxiliary  here  keeps  their  end  of  it 
up  in  the  Joubnal?  I  am  very  sorry  I 
am  unable  to  do  them  Justice,  for  their 
noble  work  in  such  a  good  cause.  Of 
one  thing,  however,  let  them  always 
be  assured  and  that  is  that  we  ap- 
preciate their  efforts  to  aid  us  in  our 
work,  even  if  we  cannot  quite  express 
acknowledgment  of  the  fact  as  we 
would  like  to.  We  wish  to  assure 
them  that  the  latch  string  on  our 
lodge  room  door  is  easily  worked  and, 
furthermore,  that  our  stomachs  are  as 
gluttonous  as  ever  for  the  edibles 
their  culinary  experiences  have  taught 
them  how  to  arrange  so  well.  But 
what  is  the  use  of  trying  to  further 
explain  it  So,  hoping  that  some 
brother  more  nimble  with  the  quill 
will  give  them  a  good  write  up  in  the 
next  Joubnal,  I  will  bring  my  letter 
to  a  close  with  best  wishes  to  all. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

b.  J.  D. 


SflMingffidd,  II.— No.  86. 

BniTOB  SwrroHiCBN's  Joubnal: 

As  my  last  letter  looked  better  in 
print  than  it  did  in  writing,  I  will 
trv  again. 

Bro.  Wetzel  and  I  attended  a  spe- 
cial meeting  of  Lodge  No.  134  at  St. 
Louis  on  the  25th  of  ApriL  Bro. 
Heni)ei'ling  addressed  liiis  meeting  for 
about  two  hours  and  we  certainly  en- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMfiatlOA. 


Joyed  his  talk.  If  every  member 
would  follow  his  advice  there  isn't 
any  doubt  that  we  could  almost  double 
our  membership  within  the  next  year. 
The  trouble  is  we  do  not  follow  good 
advice. 

The  working  conditions  here  are 
very  good  for  this  time  of  the  year. 
The  mines,  closing  the  first  of  April, 
threw  a  number  of  men  out  of  em- 
ployment in  this  district  However, 
the  mines  are  resuming  operations 
and  it  will  not  be  long  before  work- 
ing conditions  will  be  normal  again. 
The  B.  of  R.  T.  circulated  the  report, 
on  or  about  the  first  of  April,  when 
they  cut  the  board  that  all  the 
"snakes"  would  be  dropped.  Two  of 
our  members  had  enough  yellow  in 
tnem  to  be  bluffed  by  this  line  of  talk 
and  w«i  lost  them  thereby.  The  S.  U. 
is  no  place  for  yellow  people.  They 
are  better  on  the  outside  looking  in. 

We  have  several  prospective  candi 
dates,  but  it  is  doubtful  if  they  will 
be  afble  to  come  in  during  this  time  of 
slack  business. 

(Bros.  Wetzel,  Pennell  and  myself  at- 
tended a  meeting  of  the  central  body 
of  the  Federation  of  Labor  on  the 
third  of  this  month.  There  are  fifty- 
three  labor  organizations  represented 
in  this  central  body,  ours  being  one  of 
them.  It  would  do  your  heart  good 
to  hear  the  delegates  from  tnese  difTer- 
ent  unions  make  their  little  talk  in 
behalf  of  organized  labor.  Bro.  Pen- 
nell certainly  is  some  talker.  When 
he  has  the  floor  they  all  sit  up  and 
take  noUce.  As  for  me,  the  only  way 
I  can  talk  is  to  myself.  Bro.  Wetzel 
is  a  true  switchman  and  a  good 
worker,  so  we  are  well  represented  in 
the  central  body  of  the  federation 
here. 

With  best  regards  and  wishes  for 
the  welfare  of  all  brothers,  I  remain. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Bob. 


Dcs  Moines*  lo%va.— No.  1 74. 

Editob  SwiTCHic^'s  Journal  : 

Des  Moines  Lodge  No.  174  is  always 
doing  something.  At  our  last  meet- 
ing, Sunday  evening.  May  5th,  we  had 
a  good  attendance,,  also  Initiated  one 
new  member,  reinstated  one  and  bal- 
loted favorably  oii  another  candidate 
for  our  next, meeting.  Hope  all  other 
lodges  are  doing  likewise;  if  you  are 


not,  get  busy  and  keep  busy  and  don't 
let  up  on  that  prospective  candidate 
until  you  have  secured  his  application 
and  have  seen  him  ride  the  goat  into 
the  best  order  on  earth. 

Brothers,  do  not  allow  yourself  to 
go  suspended.  Pay  your  dues  prompt- 
ly, and  protect  yourself  and  your  bene- 
ficiary by  paying  your  dues  promptly 
before  the  last  day  of  each  month,  and 
see  how  much  better  you  can  make 
your  treasurer's  work  for  him.  He 
hates  to  suspend  a  member,  but  what 
can  he  do?  Whenever  you  carry  a 
member  of  your  lodge  and  this  brother 
is  working  every  day  on  a  regular 
assigned  engine,  you  are  driving  your 
membership  away  from  your  lodge 
room.  Carry  him  one  month  and  he 
will  stay  away  from  lodge;  carry  him 
two  months  and  then  he  will  never 
pay.  This  carried  brother,  being  a 
Class  B  member,  does  not  realize  by  so 
doing  that  he  is  taking  the  local  dues 
from  twenty  worthy  brothers  to  carry 
him  for  two  months;  also  the  lodge  is 
out  on  the  carried  brother  fifty  cents 
which  he  should  have  paid  during  the 
two  months  carried  by  his  lodge.  Sum 
it  up  like  this:  At  last  the  lodge  is 
at  the  loss  of  five  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  and  one  member. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  F.  S., 
Journal  Agent. 


Cfiid^Okla.— No.  196. 

BwTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Just  a  few  lines  by  way  of  an  initia- 
tory write-up  from  Enid  Lodge  No. 
196,  myself  being  elected  as  Joubnal 
agent,  I  shall  try  to  perform  my  duties 
as  well  as  I  can. 

The  brothers  reading  this  will  note 
that  this  is  a  new  lodge  that  has  come 
into  the  fold.  On  April  29th  we  had 
the  pleasure  of  having  Bro.  Misen- 
halter  in  our  city  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  Enid  Lodge  No.  196.  He 
called  the  meeting  to  order  at  3.30 
p.  m.,  in  the  Labor  Hall,  and  at  once 
got  down  to  business.  He  lined  up  the 
yard  solid  with  the  exception  of  one 
man,  and  he  is  nibbling  at  the  hook 
now  and  I  think  we  will  land  him  next 
pay-day. 

In  liehalf  of  Enid  Lodge  No.  196,  I 
wish  to  thank  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for 
sending    Bro.    Misenhalter    into    our 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


894 


JOUiRNAIi   OF   THB   SWITCHIiBN'B 


midst,  for  he  sure  is  a  wide-awake  or- 
ganizer and  just  the  man  we  needed 
to  convince  some  of  these  yard  men 
that  the  snakes  are  not  a  body  of  men 
banded  together  to  tear  up  the  hai^ 
mony  among  railroad  circles,  but  Just 
the  reverse;  that  they  believe  in  doing 
what  is  right  and  looking  forward  in- 
stead of  backward.  They  are  men  who 
believe  in  looking  out  for  their  homes, 
families  and  the  welfare  of  their  fel- 
lowmen. 

Business  is  very  quiet  in  this  neck 
of  the  woods  just  now,  but  prospects 
are  good  for  plenty  of  business  in  the 
near  future. 

Brothers,  one  and  all  of  you,  please 
bear  in  mind  that  the  latchstring  of 
our  lodge  is  always  hanging  on  the 
outside  and  a  hearty  welcome  on  the 
inside,  so  don't  stop  •  to  knock,  but 
walk  right  in  and  make  yourself 
known,  and  you  will  never  have  cause 
to  regret  your  visit  to  this  part  of  the 
world. 

I  hope  to  read  in  the  Journal  for 
June  of  some  more  of  Bro.  Misenhal- 
tor's  good  work,  for  I  know  that  there 
is  plenty  of  good  uncut  timber  in  this 
part  of  the  woods,  and  he  is  the  boy 
that  has  a  good  sharp  axe  for  that 
kind  of  work. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  A.  Stabbuck,  Jr. 


Cast  SI.  Louis,  iL— No.  1 6. 

EiDiTOR  SwrrcHME??'8  Journal: 

East  St  Louis  seems  to  be  without 
a  Journal  agent  at  the  present  time, 
as  Bro.  Buck  Cobbs  is  in  very  bad 
health,  having  just  returned  from  a 
sojourn  in  St.  Mary's  Hospital,  after 
being  operated  on  for  stomach  trouble, 
and  at  the  present  writing  seems  to 
be  getting  along  all  right.  Bro.  Cobbs 
has  had  quite  a  time  of  it  the  past 
eighteen  months,  and  it  would  be  a 
very  good  thing,  indeed,  if  some  more 
of  our  members  would  try  and  get  out 
to  see  him,  as  Buck  was  in  a  class  by 
himself  when  it  came  to  attending  to 
lodge  affairs,  visiting  the  sick  and  dis- 
abled, and,  last  but  not  least,  helping 
out  the  ladies  in  their  lodge  affairs, 
social  entertainments,  etc. 

The  auxiliary  had  their  ball  last 
month  at  Central  Park  Hall,  and  al- 
though the  weather  was  inclement  the 
ball  was  a  success  both  socially  and 


financially.  The  ladies  worked  hard 
and  deserved  to  win.  I  understand, 
after  all  expenses  were  paid,  which  Is 
quite  an  item  in  giving  a  ball  or 
picnic  in  Bast  St  Louis  and  vicinity, 
they  cleared  over  $50  and  had  a  couple 
of  other  well-known  balls  in  competi- 
tion on  this  ni^t  to  contend  with. 

Readers  of  the  Journal  will  be  sorry 
to  hear  of  the  death  of  John  Russell,  a 
young  man  of  fine  character,  emi^oyed 
by  the  Wiggins  Ferry  Company,  or 
Belt  R.  R.,  as  it  is  more  familiarly 
known,  which  occurred  March  31st, 
while  engaged  in  the  performance  of 
his  duties.  Also  Irene  Bubanks  (nee 
Irwin),  who  was  a  delegate  to  the  De- 
troit convention,  who  died  Saturday 
evening  before  Easter,  after  an  illness 
of  two  months,  leaving  two  little  girls, 
aged  four  and  two  years,  to  mourn  her 
loss,  besides  the  husband,  who  is  the 
son  of  an  old-time  railroad  man. 

The  Switchmen's  Union  and  the  La- 
dies' Auxiliary  are  dong  exceedingly 
well  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  al- 
though they  were  unfortunate  in  hav- 
ing their  hall  to  bum  the  past  week 
and  lost  a  good  deal  of  their  effects. 

Business  among  the  railroads  is  a 
little  better  than  normal,  taking  into 
consideration  the  shutnlown  of  the 
mines  pending  a  settlement  of  differ- 
ences between  miners  and  operators 
and  a  general  cleaning  up  and  braclnir 
up  of  the  mines  which  generally  has  to 
be  attended  to  in  the  spring  of  the 
year,  and  would  cause  a  shutdown  of 
a  couple  of  weeks  even  if  the  miners 
had  a  contract  that  ran  through  for  a 
period  of  two  or  more  years  instead  of 
exniring  at  the  first  of  April. 

The  Switchmen's  Union  are  holding: 
their  own.  and,  in  fact,  are  doing  a 
little  better  since  the  first  of  the  year, 
and  evervthlng  points  to  a  continua- 
tion of  the  same.  So  I  will  dose  for 
this  time.  Saginaw. 


Rode  Wand,  Ni.-No.  133. 

Editor  Switchicek's  Journal: 

Lodge  No.  183  is  still  doing  business 
at  Rock  Island.  We  had  quite  a  bunch 
of  applications  at  our  last  meeting  to 
act  on,  and  expect  to  line  them  up  at 
the  usual  time,  which  will  be  oay-day. 
The  members  of  Lodge  No.  138  have 
one  failing:  that  could  easily  be  over- 
come, if  the  brothers  could  see  that 
the  ofOcers  need  their  help  in  runnlnc 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


895 


the  business  at  the  meetings,  for  at 
scarcely  any  meeting  there  is  not  an 
attendance  of  ten  per  cent  of  the  mem- 
bership, which  is  not  encouraging  to 
those  who  have  the  business  to  do.  If 
any  brothers  should  chance  to  read 
this,  make  a  resolution  to  attend  at 
least  once  a  month,  and  we  could  have 
a  full  house,  for  we  have  many  mat- 
ters to  discuss  that  are  of  vital  im- 
portance to  all  switchmen. 

Our  brothers  at  Muscatine,  la.,  have 
decided  that  they  are  strong  enough  to 
go  it  alone  now,  and  have  applied  for 
a  charter.  We  wish  them  the  best  of 
success,  as  we  feel  they  have  the  stuff 
in  them,  since  they  are  all  organizers 
in  that  famous  "Button  City."  While 
their  transfer  to  a  lodge  of  their  own 
means  the  loss  of  several  members  to 
Lodge  No.  133.  yet  we  hope  it  will 
prove  for  the  best  interests  of  the 
union  and  we  hope  to  receive  enough 
members  from  our  other  yards  to 
more  than  offset  the  number  taking 
transfers  to  Muscatine  lodge. 

We  have  had  our  share  of  hard  luck 
during  the  past  winter,  Bro.  H.  A. 
Gavin  being  killed:  Bro.  J.  O.  Logan, 
who  was  one  of  the  original  S.  M.  A.  A. 
members,  having  served  on  the  first 
committee  of  organized  switchmen 
way  back  in  its  early  history,  died 
from  sickness;  Bro.  Jensen  was  thrown 
under  an  engine  and  seriously  inlured, 
but  is  now  getting  along  in  good  shape; 
Bro.  Perry  was  likewise  injured,  while 
Bro.  Coats  and  Bro.  W.  V.  Smith  are 
laid  up  with  rheumatism.  We  hope  to 
see  them  out  on  the  job  again  in  the 
near  future. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Oscar  Bill. 


Port  Wayne,  Ind.— No.  78. 

EnrroB  Swttchmen's  Journal  : 

A  line  fnmi  this  part  of  the  8.  U.  of 
N.  A.  ssrstem  will  inform  my  brothers 
that  '^Station"  No.  78  still  continues 
in  business.  We  are  progressing 
finely,  increasing  our  membership 
roll  and  our  finances  as  well,  since  in 
April  we  had  our  ball,  and  while  the 
attendance  was  hot  what  we  hoped  for, 
we  at  least  realized  a  neat  revenue.  I 
am  pleased  to  note  from  the  various 
letters  from  all  along  the  line  that  our 
order  is  progressing,  and  that  the 
brothers  are  on  the  watch  for  the 
good  and  welfare  of  the  union,  and 


they  do  not  seem  to  hesitate  about 
making  their  wants  or  grievances 
known.  That's  right;  just  what  I  believe 
all  should  do,  and  it  has  always  been 
a  lamentable  fact  with  me  that  I  can 
sit  and  study  these  matters,  but  can- 
not get  them  down  as  I  would  wish  on 
paper  for  our  Journal.  Perhaps  it  is 
went  of  practice,  or,  well,  I  don't 
know. 

I  did  not  see  any  letter  from  Bro. 
Meaney,  but  a  number  of  our  brothers 
have  letters  in  this  month  taking  ex- 
ception to  some  of  Bro.  Meaney's 
writings.  Tom  is  all  right  and  means 
for  the  welfare  of  our  union,  and  I 
presume  that  he  knew  of  what  he 
was  writing  as  regarded  the  expenses 
of  Grand  conventions,  and  it  should  be 
the  desire  of  all  brothers  to  curtail  such 
expense,  by  any  or  all  means,  and  if 
fewer  meets  and  a  permanent,  cen- 
trally-located point  would  lessen  our 
expenses,  why  not  adopt  such  a  plan? 
I  believe  wherever  our  headquarters 
are,  there  should  all  conventions  be 
held — and  if  Buffalo  is  not  central 
enough,  why  not  come  westward,  ho! 
say  Ft.  Wajme.  We  are  here  located  at 
the  junction  of  three  rivers,  where 
cyclones  and  tornadoes  are  unknown; 
we  have  all  the  rail  facilities  you 
want,  both  steam  and  electric,  and 
soon  we  are  to  have  a  ship  canal  to 
compete  with  the  Panama.  Look 
around,  if  you  do  not  like  this  city, 
why  we  have  Indianapolis.  I  guess 
they  are  all  right  down  there;  some 
of  our  good  brothers  are  I  know. 

How  pleased  I  was  to  read  the  letter 
of  old.  reliable  L.  H.  P.,  Second  Vice- 
President.  From  the  tenor  of  his  let- 
ter he  is  out  among  them,  and  is 
lining  them  up  to  great  advantage. 
Keep  at  it,  old  boy;  you  have  the  goods 
and  it  only  needs  the  opportunity  for 
you  to  display  them  and,  lo.  the  results 
are  great.  Come  oftener,  all  of  you 
Grand  Lodge  officers.  Let  us  hear 
from  each  and  every  one.  Tell  us  of 
your  doings  and  of  our  prospect  of  the 
S.  U. 

T  want  to  say  a  word  regarding  affil- 
iation. Why  can  we  not  get  our  sister 
organizations  to  join  hands  and  make 
it  one — an  injury  to  one  the  concern 
of  all.  Were  we  all  as  one.  the  eight- 
hour  day,  more  pay.  and  a  pleasant 
occupation  would  It  be.  All  would  be 
a  serene  life. 

Looks  as  if  the  brothers  in  the  Wftst 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITGHKBl<r6 


would  gain  the  day,  jadglng  from  the 
press,  as  the  conditions  at  all  termin- 
als on  the  Harriman  lines  are  very 
bad,  and  that  the  public  are  beginning 
to  take  sides  with  the  men  and  demand 
a  restoration  of  safer  and  saner  times. 

The  engineers  you  heard  were  going 
out  on  a  strike;  did  not  say  positively 
when,  but  some  time.  Now,  the  last 
account  had  it  that,  on  the  part  of  the 
engineers,  that  prince  of  strike  arbi- 
trators, P.  H.  Morrissey,  was  it.  Well, 
I  guess.  So  far,  so  much,  but  we  do 
not  hear  of  any  more  settlers.  Why? 
What  gets  me  is  why  they  go  to  the 
investors  and  employers'  association 
for  settlement.  Can  anyone  tell? 
Now  the  firemen  have  their  grievance. 
Suppose  the  O.  R.  €.  next,  and  last 
the  switchmen;  they  are  the  circus- 
men  of  the  whole  lot,  and  for  a  time 
we  are  held  up  to  be  laughed  at,  but 
ere  the  performance  is  concluded  we 
are  hailed  as  well  done,  you  noble 
ones!  for  our  brothers  all  over  this 
system  of  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  are  being 
hailed  as  the  ones;  while  theirs  is  a 
very  hazardous  occupation,  and  nothing 
too  good  for  them,  we  are  willing  that 
others  should  live  and  prosper,  but 
we  claim  that  inasmuch  our  pay  and 
the  working  conditions  that  exist  at 
present  are  due  to  the  efforts  of  broth- 
ers of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  all  who 
may  be  engaged  in  our  calling  should 
be  under  the  protection  of  our  ban- 
ner and  help  support  it.  So.  to  you 
who  are  not  of  us,  come  join  and  helo 
keep  the  ball  rolling.  To  do  so  will 
never  cause  you  one  regret. 

Wishing  our  cause  and  all  brothers 
success,  I  remain, 


Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 


The  Ages  of  Animals. 


Bo. 


Undoubtedly  the  longest  lived  ani- 
mal on  earth  is  the  whale,  its  span  of 
existence  being  estimated  by  Ouvler  at 
1000  years.  The  next  largest  animal, 
the  elephant,  will,  under  favorable 
conditions,  live  400  years.  When 
Alexander  the  Great  conquered  Poms, 
king  of  India,  he  took  a  great  elephant 
that  had  fought  gallantly  for  the  de- 
feated king,  named  him  AJax,  dedi- 
cated him  to  the  sun,  placed  upon  him 
a  metal  band  with  the  inscription. 
"Alexander,  the  son  of  Jupiter,  dedl- 
catied  AJax  to  the  sun."    The  elephant 


was  found,  alive,  three  hundred  and 
fifty  years  later. 

The  average  age  of  cats  is  fifteen 
years;  of  squirrels  seven  or  eight 
years;  of  rabbits  seven;  a  bear  rarely 
exceeds  twenty  years;  a  wolf,  twenty; 
a  fox,  fourteen  to  sixteen.  Lions  are 
comparativdy  long-lived*  instances 
"having  been  recorded  where  they 
reached  the  age  of  seventy  years. 
Pigs  have  been  known  to  live  to  the 
age  of  twenty  years,  and  horses  to 
sixty,  but  the  average  age  of  the  horse 
is  twenty-five  to  thirty.  Camels  some- 
times live  to  the  age  of  100,  and  stags 
are  very  long-lived,  one  having  been 
taken  by  Charles  VI  in  the  forest  of 
Senlis  which  bore  about  its  neck  a  col- 
lar on  which  was  engraved,  "Cssar 
hoc  mihi  donavit,"  (Caesar  gave  this 
to  me).  Whether  or  not  this  stag  had 
actually  lived  since  the  days  of  one  of 
the  Ca^ars,  it  is  impossible  to  say,  but 
the  evidence  seems  good. 

Bagles  occasionally,  and  ravens  fre- 
quently, reach  the  age  of  100  years, 
and  swans  have  been  known  to  live  300 
years.  A  tortoise  has  been  known  to 
live  107  years. 

l^orts  have  been  made  to  connect 
the  rapidity  of  the  pal8e4>6at  with 
longevity,  but  no  logical  conclusion 
can  be  reached,  as  will  be  seen  from 
the  fact  that  the  pulse  of  a  lion  beats 
forty  times  a  minute;  that  of  a  tiger, 
ninety-six  times;  of  a  horse,  forty 
times;  of  a  wolf,  forty-five  times;  of 
a  fox,  forty-three  times;  of  a  bear, 
thirty-three  times,  and  of  an  eagle,  one 
hundred  and  sixty  times.  It  has  been 
impossible  to  count  the  beats  of  an  ele- 
phant's pulse,  but  that  of  a  butterfly 
beats  sixty  times  to  the  minute. — Our 
Dumb  Animals. 


HoMOfli. 

When  you  get  into  a  tight  place  and 
everything  goes  against  you,  till  it 
seems  as  though  you  could  not  hold  on 
a  minute  longer,  never  give  up  t^en. 
for  that  is  just  the  place  and  time  that 
the  tide  will  turn. — Harriet  Beecher 
Stotoe. 


Poverty  is  the  Herod  of  modem  cIt- 
ilization,  and  Justice  the  wamins 
angel  calling  upon  socie^  to  "arise 
and  take  the  young  child'  out  of  the 
reach  of  the  monster's  wrath.— /ofcn 
Bpargo. 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


CasI  St.  Uuis,  m. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  there  has  not  been  anything  in 
the  pink  book  from  White  Rose  Lodge 
No.  21  for  some  time,  I  will  say  that 
we  are  still  alive  and  growing.  We 
have  taken  in  two  new  members  lately 
and  reinstated  an  old  member.  There 
are  a  faithful  few  that  we  see  at  the 
meeting  every  time.  But  those  few 
can  not'  accomplish  wonders  without 
the  help  of  all.  I  want  to  see  our  new 
members  stick  by  us  and  all  work  to- 
gether and  now,  that  it  is  getting 
warmer,  let  us  all  try  to  get  out  to 
the  meetings,  for  the  pretty  days  are 
enough  to  tempt  anyone  to  come  out, 
even  if  there  were  no  other  incentives. 

The  sis>ters  gave  a  ball  on  the  16th 
of  March,  which  was  a  huge  success, 
socially  and  financially.  Over  $44  was 
cleared. 

On  the  first  meeting  night  in  April 
the  auxiliary  ladies  gave  a  nice  sup- 
per in  honor  of  Bro.  Frank  Fisher, 
who  has  left  us  and  gone  to  Spring- 
field, 111.,  to  live.  The  ladies  also  pre- 
sented Bro.  Fisher  with  a  box  .  of 
cigars.  We  certainly  will  miss  him, 
for  he  was  always  ready  to  give  the 
ladies  a  helping  hand.  After  supper 
we  had  music  and  dancing  and  a  gen- 
eral good  time — like  the  "snakes"  al- 
ways have,  when  they  get  together. 

We  held  our  regular  meeting  the 
first  Wednesday  in  May  and  that  same 
afternoon  our  lodge  hall  was  burned 
out.  Wouldn't  there  have  been  a 
swishing  of  petticoats  if  the  fire  had 
started  while  we  were  there.  I  under 
stand  that  Bro.  White  got  to  the  fire 
in  time  to  save  some  of  the  parapher- 
nalia. Now,  don't  everybddy  laugh, 
for  we  never  started  the  fire  with  our 
heated  arguments. 

Bro.  Cobb  is  improving  and  we  all 
rejoice  with  Sister  Cobb. 

Bro.  Harry  Burke  is  improving 
slowly.  Sister  Burke  has  had  a  siege 
of  it  this  winter.    She  was  taken  ill 


first,  then  the  children  and  finally  Mr. 
Burke. 

Well,  here  is  a  sure  sign  that 
spring  has  come!  Sister  White  has 
dug  up  her  fishing  tackle.  How  many 
did  you  catch  the  other  day,  Whitey? 
She  established  quite  a  record  for  her- 
self last  year  at  the  picnic  as  an 
"angler"  and  we  are  confident  her 
fishing  tackle  would  be  much  more 
frequently  used  if  it  were  not  for  the 
handling  of  those  terrible  worms  used 
for  bait  found  along  the  banks  of  the 
Cahokia.  But  she  will  not  for  the 
world  "acknowledge  the  corn."  But, 
in  her  aversion  to  such  bait,  she  has 
plenty  of  sympathizers,  for  I  fear  we 
must  confess  it  is  a  womanly  trait  tc 
shudder  at  even  so  tiny  a  creature  as 
a  worm,  at  least  I  know  some  who  do. 
But  what  can  be  done  without  bait, 
since  the  fish  would  turn  a  deaf  ear 
to  our  appeals  without  it?  And  so, 
from  the  thought  of  the  simple  care? 
necessary  to  make  matters  attractive 
for  the  fish,  let  us  learn  a  useful  lesr 
son  about  the  cultivation  of  the  small 
details  pertaining  to  our  auxiliary 
work,  the  neglect  of  which  will  mean 
poor  attention  and  poor  results  for  our 
labor  expended.  The  neglect  of  say- 
ing a  kind  word  to  those  who  are 
eligible  to  membership  about  the  bene- 
fits of  our  organization  and  ask  them 
to  join  in  and  share  them  with  us: 
the  neglect  to  attend  meetings  and 
give  all  the  encouragement  possible  to 
the  officers;  neglect  to  caution  sisters 
about  prompt  payment  of  their  dues 
and  request  them  to  do  so  with 
others;  the  neglect  of  these  and  many 
other  similar  seemingly  small  things 
have,  no  doubt,  greatly  retaraed  the 
growth  of  the  auxiliary  in  many 
places.  Let  us  all  try,  by  carefully 
watching  after  little  details,  to  make 
the  auxiliary  as  attractive  and  pleas- 
ant as  we  can  for  all  our  own  mem- 
bers. If  we  do  this  and  each  one  will 
do  her  best  along  this  simple  line  of 
duty,  I  can  see  no  reason  why  every 


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JOimNAL    OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


one  eligible  to  memberBhip  should  not 
join  us,  nor  any  reason  why  the  broth- 
ers wouldn't  urge  them  to  do  so. 
Many  a  sad  heart's  care  has  already 
been  lightened  through  its  benign  in- 
fluences, when  in  such  heart  all 
seemed  gloom  and  despair.  It  stands 
ready  to  do  what  it  can  along  those 
lines  in  the  future,  but  what  it  may 
be  able  to  accomplish  depends  upon 
the  support  we  receive  from  our  sis- 
ters and  brothers.  A  hearty  co-opera- 
tion from  them,  a  willingness  to  do, 
and  the  doing  of  their  part  of  the 
work,  will  mean  rapid  progress.  The 
want  of  such  assistance  must  of  ne- 
cessity mean  just  the  opposite  results 

Sisters  Calhoun  and  McCarthy  of  St. 
Louis  visited  us  the  last  meeting  in 
March.  Come  again,  sisters!  The 
latch  Btring  is  always  out 

I  am  afraid  our  Journal  editor  will 
wring  my  neck,  so  I  had  better  quit  I 
love  to  read  the  letters  from  the  dif- 
ferent lodges.  It  is  always  the  first 
thing  I  turn  to  when  we  get  our  Joub- 
17 AL  and,  the  more  letters  we  have,  Uie 
more  ideas  we  get  to  make  our  lodge 
and  its  work  interesting. 

Now,  sisters,  don't  forget  our  sick 
and  pay  them  a  visit  and  cheer  them 
up.  Do  not  forget  to  be  always  on 
the  lookout  for  new  members  and  for 
the  betterment  of  our  order. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Member  Lodge  No.  27. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  is  almost  time  for  the  Journal 
to  go  to  press,  and  as  it  has  been  some 
time  since  anything  has  appeared  in 
its  columns  from  White  Star  Lodge, 
will  send  in  a  few  lines  and  let  the 
other  auxiliaries  know  there's  some- 
thing more  to  this  local  besides  the 
mere  name  and  place  of  meeting. 
While  true,  we  perhaps  haven't  accom- 
plished all  we  should,  or  could  have 
done  by  a  more  diligent  application  of 
our  time  and  talents  to  Uie  work,  as 
should  have  been  done,  yet  I  am  glad 
to  be  able  to  inform  the  Journal 
readers  we  are  not  only  holding  our 
own,  in  regard  to  our  work,  but  we 
are  advancing  somewhat.  Now  that  it 
is  nice  weather  and  we  can  attend  to 
such  duties  much  better  than  was  pos- 
sible during  the  very  cold  wintry 
weather  we  have  long  been  experienc- 
ing, we  should  all  come  out  and  lend 


all  the  assistance  possible  to  the  cause; 
and  if  we  do  this  I  feel  sure  we  will 
be  more  than  repaid  for  our  efforts. 
We  have  recently  had  the  pleasure  of 
initiating  a  few  members,  and  are  in 
hopes  of  taking  in  several  more  in  the 
near  future.  It's  a  well-known  fact, 
we  have  quite  an  extensive  field  here 
to  draw  from,  since  there  are  many  of 
the  brother's  wives,  daughters,  sisters 
and  mothers  who  do  not  at  the  present 
time  belong  to  our  organization.  We 
should  make  every  effort  we  can  to  get 
in  touch  with  these  eligibles,  and  try 
to  induce  them  to  become  members 
with  us  in  this  good  work.  We  feel 
sure  many  of  them  are  not  familiar 
with  the  objects  and  aims  of  the  auxil- 
iary, and  there  is  no  doubt  but  what 
this  lack  of  knowledge  is  keeping  out 
of  our  ranks  many  we  need  &nd  who 
need  our  co-operation  and  good  will. 
I  trust  each  of  our  members  will  make 
of  herself  a  business  agent,  to  the  ex- 
tent of  trying  to  convince  everyone 
who  is  eligible  to  become  a  member 
with  us,  to  share  with  us  in  our  pleas- 
ures as  well  as  our  sorrows,  knowing 
if  we  all  do  so,  it  will  not  be  long  ere 
our  ranks  are  substantially  increased. 

We  regretted  very  much  to  hear  of 
the  illness  of  our  Grand  President, 
Sister  Clark,  and  sincerely  trust  she 
has  fully  recovered  before  this  time. 
We  hope  to  some  time  have  the  pleas- 
ure of  having  her  visit  this  district, 
and  that  when  she  does  that  she  will 
give  us  all  ample  warning,  so  we  can 
have  a  good  attendance  to  greet  her. 

Our  ball,  which  we  gave  on  March 
16th,  was  a  great  success  in  every  par- 
ticular. As  a  result  of  it  we  were 
enabled  to  put  away  a  neat  sum  in  our 
treasury,  and  the  pleasant  memories 
connected  with  it  will  greatly  encour- 
age us  when  it  is  time  to  arrange  for 
another  event  of  this  kind.  All  com- 
mittees in  any  way  connected  with  it 
deserve  much  credit  for  the  manner  in 
which  they  took  hold  of  their  duties, 
and  it  was  due  to  this  that  it  proved 
to  be  the  success  it  was.  We  also 
thank  the  brothers  for  their  faithful 
support  and  take  this  opportunity  of 
assuring  them  of  our  gratitude  for  it 
For  several  years  past  the  announce- 
ment of  a  switchman's  ball  in  this  city 
has  meant  for  all  who  were  fortunate 
enough  to  attend,  a  well  arranged, 
orderly  and  joyous  time  for  all,  and 
no  doubt  their  strict  business  methods 


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UNION   OF   NORTH    AMERICA. 


in  regard  to  them  has  had  a  tendency 
to  aid  the  auxiliary  whenever  they 
make  announcement  of  events  of  this 
kind. 

On  April  4th  the  auxiliary  gave  a 
farewell  lunch  to  Bro.  Frank  Fisher, 
who  was  well  and  favorably  known  to 
almost  every  switchman  in  the  city, 
and  who  for  many  years  has  been  )ne 
of  the  main  stand-bys  of  Victory 
Lodge.  Bro.  Fisher  lost  his  wife  about 
a  year  ago,  and  has  decided  to  go  into 
business  in  Springfield,  111.,  his  for- 
mer home.  In  addition  to  the  lunch- 
eon, the  ladies  presented  him  with  a 
box  of  union-made  cigars.  He  will  be 
missed  by  both  lodges,  since  he  was  al- 
ways willing  and  ready  to  assist  any 
worthy  object  undertaken  by  them.  He 
has  the  best  wishes  of  all  in  his  efforts 
to  prosper  in  his  new  home. 

Well,  it  seeme  our  troubles  will 
never  end;  no  socmer  have  we  over- 
come one  than  another  ''bobs  up"  to 
be  contended  with.  Just  now  we  are 
homeless,  on  account  of  a  fire  that 
occurred  on  the  date  of  our  last  meet- 
ing, and  which  destroyed  our  hall. 
Fortunately,  our  lodge  supplies,  and 
those  of  our  brothers  were  saved,  so 
we  are  in  better  condition  for  a  move 
than  would  have  been  the  case  had 
they  been  destroyed.  Fortunate  also  it 
was  that  the  blaze  occurred  after  the 
adjournment  of  our  meeting,  instead 
of  before,  otherwise  there  might  have 
been  some  ungainly  attempts  at  fire- 
escape  maneuvering.  Luckily  also,  a 
kind  Providence  spared  us  from  the 
necessity  of  such,  an  impromptu  drill, 
and  we  were  all  homeward  bound  be- 
fore the  fiery  demon  tried  to  rob  us  of 
our  lodge  home.  Some  of  our  brothers 
were  so  uncharitable  as  to  attribute 
the  origin  of  the  fire  to  our  heated 
arguments  and  warmth  of  enthusiasm 
upon  the  subjects  that  came  before  our 
meeting  for  disposition.  While  en- 
tirely willing  to  confess  we  have  warm 
topics,  at  times  before  our  meetings, 
they  have  never  yet  reached  anywhere 
near  fire  heat,  and  besides  we  had  no 
occasion  to  use  the  gas  stove  on  that 
occasion,  so  we  plead  not  guilty  to  the 
charge  of  having  been  the  cause  of  this 
conflagration. 

We  are  glad  to  read  the  letters  from 
the  various  auxiliaries  each  month  in 
the  Journal,  and  from  them  we  are 
more  and  more  convinced  of  the  truth 
that  the  organization  is  truly  what  its 


name  implies — ^a  real  help  and  aid,  an 
auxiliary  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A., — and  I 
trust  I'll  be  pardoned  by  the  brothers, 
whose  wives  are  not  members,  when 
telling  them  it  will  be  more  so  when 
they  encourage  them  to  join  in  with  us 
in  the  good  work. 

With  best  wishes  for  the  success  of 
botb  orders,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Jessie  ESames. 


Si.  Imk,  Mo. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Where  are  all  the  letters  the  dele- 
gates were  going  to  see  were  written 
for  the  JouBNAL.  If  I  remember  aright, 
each  lodge  was  to  be  heard  from  at 
least  once  every  three  months,  but  I 
can't  very  well  say  much  as  St.  Louis 
hasn't  been  particularly  well  to  re- 
member or  rather  put  into  practice 
this  good  intention.  Twentieth  Gen- 
turjf  Lodge  has  been  taking  in  a  few 
new  members,  as  the  G.  S.  ft  T.  states 
in  her  May  letter  we  haven't  suspended 
a  member  for  over  a  year,  but  am 
sorry  to  say  we  will  have  to  let  one 
go  this  month;  but  as  we  are  adding 
one  it  keeps  our  membership  the  same. 
We  are  in  hopes  of  adding  very  ma- 
terially to  our  membership  this  sum- 
mer, and  feel  sure  we  will  if  we  all 
work  as  we  should  wiUi  that  object  in 
view,  for  we  have,  indeed,  much  good 
material  to  work  upon  and  which 
should  be  enrolled  upon  our  member- 
ship. The  winter  was  so  very  severe 
that  it  was  hard  to  do  much  work,  but 
with  the  nice  weather  we  are  going  to 
get  busy  and  see  what  we  can  do.  We 
want  to  urge  our  members  to  attend 
meetings  more  regularly,  the  same 
ones  come  all  the  time;  our  new  mem- 
bers are  particularly  good  attendants, 
but  it  seems  to  me  they  must  think  it 
odd  the  older  members  do  not  attend 
better.  It's  all  just  the  habit,  you  can 
get  into  either  one,  that  of  coming  or 
of  staying  away,  and  we  would  like  to 
have  more  get  into  the  come-out  habit, 
and  we  are  sure  they  would  be  amply 
repaid  for  the  effort  besides  the  en- 
couragement it  would  afford  to  others. 
The  first  meeting  of  the  month  is  al- 
ways the  business  meeting  and  the  ktst 
meeting  for  pleasure  and  at  which  we 
always  have  something  special  (usual- 
ly something  good  to  eat)  and  have  a 


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400 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITGHlCDNIi 


very  good  time  and  it  keeps  the  in- 
terest of  the  members  up  to  have  a 
good  attendance. 

Sister  Cherry  was  ill  for  quite  a 
while,  but,  I  am  glad  to  state,  is  feel- 
ing very  much  improved  now.  Sister 
Logan  has  also  been  on  the  sick  list, 
but  is  now  in  Chicago  and,  we  hope,  is 
feeling  better.  Sister  Covie  is  the 
proud  mother  of  a  lovely  baby  girl.  I 
can't  tell  you  the  baby's  name;  all  of 
its  aunts  are  vieing  for  the  honor  of 
having  it  named  after  them,  and  the 
matter  hasn't  been  decided.  This  will 
likely  be  settled  by  arbitration,  a 
means  of  settlement  we  now  read  much 
about.  Anyhow,  it  is  worthy  of  a 
worthy  title. 

Sister  Kelly  of  Kansas  City  was  a 
visitor  in  St.  Louis  and  attended  one 
of  our  meetings.  We  also  took  her 
across  the  river  to  call  on  our  sisters 
of  White  Rose  Lodge  No.  27  on  their 
meeting  afternoon,  and  were  pleased 
to  see  how  well  they  are  getting  along. 
They  initiated  three  that  afternoon. 
The  first  thing  Sister  Kelly  did  was  to 
look  up  some  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary 
members,  and  she  had  quite  a  distance 
to  come  to  attend  the  meeting,  but  it 
is  interecpt  of  that  kind  that  makes 
good  members.  Sister  Kelly  reports 
everything  flourishing  in  Kansas  City. 

Of  course,  I  waited  until  the  last  day 
to  write  this,  and  am  afraid  if  I  make 
it  any  longer  the  editor  will  decide  it 
will  take  up  too  much  room  and 
pigeonhole  it,  so  I  had  better  close. 
With  best  regards  to  all  the  sisters  and 
brothers. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Peggy. 


Toledo,  O. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  the  spring  opens  and  the  sun- 
shine radiates  over  the  face  of  the 
earth  and  sends  its  warm,  bright 
gleams  to  strengthen  and  renew,  so 
Sunshine  Lodge  is  still  sending  her 
little  rays  of  light,  hope,  courage  and 
faith  right  straight  into  the  hearts  of 
its  members,  inspiring  them  to  more 
activity,  more  Interest  in  the  good 
and  welfare  of  each.  Kindness,  unity 
and  fairness  will  work  wonders,  and 
such  are  never  lacking  in  Sunshine 
Lodge — a  little  band  of  sisters  work- 
ing eamestfly  for   the  betterment  of 


the  auxiliary  and  mankind  generally. 
They  are  striving  to  instill,  not  only 
into  their  own  order,  but  into  the 
lives,  homes  and  hearts  of  their 
brother  switchmen  and  their  families 
the  same  loving  kindness,  hope,  cour- 
age and  faith  that  characterize  their 
own  lives.  To  bring  our  lodge  to  our 
standard,  perfection  is  our  ideal  and 
aim:,  and  we  hope  for  much  better 
thlDtgs  durlnig  the  ensuing  year.  Sun- 
shine Lodge  is  surely  prospering  and 
growing  and  the  meetings  are  inter- 
esting and  thoroughly  enjoyed  by 
those  attending,  thanks  to  the  kindly 
efforts  of  those  who  so  faithfully  and 
creditably  filll  their  position  of  trust, 
and  also  to  "just  the  members"  who, 
by  their  faithful  attendance  and  sin- 
cerity and  willingness  to  do  their  part 
in  the  way  of  committee  work  and  the 
little  things  pertaining  to  the  good 
and  welfare  of  the  order,  are  also  de- 
serving of  many  thanks  and  much 
credit  is  due  them  also  for  their  per- 
sistent solicitation  for  new  members. 
In  unity,  honor  and  justice  we  all  try 
to  do  our  best  and  our  best  can  never 
fiaU. 

Now  just  a  word  in  regard  to  our 
sick  sisters,  that  is,  those  that  have 
been  sick  a  long  while  and  have  not 
been  alble  to  attend  our  meetings.  I 
think  we  have  been  rather  remiss  in 
our  duty  and  in  keeping  in  touch  with 
them  as  we  should.  I  for  one  am  go- 
ing to  turn  over  a  new  leaf  and  when- 
ever I  know  of  a  sister  that  has  been 
ill  for  some  time,  I  am  just  going  to 
see  her  and  not  merely  stop  just  lon« 
enough  for  a  formal  call,  but  am  going 
to  have  a  nice  afternoon  visit  with 
her  and  tell  her  all  about  the  pleasant 
times  we  have  at  the  auxiliary  and 
what  we  are  doing  so  she  can  feel  she 
is  being  kept  in  touch  with  us  and 
have  an  interest  and  part  in  the  work 
also.  Now,  let  us  try  to  make  it  a  lit- 
tle more  pleasant  for  our  "shutins," 
for  I  am  sure  they  all  like  to  have  us 
come  and  see  them  often  and  we  will 
enjoy  it  too.  I  know  I  did  when  I 
went  to  see  one  of  our  invalid  sisters 
a  while  ago.  I  just  had  one  of  the 
pleasantest  visits  I  ever  enjoyed^  Now, 
when  one  of  us  hears  of  a  member  that 
is  ill,  just  please  inform  the  rest  of 
the  sisters^  if  possible,  (there  are 
plenty  of  Bell  telephones)  so  that  not 
only  the  sick  committee  but  the  other 
members  also  can  have  the  pleasure 
of  going  to  see  them  if  they  wish.    It 


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UNION  OF  NOBTH  AMBRICA. 


401 


will  do  them  good  and  it  will  do  qb 
good. 

Oar  attendance  is  very  good  con- 
sidering tlie  membenrhip  we  have. 
Still  there  are  a  few  that  seldom  or 
never  attendi  a  meeting  and  probably 
have  a  reason  for  not  doing  so.  Perhaps 
they  have  small  children  whom  they 
cannot  very  well  leave.  Now  to  such 
I  wou9d  advise:  Leave  the  babies  with 
your  husband  occasionally.  If  he  is  a 
very  good  union  man  he  will  not  ob- 
ject and  if  he  is  a  good  hu8A>and  he 
will  like  to  see  you  enjoy  yourself  and 
take  an  interest  in  his  union  and  wel- 
llare,  as  you  will  be  doing  by  attending 
auxiliary  meetings.  It  is  his  duty  to 
see  that  you  attend  and  your  duty  to 
do  so.  The  men  can  mind  babies  beau- 
tifully if  they  just  take  the  notion. 
They  esteem  it  an  honor  and  privilege 
to  be  allowed  to  do  so;  Besides  he  is 
getting  the  necessary  scientific  train- 
ing in  rearing  infants  that  every  good 
father  shouHd  have.  So  let  him  go  to 
it  It  will  be  good  for  him  and  do  you 
no  harm.  Now  there  are  times  that  I 
am  not  inclined  to  go  the  long  distance 
I  must  in  order  to  attend  meetings, 
and  sometimes  I  don't  go.  But  most 
generally  when  that  feeling  comes 
over  me,  I  just  dress  and  go  and  when 
I  get  there  I  am  not  sorry  I  made  the 
effort,  for  I  always  enjoy  myself  thor- 
oughly and  you  will  do  the  same  I 
know.  Now  this  is  for  the  people 
without  babies  and  those  who  live  long 
distances  and  have  other  good  reasons 
for  not  attending  as  much  as  they 
should  like.  So  try  and  come  as  much 
aa  you  can,  for  we  miss  you. 

The  International  President,  Bro. 
Heberling  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  so- 
journed in  Toledo  for  a  brief  period 
some  time  last  March,  as  also  did  Bro. 
Porter,  the  Second  Vice-President,  a 
few  week's  previous  to  Bro.  Heber- 
ling's  visit  They  called  at  the  home 
of  Sister  Dean,  President  of  Sunshine 
Lodge,  who  gave  very  good  reports  as 
to  affability,  sociability,  etc.  The  la- 
dies would  have  been  pleased  to  have 
had  Bro.  Heberling  and  Bro.  Porter 
visit  the  auxiliary  and  to  have  given 
us  a  short  address.  We  hope  when 
they  come  again 'that  they  will  not 
neglect  the  opportunity  of  meeting  or 
forming  the  acquaintance  of  such  a 
fine  bunch  as  are  the  ladies  of  Sun- 
shine Lodge.  We  all  are  familiar  with 
the  old  saying  that  "Fortune  knocks 


once  at  every  man's  door."       8a  do 
not  neglect  those  golden  opportunities. 

At  our  evening  meeting  on  April 
11th  our  oommlttee,  with  our  presi- 
dent as  chairman,  treated  the  members 
to  a  nice  lunch.  Bfy,  but  those  pi- 
mento sandwiches  and  baked  beans 
were  fine!  They  could  not  be  beaten. 
And,  as  to  the  guessing  contest  en- 
titled, "What  is  itr  I  would  like  to 
tell  you  about  it  ladies,  but,  gentlemen 
being  present  I  must  refrain  from  do- 
ing so.  It  was  for  the  sisters  only. 
We  had  lots  of  fun  and  if  any  of  the 
sisters  of  other  auxiliaries  are  a  bit 
curious  about  it  they  should  write  to> 
our  president  and  she  will  send  it  on, 
for  she  is  the  "naughty  girl"  that 
sprang  it  on  us. 

At  the  men's  evening  meeting,  April 
25th,  a  delightful  affair  was  given  by 
the  ladies  of  the  auxiliary  in  honor  of 
their  brother  switchmen  of  Lodge  No. 
14  and  in  appreciation  of  the  care  and 
protection  accorded  to  us  by  them  as 
an  auxiliary.  So  we  planned  a  little 
surprise,  but  I  guess  a  wee  bird  told 
them,  for  they  nearly  all  had  on 
"boiled"  shirts.  But  that  might  just 
have  been  a  coincidence.  Anyway  a 
glorious  time  was  had  and  all  thor- 
oughly enjoyed  themselves.  Dancing 
and  music  were  features  of  the  eve- 
ning and  old  as  well  as  young  tread 
the  light  fantastic.  The  crowd  was 
large  and  many  pretty  women  adorned 
the  lodge  rooms.  Courteous  gentlemen 
did  us  honor  in  showing  us  every  at- 
tention and  making  the  evening  pass 
very  pleasantly  for  us  as  well  as  for 
themselves.  Two  long  tables,  seating 
about  seventy  people,  were  prettily 
adorned  with  smilax  and  many  beauti- 
ful cakes,  besides  other  viands  too 
numerous  to  mention,  ending  up  with 
ice  cream  and  cigars  for  the  men.  A 
large  punch  bowl  stood  just  inside  the 
lodge  room  door,  which  was  generous- 
ly patronized  by  the  gentlemen  and 
fljso  ladies  freely  partook  of  the  de- 
lightful beverage  for — 

Whisper,  while  1  tell  yez: 

"TVas  warmed  wid  a  wee  dhrop  of 
the  crathure,  shura" 
Bro.  Myers  addressed  the  ladles,  as- 
suring them  of  a  return  compliment  in 
the  near  future.  But  Bro.  Myers,  do 
not  forget  the  punch  bowl.  Mr.  Aus- 
tin, a  visitor,  also  addressed  the  aux- 
iliary in  a  pleasant  and  able  manner. 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHICBN'8 


Many  thanks  are  due  those  gentlemen. 
Bro.  Cummlngg  from  Lodge  No.  61  of 
Jackson,  Michigan,  was  also  a  guest 
and  we  should  have  liked  to  have  had 
a  few  words  from  him,  but  he  did  not 
make  a  speech.  Every  lady  brought  a 
cake,  so,  of  course,  there  were  a  few 
left  over.  The  brothers  took  charge 
of  these  and  raffled  them  off  for  us  and 
turned  the  proceeds  of  the  cake  raffle 
over  to  the  auxiliary.  Just  like  our 
boys  here,  always  ready  to  work  for 
our  interest  Bless  them!  Well,  we 
all  went  home  with  joyous  hearts  and 
hoping  for  many  happy  returns  of  the 
.evening.  Wishing  all  the  auxiliaries 
success  and  prosperity,  I  remain, 
Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Mas  Gbobob  Htjohes, 
Journal  Agent. 


Salt  Lake  Oty,  Utah. 

Editob  6witohmbn*8  Joui^al: 

On  May  2d  the  ladies  of  our  little 
auxiliary  gave  a  jolly  card  party  at 
the  home  of  Sister  Minnie  Smith.  In 
spite  of  the  bad  weather  we  netted  a 
neat  little  sum,  and  went  to  our  homes 
with  a  gracious  feeling  that  we  had 
enjoyed  "one  more  good  time"  to- 
gether. 

There  are  not  enough  of  us,  and 
right  here  I  would  like  to  ask  for  sug- 
gestions from  members  of  other  lodges. 
Tell  us  what  to  do  to  bring  in  new 
members.  We  are  ready  and  willing 
to  greet  the  wives  of  our  brother 
switchmen,  but  they  do  not  come. 
Will  somebody  arise  and  speak? 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Gboboia  Beckwith. 


Dcnvcfy  Cdofwlo* 

BonOB    SWITCHKKN'S    JOUBNAL! 

I  see  by  the  date  on  the  calendar, 
if  we  are  to  have  a  letter  in  the  Joub- 
NAL  it's  time  for  your  humble  scribe 
to  get  busy. 

Our  eAeotion  of  officers  and  their 
being  instaflled  is  long  since  history. 
Their  selection  for  and  election  to 
their  respective  <^ces  shows  the  es- 
teem in  which  they  are  held  by  the 
memfbere,  and  I  only  ask  3^u  as  mem- 
bers to  support  your  officers  by  at- 
tending the  meeting&  There  isn't 
anything  more  discouraging  and  hu- 


miliating to  the  (^cers,  especially 
your  president,  than  absent  officers 
and  empty  chairs.  Try  to  attend 
your  meetings.  Tou  lose  son^thing 
of  interest  to  you  every  time  you  ab- 
sent yourself.  Then  the  thin@B  per- 
haps you  would  not  like  are  made 
perhaps  "local  laws,"  and  you  wUl 
kick  (all  lodges  have  their  knockers, 
usually  the  ones  who  stay  at  home). 
Better  just  sit  up  and  take  notice  and 
come  to  lodge  with  the  *^ig  noise,"  or 
peaceably  abide  by  what  the  faithful 
few  do. 

I  will  here  state  for  the  4)eneflt  of 
the  forgetful  ones,  we  meet  the  first 
and  third  Tuesday  afternoons  at  2.30, 
in  Reemer  ft  Vorhles  Hall,  comer  31st 
avenue  and  Downey  street.  Visitors 
always  welcome.  Our  president's  ad- 
dress is,  Mrs.  Hilda  Carpenter,  3777 
Gilpin  street.  Our  treasurer  and  sec- 
retary, Agatha  T.  Camp,  3510  Wil- 
liams street. 

It  seems  nearly  everybody  has 
taken  turn  at  being  sick.  Sister  (Mary 
Magnus  is  slowly  recovering  from  a 
severe  attack  of  pneumonia.  Sister 
Kathryn  Purtell  also  has  been  very 
ill,  due  mostly  to  a  nervous  break- 
down following  her  mothers'  (Sister 
Rosina  Purtell)  trip  to  the  hospital 
and  a  serious  operation  while  there. 
But  we  are  more  than  glad  to  report 
all  on  the  mend. 

Now,  Sister  Creeley,  it  was  just  as 
I  said,  "it  snowed  for  a  week  after." 
Try  coming  over  to  the  east  side 
more  often.  Try  once  to  lodge  and  we 
will  take  chances  on  another  snow 
storm. 

Our  president.  Sister  Carpenter,  is 
visiting  Sister  Dale  at  Sterling  for  a 
few  days.  Hang  out  the  keyB  next 
time,  Sister  Carpenter. 

Just  a  word  aibout  the  dues.  Sis- 
ters, don't  forget  that  our  secretary- 
treasurer  has  a  great  deal  to  do  and  it 
Is  easier  for  you  to  think  of  her  than 
for  her  to  remind  you  each  month  of 
the  dues.  Those  who  are  back  in  dues 
should  make  it  a  point  to  either  write 
Sister  Camp  or  see  her. 

While  our  benefit  is  only  $300,  there 
are  those  who  can  testify  that  it  is  as 
"an  oasis  in  the  desert"  when  death 
comes  in  the  home.  It  does  seem  odd 
that  the  brothers  are  so  slow  to  write 
just  a  few  words  of  acknowledgment 
to  our  G.  S.  k  T.  for  publication  in 
the  JouBNAL  wlien  they  receive  pay- 


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408 


ment  of  our  beiMflts.  It  would  let 
others  see  at  least  tliat  we  do  pay  our 
claims  promptly.  As  our  Grand  Presi- 
dent says,  in  her  own  home  lodge  so 
many  deaths  occur,  and  yet  we  never 
see  a  claim  acknowledged.  Why? 
Are  we  then  so  soon  forgotten?  In 
Sister  Sertrand's  letter  6f  April  she 
speaks  of  other  orders  having  a  larger 
benefit  with  less  dues.  My  sister, 
have  you  stopped  to  think  these  orders 
are  years  older  than  we,  and  I  be- 
lieve most  of  them  do  not  take  the 
chances  we  do  with  their  candidates; 
I  believe  most  of  them  have  a  physi- 
cal examination,  consequently  can 
give  more  for  less.  I  believe  our 
present  membership  is  less  than  1000, 
80  to  pay  a  higher  death  benefit  with 
our  present  memfben^p  would  "put 
US  out  of  business"  financietlly.  All 
things  taken  into  consideration,  our 
dues  are  not  so  very  high.  I  trust 
all  who  read  this  will  do  so  in  the 
kiiKlly  spirtt  in  which  it  is  intended. 

With  beet  wishes  for  a  good  and 
prosperous  year  to  S.  U.  and  L.  A.  I 
am.         Yours  in  U..  H.  and  J., 

Gbaoe  E.  Rice, 
Journal  Agent  No.  35. 


Kansas  Gly,  Kansas. 

E«DiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  I  have  been  appointed  Joxtbnal 
agent  for  the  newly-organized  auxil- 
iary' known  as  Progressive  Lodge  No. 
4,  will  let  you  know  what  we  are 
doing. 

On  April  17th  we  were  organized  by 
our  worthy  Grand  President  Sister 
Clark,  with  eighteen  charter  members. 
Sister  Clark  was  presented  with  a 
beautiful  bouquet  of  carnations  by 
Sister  Brown. 

The  following  week  we  met  and 
elected  our  officers  as  follows:  Presi- 
dent, Bthel  McAUen;  past  president. 
Bertha  Ford;  vice-president,  Maude 
BAielke;  chaplain,  Marie  Bufflngton; 
secretary,  Kate  Graham;  treasurer, 
Jennie  Paul;  conductress,  Frieda  Wool- 
sey;  guard,  Josie  Brown;  board  of 
directors,  Virdie  Hamblin,  Henrietta 
Fans,  Margaret  Keames;  pianist, 
Freda  Beard;  Journal  agent,  Virdie 
Hamblin. 

The  2d  of  May  Sister  Flannigan  of- 
fered her  home  to  the  lodge  for  a  card 
party,  which  was  very  much  enjoyed 


by  a  large  number  of  friends.  The 
hand-painted  prizes  which  were  do- 
nated were  beautiful. 

The  president  proposed  a  trolley  ride 
to  Leavenworth,  May  16th,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  lodge.  EiVeryone  was 
very  much  in  favor  of  it,  and  all  have 
been  working  hard  selling  tickets  to 
try  and  make  it  a  success.  Will  let 
you  know  the  outcome  of  it  in  the  next 
letter. 

In  the  near  future  Sister  Graham  is 
going  to  give  a  card  party. 

On  June  5th  Sister  Clark  has  do- 
nated her  lawn  for  an  ice  cream  social, 
and  we  hope  for  a  large  attendance. 

Through  the  generosity  of  Sister 
Brown,  the  lodge  has  been  presented 
with  a  beautiful  hand-embroidered 
centerpiece,  on  which  we  hope  to  make 
a  neat  little  sum. 

The  spirit  which  is  being  manifested 
by  all  is  cei>tainly  encouraging,  and  we 
hope  that  our  lodge  will  not  be  pro- 
gressive in  name  only.  We  meet  the 
second  Thursday  afternoon  and  fourth 
Thursday  night  of  every  month,  at 
Tenth  and  Central  avenue,  Kansas 
City,  Kans.  We  chose  the  Thursday 
night  meeting  to  see  if  we  couldn't 
ginger  up  Lodge  No.  2*8  members  by 
serving  lunch  on  that  night,  for  we 
all  know  the  way  to  reach  a  man's 
heart  is  through  his  stomach.  Visitors 
are  always  welcome  at  our  meetings. 

As  this  is  my  first  letter,  will  close 
for  this  time  and  will  let  you  hear 
from  us  next  month. 

Virdie  Hambun, 
Journal  AgenU 


Odweniy  Iowa* 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  have  lived  through  one  of  the 
coldest  winters  we  have  known  for 
years.  Now  we  are  enjoying  the  beaii- 
tiful  May  weather  and  our  spirits 
grow  warmer  and  lighter.  Nobility 
Lodge  No.  2  is  no  exception  to  the 
effects  of  spring  weather,  although  we 
can  not  complain  of  the  attendance  at 
our  meetings  during  the  winter 
months.  We  hope  to  have  every  mem- 
ber present  at  our  meetings  during  the 
summer  months. 

I  would  like  to  tell  our  Council 
Bluff  brother  how  we  and  the  switch- 
men of  Oelwein  have  had  such  good 
attendance    at    our    meetings.      Both 


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JOUiRNAL   OF  THB   SWITOmODNH 


lodges  rented  a  hall  together  with 
rooms  for  each  to  hold  their  meetings 
on  the  same  night  The  husbands 
come  with  their  wives  and,  after  the 
first  meeting  of  each  month  we  throw 
the  door  of  the  dining  room  open  and 
enjoy  the  bounteous  eupper  given  by 
the  ladies  in  their  turn.  Bach  one  pays 
ten  cents,  which  helps  to  pay  the  rent 
When  all  the  doors  are  open  we  have 
three  large  rooms  to  enjoy  ourselves 
as  we  like  by  singing  and  dancing. 

The  ladies  gave  a  dance  and  card 
party  on  the  30th  of  April.  It  was 
well  attended  and  all  had  a  good  time. 
The  music  was  fine.  I  have  not  heard 
what  we  cleared,  but  know  we  did 
well.  We  never  fail  in  our  undertak- 
ings, since  we  have  good  committees 
to  carry  on  the  work.  The  sisters 
all  feel  like  patting  Bro.  Percy  Butler 
on  the  back  for  the  many  dance  tick- 
ets he  sold.  We  are  thankful  to  all 
the  switchmen  for  assisting  us  in  mak- 
ing our  dance  a  success. 

We  are  sorry  to  have  to  report  that 
brother  and  sister  Charles  McLaugh- 
lin had  to  give  up  their  little  daugh- 
ter who  had  been  sick  for  many  weeks. 
We  sympathize  with  them  in  their  be- 
reavement 

One  of  our  switchmen,  who  was  just 
about  to  join  the  order,  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  get  hurt  while  at  work  and 
had  to  part  with  one  foot  He  is  im- 
proving and  we  hope  he  will  soon  be 
well.  He  will  have  to  go  through  lif^ 
with  an  artificial  foot 

I   think   I   have   taken   up   enough 
spac6  for  this  time,  so  will  close  this 
letter  by  wishing  all  switchmen  and 
the  auxiliary  the  best  of  success. 
Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Susan  McX^uibb, 

Journal  Agent, 


Heb  Alibi. 

Much  to  the  curious  little  girl's  dis- 
gust, her  elder  sister  and  her  girl 
friends  had  quickly  closed  the  door  of 
the  back  parlor  before  she  could  wedge 
her  email  self  in  among  them. 

She  waited  uneasily  for  a  little 
while,  then  she  knocked.  No  response. 
She  knocked  again.  Still  no  attention. 
Her  curiosity  could  be  controlled  no 
longer.  "Dodo!"  she  called  in  staccato 
tones,  as  she  knocked  once  again. 
•"Taln't  me!  It's  mamma!" — lAppin- 
cotVs, 


IN  MCMORIAM. 

Los  Anoeleb,  Gal.,  April  26,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Pride  of  the 
West  Lodge  No.  43  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  held 
April  24,  1912,  the  following  resolu- 
tions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father,  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  deemed  fit  to 
take  from  our  midst  Bro.  Frank  Dow, 
who  met  his  untimely  death  April  24, 
1912,  while  in  the  performance  of  his 
duties  in  the  Santa  Fe  yard,  in  Los 
Angeles;  and 

Whereas,  We  deeply  grieve  at  his 
sudden  death;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep- 
est and  sincere  sympathy  to  his  widow 
and  children.  The  loss  of  his  life  was 
God's  will.  May  they  find  peace  and 
comfort  in  the  thought  that  he  has  but 
passed  from  us  to  that  home  of  eternal 
rest  where  care  and  sorrow  are  no 
more  to  await  the  coming  of  those 
whom  he  held  most  dear  on  this  earth; 
and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That,  as  a  tribute  to  his 
memory,  we  drape  our  charter  and 
suspend  all  entertainments  for  a  period  - 
of  thirty  days;  that  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  be  spread  on  the  minutes 
of  Pride  of  the  West  Lodge  No.  43 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.;  that  a  copy  be  sent  to 
the  family  of  our  deceased  Bro.  Frank 
Dow,  and  that  a  copy  be  sent  to  the 
Switchmen's  Journal  for  publication. 
J.  F.  Seymour, 

F.  M.  PONTIOUS. 

Bd.  Bvans, 

Committee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  George 
Washington  Lodge  No.  189  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  Sunday,  May  12th,  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  worthy  brother,  Joseph  F.  Hankins, 
formerly  of  Salem,  HI.,  whose  death 
occurred  at  Keens,  III.,  May  5th,  after 
a  long  illness;   and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  hearts  of 
his  wife  and  three  children  who  are 
now  deprived  of  his  support  and  at- 
tention, and  this  lodge  has  lost  one  of 
its  best  members;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  in  meetr 
ing  assembled,  that  our  deepest  sym- 


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UNION  OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


406 


pAthy  be  extended  to  the  bereaved 
wife,  children  and  relatlree  in  this 
their  ead  time  of  so  great  a  loss;  and, 
be  it  further 

Retolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  his  wife,  one  to  the 
JoxjBNAL  for  publication,  and  one 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing, and  that  our  charter  be  draped 
for  a  period  of  thirty  dajB  as  a  tribute 
of  respect  and  honor  to  his  memory. 

P.  P.  SlOTH, 

J.  A.  Headlt, 
D.  J.  Gallaoheb, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Pride  of 
Peoria  Lodge  No.  40,  held  March  28. 
1912,  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Pather  to  call  unto  Himself  the 
beloved  sister  of  our  esteemed  Sister 
Margaret  Warren;  and 

Whkbbas,  We  know-  that  by  her 
death  <Sister  Warren  jiufPers  a  great 
sorrow;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Pride  of  Peoria  Lodge  No.  40  extend 
their  ssrmpathy  and  express  the  hope 
that  even  so  great  a  loss  may  be  over- 
ruled for  good  by  Him  who  doeth  all 
things  well.  Irene  Stobet, 
Mtbtle  Clabk, 
Cabbdc  Johnson, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Nobility  Lodge  No.  2  at 
the  meeting  held  April  16th: 

Whereas,  God  has  seen  fit  to  send 
the  Angel  of  Death  into  the  home  of 
our  worthy  brother  and  sister,  Charles 
McLaughlin  and  wife,  and  call  to  her 
happy  home  in  heaven  their  beloved 
daughter  Genevieve;  and 

Wherkas,  By  her  death  a  loving 
father  and  mother  are  left  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  one  they  loved  but  could 
not  save;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of 
Nobility  Lodge  No.  2,  extend  our  heart- 
felt 83rmpathy  to  this  afflicted  family, 
and  may  they  be  reconciled  to  the  will 
of  God,  who  does  all  things  well;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family. 


and  one  to  the  Journal  in  respect  to 

our  brother  and  sister. 

Susan  MoGuire, 
Lena  Cbandell, 
Mrs.  Brwin, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Detroit 
Lodge  No.  13  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  were  ad<9ted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Pather  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  William  Roy 
Noble;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  wife, 
children  and  relatives  are  left  to 
mourn  his  sad  loss  and  this  lodge  a 
faithful  member;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  lodge  extend 
heartfelt  sympathy  in  their  hour  of 
sad  bereavement;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  as  a  mark  of  esteem 
and  respect  for  our  late  brother  we 
drape  our  charter  for  thirty  days;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  his  bereaved  wife 
and  children,  one  spread  upon  the  min-. 
utes  of  this  meeting,  and  one  sent  to 
the  Journal  for  publication. 
A.  Knapp, 
J.  P.  Latdman, 
George  Stubss, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Gilt 
Edge  Lodge  No.  62: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty 
God  in  His  infinite  wisdom,  through 
His  messenger,  death,  to  visit  us  and 
remove  from  our  midst  our  esteemed 
brother,  Charles  L.  Whiteman,  who 
was  instantly  killed  while  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duties;  and 

Whereas,  We  mourn  the  loss  of  one 
who  while  in  life  we  held  dear  as  a 
friend  and  brother,  and  while  we  can 
never  more  greet  him  with  the  hand 
of  good-fellowship,  our  love  for  him 
kindled  in  the  sweetness  of  brother- 
hood and  united  in  the  bonds  of  unity, 
remains  unchanged  as  we  humbly  sub- 
mit to  Him  who  called  this  genial 
spirit  to  the  realms  of  the  Great  Be- 
yond; therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  the  wife 


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JOUBNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHMBN'8 


and  family  our  sincere  sympathieB  in 
their  sad  afDiction  and  hope  they  will 
be  able  to  find  solace  In  the  word  and 
promise  of  our  Sariour. 

Resolved,  That  In  further  testimony 
of  our  respect  for  his  memory  we  di- 
rect that  the  charter    be    draped    in 
mourning  for  a  period  of  thirty  days, 
and  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent 
to  the  JouBNAL  for  publication. 
D.  A.  Habshbasoeb, 
J.  W.  Ketseb, 
D.  M.  Dbounsheld, 

Committee. 


At  the  regular  meeting  of  Progress 
Lodge  No.  58,  held  May  5th,  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
Br.  Ernest  Feibrlck,  who  met  his 
death  while  in  the  performance  of 
duty;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  untimely  death  a 
bereaved  wife  and  two  children  are 
now  deprived'  of  his  support  and  atten- 
tion and  this  lodge  has  lost  one  of  its 
loyal  members;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep- 
est and  most  sincere  sjrmpathy  to  those 
who  were  near  and  dear  to  him,  with 
an  earnest  prayer  that  the  Lord  who 
hath  given  and  taken  away  will  com- 
fort their  sorrowing  hearts;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  resolutions 
be  sent  to  his  family,  one  to  the  Jour- 
nal for  publication  and  one  spread 
upon  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  and 
that  our  charter  be  draped  for  a  period 
of  thirty  days  as  a  tribute  of  respect 
and  honor  to  his  memory. 

John  Minnette, 
Hugh  K.  Henderson, 
James  M.  Burns, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Gary  Lodge 
No.  47  8.  U.  of  N.  A.,  held  April  21st: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly  Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  J.  F.  Pisarek,  who 
died  from  injuries  received  at  his 
work,  April  8th,  in  the  B.,  J.  ft  E. 
yards  at  Gary,  Ind.;   and 

Whereas,  In  the  death  of  Bro.  Pi- 
sarek this  lodge  has  lost  a  respected 


member,  his  wife  and  children  a  duti- 
ful husband  and  loving  flither;  there- 
fore, be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  that  our 
sincere  sympathy  be  extended  to  the 
bereaved  family  at  this  their  time  of 
great  sorrow,  and  may  God  comfort 
and  abundantly  bless  them;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting;  a  copy  be  sent  to  the 
bereaved  family  and  one  forwarded  to 
the  Journal  for  publication;  and  as  a 
further  mark  of  respect  to  the  memory 
of  our  departed  brother  we  drape  our 
lodge  charter  for  a  period  of  thirty 
days.  G.  W.  Scott, 

James  Tolbt, 
P.  Wallace, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Electric 
City  Lodge  No.  129  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America,  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  God,  our  kind  and  loving 
Father,  who  doeth  all  things  well,  has 
taken  our  beloved  brother,  Edward 
Gerrity,  to  his  eternal  home;  and 

Whereas,  We,  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  must  mourn  his  loss  as  a  true 
and  faltiiful  member,  and  an  honest, 
upright,  kindly  friend;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep- 
est and  most  sincere  sympathy  to  those 
who  are  near  and  dear  to  him,  with 
an  earnest  prayer  that  the  Lord,  wiio 
hath  given  and  taken  away,  will  com- 
fort their  sorrowing  hearts;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  his  family,  one  to 
the  Journal  for  publication,  and  one 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing, and  that  our  charter  be  draped 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a  tribute 
of  respect  and  honor  to  his  memoTj. 
Thos.  Dougher, 
J.  E.  Hennigan, 
Martin  Regan, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  at  a  regular 
meeting  of  James  Mills  Lodge  No.  17: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  us  our 


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407 


dearly  beloved  brother,  Edward  Weger, 
whoee  death  occurred  on  April  19, 
1912;   and 

Whehkas,  By  his  death  a  wife  and 
8on,  brothers  and  sisters  and  a  dear 
mother  are  left  to  mourn  his  sad  loss, 
and  this  lodge  a  most  worthy  brother; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Jiames  Mills  Lodge  No.  17  in  meeting 
assembled  extend  their  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy to  the  bereaved  family  in  this 
their  hour  of  bereavement;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  son,  and  one  to  the 
JoiTBNAL  for  publication;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  in 
respect  to  the  memory  of  our  deceased 
brother.  G.  H.  Hoos, 

T.  H.  Stone, 
J.  J.  Lynn, 

Committee. 


Cards  of  Thanks. 

Davenpobt,  Iowa. 
£<DiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  wish  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for  the  prompt  pay- 
ment of  the  policy  on  the  death  of  my 
beloved  husband,  and  Tri-City  Lodge 
No.  12Q  for  kindness  shown  during  our 
late  sad  bereavement. 

Most  sincerely, 

Mbb.  EhXEN  C.  LOOAN. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  April,  1912. 
Editor  SwitcxTmen's  Joubnal: 

We  desire,  through  the  Journal,  to 
express  our  sincere  gratitude  to  the 
members  of  Lackawanna  Lodge  No. 
221  for  the  extreme  kindness  received 
from  them  at  the  time  of  the  death  of 
our  beloved  husband  and  father,  and 
especially  so  for  the  beautiful  floral 
offering.  This  manifestation  of  deep 
sympathy  from  them  during  the  time 
of  our  great  bereavement  will  ever  be 
remembered  with  hearts  full  of  grati- 
tude as  long  as  we  are  permitted  to 
live.  We  are  also  very  thankful  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  settle- 
ment of  (the  policy  held  in  the  union. 
We  are  at  a  loss  for  words  to  properly 


convey  our  thanks  and  gratitude  to  the 
members  of  Lodge  No.  221,  and  will 
ever  remember  them  with  our  sincere 
good  wishes.      Yours  sincerely, 
Mrs.  Jab.  Flynn  and  Daughtebs. 
785  South  Division  street. 


Arkansas  City,  Kans.,  May  16,  '12. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Sweet  Clover 
Lodge  No.  104  and  to  the  employes  of 
the  A..  T.  k  S.  F.  Railroad  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  offering  and  other  mani- 
festations of  loving  kindness  shown 
us  during  the  long  illness  and  death 
of  our  dear  husband  and  father,  A.  I. 
Owen.  Thanks  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
their  prompt  payment  of  the  insur- 
ance policy. 
He  has  gone  from  his  loved  ones,  his 

children,  his  wife. 
Whom    he    willingly    tolled    for    and 

loved  as  his  life; 
O  God,   how  mysterious  and  strange 

are  Thy  ways 
To  take  from  us  this  loved  one  in  the 

best  of  his  days. 
With  best  wishes  of  success  to  all 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

Sincerely  yours, 
Mrs.  Lucinda  M.  Owen  and  Children. 


Pittsburg,  Pa.,  March  24,  1912. 
To  the  Officers  and  Members  of  Qilt 
Edge  Lodge  No,  62  8,  U.  of  N.  A,: 
Gentlemen — I  gratefully  acknowl- 
edge the  kindness  and  sympathy  ex- 
pressed in  the  beautiful  floral  piece 
sent  at  the  time  of  my  recent  bereave- 
ment. I  also  thank  you  for  the  prompt 
payment  of  my  claim. 

Sincerely  yours, 
Mrs.  Chas.  L.  Whiteman. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  May  21,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Evening  Star  Lodge 
No.  209  and  to  the  employes  of  the 
Lehigh  Valley  Railroad  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  offering  and  other  mani- 
festations of  kindness  shown  to  us  in 
our  late  bereavement — In  the  sudden 
death  of  our  dear  brother,  Bdw.  J. 
Clark,  who  was  killed  on  April  3,  1912. 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITGHICBN'8 


I  also  desire  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  the  prompt  payment  of  the  claim 
held  by  my  brother  in  the  union.  May 
God  bless  and  protect  the  members  of 
the  8.  U.  of  N.  A, 

Sincerely  yours, 

Mb8.  Kathbtn  Sullivan. 
205  Hamburg  street. 


Oelwein,  la..  May  13,  1912. 
Bditob  SwiTOHiCEif'B  Joubnal: 

We  desire  to  express  our  sincere 
thanks,  through  the  columns  of  the 
Joubnal,  to  the  members  of  Maple  Leaf 
Lodge  No.  84  and  Nobility  Lodge  No.  2 
for  the  beautiful  floral  ofterings,  and 
also  for  their  many  acts  of  kindness 
during  our  bereavement  in  the  loss  of 
our  dear  daughter  Genevieve. 
Thy  gentle  voice  now  is  hushed, 

Thy  warm,  true  heart  is  still. 
And  on  thy  young  and  innocent  brow 

Is  resting  death's  cold  chill. 
Thy  hands  are  clasped  upon  thy  breast, 

We  have  kissed  thy  lovely  brow. 
And  in  our  aching  hearts  we  know 

We  have  no  darling  now. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Chas.  McLaughlin  and  Wife. 


Paducah,  Ky.,  May  6,  1912. 
Editob  SwrroHKEN's  Joubnal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  and  officers  of 
North  Star  Lodge  No.  68,  of  which  my 
husband,  William  J.  Finch,  was  a 
member,  for  the  many  deeds  of  kind- 
ness shown  and  the  beautiful  floral 
offerings  at  time  of  death  of  our  dear 
husband  and  father.  We  also  wish  to 
thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt- 
ness in  settlement  of  claim  and  policy. 
With  beet  wishes  for  the  success  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union,  we  are, 
Yours  sincerely, 
Mbs.  Luot  Finoh  and  Chiloben. 


Notice. 


Anybody  knowing  the  present  ad- 
dress of  Bro.  Thomas  Judge  of  Lodge 
No.  194  will  please  notify  Pred  Decker, 
treasurer  Lodge  No.  194,  Hallstead,  Pa. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
Prank  Townes,  formerly  of  Detroit, 
Mich. — when  last  heard  of  was  switch- 


ing in  Chicago — ^please  notify  his 
daughter.  Miss  Pearl  Townes,  General 
Delivery,  Detroit,  Mich. 


If  anyone  knows  the  whereabouts  of 
Bro.  Bernard  J.  Tepe  of  Lodge  No.  226, 
kindly  forward  his  address  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
Ross  Luyben  will  confer  a  favor  by 
sending  his  address  to  J.  F.  Sammon, 
Valley  Junction,  la.,  Joubnal  Agent 
for  Des  Moines  Lodge  No.  174. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of 
James  A.  Thorpe,  member  of  Lodge 
No.  208,  will  greatly  oblige  by  send- 
ing same  to  M.  E.  Glover,  treasurer 
Lodge  No.  208,  5946  Marshfield  avenue, 
Chicago,  111. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  C. 
H.  Dutton,  a  member  of  Lodge  No.  43, 
will  please  send  same  to  J.  F.  Sey- 
mour, 2521  East  3d  street,  Los  An- 
geles, Cal.,  president  of  Lodge  No.  43. 


An  Essay  on  Girls. 

Girls  are  the  sisters  of  boys  and  hai 
long  hair,  wares  dresses  and  powder 
and  sometimes  smokes  cigarettes.  The 
first  girl  was  called  Christmas  Eve, 
though  I  never  cud  see  why.  Most 
every  family  has  one  girl  and  some  of 
'om  that  has  rotten  luck  has  two  or 
three.  We  have  girls  in  oum  who  is 
my  sister,  girls  can  grow  older  and  get 
jrounger.  My  sister  has  been  twenty- 
five  for  three  years,  and  some  day  we 
may  be  twins.  Girls  play  the  planer 
and  talk  about  each  other.  Fat  girls 
want  to  be  thin  and  thin  girls  want  to 
be  fat  and  all  of  'em  want  to  marry 
doods.  Why  the  Lord  makes  girls  no- 
body nos  but  I  think  it  were  to  go  to 
church  and  eat  ice  cream.  They  is 
three  kinds  of  girls,  brunet  girls,  blon 
girls,  and  them  that  have  money.  Girls 
is  afraid  of  mice  and  insects,  which 
makes  it  fun  to  put  them  down  their 
backs. — Ex, 


Courtesy  is  the  crowning  grace  of 
culture,  the  badge  of  the  perfect  gen- 
tleman, the  fragrance  of  the  flower  of 
womanhood. 


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UNION  OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


Tlic  CoiM|iicrar« 

It's  easy  to  laugh  when  the  skies  are 
blue 
And  the  srun  is  shining  bright; 

Yea,  easy  to  laugh  when  your  friends 
are  true 
And  there's  happiness  in  sight; 

But  when  hope  has  fled  and  the  skies 
are  gray^ 

And    the    friends   of    the    past    have 
turned  away, 

Ah,  then  indeed  it's  a  hero's  feat 

To  conjure  a  smile  in  the  face  of  de- 
feat 

It's  easy  to  laugh  when  the  storm  is 

o'er 
And  your  ship  is  safe  in  port; 
Tes,  easy  to  laugh  when  you're  on  the 

^ore 
Secure  from  the  tempest's  sport; 
But  when  wild  waves  wash  o'er  the 

storm-swept  deck, 
And  your  gallant  ship  is  a  battered 

wreck. 
Ah,  that  is  the  time  when  it's  well 

worth  while 
To  look  in  the  face  of  defeat  with  a 

smile. 

It's  easy  to  laugh  when  the  battle's 

fought 
And  you  know  the  victory's  won; 
Tes,  easy  to  laugh  when  the  prize  you 

sought. 
Is  yours  when  the  race  is  run; 
But  here's  to  the  man  who  can  laugh 

when  the  blast 
Of  adversity  blows,  he  will  conquer  at 

last. 
For  the  hardest  man  in  the  world  to 

beat 
Is  the  man  who  can  laugh  in  the  face 

of  defeat. 
— Emit  Carl  Rurin,   in   the   National 
Magazine. 


Pioiiecr  Weddings. 

For  a  long  time  after  this  country 
was  settled  folk  married  mighty  young 
and  at  first  chance.  There  was  no  sort 
of  distinction  of  rank  or  title,  and  yet 
precious  little  money  or  worldly  gear. 
A  family  backwoods  palace  cost  only 
a  little  neighborly  help  and  labor  to 
get  ^  it  ready  for  the  sure-to-come, 
healthy,  happy  brood.  In  those  olden, 
golden  days  in  the  South  and  West  a 
wedding  set  the  whole  country  circuit 
for  miles  around  wild  with  talk,  ex- 
citement and  expectation  for  frolic. 


On  wedding  day  everybody  came 
togethei^  at  the  bridegroom's  daddy's 
house  80  that  all  could  go  in  one 
bunch  to  the  bride's  house  before  din- 
ner (midday).  Upon  all  this  jolly  lot 
could  not  be  seen  a  thing  that  had 
ever  been  inside  a  store.  The  gentle- 
men dressed  in  moccasins,  leather 
breeches  or  leggins,  coonskin  caps  and 
homespun  linsey  or  buckskin  hunting 
shirts.  Bvery  whip,  stitch  and  fibre 
genuine,  simon-pure  homespun  and 
homemade.  Ladles,  as  peerless,  as 
fearless,  dressed  in  linsey  petticoats, 
and  under  all  a  long  linsey  or  linen 
bedgown,  moccasins,  yam  or  fiax 
stockings,  handkerchiefs  and  gauntlet- 
ed  buckskin  gloves — if  any.  If  there 
were  any  rings,  buckles  or  other  jew- 
elry they  were  relics  from  grand- 
parents back  beyond  the  Blue  Ridge 
on  the  shores  of  the  sea. 

The  march,  Indian  file,  through  the 
woods  to  the  bride's  home  was  often 
stopped  by  mischief-makers  tjring 
grapevines  across  the  road.  Or  sud- 
denly a  false  Indian  ambush  was  laid 
and  a  dozen  rifles  covered  the  wedding 
company  with  smoke.  The  horses 
would  rear  and  jump  and  cavort,  and 
the  girls,  riding  bareback,  would  shriek 
— of  course,  girl-like.  And  their 
sweethearts  would  get  mighty  brave 
and  chivalrous  and  grab  them  around 
the  waist  to  keep  them  from  fainting, 
even  if  the  most  of  these  same  girls 
could  break  and  ride  a  two-year-old 
horse  or  steer. 

Then  came  the  marriage  ceremony; 
then  the  feast  of  beef,  pork,  fowls, 
venison,  bear  meat,  roasted  and  boiled 
potatoes  and  cabbage  and  corn  pones. 

After  dinner  the  flddle  was  tuned 
and  the  dancing  started  and  generally 
lasted  all  night  until  broad  daylight. 
The  flgures  were  three  and  four-hand- 
ed reels,  square  sets  and  jigs.  If  any 
tried  to  stall  or  sneak  away  late  in  the 
night  they  were  grabbed  and  paraded 
on  the  play  "Hang  Out  Till  Morning." 
Wedding  carrylng-ons  lasted  from  two 
days  to  two  weeks,  and  some  guests 
stayed  while  others  came  and  went. 
Some  traveled  for  days,  coming  and 
going  great  distances. — New  York 
Press. 


Among  the  birds  the  swan  lives  to  be 
the  oldest,  in  extreme  cases  reaching 
300  years.  The  falcon  has  been  known 
to  live  162  years. — The  Lahor  World. 


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STRONG  ARM  OF  THE  LAW. 


By  Db.  p.  a.  Kane. 


Five  good  reasons  are  herein  set 
forth  why  no  male  American  citizen 
should  adopt  a  policeman's  position  as 
constituted  today  to  acquire  his  world- 
ly necessities.  1  think  if  the  average 
man  would  give  this  his  honest  con- 
sideration he  would  agree  with  me. 

Oath. 

The  policeman  takes  an  oath  to  pre- 
serve the  public  peace  and  uphold  the 
constitution.  This,  perforce,  puts  him 
in  the  position  of  arresting  his  own 
mother  if  she  happens  to  misbehave. 
Aye,  he  swears  to  arrest  his  mother, 
sister,  sweetheart,  wife  and  daughter 
if,  by  chance  she  had  the  misfortune 
to  transgress  the  law  by  committing 
some  crime. 

No  man  with  human  intelligence 
should  put  himself  in  such  an  un 
enviable  position.  No  matter  what 
crime  a  mother  commits,  it  is  not  up 
to  her  son  to  be  active  in  her  punish- 
ment  In  fact  he  should  try  to  shield 
and  protect  her  from  the  consequences 
of  her  misfortune.  All  mothers  look 
to  their  husbands  and  specially  to  the 
sons  for  aid  and  succor.  What  an 
awful  blow  it  must  be  to  her  mother 
love  and  what  an  awful  crime  against 
nature  when  the  fruit  of  her  womb 
and  'breast  assists  to  arrest  her  and 
cast  her  into  jail. 

As  there  is  no  difference  that  I  can 
see  for  an  officer  to  arrest  his  own 
mother,  or  have  some  fellow  officer 
to  do  80,  I  contend  that  no  man 
should  put  himself  in  that  predica- 
ment 

Recommendation  fob  Position. 

True  it  is  a  policeman  must  have 
average  Intelligence  and  education. 
His  chief  recommendation  though  is 
that  of  being  a  great  big  burly  and  an 
athlete.     The  bigger  and  huskier  he 


is  and  the  more  capable  of  handling 
two  or  three  ordinary  men,  the  more 
liable  he  will  b^  of  being  appointed  on 
the  police  force. 

Now  if  one  of  my  female  relatives 
had  the  misfortune  of  committing 
some  offense  against  some  of  the  innu- 
memble  laws  about  which  she  and  all 
of  us  are  ignorant,  I  do  not  deem  it 
right  that  some  great  big  overgrown 
burly  and  athlete  shold  grab  her  by 
the  shoulder  and  yell  in  her  ear,  "Come 
to  Jail,  you  law-breaker!" 

No;  a  warrant  should  be  issued 
against  her  and  she  should  be  con- 
diicted  to  the  'bar  of  Justice,  remember- 
ing that  she  is  a  human  female  and 
has  nothing  to  do  with  making  the 
laws  which  she  has  transgressed. 

Pbesebve  the  Public  Peace. 

A  policeman  patrolling  his  beat  at- 
tends to  or  interferes  with  everybody's 
business.  Everyone's  conduct  must  be 
what  he  deems  it  should  be. 

Of  course  he  is  governed  to  some  ex- 
tent by  certain  definite  rules,  many  of 
which  are  vague  or  misunderstood  by 
himself  and  the  public  in  general.  In 
case  of  emergency  he  uses  his  own 
Judgment,  although  the  one  commit- 
ting a  crime  against  his  standard  (?) 
may  think  differently  and  consider  it 
no  offence. 

Anabchist. 

The  common  accepted  definition  of 
an  anarchist  today  is  as  follows:  He 
is  against  all  rule  but  his  own.  He  is 
against  every  man,  even  his  own 
brother,  if  his  theories  are  not  ac- 
cepted. He  has  a  club  to  enforce  his 
ideas,  a  gun  or  a  bomb  to  shoot  or 
blow  his  views  into  or  the  life  out  of 
you. 

Whenever  I  see  a  policeman  it  re- 
minds  me  of  the  common   accepted 


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411 


definition  of  an  anarchist.  He  is 
against  every  one  but  his  masters,  the 
capitalists.  He  has  a  clut  in  his  hand 
and  a  gun  on  his  hip  to  enforce  his 
ideas  of  right  and  wrong. 

Incentive  to  Obi  me. 

Many  times  children  have  been  at 
innocent  play  In  the  street,  in  an  alley 
or  on  a  vacant  lot,  having  a  good  time 
in  their  own  innocent  way,  committing 
no  breach  of  the  peace. 

A  blue  uniform  is  spied  coming  in 
their  direction  and  immediately  the 
thousrht  of  some  depredation  comes  to 
flome  one  of  their  minds  and  the  sug- 
f^estion  goes  forth,  "Let  us  do  some 
trick  on  this  old  stiff  coming  to  chase 
us."  Then  is  implanted  the  first  seed 
of  crime,  of  opposition  to  law  and  re- 
sistance in  the  mind  of  some  in  that 
group.  This  grows  and  expands  until> 
reaching  man's  estate,  we  find  him  a 
full-fledged  criminal. 

As  the  boy  is  father  to  the  man,  1 
believe  it  safe  to  say  that  the  vast  ma- 
jority of  our  criminals  are  developed 
from  that  first  seed  planted  in  the 
brain  during  innocent  play. 

The  above  ideas  are  five  good  and 
sufficient  reasons  why  no  man  should 
don  a  blue  uniform  and  carry  a  club 
on  the  police  force  as  constituted  to- 
day. There  are  many  other  reasons, 
such  as  killing  women,  shooting  and 
clubbing  men,  pregnant  women  and 
small  children,  looking  for  some  more 
worldly  necessities  which  they  pro- 
duced, as  we  saw  at  Lawrence,  Mass.. 
and  in  every  other  strike  and  lockout. 
All  these  people  belong  to  the  working 
class  and  must  be  of  the  same  class 
as  a  policeman. 

He  also  lives  on  the  graft  wrung 
from  unfortunate  prostitutes,  cadets, 
bawdy  houses  and  gambling  hells.  Of 
course,  many  policemen  are  innocent 
of  this  latter  charge.  I  know  many 
are  morally  as  clean  as  a  "hound's 
tooth."  There  is  an  old  saying  or 
proverb  which  says,  "Let  me  know  the 
company  you  keep  and  I  will  tell  you 
"What  you  are."  So  we  usually  judge 
all  policemen  by  their  general  record. 

No  man  should  take  a  solemn  obli- 
gation to  preserve  the  public  peace 
when  he  knows  in  his  innermost  brain 
that  he  could  not  or  would  not  enforce 
it  against  his  mother,  sister,  sweet- 
heart, wife  or  daughter.  He  swears  to 
enforce  the  laws  and  knows  he  will 


break  it  if  misfortune  comes  to  women 
relatives  dependent  upon  him. 

Of  course  we  need  men  to  preserve 
the  general  peace,  but  I  believe  an 
officer  should  be  elected  by  the  people 
in  the  district  he  patrols.  The  patrol- 
man who  has^his  family  in  the  neigh- 
borhood would  be  better  loved  and  re- 
spected and  could  and  would  keep  bet- 
ter order. 

The  t;)ollceman  of  today  is  not  ac- 
countable to  the  people  he  rules.  He 
is  responsible  to  the  commissioners 
who  likewise  are  controlled  by  the 
political  machine  of  the  party  in 
power.  If  the  policeman  was  an  elec- 
tive officer  he  would  be  directly  re- 
sponsible to  the  people  where  he 
patrols.  As  it  is  today  the  commis- 
sioners want  an  officer  to  be  strange 
in  his  district  so  that  he  will  be  iso- 
lated and  more  brutal.  An  English 
policeman  should  patrol  an  American 
district,  an  Italian  officer  an  Italian 
district,  a  Polish  officer  a  Polish  beat 
and  so  on.  By  this  method  the  best 
results  could  be  obtained.  Then  the 
police  could  not  be  mobilized  to  knock 
the  heads  ofP  of  strikers  seeking  a  lit- 
tle more  wages. 

Today  there  are  many  unjust  laws 
on  our  statute  books  which  would 
never  have  been  passed  by  our  legisla- 
tors if  it  were  not  for  the  strong  arm 
•of  the  law  that  enforces  the  same. 
The  strong  arm  constitutes  the  police, 
soldiers  and  private  detectives.  Why 
men  will  take  such  inhuman  positions 
and  do  such  unspeakable  work  is  be- 
yond my  power  of  reason.  No  one 
should  put  himself  in  a  position  where 
he  is  forced  to  injure  his  fellow-men. 
May  the  people  wake  up  and  change 
this  truly  horrible  condition. 


"To  the  Rescue." 

This  morning  the  civilized  world 
held  its  breath  and  looked  out  over  the 
Atlantic  a  thousand  miles  to  the  spot 
where  it  is  feared  1,600  souls  went 
down  to  death  yesterday.  Would  that 
we  could  similarly  concentrate  interest 
on  the  fact  that  in  the  Empire  State 
alone  each  month  a  like  number  of 
human  beings  go  down  to  death  be- 
cause of  tuberculosis.  Like  the  pas- 
sengers of  the  Titanic,  they  come  from 
every  walk  of  life, — first,  second  and 
third  class, — ^but  go  down  to  death 
equals.    It  is  not  even  permitted  to  us 


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412 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMB»^6 


to  save  the  women  and  children,  or  to 
give  them  the  first  chance. 

"When  the  wlrelees  call  went  to  the 
nearest  hoat,  about  170  mllee  distant, 
pushing  at  full  speed,  it  took  some 
eight  hours  to  reach  the  scene  of  the 
disaster.  It  must  have  seemed  a  long 
time,  and  yet  the  dietance  and  the  time 
were  as  nothing  compared  to  the. dis- 
tance and  the  time  separating  the  suf- 
ferers from  tuberculoslB  from  their 
would-be  rescuers.  It  Is  many  times 
further,  for  example,  from  the  slums 
of  any  city  to  its  city  hall  than  U'was 
from  the  Titanic  to  the  Carpathia  or 
the  Virginia.  It  takes  as  many  years 
to  get  help  from  headquarters  to  the 
poorer  sections  of  our  smaller  cities 
and  rural  districts  as  it  did  hours  to 
get  to  the  Titanic,  only  in  this  case  we 
are  contending  not /against  the  forces 
of  nature,  not  against  the  limitations 
of  mechanics,  but  against  the  ignor- 
ance and  indifPerence  of  men. 

"The  mists  and  fogs  of  the  New- 
foundland banks  are  clear  sunlight 
compared  with  the  confusion  and  mis- 
understanding separating  human  be- 
ings from  each  other,  paraljrzing  the 
natural  flow  of  sympathy  for  the  dis- 
tressed, and  staying  the  strong  right 
arms  of  those  able  to  help.  May  the 
deep  feeling  and  sense  of  human  unity 
evoked  by  the  dramatic  loss  of  the  Ti- 
tanic remain  a  permanent  asset  of  the 
humanitarian  forces  of  the  world." — 
Homer  Folks,  in  address  before  State 
Medical  Society  of  New  York. 


Among  the  Wits. 

An  Bxpebieitce. 

"What  can  you  do  with  a  team  In  the 
country?  Do  you  know  anything 
about  hooking  up?" 

"Do  I?  Haven't  I  been  doing  it  for 
a  year  on  my  wife's  waists?" 

*  *    * 

**So  you  wish,"  said  the  father  of  the 
beautiful  heiress,  "to  assume  the  bonds 
of  matrimony?" 

"Yes,"  replied  the  titled  foreigner, 
"if  you  will  guarantee  that  they  will 
pay  regular  dividends." — Chicago  Re- 
cord-Herald. 

*  *    * 

Dobbs — "Does  your  wife  'call  you' 
for  coming  home  late?" 

Slobs— "No,  she  bawls  me  for  stay- 
ing out  late."— ToZe(fo  Union  Leader. 


BZCELLBNT   REASON. 

"Oril  work  no  more  for  that  man 
Dolan." 

"An'  whyr' 

"Shure,  an'  'tie  on  account  av  a  re- 
mark he  made." 

"An'  phat  was  that?" 

"Says  he,  'Casey,'  says  he,  "ye're  dis- 
charged.' "—London  Sketch. 

V        *        * 

Unnboessabt. 

"Do  you  tell  your  wife  everything 
you  do  while  she  is  away?" 

"No;  the  neighbors  attend  to  that" 
--Houston  Post. 

*  *    * 
Not  a  Requisite. 

"And  do  you  have  to  be  called  in  the 
morning?"  asked  the  lady  who  was 
about  to  engage  a  new  girl. 
*  "I  don't  has  to  be,  mum,"  replied 
the  applicant,  "unless  you  happen  to 
need  me." — Tonkers  Statesman. 

*  *    * 
Necessabt  Pseuminabt. 

"Can't  you  assume  a  little  more 
pleasing  expression  of  countenance?" 
asked  the  photographer. 

*T-yes,  sir,"  hesitatingly  answered 
the  sitter.  "Wait  a  minute  and  I'll 
take  off  these    new    shoes." — Chicago 

Tribune. 

m     m     m 

Didn't  Sell 'It. 

"Did  you  sell  your  vote?" 

"No,  siree.  I  voted  for  that  feller 
'cause  I  liked  him." 

"But  I  understand  he  gave  you  $10." 

"Well,  where  a  man  gives  you  $10 
'taln't  no  more'n  natural  to  like  him, 
is  itr— Philadelphia  Times. 

*  *    * 

Not  Guiltt. 

The  Medical  Times  reports  the  case 
of  'Rastus,  who  inquired  of  the  "doc- 
tah."  "What  you  tlnk  is  de  mattah  wlf 
mer 

Doctor — '*Oh,  nothing  but  the  chick- 
enpox,  I  guess." 

'Rastus  (getting  nervous) — "I  'clare 
on  mah  honah,  doctah,  I  ain't  been  no- 
whar  I  could  ketch  dat." — Buffalo  Com- 
mercial. 

*  *    * 

Olivette  (as  they  encounter  a  vicious 
bulldog)— "(3o  on,  Cecil;  you  know 
you  said  you  would  f&ce  death  for  me." 

CJecll— "But  he  isn't  dead." 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AlODRICA. 


418 


A  Born  Diplomat. 

"Jolmiiy,  were  you  beating  that 
little  boy  next  door?" 

"Certainly  not,  pa.  I  was  Just  go- 
ing Uu'ongh  some  maneuvers." 

Who  could  chastise  the  kid  after  such 
a  statesmanlike  answer  as  that? — 8t, 

Louis  Times, 

*    *    * 

Shobn. 
"Miss  Ella,  was  your  bazar  a  sue- 


"Glorious!    All  the  men  had  to  walk 
home\"—Meggendorier  Blaetter, 


The  night  was  bitterly  cold,  and 
the  poor,  shivering  wretch  who  dogged 
the  footsteps  of  the  comfortably  clad 
alien  coughed  dismally. 

"Beg  pardon,  sir,"  commenced  the 
outcast,  "could  you  spare  me  six- 
pense,  sir,  please?    I  am  starving." 

"I  half  no  sigpence,"  snapped  Herr 
Hoggenheimer. 

'Then  perhaps  fourpence,  sir,  for  a 
bed." 

"Ach,  now,  mine  friendt,  you  speaks 
pizness.    Vere  is  der  bed?" 


Remattaiice  Roll  of  Honor  for  the  Month 
of  May,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  G.  3.  ft  T.  during 
the  month  of  May,  1912: 

May  Ist— Lodges  5,  88,  93,  142,  187, 
193,  203,  207,  213. 

May  2d— Lodges  55,  73,  74,  102,  112, 
120,  141,  154,  214,  215. 


May  3d— Lodges  88,  41,  44,  46,  60, 
72,  78,  83.  92,  97,  103,  110,  126.  151, 
173,  174,  188,  189,  190,  192,  201. 

May  4th— Lodges  3,  14,  19,  20,  28,  29, 
30,  32,  33,  40,  54,  61,  80,  89,  95,  96,  106, 
107,  115,  123,  129,  133,  146,  152,  155, 
175,  176,  194,  195,  212.  216,  217. 

May  6th— Lodges  U  t,  6,  8,  9,  10,  12, 
21,  23,  24,  37,  42,  43,  i\  53,  56,  69,  79, 
82,  84,  85,  90,  91,  94,  98,  104,  111,  114, 
119,  124.  125,  128,  130,  147,  159,  166, 
177,  180,  199,  208,  209,  224,  228. 

May  7th— Lodges  13,  22,  39,  46,  49, 
52,  68,  99,  101,  113,  116,  134,  137,  138, 
140,  156,  179,  181,  200,  202,  220. 

May  8th— Lodges  4,  15,  16,  17,  36,  47, 
48,  58,  64.  65.  86,  100,  108,  117,  145, 
158,  204,  218,  219,  221. 

May  9th— Lodges  11,  26,  31.  35,  57, 
62,  77,  87,  135,  169,  206,  225,  229. 

May  10th— Lodges  7,  18.  63,  71,  75, 
105.  122,  172,  184,  191,  210,  2ia,  222, 
226,  230. 

May  11th— Lodges  34,  67,  144,  182, 
223. 

May  13th— Lodges  70,  143,  149. 

Up  to  date.  May  16th,  the  reports  of 
lodges  198  and  205  have  not  been  re- 
ceived. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  Constitution  pro> 
vides  that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  shall  be 
imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose  reports 
are  not  received  by  the  G.  S.  ft  T.  by 
the  10th  day  of  each  month,  and  if 
received  late  for  two  or  more  months 
then  the  officers  shall  be  asked  to  re- 
move the  cause  for  such  delay. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  Is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receiye  his  Joubnal  promptly  and 
wHlumt  taSl  is  requested  to  fill  out  tlie  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Bdltor  at  onoe: 

Vatne Zsodge  yo 

Btreei Town Btate 

Eat  Moved  to Btreet 

Btate 


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414 


JOURNAL   OF    THB    SWITOHMBN'S 


Statement  of  Claims  Paid  During  the  Month  of  May,  i9l2 


|3 

Date 

; 

nm. 

NAJMS 

1 

Proof 
P^rs 

Dmte 
Pftld 

PAID  TO 

KB8IDENCB 

Am/L 

iJ 

1^ 

oelved 

142H 

Frank  Wells 

10 

Death    8-l4-'ll 

5-17-U2 

Expenses 

«  138.111: 

WM 

Edwin  Bulger 

114 

Death  j  3-26-'r2 

5-17-M2 

Ellen,  wife 

Blngharaton.N.Y. 
Belvidere,  111. 

liwolSI 

15?ft 

B.  J.  Shanesy 

10 

Death 

4-  '2-'12 

5-17-'12 

Anna  E..  sister 

15^6 

Walter  W.  Clark 

6 

Death 

3-27-'12 

5-17-'r2!  Lizzie,  mother 

Council  Bluffi},  la. 

iJffiS* 

15'^- 

Edw.  Garrltty 

128 

Death 

3-19-'12 

5-17-'12  Wife  and  brother 

Scran  ton.  Pa. 

15?8 

A.  L.  Clarke 

4 

Death 

3-20-'12 

5-17-'12  N.  Stokes,  aunt 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Terre  Haute,  Ind. 

•ifScouOi^ 

15*-W 

Frank  D.  Hall 

94 

Death 

3-27-'12 

5-17-'12  Hattie,  wife 

TfiOjdiN 

ifiao 

B.  Hamilton 

57 

Death 

dr^i^'U 

5-17-'12 

Matilda,  mother 

Sandusky,  0. 

790jQ9^ 

1581 

J.  H.  Pltklns 

42 

Death 

3-30-'12 

5-17-'12 

Lizzie,  wife 

Kansas  City,  Ean. 

l«500.Ot 

1582 

Wm,  T,  Eby 

120 

Death 

5-  3-'12 

5-17-'12 

Zenas  H..  father 

Lewlston,  Pa. 

imM 

1583 

Thos.  R.  B.  Brasher 

199 

Death 

4-ll-»12 

6-17-'12 

Myrtle,  wife 

Cincinnati,  O. 

IJBOfLm 

15:^4 

Jas.  M.  Gard 

1 

Death  '  4-17-»12 

5-17-'12i  Wife,  two  daughters 

Kansas  City,  Mo. 
Buffalo,  N.Y. 

ijsQojm 

1585 

E.  J.  Clark 

209 

Death 

4-l&-'12 

5-17-'l2  C.  Sullivan,  sister 

^S»' 

158fl 

P.  H.  Hraith 

«8 

Death 

4-15-'12 

.5-17-'12  Lillian,  wife 

Chicago.  111. 

1587 

Henry  Kiches 

39 

Death 

4-20-42 

5-17-M2:Regina,  wife 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

lfiOi>J»l 

15H8 

Geo.  Wagner 

UL 

Death 

4-26-' 12 

5-17-'12i  Anna,  wife 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

^S5f; 

IMO 

Carl  Strum 

Death 

4-15-^12 

5-17-n2i  Guardian,  daughter 

Wichita,  Kan. 

Preyloosly  reportfld 11,488,808.60 

PMdfliioelMS  report 18,88840 

Refdnded  insurance 20.60 

Total Il,617/il2.10 

Acknowlmdgmont  of  Claims  Paid  In  April,  1912 

John  Moilady,  ffuardian,  Preeport,  111 $  760 

Almar  Hubbard,  Terrel,  Okla 1,600 

John  W.  Liowery,  Mt.  Jackson,  Va. 1.600 

Patrick  P.  Barry,  St.  Joseph,  Mo 1,600 

Geo.  LeCuyer,  Ghica«ro,  111. 760 

Mrs.  Kate  Sherwood,  JoUet,  111 1,600 

Mrs.  Ellen  Danahy,  Buflklo.  N.  Y 750 

Mrs.  Helen  Campbell,  Bay  City,  Mich 1,600 

Mrs.  Anna  Plynn,  Bufflklo,  N.  Y 1,600 

Mrs.  Lncy  Pinch,  Paducah,  Ky 1,500 

C.  W.Gibson,  Madison,  111.. 1,500 

Mrs.  Ellen  C.  Logan,  Davenport,  la 1,600 

Mrs.  Cora  Foote,  Rochester.  N .  Y 1,600 

R.  E.  Trusler,  Memphis,  Ten n... 1,500 

Mrs.  Lottie  Donald,  Denlson,  Texas 760 

Mrs.  Hazel  Cline,  Valley  Junction,  la 750 

Mrs.  Anna  A.  Daily,  BuflWo,  N.  Y 1,500 


118,888^0 


^^^^.a^ 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 


ASSESSMENT    NOTiCE 

QRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BuTFAXiO,  N.  T.,  Jane  1,  Iflil. 

BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  anessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treawiwr  «r 
Plnandal  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  montb  (see  Section  213) .  Qiaad  dav 
are  fifty  cents  (60o)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  **  B  '*  certificate,  Mmmr- 
ment  12.00;  class  ^A»  certificate,  assessment  $1.00:  class  "G"  omUtfaH% 
assessment  50c  (see  section  88) .  A  lailare  on  your  part  to  comply  tbereiwIUk  II 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  witnout  mrther  notice  (see  8«ottim 
214^7  Subordinate  Lodge  GonsUtution) .  The  purpose  of  the  nMC—mwit  H  t# 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose.  ^  ^  ^  _ 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  GtarminT^fp^, 
Otand  dues  and  assessments  collected  firom  memben,  as  abore  piroylaii»pR. 
later  than  the  thlxd  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  183). 
YouwinB.,H.AP., 

M.R.WBLOH, 

Qfand  Beorelaij  attd  Tk«Mi 


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If  JOORMALl 

reiMEN'e  I 


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OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


VOLUME  XIV,  No.  7 
JULYp  1912 


■i^..j>i,*i 


i.i'*Wf^19Wi*W 


i*i«W'r'f!lJ  -1WW!!".J 


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PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

1st.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
— of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  tlien  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 

ormc 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  H.  THOMPSON.  Editor  mmi 


TMOSK  WHO  aKAII  IQUALLY  THK  SUIIOKNS  OW  aOVBRNMKNT  SHOULA 
BQUALLV   PAirrieiPATK   IN    ITS    •■NBFITS  •«  THOMAS    JKFFBRSON 

Imtmd  MM  ttnrnd-eists  msil  mmtur  Jmuumn  H*  191t^  «>  >*«  Pm  OfUt  mt  Bufmh,  ».  T.,  umdtr  tk4  Ad  •fJmlj  H,  \S94 

VOL  XIV  JULY,  1012  NaT 


C{)e  01otp  Of  tbe  %t9tz 

By  Sik  William  Jones 

What  constitutes  a  State  ? 

Not  higrh-raised  battlements  or  labored  mound, 
Thick  wall  or  moated  gate : 

Not  cities  proud  with  spire  and  turret  crowned ; 
Not  bays  and  broad-armed  ports, 

Where,  laughing:  at  the  storm,  rich  navies  ride ; 
Not  starred  and  spangled  courts 

Where,  low-browed  baseness  wafts  perfume  to  pride; 
No ;  metiy  high  minded  m^n, 

With  powers  as  far  above  dull  brutes  endued 
In  forest,  brake  or  den, 

As  beasts  excel  cold  rocks  and  brambles  rude ; 
Men  who  their  duties  know, 

But  know  their  rights,  and  knowing  dare  maintain 


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416 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


COURTS  AND  LABOR  UNIONS. 


Bt  Thomas  G.  CoimoLLY, 


I.    Thb  AsGUMEirr. 

In  the  political  sky  floats  a  black 
cloud,  no  bU^er  than  the  clenched  fist 
of  a  man  and  of  about  the  same  con- 
tour; but  like  many  another  black 
cloud  that  began  life  so  small,  it 
shows  excellent  promise  of  graduating, 
ere  long,  into  a  hurricane  that  will 
send  many  an  alleged  statesman  to  the 
tall  timbers  for  shelter.  Men  call  it 
the  popular  clamor  for  the  right'  to  re- 
call Judges;  not  all  men,  of  course;  a 
few,  like  Senator  Lodge  and  Arch- 
bishop Ireland,  term  it  mobocracy. 

Says  President  Taft—as  disinclined 
to  motion  as  any  other  great  body — 
"Judicial  recall!  The  words  them- 
selves are  so  inconsistent  that  I  hate  to 
utter  them."  Honestly  spoken,  at 
least  Says  Theodore  Roosevelt,  his 
best  ear  still  glued  to  the  ground  (to 
say  nothing  now  of  other  Presidential 
candidates  similarly  posed). 

"Either  the  recall  will  have  to  be 
adopted  or  else  it  will  have  to  be  made 
much  easier  than  it  now  is  to  get-  rid, 
not  merely  of  bad  Judges,  but  of  a 
Judge  who,  however  virtuous,  has 
grown  so  out  of  touch  with  social 
needs  and  facts  that  he  is  unfit  longet 
to  render  good  service  on  the  bench." 

Why  this  changed  hostile  attitude 
toward  a  Judiciary  that  only  so  re- 
cently basked  in  popular  reverence, 
and  any  criticism  of  which  merely  re- 
sulted in  the  critic  being  promptly 
branded  a  demagogue?  Of  course, 
some  particularly  flagrant  acts  lately 
brought  to  light— -by  the  Brandt  ap- 
peal in  New  York,  to  cite  one  instance, 
and  the  wide  publicity  given  the  meth- 
ods of  the  Lawrence  police  courts  in 
dealing  with  the  textile  strikers,  for 
another — are  in  part  accountable;  but 
there  can  be  no  question  that  the  great 
underlying  cause  is  to  be  found  in  the 
growing  conviction  among  the  toilers 
that  Judges  are  more  solicitous  for  the 
welfare  of  Capital  tlmn  for  the  wel- 
fare of  Labor — the  two  giant  forces 
now  stripped  for  a  decisive  struggle. 

Perhaps  four-fifths  of  the  time  and 

energy  of  Congress  and  of  the  various 

^  State  legislatures  is  taken  up  with  pal- 


liating the  bitterness  existing  betwee^i 
these  two  classes — ^between  the  im- 
mense army  of  toilers  on  the  one  hand 
and  the  small  but  compact  phalanx  of 
industrial  captains  and  lieutenants  on 
the  other.  (Or,  to  state  it  differently, 
they  are  busily  engaged  in  applying 
local  remedies  for  economic  diseases 
that  are  organic;  practicing  political 
quackery,  in  short).  The  concessions 
that  Labor  is  able  to  force  from  legis- 
latures dominated  by  Big  Business  are 
few.  Having  secured  those  few,  how- 
ever, by  no  means >  implies  that  it  may 
proceed  to  apply  them  as  the  logic  of 
conditions  invites.  The  courts,  like- 
wise dominated  by  Big  Business,  have 
yet  to  decree  how  they  are  to  be  ap- 
plied— if,  indeed,  they  are  to  be  applied 
at  all.  We  have  not  yet  forgotten, 
some  of  us,  a  national  income  tax, 
forced  from  a  reluctant  Congress,  that 
the  United  States  Supreme  Court,  by 
a  vote  of  five  to  four,  deleted  on  the 
ground  of  "unconstitutionality" — an 
illuminating  example  of  how  a  single 
Judge,  whose  nomination  was  con- 
trolled by  Capitalism,  for  eighteen 
years  now  has  been  able  completely  to 
rout  almost  a  hundred  millions  of 
sovereign  i>eople. 

Who  are  these  Judges  that  have  the 
final  eay  between  the  two  struggling 
classes?  FYom  which  class  do  they 
come?  Along  what  lines  have  their 
decisions  run  in  the  past,  and,  infer- 
entially,  along  what  lines  are  they 
likely  to  run  in  the  future  unless  they, 
too,  be  caught  in  the  deluge  of  the 
little  black  cloud  contoured  like  the 
clenched  fist  of  a  man? 

Nowhere  herein  will  it  be  said  or 
even  hinted  that  Judges  generally  are 
consciously  dishonest  or  unfair.  Their 
general  integrity  is  conceded — all  his- 
toric economic  abuses  have  been  ladled 
out  by  similarly  high-'minded  ofliclals. 
Yet  the  student  of  current  literature, 
if  he  o^bserves  closely,  may  discern  the 
beginning  of  an  attempt  to  convince 
an  indignant  public  t^t  the  whole 
fiault  lies  in  the  personal  dishonesty  of 
a  Judge  here  and  there — remove  that 
ludge  and  Justice  will  fiow  clear  and 
unpolluted.     An    evil    campaign    that 


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shoiild  be  throttled  even  while  it  is 
a-boming,  leet  it  grow  miature  and  live 
to  spread  iniquity. 

The  fault  lies  not  in  the  dishonesty 
of  the  Judges,  but  in  the  fact  that  they 
know  nothing  of  economics  beyond  the 
glucose  utterances  of  bourgeois  text- 
books which  are  notoriously  years  be- 
hind the  march  of  progress.  They  can- 
not seem  to  feel  the  onward  sweep  of 
events  in  an  age  of  machinery,  and 
mentally  they  are  living  in  the  first 
days  ot  steam  railroads,  when  any  man 
might  use  the  tracks  who  could  build 
himself  an  engine.  They  still  believe 
that  men  and  women  by  individual 
effort  may  all  become  affluent  and 
economically  independent,  as  if  under 
the  wage  system  we  can  ever  even  ap- 
proach anjrthing  like  general  equality. 
They  have  not  yet  learned  that  there 
is  room  at  the  top  for  only  one  and 
that  the  great  mass  of  the  people  must 
in  the  nature  of  things  remain  at  the 
bottom  doing  the  drudge  work  of  so- 
ciety— and  that  quite  apart  from  any 
question  of  sobriety  or  industry  or 
mental  quickness. 

Whether  they  know  it  or  not.  Im- 
portant appointive  Judges  are  simply 
adjuncts  of  Oapitalism;  otherwise 
they  would  not  have  been  appointed 
in  the  first  place.  A  vicious  thing  it  is 
to  corrupt  a  Jury;  for  thus,  as  the 
courts  themselves  say.  Justice  is  poi- 
soned at  its  fountain-head.  (A  true 
and  forceful  figure  that:  the  stream 
of  Justice  poisoned  at  its  very  source. 
That  being  so,  what  can  come  of  drink- 
ing its  waters  but  illness  and  death?) 
If  this  be  true  of  a  Juryman  bribed  in 
a  single  instance,  and  this  Juryman 
only  one  out  of  twelve,  what  shall  we 
say  of  Judges  who  are  appointed  be- 
cause they  are  known  to  be  "safe"  in 
advance  of  their  appointment?  If  they 
were  not  "safe,"  would  they  stand  any 
chance  of  appointment  by  President  or 
governor,  men  who  by  birth  or  train- 
ing or  aspiration  belong,  in  fact,  to 
the  very  class  whose  dividends  are  but 
the  synonym  for  the  surplus  product 
of  the  toilers?  Whether  they  call 
themselves  Republicans  or  Democrats, 
naturally  they  will  desire  the  perpet- 
uation of  an  economic  system  that  en- 
courages such  euphemisms.  What 
likelihood,  then,  of  their  appointing  to 
the  bench  men  who  will  interpret  the 
law  along  different  lines — that  is,  with 
any  great  regard  for  the  interests  of 


the  toilers?  For  it  must  be  remem- 
bered that  the  wording  of  a  law,  when 
it  comes  to  be  applied  to  the  existing 
facts  of  life,  may  mean  one  thing  to 
this  trained  legal  mind  and  quite  an- 
other thing  to  that 'trained  legal  mind, 
as  witness  Judge  Harlan's  violent  dis- 
sent on  the  Sherman  anti-trust  de- 
cisions a  year  ago.  Speaking  exactly, 
such  appointees  are  not  bribed,  but 
speaking  practically,  and  also  accur- 
ately, the  result  is  usually  the  same 
as  if  they  had  been  patently  suborned 
— and  that,  for  all  the  time  they  shall 
be  allowed  to  remain  on  the  bench  de- 
ciding between  the  class  that  put  them 
there  and  the  other  class,  which  had 
no  hand  in  their  appointment. 

Can  this  be  doubted  by  any  thinking 
man?  If  so,  let  us  suppose  that  some 
able,  class-conscious,  labor-sympaUiiz- 
ing  lawyei^-Morris  Hillquit  of  New 
York,  say — or  a  square  man  like  Louis 
D.  Brandeis — were  suggested  to  a  Re- 
publican or  Democratic  President  for 
a  place  on  the  bench  of  the  national 
Supreme  Court;  does  anybody  believe 
he  would  stand  even  a  slight  chance  of 
being  named,  or,  if  named,  of  being 
confirmed  by  the  Senate?  Why  not?— 
conceding  his  ability.  Surely  not  be- 
cause he  happens  to  belong  to  a  dif- 
ferent party  from  the  President,  or  be- 
cause his  religion  may  be  different  (if 
in  fact  it  is) ;  presidents  have  ap- 
pointed men  to  the  Supreme  Court 
from  other  parties  and  from  other  re- 
ligions. Take  Chief  Justice  White's 
case.  The  most  powerful  Judicial  po- 
sition in  the  world  (President  Taft 
himself  confessed  that  he  preferred  it 
to  the  Presidency)  is  the  Chief  Jus- 
ticeship of  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court;  and  to  that  exalted  position 
President  Taft  named  White,  who 
came  from  a  different  party,  the  Demo- 
cratic, and  a  different  religion,  the 
Roman  Catholic.  And  yet  did  the 
tiniest  voice  in  Big  Business,  regard- 
less of  the  political  affiliations  of  the 
owner  of  the  voice,  hint  to  its  being 
anything  but  an  ideal  appointment? 

Why  not  Hillquit  then?  Simply  be- 
cause Hillquit  is  a  class-conscious  So- 
cialist, and  is  biased  in  favor  of  Labor. 
Yet  Hillquit  would  swear  allegiance  to 
the  Constitution  and  the  laws  of  the 
land  as  sincerely  as  White;  and  even 
Chief  Justice  White  himself,  or  Presi- 
dent Taft  himself,  doubtless  would 
concede  that  Hillquit  would    act    as 


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418 


JOURNAL   OF   THE   SWITCHMBNIi 


conBCientiously  as  either  of  them  on 
the  bench.  Then  why  not  Hillquit?— 
or  Gompers,  if  he  had  a  legal  training? 
Simply  because  these  men,  when  a  mat- 
ter affecting  Capital  and  Labor  came 
before  the  court  for  adjudication, 
would  view  the  law  from  the  prole- 
tarian angle,  not  from  the  capitalistic 
angle. 

That  is  why  we  have  today,  in  state 
and  nation,  a  long  row  of  vicioua  Judi- 
cial decisions;  all  reflecting  the  eco- 
nomic bias  of  the  eminently  respect- 
able Judges  that  handed  them  down. 
As  it  was  before  the  Civil  War,  so  it  is 
today;  only  today  the  victims  are  not 
black  slaves,  but  ten  or  fifteen  times 
as  many  wage  slaves,  both  black  and 
white.  Folly  ruled  then;  folly  rules 
now,  and  once  again  ominous  things 
are  being  muttered  in  the  land. 

It  is  this  economic  bias  that  makes 
the  national  Supreme  Court  promptly 
apply  the  Sherman  anti-trust  act  to 
labor  unions,  although  the  Congress 
that  passed  it  clearly  never  intended 
it  to  be  80  applied,  and  although  courts, 
in  interpreting  any  law,  pretend  that 
they  only  decide  as  the  makers  of  the 
law  intended.  It  is  the  same  bias  that 
makes  this  same  court  read  into  this 
same  act  a  word  that  Congress  flatly 
refused  to  put  into  it— an  addition 
that  emasculates  the  act  and  makes  it 
mean  something  quite  different  from 
what  Congress  intended.  It  was  a 
.  stupid  bit  of  legislation  anyway;  but 
it  is  simple  anarchy  to  change  it  And 
so  again,  Big  Business  is  served  by  its 
judicial  appointees. 

That  is  why  courts  generally  (as 
will  be  shown  in  detail  in  the  second 
half  of  this  article),  without  any 
authority  from  the  law-making  branch, 
have  "decided"  that  the  boycott,  the 
weapon  of  organized  labor  in  the  in- 
dustrial struggle,  is  illegal,  while  the 
blacklist,  the  corresponding  weapon  of 
the  employers,  is  quite  legal.  There 
has  been  no  legislative  authority  for 
such  a  distinction;  the  legislatures 
not  having  spoken,  the  courts  should 
not  have  interfered  so  long  as  nothing 
in  itself  wrongful  was  committed  by 
Labor.  Would  a  court  composed  of 
men  like  HiUquit  and  Gompers  have 
legalized  any  such  distinction?  or  if 
they  made  any  distinction  at  all,  would 
It  not  have  been  the  other  way? 

In  theory,  laws  come  into  being  by 
legislative  act  only;    in  reality,  every 


day  laws  are  being  made  in  this  coun- 
try by  the  courts  of  the  various  States 
and  of  the  nation  as  a  whole,  such  laws 
having  the  same  binding  force  as  those 
constitutionally  made  by  the  legisla- 
tures and  Congress.  Protiably  over 
half  of  the  laws  governing  the  indus- 
trial world  today  are  court-made;  they 
are  made  always  in  the  interest  of  the 
master  class  by  which  the  Judges  are 
selected  and  of  which  they  are  as  much 
a  part  and  parcel  as  the  lawyers  who 
prostitute  their  talents  for  Big  Busi- 
ness's  thirty  pieces  of  silver;  and  in- 
variably their  effect  is  crippling  to  the 
proletariat.  That  the  Judges  them- 
selves do  not  generally  see  their  own 
agency  for  Cckpitalism  does  not  reduce 
the  viciousness  of  it  all;  it  only  ab- 
solves them  from  any  sin  of  conscious 
misdoing. 

What  is  the  process  by  which  the 
courts  legislate?  Let  us  explain. 
When  a  man  is  injured,  say  in  a  street 
car  collision,  he  has  the  right  to  a  de- 
termination of  the  facts  by  a  Jury  of 
^is  peers.  When  this  Jury  is  being 
selected,  his  attorney  and  the  attorney 
for  the  car  company  study  the  nom- 
inee, who  of  course  is  drawn  by  lot. 
Each  attorney  is  anxious  that  the  Jury, 
as  far  as  possible,  shall  be  composed  of 
men  who  by  friendship,  station  in  life, 
political  and  religious  training,  race, 
and  color  are  most  likely  to  be  friend- 
ly to  his  client;  and  each,  therefore, 
rejects  as  many  as  he  legally  can  of 
such  as  appear  unfavorable. 

Why  all  these  precautions,  since  each 
Junrman  is  presumably  disinterested 
and  takes  a  solemn  oath  to  decide  fair- 
ly between  Uie  parties?  Simply  be- 
cause human  experience  teaches  that 
we  are  all  influenced  by  our  surround- 
ings, friendship,  consanguinity,  re- 
ligion, race,  and  so  on.  What  mother, 
for  instance,  can  habitually  decide 
fairly  between  her  boy  and  the  boy 
down  the  street?  What  stockholder, 
though  he  be  eminently  Just  in  every 
other  direction,  can  decide  fairly  be- 
tween himself  and  his  fellow-stock- 
holders on  the  one  hand,  and  on  the 
other,  the  toilers  in  his  factory? 

The  moral  of  it  is  that  we  are  all 
prejudiced  in  favor  of  our  own  family, 
our  own  friends,  our  own  >State,  our 
own  nation,  our  own  economic  class. 
So  in  disputes  between  Capital  and 
Labor,  Judges,  who  must  rely  on  Capi- 
tal for  their  appointment  in  the  first 


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419 


place  and  for  promotion  afterwards, 
win  habitually  'interpret"  the  law 
from  the  oapltaliBtic  angle.  This  Is 
the  90-called  Independence  of  the  Judi- 
ciary— independence  of  the  masses  who 
may  not  recall  them  even  after  years 
of  Yicions  interpretation.  The  Judi- 
ciary has  no  independence,  practically 
speaking,  of  Big  Business,  which  may 
also  rest  sure  In  the  knowledge  that 
a  man's  prejudices  at  the  age  of  forty- 
five  are  fixed  for  life — ^and  very  few 
Important  Judges  anywhere  but  are 
over  that  age. 

In  the  struggle  with  Big  Business, 
an  individual  workingman  has  prac- 
tically no  chance.  Organization  is  hi« 
only  hope.  And  yet  what  chance  has 
even  a  labor  union  of  an  impartial 
hearing  before  such  Judges,  particu- 
larly in  a  case  in  equity  where  the 
Judge  in  most  States  not  only  inter- 
prets the  law,  but  decides  the  facts  as 
well?  Furthermore,  when,  at  the  re- 
quest of  some  employer,  a  Judge^has 
enjoined  a  union  from  doing  a  certain 
act,  where  is  the  equity  of  it  all  so 
long  as  that  employer  may,  in  case  a 
member  of  the  union  fails  strictly  to 
conform  to  the  injunction,  bring  him 
before  the  same  Judge  on  a  charge  of 
contempt  of  court;  and  the  Judge,  act- 
ing both  as  Judge  and  Jury,  determines 
the  case  of  alleged  offense  against  his 
own  majesty.  It  is  such  amplification 
of  Judicial  power  that  has  made  it  pos- 
sible in  this  country,  whose  Constitu- 
tion guarantees  a  free  press  and  free 
speech,  for  a  Judge  to  enjoin  Gompers, 
Mitchell,  and  Morrison,  all  officials  of 
the  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
from  printing  in  the  official  organ  of 
the  Federation  an  undisputed  ftust— 
namely,  that  organized  labor  did  not 
patronize  the  Bucks  iStove  and  Range 
Company — and,  when  they  persisted  in 
their  course,  to  send  them  to  Jail. 

The  result  is  that  in  each  State  and 
)n  the  United  States  we  have  a  select 
and  selected  little  group  of  men.  all 
tested  in  advance  of  their  appoint- 
ment, who,  where  the  written  law  does 
not  actually  forbid,  render  decisions 
which  have  all  the  force  of  law  made 
in  accordance  with  the  Constitution, 
and  who,  in  the  absence  of  the  right  of 
recall,  are  practically  independent  of 
all  law  themselves.  For  all  practical 
purposes  they  are  responsible  to  no- 
body; and  yet,  in  the  class  struggle, 
they  make  decision  after  decision  not 


based  on  any  statute  and  often  not 
even  on  any  previous  decision  by 
themselves,  but  all  invariably  tending 
to  cripple  the  proletariat  in  the 
struggle. 

What  is  the  fairest  way  of  proving 
our  arg^ument?  Unrelated  decisions 
from  different  Jurisdictions  prove  little. 
By  citing  all  the  decisions  of  import- 
ance relating  to  Capital  and  Labor  ren- 
dered in  some  one  Jurisdiction,  how- 
ever, the  consistency  of  the  Judicial 
bias  is  best  revealed.  The  greater 
number  of  the  decisions  quoted  below, 
therefore,  have  been  selected  from  the 
court  proceedings  of  Massachusetts,  a 
State  credited  with  being  always  in 
Uie  front  of  the  fight  for  human  rights. 

It  is  also  a  great  manufacturing 
State,  where  the  contrasts  between 
wealth  and  poverty  are  sharply  de- 
fined. Her  Judiciary  is  rated  the  equal 
of  that  of  any  other  State,  and  her 
Judicial  decisions  are  not  only  ac- 
corded high  praise  for  their  logic,  dig- 
nity, and  cogency,  but  are  almost  uni- 
formly adopted  by  the  other  States. 

As  a  first  example,  take  the  case  of 
Berry  vs.  Donovan,  188  Mass.  363,  de- 
cided in  1905.  Goodrich  ft  Company 
of  Haverhill,  shoe  manufacturers,  had 
agreed  with  the  Boot  and  Shoe  Work- 
ers' Union  to  employ  only  union  men 
— ^that  is,  they  had  made  their  factory 
a  closed  shop.  Despite  the  agreement, 
Goodrich  ft  Company  put  a  non-union 
man,  Berry,  to  work;  whereupon  the 
union  requested  Berry's  discharge  fn 
accordance  with  the  agreement.  Berry 
was  accordingly  discharged,  and  he 
brought  suit  against  the  union  for 
money  damages. 

It  was  found  by  the  court  that  the 
union  had  employed  no  threats,  force, 
intimidation,  deceit,  nor  procured  the 
breach  of  any  existing  contract  with 
Berry.  Nothing  was  done,  then,  that 
was  unlawful  in  itself.  Yet,  although 
there  was  no  legislative  enactment  gov- 
erning the  case,  the  court  decided 
unanimously  that  the  union  was  liable 
to  Berry. 

The  decision,  t3l>ical  of  others  all 
over  the  country,  reads  in  part  thus: 

An  object  of  this  kind  (i.  e.,  getting 
all  the  workers  to  Join  the  union)  is 
too  remote  to  be  considered  a  benefit 
in  business,  such  as  to  Justify  the  in- 
fliction of  intentional  injury  upon  a 
third  person  for  the  purpose  of  obtain- 
ing it.    If  such  an  object  were  treated 


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420 


JOURNAL   OF   THE   SWITOHMBN'S 


as  legitimate  and  allowed  to  be  pur- 
sued to  its  complete  accomplishment, 
every  employee  would  be  forced  into 
membership  in  a  union;  and  the 
unions,  by  a  combination  of  those  in 
different  trades  and  occupations, 
would  have  complete  and  absolute  con- 
trol of  all  the  industries  of  the  coun- 
try. Employers  would  be  forced  to 
yield  to  all  their  demands  or  give  up 
business.  The  attainment  of  such  an 
object  in  the  struggle  with  employers 
would  not  be  competition,  but  monop- 
oly. A  monopoly  controlling  anything 
which  the  world  must  have  is  fatal  to 
progress  and  prosperity.  In  matters 
of  this  kind  the  law  does  not  tolerate 
monopolies.  The  attempt  to  force  all 
laborers  to  combine  in  unions  is 
against  the  policy  of  the  law,  because  . 
it  aims  at  monopoly. 

This  decision  was  rendered  only 
seven  years  ago,  and  without  a  single 
dissenting  opinion;  showing  that  not 
one  man  on  the  bench'  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Massachusetts  at  that  time 
'had  any  appreciable  sense  of  the  eco- 
nomic trend  or  of  the  industrial  con- 
flict that  is  dividing  the  entire  world 
into  two  camps. 

The  phrases,  "the  law  does  not  tol- 
erate monopolies/'  and  "the  attempt  to 
force  laborers  to  combine  in  unions  is 
against  the  policy  of  the  law,"  in  all 
probability  deceive  the  lay  reader;  but 
those  phrases— in  fact  the  entire 
quotation — are  siijiply  the  expression 
of  personal  bias.  Hillquit,  Gompers, 
and  Brandeis,  If  they  had  been  mem- 
bers of  that  court,  would  have  decided 
reversely.  It  all  d^>ends  on  the  angle 
of  judicial  vision.  There  is  no  consti- 
tutional or  statutory  provision  in 
Massachusetts  to  prevent  complete 
unionization  (called  monopoly  of  la- 
bor here),  provided  physical  force, 
threats,  fraud,  breach  of  contract,  or 
the  like  is  not  involved.  That  must 
be  burned  into  the  mind  before  one 
can  take  in  the  full  significance  of  this 
decision  and  others  like  it  Legisla- 
tors, even  in  these  degenerate  Massa- 
chusetts days,  who  dared  to  vote  for 
such  a  law,  except  in  a  few  wealthy 
districts,  would  find  re-election  almost 
an  impossibility.  What  the  court  here 
terms  "the  law"  is  the  series  of  de- 
cisions, like  the  present  one  of  Berry 
vs.  Donovan,  that  the  court  itself  has 
been  handing  down,  all  based  on  the 
interchangeable  terms,  "public  policy" 


and  "common  law."  The  very  decision 
under  discussion  from  the  day  It  was 
rendered  became  part  of  "the  law,"  to 
be  invoked  whenever  employers, 
through  the  courts,  wished  to  hedge 
and  cripple  labor  unions  still  farther. 
And  if  Uiis  be  not  suflicient,  "public 
policy"  and  "common  law"  may  still 
be  invoked  to  reach  a  decision  that 
will  go  as  t&T  beyond  the  decision  in 
Berry  vs.  Donovan  as  may  be  re- 
quired. 

"Unionization,"  says  the  court  here, 
"is  against  the  policy  of  the  law,  be- 
cause it  aims  at  monopoly.'* 

Suppose  it  does  aim  at  a  monopoly 
of  labor,  what  of  it?  Is  there  any  de- 
cision in  Massachusetts  or  elsewhere 
tending  to  disintegrate  any  monopoly 
of  Capital,  except  where  it  is  based  on 
the  clear  language  of  some  statute? 
When  did  the  people,  speaking  directly 
through  the  legislature,  ever  decree 
that  complete  unionisation  should  be 
unlawful?  Who,  outside  the  courts  and 
Big  Business,  believes  that  such  union- 
ization should  be  deemed  against  "pub- 
lic policy"?  And  wlmt  is  public  policy, 
anyway? 

A  convenient  phrase  of  court  in- 
vention, is  this  "public  policy,"  mean- 
ing ansrthing  or  nothing — ^whatever  the 
court  wills  it  to  mean.  A  standard 
definition  is:  "That  principle  of  law 
which  holds  that  no  subject  can  law- 
fully do  that  which  has  a  tendency  to 
be  injurious  to  the  public  or  against 
the  public  good."  (4  H.  L.,  Cas.  1; 
Greenh.  "Public  Policy"  2). 

Regardless  of  whose  should  be  the 
right  to  determine,  whether  or  not  any 
given  act,  not  forbidden  by  statute, 
"has  a  tendency  to  be  injurious  to  the 
public,"  the  courts  alone  have  the 
power  to  do  it — ^the  courts,  constituted 
as  we  have  seen,  and  nobody  else  under 
our  system  of  government  And  yet, 
says  the  President,  "The  words,  Judi- 
cial recall,  are  so  inconsistent  that  I 
hate  to  utter  them."  The  people,  for- 
sooth, shall  have  no  control  over  a  set 
of  officials  who  have  assumed  a  power 
utterly  foreign  to  their  real  duties. 

Take  this  very  case  of  Berry  vs. 
Donovan  again.  There  is  no  law  to 
prevent  the  union  from  doing  what  It 
did,  and,  when  Berry  would  not  Join 
it,  from  inducing  the  employer  peace- 
fully to  discharge  him.  The  employer 
had  an  absolute  right  to  discharge 
him,    and    to    discharge  him  for  any 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


421 


reason  or  for  no  reason.  Since  that 
was  so,  did  the  employer  not  have  as 
much  right  to  make  an  agreement  with 
the  union  as  to  the  condition  under 
which  he  would  employ  Berry  or  any- 
body else?  Certainly  he  |h<ul.  That 
being  so,  then  did  not  the  union  have 
the  right  to  be  the  party  of  the  second 
part  in  this  lawful  agreement?  And 
yet  we  have  the  spectacle  of  a  non- 
union workman  getting  money  dam- 
ages from  the  union,  because  the 
union  had  peacefully  and  honestly  in- 
duced the  employer  of  them  all  to  do 
that  which  it  is  admitted  the  employer 
had  an  absolute  right  to  do  anyway. 

Next  month,  it  will  be  shown  how 
these  same  Massachusetts  judges  (and 
likewise  those  of  other,  especially  of 
eastern  States),  have  had  the  temerity 
— ^which  the  ordinary  legislatures  have 
not  possessed — and  have 
Legislated,  that  the  boycott  shall  be 
illegal  (while  at  the  same  time  "de- 
ciding" that  the  blacklist,   the   em- 
ployer's boycott,  shall  be  legal) ; 
Legislated,  that  all  sympathetic  strikes 

shall  be  illegal; 
Legislated,  that  any  strike  for  a  closed 

shop  shall  be  illegal;  , 

Legislated,  that  strikes  for  any  object 
not  approved  by  the  court  shall  be 
illegal,  regardless  of  how  worthy  the 
object  may  be  considered  by  the  pub- 
lic, and  regardless  of  the  t&ct  that  it 
is  impossible  to  say  in  advance  of 
actual  decision  what  object  shall  be 
approved  by  the  court; 
Legislated,  that  peaceful  picketing 
shall  be  unlawful  (for  years,  ever 
since,  in  fact,  organized  labor  has 
been  trying  vainly  to  have  the  legis- 
lature restore  that  right  to  the  peo- 
ple); 
Legislated,  that  no  union  shall  have 
the  right  to  fine  a  "scabbing"  union 
man  in  accordance  with  the  union 
by-law  to  that  effect  which  the  man 
signed  when  he  applied  for  member- 
ship therein — whenever,  that  is,  the 
employer  of  that  "scabbing"  union 
man  objects. 

Judges  may  deprecate  daas-hatred 
across  well-laden  banquet-tables  or  in 
the  cozy  seclusion  of  their  dubs  (where 
no  worker  may  enter  except  the  lackey 
who  fills  the  orders);  but  have  not 
they,  as  much  as  any  group  one  could 
name,  by  their  consistent  legislation 
in  behalf  of  the  class  from  which  they 


were  selected,  aided  the  rapid  growth 
of  the  discontent  that  is  spreading 
throughout  the  working  class  today? 

Should  they  who  sow  the  wind  be 
altogether  surprised  if  the  crop  is  a 
whirlwind? 

(The  conclusion  of  this  article,  "The 
Proof,"  will  appear  in  the  August  num- 
ber). 


A  Marytafid  Demand  for  a  Cleaning  Ufi. 

"The  Cut,"  as  the  Maryland  House 
of  Correction  at  Jeesups  is  called,  has 
come  into  prominence  lately  as  one  of 
the  worst  pest  holes  in  our  p^ial 
system.  The  proximity  of  this  institu- 
tion to  Washington  has  stirred  the 
Woman's  Welfare  Department  of  the 
National  Civic  Federation  to  interest 
itself  in  the  matter.  At  a  recent  meetr 
ing  of  the  department,  at  which  At- 
torney-General Wickersham  presided, 
definite  knowledge  of  the  actual  condi- 
tions came  to  light  through  questions 
following  an  address  of  Dr.  E.  Stagg 
Whitin,  secretary  of  the  National 
Committee  on  Prison  Labor,  who  spoke 
on  the  general  conditions  throughout 
the  country.  It  developed  that  a  re- 
port made  by  the  National  CJommittee 
in  November  at  the  request  of  the 
Maryland  authorities,  ^ough  released 
by  the  Governor,  had  never  been  given 
much  publicity  because  of  the  desire 
of  Maryland  people  to  do  their  best  to 
remedy  conditions.  Governor  Golds- 
borough  has  personally  seen  to  the  cor- 
rection of  the  more  flagrant  abuses, 
while  the  department  of  health,  the 
local  grand  Jury  and  members  of  the 
Legislature  have  demanded  construc- 
tive reform.  The  Maryland  Prisoners* 
Aid  Society  has  introduced  a  bill  call- 
ing for  a  commission  to  reform  the  con- 
ditions, while  the  Federation  of  Labor 
has  introduced  a  bill  to  reform  the  in- 
dustrial system  of  the  institution. 

Stripes,  marching  in  lock-step,  whip- 
ping naked  bodies  with  a  cat-o'-nine- 
tails, disease-breeding  filth,  contract 
labor,  partisan  politics  and  medical 
neglect  are  some  of  the  things  which 
the  National  Committee  reports  at  this 
State-suoervised  Institution.  (Jeneral 
health  conditions  at  the  time  of  the  re- 
port may  be  guessed  from  the  follow- 
ing passage: 

"The  corridors  facing  the  cell  block 
are  occupied  by  tables  on  which  the 
convicts   eat   their   meals.     The    cell 


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422 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBITB 


block  showed  the  need  of  soap,  water 
and  paint;  the  plumbing  was  rusty 
and  in  many  cases  leaking;  the  beds 
were  dirty — ^the  bed  clothes  soiled  and 
the  blankets  coarse  and  llHhy.  A 
prison  official  warned  the  investigators 
not  to  touch  the  iron  railings  on  the 
stairs  for  fear  of  getting  the  itch'; 
while  the  convicts  reported  the  need 
of  using  fire  to  get  rid  of  the  bugs. 
The  food  served  the  convicts  in  the 
corridors  filled  the  cell  house  with  the 
odor  of  food,  which  is  offensive  in 
most  prisons  even  where  there  is  a 
modem  dining  room  and  the  finest 
kitchens.  .  .  .  In  the  kitchen  proper 
the  investigators  noticed  a  big  cauldron 
piled  high  with  swill,  while  the  meat 
and  bread  cut  and  distributed  on  tin 
pans  were  arranged  on  the  floor,  and 
several  convicts  with  mops  and  dirty 
water  were  attempting  to  mop  the  re- 
maining part  of  the  floor.  These  pans 
when  piled  one  upon  another  to  be 
taken  in  to  the  convicts  naturally  were 
cleaned  by  the  scraping  of  the  bottom 
of  one  pan  on  the  food  in  the  pan 
below." 

The  report  cites  cases  of  12  and  13- 
year-old  boys  committed  to  the  House 
of  Correction  by  the  county  magis- 
trates, and  declares  that  this  should 
stop.  In  the  bi^m  shop  were  a  num- 
ber of  boys  of  19  who  "had  started 
out  to  see  the  world  and  got  caught 
on  a  freight."  » 

Here  is  the  report's  description  of 
prisoners  found  in  the  overall  shop, 
whose  bright  and  airy  rooms  easily 
accommode/ted  the  thirty-two  convicts 
working  there: 

"More  than  half  are  colored  women 
in  the  last  stages  of  degradation.  The 
others  are  white  women,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  boy  of  12,  who,  because  of 
his  criminal  nature,  was  sentenced  to 
the  institution  and  because  of  his  ten- 
der years  and  gentle  ways  is  classed 
with  the  females.  One  girl  of  18  of 
delicate,  refined  nature  also  makes  a 
contrast  to  the  hardened  characters. 
Her  crime  was  the  result  of  bad  sur- 
roundings— ^a  step-mother  and  a  long 
series  of  years  of  being  placed  out 
from  an  orphan  asylum  to  work  for 
some  farmers  who  abused  her.  It  is 
doubtful  whether  her  father  will  take 
her  home  and  she  is  absolutely  with- 
out hope.  The  women  are  at  work  on 
men's  overalls  for  Flint  of  Baltimore; 
their  task  is  twenty-six  pairs  and  they 


work  eight  hours.  Overtime  is  paid 
them  and  one  woman  earned  $3.06  one 
month,  according  to  the  books.  The 
thirty-two  women  earned  $10.69  a 
month.  Young  Houston,  the  boy, 
earned  two  cents  a  month  in  this  line 
of  industry — that  is,  sewing  strips  on 
the  back  of  overalls.  The  warden's 
daughter  stated  that  he  earned  more 
than  two  cents  carrying  notes  from  the 
women  to  the  male  convicts,  but  that 
he  has  now  promised  to  be  good  if  she 
will  give  him  the  cigarettes  which  he 
could  buy  with  the  amount  of  money 
he  had  been  earning;  this  agreement 
between  the  warden's  school  teacher 
daughter  and  the  convict  of  12  is  work- 
ing well,  and  he  has  at  last  consented 
to  study  at  night  with  his  new  friend. 
The  foreman  of  the  shop  is  chaperoned 
by  the  old  guard  and  young  Houston, 
but  the  matron  never  intrudes  into  the 
upper  loft  to  chaperone  the  women. 
The  foreman  is  a  good  fellow  and  doing 
his  best  under  difficulties.  He  is  doing 
what  he  can  to  help  young  Houston 
and  the  18-year-old  girl  and  be  gentle 
with  two  negro  women  who  are  entire- 
ly out  of  their  minds." 

In  Maryland  the  convicts  in  both 
State  and  city  penal  institutions  are 
worked  on  contract,  and  this  phase 
of  the  situation  will  be  reviewed  later 
in  the  Survey.  Of  conditions  in  the 
shops  at  that  time  the  report  says: 

"The  shop  (of  the  Cumberland  Shirt 
Company)  was  supplied  with  a  few 
spittoons  and  many  cans  for  expector- 
ation— the  doctor  admitted  that  there 
were  many  cases  of  tuberculosis  and 
many  of  the  convicts  looked  it.  The 
expectoration  was  not  confined  to  the 
cans,  and  one  sick  convict  was  seen  to 
expectorate  over  the  packing  cases  and 
the  shirts.  The  man  looked  so  sick 
and  hollow-chested  that  inquiry  was 
necessary,  and  it  was  found  that  he 
had  been  sick  for  five  days,  but  had 
not  been  able  to  see  the  doctor  because 
of  the  doctor's  need  of  giving  his  extra 
time  to  the  fifteen  tsrphoid  cases  in  the 
hospital.  With  the  hospital  full  it  was 
probably  too  much  to  ask  the  doctor  to 
examine  cases  which  he  had  no  means 
of  taking  care  of.  The  shop  was  so 
dirty  that  if  it  had  been  a  sweatshop 
on  the  East  Side  of  New  York  City 
the  laws  of  New  York  State  would 
iiave  permitted  its  being  closed  until 
it  had  been  properly  cleaned  and  fumi- 
gated."— Tlie  Survey, 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


488 


WkyNotMNaUfikNi? 

Are  you  a  member  of  the  union  of 
your  craft?    If  not,  why  not? 

'As  an  individual  you  are  as  helpless 
as  a  sapling  on  a  moor  in  a  tempest 
You  know  that  the  saying  that  you 
are  a  free-born  American  citizen,  that 
you  intend  to  work  for  whom  you 
please,  for  as  many  hours  as  you 
please,  and  as  much  as  you  please,  is 
a  joke. 

You  know  that  no  non-union  man  can 
do  that,  for  he  has  to  ask  the  employer 
for  the  right  to  work,  for  what  he 
chooses  to  pay,  and  as  many  hours  as 
he  desires. 

Organized  labor  has  been  able  by 
united  action  and  collective  bargain- 
ing to  shorten  the  workday,  raise  the 
wages,  and  in  many  ways  improve  the 
conditions  of  the  worker.  Of  course, 
there  are  many  things  that  might  have 
been  done  that  have  been  left  undone; 
many  mistakes  have  been  made. 

Organized  labor  is  fast  growing  out 
of  its  old  way  and  adapting  itself  to 
new  conditions  and  adopting  new 
methods  more  effective.  The  mistakes 
that  have  been  made  only  serve  to 
strengthen  the  weak  places  and  make 
its  position  stronger  and  better. 

Organize  labor  is  composed  of  all 
kinds  of  men,  with  different  ideas  and 
opinions.  Men  differ  in  religion  and 
politics,  their  desires  are  different — 
one  man's  luxury  is  another  man's  ne- 
cessity. Knowing  these  things  well, 
it  has  not  attempted  to  harmonize  the 
things  that  men  differ  on,  but  have  got 
together  on  things  that  they  all  agree 
upon.  All  will  agree  that  the  laborer 
does  not  get  a  fair  share  of  the  wealth 
produced;  that  the  hours  per  day  are 
too  many.  Organized  labor  has  by 
united  action  been  able  to  secure  less 
hours,  better  wages;  to  resist  success- 
fully reductions  in  pay;  to  make 
themselves  respected;  to  have  better 
homes,  better  clothes,  better  food, 
more  comforts;  to  make  the  shop  a 
better  place  to  work  in,  and  many 
other  things  too  numerous  to  mention. 

Tour  own  common  sense  tells  you 
that  you  should  be  a  member  of  your 
union.  Your  duty  to  your  family,  fel- 
low worker,  and  yourself,  demands  it. 
You  have  no  doubt  made  up  your  mind 
that  as  an  individual  you  are  power- 
less to  improve  your  working  con- 
ditions and  that  you  will  at  some 
early  date  become  a  member.     Yon 


cannot  afford  to  neglect  this  any 
longer.  Bvery  day's  delay  places  you 
and  your  fellow  worker  in  a  more 
dangerous  position,  and  unless  you  ajs- 
pist  to  put  a  stop  to  it  you  are  re- 
sponsible for  your  own  and  your  fel- 
low workers'  degradation. 

Remember  that  the  union  is  the  only 
organization  that  has,  up  to  this  time, 
dono  anything  for  the  workers,  and 
unless  all  pull  together  workers  will 
be  compelled  to  accept  whatever  the 
employer  chooses  to  give. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  state  that  there 
are  many  good  employers,  also  that 
there  are  many  bad  ones;  that  one 
bad  one  can  corrupt  many  good  ones; 
that  the  competitive  system  compels 
the  good  employer  to  do  the  same  as 
the  bad  one  in  order  to  exist 

The  laborers  are,  therefore,  com- 
piled to  organize  to  protect  society, 
tho  fair  employer  and  themselves 
from  the  unfair  and  bad  employer.  It 
is  not  their  desire  to  in  any  way  in- 
jure the  fair  employer,  but  to  assist 
and  protect  him  against  the  unfair 
competitors. 

Union  methods  may,  at  times,  seem 
harsh,  but  if  given  a  fair  chance  and 
equal  opportunity,  will  work  out  the 
workingman's  salvation.  The  other 
fellow  never  will.  The  union  desires 
to  beneflt  the  worker  and  to  do  good; 
its  aims  are  to  improve  the  conditions 
under  which  men  and  women  are  com- 
pelled to  work  and  live.  The  fight  of 
one  is  the  fight  of  all,  and  unless  all 
get  together  soon  the  workers'  slavery 
will  be  complete. 

Men  owe  a  duty  to  society  and  un- 
less all  assist  in  some  manner  to  make 
this  world  better,  to  improve  the  liv- 
ing conditions  of  the  workers,  we  have 
lived  in  vain. 

By  becoming  a  member  of  your 
union  you  can  do  something  to  elevate 
the  worker  and  thereby  elevate  so- 
ciety. Of  course,  you  may  not  be  able 
to  revolutionize  the  world,  you  may 
not  be  able  to  change  the  whole  sys- 
tem immediately,  but  you  will  be  do- 
ing something  to  make  the  world  bet- 
ter, not  only  for  yourself,  but  those 
who  come  after  you. 

iSociety  is  made  up  of  many  units 
and  could  not  exist  without  Qo-opera- 
tion.  Man  is  fast  learning  his  depend- 
ence upon  the  other  fellow.  The  em- 
ployer says  that  he  will  run  his  busi- 
ness to  suit  himself.    How  foolish  this 


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JOURNAL  OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


Is,  for  he  knows  that  it  is  Impossible 
for  him  to  get  along  without  the  la- 
borer, and  his  business  would  soon 
stop  if  deprived  of  him. 

Men  have  a  right  to  say  for  how 
much  they  will  work,  and  for  how 
many  hours  per  day — ^just  as  much 
right  as  the  employer  has  to  raise  the 
price  upon  products  whenever  he  sees 
fit  When  he  sees  an  opoprtunity  to 
raise  the  price  upon  his  goods  he  does 
it,  and  the  world  says  it  is  all  right, 
but  when  the  workers  say  that  they 
will  raise  the  price  upon  their  labor 
the  boss  immediately  says  they  are 
running  his  business.  If  he  is  right, 
we  are  slaves,  and  it  is  about  time  to 
revolt  The  only  intelligent  way  to  re- 
volt is  to  thoroughly  organize  upon 
the  industrial  field  and  refuse  to  work 
unless  men  get  their  rights. 

For  these  and  many  other  reasons 
you  should  become  a  member  of  your 
union. — Journeyman  Barber. 


Door  Open  to  All— Unions  Bar  None  WM- 
ing  to  Accept  their  Principles. 

The  terms  "open"  and  "closed"  shop 
applied  with  the  view  of  prejudicing 
the  public  against  trade  unions  are 
misleading  and  convey  a  mistaken 
idea  to  those  unfamiliar  with  the 
opratlon  of  workshops  and  factories 
in  their  dealing  with  the  employes. 
A  more  fitting  distinction,  conveying 
the  true  condition  that  prevails  in 
most  cases,  would  be  union  and  non- 
union shops. 

The  term  open  shop  conveys  the 
idea  to  those  not  conversant  with  the 
facta  that  it  Is  an  industry  where 
every  man  Is  free  to  work  regardless 
of  his  membership  or  non-membership 
in  a  trade  union,  and,  while  in  isolated 
cases  this  is  true,  yet  in  the  great  ma- 
jority of  places  operated  under  this 
system  they  are  in  fact  closed  shops 
against  union  men  and  women.  Their 
ability  as  workmen,  their  moral  char- 
acter or  in  fact  any  number  of  human 
accomplishments  Uiat  a  good  citizen 
might  possess  are  insufficient  to  over- 
come the  objection  to  union  men  and 
women. 

They  tell  you  it  is  their  purpose  to 
guarantee  to  every  man  and  woman 
their  inherent  right  to  work — ^how, 
when,  where  and  for  whatever  wage 
the  applicant  may  elect.  Is  this  true? 
In  the  first  place,  it  cannot  be  true. 


because  men  and  women  are  discrimi- 
nated against  and  refused  employment 
for  no  other  reason  than  their  mem- 
bership in  a  labor  union.  Do  they  be- 
come undesirable  citizens  when  they 
join  a  labor  union,  or  do  they  injure 
•^'in  any  manner  the  success  of  uplift 
movements  among  the  human  family? 
You  must  answer,  no.  Then,  why  this 
opposition  from  captains  of  industry? 

The  greatest  incentive  to  the  ad- 
herents of  the  open  shop  is  to  keep 
a  competitive  labor  market  over- 
stocked to  the  greatest  extent — a  num- 
ber competing  for  the  same  Job  in  or- 
der that  the  cost  of  production,  as  they 
think,  may  be  reduced  to  the  mini- 
mum. Even  though  it  may  be  depriv- 
ing women  and  children  of  many  of 
the  necessaries  of  life»  the  god  of  profit 
must  first  be  served,  and  the  producing 
classes  of  society  take  what  is  left 
and  this  consumed  by  giving  as  little 
as  possible  through  the  elimination  of 
competitive  markets  for  the  neces- 
saries of  life. 

The  closed  or  union  shop,  as  advo- 
cated by  trade  unions,  is  founded  on 
Justice  and  equity  to  all  men.  The 
church  Is  a  closed  shop  inasmuch  as  it 
requires  its  members  to  subscribe  to 
its  precepts  and  practice  its  principles. 
The  trade  union  asks  no  more  than 
the  church  in  its  requirements,  and  its 
doors  are  open  to  all  men  that  are 
willing  to  accept  its  principles  and 
subscribe  to  its  purposes. 

The  industry  operating  under  a 
closed  or  union  shop  agreement  repre- 
sents an  industry  wherein  the  em- 
ployer and  employe  are  at  peace  with 
each  other,  both  engaged  in  honestly 
getting  out  of  the  business  their  daily 
subsistence,  and  each  striving  to  ren- 
der service  for  value  received. 

The  union  shop  promotes  that  har- 
mony among  employes  so  necessary,  in 
the  production  of  the  articles  manu- 
factured, to  approach  the  capaicity  of 
the  plant,  and  while  the  wages  of  the 
employes  are  higher  than  in  the  non- 
union shop,  the  cost  per  unit  of  pro- 
duction is  materially  less  and  the 
quality  of  workmanship  invariably 
better.  It  is  furthermore  a  humane 
institution  wherein  the  welfare  of  the 
dependents  of  the  employes  are  con- 
sidered in  the  negotiations  of  the 
wages,  hours  and  conditions — a  noble 
consideration  in  dealings  among  men, 
as  the  future  welfare  of  the  race  is  re- 
ceiving the  protection  necessary  to  re- 


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426 


produce  itself  In  more  perfect  form 
and  prevent  degeneration. 

The  wages,  hours  and  conditions  pre- 
vailing in  union  shops  are  universally 
better  than  in  the  non-union  dr  so- 
called  open  shop.  It  is,  however,  ne- 
cessary for  the  proprietors  of  shops 
closed  to  union  men  to  pay  a  scale  of 
wages  and  maintain  hours  and  condi- 
tions closely  approaching  those  that 
obtain  in  the  union  shop.  This  is  a 
condition  forced  upon  them  against 
their  will  to  enable  them  to  get  suf- 
ficient help  to  man  their  industries 
and  to  discourage  the  unorganized 
workers  from  Joining  the  union  of 
their  craft  The  purpose  that  prompts 
the  effort  to  disrupt  the  trade  unions 
is  very  clear.  It  enables  employers  to 
reduce  wages  to  the  minimum, 
lengthen  hours  at  will  ^nd  impose 
efficiency  systems  to  drive  men  and 
women  to  the  limit  of  physical  endur- 
ance, wearing  them  out  as  they  would 
a  machine,  and  finally  cast  them  into 
the  human  scrap  heap  in  a  condition 
beyond  repair. 

There  is  ample  data  under  existing 
conditions  in  many  industries,  to 
prove  the  union  shop  produces  the 
maximum  in  output  at  less  cost  per 
unit  when  compared  with  the  non- 
union shop.  It  must  be  understood, 
however,  that  wages  can  be  reduced  in 
the  non-union  shop  to  a  point  where 
it  would  be  impossible  to  sustain  this 
argument  Therefore,  if  given  a  free 
hand  in  the  labor  market— universal 
open  shop  and  a  closed  shop  in  the 
markets  for  the  products  of  labor — the 
ideal  condition  for  the  disciples  of  the 
open  shop  will  obtain.  Property  will 
be  enthroned  and  labor  enslaved.— W. 
E.  Bryan  in  American  Federationist 


IfiduslriBi  Peace  in  Britain. 

We  live,  no  doubt,  in  an  age  of  labor 
imrest»  yet  there  are  forces  working 
in  the  direction  of  industrial  peace. 
The  head  of  the  labor  department  of 
the  British  Board  of  Trade  has  issued 
a  report  on  collective  agreements  be- 
tween employers  and  work  people  in 
the  United  Kingdom.  Within  this  re- 
port evidence  is  to  be  found  of  pacific 
tendencies  in  all  the  organized  trades 
of  Great  Britain.  Many  of  the  diffl- 
cidUes  of  the  situation  ai^e,  no  doubt, 
connected  with  misunderstandings  in 
working  agreements.    The  instrument 


may  be  still  imperfect;  nevertheless  a 
large  part  of  the  industry  of  Great 
Britain  is  now  conducted  under  a 
system  of  discussion,  concession  and 
agreement,  in  place  of  the  brutal 
methods  of  the  strike  and  lockout 
The  volume  contains  particulars  of  no 
fewer  than  1,696  collective  agreements 
directly  aftecting  2,400,000  work  peo- 
ple, but  indirectly  aftecting  a  great 
many  more.  The  subjects  dealt  with 
treat  of  piece  work  and  its  division 
among  groups,  of  sliding  scales,  of  the 
hours  of  labor  and  the  payment  of 
overtime,  of  the  number  of  men  to  be 
employed,  the  distribution  of  work  in 
slack  times,  the  employment  of  youth- 
ful labor,  and  of  arrangements  for  the 
pacific  settlement  of  differences  by  the 
establishment  of  boards  of  conciliation, 
etc.  The  principles  on  which  the 
agreements  are  based  embody  a  desire 
to  avoid  rapid  and  violent  fiuctuatlons 
in  the  rates  of  pay,  to  equalize  the 
hours  of  labor  and  the  distribution  of 
work,  to  avert  the  submergence  of 
adult  by  juvenile  labor;  to  minimize 
the  causes  of  friction,  and  when  these 
emerge  to  facilitate  the  processes  of 
conciliation  and  agreement. — Benjamin 
Taylor,  in  Engineering  Magazine. 


Capitdbm  and  Crime. 

Bt  EjUGene  V.  Debs. 

Nearly  all  the  crimes  that  are  com- 
mitted result  directly  or  indirectly 
from  class  rule — ^from  one  class  keep- 
ing another  in  subjection.  A  great 
majority  of  the  inmates  of  our  prisons 
owe  their  conviction  to  offenses  against 
property. 

The  ruling  class  is  the  State  and 
the  State  legalizes  the  institution  of 
private  property,  without  which  class 
rule  could  not  exist. 

Under  the  capitalist  system  the 
means  of  life,  essential  to  all,  are  the 
private  property  of  the  capitalist  class. 
The  working  class  is  a  dependent 
class,  a  subject  class.  It  is  compelled 
to  submit  to  exploitation  and  degrada- 
tion. 

The  class  that  owns  the  prooertv  Ir 
the  class  that  rules  society — the  class 
that  writes,  enacts,  interprets  and  en- 
forces the  law — in  its  own  interests. 

The  institution  of  private  property, 
"vested  rights,"  is  sacred  to  this  class 
and  to  transgress  its  property  laws  is 


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426 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBITS 


an  offense  against  the  State  which  can- 
not be  too  promptly  or  too  severely 
punished. 

Among  the  essential  institutions  of 
class  rule,  is  the  jail»  the  prison. 

The  capitalist  system  could  far  bet- 
ter spare  its  national  Congress  and  its 
State  legislatures  than  its  county  jails 
and  its  State  prisons. 

Congress  and  the  legislatures  con- 
sist mainly  of  and  are  controlled 
wholly  by  representatives  of  the  capi- 
talist class;  the  jails  and  prisons  are 
mied  by  representatives  of  the  work- 
ing class. 

Private  property  in  the  means  of  life 
enforces  exploitation,  idleness,  pov- 
erty, theft  and  murder. 

Under  class  rule  and  private  prop- 
erty crime  graduates  steadily  from 
petty  larceny  to  homicide. 

The  development  of  private  property 
is  followed  by  a  corresponding  increase 
in  crime. 

Hard  times  multiply  crimes! 

When  men.  eager  to  work,  are  liter- 
ally driven  to  beg,  steal,  or  starve, 
they  are  cravens  to  beg  and  fools  to 
starve. 

The  man  who  is  denied  work  and 
would  not  steal  to  keep  starvation 
from  his  child  is  unfit  to  have  a  child. 
Such  a  man  has  the  right  to  help  him- 
self in  any  way  he  can  after  society 
has  shut  him  out  of  the  right  to  get  an 
honest  living. 

Private  property  builds  the  public 
prison— and  peoples  it. 

Capitalism  and  crime  go  hand  in 
hand. 

Capitalists  are  beginning  to  ask, 
"What  shall  we  do  to  be  savedr  The 
criminals  capitalism  has  created  are 
beginning  to  threaten  its  life.  The 
largest  penitentiaries  are  still  inade- 
quate. Taxes  are  increasing  appall- 
ingly. Every  city  is  infested  with 
pickpockets,  thieves,  burglars,  confi- 
dence men — all  preying  on  society. 
They  aim  to  steal,  they  &re  prepared 
to  kill.  They  have  nothing  to  lose 
and  a  job  to  gain. 

The  capitalist  State  refuses  them 
honest  employment,  but  guarantees 
them  a  steady  job  if  they  will  steal  or 
murder. 

•Most  of  the  efforts  to  reform  crim- 
inals and  put  an  end  to  crime  are 
wasted.  Society  as  now  organized  is 
an  effectual  bar  against  both. 

There  is  but  one  way  to  end  crime 


and  that  is  to  abolish  class  rule  and 
give  all  men  an  equal  chance  to  make 
an  honest  living.  Modem  machinery 
has  made  this  an  easy  matter.  No 
man  need  to. work  more  than  is  good 
for  him — and  no  normal  man  will  will- 
ingly work  less. 

My  heart  is  with  the  criminals— all 
of  them.  It  matters  not  what  they 
are  charged  with,  they  are  at  least 
human  and  no  man  is  more.  In  a 
grreat  majority  of  cases  they  are  the 
poor,  the  friendless,  and  homeless,  the 
victims  of  circumstances  they  did  not 
create  and  could  not  control.  I  have 
been  close  to  them  and  I  know  them, 
and  I  can  vouch  that  if  they  lived 
under  an  honest  system  and  in  a  de- 
cent society  they  would  be  honest  and 
decent  men  and  women  instead  of 
pariahs  and*  criminals. 

These  unfortunate  victims  of  class 
rule  become  morally  diseased.  Their 
moral  perceptions  are  dulled  if  not 
destroyed.  They  deserve  a  thousand 
pities.  Society  should  do  most  for 
them  because  it  has  done  most  against 
them  and  they  have  suffered  most. 

Above  all,  these  unfortunate  brothers 
and  sisters  of  ours — ^mostly  of  our  own 
despised  lower  class— ought  to  be 
treated  with  patience  and  kindness. 
That  is  the  very  least  consideration 
the  society  that  Is  responsible  for  them 
can  show  its  hapless  derelicts  and  if 
this  be  denied  them  then  indeed  must 
the  ruling  class  atone  for  their  down- 
fall with  its  own  callous  degeneracy. 

Until  society  is  prepared  to  open  its 
doors  to  these  desfpised  outcasts  and 
give  them  a  chance  to  live  it  is  wasting 
its  time  trying  to  reform  them. 

If  I  could  have  my  way  I  cun  sure 
that  most  of  them  would  be  reclaimed. 
All  they  require  is  humane  treatment. 
The  crimes  they  committed  against 
society  are  infinitesimal  in  comparison 
with  the  crimes  society  has  committed 
against  them,  and  the  society  of  the 
future — ^when  human  beings  are  civil- 
ized—will atone  in  every  way  in  its 
power  for  heartlessly  inflicting  upon 
so-called  criminals  the  penalties  of  its 
own  monstrous  crimes. 


Carpenters  at  Lieominster,  Mass., 
have  reduced  hours  from  ten  to  eight 
and  increased  wages  from  |2.00  to  (2.25 
per  day. 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMIRICA. 


427 


Bt  a.  a.  Graham,  Tofeka,  Kans. 
Time— JanMS  II,  166&-1698. 

Suhject-'Thie  character  of  Judge  Jef- 
freya 

The  head  of  the  traitorous  and  per- 
lldiouB  Charles  I  had  fallen  from  the 
Uock,  a  just  punishment  to  a  king 
making  war  upon  his  subjects  and 
countrj.  The  absolute  military  des- 
potism of  Cromwell  had  not  long  been 
able  to  deceive  the  people  with  the  fair 
words  but  foul  Intent  of  the  "protec- 
tor" and  the  "commonwealth."  Charles 
II,  unconditionally  recalled  to  the 
throne  to  Institute  a  reign  of  terror 
bad  died,  leaving  the  people  profound- 
ly  disquieted  by  the  past  and  full  of 
forebodings  for  the  future.  James  II 
now  appears  to  complete  the  ruin. 

Not  satisfied  with  the  bloody  and 
cruel  conquest  of  his  arms,  James  II 
wreaked  personal  vengeance  on  his 
political  opponents  In  both  public  and 
private  assassinations  and  sportive 
slaughter  more  cruel  and  brutal  than 
savage  Rome  had  ever  dared  to  Insti- 
tute; and  the  blood  of  poor,  helpless 
victims  unceasingly  flowed  to  comple- 
ment the  knightly  games  and  crown 
the  flowing  bowls  of  an  adventurous 
soldiery  and  a  marauding  army  turned 
completely  bandit 

The  bloodthirsty  brutality  of  a  de- 
graded soldiery  at  last  becomes  sati- 
ated; and  the  king,  no  longer  able  by 
military  slaughter  and  sportive  butch- 
ery to  keep  his  regal  wallow  filled 
with  blood,  hit  upon  the  legal  alterna- 
tive of  the  courts  as  the  means,  the  ad- 
ministration of  justice  as  the  pretext 
and  Jeflteys  as  the  man,  to  replenish 
by  judicial  murders  the  sluices  of 
slaughter  now  drying  up. 

A  gambler  by  Instinct  and  habit,  but 
lacking  the  "honor"  of  the  "profes- 
sion" to  lose  gracefully,  not  always 
dmnk  but  always  abusive  and  deliri- 
ous from  the  effects  of  drink,  possess- 
ing indomitable  energy  directed  only 
to  oppress,  great  oratorical  powers 
lowered  to  ribaldry,  rare  judicial  facul- 
ties prostituted  to  the  worst  passions, 
naturally  cruel,  habitually  violent, 
basely  corrupt,  grossly  Immoral,  vin- 
dictive, cynical,  scoffing,  sarcastic,  sav- 
^se  in  humor,  relentless  in  persecu- 
tion, merciless  even  to  extermination, 
deaf  to  the  wall  of  despair,  glutted  by 
the  flow  of  blood,  Judge  Jeffreys  was 


well  suited  and  fully  equipped  for  the 
"campaign  of  the  bloody  assizes"  be- 
gun at  his  own  instance  and  carried 
on,  through  the  instrumentality  of  the 
courts,  to  complete  the  work  of  mur- 
der and  extermination  the  army  had 
so  cruelly  and  Inhumanly  begun. 

Intimidating  and  silencing  counsel, 
the  lawyer  could  not  defend  his  client. 
Browbeating,  threatening  and  coercing 
the  jury  to  sure  and  speedy  convic- 
tions, that  bulwark  of  liberty  became 
a  means  of  oppression.  A  day  longer 
to  live  was  the  reward  for  a  plea  of 
guilty,  but  a  protestation  of  Innocence 
was  met  with  immediate  execution, 
thus  striking  terror  to  the  heart  6t  the 
accused.  Judgment  was  pronounced 
with  insult  and  execution  ordered  with 
violence.  Such  was  the  orderly  pro- 
cedure of  Judge  Jeffreys'  court! 

Returning  to  London  from  this  mur- 
derous foray  of  judicial  slaughter. 
Judge  Jeffreys  received  the  office  of 
Keeper  of  the  Seals,  promised  him  by 
the  king,  as  his  well-merited  reward. 

Three  years  later  Jeffreys  was  a 
prisoner  in  the  Tower,  where  he  soon 
died  of  a  dreadful  malady,  and  James 
had  cowardly  abdicated  his  kingdom. 

Here  was  a  judge  recalled  and  a 
government  also.  Why  should  not  the 
people  hold  within  their  own  hands 
the  means  to  peaceably  and  orderly 
institute  and  enforce  reforms  before 
things  come  to  such  an  awful  pass? 
Why! 

The  P«»wcr  of  PtnpnatHy. 

Bt  th£  Rev.  Chasles  Stelzle. 
I  well  remember  two  lathesmen  in 
the  old  machine  shop  in  which  I 
worked  for  eight  years.  Miller  had 
charge  of  the  speed  lathe  gang.  He 
was  almost  as  big  as  an  elephant,  and 
to  look  at  him  one  would  suppose  that 
his  movements  must  be  slow  and  pon- 
derous. But  the  swift  little  machine 
that  he  had  been  operating  for  years 
had  so  influenced  him  that  It  set  the 
pace  for  his  every  movement.  Thomp- 
son ran  a  six-foot  lathe  down  in  the 
basement,  where  the  heavy  machinery 
was  installed.  He  was  a  typical  Amer- 
ican— tall,  muscular,  alert.  But  young 
Thompson  had  also  come  under  the 
control  of  his  machine.  His  lathe 
made  only  one  revolution  to  that  of 
hundreds  of  the  ^'Dutchman's"  and  he 
moved  about  with  all  the  deliberate- 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITGHMBN*8 


neB8  of  his  slow-moving  Iron  monitor. 
Both  men  were  unoonscious  victims  of 
their  environments.  Every  mechanic 
can  recall  bow  the  rythmic  sounding 
of  a  hammer's  blows  seems  to  set  the 
I>ace  for  the  mov^nents  of  the  entire 
shop.  Whether  that  young  fellow 
whistles  a  merry  tone  or  one  that  is 
heard  most  frequently  at  funerals 
means  either  profit  or  loss  to  the  em- 
ployer. 

Bvery  man  carries  about  with  him 
a  tremendous  influence.  Sometimes 
he  is  conscious  of  it,  but  most  fre- 
quently he  sways  others'  lives,  un- 
mindful thi^  he  is  moulding  destinies. 

Scientists  speak  of  the  magnetic 
circle.  Artists  express  the  same  idea 
by  the  hak)  of  light  which  they  paint 
about,  the  heads  of  the  saints.  Busi- 
ness men  sometimes  seek  to  create  an 
atmosphere  that  will  unconsciously  in- 
fluence prospective  customers.  The 
fakir  arranges  the  furniture  in  his 
•^office,"  and  endeavors  by  "sugges- 
tion" to  so  captivate  the  mind  of  his 
dupe  that  he  falls  into  his  snare  an 
easy  victim. 

History  reminds  us  of  conspicuous 
illustrations  of  the  possession  of  this 
magic  power.  When  King  Paul  sent 
officers  to  arrest  young  David,  his 
hated  rival,  they  came  into  the  pres- 
ence of  Samuel,  the  prophet,  and  for- 
got their  commission.  A  second  com- 
pany sent  by  the  king  remained  to 
praise.  Finally  Saul  himself,  full  of 
rage,  became  subdued  and  confessed 
his  wickedness. 

The  soldiers  sent  to  take  Jesus 
Christ  captive  returned  to  their  su- 
periors without  Him,  humbly  declar- 
ing: "Never  man  spake  like  this 
man." 

Pilate,  who  had  a  legion  of  soldiers 
to  protect  him,  and  boasted  of  it, 
trembled  before  his  silent  prisoner, 
when  Christ  was  finally  betrayed  into 
the  hands  of  his  enemies. 

Julius  C«aar,  a  captive  on  a  pirate 
ship,  won  the  heart  of  the  captain. 
The  first  day  he  dined  with  him.  The 
second  day  he  was  made  first  mate. 
On  the  following  day  he  won  the  men 
and  made  the  captain  prisoner,  and 
on  the  fourth  day  he  sailed  the  ship 
into  a  Roman  port,  a  prize. 

There  is  In  each  of  us  the  same  kind 
of  power.  Great  men  are  simply 
common  men  capitalized.  The  Im- 
pression that  we  make  upon  others  Is 


a  reproduction  of  what  we  are  our- 
selves. No  man  can  give  to  others 
what  he  himself  does  not  possess. 
It  is  therefore  a  commendable  thing 
to  make  the  most  of  ourselves.  Paul 
once  wrote:  "Covet  earnestly  the  best 
gifts."  Needless  to  say,  whatever  the 
gift-— natural  or  cultivated — it  must 
be  used  for  the  good  of  mankind.  That 
man  who  uses  it  simply  for  his  own 
glorification  will  soon  have  it  taken 
away.  The  Qreat  Teacher  has  re- 
minded us  that  "he  that  saveth  his  life 
shall  lose  it,  and  he  that  loseth  his 
life  shall  find  it" 


The  Case  of  Pcrrer. 

On  Oct  18,  1909,  Francisco  Ferrer 
was  shot  in  the  trenches  of  Montjuich 
by  virtue  of  a  sentence  of  the  court 
martial,  dated  Oct  9,  1909,  which  con- 
demned him  "as  author  and  as  chief 
of  the  rebellion"  at  Barcelona,  to  the 
punishment  of  death,  and  it  was  or- 
dered that  all  compensation  for  dam- 
ages caused  by  the  burnings,  sackings 
and  deterioration  of  property  hai^)^!- 
ing  thereby  should  be  met  and  dis- 
charged out  of  the  property  of  Ferrer 
seised  by  the  authorities. 

Ferrer's  friends  have  never  ceased 
to  proclaim  his  innocence,  and  on  Dec. 
29, 1911,  a  remarkable  judgment  of  the 
Supr^ne  Tribunal  of  War  and  Bfarine 
at  Madrid  goes  far  toward  indorsing 
and  sanctioning  that  view.  There  is 
not  the  slightest  doubt  as  to  the  genu- 
ineness of  the  decree,  which  has  re- 
jected the  claims  for  compensation 
made  against  Ferrer's  estate,  and  or- 
dered the  restitution  to  Ferrer's  heirs 
of  the  property  of  the  condemned  man. 
The  Spanish  papers  reported  the  de- 
bate on  Jan.  29th  of  the  decree,  which 
was  initiated  in  the  Senate  by  the  Con- 
servatives and  the  Clericals.  The  cru- 
cial passage  in  the  findings  of  the 
court  reads  as  follows: 

"Considering  that  Ferrer,  not  hav- 
ing been  condemned  in  any  of  the 
judgments  given  Independently  of  that 
for  which  he  was  executed,  and  not 
having  In  consequence  been  declared 
criminally  and  civilly  responsible  for 
the  crimes  to  which  Article  242  of  the 
Military  Code  relates,  the  embargo 
placed  upon  his  property  cannot  be 
maintained,  neither  on  account  of  his 
trial  for  criminal  rebellion   (wherein 


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he  was  not  condemned  to  pay  to  the 
State  the  considerable  losses  it  had 
suffered  nor  the  losses  incurred  by 
the  victims  of  the  rebellion)  nor  on 
account  of  the  other  trials  in  view 
wihereof  the  embargo  has  been  con- 
tinued»  and  in  which  trials  he  was  not 
condemned  either  as  directly  or  indi- 
rectly responsible." 

The  net  result  of  the  decision  ;must 
not,  however,  be  exaggerated.  It  does 
not  revise  the  sentence  of  execution. 
Indeed,  such  a  finding  would  have 
been  beyond  the  purview  of  this  court. 
But  the  fact  that  no  claim  can  be  or 
has  been  substantiated  against  Fer- 
rer's estate  disposes  logically  if  not 
legally  of  the  figment  of  Ferrer's  guilt. 

Monsieur  Lorand,  acting  testimen- 
tary  executor  under  Ferrer's  will,  in 
whose  favor  this  decree  is  issued,  has 
now  returned  to  Barcelona  to  receive 
formal  possession  of  some  of  Ferrer's 
property  at  the  hands  of  the  civil  gov- 
ernor, a  fresh  decree  of  the  tribunal 
having  ordained  that  the  books  of  the 
Escuela  Modema  (estimated  at  15,000 
volumes)  shall  be  handed  over  to  the 
heirs.  As  the  alleged  perversive  char- 
acter of  the  Escuela  Modema  publica- 
tions were  relied  upon  by  the  court 
martial  as  proofs  of  Ferrer's  guilt, 
this  new  decree  adds  fresh  reasons  for 
the  revision  of  the  trial. — William  Hea- 
ford,  in  the  Freethinker. 


PubHc  RespofisiMly  for  Private  Schemes 
—A  rorgotten  Reason. 

Bt  A.  A.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kans. 

Things  now  move  with  suoh  light- 
ning rapidity  and  thundering  crash, 
the  events  of  yesterday  are  obscured 
by  the  glare  and  blare  of  today.  Per- 
haps a  reference  to  moving  pictures 
mi^ht  better  serve  to  enforce  the 
thought  I  have  in  mind  where,  in  a 
short  half  hour,  twenty-four  books  of 
history,  covering  ten  years  of  the  Tro- 
jan war,  are  made  to  pass  before  us 
with  no  greater  apparent  rapidity  than 
the  reality.  Classic  learning,  a  poetic 
imagination,  persistent  patience,  un- 
tiring perseverance,  much  time  and 
great  expense  were  formerly  pre- 
requisite to  an  appreciation  of  the 
mythical  representations  from  the  text 
of  the  niad;  but  now,  for  a  nickel,  any 
child  may,  in  thirty  minutes,  get  a  bet- 
ter comprehension  of  this  great  epoch 


from  the  picture  passing  on  the 
screen,  th€ui  could  formerly  in  thirty 
years  be  extracted  by  the  unaided  im- 
agination from  the  text  of  Homer. 

This  serves  to  show  the  difference 
between  then  and  now  and  to  illustrate 
that  the  immense  rapidity  of  our  for- 
^-ard  motion  obstructs  our  vision  of 
the  past  and  prevents  a  study  of  the 
causes  of  our  present  momentum. 

With  these  general  principles  as  a 
basis  we  are  now  prepared  for  entry 
upon  almost  any  aspect  of  the  social 
or  the  business  world;  but  the  par- 
ticular point  I  had  in  mind  was  a  re- 
view on  antecedent  and  recent,  but 
now  almost  forgotten  causes  affecting 
materially  the  interests  of  both  the 
railroads  and  the  public,  the  railroads 
in  levying  and  the  public  in  paying 
those  charges  when  reasonable,  uni- 
versally conceded  as  proper  and  neces- 
sary for  the  maintenance  of  these 
properties  with  profit  to  their  owners 
and  advantage  to  the  public. 

When,  however,  the  facilities  neceas- 
sary  for  the  proper  transaction  of  thi 
public  business  are  in  excess  of  the 
requirements,  the  people  suffer  in  pro- 
portion to  the  disparity.  The  general 
lines  of  commerce  as  also  private  af- 
fairs are  subject  to  the  same  rule. 

To  illustrate:  No  less  than  six 
great  trunk  lines  are  competing  for 
through  passenger  and  freight  busi- 
ness between  New  York  City  and  Chi- 
cago, when  less  than  half  that  number 
is  necessary.  Eight  through  lines  and 
numerous  connections  span  the  im- 
mense distance,  more  than  half  desert 
and  mountain,  from  Chicago  to  the 
Pacific  Coast,  without  sufficient  busi- 
ness to  earn  enough,  at  what  ought  to 
be  a  moderate  charge  to  maintain 
these  properties  and  pay  a  fair  return 
on  the  capital  necessarily  invested. 

Here,  however,  the  lines  covering 
the  continent  from  southern  Canada 
to  the  Mexican  border,  serve  a  great 
extent  of  territory  locally;  but,  with 
their  chief  effort  bent  on  through  busi- 
ness, necessarily  handle  this  at  low 
prices  as  compared  with  local  business 
at  exhorbitant  rates;  while,  between 
New  York  City  and  Chicago,  a  number 
of  the  through  lines  traverse  practic- 
ally the  same  territory. 

Once  in  existence,  without  further 
thought,  we  concede  the  right  to  these 
railway  systems  to  charge  sufficient  to 
pay  the  expense  of  operation,  mainten- 
ance and  repairs,  as  well  as  a  fair  re- 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHICBN'B 


turn  on  the  capital  necessarily  em- 
ployed or  invested. ' 

When,  however,  the  necessities  of 
the  case  have  been  transcended  and 
lines  already  established  have  been 
paralleled  b^  competing  companies, 
often  as  schemes  to  compel  their  pur- 
chase at  a  sacrifice,  we  have  a  con- 
dition where,  under  the  rule  just 
stated,  somebody  must  pay  the  price; 
and  that  somebody  is  the  people.  Ex- 
termination, not  regulation,  would 
here  seem  proper. 

The  ultimate  effect  of  these  private 
schemes  for  public  loot  is  to  throw  tho 
burden  of  their  maintenance  on  the 
people;  and  the  case  does  not  differ 
from  an  out-and-out  subsidy. 

A  great  many  of  our  railroad  Iin€», 
particularly  west  of  the  Mississippi, 
have  been  built  as  explorer  for  the 
purpose  of  developing  new  country; 
great  credit  is  due  to  the  farsighted 
men  financing,  at  some  risk,  these 
great  enterprises;  but  only  severe 
condemnation  is  due  the  scheming  pro- 
jectors of  those  unnecessary  competing 
lines  intended  more  to  cripple  those 
already  established  than  to  serve  the 
public  need. 

"These  competing  lines  were  neces- 
sary to  control  the  charges  for  trans- 
portation?" No,  no  such  thing!  The 
stotes,  through  their  Public  Utilities 
Commissions,  and  the  United  States, 
through  the  Interstate  Commerce  Com- 
mission, should  control  the  charges  for 
transportation  and,  fortunately,  are 
now  very  generally  doing  so. 

The  remedy  Is  that,  where  facilitieB 
are  not  needed,  they  should  be  discon- 
tinued and  the  people  relieved  of  the 
burden  of  subsidizing  them  and,  before 
new  lines  are  projected,  the  public  ne- 
cessity should  unquestionably  appear. 

As  above  stated,  all  public  and  pri- 
vate business  is  subject  to  the  same 
rule  and  two  water,  lighting,  telegraph 
or  telephone  systems  should  not  be 
permitted  where  one  only  is  needed. 
The  double  expense  should  be  saved,  as 
the  regulation  of  the  charge  within  the 
reasonable  is  the  proper  way  of  reduc- 
ing the  cost  to  the  people  and  not  the 
letting  in  of  competition  to  double  the 
expense  and  finally  throwing  the  finan- 
cial burden  of  the  profitable  operation 
on  the  backs  of  the  people  simply  for 
the  purpose  of  furnishing  public  in- 
vestment for  private  funds. 

All  charges,  at  least  all  public 
charges,  should  be  subject  to  govern- 


mental regulation;  and  the  smaller 
the  capital  necessarily  invested,  the 
smaller  the  necessary  charges. 

Competition  may  be  the  life  of  trade, 
as  the  old  saying  goes,  but  the  result 
is  too  often,  particularly  in  private  af- 
fairs, the  death  of  the  competitor  and 
always  loss  to  the  people  in  high 
charges  and  to  the  employes  in  low 
wages. 


llM  CMM  at  tlie  Loom. 

What  would  a  prisoned  robin  do,  shut 

in  a  room  full  of  looms. 
Robbed  of  the  sky  and  the  sun  and  the 

nodding  blooms?    ^ 
Why,  you  know  what  he'd  do,  and  so 

do   I— he'd   beat   his   wings   in 

agony. 
And,  brokenhearted,  he  would  chirp  to 

you  to  set  him  free. 
And  yet  you  put  a  child  of  mine  in 

there  and  you  don't  care. 
Because  he  isn't  yours;  he  just  belongs 

to  me. 

What  would  a  tiny  wild  rose  do  in 
there,  in  stifiing,  foul-scented  air. 

Robbed  of  the  kiss  of  the  breeze,  jew- 
eled dew  and  moonbeams  fair? 

Why,  you  know  what  'twould  do,  and 

,        so  do  I — ^'twould  pine  and  die. 

And  crushed  and  withered  at  our  feet 
'twould  lie. 

And  yet  you  put  a  child  of  mine  there 
to  toll  and  cry, 

A  child  who  never  looked  into  the  sky. 

And  tell  me,  you  who  put  them  there, 

is  there  a  rose  or  a  robin  fairer. 
Is  there  a  bird  a-wing  or  wildwood's 

prettiest  flowering  thing  that's 

dearer?    • 
Why,  you  know  well  there's  not,  and 

so  do  I ;  there  can  not  be 
A  sweeter  thing  in  all  the  world  than 

childhood's  frailty; 
And  who  are  you  to  take  the  one  that 

looks  to  me 
And  dream  of  seeing  yours  in  some 

eternity? 

— Percy  F.  Montgomery. 


Teacher — "Willie,  what  is  your  la- 
ther's occupation?" 
Willie— "I  won't  tell." 
Teacher — "You  must  tell  me." 
Willie  (tearfully)— '"He   is   the    fat 
lady  in  the  museum." — Ex, 


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INTERNATIONAL  OFHCERS 

INTBENATIONAL   PBasmBNT. 

8.  B.  Heberling.  SIC  Brisbane  Bldg;,  Buf- 
fWo,  N.  T. 

Grand  Sbcrbtaet  and  TESASumnu 
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N.  T. 

Journal  Bditor. 
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INTBRNATIONAL   VlCB-PRaBmBNTS. 

J.  B.  Connors,  707  E.  40th  St.,  Chicago,  lU. 
L.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O.  ^, 

T.  Clohessy.  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  HL 
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T.  J.  Mlsenhelter,  507  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale,  Kan. 

PROTBCTIYB  BOARD. 

R.  W.  Flynn,  487  Railroad  Aye.,  Scranton, 

O.  a  Hess,  579  18th  8t,  Detroit  Mich. 
T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago. 

111. 
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IlL 
A  J.  Peterson.  190S  Heath  St  Weat-Ft 

William,  Ont 

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'"COURTS  AND  UDOR  UNIONS.** 

The  attention  of  our  readers  is 
called  to  the  leading  article  in  this 
issue,  "Courts  and  Labor  Unions,"  by 
Thomas  G.  Connolly,  the  same  being 
copied  from  the  Twentieth  Century 
Magazine,  for  which  it  was  contributed 
by  the  author  in  the  April  and  May 
issues  of  that  publication.  Mr.  Con- 
nolly makes  clear  in  his  article  the 
true  animus  of  the  judiciary,  which  is 
that  of  making  interpretation  of  the 
laws  in  the  interests  of  the  capitalistic 
class,  from  which  it  receives  its  ap- 
pointment, and  when  suitable  interpre- 
tations can  not  be  made  from  exist- 
ing laws,  they  construct  laws  of  their 
own,  which  become  as  binding  as  those 
enacted  according  to  the  only  constitu- 
tional methods  of  making  laws,  i.  e., 
through  state  legislative  or  national 
congressional  enactment.  Yet  we  are 
informed  by  this  able  writer  we  have 
as  many  (that  affect  industrial  af- 
fairs) judge-made  laws,  or  those  which 
are  not  legal  to  contend  with  as  we 


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482 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBN'8 


bave  of  those  that  beoome  effective 
through  proper  legislative  channels  or 
that  are  enacted  by  representatives  of 
the  people,  the  only  constitutional 
method  of  law-enactment  in  this 
country. 

Mr.  Connolly  also  vividly  portrays 
the  subtle  workings  of  the  judiciary 
to  conform  to  the  interests  of  Big 
Business,  and  no  one  fairly  well  in- 
terested and  acquainted  with  court  de- 
cisions during  the  last  few  years  can 
fail  to  see  the  truthfulness  of  the  ac- 
cusations hurled  against  the  federal 
judiciary,  especially  in  regard  to  its 
very  strong  leaning  towards  capital- 
istic interests,  as  they  give  expression 
to  this  truth  in  their  interpretations 
of  the  law,  and  in  the  making  ef  law 
for  such  purposes,  when  unable  to  so 
contort  existing  constitutionally  made 
law,  as  to  serve  their  masters'  bid- 
dings. It  is  principally  due  to  federal 
judges'  disregard  for  equity  in  law, 
and  flagrant  contempt  for  the  working 
people,  as  finds  expression  in  their  de- 
cisions of  all  cases  between  the  capi- 
talists' interests  and  those  of  the 
workers,  that  has  placed  those  digni- 
taries in  the  utter  contempt  they  now 
find  themselves  in  with  the  people  of 
this  country — ^a  contempt  that  ere 
long,  let  us  hope,  will  find  auch  com- 
plete expression  as  will  force  the  se- 
lection of  such  dignitaries  to  be  placed 
upon  an  electorate  basis  and  the  occu- 
pants of  such  offices  to  be  amenable 
to  popular  will,  both  as  regards  their 
elevation  to  such  position  and  tenure 
of  office.  Whenever  this  oligarchy  of 
self-arrogated  law-makers  and  law-dis- 
pensers, once  find  their  selection  to 
such  positions  is  placed  in  the  hands 
of  the  suffragists  and  that  their  inter- 
ests must  be  sacredly  safeguarded  by 
them,  or  they  will  be  recalled  from 
such  places  of  trust,  there  will  be  a 
vastly  different  judiciary  atmosphere 
prevailing  around  the  togaed  thrones 


scattered  throughout  this  country  than 
now  prevails  in  them. 

Verily,  the  courts  are  in  contempt 
of  the  people  and  this  contempt  must 
not  cease  until  the  entire  court  system 
is  placed  on  a  basis  that  will  repre- 
sent the  people.  The  "Proof,"  the  con- 
cluding article  on  the  same  subject  by 
Mr.  Connolly,  will  appear  in  the 
August  JouBiTAL  and  the  two,  if  pre- 
served for  future  reading  and  study, 
will  afford  a  most  useful  reference  to 
this  much  mooted  question. 

There  never  was  a  time  in  the  his- 
tory of  this  country  when  its  courts 
were  held  in  such  distrust  and  con- 
tempt as  they  are  today,  and  the  only- 
reason  for  this  is  the  utter  disregard 
the  courts  have  for  everything  except 
capitalistic  righU.  Not  until  all 
courts  are  place^  on  a  human  right 
basis  and  human  right  considerations 
become  paramount  to  everything  else, 
will  there  ever  be  an  opportunity  of 
labor  unions  or  individual  labor  inter- 
ests receiving  equity  and  justice  from 
court  officials.  As  now  constituted,  it 
is  not  their  purport  to  subserve  such 
interests.  They  know  their  master's 
voice  and  w^l  do  they  heed  it  When- 
ever the  people  care  to  become  their 
masters  they  will  heed  their  voice. 


MR.  KIMBRO  AND  HIS  ROMC  YARD. 

In  May  issue  of  Joubnal  we  pub- 
lished a  letter  from  a  Mr.  J.  A.  Kimbro 
of  the  General  Grievance  Committee  of 
the  N.  C.  &  St  L.  Ry.  System  for  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  in  regard  to  Brother  Con- 
nors' letter  in  the  March  issue,  la 
which  reference  was  made  to  prevail- 
ing conditions  in  southern  railroad 
yards  and  especially  so  to  the  Rome 
Yard  of  the  N.  C.  ft  St.  L.  Ry.,  which 
he  specified  as  having  a  rate  of  pay  of 
$1.50  per  day,  with  overtime  after  12 
hours,  for  helpers  employed  in  that 
yard. 
.  Knowing    Brother    Connors    could 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


488 


have  no  motive  or  desire  to  misrepre- 
sent matters,  either  there  or  else- 
where, yet  for  fear  of  a  possible  error 
about  the  conditions  down  there,  we 
gave  Mr.  Kimbro  the  benefit  of  the  pos- 
sibility of  doubt  until  we  could  again 
hear  from  Bro.  Connors. 

Those  who  read  Bro.  Connors'  letter 
in  this  issue  will  find  he  had  an  ex- 
cellent bead  and  didn't  fire  until  he 
had  a  sure  shot,  for  in  his  letter  he  re- 
peats the  section  governing  yard  con- 
ditions of  the  N.  C.  ft  St.  L.  System 
and  the  one  in  particular  that  governs 
the  Rome  yard,  giving  the  number  of 
the  article,  the  page  on  which  it  ap- 
pears and  then  to  knock  out  all  the 
"doubting  Thomas's"  props  from  under 
the  editor,  sends  in  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
schedule  for  the  N.  C.  ft  St  L.  Railway 
— and  low  and  behold,  on  page  nine, 
article  nine  of  their  Articles  of  Agree- 
ment which  provides  for  the  pay  of 
most  of  the  yards,  we  find:     "Rome 
Yard— On  and  after  July  1,  1910,  help- 
ers |L50  per  day;    overtime  after  12 
hours."    And  after  reading  the  entire 
Article  of  Agreement  between  the  N. 
C.  ft  St  !L.  Railway  and  Trainmen  we 
find  Mr.  J.  A.  Kimbro's  name  (printed 
thereon)  as  one  of  the  committee  who 
negotiated  the  |1.50  per  12-hour  day 
(or  12  l-2c  per  hour)  schedule  for  his 
brother  trainmen  who  are  fortunate 
enough  to  have  positions  of  helping 
their  "yard  conductors"  in  the  Rome 
yard.    So,  instead  of  accusing  Brother 
Connors   of   making  erroneous   state- 
ments and  being  misinformed,  etc,  it 
would  be  well  that  Mr.  Kimbro  pause 
long  enough  from  his  strenuous  com- 
mittee work  and  enter  into  a  reminis- 
cent frame  of  mind  to  the  extent  of 
familiarizing  himself  with  the  existing 
rates  of  pay  for  the  yard  men  along 
the  system  he  has  the  honor  of  repre- 
senting and  to  concentrate  his  mind 
thereon  until  he  finds,  after  coming 
through  the  misty  gaze  of  the  array 
of  hourly  pay  figures  for  the  yards 


along  his  ssrstem,  he  not  only  awakens 
to  the  full  realization  of  the  blessings 
(?)  that  have  accrued  to  the  Rome 
switchmen  through  the  organization  he 
represents,  but  sees  his  own  name  a^- 
pended  to  the  "Articles  of  Agreement 
between  N.  C.  ft  St  L.  Railway  and 
Trainmen,"  naming  (1.60  per  day. 
overtime  after  12  hours,  as  the  rate 
of  emolument  the  company  must 
"come  across"  with  in  that  yard  to 
those  helping  on  switch  engines. 


B)UAL  SUrrRAGC   rOR  WOMCN    IS  A 

GRCATCR  ACTUALITY  THAN 

CVCR  BCrORC. 

Whether  or  not  aspirants  for  polit- 
ical prefeiment,  either  at  the  primaries 
or  polls  afterwards,  are  advocates  for 
or  opponents  against  the  women  suf- 
fragist's movement  (that  has  not  only 
infected  the  minds  of  the  voters  of  this 
country,  but  of  nearly  all  the  world, 
as  well),  more  of  them  than  ever  be- 
fore will  have  to  reckon  with  their  bal- 
lots this  year,  in  their  ^orts  to  secure 
the  positions  of  trust  they  are  striving 
for,  from  the  fact  there  are  many  more 
women  voters  in  this  country  than 
ever  before.  So  regardless  of  their 
likes  or  dislikes  of  the  theory  of  the 
propriety  or  rights  of  the  fair  sex  be- 
ing clothed  with  equal  suffrage  privi- 
leges, many  of  them  are,  and  in  several 
States  where  they  are  not,  they  are 
getting  so  dangerously  near  to  it  that 
their  opponents  have  got  to  reckon 
seriously  with  them,  whether  or  not  it 
is  their  will  to  do  so.  Since  the  candi- 
dates in  at  least  six  States  will  be  bal- 
loted for  or  against  by  women  this 
year,  the  same  as  by  men,  the  results 
of  no  canvass  in  those  States  can  be 
successfully  foretold  or  determined 
without  seriously  reckoning  with  wo- 
men's votes. 

Women  now  possess  full  suffrage 
rights  in  the  states  of  California,  Col- 
orado,  Idaho,  Utah,   Washington  and 


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484 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBN13 


Wyoming,  the  combined  population  of 
which  amounts  Co  5,1^^78,  and,  OBtl- 
mating  a  woman  voter  for  one  out  of 
every  five  of  the  population,  there 
would  be  1,032,594,  or  a  number  equal 
to  one-fifteenth  of  all  the  votes  cast  at 
the  presidential  election  in  1908.  So 
it  may  be  easily  seen  that  women  are 
coming  to  the  front  in  this  muth 
mooted  question,  and  they  have  already 
made  enough  headway  to  insure  the 
reaching  of  their  cherished  goal  at  no 
very  distant  day,  unless  all  present 
signs  fail  in  their  apparent  outcome. 
Within  the  last  year  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia wcLs  added  to  their  list,  and  is 
the  most  populous  of  any  of  the  States 
yet  secured  by  the  suffragists.  Within 
the  next  twelve  months  the  question 
of  granting  full  rights  of  the  ballot  to 
women  will  be  submitted  to  the  voters 
of  the  states  of  Michigan,  Ohio,  Kan- 
sas, Wisconsin,  Oregon  and  Nevada, 
and  with  apparent  splendid  prospects 
of  being  carried  in  most,  if  not  ell  of 
them.  The  combined  population  of 
these  States,  as  given  in  the  1910  cen- 
sus ,was  12,366,748.  Again  estimating 
the  women  votes  in  the  total  at  20  per 
cent  of  the  whole,  and  we  find  we  have 
2,493,348  as  the  voting  strength  of  wo- 
men in  those  States,  if  the  question 
be  decided  in  their  favor  at  the  elec- 
tions to  be  held  to  decide  the  matter. 
Should  they  prove  victorious  in  all 
the  States  just  named,  their  voting 
strength  would,  together  with  what 
they  already  have,  be  more  than  three 
and  a  half  millions,  or  almost  one-fifth 
of  the  entire  vote  cast  in  1908  for  the 
presidential  candidates.  But  should 
they  fail  to  carry  half  of  them,  their 
voting  strength  would  still  be  aug- 
mented vastly  over  its  present  stand- 
ing, and  would  give  them  added  pres- 
tige and  strength  with  which  to  carry 
on  their  propaganda  for  ultimate  free- 
dom on  an  equality  with  man,  in  their 
right  to  express  their  convictions  per- 


taining to  questions  of  state,  in  a  man- 
ner that  would  count  in  the  same  ma- 
terial way  as  if  expressed  by  man,  and 
which  form  of  expression  they  have 
never  enjoyed,  although  they  have  ever 
had  to  bear  their  full  share  of  the 
burdens  resulting  from  the  expression 
of  it  by  men.  In  addition  to  the  six 
States  here  mentioned  as  having  al- 
ready given  women  the  full  rights  of 
suffrage  citizenship,  most  of  the  others 
have  virtually  acknowledged  their 
rights  to  it  by  allowing  them  the  privi- 
lege to  vote  on  a  part  of  the  issues 
coming  before  those  States  for  adjudi- 
cation by  th4  voters.  So,  whatever  our 
views  on  the  question  of  their  right  to 
suffrage,  the  same  as  man,  it  Is  coming 
ere  long,  and  the  most  obdurate  pes- 
simist on  the  subject  must  admit  It. 
The  indications  of  this  are  so  far  be- 
yond the  embryonic  stages  that  it 
would  seem,  in  all  fairness  to  the  lives 
already  sacrificed  to  the  principle,  and 
those  now  consecrated  to  it,  and  the 
justice  of  it  all,  that  it  would  be  a 
most  propitious  act  of  modem  chivalry 
and  common  justice  to  them,  for  the 
citizenship  in  all  the  rest  of  the  States 
to  cast  aside  all  the  obsolete  barriers 
of  prejudice  and  superstition  and  wel- 
come women  into  the  fold  of  full  cUi- 
zenship. 

It  is  universally  conceded  that  no 
very  great  humanitarian  work  of  any 
nature  can  be  successfully  launched  or 
carried  to  successful  completion  with- 
out the  co-operation  of  women.  In  all 
Christian,  philanthropic  and  fraternal 
enterprises  she  is  considered  an  indis- 
pensable factor,  the  essence  of  their 
success.  She  is  the  first  to  inaugurate 
reforms  for  the  amelioration  of  abuses 
that  retard  and  injure  the  best  atmos- 
phere around  the  family  fireside, 
the  factory  and  the  school.  From 
ages  of  servility  and  degradation,  due 
to  superstition  and  Ignorance,  she  has 
come  to  a   realization  of  her  unjust 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMBRICA. 


485 


handicap  in  the  great  hattle  in  life  tor 
an  equal  opportnnity  with  her  brother 
for  an  equitable  i^^portunity  in  life — 
the  ballot 

Through  the  advanced  gradations  of 
enlightenment  she  has  long  since  dem- 
onstrated her  fknees  and  ability  to  do 
her  full  share  in  moulding  public 
opinion  and  utilizing  the  material 
forces  in  nature  for  the  beet  interests 
of  civilization  and  advancement  of 
mankind.  She,  therefore,  consistently 
insists  upon  her  full  share  of  govern- 
mental rights,  nothing  short  of  full- 
fledged  citizenship — equal  suffrage 
with  men.  lAs  the  result  of  modern 
machinery,  millions  of  them  have  been 
driven  from  their  homes  to  compete 
wHh  their  brothers  in  the  great  marts 
of  industrial  life,  in  their  efforts  to 
secure  the  necessities  of  life,  and  this 
they  have  had  to  do  under  a  handicap 
of  lower  wages  than  men  receive,  and 
over-taxation  of  their  strength,  on  ac- 
count of  the  relentless  and  unscrupu- 
lous designs  of  the  captains  of  indus- 
try to  rob  them  of  a  just  ahare  of  their 
earnings;  and  so  we  find  thousands 
and  even  millions  of  them  in  the 
world's  battle  for  bread,  compelled  to 
accept  every  condition  heaped  upon 
them  by  those  exploiting  their  intel- 
lects and  strength,  in  order  to  increase 
their  dividends,  and  who  have  only 
been  introduced  into  such  service  for 
the  purpose  of  lowering  the  working 
standards  of  the  country,  and  yet,  as 
a  rule,  they  have  no  effectual  means 
of  redress  or  means  of  legislating  out 
even  the  worst  evils  connected  with 
their  work  and  environments,  from  the 
fact  of  not  having  equal  suffrage 
rights  with  their  brothers,  or  an  effec- 
tive means  of  introducing  reformatory 
measures  which  would  secure  for  them 
proper  protection  and  justice.  But  we 
live  in  a  progressive  age,  and  women 
are  rapidly  making  progress  in  awak- 
ening interest  in  their  appeal  for  equal 


oiH;K>rtunities  with  men,  and  unless 
present  indications  are  sadly  in  error, 
they  will  soon  have  them. 

Those  women  who  for  years  have 
championed  this  cause,  have  suffered 
every  indignity  thrust  upon  than  by 
their  exponents,  and  some  of  them  now 
languish  in  prison  cells,  on  account  of 
their  strong  expressions  of  loyalty  to 
their  convictions  upon  the  subject  and 
their  efforts  to  call  the  attention  of  the 
world  to  the  importance  of  giving  to 
them  that  which  from  time  imme- 
morial has  been  denied  them — full 
rights  of  citizenship,  on  a  par  with 
men. 


UrC  PICTURES  SHOULD  BC  PORTRAITS 
or  PROGRESS. 

WhUe  it  is  true  that  a  good  back- 
grround  adds  materially  to  the  interest 
of  any  picture,  yet  it  is  not  the  only 
essential  feature  of  it,  nor  is  it  the 
most  important  feature  of  the  likeness. 
Light,  shade,  apparatus  and  subject 
matter  must  all  enter  into  its  com- 
position, else  the  development  will  be 
imperfect  and  the  result  a  failure.  So 
the  real  essence  of  any  portrait  is  not 
so  much  the  matter  back  of  it  as  it  is 
of  the  portrayal,  the  delineation  of  the 
actual  life  or  material  sought  to  de- 
pict The  same  principle  holds  good  in 
every  kind  of  picture  in  life,  whether 
it  be  the  product  of  the  painter's 
mind  and  brush,  a  camera  artist's 
snaipshot,  or  even  the  mental  picture 
of  anything.  Whatever  any  of  such 
images  may  be  aided  by  a  fortunate 
surrounding,  it  should  not  be  con- 
sidered as  the  main  or  essential  fea- 
ture of  such  work  or  reproduction. 
However  much  such  adjuncts  may  con 
trfbufte  to  bringing  out  or  development 
of  characteristics,  they  should  not  be 
mistaken  for  those  of  the  real  image 
itself. 

The  worJld  advances,  not  so  much  on 
account  of  what  has  transpired  in  the 


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486 


JOUiRNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


paBt  as  it  does  by  an  earnest  and 
proper  application  of  present  knowl- 
edc:e  and  its  application  and  utiliza- 
tion for  the  benefit  of  humanity  and 
the  development  an<d  diffusion  of  the 
ever-increasing  useful  knowledge.  So. 
in  the  life  picture  as  in  the  image,  it 
is  the  present  reality  and  what  is  he- 
fore  us,  more  than  the  background  or 
past  that  must  be  reckoned  with  and 
which  we  must  meet  and  contend  with 
in  a  spirit  of  progressiveness  and  fair- 
ness if  we  hope  to  make  the  most  of 
life  and  render  a  proper  stewardship 
for  the  privilege  of  having  had  the  op- 
portunity of  living  in  this  advanced 
age  of  thought  and  world  development 
Past  ages  are  noted  for  the  progress 
achieved  by  the  different  races  of  hu- 
manity that  experienced  so  much  of 
real  life  and  that  left  so  much  of  their 
imprints  of  thought  and  skill  in 
science  and  art  and  which  is  now 
av|iilable  for  us  to  apply  to  the  world 
of  life  and  matter  all  about  us  aud 
which  is,  indeed,  a  legacy  we  should 
be  justly  proud  of  and  for  which  we 
owe  a  lasting  debt  of  gratit;ud.e.  Yet, 
wHh  sfuch  an  inheritance  bequeathed 
to  us,  it  neither  avails  us  anything 
for  the  present,  nor  will  it  inure  to 
our  future  progress  and  benefit  unless 
we  avail  ourselves  of  the  benefits  of 
such  knowledge  and  from  it  further 
develop  and  appropriate  it  for  the  bene- 
fit of  humanity.  For,  without  such  ap- 
plication and  diligence,  there  will  be 
inaction  and  decadence,  inertness  and 
decay.  Every  one  in  the  human  fam- 
ily ought  to  find  some  useflul  thought 
and  endeavor  to  develop  it  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  those  with  whom  he 
mingles,  as  well  as  those  who  are  to 
follow  on  and,  as  he  strives  along  this 
line,  so  will  he  have  performed  a  use- 
ful mission  on  earth.  The  world  ac- 
knowledges indelbtedness  to  its  active 
and  progressive  men  and  women  in 
the  foreground  of  life's  stern  battles 


for  the  advancement  of  the  world,  but 
sometimes  fails  to  make  such  acknowl- 
edgment until  long  over  due.    Tet,  as 
a   rule,   due   recognition   is   given   to 
those  who  lead  the  world  on  by  their 
thought  and  inventive  ingenuity  and 
the  merits  of  their  works  are  etched 
into  the  labyrinths,  in  which  are  re- 
tained that  which  has  had  to  do  with 
the  onward  trend  of  the  hfuman  race. 
Most   of   the   portraying   of    ancient, 
medieval  and  even  modern  times  has 
been  devoted  to  bringing  out  traits  of 
valor  and!  sacrifice  in  human  destruc- 
tion, rather  than  the  sublime  human 
saving    traits    of   those    whose    lives 
have  been  sacrificed  towards  making 
better   the  lot  of  those  upon  whose 
shoulders  have  been  borne  the  burdens 
of  those  who  have  tried  to  make  bet- 
ter and  happier  homes  for  all  the  in- 
habitants of  earth.     While  it  is  the 
result  of  the  great  industrial,  peace- 
ful  army    that   real   and   substantial 
progress  has  been  made,  yet  it  is  but 
lately  that  the  world  has  taken  that 
degree  of  cognizance  of  such  fact  that 
it   has   paused   long   enough   to   give 
credit  where  credit  is  due  and  recog- 
nize the  merits  of  that  which  has  most 
largely   entered   into   the   progressive 
and     beneficial     features     that    havo 
worked  as  the  greatest  agencies  for 
advancement  of  mankind.    With  a  gen- 
eral diftusion  of  knowledge,  as  is  now 
being   spread    into    every    clime,    the 
workers  of  the  world  are  changing  tho 
pictures  of  life  in  no  small  measure 
and  are  becoming  the  real  subject  mat- 
ter of  them  as  never  before.     They 
have  ever  done  the  woiild's  useful  work 
and  made  the  progress  that  has  been 
made.    Yet,  until  of  late,  it  has  been 
their  sad  fate  to  have  received   but 
scant  recognition  or  merit  for  their 
work.    But,  per  force  of  this  invincible 
army,  peaceful  and  progressive,  better 
sketches  of  the  realities  of  life  are  ap- 
pearing in  the  essence  of  the  world 


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487 


pictures  andl  better  portrayals  of  the 
useful,  ibetter  visions  of  the  world's 
workers  and  heroes  of  progressive  and 
peaceful  pursuits  are  being  found  as 
the  emibodiment  of  things  representa- 
tive, as  well  as  of  things  useful. 
'Every  worker  who  faithfully  en- 
deavors to  place  labor  upon  its  proper 
pedestafl,  upon  its  proper  place  in  the 
great  picture  of  correct  life,  is ,  per 
forming  a  most  useful  and  appropriate 
mission,  one  that  will  redown  to  the 
credit  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived 
and  tried  to  advance  on  account  of 
having  been  permitted  to  live.  EiVery 
portrayal,  or  image  sought  to  be  de- 
veloped, should  bear  the  imprints  or 
have  for  its  subject  matter  a  life  con- 
secrated towards  the  uplift  of  hu- 
manity— one  devoted  to  real  progress 
through  honest,  useful  work. 


STRIKING  NEWSPAPER  WORKMEN 
IN  CHKj^GO. 

After  having  a  working  agreement 
with  the  Chicago  American  and  Chi- 
cago Examiner,  newspapers  .owned  by 
the  Hearst  estate,  for  several  years, 
the  union  pressmen,  after  being  re- 
fused the  privilege  of  a  renewal  of 
their  wage  and  working  agreement,  in- 
augurated a  strike  for  the  purpose  of 
enforcing  recognition  of  their  union 
and  a  renewal  of  contract  to  govern 
wage  and  working  conditions  under 
which  they  work  should  be  done.  The 
strike  was  called  May  1st  and  is  still 
in  force.  At  the  time  of  entering  into 
the  contract  with  these  papers  it  ap- 
pears they  were  not  a  part  of  the  pub- 
lishing trust  known  as  the  American 
Newspaper  Publishers'  Association 
and  with  which  most  of  the  allied 
pressmen  and  other  printing  crafts 
held  working  agreements,  but  that 
they  have  since  become  a  part  of  it.  It 
seems  the  time  of  expiration  of  work- 
ing schedules  was  also  different  for 
the  Hearst  employes  to  that  of  those 


employed  by  the  trust,  a  fact  that  no 
doubt  had  much  to  do  with  the  ai4)i- 
trary  stand  taken  by  the  Hearst  publi- 
cations in  their  refusal  to  either  enter 
into  a  new  agreement  with  their  em- 
ployes or  submit  the  questions  at  dis- 
pute to  a  board  of  arbitration  for  ad- 
justment, as  the  men  had  signified 
their  willingness  to  do.  As  in  all 
trusts,  so  in  this  one,  there  is  a  sacred 
agreement  that  when  any  of  the  con- 
cerns of  which  it  is  composed  is  in 
trouble  with  their  employes  and  a 
strike  is  declared,  they  render  every 
possible  aid  to  defeat  the  strikers,  and 
this  rule  has  been  scrupulously  ob- 
served in  this  case  and  every  capital- 
istic newspaper  published  in  Chicago 
has  Joined  in  the  crusade  to  put  all 
their  striking  union  men  out  of  busi- 
ness. At  the  beginning  of  the  trouble 
it  was  only  the  pressmen  that  struck, 
but  ere  long  the  deliverers,  stereotyp- 
ers,  maU  drivers  and  news  boys 
Joined  with  the  pressmen,  so  it  is  now 
a  fight  with  five  unions  instead  of  one. 
While  reports  vary  somewhat  as  to 
present  conditions  around  these 
plants,  the  unions  etre  showing  a 
spirit  of  solidarity  and  perseverance 
that  affords  another  illustration  of  the 
sacrifices  that  are  necessary  for  the 
advocates  of  decent  wage  and  working 
conditions  to  go  through  every  now 
and  then  to  keep  from  being  exter- 
minated. 

For  several  years,  while  getting  his 
papers  firmly  established,  Mr.  Hearst 
was  very  active  in  upholding  the 
rights  of  union  m^n,  and  was  particu- 
lar to  see  that  all  the  men  employed 
in  his  plants  enjoyed  good  conditions. 
But  when  his  papers  were  considered 
so  firmly  fixed  in  the  hearths  and 
hearts  of  the  citizenship  that  the  net 
results  in  dividends  from  oppression 
and  abuse  would  overbalance  fair 
treatment,  the  policy  of  ill  will  to- 
wards them   was   inaugurated   in   his 


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4S8 


JOURNAL  OF  THB   SWITCHMBN^ 


printing  plants,  the  same  as  it  was  in 
his  mining  plants. 

So  In  this  strike  we  are  aiforded 
another  illustration  of  the  4>ase  ingrati- 
tude  that  prevails  in  the  average  cor- 
porate owner's  heart  for  those  whose 
toil  has  made  it  possible  for  them  to 
appear  in  the  guise  of  superiors,  bene- 
factors, etc.,  as  well  as  the  necessity 
for  such  a  solidarity  of  interest  of 
the  workers  in  their  unions  and  upon 
the  political  field  as  will  enable  them 
to  secure  that  degree  of  Justice  and 
that  portion  of  their  products  to  which 
they  are  of  right  entitled. 


SOARING  PRICCS  HARD  ON  COmC 
TOPERS. 

CofCee  consumers  in  this  country 
have  been  hard  hit  by  the  steadily  climb- 
ing prices  of  that  extensively  use  I 
beverage,  as  they  have  by  almost  every 
other  article  that  comes  upon  the 
table.  While  cofCee  is  not  a  necessary 
element  for  life  sustenance,  it  is  ^ne 
of  the  most  extensively  used  of  any  of 
the  articles  that  enter  into  the  menu 
of  homes,  and  especially  United  States 
homes,  since  it  is  found  to  command 
such  a  conspicuous  place  upon  most 
of  the  tables  in  this  country.  On  ac- 
count of  its  extensive  use,  its  culture 
and  distribution,  it  ranks  high  in  vol- 
ume and  importance  among  the  world 
foods.  A  recent  report,  sent  out  by  the 
Department  of  Commerce  and  Labor 
from  Washington  contains  interesting 
information  relative  to  the  amount 
of  Importations  of  coffee,  the  sources 
whence  it  comes  and  average  importa* 
tion  prices  of  this  eagerly  sought  for 
beverage.  From  this  government  bul- 
letin we  learn  that  the  total  importa- 
tion of  coffee  into  the  United  States 
for  the  year  1911  was  875,000,000 
pounds,  or  914  pounds  for  every  person 
in  the  country  during  the  year,  and 
the  average  import  price  was  10c  per 
pound.    For  1912  the  importations  are 


estimated  at  800,000,000  pounds  and 
the  average  import  price  has  been 
13c  per  pound.  Acc<H^ing  to  this  re- 
)^Tt  the  importations  for  the  year  of 
190i2,  were  1,091,000,000  pounds;  1905, 
1,048,000,000  pounds;  1909,  1,050,- 
000,000  pounds.  The  imiport  price  for 
1903  was  6i^c  per  pound;  for  1910,  8c 
per  pound  and  for  1911  10c  per  pound. 
Two  facts  are  evident  from  the  figures 
here  given,  i.  e.,  that  coffee  is  becom- 
ing scarcer  upon  the  tables  in  this 
country  and  that  its  value  is  increas- 
ing rapidly.  Since  a  greater  portion 
of  the  coffee  imported  is  consumed  by 
poor  people,  one  cannot  note  the 
rapidly,  increasing  price  of  this  popu- 
lar stimulant  without  observing  a  ra- 
tional cause  of  the  necessity  for 
smaller  importations  of  this  product, 
instead  of  larger  ones  to  keep  apace 
with  the  increasing  population.  We 
can  scarcely  conceive  the  idea  that  the 
desire  for  this  ibeverage  has  decreased 
to  any  appreciable  extent  in  this  coun- 
try during  recent  years,  but  in  the 
ever-increasing  army  of  unemployed 
about  us,  we  can  conceive  an  ex- 
cellent reason  for  Its  absence  from 
their  daily  menu  from  the  fact  that 
they  have  not  the  necessary  funds 
with  which  to  purchase  it  And  so 
what  was  a  most  common  beverage 
only  a  brief  time  ago  at  a  very  reason- 
able figure,  has  become  a  luxury  which, 
unless  a  reaction  sets  in,  will  make  its 
use  prohibitive  among  the  working 
class  of  people.  This  great  staple 
product  of  tropical  climes,  like  all  of 
those  raised  in  the  temperate  zone  of 
our  own  fair  land,  is  not  cultivated 
with  a  view  of  placing  it  in  the  homes 
of  consumers  at  a  fair  price  to  those 
who  produce  it  and  those  who  of  ne- 
cessity must  handle  it  to  get  it  into 
the  homes  of  the  people,  but  rather 
with  a  view  of  fleecing  the  people  at 
every  handling  and  manipulation  of  it 
all  they  will  possibly  stand  and,  ere 
long,  like  many  other  articles  of  ne- 


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489 


cessity,  it  will  have  been  raised  to 
prohlt>itiye  prices  for  the  poor.  Most 
of  the  cofCee  importations  are  from 
Brazil,  at>out  three-fourths  of  it  and, 
since  Brazil  seema  to  have  entered  into 
the  coffee  monopoly  as  a  govemmentkl 
affair,  it  becomee  a  much  easier  matter 
to  regulate  importations  of  this  prod- 
uct into  the  chief  world  ports  and 
push  up  the  prices,  a  policy  of  diplo- 
macy it  has  already  extensively  en- 
tered into.  Being  in  a  position  to  pre- 
vent exportations,  only  at  a  stipulated 
price  regulated  by  the  state  Brazil,  in 
collision  with  brilliant  financiers  and 
gentlemen  of  business  distinction  in 
other  countries,  can  export  less  coffee 
each  year  and  receive  nM>re  for  it  than 
she  formerly  did  when  exporting  more 
and  receiving  less.  And,  while  doubt- 
lees  a  good  policy  for-  the  government 
of  Brazil  and  large  financiers,  it  is 
tough  on  the  poor  coffee  topers. 


GRASPING  THE  NCTTLC. 

Sooner  or  later,  and  quite  possibly 
in  the  near  future,  says  the  Wall 
Street  Journal,  the  railroads  of  the 
United  States  may  face  virtually  the 
same  proposition  as  that  which  con- 
fronted the  railroads  of  Great  Britain. 
There  is  no  limit  to  the  demands  of 
organized  labor.  Six  hours  a  day  and 
$60  a  week  for  unskilled  labor  seems 
quite  reasonable,  if  it  can  be  extorted 
by  the  usual  bulldozing  methods.  No 
concession  satisfies.  Apparently,  also 
no  agreement  binds.  And  above  all 
things  finality  is  never  reached. 

The  program  of  continuous  in- 
creases sounds  admirable  from  the 
walking  delegate's  point  of  view,  but 
there  is  one  difficulty  about  it.  The 
money  to  advance  wages  is  simply  not 
there.  Further  advance  with  many  of 
our  roads  would  mean  passing  the  divi- 
dends; and  would  even  in  some  cases 
reduce  their  operating  income  below 
fixed  charges.  A  fight  is  better  than 
a  receivership.  Their  best  chance 
might  be  to  fight  all  the  unions  at 
once  and  be  done  with  it.  The  resort 
is  a  costly  one,  but  the  time  can  come 
when  patience  will  cease  to  be  a 
virtue. 


British  railroad  managers  have 
grasped  their  nettle,  and  it  is  encour- 
aging to  see  that  a  majority  of  their 
employes  declined  to  abandon  their 
work  when  the  general  strike  was 
called.  The  British  government  acted 
with  commendable  firmness,  under  a 
strain  which  might  well  have  war- 
ranted some  exhibition  of  temper.  The 
labor  difficulties  in  Great  Britain  are 
deploral^le;  but,  if  they  convince  the 
British  people  that  the  labor  union 
specter  can  be  laid  by  common  sense 
treatment,  much  will  have  been  gained 
for  England  and  the  rest  of  the  world. 
If  the  settlement  only  means  more  re- 
pudiated contracts,  the  British  rail- 
roads will  have  to  fight  to  a  finish 
sooner  or  later. 

The  threats  of  labor  are  largely  hum- 
bug, but  cowardice  of  employers  and 
dishonesty  of  politicians  have  com- 
bined to  give  the  unions  an  importance 
and  power  out  of  all  proportion  to 
what  they  really  represent.  The 
United  States  is  made  up,  among  other 
things,  of  94,000,000  of  people,  of  whom 
some  2,000,000  belong  to  labor  unions. 
The  union  leaders  think  they  should 
be  allowed  to  govern  the  country;  but, 
to  any  person  of  courage  and  sense  it 
would  look  like  a  singularly  small  tail 
trying  to  wag  a  very  large  dog. 

There  is  a  truculent  defiance  about 
the  union  attitude  which  is  curiously 
reminiscent.  When  any  man  or  any 
organization  gets  to  the  point  of  ask- 
ing the  people  of  the  United  States 
"what  they  are  going  to  do  about  it," 
that  man  or  that  or^nization  is  not 
far  from  his  finish,  if  he  could  only 
see  it.  The  slaveholders  asked  the 
question,  and  so  did  Tweed  and  a  num- 
ber of  other  politicians,  to  say  nothing 
of  certain  corporations  of  great  wealth 
and  influence.  There  is  always  a  way 
out  of  these  difficulties. 

We  are  a  long-suffering  neonle.  But 
at  a  certain  point  we  conclude  to  take 
a  day  off  and  deal  with  the  matter. 
When  that  moment  arrives  Mr.  Gom- 
ners  and  his  following  are  likely  to 
find  themselves  with  most  of  their 
illusions  gone. 

The  above,  from  the  May  issue  of 
American  Industries — the  manufactur- 
ers' magazine — indicates  quite  clearly, 
to  even  the  mind  of  the  lay  student  of 
labor,  how  every  success  of  organized 
labor  to  extract  from  the  masters  of 


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JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITCHMBN'8 


indnertrles  a  decent  portion  of  their 
earnings  arouses  their  leaders  from 
lairs  and  gets  into  action  the  forces 
of  organizations,  the  'iikes  of  which" 
haven't  been  quite  so  thoroughly  or- 
ganized among  labor  hosts,  but  thanks 
to  an  awakening  that's  going  on  in  the 
mental  chambers  of  those  who  do  the 
world's  useful  work,  labor's  interests 
are  becoming  more  conscious  of  their 
duties  relative  to  the  question  of  con- 
centrating their  forces  into  compact 
groups  of  organizations,  and  seeing 
what  part  of  their  earnings  they  are 
entitled  to,  and  then  see  about  the 
question  of  getting  it.  They  are  also 
rubbing  away  some  of  the  coverings 
of  their  mental  vacuums,  and  are  al- 
lowing a  few  beams  of  reason  and  in- 
telligence to  enter  therein,  relative  to 
their  ratings  on  the  political  aspect 
about  them,  of  their  ability  to  perform 
really  useful  governmental  functions, 
and  of  the  necessity  that  they  do  some 
of  the  legislating  and  get  some,  yes,  a 
major  portion,  of  the  government 
togas  to  be  apportioned  out  among  the 
citizens  of  this  country,  as  well  fis  to 
attend  the  functions  of  election  and  ap- 
pointment of  the  servants  who  are  to 
be  entrusted  with  the  administration 
of  the  law,  whom  it  shall  apply  to  and 
whom  it  shall  not,  who  shall  appoint 
those  who  are  to  carry  the  clubs  and 
bayonets  that  have  been  so  long  terror- 
izing labor's  hosts  into  submission  to 
acceptance  of  meager  pittances  of  their 
earnings  in  order  that  a  small  coterie 
of  the  eclat,  might  masquerade  in  the 
limelight  of  benefactors  of  the  lowly, 
and  who,  through  their  holy  (?) 
benevolent  attempts  to  assume  divine 
attributes  in  the  handling  of  Nature's 
storehouse,  have  for  ages  sucked  the 
life  energy  out  of  the  toil  of  the  lowly 
charges  under  them,  in  the  same 
fashion  that  the  discophorous  annelids 
of  the  leech  are  applied  to  the  flesh 
with    which    they  come  into  contact 


Yes,  it  doubtless  looks  a  little  seri- 
ous to  corporate  magnates  to  t^ink  of 
2,000,000  workers  in  this  country  awak- 
ening to  the  fact  that  they  are  a 
power,  and  that  they  are  entitled  to 
the  good  things  they  produce,  and  sor- 
rowful indeed  for  them  is  the  fact  they 
have  not  long  ago  awakened  to  a  real- 
ization of  the  leavening  power  their 
principle  of  a  fair  share  of  their  earn- 
ings for  their  labors  expended  was  not 
checkmated  long  ago,  for  it  has  now 
so  permeated  the  rest  of  the  94,000,000 
people  that  it  is  not  only  the  2,000,000 
spoken  of  in  the  article,  but  a  mighty 
big  portion  of  the  entire  mess  of  hu- 
man dough  that  they  must  now  reckon 
with.  There's  no  doubt  about  labor 
going  to  insist  on  $60  per  week  for 
eight  hours  per  day's  work,  or  ten 
times  that  amount  if  it  is  convinced  its 
labors  earn  any  considerable  amount 
more  than  that  value  in  that  length  of 
time.  And  in  regard  to  the  question 
of  '*flnality,"  there  has  been  no  serious 
attempts  to  find  one  by  corporations 
and  allow  it  to  remain  stationary. 
There  has  never  been  a  dividend 
reached  by  any  company  that  was  sat- 
isfactory to  them;  It  is  therefore  well 
that  labor  established  none  less  than 
its  earning  power,  for  it  will  mean 
its  doom  whenever  It  does.  None 
know  better  than  do  the  workers  who 
have  had  to  resort  to  the  strike  in 
their  attempts  to  adjudicate  their  diffi- 
culties about  the  question  of  ''grasping 
their  nettle."  Neither  is  there  any 
question  about  where  cowardice  glit- 
ters in  its  fullest  radiancy,  whenever 
the  workers  get  well  together,  and 
their  minds  once  riveted  on  what  they 
want,  and  then  go  after  it  If  under 
such  condition  of  solidarity  of  labor's 
hosts,  they  exercise  the  powers  they 
possess  in  the  industrial  and  political 
fields,  there  is  no  restraint  on  earth 
that  can  keep  them  from  getting  all 
they  earn,  and  no    one    realizes    this 


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UNION  OF  NORTH   AMBSRICA. 


441 


truth  quite  as  well  as  big  buBiness, 
and  on  account  of  the  trend  of  tbe 
minds  of  the  toiling  milliona  to 
awaken  to  their  opportunities  and  take 
that  to  which  they  are  of  right  en- 
titled, the  world's  drones  and  leeches 
are  gasping  for  breath  and  will  soon 
be  past  "Grasping  the  NetUe." 


STATE  OF  ARIZONA  ON  THE  QUESTION 
OP  THE  RECAU. 

The  people  of  Arizona,  who  were 
snubbed  by  President  Taft  to  the  ex- 
tent of  being  compelled  to  remove 
from  their  proposed  constitution  the 
clause  providing  for  the  recall  of  state 
Judges  before  he  would  sign  the  law 
admitting  the  territory  of  Arizona  into 
the  Union  as  a  State,  have  met  his 
challenge  right  royally.  The  legisla- 
ture-of  the  new  state  has  not  only 
passed  a  measure  submitting  the  ques- 
tion for  the  recall  of  its  own  Judiciary, 
when  such  a  procedure  is  deemed 
necessary,  but  in  addition  to  this  has 
enacted  an  Advisory  Recall  for  Fed- 
eral Judges  as  well.  According  to  this 
act,  it  provides  that  "a  popular  peti- 
tion of  15  per  cent,  shall  require  the 
submission  to  popular  vote  of  the 
question  of  requesting  the  resignation 
of  a  District  Judge  of  the  United 
States  for  the  District  of  Arizona,  the 
petition  to  set  forth  the  reasons  in  not 
more  than  200  words;  that  on  the 
same  ballot,  but  separate  from  the 
question,  there  shall  be  placed  the 
names  of  as  many  candidates  for  suc- 
cessor to  such  Judge  as  shall  have  been 
proposed  by  5  per  cent,  petitions;  that 
if  the  recall  of  the  sitting  Judge  Is 
favored  by  a  majority  vote,  the  result 
shall  be  officially  transmitted  to  the 
President  and  the  Senate  of  the 
United  States,  along  with  the  name  of 
the  candidate  receiving  a  majority  of 
the  votes  as  that  of  the  person  recom- 
mended in  case  the  office  becomes  va- 
cant   by    resignation    or    otherwise." 


Here  we  find  an  excellent  answer  to 
the  President's  tirade  against  the  de- 
sire of  the  people  "to  subject  Judges  to 
momentary  gusts  of  popular  passion,*' 
a  theme  he  dwelt  at  some  length  upon 
at  the  time  Arizona  was  seeking  state- 
hood, and  one  that  will  ere  long,  let 
us  hope,  find  similar  modes  of  expres- 
sion in  other  states,  unless  there  is  a 
speedy  reformation  in  the  personnel 
of  those  being  elevated  into  life  tenure 
Judgeships  against  the  will  of  the  peo- 
ple, over  whose  destinies  they  rule 
with  laws  of  their  own  making.  The 
State  of  Arizona  deserves  great  credit 
for  the  advanced  stand  it  has  taken  in 
regard  to  the  question  of  recall  and 
other  states  have  been  afforded  an  ex- 
cellent principle  to  model  after,  from 
the  proposition  now  being  submitted 
to  the  suffragists  of  the  State  of  Ari- 
zona. 


HOTEL  WAITERS  SHOULD  RECEIVE  THE 
HEARTY  SUPPORT  OE  UNION  MEN. 
The  hotel  waiters'  strike  in  the  city 
of  New  York  has  developed  into  a 
siege  quite  beyond  its  initial  propor- 
tions and  is  causing  no  little  amount 
of  commotion  in  that  great  metro- 
politan city.  From  present  indications, 
if  the  managers  of  hotels  there  do  not 
come  to  some  terms  agreeable  to  the 
striking  waiters,  the  strike  will  be  ex- 
tended to  other  cities.  Hotel  waiters 
are  a  class  of  workers  receiving  but 
scant  consideration  from  those  by . 
whom  they  are  employed  and  but  lit- 
tle more  from  the  public  Their  sad 
lot  has  been  to  work  for  a  very  low 
wage,  present  a  pleasant  and  cheerful 
front  at  all  times,  work  irregular  and 
long  hours,  know  much  and  say  little. 
Until  recently  they  have  not  been 
quite  as  conscious  of  the  truth  that 
"In  union  there  is  strength"  as  they 
are  at  present  and,  as  a  result,  dealt 
individually  with  hotel  proprietors 
and  accepted  what  they  felt  disposed 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


442 


JOURNAl.   OF   THB    SWITOHMBN'S 


to  allow  them  for  their  serviceft,  as 
well  as  every  other  condition  they  felt 
disposed  to  impose  upon  them.  That 
they  are  an  essential  feature  of  the 
success  of  such  places  of  'business  is 
self-evident  to  any  one  frequenting 
them,  and  much  more  so  now  to  hotel  ' 
owners  in  New  York  than  ever  before. 
About  three  thousand  waiters  in  the 
hotels  in  that  city  have  banded  their 
interests  together  in  the  struggle  now 
going  on  between  themselves,  on  one 
hand  for  a  better  opportunity  to  live, 
and  the  hotel  proprietors  on  the  other 
to  prevent  them  from  succeeding  in 
their  efforts  to  accomplish  such  pur- 
pose, and  the  siege  of  endurance  now 
going  on  between  them  to  determine 
what  shall  be  the  conditions  under 
which  they  must  work  and  the  pay 
they  are  to  receive  for  their  services 
when  over  with,  tell  the  story  better 
than  it  can  be  done  prior  to  that  time. 
At  present  these  workers  are  meeting 
with  the  same  difficulties  with  which 
all  bodies  of  strikers  are  confronted 
when  endeavoring  to  secure  better 
conditions  under  which  to  work  and 
live.  The  companies  are  determined 
not  to  deal  with  the  men  as  a  brother- 
hood and  refuse  to  recognize  their 
union.  But  even  the  capitalistic  pa- 
pers acknowledge  the  hotel  service  is 
greatly  handicapped  on  account  of  tho 
strike  and  practically  concede  that  the 
business  is  anything  but  normal  on  ac- 
count of  it.  Yet,  true  to  their 
master's  voice,  they  can  give  no  en- 
couragement to  the  strikers  in  their 
just  demands,  but  can  give  ample 
space  to  the  hotel  proprietors  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  scabs  with  which 
to  defeat  the  ends  of  justice  and  right 
now  trying  to  be  obtained  by  the  strik- 
ing  waiters,  whose  efficiency  enables 
them  to  so  well  conserve  the  interests 
of  hotel  owners  and  their  patrons. 
While  decrying  the  strength  of  the 
waiters  and  us'ing  every  known  sub- 


terfuge to  defeat  them,  the  hotels  la 
YOlved  have  experienced  much  difll- 
culty  in  filling  the  places  of  the  men 
who  left  the  dining  rooms.  While  in 
New  York  alone  there  are  thousands 
of  unemployed  asking  for  alms  and  for 
work,  yet  the  proprietors  of  those  hos- 
telries  have  net  been  able  to  find 
amdng  all  the  different  sections  of 
that  great  metropoliton  city  enough 
workers  who  are  willing  to  defile  their 
good  names  and  the  cause  of  honor- 
able labor  principles  to  take  the  places 
of  those  striking  hotel  waiters  and  so, 
driven  to  desperation,  they  have  been 
compelled  to  extent,  their  search  to 
other  cities  for  them.  But  even  in  this 
method  of  getting  them  they  find  a 
serious  handicap  in  their  solicitatious 
to  secure  recruits  willing  to  sacrifice 
their  honor  and  good  name  for  the 
purpose  of  accepting  working  condi- 
tions that  have  been  found  to  be  un- 
bearable to  others  and  which  they 
know  must  become  more  so  if  they  ac- 
cept them. 

Thanks  to  a  growing  code  of  labor 
ethics  the  world  over,  that  is  permeat- 
ing the  minds  of  the  workers  more 
and  more  each  year  with  the  horror  of 
the  idea  that  their  sad  lot  at  best  now 
can  be  improved  by  sacrificing  their 
honor  to  fill  the  places  of  others  try- 
ing to  improve  their  conditions  when 
out  on  a  strike.  When  it  requires  a 
combination  of  the  leading  hostelry 
forces,  the  aid  of  the  mayor  and  an 
army  of  police  to  half  feed  a  small 
company  of  visitors  from  a  couple  of 
German  war  vessels,  it  is  a  pretty  fair 
indication  that  all  is  not  serene  and 
normal  around  gilded  dining  parlors 
in  the  metropolitan  city  of  the  west- 
ern hemisphere.  'So  far,  be  it  said  to 
the  credit  of  the  strikers,  there  has 
been  no  disorder,  only  that  incited  by 
the  police  and  thugs,  and  it  is  always 
a  part  of  the  business  of  proprietors  to 
see  something  started  in  the  way  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP  NORTH  AMERICA. 


448 


di^tuiibance  that  will  place  discredit 
upon  the  workere  when  engacred  in  a 
controversy  of  this  nature..  Present 
indications  are  fairly  good  that  not 
only  will  the  striking  waiters  in  New 
York  be  successful  in  securing  im- 
proved conditions  under  which  to 
work,  hut  that  in  other  cities,  too,  will 
the  waiters  find  themselves  better  off 
on  account  of  it,  for  there  is  much  un- 
rest in  many  other  cities  among  hotel 
waiters  and  it  will  take  but  little  agi- 
tation to  witness  trouble  similar  to 
that  now  so  in  evidence  in  New  York. 
It  has  already  reached  the  learned  city 
of  New  Haven  where  sixty-seven  wait- 
ers of  the  Hotel  Taft  demanded  better 
wage  and  working  conditions.  Here, 
however,  for  the  time  being,  the  pro- 
prietor was  a  little  more  fortunate  in 
one  respect,  inasmuch  as  his  hostelry 
was  located  in  a  college  city  with  the 
advantage  of  a  university  close  by, 
whose  endowments  are  largely  raised 
by  those  whose  donors'  fortunes  were 
swelled  from  exploitation  of  laibor  and 
whose  ethical  and  religious  teachings 
have  not,  during  its  200  years  of  re- 
search for  wisdom,  advanced  to  the 
point  of  recognizing  the  wrong  in 
lowering  the  conditions  of  the  work- 
ers not  able  to  attend  Yale  University. 
So  some  forty  or  more  of  Yale's 
seniors  went  to  the  rescue  of  Mr. 
Merry,  manager  of  the  hotel  in 
trouible,  donned  waiters'  suits  and,  to 
the  literary  degrees  received  from 
their  Alma  Mater,  they  may  now  ap- 
pend another  title — scab.  A  short 
time  ago  Harvard  University  also 
crowned  Itself  with  a  halo  of  honor 
(?)  by  sending  a  class  of  its  students 
drilled  into  the  art  of  soldiery  over  to 
the  city  of  Lawrence,  Mass.,  for  the 
purpose  of  bayonettlng  a  bunch  of 
striking  men,  women  and  girls,  if  or- 
dered to  do  so,  from  the  fact  of  their 
impudence  in  asking  for  an  increase 
of  wages  over  their  princely  salaries 
of   $6   to   $10   dollars   per   week,  the 


woolen  and  cotton  lords  had  in  their 
generosity  allowed  them  as  their  por- 
tion for  the  conversion  of  fabrics  into 
fleeces,  mansions  for  the  lords  and 
hovels  for  the  workers.  So  our  lead- 
ing universities  are  becoming  noted 
not  only  for  ordinary  classic  lore,  but 
for  sources  of  supply  for  scabs  with 
which  to  lower  the  standards  of  civili- 
zation. But  the  striking  hotel  waiters 
know  they  are  right  in  their  struggle 
for  a  better  portion  of  life's  necessi- 
ties, they  are  determined  to  keep  up  the 
fight  for  them  and  if  they  do  and  all 
stick  loyally  together,  not  even  those 
taught  in  the  art  of  scabbery  at 
Harvard,  Yale  and  all  the  other  uni- 
versities, nor  the  despoilers  of  human 
welfare,  the  owners  of  Manhattan  hos- 
telries  can  prevail  against  them.  Thi« 
strike  is  not  only  bringing  to  light  the 
poor  condition  of  the  striking  waiters, 
but  is  affording  the  most  illuminating 
attention  to  the  few  times  used  de- 
lectaible  a  la  carte  served  to  the  highly 
gullible  patrons  of  those  hotels.  In 
this  battle  we  are  learning  something 
of  the  mice  that  infest  pastries,  some 
of  the  rags  that  are  on  the  inside  of 
the  immaculate  waiter's  garbs,  some- 
thing of  the  putrid  meat  and  eggs  that 
enter  the  alimentary  canals  of  hotel 
patrons.  The  waiters'  strike  should  re- 
ceive the  hearty  endorsement  of  all 
organized  labor. 


Have  all  the  members  been  noticing 
the  appearance  of  new  lodges  in  our 
roster  during  the  Iftst  year?  If  not  it 
might  be  well  to  observe  the  trend  of 
our  onward  march.  During  the  last 
twelve  months  there  have  been  organ- 
ized and  re-organized  into  this  union 
16  new  lodges,  and  during  the  same 
period  of  time  four  have  become  de- 
funct. This  leaves  a  net  gain  of  12 
lodges  within  this  time.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  very  dull  times  the  organiza- 
tion has  had  to  contend  with  during 
this  time,  there  have  been  many  new 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


444 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


members  admitted  into  the  union,  and 
the  net  gain  would  have  been  quite 
large  had  there  been  no  suspensions 
in  the  meantime,  and  even  as  it  was 
we  have  held  our  own  and  gained  some. 
The  gains,  however,  would  always 
make  a  much  better  showing  if  the 
proper  effort  was  exerted  to  keep  all 
our  members  in  good  standing  when 
once  they  have  been  admitted  into  the 
union.  Many  new  members  fail  to 
comprehend  the  full  importance  of 
keeping  in  good  standing  all  the  while 
and  as  the  result  many  of  them  allow 
themselves  to  become  suspended  ere 
long,  to  the  detriment  of  both  them- 
selves and  the  union.  All  members 
working  with  our  newly-made  broth- 
ers should  make  it  a  point  to  con- 
stantly impress  upon  their  minds  the 
importance  of  always  keeping  in  good 
standing. 


In  lodge  work,  as  in  any  other,  to 
get  the  best  results,  there  must  of 
necessity  be  unity  of  action  among  thie 
members.  While  it  is  beyond  the  pos- 
sibilities to  expect  a  unanimous  agree- 
ment upon  every  question  pertaining 
to  the  affairs  that  come  before  lodges 
for  action,  yet  there  should  be  a  con- 
scientious and  fair  discussion  of  them 
by  all  the  members,  after  which  they 
should  be  submitted  to  a  vote,  and 
whichever  view,  as  expressed  by  the 
majority  vote,  should  become  the  pol- 
icy, and  all  should  accept  the  verdict 
in  good  faith  and  enter  into  a  har- 
monious effort  to  carrj'  out  the  will  of 
the  ruling  until  such  time  as  the  ques- 
tion is  reconsidered  and  changed 
again.  In  this  work,  as  in  any  other, 
due  regard  should  be  shown  for  th«i 
opinions  of  others,  however  much  at 
variance  they  may  be  with  ours.  Every 
member  should  be  credited  with  hav- 
ing sincere  motives,  even  though,  at 
times,  radically  different  from  others. 
If  all  will  come  out  to  their  meetings 
and  enter  into  an  earnest  anxiety  for 


the  best  means  of  promoting  the  gen- 
eral welfare  there  will,  as  a  result,  be 
such  a  blending  and  welding  together 
of  mutual  opinion  and  understanding 
as  will  reduce  dissension  and  friction 
to  their  lowest  minimum  and  forge 
harmony  and  sane  activity  to  the 
front  But  continued  inactivity,  ab- 
sence from  your  lodge  and  the  nursing 
of  grudges  will  never  cure  your  ills, 
whether  imaginary  or  reaL 


It  is  said  the  annual  report  of  the 
White  Star  Line,  the  corporation  that 
owned  the  Titanic  steamship,  shows 
the  dividends  for  the  year  1911  were 
60  per  cent,  on  the  capital  invested. 
With  such  a  tribute  wrung  from  the 
international  traveling  public  over 
high  seas,  it  is  but  little  wonder  there 
was  an  insufficiency  of  life  boats  upon 
her  to  furnish  an  opportunity  for  all 
aboard  her  being  placed  in  one,  when 
an  iceberg  had  made  it  certain  she 
must  soon  sink.  As  long  as  the  ques- 
tion and  practice  of  preservation  of 
life  is  subordinated  to  that  of  divi- 
dends just  that  long  will  there  be  utter 
disregard  for  safety. 


Secretary  of  State  Knox  has  for- 
warded to  the  different  states  the  au- 
thority to  submit  the  proposition  for  or 
against  an  amendment  to  the  constitu- 
tion placing  the  power  of  the  election 
of  United  States  senators  in  the  bal- 
lots of  the  entire  citizenship  of  the 
states,  instead  of  in  those  of  their  rep- 
resentatives in  the  state  legislatures. 
It  has  required  years  of  agitation  on 
the  part  of  those  believing  in  real  de- 
mocracy to  get  this  question  submitted 
to  the  states  for  a  test  expression  of 
opinion  upon  it.  The  continual  criti- 
cism and  agitation  on  the  part  of  the 
workers  of  the  country,  however,  have 
finally  succeeded  to  the  point  of  hav- 
ing their  state  representatives  decide 
the  matter,  and    since   there  was   so 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


445 


much  more  strength  developed  in  fa- 
vor of  it  in  Congress  than  ever  before, 
there  would  appear  to  be  but  little 
doubt  but  that  it  should  receive  the 
sanction  of  three-fourths  of  the  legis- 
latures of  the  states,  the  number  re- 
quired to  sanction  it  before  it  becomes 
an  amendment  to  the  Constitution. 

There  will  doubtless  be  much  objec- 
tion to  this  proposition,  however,  by 
capitalists  and  corporate  influences, 
and  it  behooves  the  hosts  of  labor  and 
all  others  who  believe  the  people 
should  elect  all  governmental  officials, 
to  keep  up  the  agitation  and  impress 
upon  their  representatives  in  the  legis- 
latures of  their  respective  states,  their 
desires  that  this  principle  become  a 
part  of  our  constitution,  as  it  should 
have  been  from  the  time  of  the  foun- 
dation of  the  government 


time  now  that  the  workers  were  get- 
ting wise  to  it,  and  they  are  more  and 
more  as  the  years  go  by. 


Things  will  never  be  brighter  for 
those  who  do  the  world's  work,  only 
as  the  union  workers  gain  the  respect 
that  is  due  them,  through  a  united  and 
persistent  effort  through  their  unions. 
It  is  only  by  this  means  and  the  proper 
use  of  the  ballot,  al^o  unitedly  applied 
through  the  hosts  of  organized  labor, 
is  there  any  hope  of  the  workers  of 
the  world  securing  that  degree  of  Jus- 
tice which  is  due  them.  For  ages 
they  have  relied  on  others  to  arrange 
fair  conditions,  but  they'll  never  be 
realized  only  as  the  result  of  forcing 
its  demands  and  need  to  the  front  and 
crystalizing  them  into  active  working 
majorities  in  workshops  and  at  the 
ballot  booths. 


It  is  well  demonstrated  all  through 
history  that  the  workers  get  only  what 
they  take.  There  is  an  abundance  of 
life*s  blessings  here  for  all  workers. 
It's  placed  here  for  them  and  when 
they  get  educated  to  the  point  of  tak- 
ing it,  it's  theirs.  Men  of  big  business 
have  been  wise  to  this  for  ages.    It  is 


Labor  unions  are  founded  on  busi- 
ness and  legal  principles,  and  every 
member  is  a  shareholder  on  a  par  witn 
all  other  members  in  them.  In  no 
ether  form  of  society  is  there  a  greater 
or  fairer  distribution  of  stockholders 
or  profits  than  in  labor  unions.  There- 
fore every  workman  should  affiliate 
himself  with  the  one  representing  his 
vocation  and  become  an  active  entity 
therein. 


Non-union  workers  who  have  not 
courage  or  principle  to  join  a  union 
representing  their  vocations,  yet  who 
have  the  nerve  to  accept  all  advant- 
ages and  increased  remuneration  re- 
sulting from  the  expense  and  sacri- 
fices of  union  men  with  whom  they 
work,  are  mighty  small  worth  to  civ- 
ilization— Just  about  as  much  as  those 
who  visit  your  chicken  roosts  at  night. 
But  at  that  we  should  continue  to  try 
to  convince  them  of  the  error  of  their 
way,  and  convert  them  to  a  better 
sense  of  duty. 


The  Locomotive  EiUgineers  on  the 
Grand  Trunk  System  in  Canada  and 
the  United  States  have  recently  been 
granted  a  three-year  wage  and  work- 
ing schedule,  carrying  with  it  in- 
creased wages  ranging  from  9  to  11 
per  cent.  In  order  to  raise  the  money 
with  which  to  defray  this  increased 
burden  of  expense  the  wages  of  con- 
ductors, baggagemen  and  brakemen 
were  reduced  approximately  21  per 
cent  on  47  of  the  Canadian  branch 
line  runs,  or  at  least  we  suppose  so, 
since  the  increases  and  reductions  oc- 
curred about  the  same  time. 


Every  honorable  man  employed  as  a 
switchman  or  switchtender  is  eligible 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


446 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


to  membership  into  this  union  and  it 
is  the  duty,  as  it  should  be  the  pleas- 
ure of  each  of  our  members  to  try  to 
get  the  fellow  who  works  with  you 
into  the  union  if  he  is  not  already  a 
member. 


August  JouBNAL  will  coutaiu  lodge 
roster.  It  is,  therefore,  important  that 
lodges  having  made  changes  in  meet- 
ing places,  or  changes  in  their  officers 
since  February  roster  was  published, 
send  in  such  changes  at  once,  so  they 
will  appear  correctly  in  roster.  Where 
no  changes  have  been  sent  in  they  will 
appear  as  they  did  in  February  Jour- 
nal. 


From  Vktt-Prasident  Connors. 

Mobile,  Ala.,  June  10,  1912. 
EiDiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  notice  in  the  iMay  number  of  the 
Joubnal  a  letter  from  J.  A.  Kimbro, 
dated  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  signing  him- 
self chairman  G.  G.  C,  B.  of  R.  T.,  N. 
C.  St.  Li.  system.  He  attempts  to  dis- 
credit a  statement  made  by  me  in  the 
March  issue  of  our  Joubnal  in  refer- 
ence to  the  rates  of  pay  paid  to  switch- 
men on  the  N.  C.  ft  St.  L.  R.  R.  He 
claims  that  the  statement  was  errone- 
ous. 

To  prove  that  I  am  right  I  will  here 
give  a  list  of  the  yards  named  in  the 
schedule  on  that  road  and  the  rates 
of  pay  and  the  hours  worked.  This 
schedule  is  signed  by  John  W.  Thomas, 
Jr.,  general  manager  and  €.  B.  Mad- 
dox,  chairman  G.  G.  C,  B.  of  R.  T.. 
and  J.  A.  Kimbro,  secretary  G.  G.  C, 
B.  of  R.  T.  I  am  also  mailing  a  copy 
of  this  schedule  to  the  editor  to  show 
that  I  am  quoting  facts,  commencing 
on  page  >8  and  continuing  on  page  9 
as  follows: 

Marietta  Yard — On  and  after  July  1, 
1910,  helpers  will  receive  $62.60  per 
month,  to  work  Sundays  if  necessary 
without  extra  compensation.  Over- 
time after  twelve  hours. 

Dalton  Yard — On  and  after  July  1 
1910,  helpers  $62.50  per  month,  to 
work  Sundays  if  necessary  without  ex- 
tra comipenBation.  Overtime  after 
twelve  hours. 

Cartersville  Yard — On  and  after 
July  1, 1910,  helpers,  $67.60  per  month. 


to  work  Sundays  if  necessary  with- 
out extra  compensation.  Overtime 
after  twelve  hours. 

Rome  Yard-^On  and  after  July  1, 
1910,  helpers,  $1.60  per  day.  Overtime 
after  twelve  hours. 

Decherd  Yard — On  and  after  July  1, 
IdlO,  brakemen,  $6^2.60  per  month;  on 
and  after  April  1,  1911,  $66.50  per 
month.  To  work  Sundays  if  necessary 
without  extra  compensation.  Over, 
time  after  twelve  hours. 

Munfreesboro  Yard— On  and  after 
July  1,  19*10,  foremen,  $62.50  per 
month;  helpers,  $62.60  per  month;  to 
work  Sundays  if  necessary  without  ex- 
tra compensation.  Overtime  after 
twelve  hours. 

Dickson  Yard-^On  and  after  July 
1,  1910,  brakemen,  $66.30  per  month; 
on  and  after  April  1,  1911,  $69.30  per 
month.     Overtime  after  twelve  hours. 

Martin  Yard — On  and  after  July  1, 
1910,  foremen,  $3.30  per  day.  Over- 
time after  twelve  hours. 

Jackson  Yard — On  and  after  July 
1,  1:910,  foremen,  $2.60  per  day;  help- 
ers, $2j20  per  day;  to  be  paid  for  every 
day  in  the  month.  Overtime  after 
twelve  hours. 

Paducah  Yard — On  and  after  July  1, 
1910,  foremen,  $3.20  per  day;  helpers, 
$2.90  per  day.  To  be  paid  for  every 
day  in  the  month;  overtime  after 
twelve  hours. 

Nashville  Shop  .Yard — On  and  after 
July  1,  1910,  foremen^  $3.50  per  day; 
helpers,  $3.10  per  day;  overtime  after 
twelve  hours. 

Hunt»ville  Yard — On  and  after  July 
1,  1)910,  foremen,  $80.00  per  month; 
switchmen,  $69.00  per  month.  Over- 
time after  twelve  hours.  When  run 
out  on  line  to  be  paid  at  overtime 
rates  after  working  time.  To  work 
Sundays  if  necessary  without  extra 
compensation. 

Article  11  reads  as  follows:  There 
shall  be  two  classes  of  yards — ^"A"  and 
*^B" — and  the  rates  on  and  after  July 
1,  1910,  shall  be  as  follows  for  yard 
conductors  or  foremen:  Class  "A,** 
3i8c  per  hour;  Class  "B,"  36c  per  h6ur. 
Nights,  Class  "A*"— Foremen,  40c  per 
hour;    Class  "B,"  3i7c  per  hour. 

Yard  helpers,  switchmen  or  brake- 
men,  Class  '1A"  (days)— 36c  per  hour; 
Class  "B,"  32c  per  hour;  Nights.  Class 
"A,"  37c  per  hour;  Class  "B,"  84c  per 
hour. 

Ten  hours  or  less  to  constitute  a 
day;    overtime  pro  rata.     Less  than 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


447 


fifteen  minutes  nothing;  over  fifteen 
minutes,  one-half  hour;  over  thirty 
minutes^  one  hour;  over  one  hour, 
two  hours,  etc.  The  following  yard 
belongs  to  Class  "^A,"  Memphis.  The 
following  yards  ibelong  to  class  "B," 
Atlanta  and  Chattanooga. 

In  employing  yardmasters  and  as- 
sistant yardmasters,  oldest  men  in 
yard  service  will  be  given  considera- 
tion. 

In  1007  the  switchmen  on  the  N. 
C.  &  St  L.  went  on  strike.  They  were 
members  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  and  their 
brothers  (brakemen)  left  their  trains 
and  went  into  the  yards  and  took  the 
places  of  the  switchmen  and  defeated 
them  in  getting  an  increase  in  pay. 

But,  after  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  estab- 
lished the  standard  rate  for  switch- 
men in  1910,  Mr.  Thomas  did  the  same 
as  most  other  eaetern  roads.  In  order 
to  prevent  the  switchmen  from  Join- 
ing this  union  he  gave  them  an  in- 
crease in  wages.  Switchmen  on  the 
N.  C.  ft  St  L.  have  complained  to  me 
on  account  of  the  big  assessments 
they  are  paying  and  claim  that  they 
do  not  know  what  it  is  for.  It  may 
be  to  pay  Kimbro  for  writing  lying 
and  misleading  letters  to  the  Switch- 
men's JOUBNAL. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Jas.  B.  Connors. 


nygicne  TlMk  raicd. 

•*They  say  that  the  reaction  and 
aiter-glow  of  cold  morning  baths  are 
an  infallible  cure  for  neuralgia,"  said 
Mr.  Shivers. 

"Cold  water,  right  out  of  the  tap?" 
cried  Mrs.  Shivers. 

Mr.  Shivers  smiled  a  superior  smile. 

"It  is  not  one  freezing  plunge,  but 
a  gradual  immersion,  while  you  slowly 
count  six.  Like  this:  One,  and  you 
put  in  one  foot;  two,  you  put  in  the 
other;  three,  you  sink  on  one  knee; 
four,  you  kneel  on  both;  five,  you 
plunge  in  your  arms;  six,  you  im- 
merse your  body.  Yes.  I  shall  certain- 
ly try  It  tomorrow  morning." 

Slowly  and  reluctantly  at  the  ap- 
pointed time  Mr.  Shivers  crept  from 
his  warm  bed,  silently  casting  a  look 
of  reproach  on  his  smiling  spouse,  and 
into  the  bath  room,  and  after  a  time 
she  heard  him  say: 

"0-o-onne!  Ouch!  Oh!  T-w-o-o. 
Ow,  ow,  ow,  ow!     Th-th-th-three!"  fol- 


lowed by  a  blood-curdling  yell  and  a 
tremendous  splash.  Then  there  was  a 
succession  of  agonised  yells,  and  what 
Mrs.  Shivers  at  first  took  for  a  streak 
of  lightning  fiashed  out  of  the  bath- 
room, plunged  into  bed,  and  rolled  it- 
self tightly  up  in  the  sheets. 

"Why,  Jeremiah!"  gasped  Mrs. 
Shivers. 

Mr.  Shivers  simply  glared  and  shiv- 
ered. "Woman!"  he  roared,  when  he 
had  controlled  his  chattering  teeth, 
"did  you  put  that  lump  of  soap  in  the 
bottom  of  the  bath  on  purpose?" — Ex, 


•To  Labor/' 

(Air— "Maryland.") 
Shall    you    complain    who    feed    the 

world? 
Who  clothe  the  world,  who  house  the 

world? 
Shall  you  complain  who  are  the  world, 
Of  what  the  world  may  do? 

As  from  this  hour  you  use  your  pow'r 
The  world  must  follow  you! 

As  from  this  hour  you  use  your  pow'r 
The  world  must  follow  you! 

The  world's  life  hangs  on  your  right 

hand. 
Your  strong  right  hand,  your  skilled 

right  hand. 
You   hold   the   whole   world    in   your 

hand. 
See  to  it  what  you  do! 

Or  dark  or  light,  or  wrong  or  right, 

The  world  is  made  by  you! 
Or  dark  or  light,  or  wrong  or  right. 

The  world  is  made  by  you! 

Then  rise  as  you  ne'er  rose  before. 
Nor  hoped  before,  nor  dared  before, 
And  show  as  ne'er  was  shown  before 
The  power  that  lies  in  you! 

Stand  all  as  one  till  right  is  done! 

Believe  and  dare  and  do! 
Stand  all  as  one  till  right  is  done! 

Believe  and  dare  and  do! 

— Charlotte  Perkins  Oilman, 


Judge — "Your  wife  complains  that 
for  three  years  you  never  spoke  to  her. 
What  reason  can  you  assign  for  such 
conduct?" 

Defendant— "I  didn't  want  to  inter- 
rupt her." — Ex. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


GoBMDvaioatloKS  for  tk*  JOUKNAL  m«st  b*  noolvadl  BBPOKB 
ihm  lAtk  of  tko  moatk  to  tararo  pvbUootloa.    All  Gob 
tfoas  for  tko  JOURNAL   m«st  bo  oooompoBlodl   by  tho 
of  tho  soador.  oad   writtoa  oaly  oa  oao  sldo  of  th 


Teire  llBule,  Ind.— No.  94. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Well,  brothers,  our  little  pink  book 
is  again  on  top,  and  it  is  with  pleasure 
and  pride  that  we  can  boast  of  the  fact 
that,  as  usual,  it  is  full  from  start  to 
finish  with  very  interesting  and  in- 
structive matter  on  topics  of  the  day, 
most  interesting  to  switchmen.  We 
are  pleased  to  see  so  many  letters  from 
the  brothers  of  Chicago  district  It 
shows  that  the  brothers  there  are 
wide-awake  and  on  the  job.  Now,  why 
is  it  that  many  of  the  brothers 
throughout  the  country  cannot  copy 
from  their  example,  get  their  light 
from  under  the  bushel,  come  out  into 
the  limelight  and  let  the  people  know 
they  are  alive  and  on  the  job. 

With  the  number  of  local  lodges  we 
now  have,  and  our  membership,  it 
shouldn't  be  any  trouble  nor  work  any 
hardship  on  the  brothers  to  make  our 
Journal  the  equal,  if  not  the  peer  of 
all  labor  journals.  For  we  are  sure 
there  are  just  as  much  brains  and  abll 
ity  amongst  the  switchmen  of  this 
country,  as  amongst  any  like  number 
of  men  engaged  at  any  line  of  work. 

We  arc  pleased  to  note  the  number 
of  brothers  who  are  agitating  the 
question  of  changes  in  our  constitu- 
tion for  the  betterment  of  all  con- 
cerned, and  now  is  the  time  for  all 
brothers  to  post  themselves  on  all  the 
points  therein  and  be  prepared  to  send 
their  delegate  to  our  next  convention 
well  instructed  as  to  this  matter. 

Well,  all  hail  to  the  brothers  of  the 
Lake  Shore  railway  and  may  the  good 
work  go  on. 

We  wish  to  congratulate  the  broth- 
ers on  the  N.  Y.,  C.  &  St  L.  on  secur- 
ing a  favorable  agreement  with  this 
road.  Now  let  a  few  more  stunts  like 
those  be  pulled  off.  Compare  them 
with  the  stunt  but  lately  pulled  oft  by 


the  two  boasted  big  orders  on  the 
Grand  Trunk.  If  you  do,  then  we 
think  all  men  employed  in  the  switch- 
ing service  will  certainly  get  the  dust 
out  of  their  eyes  and  be  able  to  see  to 
which  order  they  should  belong  and 
be  protected  by  the  only  order  that  has 
never  shown  the  white  feather. 

Lodge  94  is  still  taking  in  new  tim- 
ber at  every  meeting.  The  Frisco  yard 
i8  almost  solid  S.  U.  and  the  Vandalia 
is  gaining  ground  rapidly. 

We  are  sorry  to  say  the  S.  U.  Is  in 
the  minority  in  the  Big  Four  yards 
up  to  date,  but  we  are  in  hopes  the 
shoe  will  be  on  the  other  foot  some 
day.  We  have  several  of  the  no  bills 
nibbling  at  the  balb  and  hope  to  be 
able  to  land  them  soon. 

How  men  can  work  right  along, 
seemingly  contented,  without  any  pro- 
tection for  themselves  as  to  the  wel- 
fare of  themselves  and  families,  while 
in  life,  and  above  all  the  welfare  of 
loved  ones  left  behind  should  they  be 
called  from  them  by  death,  is  above 
my  comprehension  to  say. 

Well,  brothers,  as  it  is  growing  near 
to  a  political  campaign  we  should  all 
make  it  a  personal  study  as  to  what 
we  want;  then  quiz  our  different  can- 
didates for  congressional  and  state  leg- 
islative honors;  find  out  if  possible 
the  ones  most  favorable  to  the  cause 
of  labor,  and  support  them  regardless 
of  party. 

We  hear  at  this  time  a  great  fteal  of 
complaint  as  regards  the  so-called  ad- 
verse legislation,  both  national  and 
state,  as  working  serious  hardships 
upon  the  railway  systems  of  this  coun- 
try ahd  especially  the  Full  Crew  BilL 
And  we  are  pleased  to  be  able  to  say  in 
truth  that  the  large  majority  of  the 
complaints  come  from  and  are  set 
forth  by  members  of  the  oflldal  ftunily 
very  close  to  the  foot  of  the  ladder  of 
officialdom  and  from  those  not  in  posi- 


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UNION  OF  NOI^TH  AMBRIGA. 


449 


lion  to  know  the  benefits  of  the  full 
crew,  especially  the  third  switchman 
with  yard  engines. 

Now,  we  of  the  switching  service 
know  to  a  certainty,  and  are  ready  to 
prove  the  same  in  debate  at  any  time, 
that  the  third  man  with  a  switch  en- 
gine, be  he  an  experienced,  competent 
and  trustworthy  man,  can  more  than 
save  the  additional  expense  to  the 
company  every  day  in  the  way  of  ex- 
pediting the  work  and  the  saving  of 
damage  to  couplers  and  air  hose,  by 
seeing  that  all  knuckles  are  open  and 
in  proper  position  to  couple,  at  all 
times.  Now,  the  writer  can  call  to 
memory  an  argument  we  had  at  one 
time  with  a  division  superintendent  as 
to  the  third  man  with  a  yard  engine. 
We  had  but  two  engines,  one  day  and 
one  nis^t  The  business  had  increased 
to  such  an  extent  that  the  work  liad 
gone  beyond  our  reach  and  we  were 
making  a  fight  for  the  third  engine. 
He  seemed  to  think  this  out  of  the 
question,  and  as  there  were  but  two 
men  with  each  engine  we  put  up  the 
proposition  of  a  third  man  with  the 
engines  to  expedite  the  work.  He,  at 
first,  scofied  at  the  proposition  as  pre- 
posterous, but  finally  agreed  to  give 
OS  the  third  man,  provided  we  could 
prove  to  him  that  an  engine  could  ac- 
complish more  with  three  tfian  two 
men.  We  then  said,  well  let  us  have 
the  third  man  now,  and  proceeded  to 
explain,  and  in  about  fifteen  minutes 
had  permission  to  put  on  the  third 
man  and  have  had  three  men  ever 
since  with  the  engines.  This  was  in 
the  early  'eighties  and  the  day  of  the 
link  and  pin. 

Let  them  kick.  We  all  know,  from 
past  experience,  that  they  will  finally 
see  the  good  points  and  the  benefits  of 
this  and  other  legislation  to  come,  as 
they  have  learned  from  past  legisla- 
tion. We  can  but  surmise  the  cost  to 
railroad  companies  in  fighting  past 
legislation,  and  we  venture  to  say  that 
should  the  people  undertake  to  repeal 
the  law  enforcing  the  absolute  use. of 
the  air  brake  in  all  cars,  the  expulsion 
of  the  heating  stove,  and  oil  lamp  from 
passenger  trains,  the  adoption  of 
steam  heat  and  gas  or  electricity  for 
lighting  purposes,  along  with  the  au- 
tomatic couplers  on  all  cars»  making 
it  possible  to  handle  the  enorxi&ous  in- 
crease  of  tonnage  which  would  un- 
doubtedly be  impossible  with  the  use 
of  the  old  link  and  pin  system.    The 


railroad  companies  of  this  country 
would,  without  a  doubt,  gladly  double 
the  amount  spent  to  prevent  the  repeal 
ot  existing  laws  and  conditions  forced 
upon  them. 

Well,  in  closing,  will  say  I  have  but 
three  short  years  to  continue  in  the 
switching  service,  as  I  will  be  retired 
on  account  of  my  age,  should  I  live  un- 
til then.  I  am  in  hopes,  for  the  sake 
of  the  switchman  in  general  that  the 
eight-hour  day  and  fifty  cents  per  hour 
will  be  in  vogue  before  that  time. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Goodwin,  Lodge  94. 


Cast  BakmnM,  Cal.-No.  43. 

Editob  SwrrcHMBN's  Joxtbnal: 

Economic  conditions  are  perpetuated 
by  whom?  In  all  magazines,  news- 
papers, and  in  fact  in  all  the  different 
lines  of  journalism  today  one  of  the 
subjects  occupying  the  moat  prom- 
inent places  is  trade-unionism.  None 
dispute  the  right  of  workers  to  organ- 
ize, nor  do  any  dispute  the  necessity 
of  organization.  So  general  is  the  idea 
of  unioniam  and  so  favorably  has  it  ' 
been  accepted  that  even  its  most  bitter 
enemies  are  compelled  to  concede  that 
much  while  they  pretend  to  direct 
their  fighting  forces  against  the  unions 
that  they  are  pleased  to  term  dishon- 
orable ones.  Of  course,  these  dishon- 
orable unions  are  always  that  that  fol- 
low the  lines  for  which  they  were  all 
organized,  endeavoring  to  improve  the 
conditions  under  which  their  mem- 
bers work  and  live,  while  those  that 
have  not  withstood  the  test  of  confiict 
and  have  weakened  to  that  extent  that 
they  permit  the  employing  class  to  dic- 
tate to  them  Just  as  the  individuals 
would  be  dictated  to  did  the  union  not 
exist,  I  say  such  unions  as  these  are 
the  honorable  kind. 

But  while  all  the  different  elements 
are  discussing  the  different  phases  of 
unionism  there  is  one  phase  of  the 
subject  that  is  almost  forgottten.  In 
official  organs  of  most  unions  we  sel- 
dom read  any  encouragement  to  the 
members  to  assist  members  of  other 
unions.  A  few  weeks  ago  I  was  one 
day  purchasing  a  pair  of  shoes  in  a 
local  store  and  was  advised  by  a  clerk 
to  buy  a  pair  of  shoes  which  had  been 
reduced  about  40  per  cent,  in  price. 
I  looked  in  the  shoe  and  found  no  label. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


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JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITCHMBirB 


Turning  to  the  clerk  I  asked  if  he  were 
not  a  member  of  the  Retail  Clerk's 
Union,  whereupon  he  produced  a  card 
and  asBured  me  that  he  was.  In  the 
ensuing  conversation  I  learned  that 
man  sincerely  considered  himself  a 
true-blue  union  man.  He  was  paid  up 
to  date,  he  attended  all  meetings  of 
the  union,  he  talked  unionism  and  in- 
sisted that  it  was  proper  for  all  union 
men  when  entering  a  store  to  demand 
the  union  cards  of  the  clerks  who  of- 
fered to  wait  upon  them.  Is  this  a  fair 
example  of  the  American  union  man? 
I  sorrowfully  agree,  it  is. 

A  writer  recently  said  that  eco- 
nomic conditions  were  created  by  those 
who  supported  them.  If  this  is  true, 
the  very  conditions  that  we  are  organ- 
ized to  fight  against  are  kept  in  exist- 
ence by  our  own  support.  Now,  what 
are  we  going  to  do  about  it? 

Many  paid-up-to-date  union  men  con- 
tend that  some  of  the  best  articles  we 
must  buy  are  non-union  made,  while 
many  of  the  union-made  articles  are 
inferior.  There  is  much  truth  in  this 
statement,  and  it  is  surely  to  be  re- 
gretted, and  if  the  union  label  is 
ignored  in  the  future  as  it  has  been  in 
the  past  we  can  expect  in  the  future 
to  see  more  truth  in  the  statement 
than  we  have  in  the  past,  because  it 
can  be  plainly  seen  by  a  child  that  if 
all  union  men  practice  bu3ring  where 
they  receive  the  best  material,  greatest 
value  for  money  expended,  without  re- 
spect to  union  workmanship,  they  will 
thereby  deal  the  death-blow  to  the 
union  label.  They  will  cast  away  the 
most  useful  weapon  the  organized  la- 
bor ever  held  in  its  right  hand.  (One 
exception,  the  ballot). 

It  will  be  admitted  that  to  buy  an 
inferior  article  that  is  priced  the  same 
as  its  superior  is  a  rather  hard  thing 
to  do,  especially  by  one  who  has  at  no 
time  money  enough  to  buy  all  the 
necessities  of  life.  Yet,  how  many 
union  men  are  there  who  will  patron- 
ize a  scab  barber  shop? 

The  same  principle  is  here  involved. 
A  union  man  is  seldom  seen  who  will 
go  to  the  business  place  of  a  scab  and 
deal  directly  with  the  scab,  but  about 
99  per  cent  of  union  men  will  go  to  a 
store  and  accept  goods  that  were  pro- 
duced by  scabs  in  some  sca/b  mill  or 
factory  at  some  point  across  the  coun- 
try. 

No  union  is  strong  enough  to  suc- 


cessfully combat  capital  without  any 
support  from  other  unions.  To  de- 
mand union-made  goods  always  is  the 
greatest  support  that  union  labor  can 
be  given,  and  if  at  times  we  are  re- 
quired to  receive  goods  that  are  not 
quite  the  best  we  must  acc^t  them 
anyway.  The  label  is  worth  lots  to 
us,  and  the  label  on  the  article  makes 
the  article  more  valuable  to  us  than 
leather,  cotton  or  wool  of  a  little  bet- 
ter grade  would  make  it 

So,  brothers,  some  of  you  who  con- 
tribute so  generously  to  our  Journal 
each  month,  please  mention  occasion- 
ally the  necessity  of  supporting  other 
unions.  Remember  that  your  brothers 
in  Southern  California,  or  those  in 
Oregon  or  Illinois  are  not  half  so 
much  interested  in  the  annual  ball  you 
gave  last  month  in  New  York  as  they 
are  in  the  work  you  are  doing  to  fur- 
ther the  interests  of  the  world  of  la- 
bor. 

Let  us  all  support  the  grand  cause 
of  collectivism.  Instruct  your  wives, 
mothers,  sisters  and  sweethearts  to  de- 
mand goods  that  are  placed  on  the 
market  by  employers  who  respect  our 
rights  to  life  and  happiness.  Teach 
them  the  difference  between  unionism 
and  scabism.  Teach  them  the  differ- 
ence between  the  conditions  under 
which  recognized  workers  live  and 
those  under  which  scabs  live.  Teach 
them  the  differences  between  the  only 
two  powerful  forces  in  modem  civillz- 
ation-^Labor  and  Capital.  There  will 
soon  be  an  awakening,  goods  of  su- 
perior quality  will  bear  the  union  la- 
bel, and  in  front  of  numerous  shops 
will  1>e  seen  large  signs  reading  like 
this: 

:     Pull  Stock  of  Union-Made     : 
:  Goods.  : 


Jfid.— No.146. 

Sditob  SwrrcHMEN's  Joubnal: 

While  sitting  around  the  house  en- 
deavoring  to  recover  from  an  opera- 
tion and  not  yet  able  to  hit  the  foot- 
board, I  thought  I  would  spend  a  few 
minute;  tning  to  fill  up  a  qpace  in  oar 
July  Journal. 

I  believe  that  our  organization  is  in- 
creasing every  month.  I  say  this  from 
the  conversations  that  I  have  had  late- 


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UNION  OF  NOmnH  AlODRICA. 


451 


ly  with  the  brothers  that  pass  through 
the  Hoosier  capital,  and  I  believe  I  see 
all  of  them  and  they  all  speak  tovor- 
ably  of  the  organization.  It  also  seems 
as  if  some  of  the  boys  switching  cars 
around  here  have  opened  their  eyes,  as 
our  membership  in  this  locality  has  in- 
creased some  and  prospects  look  fair 
for  a  larger  increase.  I  must  say» 
however,  that  we  owe  our  prosperity 
here  zi^ostly  to  four  of  our  new  broth- 
er8»  namely,  Arnold,  Criswell,  Baker 
and  Moore,  who  have  worked  hard  for 
us.  I  am  sorry  to  say,  however,  that. 
Bros.  (Arnold  and  Criswell  have  left 
this  locality,  but  we  live  in  hopes  that 
they  will  return  in  the  near  future  and 
start  to  work  for  us  again  where  they 
left  off. 

On  llay  21st  we  were  informed  of 
the  death  of  Bro.  D.  Hughes  of  Lodgo 
No.  2X,  who  came  to  this  city  and 
went  to  the  City  Hospital  unbeknown 
to  any  of  us  and  passed  away  on  the 
day  following  his  admittance  to  the 
hospital.  We  had  a  hard  time  to  lo- 
cate any  of  his  relatives,  but  finally  got 
in  communication  with  a  brother  in 
St  Louis,  who  told  us  to  bury  the  body 
here,  which  we  did  on  May  27th.  At 
this  writing  I  cannot  say  whether  the 
deceased  had  any  other  relatives  or 
not,  but  would  be  pleased  to  hear  from 
any  brother  who  knows  of  any  other 
relatives. 

I  guess  if  I  follow  the  style  of  let- 
ters in  our  JouBNAL  of  late,  I  will  have 
to  say  something  about  holding  our 
conventions.  I  for  one  believe  that  a 
convention  every  four  yoars  is  all  right; 
if  not  four,  make  it  three  years  apart. 
I  am  also  in  favor  of  holding  them  in 
one  place  and,  of  course,  I  naturally 
feel  that  Indianapolis  is  that  place  for 
the  convention,  also  the  headquarters 
of  this  order,  as  it  is  in  nearer  reach 
of  all  than  any  place  on  the  map.  In 
regard  to  a  delegate  to  our  convention 
I  believe  that  we  know  who  can  best 
represent  us  and  as  long  as  a  brother 
pays  his  dues  in  a  local  and  we  see  fit 
to  make  him  a  delegate,  we  should 
have  a  right  to  do  so,  regardless  of 
whether  he  is  in  active  service  or  not. 
I  also  believe  that  one  delegate  from 
each  local  is  enough  and  let  him  vote 
the  strength  of  his  lodge. 

Well,  brothers,  I  have*  written  a 
great  deal  more  than  I  intended  and  1 
guess  I  have  not  said  very  much,  but 
I  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that 
it  will  help  fill  up  the  Joubnal  and 


maybe  get  someone  else  started.  I 
know  that  there  are  any  number  of 
brothers  who  never  16ok  at  the  Joub- 
NAL,  but  I  will  say  here  that  I  believe 
if  some  of  these  would  read  it  for  a 
couple  of  months  that  they  would  get 
intereeted  and  look  forward  to  its  ar- 
rival each  month  with  pleasure.  Wish- 
ing success  to  all  the  officers  and  broth* 
ers,  I  am 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

H.  L.  HiOKS. 


Chicago,  in.— No.  79. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

This  year'A  Memorial  Day  is  now 
history,  but  the  spirit  of  respect  and 
admiration  that  manifested  itself  on 
that  occasion  in  this  city  was  a  splen- 
did exhibition  of  respect  from  the  liv- 
ing in  recounting  the  virtues  and 
noble  characteristics  of  our  brothers 
who  have  passed  from  the  scenes  and 
cares  of  life.  Certainly  was  the  ar- 
rangement for  these  exercises  a  most 
propitious  one  when  it  so  developed 
Itself  that  it  became  a  part  of  our 
union's  work.  Let  us  trust  we  may 
never  become  so  engrossed  in  the  af* 
fairs  of  life  as  to  become  oblivious  of 
those  who  have  passed  away,  yet  for 
whose  stem  characteristics  and  pro- 
gressiveness  we  are  so  deeply  in- 
det>ted  for  the  privileges  and  improved 
conditions  we  enjoy  today  as  the  re- 
sult of  their  having  lived. 

The  Chicago  District  Council,  in 
connection  with  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary, 
planned  for  and  carried  out  a  very 
commendable  program  commemorate 
ing  the  memory  of  the  thirty^hree 
brothers  who  have  been  called  to  their 
final  reward  during  the  last  two 
years,  all  of  whom  are  remembered  as 
active  workers  in  the  affairs  of  this 
union  by  the  surviving  members  in  the 
lodges  to  which  they  belonged.  Indeed, 
some  of  them  were  well  and  most 
favorably  known  far  beyond  the  con- 
fines of  their  home  lodges,  as  well  as 
beyond  the  borders  of  their  home 
states  on  account  of  their  extra  devo- 
tion and  work  for  the  union  and  the 
impressing  of  their  characteristics  for 
good  upon  all  with  whom  they  came  in 
contact  Especially  was  this  true  in 
the  lives  of  brothers  M.  J.  Boyle  of 
Lodge  No.  36,  Wm.  Mason  of  Lodge  No. 
3  and  H.  Shriner  of  Lodge  No.  208, 
who  were  so  well  and  favorably  known 


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452 


JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITGHMBITB 


to  60  many  of  our  members  throughout  in-law  of  Bro.  J.  H.  Landers  of  Lods<^ 

the  country.    Our  exercises  were  held  No.  78.     They  are  each  deserving  of 

on  the  evening  of  May  26th»  in  MaBonic  special   thanks   for   having   given   us 

Drill  Hall,  which  had  been  most  »p-  their  aid  at  this  time  and  we  assure 

propriately  decorated  by  the  Ladies'  them  we  will  ever  be  grateful  to  them 

Auxiliary  for  the  occasion.    Bro.  J.  G.  for    it      Making    mexftion    of    these 

Reardon  of  Lodge   No.   79   acted   as  names  brings  a  truth  to  our  minds  and 

chairman    during    the    services,    Bro.  which  we  should  not  overlook  when 

George   Monroe  of  Lodge  No.   36   as  arranging  for  public  functions,  i.  e., 

conductor  and  Bro.  E.  G.  Wilson  as  that  within  our  membership  and  their 

secretary.    The  program  consisted  of  families  can  be  found  much  talent  that 

the  following  exercises:  can   be  and  should  be  made  use  of 

Song,  '^Departed  Friend" ^^^en  programs  of  this  nature,  as  well 

Laurel  Social  Club  **  when  other  functions  are  being  pre- 

n  11  ri  11    «  TN           J  T»    *u  pared   for   that  are   to   be  given   by 

Roll  Call  of  Decejwed  Brotiiers ^^^  ^^  this  union.    The  public  will 

ay  tne  eecretary.  ^^^  better  appreciate  our  entertain- 

Prayer Rev.  Keene  Ryan,  ments  when  they  once  are  made  ao- 

"Hearts  and  Flowers" Tobani  qualnted  with  the  fact  that  around  our 

Nielsen's  Orchestra.  family  hearths  and  firesides  there  is 

Address   "Unionism"  being  developed  so  much  talent  capable 

'   Jacob  C.  L^osky. o^  parUcipating  in  exercises  of  this 

Recitation,  "Memorial  Day" ^  '  -«^  ^„  t  .„  .*,-     .^  4„^««  .n 

■KM ^^4-^^  -D/vt^  T  JrX*^^  ^^  ^^^  as  I  sm  aWs  to  judge  all 

«  1     u.^T^^.^L^r^  ^«d««s  in  this  district  are  holding  up 

Solo,  "Abide  'With  Me' well  in  membership  and  a  good  maHl- 

Mr.  J.  J.  Kendrick.  festatfon  of  interest  prevails  in  aU  of 

Song,  "The  Vacant  Chair" them.    We  have  quite  a  number  of  ac- 

Laurel  Social  Club.  tive  workers  in  different  parts  of  the 

Piano  Solo,  "Song  of  the  Alps" city    and    their    efforts,    devoted    to 

Miss  James..  those  with  whom  they  work  and  a»- 

AHHr«AA                     pav  ttaatia  -Rvftn  soclsto,  find   Creditable  expression  in 

Address. . . . .     . .      Rev.  Keene  Ryan.  ^^  monthly  reports  that  are  sent  to 

Recitation    'Tor  Grandpa's  Sake"....  the  Grand   Secretary   and   Treasurer 

Miss  Violet  Vohl.  f^om    the    treasurers    of    the  various 

"Roses  and  Memories" Snyder  lodges  from  month  to  month.    The  La^ 

Nielsen's  Orchestra.  dies'  Auxiliary  has  also  within  it  some 

Piano  Solo,  "Chopin's  Funeral  March"  most  lay,  active  workers.    They  know 

Mrs.  M.  Meyers.  i^o  such  thing  as  fail  and  will  posi- 

Remarks,  "Welfare  of  the  Union"....  ^^^^^^  ""S'^^i^  ^^!  "?^'  ^S""  *?  ""J"' 
Thomas  Clohessy  *^®^  when  they  set  their  heads  to- 
-_  «  ,  ^  ,-,,  ,,  wards  the  accomplishment  of  any  pur- 
Hymn,  "Nearer  My  God  to  Thee". . . .  ^^^.^  But  they  must  be  given  credit 
Laurel  Social  Club.  f^^  ^ne  thing,  and  that  Is  that  they  are 
About  500  were  present  to  witness  ever  ready  and  willing  to  aid  their 
the  exercises  and  I  am  sure  I  am  only  brothers  In  any  worthy  cause  and  the 
re-echoing  the  unanimous  sentiments  only  thing  they  feel  aggrieved  about 
of  tliose  present  when  stating  that  the  is  the  spi/'it  of  indifference  they  en- 
entire  program  was  a  splendid  success  counter  on  the  part  of  some  of  the 
and  greatly  enjoyed  by  all.  Both  the  brothers  who  fail  or  neglect  to  encour- 
Dietrict  Council  and  the  Ladles'  Aux-  age  their  wives  and  other  eligibles  to 
iliary  desire  me  to  thank  the  many  become  members  of  it.  Personally  I 
friends  who  contributed  so  liberally  of  feel  like  "acknowledging  the  corn" 
their  time  and  talent  to  this  program,  without  any  argument,  for  when  we 
I  desire  to  make  special  mention  of  stop  to  think  how  great  recipients  we 
Master  Roy  Lyman,  son  of  Bro.  O.  H.  have  been  of  their  kindness  at  the 
Lyman  of  Lodge  No.  79 ;  Sister  M.  hospitals,  at  homes  where  sickness  and 
Meyers,  wife  of  Bro.  M.  Meyers  of  deaths  called  for  their  ministrations 
Iiodge  No.  6S,  and  who  is  also  an  ac-  and  their  ever  readiness  to  do  their 
tive  member  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  full  share  at  every  public  function 
to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  in  Combination  given  by  the  lodges,  it  would  seem 
Lodge  No.  45 ;   also  Miss  James,  sister,  that  they  have  a  genuine  grievance 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


463 


and  that  we  should  bestir  oarselyeB  in 
coming  to  their  aid  in  securing  mem- 
t>er8,  as  well  as  in  lUl  other  matters 
pertaining  to  the  advancement  of  their 
organization.  We  can't  be  very  grate- 
ful for  past  favors  if  we  neglect  doing 
this.  U  wouldn't  be  a  bad  idea  to 
take  up  this  matter  at  our  lodge  meet- 
ing with  a  view  of  "turning  over  a 
new  leaf"  in  regard  to  our  past  indif- 
ferent attitude  towards  the  auxiliary. 

Vice-President  Clohessy  has  been 
-with  us  now  for  awhile  after  quite  a 
prolonged  absence  and  it  seems 
natural  to  have  him  in  our  midst 
again.  He  is  <me  of  our  Chicago 
products  and  one  who  is  thoroughly 
familiar  with  the  trails,  haunts  and  at 
trSbutes  of  switdimen  and  has  a  most 
earnest  and  impressive  manner  of  ap- 
proaching and  impressing  them  of  the 
reasons  why  they  should  become  mem- 
bers of  this  union  and  the  result  of 
his  work  since  the  convention  has 
fully  justified  the  confidence  that  was 
imposed  in  him  by  the  delegates  at  the 
last  convention. 

President  Heberling  recently  spent  a 
few  days  with  us  ailso  and  was  a  visi- 
tor at  our  last  council  meeting,  where 
he  met  quite  a  number  of  members  of 
the  different  lodges.  At  this  meeting 
he  made  a  long  and  interesting  ad- 
dress* touching  upon  many  topics  of 
interest  and  all  pertaining  to  the  wel- 
fare of  the  union  in  different  sections 
of  the  country.  He  mentioned  several 
places  where  there  had  been  substan- 
tial gains  in  memfbership,  as  well  as 
some  that  had  barely  held  their  own, 
owing  to  adverse  conditions,  out 
stated  that  on  the  whole  there  had 
been  considerable  progress  made  dur- 
ing this  time.  He  impressed  upon  all 
present  the  importance  of  individuid 
effort  on  the  part  of  every  member  as 
a  necessary  element  in  reaching  the 
highest  efficiency  and  standards  of  de- 
velopment in  this  union,  as  well  as  in 
all  others,  a  fact  I  am  sure  we  can  all 
agree  with  him,  since  each  member 
has  an  influence  for  good  in  this  or- 
ganization if  he  will  but  use  it  all  the 
while  upon  those  with  whom  he  works 
and  associates. 

Organized  lafbor  in  this  city  is 
now  witnessing  another  sample  of 
capitalistic  love  for  union  men  and 
principles  in  their  attitude  towards 
the  pressmen  who  were  compelled  to 
strike  for  protection  and  Justice.  It 
began  in  the  Hearst  publication  press 


rooms,  but  soon  spread  to  an  capital- 
istic newspapers  in  the  city.  Police 
and  thugs  were  soon  put  to  work,  dub- 
bing and  otherwise  intimidating  all 
who  were  in  active  sympathy  with 
these  union  men.  It  would  be  haro. 
indeed,  to  find  a  better  illustration  and 
lesson  of  the  folly  union  men  have 
gotten  into  of  spending  their  union- 
money  for  scab  papers  and  for  papers 
whose  columns  are  forever  open  for 
advertisements  for  scabs  to  fill  the 
places  of  union  men  when  they  are 
compelled  to  strike  for  Justice,  than  is 
afTorded  them  by  this  strike.  When- 
ever union  men  come  to  their  senses 
sufficiently  to  see  the  crime  of  spend- 
ing union  money  for  paper  forever 
fighting  them  in  every  way  they  can, 
these  union-hating  sheets  will  soon 
find  their  circulation  basis  down  to  a 
non-union  support  where  it  belongs. 
We  should  only  spend  our  union 
money  for  union  papers  when  getting 
the  news.  With  best  wi^es  to  all 
lodges,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

E.  G.  Wilson. 


Chicago,  IN.— No.  68. 

Bditob  Switchmbn's  Joubnal: 

All  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  68 
are  up  to  their  eyes  in  business  Just 
now,  working  for  the  success  of  the 
excursion  which  we  expect  to  make  a 
grand  winner.  We  feel  sure  of  having 
a  large  crowd  and  hope  to  be  able  to 
make  a  good  report  of  it  in  the  Au- 
gust JOUBNAL. 

Our  last  meeting  was  well  attended 
and  we  had  the  pleasure  of  having 
with  us  two  of  the  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers— International  President  S.  B. 
Heberllng  and  Vice-President  Thomas 
Clohessy,  which  is  a  sort  of  treat  we 
are  seldom  favored  with.  We  were 
very  glad  to  have  them  with  us  at 
our  meeting;  glad  we  had  a  good 
crowd  present,  and  both  of  our  visit- 
ing officers  seemed  glad  to  be  with  us. 
Bro.  Clohessy  acted  as  president  dur- 
ing the  exercises  and  had  the  pleasure 
of  putting  one  candidate  over  the 
"plate."  After  the  regular  order  of 
business  was  concluded,  Bro.  Clo- 
hessy was  called  upon  for  a  few  re 
marks.  He  responded  to  the  call  and 
gave  an  account  of  himself  and  the 
work  he  has  been  doing  in  behalf  of 
the  union  during  the  recent  past  in 


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464 


JOURNAL   OF   THE   SWIT0HMBN*8 


the  different  parts  of  the  country.  He 
also  urged  upon  all  the  members  the 
importance  of  taking  an  active  inter- 
est in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the 
affairs  of  the  lodge.  He  is  a  most  ac- 
tive worker  in  our  behalf,  as  all  well 
understand  who  have  ever  encountered 
him  in  his  campaigns  for  membership 
for  the  organization  or  any  other  of 
its  work  assigned  to  him.  The  dele- 
gates made  no  mistake  when  they 
elected  him  to  his  present  position 
Bro.  Hefberling  also  made  a  most  in- 
teresting address,  as  he  always  does 
when  the  opportunity  is  afforded  him. 
He  gave  us  much  information  pertain- 
ing to  the  prevailing  conditions  in  our 
union  in  different  sections  of  the  coun- 
try»  as  well  as  much  wholesome  ad- 
vice pertaining  to  our  duties  as  mem- 
bers of  the  organization.  We  never 
tire  from  hearing  him  talk  and  no 
doubt  he  sometimes  becomes  weary 
from  his  visits  to  this  city»  for  he  is  a 
target  from  the  time  he  arrives  until 
he  is  gone  from  us»  and  yet  he  has  al- 
ways an  intelligent  answer  for  any 
question  that  is  put  to  him  and  a  word 
of  good  advice  for  all  who  meet  him. 
We  hope  we  may  soon  have  the  pleas- 
ure of  another  visit  from  these  offi- 
cials and  both  are  assured  of  a  hearty 
welcome  at  any  time  they  find  the  op- 
portunity of  visiting  us. 

As  a  rule  liodge  No.  €8's  meetings 
are  fairly  well  attended  and  a  good 
manifestation  of  interest  prevails  in 
all  matters  pertaining  to  the  welfare 
of  the  union  among  its  members.  Our 
membership  is  now  up  to  the  90  mark 
and  we  hope  ere  long  to  be  able  to  put 
it  in  the  100  column  and  over  list  of 
lodges.  We  feel  sure  this  can  be  done 
if  all  keep  up  the  good  work  at  the 
pace  we  have  been  going.  Our  June 
membership  showed  a  net  gain  of  five 
memibers  over  that  for  May.  So  let 
us  try  to  keep  up  the  good  work 
until  we  have  them  all  within  our  fold 
-^where  all  belong  who  switch  cars  for 
a  livelihood.  From  the  best  reports 
I  am  able  to  get,  all  the  Chicago 
lodges  are  doing  good  work  for  the 
union  and  endeavoring  in  every  way 
they  can  to  promote  its  general  wel- 
fare, and  we  fed  confident  of  being 
able  to  show  a  considerable  margin 
of  advancenuent  a  year  hence  over  our 
standing  here  at  the  time  of  the  last 
convention,  and  we  should  each  en- 
deavor to  make  the  improvement  as 
great  as  possible. 


Before  closing  my  letter  I  must 
make  mention  of  our  sisters,  for  there 
never  is  anything  doing  of  any  great 
importance  that  they  are  not  found 
right  in  line  doing  all  they  can  to 
help  us  out.  We  are  banking  on  them 
strongly  on  our  picnic  day,  as  we  do 
at  our  haXlB,  etc.,  and  I  hope  to  be 
able  to  say  more  of  Combination  Lodge 
No.  35  Ladies'  Auxiliary  and  its  host 
of  workers  In  my  next  letter. 

We  are  glad  to  read  the  letters  from 
the  different  parts  of  the  country  from 
month  to  month  and  it  gives  us  en- 
couragement, as  we  strive  from  day 
to  day  to  give  a  good  accounting  of 
work  done  towards  the  advancement 
of  those  who  perform  the  important 
switching  duties  in  the  great  termi- 
nals of  this  country,  and  that  everyone 
engaged  in  this  useful  work  may  take 
a  deep  interest  in  the  cause  that  has 
done  so  much  to  make  it  possible  for 
a  better  condition  of  life  for  them  and 
their  families,  in  order  that  there  may 
be  still  better  things  in  life  for  them, 
is  my  best  wish.    I  remain. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  ft  P., 

JoHif  Cole. 


liid.-~No.135. 

EiOiTOR  SwrrcHMEN's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  beg  a  small  space  of  the 
little  pink  book  and  hope  I  am  in 
time. 

On  the  17th  I  arrived  in  Cincy  and 
Bro.  E.  J.  Alexander,  president  of  123, 
Invited  me  to  a  Joint  meeting  of  all 
lodges,  called  together  by  the  old- 
timer,  Bro.  George  Hattersly,  presi- 
dent of  No.  26,  which  was  attended  by 
150  Jolly  good  fellows  and  good,  true 
S  U.  boys.  Bro.  Alexander  and  Bro. 
Smith  had  gloves  on  in  a  good  warm 
debate,  which  was  settled  by  Happey, 
who  makes  a  good  president  and  a 
hard  worker  for  his  lodge. 

Bro.  Titus  of  Lodge  No.  214  gave  a 
very  Interesting  talk  on  the  good  and 
welfare  of  the  union.  After  the  meet- 
ing refreshments  were  served  and, 
after  a  good  smoke,  all  retired.  I 
wish  to  thank  all  the  brothers  for  the 
nice  time  they  showed  me  and  may 
Bro.  Happey  succeed  in  his  good  work. 

I  will  bring  this  letter  to  a  close 
and   give  someone   else  a   chance  to 
hand  out  a  little  Bull  Durham. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Balot. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION  OF  N0R1«  AMERICA. 


466 


New  York  Oty.-No.  46. 

EDITQB  SWTTCHMEIV'S  JOUBNAL*. 

I  wish  to  say  that  the  good  news 
that  was  read  at  our  last  meeting  will 
go  a  long  ways  to  show  that  the  rank 
and  file  of  yardmen  are  awaking  to  the 
fact  that  the  Switchmen's  Union  is  at 
all  times  looking  out  for  the  best  in- 
terests of  switchmen  and  the  prospects 
for  switchmen  are  good,  not  only  in 
the  west  but  in  the  east  as  well,  and  if 
an  organization  with  the  membership 
that  the  Switchmen's  Union  has  can 
get  new  adjustments  of  a  schedule  that 
will  bring  $24  during  these  times 
what  should  the  big  bunch  of  simplers 
get  with  the  organization  they  have? 
If  the  switchmen  had  that  membership 
the  dignified  "skilled"  labor  organiza- 
tion would  not  be  in  it  I  am  called  a 
socialist  here,  but  I  am  not;  nor  do  I 
think  socialism  the  cure  of  the  many 
excessive  riches  of  the  few.  Poverty 
of  today  is  more  degenerate  and  hurts 
more  than  it  ever  did  before.  Lazarus 
today  is  not  only  in  rags,  but  he  is 
wretched,  and  because  he  is  conscious 
of  both  he  is  dissatisfied  to  the  point 
of  desperation.  Riches  and  poverty  to- 
day are  twin  evils,  which  are  daily 
diminishing  the  middle  class,  which 
has  ever  been  the  mainstay  of  this  na- 
tion. Thoughtful  men  are  looking  for 
a  solution  of  the  evils.  Some  are  turn- 
ing to  socialism;  others  to  social  re- 
forms of  others  kinds,  and  in  many 
cases  the  remedy  is  worse  than  the 
disease.  Not  in  the  bread  alone  doth 
man  live,  but  there  is  also  a  strong 
cry  for  all  of  the  comforts  nature  in- 
tended for  mankind.  Give  men  the 
full  dinner  pail  and  universal  suffrage 
— double  their  wages,  shorten  their 
hours  of  work  and  many  of  society's 
ills  will  vanish. 

I  often  think  of  that  full  dinner  pall 
at  this  place.  You  would  have  to  take 
it  back  home  again  for  the  simplers 
make  no  provision  for  the  full  dinner 
pail.  There  is  nothing  in  the  contract 
that  gives  you  wage  slaves  a  chance  to 
smell  of  it  and  there  is  no  one  to 
blame  but  ourselves.  The  switchmen 
did  all  they  could  to  explain  to  those 
in  control  about  them.  It  might  be 
worth  while  to  ask  the  company  for  a 
nose  fag  so  you  will  not  have  to  stop 
switching  while  you  are  masticating 
our  chuck  and  with  the  lamp  in  one 
hand,  the  record  in  the  other  and  the 
com  beef,  with  bread,  in  our  mouths. 


is  a  fine  condition  for  yardmen  to 
work  under.  And  so  it  will  be,  broth- 
ers, until  the  men  in  yardwork  realize 
that  they  should  have  more  than  that 
coffin  before  they  get  killed. 

Well  some  day  the  switchmen  will 
wake  up  all  over  the  country  to  their 
best  interests  and  all  get  together  un- 
der their  own  banner  and  then  things 
will  be  difTerent  Keep  the  good  work 
up.  Brother  Mc,  and  we  will  be  in  a 
position  soon  to  make  good  conditions 
tor  union  men  to  work  under,  and 
union  conditions  that  will  be  lived  up 
to.  I  would  be  pleased  to  hear  from 
our  Journal  Agent  in  the  next  issue  of 
the  JouBNAL,  as  he  can  tell  how  it 
happened  and  to  the  point. 

Old  Cuff  and  Ted  will  run  a  race 
with  Maloy  for  alderman  at  Bungay. 
Bro.  S4,  Dowling  will  be  referee  and 
Bro.  McMichael  will  take  the  money. 
I  bet  on  Maloy  for  the  first  in  the  race 
for  he  can  sure  run. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers, 
not  forgetting  Baldy  O'Brien, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shttlts. 


NottinffMMn,  C— No.  55. 

Editob  Switohmkn's  Jottbnal: 

Brothers  and  fellow  switchmen:  A 
few  words  of  praise  for  our  great  and 
honorabto  order  which  has  done  so 
much  towards  the  betterment  of  all 
men  riding  the  brownies  in  the  yard 
limits.  It  is  surely  one  great  honor  to 
know  that  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  has  se- 
cured practically  all  the  improvements 
for  the  railroad  man  in  general.  It  is 
always  left  to  us  to  start  the  ball  a- 
rolling,  then  the  rest  of  the  "woulJ- 
be's"  realize  what  is  going  on  and  be- 
gin to  look  forward  to  a  little  advance. 
One  of  the  greatest  stunts  of  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  is  to  shoot  off  steam  in  the  ca- 
booses, Y.  M.  €.  A.  and  restaurants  of 
the  grand  things  their  lodge  does  for 
their  men.  But  that  is  as  far  as  it 
ever  goes  until  the  S.  U.  has  started 
and  made  another  goal.  They  acknowl- 
edge it  themselves  that  we  are  always 
the  aggressive,  which  is  surely  a  thing 
to  be  proud  of. 

On  my  recent  trip  to  Chicago  I  met 
several  brothers  of  our  order  and  they 
certainly  welcomed  and  entertained 
me  royally;  there  was  not  a  thing  too 
good  for  me.  They  took  me  around 
explaining    working    conditions    and 


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466 


JOURNAL  OF  THB   SWITOHlCBNIi 


everything  that  is  connected  with  the 
switching  line  in  Chicago.  They  were 
certainly  well  posted  on  all  matters 
and  also  very  enthusiastic  memhers  of 
our  cause.  In  return  for  their  kind  in- 
formation I  did  the  best  I  could  to  ex- 
plain things  in  the  Cleveland  yards. 
We  had  quite  a  chat  on  the  eight-hour 
day,  of  which,  I  guess,  everyone  of  us 
is  in  favor.  Under  those  conditions 
a  man  would  have  time  to  get  rightly 
acquainted  with  his  family — ^not  as  it 
is  now — come  home  to  eat  and  sleep. 
We  most  naturally  are  all  human  and 
our  families  are  the  same.  It  surely 
would  be  a  treat  to  come  home,  have 
a  pleasant  meal,  put  on  your  glad  rags 
and  take  the  family  out  for  a  walk,  or 
take  in  a  show  of  an  evening  instead 
of  going  right  to  bed.  A  woman  is 
also  to  be  considered.  She  must  stay 
home  all  day  and  half  the  night  prac- 
tically alone.  So  you  see  it  would  be 
a  grand  thing  for  her  to  have  her  hus- 
band a  few  hours  each  day  to  make 
life  worth  living. 

So,  brothers,  let  us  all  voice  our  own 
opinion  toward  getting  the  above-men- 
tioned conditions.  I  am  sure  we  can  ac- 
complish it  easy  enough  if  the  com- 
panies see  that  we  are  determined  to 
have  it  Better  things  can  never  be 
obtained  dreaming  about  them;  you 
have  got  to  wake  up  and  act.  You  see 
it  is  as  I  have  stated  before  that  we 
must  start  the  ball  a-rolling,  for  the 
rest  never  will. 

We  are  all  still  plugging  in  our 
lodge  and  putting  a  few  new  ones  in 
each  meeting.  With  best  wishes  to  all 
brothers,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Fred  Bebgeb. 


franklin  Park,  M.-No.  193. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Since  writing  for  May  Journal 
nothing  of  importance  has  taken  place 
around  this  place  or  Kolze.  I  see  146 
is  not  supporting  Its  argument  very 
strongly  to  make  Indianapolis  the  per- 
manent convention  city.  Now  146,  get 
busy  and  you  can  win  out 

The  June  Journal  has  quite  a  sen- 
sible article  regarding  change  of  ar- 
ticle 100  of  the  constitution.  This 
should  be  desired  by  all  members  and 
will  stand  a  good  argument  on  both 
sides  of  the  question. 
At  our  last  meeting  we  started  our 


committee  to  work  for  the  annual  pic- 
nic, of  which  more  will  be  said  later. 

Our  worthy  brother,  M.  J.  Murphy, 
is  now  at  Hot  Springs,  Ark.,  trying  to 
get  relief  from  an  attack  of  rheuma- 
tism, which  has  had  him  on  the  shelf 
for  the  last  six  weeks.  He  was  at  the 
Oak  Park  Hospital  for  some  time  and 
was  sent  to  the  Springs  about  the  first 
of  the  month.  The  fact  that  Brother 
Murphy's  wife  has  been  an  invaUd 
from  the  same  complaint  for  the  last 
five  years  makes  it  doubly  hard.  Mur- 
phy is  deserving  of  the  sympathy  of 
all,  as  he  has  always  been  a  good 
worker  for  the  organization  and  as 
chairman  of  our  grievance  committee 
has  alwa3rs  done  good  work.  So  let's 
hope  for  his  early  recovery  and  return 
to  work,  as  his  lot  is  exceptionally 
hard. 

J.  J.  Breen. 


GreenvMe,  Texas.— No.  190. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  am  glad  to  read  the  reports  from 
the  Orand  Lodge  to  find,  you  might 
say,  sixteen  new  lodges  organised 
within  a  year;  also  to  know  of  che 
new  schedules  secured  and  renewed 
during  that  time,  besides  the  increase 
in  membership.  We  should  be  thank- 
ful for  this  and  should  endeavor  to  do 
all  we  can  during  the  next  twelve 
months  to  see  if  we  can't  improve 
even  upon  the  good  record  attained 
during  the  last  year. 

For  one,  I  certainly  appreciate  the 
good  work  that  has  been  done  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  officers  for  the  union,  but 
it  matters  not  how  good  their  work 
may  be,  the  organization  will  not  grow 
and  prosper  as  it  should  without  the 
hearty  co-operation  and  activity  of 
every  member  in  it  We  must  not  get 
away  from  our  own  individual  respon- 
sibilities when  making  estimates  for 
progress  or  failure,  for  each  member 
in  the  union  has  an  influence  that  is 
worth  much  for  the  weal  or  woe  of  't, 
according  to  its  use  or  non-use.  When- 
ever a  brother  takes  an  active  interest 
in  matters  pertaining  to  the  welfare 
of  the  organization  to  the  extent  of 
keeping  well  posted  in  regard  to  all 
matters  pertaining  to  it  and  endeavors, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  make  known  the 
objects  and  aims  to  those  with  whom 
he  works  and  associates,  and  tries 
faithfully  to  get  those  working  at  this 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRIOA. 


457 


kind  of  work  to  become  a  part  of  it, 
he  18  truly  an  essential  factor  in  its 
promotion  and  advancement  Don't 
get  the  idea  you  have  no  influence 
with  the  fellow  with  whom  you  work, 
for  it's  erroneous,  and  you'll  find  they 
will  listen  to  you  and  that  they  are 
susceptible  to  argument  and  convic- 
tion, if  you  give  them  practical  and 
logical  illustrations  of  facts  relative 
to  the  intents  and  anticipations  hoped 
for  and  accomplishments  of  the  work 
already  done  by  this  order.  The  indi- 
vidual member  can,  in  that  manner, 
get  to  many  men  the  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers never  see,  and  they  can  even  In- 
fluence many  of  them  to  join  the  union 
these  officers  couldn't  even  if  they 
did  see  them,  from  the  fact  they  know 
them  better,  and  can  watch  after  them 
better  at  the  opportune  time  for  get- 
ting them.  No  member  should  neg- 
lect talking  with  those  whom  he  works 
about  the  union  and  try  and  get  them 
in  it,  if  they  are  not  already  members. 

Vice-President  Misenhelter  was  a  re- 
cent visitor  at  this  place  but  wasn't 
able  to  accompllEAi  a  great  deal  on  ac- 
count of  it  being  such  a  (B.  of  R.  T. 
town  and  the  prejudice  against  this 
union.  Anyhow,  he  went  after  all  he 
met  and  gave  them  good  reasons  why 
this  was  the  proper  order  for  them  to 
belong  to,  and  we  hope  to  get  some 
results  from  his  visit.  The  trainmen, 
of  course,  claim  they  got  the  raise  in 
this  section  of  the  country.  But  they 
all  know,  who  know  anirthing,  they 
didn't  get  it  until  it  was  brought  down 
to  this  section  of~^the  country  by  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for  the  C,  R.  I.  ft  P. 
yards.  They  claim  we  were  not  the 
cause  of  getting  it,  and  we  have  some 
awful  "go  arounds"  about  it.  There  is 
no  Question  if  all  our  B.  of  R.  T.  and 
0.  R.  €.  friends  and  some  of  our  yard 
masters  too,  look  at  these  matters  as 
they  should,  they  will  find  the  Switch- 
men's Union  is  not  the  bad  thing  they 
have  pictured  it  to  be  and  that  after 
all  it's  the  very  thing  to  which  they 
ought  to  belong.  We  are  sure  it  is  the 
place  for  all  of  those  doing  switching 
service  to  be  In,  and  hope  ere  long  to 
be  able  to  convince  them  of  the  error 
of  their  way  and  get  them  placed 
where  they  of  right  belong. 

Every  one  switching  cars  should  be- 
tong  to  the  fl.  U.  of  N.  A.  It  was  or- 
ganized for  the  benefit  of  those  doing 
such  work  and  it  has  ever  striven  to 


advance  their  welfare,  and  has  ad- 
vanced it  to  a  greater  extent  than  any 
other  organization  attempting  to  legis- 
late for  them,  and  it  is  only  natural 
that  it  has,  for  there  *is  no  other  order 
looking  out  for  their  interests. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers, 
in  their  efforts  to  promote  the  welfare 
of  the  union,  and  hoping  for  each  the 
best  of  success,  I  am. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

H.  O.  Allen. 


Ludlow,  Ky.— No.  214. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Just  to  keep  alive  our  memories  re- 
garding an  eight-hour  day  which  is 
due  the  men  firwitching  cars  in  this 
country,  why  not  have  a  record  kept 
in  every  railroad  yard  in  the  United 
States  and  Canada  for,  say  sixty  days, 
of  everything  pertaining  to  your  work 
and  use  this  daily  in  your  arguments 
before  the  general  manager's  commit- 
tee in  legislating  for  an  eight-hour  day 
if  it  ever  comes  to  that.  I  like  Bro. 
Connors'  arguments  in  his  letter  in 
June  issue.  Now  this  question  of 
federation  of  the  transportation  or- 
ganizations is  going  to  become  the 
most  serious  question  confronting  the 
future  conventions  of  the  big  railroad 
organizations.  The  engineers  have 
taken  it  up  in  their  convention  at 
this  session  and  when  this  question 
is  satisfactorily  settled,  then  will  the 
railroad  organizations  have  estab- 
lished such  cordial  relations  that  the 
injury  of  one  will  be  the  concern  of 
all,  the  presidents,  general  managers 
and  even  stockholders  of  the  railroad 
companies  will  h^ve  to  take  cognizance 
of  the  fact  that  we  have  bettered  their 
service  to  such  an  extent  that  they 
should  grant  us  the  eight-hour  work 
day  'and  better  working  conditions 
generally.  Now  I  have  in  mind  some- 
thing that  occurred  here  on  the  B.  &  O. 
S.  W.  recently.  Three  engineers,  three 
conductors,  two  brakemen  and  one 
switchman  were  put  to  a  color  test. 
Failing  to  pass  satisfactorily  they 
were  removed  from  the  service.  Some 
of  these  men  were  in  line  for  a  pen- 
sion, which  they  had  eagerly  looked 
forward  to,  knowing  that  their  age 
would  bar  them  from  gaining  a  posi- 
tion anywhere.  Now,  suppose  you,  Mr. 
Railroad  Stockholder  or  President,  had 
a  good  horse  or  mule  which  had  given 


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458 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMBN'S 


you  good  service  for  several  years  and 
he  had  poor  eyesight,  so  much  so  that 
you  could  not  use  the  animal  in  the 
same  capacity  any  more,  would  you 
drive  him>  out  In  the  world  to  make 
his  own  living?  No,  the  law  would 
not  allow  you  to  do  that  and  you  would 
be  arrested  for  cruelty  to  animals.  Tet 
we  are  dumher  than  mules  and  horses 
when  we  allow  our  employer  to  drive 
us  out  one  at  a  time  because  we  are  too 
prejudicial  to  federate  and  assist  one 
another.  Now,  if  we  were  federated, 
we  would  be  powerful  enough  to  make 
our  condition  as  good  as  the  horse  or 
mule  and  in  time  weed  out  all  that  is 
unjust  and  undesirable,  as  there  is  no 
use  denying  the  fact  that  in  all  or- 
ganizations there  are  some  unfair 
men,  just  as  there  are  some  unfair  offi- 
cials in  railroad  companies.  Now  the 
Cincinati  Southern  yard  at  Cincinnati, 
O.,  is  an  example  of  what  can  be  done 
by  organized  labor  when  the  same  Is 
fair  and  clean.  Before  that  yard  was 
organized  the  service  on  several  occa- 
sions was  disrupted  and  In  very  bad 
condition,  as  far  as  the  men  were  con- 
cerned. But  today  grievances  are  set- 
tled within  a  few  minutes  after  they 
arise  if  possible.  If  anyone  doubts  this, 
let  him  ask  Mr.  0.  E.  Rickey,  Superin- 
tendent of  Terminals,  or  Mr.  H.  Baker, 
General  Manager.  I  do  not  wish  to 
take  up  too  much  of  your  valuable 
space,  so  I  will  bring  my  letter  to  a 
conclusion  by  saying  that  business  Is 
good  here  on  the  Southern  Cincinnati 
and  any  brother  coming  this  way  will 
be  welcome. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Oantz. 


Des  Moificst  Iowa.— No.  1 74. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  am  not  going  to  take  much  Apace 
this  month  in  our  pink  book,  but  will 
say  that  we  are  very  much  pleased  to 
learn  by  reading  our  June  Joubnal 
that  our  membership  is  rapidly  in- 
creasing every  month.  It  goes  to  show 
that  our  Grand  Lodge  officers  are  do- 
ing their  duty  along  with  the  help  of 
our  members.  It  is  all  very  true  that 
we  cannot  be  always  successful.  Why? 
Because  there  are  here  and  there 
things  which  cannot  be  overcome.  The 
lesson  and  doctrine  that  should  pre- 
vail in  all  cases  is  that  we  may  all 
have    a    chance    and    that    everyone 


should  cheerfully  and  resolutely  make 
the  <best  of  it  in  order  that  this  may 
be  possible.  The  spirit  of  fraternalism 
needs  to  be  encouraged  at  every  pos- 
sible turn  of  the  road.  We  must  be 
co-operative  and  brotherly  if  the  equal 
opportunity  is  to  be  widespread  and 
universal.  The  spirit  of  good  will  and 
kindness  needs  to  be  exercised  at  all 
times  and  in  all  cases  if  possible. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  P.  S.,  Joubnal  Agent. 


Chicago  District  CouncH 

The  following  resolutions  wore 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the 
Chicago  District  Council,  S.  U.  of  N. 
A.,  held  on  June  1,  1^12: 

Whebeab,  The  Union  Pressmen, 
Sterotypers,  Newspaper  Delivery  Driv- 
ers, Newsboys  and  Circulators  are  now 
on  strike  in  their  efforts  to  oomp^  the 
newspaper  trust  to  grant  them  living 
wages  and  fair  conditions;    and 

Whebeas,  The  unjust,  so-called  gen- 
tlemen of  the  trust,  with  the  assistanee 
of  the  police  force,  capitalist  thugs  and 
deputy  sherlfTs,  are  using  all  possible 
foul  means  to  destroy  their  unions; 
and 

Whebeas,  The  actions  of  the  News- 
paper Pulblishers'  Association  in  lock- 
ing out  their  faithful  union  employes 
and  at  the  same  time  ignoring  the 
claimed  sanctity  of  agreement,  Or  the 
virtue  of  arbitration,  clearly  prove 
their  intentions  to  disrupt  and  destroy 
the  beet  qualities  of  labor  unions  and 
those  defending  the  principles  of  union 
labor;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Chicago  District 
Council  No.  1  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America  do  hereby  ad- 
vise all  members  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  in  the  Chicago  district  to  pur- 
chase only  such  newspapers  as  have 
the  union  label  thereon;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  that 
each  siibordinate  lodge  take  suitablo 
action  in  denouncing  the  action  of  the 
newspaper  trust  in  their  attempts  to 
crush  their  striking  union  men;  that 
we  also  recomrmend  that  each  local  es- 
tablish a  fine  to  be  levied  against  each 
member  known  to  purchase  or  read  a 
scab  paper;    and  t)e  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  warmest  sym- 
pathy   be    extended    to    our    striking 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRIOA. 


459 


brothers  and  moral  support  be  pledged 
to  all  the  unions  involved  in  this  strug. 
gle  for  justice  and  right;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  placed  on  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  each  sub- 
ordinate lodge  in  the  district  and  a 
copy  be  sent  to  our  official  Joubzcal  for 
publication. 

L.  Lazeab,  President. 
Ed.  Bbough,  Secretary. 


Springfield,  M«ss.~No.  73. 
Editob  Switchmsn's  Joitbnal: 

liOdge  73  has  lost  one  of  its  old  time, 
tried  and  true  members  in  the  passing 
away  of  Brother  John  C.  O'Brien,  who 
for  thirty  years  had  been  a  resident 
of  this  city  and  for  several  years  had 
been  employed  as  switchman  in  the 
Boston  ft  (Maine  3rard.  A  short  time 
aso  Brother  O'Brien  had  the  misfor- 
tune to  lose  a  lim^b,  but  had  recovered 
from  the  effects  of  the  operation  and 
was  in  hopes  of  soon  being  able  to  en- 
gage in  something  to  earn  ^Is  way 
through  life.  Just  prior  to  his  last  ill- 
ness he  had  visited  his  son  in  New 
York  for  the  purpose  of  getting  an 
artifldal  limb,  where  he  took  sick  and 
died  very  suddenly.  His  body  was 
brought  here  for  burial  and  a  goodly 
number  of  his  brother-workers  and 
friends  were  present  at  the  funeral. 
The  pall-bearers  were  all  S.  U.  men. 
Bro.  O'Brien  was  well  and  favorably 
known  by  a  large  circle  of  friends,  all 
of  whom  Join  with  us  in  extending  to 
the  bereaved  family  sincere  sympathy 
and  good  wishes. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

B.  T.  Clabk. 


I,  iii.-~No.  29. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

In  looking  over  the  June  Joubnal  I 
see  some  very  good  arguments  from 
the  brothers  all  over  the  country  as 
to  why  a  man  switching  cars  should 
belong  to  this  union.  It  ought  to  be 
shown  to  the  ''non-air"  and  maybe  he 
would  get  in  line  and  a  very  good  way 
is  to  bring  out  your  Joubnal  and  tell 
him  to  read  it  and  see  the  difterence 
in  pay  and  conditions  in  the  same  city 
where  one  yard  is  composed  of  all  S. 


U.  men,  while  the  other  yard  has 
scarcely  any  men  belonging  to  the  6. 
U.  The  failroad  companies  like  a  yard 
where  ib  are  no  B.  U.  men.  because 
there  never  a  time  in  the  history 

whr  anyone  but  switchmen  helped 
the  i.ellows  they  now  call  yard  brake- 
men  and  yard  conductors.  The  plain 
way  of  it  is  simply  switchmen  and  at 
our  last  meeting  we  had  a  very  inter- 
esting talk  from  Vice-President  Clo- 
hessy,  who  outlined  conditions  which 
we  never  dream  of  and  if  some  of  the 
brothers  do  not  believe  it.  Just  go 
around  in  some  of  those,  places  and  see 
for  yourself.  We  do  not  have  to  bring 
our  insurance  into  this  argrument,  for  it 
flfpeatas  for  itself— Just  as  sound  as  any 
and  cheaper  than  any  fraternal  so- 
ciety. Look  up  the  Modem  Woodmen, 
the  cheapest  in  the  country,  and  see  if 
we  don't  beat  it,  and  you  know  that  if 
a  man  is  totally  disabled  he  does  not 
get  anything  out  of  scarcely  any  fra- 
ternal society.  We  have  a  brother  in 
our  lodge,  A.  J.  Hume,  who,  I  believe, 
comes  under  that  clause  and  who 
had  a  misfortune  befall  hink  Some- 
times, however,  it  takes  a  little  time 
for  a  total  disability  case  to  develoi> 
before  a  Just  claim  can  be  paid. 

Bro.  Hockstadter  had  the  misfor- 
tune to  be  knocked  ofT  the  top  of  a  car 
and  was  badly  shaken  up;  no  bones, 
however,  were  broken. 

Bro.  Fitch  is  also  on  the  sick  list 
suffering  with  a  lame  back.  He  has 
the  sympathy  of  OLiodge  No.  29  in  his 
late  bereavement,  the  death  of  his 
father. 

We  also  extend  our  sympathy  to  our 
secretary,  Bro.  H.  N.  Allen,  whose  wife 
died  and  left  a  family.  This  world  is 
full  of  trouble  and  no  brother  knows 
when  his  time  will  come.  So  let  us  be 
on  the  Job  in  case  of  trouble.  Our 
lodge  extended  to  Mr.  Robert  Krueger, 
undertaker,  a  vote  of  thanks  for  his 
kindness  in  Bro.  Allen's  case. 

Bro.  Henry  has  a  good  move  on  m 
Lodge  No.  29.  He  proposed  to  form  a 
club  of  all  our  members  who  wish  to 
loin  and  tax  each  member  one  dollar 
when  a  brother  gets  killed  or  dies,  the 
full  amount  to  be  paid  the  widow  rijght 
away  by  taking  it  out  of  our  dub  fund. 
Some  of  the  brothers  thought  it  also  a 
good  plan  to  pay  ^Oc  each  in  case  a 
member  lost  his  wife,  mother  or  fath- 
er. Such  a  fund  would  come  in  handy 
and  do  away  with  a  list  around  the 
yard.    Trouble  of  this  kind  has  hit  our 


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460 


JOUEtNAL   OF  THB   SWITGHIIBN'S 


lod^e  severely  of  late.  Ooine  up,  broth- 
ers, and  let  us  hear  what  you  have  to 
say  on  the  question.  If  you  belong  to 
a  lodge  In  some  other  town,  transfer 
and  get  into  the  game  with  us,  as 
Bros.  Johnson,  Nicklaus  and  a  few 
more  have  done.    I  remain, 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thos.  EIabnsb. 


Scrasloa,  Pis.— No.129. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

In  looking  over  the  correspondence 
in  the  June  Joubnal  I  came  across  a 
letter  from  Buftalo  Lodge  No.  39  con- 
taining many  uncom(plimentary  re- 
marks about  my  letter  in  the  MiBty 
nunvber,  also  a  few  insinuations  about 
its  author. 

In  my  last  letter  I  informed  the 
brother  from  Lodge  No.  39  that  he 
owed  an  apology  to  the  Scranton  dele- 
gates to  St  Paul  convention  for  his  un- 
just accusation  against  them.  Since  he 
practically  refuses  to  make  that 
apology  by  ignoring  my  request,  I  have 
nothing  further  to  say  to  him  except 
that  in  my  reference  to  the  N.  Y.  C. 
incident  I  made  no  accusation.  I  sim- 
ply stated  a  fact  which  it  is  not  ne- 
cessary for  me  to  go  to  BufCalo  to  in- 
vestigate, as  I  had  the  story  from  no 
ex-member  of  B.  of  R.  T.  man,  but  from 
the  brother's  own  lips  at  Detroit  in 
1907.  And,  so  far  as  I  am  concerned, 
this  closer  the  subject,  as  I  am  fully 
aware  that  the  columns  of  the  Joubnal 
are  for  more  important  uses  than  the 
carrying  on  of  a  personal  dispute. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Thos.  F.  Rowan, 
Lodge  No.  12/B. 


CasI  SL  Louis,  HI. —No.  16. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  it  has  been  some  time  since  I 
have  been  able  to  write  a  letter  for  the 
Joubnal.  I  will  try  and  get  one  for  the 
July  issue.  However,  I  feel  that  £ 
have  a  good  excuse  for  not  having 
written  ere  this,  from  the  fact  that  I 
have  been  down  sick  since  January 
and  had  to  undergo  a  surreal  opera- 
tion on  April  16th,  and  from  the  ef- 
fects of  all  I  am  not  in  very  good  re- 
pair at  the  present  writing,  yet  I  am 
on  the  mend  and  able  ''to  knock 
around"  some  and  was  able  to  attend 


our  last  two  meetings  by  "a  scratch." 
I  see  in  my  June  Joxtbnal  a  letter, 
signed  "Saginaw,"  complimenting  me 
on  visiting  the  sick  and  disabled*  help- 
ing the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  out  in  their 
affairs,  etc  In  regard  to  this  matter 
I  desire  to  say  that  the  watchword  of 
our  union  is,  "The  injury  ^f  one  is  the 
concern  of  all,"  and  if  anything  I  was 
able  to  do  along  this  line  for  those  af- 
flicted with  sickness  or  suffering  from 
injuries,  added  to  their  comfort,  it  was 
only  a  matter  of  duty  we  all  owe  to  one 
another  and  each  should  try  and  per- 
form such  duties  to  the  best  of  their 
ability.  I  am,  indeed,  thankful  to  the 
brothers  for  the  demonstrations  of  the 
truthfulness  of  our  watchword  ana 
their  interpretation  of  it  in  regard  to 
my  own  case,  not  only  by  the  members 
of  No.  16,  but  by  my  fellow  workmen 
at  the  Stock  Yards,  who  are  not  mem- 
bers as  well.  My  heart  goes  out  to 
the  brother  S.  U.  men  for  what  they 
have  done  towards  looking  after  my 
wants  during  this  time,  and  I  am  un- 
able to  find  words  to  express  my  grati- 
tude to  them  for  it 

Lodge  16  is  getting  along  in  good 
shape,  on  the  average,  and  we  have  one 
or  more  candidates  to  initiate  at  most 
every  meeting,  and  were  it  not  for  the 
painful  necessity  of  suspending  a  few 
most  every  month  on  account  of  non- 
payment of  their  dues,  our  member- 
ship rolls  would  be  considerably  larger 
than  they  are.  But  we  are  living  in 
hopes  of  all  educating  themselves  to 
the  importance  of  keeping  themselves 
in  good  standing,  which,  of  course, 
can't  be  done  in  any  other  maimer 
than  making  it  a  point  to  pay  our  dues 
promptly  in  advance,  as  is  required  by 
our  constitution.  This  is  something 
we  should  all  keep  uppermost  in  our 
minds. 

We  have  lost  one  of  our  most  effi- 
cient members,  in  the  person  of  Bro. 
B.  F.  Fisher,  who  has  taken  a  with- 
drawal card  and  gone  into  the  grocery 
business  at  Springfield,  111.  He  was  a 
model  member  in  the  affairs  of  this 
union,  never  missed  a  meeting  when 
possible  for  him  to  attend;  always 
willing  to  serve  on  any  committee  or 
aid  in  any  way  he  could  the  affairs  of 
the  union  and  its  members  and  their 
families.  He  was  formerly  president 
of  the  lodge  and  for  a  long  time  chair- 
man of  its  board  of  directors.  He  will 
be  greatly  missed  and  he  carries  with 
him  the  best  wishes  of  all  who  knew 


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UNION  OF  N0R1«  AMBRIOA. 


461 


him.    May  he  meet  with  the  best  of 
Buccess  in  his  new  business. 

As  already  announced  in  the  Joitb- 
juAL,  we  have  changed  meeting  halls, 
on  account  of  the  old  one  burning 
down.  We  now  meet  in  the  Foresters' 
Hall,  120  (DollinsviUe  avenue,  between 
Missouri  and  Division  avenues.  It  is 
a  good  location  and  a  good  hall.  There 
can  be  no  excuse  for  staying  away 
from  the  meetings,  and  we  hope  to  see 
a  well-filled  hall  at  all  our  meetings, 
now  that  the  weather  is  nice.  Meet- 
ings are  held  on  the  first  and  third 
Friday  evenings  of  the  month,  and  all 
brothers  are  urged  to  make  a  practice 
of  attending  as  many  of  the  meetings 
as  possible,  since  all  are,  or  should  bo 
interested  in  the  questions  that  come 
before  them  for  discussion. 

East  St.  Louis  is  now  being  warmed 
up  by  a  campaign  the  Royal  Order  of 
Moose  are  making  for  membership, 
and  quite  a  number  of  switchmen  have 
been  captured  by  the  wearers  of  pal- 
mated  antler  charms,  who  have  this 
work  in  charge.  We  must  admire 
their  pluck  and  activity,  and  since 
such  good  results  can  be  achieved  by 
th^m,  as  a  result  of  such  action,  why 
not  the  switchmen  here  learn  a  useful 
lesson  from  them  and  get  a  similar 
move  on  us.  We  certainly  have  as 
much  inducements  for  those  switching 
cars  as  the  Moose  or  any  other  fra- 
ternity and  even  much  more  than  any 
of  them  from  the  fact  none  of  them  go 
out  of  their  way  one  iota  to  right  the 
wrongs,  or  to  get  improved  wage  and 
working  conditions  for  the  workers, 
as  labor  orders  do,  and  this  is  saying 
nothing  against  joining  any  of  such 
fraternal  societies,  for  they  all  have 
many  commendable  features  about 
them.  And  from  them  all  we  can 
learn  useful  lessons  that  could  be  ap- 
plied with  profit  to  our  own  organiza- 
tions. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  lodges  and 
the  auxiliary,  I  remain. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Buck. 


feedinf  Ifie  Babes. 

I  expect  to  see  the  community  insist- 
ing that  some  provision  shall  be  made 
whereby  every  child  bom  into  the 
world  will  receive  sufllcient  food  to  en- 
able him  to  possess  enough  vitality 
to  overcome  unnecessary  and  prevent- 
able disease  and  to  grow  into  a  man- 


hood ph3rsically  capable  of  satisfac- 
torily convpetlng  in  industrial  or  intel- 
lectual pursuits. 

I  do  not  believe  Ifliat  this  a  dream 
impossible  of  realization. 

About  a  hundred  years  ago  our  fore- 
fathers decided  that  there  should  be  a 
universal  standard  of  literacy.  To 
bring  this  about  the  following  genera- 
tions of  men  established  a  free  school 
system  which  was  meant  to  assure  to 
every  child  a  certain  minimum  of  edu- 
cation. 

I(f  that  can  be  done  for  the  mind, 
the  other  thing  can  be  done  for  the 
body.  And  when  it  is  done  for  the 
body,  we  shall  nmke  another  striking 
advance  in  civilization  not  unlike  that 
recorded  in  the  history  oif  mankind 
when  the  free  people  of  this  American 
continent  established  a  system  of  free 
and  universal  education. — Robert  Hun- 
ter. 


The  Charming  Widow. 

She  is  modest,  but  not  bashful; 

Free  and  easy,  but  not  bold; 
Like  an  apple,  ripe  and  mellow; 

Not  too  young  and  not  too  old; 
Half-inviting,  half-repulsing. 

Now  advancing,  and  now  shy; 
There  is  mischief  in  her  dimple; 

There  is  danger  in  her  eye. 

She  has  studied  human  nature; 

She  is  schooled  in  all  her  arts; 
She  has  taken  her  diploma 

As  the  mistress  of  all  hearts. 
She  can  tell  the  very  moment 

When  to  sigh  and  when  to  smile. 
O,  a  maid  is  sometimes  charming, 

But  -Ui/a  widow  all  the  while! 

Are  you  sad?    How  very  serious 

Will  her  handsome  face  become! 
Are  you  angry?    She  is  wretched. 

Lonely,  friendless,  tearful,  dumb. 
Are  you  mirthful?    How  her  laiighter, 

•Silver  sounding,  will  ring  out. 
She  can  lure  and  catch  and  play  you 

As  the  angler  does  the  trout. 

You  oQd  bachelors  of  forty. 

Who  have  grown  so  bold  and  wise; 
Young  Americans  of  twenty. 

With  the  love  look  in  your  eyes. 
You  may  practice  all  your  lessons 

Taught  by  Cupid  since  the  fall. 
But  I  know  a  charming  widow 

Who  can  win  and  fool  you  all. 
—Jack  Remington,  in  8t,  Paul  Pioneer 

Press. 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


THE    LADIES 
TO    THE    S. 


'   AUXILIARY 
U.    OF    N.   A. 


Gaiy,  Ind. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  there  has  not  been  any  report  in 
the  Joubnal  from  Helping  Hand  Lodge 
No.  4S  of  Gary,  Ind.,  I  will  try  and 
write  a  few  lines  to  let  you  all  know 
that  we  are  doing  fine.  The  last  two 
meetings  we  took  in  new  members  and 
expect  to  take  in  a  few  more  at  our 
next  meeting  if  they  are  not  afraid  to 
come  and  ride  the  goat  But  never 
mind  the  goat,  sisters,  come  right 
along,  we  will  take  good  care  of  him. 

Bro.  and  Sister  iNicklow  have  taken 
a  trip  to  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  to  he  gone 
for  about  three  months.  We  will  cer- 
tainly miss  Sister  Nicklow  at  our 
meetings,  for  she  was  always  on  duty. 
The  ladies  surprised  Sister  Nicklow  at 
her  home  on  Tyler  street  and  I  tell 
you  we  certainly  had  a  good  time  and 
all  the  ice  cream  and  cake  we  could 
eat.  Bro.  Nicklow  said  he  did  not 
care  if  the  ladies  would  have  a  sur- 
prise party  at  his  house  every  night. 
Just  so  they  would  bring  along  some- 
thing good  to  eat 

Our  dance  on  March  18th  was  a  good 
success.  A  large  crowd  was  present 
and  a  neat  little  sum  was  taken  in  to 
add  to  our  treasury.  I  think  now  that 
Helping  Hand  Lodge  No.  43  will  have 
the  $50.00  local  benefit  which  we  have 
worked  hard  to  get. 

As  there  is  nothing  more  for  me  to 
write  about,  I  will  close  my  letter  by 
wishing  all  Ladies'  Auxiliaries  good 
success.     Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

"Emma  Scott. 


Kansas  Qty,  Mo. 

Editob  Switchmen*s  Joubnal: 

Seeing  so  much  from  the  sister  aux- 
iliaries throughout  the  country  and 
nothing  from  No.  17,  I  beg  to  say  I 
was  terribly  disappointed. 

We  are  doing  very  nicely,  consider- 
ing the  few  little  "knocks"  we  have 
received,  but  there  are  a  few  who  still 
cling  to  the  old  proverb  that  '•Every 


knock  is  a  boost,"  so  it  is  for  the  ones 
who  are  faithful  to  that  obligation 
they  have  taken  before  their  living 
God  to  help  strengthen  the  weak 
spots  we  have  had  the  occasion  to  re- 
ceive. 

A  word  now  to  the  "stay^t-homes" : 
If  3^u  expect  to  keep  in  touch  with 
the  welfare  of  your  local  auxiliaxy, 
let  me  urge  you  to  attend  metings  and 
find  out  what  is  what  in  the  way  of 
discussions.  Do  not  wait  until  you 
meet  some  of  the  sisters  and  ask  and 
receive  the  answer  of  what  took  place 
at  the  previous  meeting  and,  another 
thing,  it  has  been  said  that  we  do  too 
much  talking  outside  the  lodge  room 
Indeed,  it  is  a  shame  to  have  to  admit 
the  charge.  But  some  of  the  interested 
sisters  who  attend  the  meetings  seem 
to  think  that  our  charter  also  hangs 
on  the  different  telephone  poles  and, 
after  the  meeting  has  adjourned,  they 
go  home  and  call  up  difterent  persons 
and  tell  them  all  that  has  transpired 
behind  closed  doors,  notwithstanding 
the  fact  that  they  took  a  solemn  oath 
not  to  repeat  anything  they  hear  in 
the  lodge  room  to  non-members.  Now 
if  the  sisters  are  in  any  way  inter- 
ested in  the  welfare  of  our  auxiliary 
they  certainly  will  try  and  attend  one 
meeting  in  a  month.  We  meet  on  the 
second  Sunday  evening  and  fourth 
Tuesday  afternoon.  So  say,  from  now 
on,  if  you  are  in  the  class  mentioned. 
I  will  from  now  on  make  it  a  point  to 
be  present,  and  1  think  you  will  be 
more  than  repaid. 

Our  ball,  given  on  the  25th  of  April 
at  the  New  Casino  Hall,  was  very 
largely  attended  and  was  more  than  a 
success,  both  flnancialy  and  socially. 
We  haven't  received  all  the  returns 
yet,  but  Sister  Nugent,  the  chairman, 
says  we  will  clear,  all  told,  about  sixty 
or  seventy  dollars.  I  wish  to  urge  all 
the  sisters  who  have  tickets  out  and 
money  also,  to  kindly  send  them  to 
the  one  you  received  them  from,  as 
Sister  Nugent  is  preparing  to  take  an- 
other one  of  those  prolonged  journeys 
she  is  famous  for,  she  would  like  to 


Digitized  by  VjiJOV  It: 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


463 


make  her  report  before  her  departure. 

Sister  Porta  donated  to  the  ladies  a 
beautiful  hand-painted  plate,  to  be 
rafiSed  off  for  our  flower  fund,  which 
I  think  will  add  a  neat  little  sum. 

Sister  Delia  Copper  entertained  the 
ladies  on  May  2d  with  a  high-five 
party  for  the  benefit  of  our  fund, 
which  was  very  well  attended.  Every- 
one left  assuring  Sister  Copper  that 
they  had  a  fine  time,  especially  Sister 
Pees,  who  did  justice  to  that  devil  food 
cake  and  sandwiches. 

Sister  Morgan  was  unable  to  attend 
our  nteeting  on  last  Tuesday  afternoon 
on  account  of  the  serious  illness  of  her 
little  son  Albert,  who  was  operated  on 
the  previous  Saturday  at  St  Mary's 
Hospital  for  appendicitis.  He  is  now 
able  to  be  up  and  about  again  and  we 
hope  this  will  end  their  share  of  bad 
luck. 

The  stork  has  not  gone  entirely  out 
of  business  either  in  nor  around  Kan- 
sas City.  He  visited  Bro.  and  Sister 
Louth  on  May  15th  and  left  a  fine  lit- 
tle daughter.  He  also  paid  a  visit  to 
Bro.  and  Sister  Rudy  on  May  27th  and 
left  a  daughter  at  their  home.  He 
Tlsited  Bro.  and  Sister  Condon  in 
April  and  left  them  a  fine  son  and  the 
way  Thomas,  Sr.,  is  smiling  I  think  he 
certainly  was  repaid  for  the  visit. 

I  will  say,  in  closing,  that  Sister 
Nugent  has  dt^nated  her  lawn  for  an 
Ice  cream  social  to  be  held  on  Tues- 
day evening,  July  16th.  All  are  cordi- 
ally Invited. 

Our  third  annual  trolley  party  to 
Leavenworth  was  held  on  Wednesday, 
June  26th. 

Yours  In  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Bebtha  Stauffeb. 


Kansas  Qty,  Kansas. 

E2DIT0B  Switchmen's  Joubital: 

I  hope  that  I  am  not  too  late  to  have 
this  inserted  in  the  July  Joubnal,  as 
we  would  like  all  to  know  how  we  are 
progressing.    ' 

We  have  added  seven  more  mem- 
bers to  our  list  since  our  last  letter. 
Sister  Clark  has  offered  an  Auxiliary 
pin  to  the  one  getting  the  most  mem- 
bers and  I  hope  each  one  will  try  and 
do  her  share.  I  also  want  to  urge  all 
the  members  to  try  and  be  regular  in 
their  attendance  at  the  meetings  as  it 
is  so  much  more  encouraging  to  all 
of  us. 


Our  trolley  ride,  which  we  gave  on 
the  16th  of  last  month,  was  a  grand 
success,  as  we  cleared  $6(9.00.  Especi- 
ally do  we  want  to  thank  Mr.  Mielke 
for  the  noble  work  he  did  in  helping 
to  make  it  a  success.  All  worked 
hard  and  I  am  sure  they  did  not  re- 
gret it  after  the  pleasant  day  they 
spent  at  the  Old  Soldiers'  Home. 

On  account  of  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather  Sister  Clark's  ice  cream  social 
was  not  as  much  of  a  success  as  It 
might  have  been,  although  we  did  very 
well  considering  conditions. 

Sister  Mlelke's  card  party  last  week 
was  very  much  enjoyed  by  all  present 
The  hand-painted  prizes  were  certainly 
worth  playing  for.  Twenty-four  per- 
sons were  present  at  the  card  party. 

Sister  Grahami's  card  party  was  a 
success  in  every  way. 

From  the  way  the  chances  are  sell^ 
ing  on  Sister  J^rown's  lunch  cloth,  T 
think  we  will  more  than  come  up  to 
our  expectations. 

Our  last  Thursday  night  meeting 
was  largely  attended.  We  hope  all 
enjoyed  the  ice  cream  and  cake  and 
that  they  will  try  and  come  at  our 
next  meeting.  We  were  glad  to  see  so 
many  men  out  and  think  they  will  try 
and  attend  more  regularly  than  in  the 
past 

Wishing  all  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  lodges  and 
the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  the  best  of  suc- 
cess, I  remain. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Joubnal  Agent. 


Ml%vaukee,  Wis. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Cream  City  Lodge  No.  39  has  been 
favored.  We  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
having  with  us  the  Second  Grand  Vice- 
Mistress  Mary  M.  Whiteman  of  Lodge 
No.  32  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  for  two  days. 
During  her  visit  we  held  our  regular 
meeting  and  canvassed  from  house  to 
house  soliciting  members  and,  on  the 
evening  of  the  second  day  served 
lunch  to  the  members  of  S.  U.  Lodge 
No.  10  and  their  families.  A  goodly 
number  responded  personally  to  the 
invitation  and  seemingly  enjoyed 
themselves  and  when  we  think  of  the 
many  pleasant  faces  and  broad  smiles, 
we  feel  amply  rewarded.  But  we  also 
secured  several  applications  for  mem- 
bership in  the  auxiliary  which  in  turn 
caused  us  to  smile  more  broadly.  Wish 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


464 


JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


we  could  keep  Sister  Whiteman  with 
us  for  a  time,  for  her  pleasing  per- 
sonality and  genial  manner,  comiblned 
with  good  judgment,  would  be  the 
means  of  tirlnglng  In  all  eligible  mem- 
bers we  feel  sure.  Then,  too.  If  those 
who  are  not  memibers  knew  what  jolly 
times  we  have  among  ourselves,  aside 
from  the  visiting  of  the  sick  and  in- 
jured, I  should  think  wives  especially 
of  all  loyal  S.  U.  members  would  want 
to  belong. 

Sister  Margaret  Waite  has  been  laid 
up  for  some  time  as  the  result  of  a 
street  car  accident. 

Sister  Collins,  who  is  a  staunch 
member,  has  missed  several  meetings 
lately  on  account  of  ill  health. 

It  did  us  all  good  to  see  Sister  May- 
bee  at  our  last  meeting.  -  She  had  not 
been  to  a  meeting  since  her  husband 
was  burled  early  in  the  year.  Come 
again,  Sister  Maybee, .  your  presence 
helps  us  all. 

I  am  glad  to  note,  by  reports  in  the 
JouBNAL,  that  there  is  a  general  in- 
crease in  membership.  Sisters,  we  all 
must  get  busy.  This  year  is  fast  go- 
ing the  way  of  all  others  and  it  will 
soon  be  time  to  elect  delegates  to  the 
next  convention.  In  the  meantime  let 
us  all  endeavor  to  do  our  individual 
best  and  success  will  crown  our  efforts. 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mabgabet  Bebtband. 


IN  MEMORIAM. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  by  Erie  Lodge 
No.  22«: 

Whebeas,  This  lodge  has  been  de- 
prived of  one  of  Its  best  members  in 
the  death  of  Brother  David  Gardner, 
which  occurred  June  14th  after  an 
illness  of  four  months;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  wife  and 
daughter  have  lost  a  loving  hutrband 
and  father  and  this  lodge  one  of  its 
most  faithful  members.  Therefore 
be  It 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Brie 
Lodge  22.6,  in  meeting  assembled,  that 
our  sincere  sympathy  be  extended  to 
the  bereaved  wife  and  daughter  In 
their  sad  hour  of  grief;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a 


mark  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  brother;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  wife 
of  our  deceased  brother,  and  one  be 
forwarded  to  our  oflttcial  journal  for 
publication. 

F.  A.  Clench, 
e.  d.  southabo, 
James  D.   Hassett, 
Committee, 


Cards  of  Thanks. 


Blue  Island,  111.,  June  3,  1912. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  wish,  through  the  Joubnal,  to 
thank  the  members  of  Blue  Island 
Lodge  No.  29  and  our  many  friends  for 
the  assistance  and  sympathy  extended 
us  in  our  trouble  at  the  time  of  the 
death  of  our  wife  and  mother.  We 
will  never  forget  their  noble  eftorts 
and  kindness  in  our  behalf. 

Habbt  Allen  and  Family. 


Blue  Island,  III. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  desire  to  express  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Blue  Island 
Lodge  No.  29,  through  the  columns  of 
the  Joubnal,  for  their  extreme  good 
will  and  kindness  to  us  at  the  time 
of  the  death  of  our  beloved  wife  and 
mother,  which  occurred  on  May  21st, 
and  also  for  their  attendance  at  the 
funeral  and  interment  at  Greenwood 
Cemetery  on  May  24th.  The  floral  de- 
sign was  a  most  appropriate  offering. 
We  shall  ever  remember  the  brothers 
for  their  kindness  during  our  mos^ 
sorrowful  time  in  life.  With  sincere 
thanks  to  all  who  endeavored  to 
lighten  our  burden  of  sorrow  and 
with  best  wishes  for  the  success  of 
those  who  are  striving  to  upbulM  an 
organization  that  develops  such  traits 
of  brotherly  love  in  its  membership, 
we  remain. 

Yours  in  ©.,  H.  and  P., 
H.  N.  Allen,  Sec.  Lodge  No.  29,  and 
Family. 


Hammond,  Ind.,  June  9,  1912. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Blue  Island 
Lodge  No.  29,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for  their 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


4e5 


kindneBS  and  ssmi^pathy  at  the  time 
of  the  death  of  our  father,  Austin  J. 
Fitch,  which  occurred  on  May  12th, 
and  also  for  attendance  at  the  hurla) 
exercises  at  Greenwood  Cemetery  on 
May  16th.  Especially  do  we  thank 
them  for  the  floral  offering  sent  to  us. 
We  shall  ever  feel  grateful  to  them 
for  their  kind  manifestations  of  es- 
teem and  sympathy,  as  well  as  to  the 
organization  that  teaches  such  brother^ 
ly  lessons  to  its  membership.  With 
best  wishes  for  the  success  of  all  its 
mem^rs,  we  remain, 

Yours  respectfully, 
Alfbed  D.  FrrcH,  Brothebs  and  Sis- 

TEB. 


Madison,  111. 
BoiTOR  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  thanks  to  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for  the  prompt  payment 
of  my  claim  for  loss  of  hand,  also  to 
thank  the  members  of  Victory  Lodge 
No.  16,  especially  Bro.  Cobb,  for  the 
kindness  shown  me  since  I  have  been 
down  and  out  on  account  of  a  paraly- 
tic stroke  nearly  four  years  ago.  He 
came  to  see  me  many  times  when  he 
should  have  been  in  bed  himself,  but  it 
never  got  too  cold  or  rainy  for  him  to 
come  and  look  after  me.  With  best 
wishes  for  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  I  remain. 
Sincerely, 

C.  W.  Gibson. 


Notice. 

Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  Wm. 
Lewis,  memiber  of  Lodge  No.  217  will 
please  send  same  to  Lynn  R.  Russell, 
218  Penn  avenue,  Chickasha,  Okla. 
When  last  heard  from  he  was  in  Chi- 
cago, ni. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  F. 
Butler,  member  of  BufTalo  Lodge  No. 
4,  kindly  send  same  to  his  wife,  Mrs. 
F.  Butler,  i50  Lilac  street,  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.,  who  is  very  anxious  to  hear  from 
him. 


Bro.  Wm.  Kelley,  1320  Maple  street, 
Texarkana,  Tex.,  treasurer  of  Lodge 
No.  147,  desires  the  address  of  Bro.  A 
L.  Burton,  also  a  member  of  that 
lodge. 


Bro.  F.  H.  Givens,  memiber  of  Ely 
Lodge  No.  204,  has  lost  April,  May  and 


June  receipts,  also  traveling  card. 
June  receipt  was  filled  out  on  back  for 
secret  work.  They  were  lost  in 
Pueblo,  Col.  Anyone  finding  same 
please  send  them  to  W.  E.  Rice,  East 
Ely,  Nevada,  Treasurer  of  Lodge  No. 
204. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
C.  M.  Allen,  formerly  a  member  of 
Lodge  No.  8,  will  please  advise  Mrs. 
C.  M.  Allen,  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  of  same. 
Important  information  for  him. 


Any  brother  knowing  the  present  ad- 
dress of  Bro.  C.  Toler,  member  of  St. 
Louis  Lodge  No.  37,  will  greatly 
oblige  by  sending  same  to  his  wife, 
Mrs.  Louisa  Toler,  Coulterville,  111. 


Wsiited* 

By  Patrick  J.  Flaherty  (35).  3766 
High  street,  Denver,  Col.,  the  address 
of  W.  W.  Flshback.  When  last  heard 
from  was  at  Wichita,  Kans. 

Anyone  knowing  the  address  of 
Lloyd  Wallace  Smith,  formerly  of  Du- 
luth,  Minn.,  will  greatly  oblige  by 
sending  same  to  his  brother,  W.  L. 
Smith,  1038  Madison  avenue  S.  E., 
Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 


The  Titanic  Disaster. 

Twas  the  fourteenth  of  April, 

'Twas  a  bitter  oold  night. 

When  the  great  boat  Titanic 

Went  down  out  of  sight. 

Out  of  two  thousand  lives  or  more 

Only  seven  hundred  made  the  shore. 

A  shortage  of  life  boats  and  a  record 
for  speed, 

They  say,  is  the  cause  of  this  mur- 
derous deed. 

Husbands    and    fathers    kissed    their 
wives  and  children  goodrbye. 

Never  thinking  that  they  must  die; 

Always  clinging  to  their  last  hope 

Until  they  saw  the  last  life  boat. 

God,   in   his    wisdom,   His  pity  hath 
shown 

Until  in  the  air  the  Titanic  was  blown. 

The    women    and    children    the    men 
tried  to  save 

Until  they  went  down  to  their  watery 
grave. 

Mrs.  C.  D.  Soxtthard. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


From  the  A.  f.  of  L  Weekly  News  Letter 


Washington,  D.  C. 


BiGHT-HouB  Bill. 

labor's  bill  has  passed  both  houses 
OF  conobbss  and  now  goes  to  the 

PRESIDENT  VOR  HIS  APPROVAL. 

Washington. — ^Labor's  eight-hour  bill 
passed  the  House  of  Representatives 
unanimously  on  Dec.  14,  1911.  The 
bill  then  went  to  the  Senate,  and  on 
Friday,  May  31,  1912,  it  passed  with 
several  amendments.  The  vote  upon 
the  bill  in  the  Senate  was  yeas  45, 
nays  11;  not  voting  39.  The  following 
is  the  vote.  For  the  bill:  Ashurst, 
Bacon,  Borah,  Bourne,  Bristow,  Brown, 
Bryan,  Catron,  Chamberlain,  Chilton, 
Clapp,  Clark  (Wyo.),  Clarke  (Ark.), 
Culberson.  Cullon,  Curtis,  Fletcher, 
Oronna,  Hitchcock,  Johnson  (Me.), 
Jones,  Kern,  Lodge,  McLean,  Martin 
(Va.),  MarUne  (N.  J.),  Myers,  New- 
lands,  Overman,  Perkins,  Poindexter, 
Pimerene,  Rayner,  Reed,  Shively, 
Simmons,  Smith  (Ga.),  Smith  (Mich.), 
Smoot,  Stone,  Sutherland,  Tillman, 
Townsend,  Williams,  and  Works. 
Against  the  bill:  Bradley,  Dilling- 
ham, du  Pont,  Oallinger,  Heybum, 
Oliver,  Page,  Percy,  Root,  Sanders, 
and  Wetmore.  On  Wednesday,  June  5, 
1912,  Chairman  Wilson  of  the  House 
Labor  Committee  called  up  the  amend- 
ed bill  and  the  House  concurred  in  the 
Senate  amendments.  Two  of  the 
amendments  added  by  the  Senate  are 
important,  one  providing  that  the  law 
shall  not  apply  to  the  Panama  Canal 
zone  until  Jan.  1,  1915.  This  amend- 
ment was  for  the  purpose  of  leaving 
matters  in  statu  quo  in  the  Panama 
Canal  zone  until  the  waterway  shall 
have  been  completed.  The  other 
amendment  changes  the  date  for  the 
law  to  go  into  effect  to  Jan.  1,  1913. 
The  bill  now  goes  to  the  President  for 
his  approval.  This  law  applies  to  gov- 
ernment work  and  to  contractors  of 


government  work,  but  does  not  aiH;>ly 
to  supplies  usually  purchased  in  the 
open  market,  whether  manufactured  to 
conform  to  particular  specifications  or 
not  Congress  first  adopted  a  law  con- 
stituting eight  hours  a  day  for  all  la- 
borers, workmen  and  mechanics  em- 
ployed by  or  on  behalf  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  on  June  25, 
1868.  By  an  act  aw>roved  May  24, 
1888,  the  eight-hour  law  was  extended 
to  letter  carriers.  The  next  change  in 
the  law  became  operative  on  Aug.  1, 
1892,  when  the  eight-hour  law  was 
strengrthened  by  specific  provisions  re- 
quiring the  government  to  not  **per- 
mit"  any  laborer  or  mechanic  to  work 
more  than  eight  hours  in  any  one  cal- 
endar day  except  in  cases  of  extra- 
ordinary emergency.  It  is  well  to  state 
here  as  a  matter  of  information  that 
from  June  25,  1868,  until  March  21, 
1906,  the  enforcement  of  the  provis- 
ions of  the  eight-hour  law  by  the  gov- 
ernment officials  was  extremely  lax, 
but  upon  the  latter  date  the  executive 
council  of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor  registered  a  most  vigorous  pro- 
test against  the  violation  of  this  law. 
That  protest  to  a  considerable  extent 
had  the  effect  of  securing  a  closer  ob- 
servance of  the  law  by  the  officials  in 
charge  of  the  government  works.  The 
law  just  passed  materisdly  extends  tlie 
scope  and  operation  of  the  eight-hour 
law,  and  will  be  of  inestimable  benefit 
to  not  only  workmen  employed  direct- 
ly by  the  government,  but  will  affect 
many  institutions  that  do  contract 
work  for  the  government.  One  ma- 
terial addition  to  the  law  provides  that 
armor  plate  shall  be  manufactured 
under  the  eight-hour  law. 

To   PROSECtJTB  ViQILANTES. 

San  Diboo,  Cal. — It    is    understood 
that  as  a  result  of  the  investigation 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


467 


made  by  a  representative  of  Governor 
Johnson  in  reference  to  disturbances 
in  this  city,  that  the  governor  will 
commence  legal  proceedings  against 
the  soK^led  vigilantes  of  this  city. 
The  report  further  states  that  the  gov- 
ernor made  the  following  statement: 
"If  San  Diego  wishes  the  aid  of  the 
State  in  any  just  cause,  most  cheer- 
fully will  that  aid,  upon  request,  be 
accorded,  but  just  as  certainly  will  the 
aid  of  the  State  be  extended  to  any 
men,  however  humble  and  feeble, 
whose  lives  are  trampled  upon  in  San 
Diego,  and  with  exactly  the  same 
alacrity  will  the  State  endeavor  to  pro- 
vide redress  for  those  whose  liberty 
has  been  wantonly  violated/' 

English  Dock  Strike. 

Washinoton.  —  Prom  information 
Just  received  from  London,  it  is  re- 
ported that  there  are  practically  115,- 
000  men  who  are  idle  along  the  Thames 
and  Medway  rivers.  This  large  num- 
ber includes  dockers,  carmen,  seamen, 
firemen  and  members  of  the  building 
trades.  It  is  also  stated  that  there  is 
a  steady  increase  coming  to  the  ranks 
of  the  strikers,  with  the  Sailors  and 
Flremen*8  Union  actively  engaged  in 
augmenting  the  strike  numbers  by  in- 
ducing members  of  the  union  arriving 
on  incoming  steamers  to  Join  the 
strike.  News  of  an  authentic  char- 
acter as  to  the  prospects  of  a  settle- 
ment is  lacking. 

Street  Carmen  Organizing  in  Boston. 

Boston. — The  Amalgamated  Associa- 
tion of  Street  and  Electric  Railway 
Ehnployee  have  organizers  in  this  city 
endeavoring  to  perfect  an  organiza- 
tion among  the  street  railway  em- 
ployes. It  is  reported  that  these  or- 
ganizers have  been  successful  in  secur- 
ing about  4,000  members,  and  as  a  re- 
sult the  company  has  discharged  a  num- 
ber of  employes.  The  movement  has 
been  carried  on  quietly  because  the  Bos- 
ton Elevated  has  always  bitterly  an- 
tagonized the  organization  of  its  em- 
ployes. The  company,  upon  learning 
that  a  large  number  of  the  motormen 
and  conductors  had  affiliated  them- 
selves with  the  new  organization, 
posted  a  notice  to  the  efTect  that  a  10 
per  cent.  Increase  In  wages  for  every 
employe  would  go  into  effect  on  June 
1st  It  is  reported  that  the  announce- 
ment of  the  company  provides  for  a 


minimum  wage  of  $12  per  week,  with 
seven  days'  work,  and  a  minimum 
guarantee  of  $7  a  week  for  substitutes, 
or  those  who  have  no  regular  runs.  It 
is  expected  that  a  movement  will  be 
inaugurated  to  demand  the  reinstate- 
ment of  the  discharged  employes  and 
also  that  the  organization  be  recog- 
nized in  the  matter  of  deciding  upon 
wage  scales  and  conditions  of  labor. 

Massachusetts  Ratifies. 

Boston. — ^The  legislature  of  this  city 
has  adopted  the  resolution  ratifying 
the  amendment  to  the  national  consti- 
tution for  the  direct  election  of  United 
States  Senators  by  the  people.  Masssp 
chusetts  is  the  first  State  to  ratify  the 
amendment  since  its  submission  by 
Congress  to  the  several  States. 

Memorial  Sunday  Generally  Ob- 

8BRTBD. 

Washington.  —  Labor's  memorial 
day,  the  fourth  Sunday  in  May,  was 
more  generally  observed  by  the  trade 
unions  this  year  than  ever  before. 
Many  cities  throughout  the  country 
arranged  elaborate  programs  and  were 
successful  in  having  a  large  attend- 
ance present  during  the  memorial  day 
services. 

Canadian  Act  Protects  Foreigners. 

London.— The  Crow's  Nest  Pass  Coal 
Company,  located  in  British  Columbia, 
refused  four  years  ago  to  pay,  under 
the  compensation  law,  the  widow  of  a 
miner  killed  while  in  the  performance 
of  his  duty  the  sum  to  which  ihe  was 
entitled  under  the  law.  The  case  went 
to  the  Inferior  courts  and  the  company 
was  sustained  in  its  contention  that 
the  widow  could  not  claim  benefits  be- 
cause she  resided  in  Austria.  The  case 
was  then  carried  to  the  highest  tri- 
bunal, the  Privy  Council  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, which  has  just  rendered  a  decision 
reversing  the  inferior  courts  and  grant- 
ing the  widow  the  compensation  to 
which  she  is  entitled  under  the  statute. 

Nine  Hours  in  Twelve. 

Washington. — ^A  law  has  been  en- 
acted by  the  Massachusetts  legislature 
and  signed  by  the  governor  regulating 
the  hours  of  labor  of  street  railway 
employes.  After  Jan.  1,  1913,  the  work 
day  of  regular  trainmen  will  be  based 
upon  nine  hours'  platform  time,  to  be 
performed   within   twelve   consecutive 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


468 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMSN'S 


hours.  For  extra  men  eight  hours 
must  Intervene  between  the  close  of 
one  day's  labor  and  the  beginning  of 
the  next 

Buffalo  Increases. 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. — The  carpenters  of 
this  city  have  secured  agreements 
from  119  contractors  Increasing  the 
scale  of  wages  from  45  cents  to  50 
cents  per  hour,  with  the  Saturday  half- 
holiday  during  June,  July  and  August. 
The  electrical  workers  have  also  se- 
cured an  increase  from  $3.50  to  $3.75 
during  June,  July  and  August,  and  on 
the  1st  of  September  a  still  further  in- 
crease to  $4.00  a  day  has  been  granted. 

Demands  Refused. 

Philadelphla. — ^The  general  man- 
ager of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  has 
sent  a  communication  to  the  officers 
of  the  Order  of  Railway  Conductors 
and  the  Brotherhood  of  Railway  Train- 
men on  the  Pennsylvania  lines  east  of 
Pittsburg  and  Erie,  refusing  the  de- 
mand that  steam  conductors  and  train- 
men be  placed  on  the  electric  lines  of 
the  Pennsylvania  running  out  of  New 
York  City. 

Musicians  Start  "Titanic"  Fund. 

Washington. — It  is  reported  that 
the  eighteenth  annual  convention  of 
the  American  Federation  of  Musicians, 
held  recently  in  Omaha,  inaugurated 
a  plan  to  raise  funds  for  the  purpose 
of  relieving  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  the  members  of  the  Titanic  band, 
and  in  addition  to  erect  a  marble  shaft 
to  the  memory  of  the  musicians  who 
perished  in  that  disaster. 

What  Do  You  Know  About  Tinsf 

Washington. — During  the  considera- 
tion of  the  naval  appropriation  bill  an 
amendment  was  offered  that  no  part 
of  the  appropriation  be  expended  for 
foreign  coal  to  be  used  by  the  marine 
corps  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  the 
United  States.  After  a  slight  modifi- 
cation of  this  amendment  it  was 
agreed  to.  Then  followed  an  amend- 
ment offered  by  "Uncle  Joe"  Cannon 
that  staggered  those  who  have  been 
watching  his  performances  In  the 
House  of  Representatives.  "Uncle 
Joe's"  amendment  provided  "that  the 
coal  shall  be  mined  by  labor  that  is 
employed  not  exceeding  eight  hours 
a  day."    After  considerable  discussion 


this  amendment  was  adopted.    Verily, 
but  times  and  opinions  do  change. 

Investigates  Button  Workers'  Strike. 

Muscatine,  la. — President  Gompers 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
in  company  with  President  Urick  of 
the  Iowa  State  Federation  of  Labor, 
were  in  this  city  recently,  making  an 
investigation  of  the  strike  against  the 
button  factories.  There  are  about  800 
button  workers  still  on  strike. 

Printers  Get  More  Wages. 

Toledo,  O. — After  several  confer- 
ences the  local  Typographical  Union 
and  newspaper  publishers  have  agreed 
on  a  new  wage  scale  which  means  an 
increase  of  $2.25  per  week  for  every 
member  employed  on  the  Toledo  news- 
papers, and  the  aggregate  will  total  an 
increase  of  $76,000  per  year.  The  new 
rate  will  be  $26.75  for  night  work  and 
$23.75  for  day  work.  The  ag^reement 
calls,  of  course,  for  the  strictly  union 
shop,  together  with  regulations  regard- 
ing apprentices,  who  will  be  given  a 
thorough  education  in  the  printing 
trade  by  the  union  after  the  first  six 
months.  This  education  comprises  a 
technical  training  under  the  system 
inaugurated  by  the  International  Typo- 
graphical Union. 

To  Build  Labor  Temple. 

Terre  Haute,  Ind. — Some  months 
ago  it  was  decided  by  the  labor  organ- 
izations of  this  city  to  build  a  labor 
temple.  All  of  the  organizations  have 
taken  a  deep  Interest  In  the  project 
and  entertainments  of  various  char- 
acter have  been  held  since  that  time 
for  the  purpose  of  providing  the 
nucleus  for  purchasing  the  site.  A 
neat  sum  has  already  been  gathered, 
and  it  is  expected  that  before  long  a 
sufficient  amount  of  money  will  be 
available  to  purchase  a  site. 


Spoiing  Mexico. 

Mexico,  as  far  as  natural  resources 
are  concerned,  is  one  of  the  richest 
nations  in  the  world.  To  the  present, 
they  have  been  only  imperfectly  de- 
veloped, and  part  of  the  existing  tur- 
moil in  that  country  is  due  to  the 
great  and  overmastering  desire  of  the 
capitalist  speculators  to  get  hold  of 
these  resources. 

China,  which  Is  also  a  country  of 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH    AMBRICA. 


469 


enormous  undeveloped  natural  re- 
sources, seems  in  a  way  on  the  road  to 
utilize  them  for  the  benefit  of  the 
nrhole  people,  though  there  are  thou- 
sands of  financial  harpies  waiting  to 
swoop  in.  So  far  they  have  not  had 
a  chance. 

In  Mexico  it  is  different.  The  specu- 
lators have  control  of  the  mines,  of 
the  petroleum  areas  and  of  the  most 
productive  agricultural  land.  Yet 
there  is  uncertainty  as  to  how  far  they 
can  loot  the  country  without  causing 
a  genuine,  widespread,  fundamental 
uprising. 

If  these  interests  can  get  into  the 
country,  backed  by  American  troops 
and    financed    by     American    govern- 


mental money,  the  subjugation  and 
looting  of  Mexico  will  be  a  very  easy 
proposition. 

It  is  for  this  reason  that  there  have 
been  such  insistent  demands  for  inter- 
vention. Conditions  in  Lawrence, 
Lowell,  Passaic  and  other  industrial 
centers  of  the  United  States  are  worse 
than  they  are  in  Mexico.  But  our 
financiers  depend  on  the  local  police 
or  the  militia  to  do  their  dirty  work 
here. 

What  they  want  in  Mexico  is  the 
regular  army,  a  residential  repressive 
force,  that  will  enable  them  to  rob  the 
people  to  the  limit  and  have  the  United 
States  government  foot  the  bills. — Neto 
York  Call. 


A  LEAP  INTO  THE  ABYSS. 


"What  does  a  woman  do  when  she  is 
out  of  work  and  has  no  money  and 
can't  get  a  job?" 

"What  does  she  do?"  asked  our 
breakfast  guest,  who  was  an  actress, 
and  a  leading  lady  at  that. 

"Yes,  that  is  what  I  would  like  to 
know,"  I  said. 

"Well,  I've  been  there.  I  can  tell 
you  wha,t  I  did.  It  was  an  awful  thing 
to  do,  but  I  couldn't  help  myself,  and 
I  don't  care  who  knows  it.  It  is  time 
these  things  were  known." 

"And  what  did  you  do,  Miss  Lead?" 
I  asked,  while  the  bacon  and  eggs 
9tuck  in  my  throat.  I  felt  very  much 
like  I  did  the  first  time  I /saw  a  live 
nerve  exposed  in  a  body,  and  was  kind 
of  sorry  that  I  had  forced  the  question. 

"My  parents  died  when  I  was  a  little 
girl,"  began  the  actress.  "I  went  to  an 
aunt,  who  really  couldn't  afford  to 
keep  me.  When  I  was  fourteen  years 
old  she  sent  me  to  another  woman  who 
used  me  as  a  slavey  in  her  house.  I 
couldn't  stand  it,  and  Van  away  from 
her.  I  was  out  on  the  street  for  sev- 
eral da3^  and  at  nights  slept  In  door- 
ways. I  looked  so  forlorn  that  no  one 
could  be  found  who  would  hire  me  to 
do  anything.  But  I  knew  there  were 
certain  places  a  girl  could  go  to  and 
be  fed  and  receive  a  hearty  welcome. 
To  one  of  these  houses  I  wenit.  Yes,  T 
knew  what  kind  of  house  it  was.  I 
got  a  good,  square  meal  and  friendly 
smiles,  no  suggestion  of  charity,  either. 


"When  my  benumbed  brain  got 
warmed  up  and  I  began  to  think,  I  felt 
frightened.  I  began  to  scheme  about 
getting  away.  I  let  on  that  1  was 
game  and  satisfied.  Along  came  a  man 
who  was  no  city  dweller.  I  knew  that 
from  his  bewildered  look  and  honest, 
good  face.  The  bronze  color  of  his 
cheeks  and  far-away  gaze  in  his  eyes 
proclaimed  him  to  be  a  man  out  of  the 
wide  plains,  who  had  oome  to  town  to 
*leam.'    All  that  I  knew  instantly. 

"I  threw  myself  on  my  knees  before 
him,  and  begged  him  to  save  me.  'Can 
you  not  see  that  I  am  only  a  little, 
innocent  girl?'  I  asked  him." 

"*Good  God!'  he  exclaimed,  and 
looked  in  terror  down  on  me  and  lifted 
me  up. 

"Yes,  he  had  a  revolver  in  his 
pocket  that  got  me  my  street  clothes 
back.  The  madam  looked  down  in  the 
black  steel  barrel,  obeyed  all  orders 
promptly  and  quietly. 

"The  moment  we  were  on  the  street 
I  collapsed  in  a  heap  on  the  sidewalk. 
It  was  on  the  Barbary  Coast,  and 
everybody  on  the  street  took  me  for 
drunk.  Well,  he  took  me  to  a  hotel, 
and  the  next  day  came  to  see  me. 

"  'What  are  you  going  to  do?'  he 
asked.  'I  can't  leave  you  like  this. 
Yon  may  have  to  go  back  if  I  do.' 

"In  all  my  life  I  had  wanted  to  go 
on  the  staee.  To  be  an  actress  was  my 
highest  ideal.  Would  he  lend  me 
money  enough  to  take  me  through  a 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


470 


JOURNAL   OF   THE   SWITCHMBN'8 


dramatic  school?  Yes,  he*  would  send 
me  so  much  a  month.  No  one  can  ever 
imagine  how  happy  I  became  at  that 
moment  I  cried  out  of  pure  joy,  and 
Tom  pretended  that  the  California  dust 
was  bad  for  his  eyes,  that  the  Arizona 
dust  was  not  nearly  so  irritating. 

"Yes,  that  was  terribly  near  the  line 
of  tragedy;  that  it  ended  in  a  romance 
in  my  case  was  In  itself  a  romance. 
Eight  hundred  thousand  women  are  in 
the  abyss  at  this  moment  They  are 
there  because  they  are  either  led  in  or 
forced  in  by  starvation,  and  as  far  as 
they're  concerned  it  doesn't  make  the 
slightest  difference  how  they  got  in. 
They  live  on  the  average  of  five  years. 
Every  five  years  there  is  a  new  batch. 
It  means  that  eighteen  hundred  thou- 
sand little  girls  this  morning  are  on 
the  road  to  the  abyss. 

"Did  I  marry  Tom?  No,  he  was  a 
man  through  and  through,  but  not  a 
man  for  me.  He  asked  for  nothjng  in 
return  from  me.  We  always  remained 
good  friends.  Yes,  of  course,  the 
struggle  of  the  workers  could  furnish 
a  Shakespeare  more  tragedy  than  all 
the  kings  and  lords  put  together." 

"But^  Miss  Lead,  after  you  got 
through  your  dramatic  school  the 
struggle  wasn't  over,  was  it?" 

"No,  you  bet  it  wasn't;  and  it  isn't 
over  yet.  Why  don't  the  workers  in 
the  industries  all  organize?  Then  they 
would  find  out  what  a  terrible  lot  of 
power  they  really  have.  We  stage 
people  are  a  sort  of  sub-parasites  paid 
to  amuse  the  real  parasites  and  to 
tickle  their  fancy.  We  would  a  thou- 
sand times  rather  display  the  real  sig- 
nificance of  life  to  the  workers,  which 
must  be  to  be  free.  But  until  the 
stage  manager  feels  the  pressure  in 
society  of  that  need,  we  will  be  playing 
fool  things." 

"You  seem  to  be  very  radical,  Miss 
Lead,"  I  said. 

"Of  course  I  am.  Anyone  that 
knows  the  world  as  I  do  must  be  rad- 
ical." 

"Are  most  stage  people  that  rad- 
ical?" 

"No,  they're  Uke  any  other  workers. 
Most  of  them  see  the  world  through 
the  upper-class  glasses,  because  they 
were  clapped  on  their  noses  before 
they  could  reason,  and  are  kept  there 
by  our  so-called  moralists." 

"Do  you  think  that  the  workers  have 
the  power  to  bring  about  justice,  that 
is,  equal  access  to  the  means  of  life?" 


"Not  now,  no.  But  when  they  get 
organized  they'll  have  that  power." 

"I  agree  with  you.  Miss  Lead;  but 
the  workers  will  never  organize,  all 
together.  They  haven't  sense  enough, 
the  women  especially  lack  interest  in 
organization.  You  could  never  organ- 
ize them.  They  have  pottered  away 
individually  for  too  many  centuries  In 
their  homes." 

"Did  I  not  just  tell  you  that  eight 
hundred  thousand  women  are  driven 
down  into  the  abyss  every  five  years, 
by  Idle  conditions?  Yes.  Just  so  will 
every  workingwoman  be  driven  into 
labor  organization  in  the  future  by  the 
same  power.  Only  in  one  case  she  is 
driven  to  the  bad,  in  the  other  to  the 
good.  Necessity,  not  preaching,  is  the 
power  behind  the  throne.  And  the 
same  law  holds  good  to  workingmen." 

"But  why  do  you  talk  slurringly  of 
our  moralists.  Miss  Lead?" 

"Because  our  moralists  apparently 
haven't  yet  discovered  that  for  any  hu- 
man being  to  live  upon  the  labor  of 
another  is  the  greatest  immorality  of 
all.  But  what  shall  we  say  of  our 
moralists  who  point  to  the  man  as  an 
example  worthy  to  emulate,  who  has 
succeeded  in  getting  thousands  of  men, 
women  and  children  to  yield  up  the 
product  of  their  toil  to  him,  while  they 
get  barely  enough  to  keep  body  and 
soul  togeUier?" 

"Oh,  don't  you  believe  in  brain  and 
ability.  Miss  Lead?" 

"Yes,  of  course  I  do;  but  I  don't 
believe  in  having  this  brain  and  ability 
being  used  for  the  spread  of  social 
misery  and  individual  glorification.  I 
believe  in  the  brain  and  ability  that 
adds  to  social  happiness  by  giving 
even  more  than  it  takes,  for  its  own 
individual  satisfaction." 

'Tee,  I  know,  but  that  is  not  human 
nature." 

"Human  nature,  now  really,  isn't 
human  nature  the  same  as  nature  in 
the  beast,  birds  and  plants?  Each  ex- 
presses Itself  bfter  its  own  kind,  ac- 
cording to  the  particular  channel  it  Is 
forced  into  by  its  condition.  If  a  stock 
raiser  wants  good  stock,  he  doeffli't 
hire  a  preacher  to  preach  to  it.  He 
begins  by  good  feeding  and  healthy 
surroundings.  He  doesn't  allow  one 
oow  to  hog  the  stable  and  the  beet 
feed  just  because  she  has  the  brain  and 
ability  to  chase  the  rest  out.  You  see 
the  point?" 

Tee,  she'd  become  sleek    and    fat 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


471 


while  the  others  would  be  miserable 
looking,  bony  creatures. 

"^ut  there  is  Rockefeller,  who  has 
created  the  wonderful  oil  industry." 

'Hockefeller  can't  create  a  hair  on 
his  own  bald  head,  far  less  can  he 
create  a  single  drop  of  oil.  He  took 
possession  of  the  creation  of  nature 
because  human  society  was  so  organ- 
ized  that  it  allowed  him  to  do  so,  and 
if  it  hadn't  been  Rockefeller  it  would 
baye  been  somebody  else.  A  society 
that  leaTes  its  means  of  life  to  be  taken 
away  from  It,  will  have  no  trouble  in 
getting  rid  of  it.  In  fact,  each  indi- 
yldual  in  such  a  society  will  strive  to 
be  the  successful  robber  and  be  proud 
of  it.  If  he  can't  come  in  first,  second 
or  third,  he'U  strive  to  oome  in  behind 
the  procession  somewhere  to  exploit 
and  gouge,  and  the  moment  he  loses 
his  hold  he  is  dropped  out,  and  frantic 
hands  grab  for  his  place.  Now,  what 
is  the  use  to  moralize  under  the  cir- 
cumstances?" 

"But,  what  on  earth  can  we  do  to 
stop  it?  It  seems  to  mo  that  we're 
like  the  fellow  who  got  hold  of  the 
bear's  tail  and  can't  let  go  of  it." 

*Tve  already  toM  you  that  the  or- 
ganized workers  have  the  world-power 
in  their  hcuids.  They  produce  all  the 
wealth.  When  they  keep  that  wealth 
for  themselves  the  exploiter  will  be  out 
of  his  Job,  just  like  the  chattel  slave- 
bolder  got  out  of  his  Job  after  the 
emancipation  of  the  slaves." 

"I  see.  Miss  Lead,  the  exploiter  will 
have  to  do  something  useful.  He'll 
have  to  help  to  create  wealth  instead 
of  merely,  as  now,  appropriating  it." 

"Good!  I  never  saw  it  that  way  be- 
fore. Hurrah!  lor  organized  labor 
that'll  stand  and  act  as  one  whole." 

"Well,  1  must  hurry  up,  or  I'll  be 
late  for  rehearsal." 

"Oh,  but  I  want  to  know  something 
about  Tom.  I  never  heard  of  any  man 
Hke  that  before." 

"Tom  was  only  a  cow  puncher,  who 
hadn't  even  learned  to  read  and  write. 
He  knew  nothing  about  all  the  liter- 
ature that  describes  bad  women.  If  he 
had,  he  would  have  given  me  the 
laugh.  He  was  one  out  of  eight  hun- 
dred thousand  that  rescued  another 
one  out  of  eight  hundred  thousand. 
Good-bye." — Caroline  NeUon,  in  Labor 
Clarion. 


Demand  the  Label  on  all  you  buy. 


A  Trip  to  the  l>€fitiit. 

Bt  Biiss  Hazel  M.  Dawot. 

Mr.  Greely,  for  the  twentieth  time, 
turned  in  his  bed  and  uttered  a 
peevish,  irritated  exclamation. 

The  voice  of  his  wife  sounded  from 
the  other  side  of  the  room.  There, 
after  all  his  painful  precautions,  he 
had  awakened  her. 

"Is  it  the  tooth?"  she  inquired, 
anxiously.    "Does  it  hurt  much?" 

"No,  no,"  he  grunted.  The  question 
was  annoying.  If  she  had  it  she  would 
know  If  it  hurt  very  much. 

He  turned  upon  his  back  and  pressed 
his  cheek  hard  against  his  shoulder. 
He  believed  that  the  thing  oould  not 
keep  him  awake.  He  snniled.  He 
would  go  to  sleep.    You  bet  he  would! 

The  tooth  still  kept  up  the  ache, 
ache,  ache,  as  regular  as  the  puffs  of  a 
locomotive.  Whew!  what  was  that? 
It  seemed  to  him  that  a  very  thin  wire 
copcealed  in  his  tooth  had  been  sud- 
denly twanged. 

How  he  hoped  it  would  not  twang 
again,  and  as  he  waited,  ever  watchful, 
the  action  was  repeated. 

Oh,  what  a  horrid  sensation! 

The  clock  sitting  on  the  bureau 
struck  two,  and  Mr.  Greely  realized 
that  the  blessed  morning  was  still  a 
long  way  off.  The  ache  in  his  tooth 
kept  up  a  fftst  race  with  the  ticks  of 
the  alarm  dock. 

The  poor  man  tried  numerous  pos- 
tures, each  one  failing. 

Mrs.  Greely  slept  the  sleep  of  the 
Just,  while  her  husband,  poor  man,  was 
suffering  untold  agonies  alone  in  the 
dark.  After  a  time  he  dozed,  and,  in 
t^t  short,  peaceful  time,  he  dreamed 
very  exciting  dreams  concerning  the 
extracting  of  teeth. 

At  the  climax  of  his  dream  he  awoke 
and  found  himself  in  perspiration, 
while  his  Jaw  pained  him  frightfully. 

If  he  might  only  get  at  that  tooth 
and  dig  it  out  'Twas  a  cowardly  thing 
for  it  to  do,  to  torture  a  poor  man  go. 
Oh,  if  the  morning  would  come,  so 
that  he  might  seek  the  dentist  and 
insist  upon  the  pulling  of  the  blamed 
thing,  thus  silepclng  it  forever.  Mr. 
Greely  felt  a  vicious  desire  to  arise  and 
pull  the  tooth  with  the  ordinary 
pincers. 

It  still  kept  up  a  steady  "ache,  ache, 
ache,"  and  now  and  then  a  "twang!" 

He  dozed,  and  recollections   of   his 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


472 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITGHMBN'8 


early  childhood  surged  into  his  dreams, 
how  he  himself  had  attempted  to  pull 
one  of  his  "baJby"  teeth  toy  tying  a  stout 
cord  to  his  and  the  other  end  of  it  to 
the  door.  Only  half  of  the  tooth  was 
"yanked"  out,  leaving  the  other  half 
to  continue  the  eyerlasting  ache  as  his 
tooth  was  doing  now.  The  nerve  in 
his  tooth  gave  a  dreadful  twinge,  and 
the  owner  of  that  tooth  awoke  and  tim- 
idly investigated  the  bothersome  state 
of  the  thing.  It  was  all  there  and  ap- 
parently satisfied  with  its  surround- 
ings. 

Relapsing  into  a  peaceful  slumber, 
which  was  unbroken  until  the  clock 
loudly  sounded  the  hour  of  six,  he 
awoke,  and  thinking  he  had  imagined 
the  timepiece  told  the  hour  at  which 
he  was  accustomed  to  rise;  he  further 
investigated  by  getting  out  of  bed  and 
looking  into  the  face  of  the  clock 
which  seemed  to  smile  and  remind  him 
of  his  aching  tooth,  destined  to  an 
early  fate. 

He  delicately  mumbled  his  breakfast 
and  was  ever  aware  of  his  wife's  pity- 
ing eyes  fixed  upon  him.  He  kissed 
her  good-bye^  and  hastened  from  the 
house,  out  to  the  street,  and  after  a 
car. 

The  dentist's  office  was  finally 
reached,  and  he  proceeded  along  the 
hall  until  he  came  to  the  door,  entered 
and  sat  down  in  the  chair, — for  his 
mind  was  made  up. 

A  second  passed  and  the  medical 
man  entered,  arrayed  in  his  spotless 
white  ooat. 

Five  minutes  more,  and  Mr.  Greely 
passed  from  the  office,  minus  a  tooth, 
but  still  a  happy  man. 


Convict  Contractor  a  Slave  Driver— The 
Contract  System  Condemned. 

"Dull,  brutal  unnecessary  labor  im- 
pairs the  convict's  self-respect.  It  is 
of  first  importance  to  develop  such 
remnant  of  self-respect  as  the  prisoner 
still  holds,"  said  Thomas  R.  Slicer, 
chairman  of  the  National  Committee 
on  Prison  Labor,  in  addressing  the  Na- 
tional Conference  of  Charities  and 
Correction  at  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

"We  must  see  that  the  prisoners' 
work  is  remunerative  to  the  prisoner, 
his  family  and  the  state  and  never  for 
the  personal  profit  of  private  indi- 
viduals. 


"The  failure  of  corrupt  prison  offi- 
cials to  produce  work  for  the  convicts 
and  the  consequent  necessity  of  shift- 
ing responsibility  to  the  contractor  and 
the  state's  own  incompetence  open  the 
door  to  graft  and  the  exploitation  for 
private  gain. 

"Happily  the  day  is  fast  passing 
when  a  man  can  boast  of  having  a 
good  thing  in  a  prison  contract  and 
forget  to  mention  the  poor  thing  that 
is  left,  the  prisoner  working  on  the 
contract. 

"We  are  looking  forward  to  the  time 
when  there  will  not  -be  a  single  con- 
tract and  when  the  business  acuteness 
of  the  contractor  will  not  be  in  the 
ratio  of  his  skill  as  a  slave  driver. 

"Prison  management  must  be  In  the 
hands  of  carefully  trained  men.  The 
prison  is  not  a  cesspool  in  which  the 
state  can  dump  its  refuse  politicians. 

"The  prisoner  is  in  penal  servitude. 
His  time,  his  effort,  his  light,  warmth 
and  place  have  all  been  bought  by  the 
contractor. 

"The  claim  of  organized  labor  has 
long  been  established  and  except  in 
certain  selfish  centres  is  clearly  recog- 
nized. The  free  man  should  not  be 
penalized  or  undersold  by  convict 
labor. 

"The  state  use  system  has  been  suc- 
cessfully adopted  in  a  number  of  states 
and  a  new  spirit  is  presenting  itself 
amongst  the  governors  of  the  states  fa- 
voring the  *Honor  System.' 

"The  awakening  conscience  of  the 
people  on  this  subject  will  find  its  re- 
fiection  in  the  selection  this  autumn  of 
the  governors  of  many  states." 

The  contract  system  was  further  con- 
demned by  Benjamin  M.  Kaye,  attor- 
ney for  the  Fancy  Lather  Goods 
Manufacturers'  Association,  who  said 
in  part: 

"The  fancy  leather  goods  industry  Is 
undergoing  a  steady  process  of  annihil- 
ation by  reason  of  competition  with 
convict  labor^ 

"The  employment  of  convicts  in  the 
manufacture  of  fancy  leather  goods 
has  existed  for  only  about  two  years. 
Already  four  going  concerns  have  been 
driven  out  of  business  and  the  work- 
ing people  thrown  out  of  po&dtions. 

"The  prosperity  of  the  prison  con- 
tractor invariably  entails  ruin  and 
grinding  poverty  to  hundreds  of  manu- 
facturers and  thousands  of  employes." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


478 


In  presenting  the  attitude  of  the 
trade  unions  toward  prison  labor,  John 
P.  Frey,  editor  of  the  International 
Moulders'  Journal,  stated  that: 

"Prison  labor  under  the  contract 
convict  labor  system  has  been  the 
means  of  lowering  the  wage  rate  for 
thousands  of  wage  earners  and  in 
some  instances  its  competition  has 
practically  driyen  an  industry  from 
the  field. 

"In  the  iron  moulders  trade,  stove 
hollowware  has  been  practically  driven 
out  of  the  foundries  in  the  United 
States  through  the  competition  of  simi- 
lar wares  made  by  contract  convict 
labor,  for  the  moulders  could  not  exist 
on  the  wageJ»  for  which  they  would 
have  to  work  to  compete  with  the  con- 
vict whose  labor  is  sold  to  the  contrac- 
tor for  as  low  as  $.65  per  day. 

"It  is  because  of  this  competition 
and  for  humanitarian  reasons  that 
trade-unions  have  been  opposed  to  the 
contract  system. 

"Briefly  reviewed  the  trade-union  at- 
titude towards  prison  labor  is  that  its 
first  object  should  be  the  prisoner's 
reformation  and  under  no  circum- 
stances should  any  element  of  private 
profit  enter  into  consideration.  The 
labor  performed  by  the  prisoner 
should  be  of  a  useful  nature  and  for 
this  labor  the  convict  should  be  paid 
for  the  benefit  of  those  dependent  upon 
him  and  for  his  own  assistance  upon 
regaining  freedom  and  finally  the  prin- 
cipal object  of  the  state  should  be  to 
protect  itself  from  the  vicious  and  un- 
fortunate and  to  give  them  an  ade- 
quate opportunity  for  reformation  and 
not  to  derive  profit  from  their  labor." 
— Press  Service,  the  National  Commit- 
tee on  Prison  Labor. 


Broken  Rails. 

Every  few  days  we  read  In  the 
papers  of  a  terrible  accident,  often 
accompanied  by  loss  of  life  and  limb, 
and  the  destruction  of  valuable  prop- 
erty, caused  by  a  broken  rail.  Presi- 
dent Miller,  of  the  Burlington,  is 
quoted  in  the  St.  Louis  Republic  of 
March  12th,  as  saying  that  "deaths 
caused  by  broken  rails  average  less 
than  eleven  a  year."  President  Mil- 
ler's figures  may  be  correct  in  the  past, 
but,  so  far  this  year,  we  have  had  dif- 
ferent figures. 


On  March  7th,  the  Wabash  Contin- 
ental Limited  was  derailed  near  West 
Lebanon,  Ind.,  by  a  broken  rail,  five 
people  killed  and  seventy-one  injured. 
A  number  of  other  roads  have  had 
wrecks  from  the  same  cause,  not  al- 
ways, fortunately,  with  loss  of  life,  but 
with  the  destruction  of  much  property 
and  minor  injury  to  passengers  and 
employes. 

It  is  time  that  a  searching  inquiry 
should  be  made  by  the  government 
into  the  cause  of  so  many  rails  break- 
ing. If  the  rails  are  too  light  for  the 
traffic,  the  government  should  order 
heavier  rails  laid  to  protect  life  and 
limb.  If  the  track  is  not  properly 
maintained,  the  government  should  in- 
terfere, and  if  the  railway  company 
was  unwilling  or  unable  to  make  the 
necessary  repairs  to  keep  its  tracks 
safe,  then  it  should  get  out  of  busi- 
ness. While  either  of  the  above  may 
be  true  in  isolated  cases,  I  am  of  the 
opinion  that  the  inordinate  greed  of 
the  managers  of  the  rail  mills  is  at 
the  bottom  of  the  trouble.  Rails  are 
rolled  too  hot  or  too  cold,  full  of  flaws 
and  defects,  not  properly  tested  or  in- 
spected before  being  consigned  to  the 
railway,  who  receive  the  rails  on  the 
word  of  the  mill  officials,  without  any 
competent  inspection,  and  the  first  in- 
timation of  defect  is  when  a  terrible 
accident  results. 

Railway  officials  are  to  blame  in 
some  respects  for  the  loose,  slovenly 
way  in  which  rails  are  handled  by 
their  men.  A  good  steel  rail  should 
be  handled  almost  as  carefully  as  if  it 
were  glasvs,  not  jerked  around  and  bent, 
and  dropped  on  the  hard  ground  on 
top  of  stone  or  other  obstruction. 
There  is  too  much  hurry  usually  un- 
loading rails  for  the  work  to  be  done 
properly  and  well. 

I  have  seen  rails  unloaded  from  coal 
cars  by  a  gang  of  men,  who,  after 
much  twisting  with  bar  and  hook, 
loosened  a  rail  from  the  pile  which 
was  lifted  to  the  top  of  carside  and 
rolled  oft,  quite  often,  one  end  In  ad- 
vance of  the  other.  In  which  shape  It 
struck  the  ground,  sometimes  falling 
across  a  tie  or  a  rock,  or  the  end  of 
another  rail.  Ralls  unloaded  in  this 
way  cannot  help  but  be  materially  in- 
jured in  the  process. 

A^aln — new  rails  are  rushed  into 
the  track  on  ties  not  adzed  level,  often 
improperly  bolted  and  spiked,  and  the 


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474 


JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITOHICBN'8 


ties  not  properly  spaced  until  after 
trains,  passing  OTer  the  rail,  ha^e 
surface-bent  them  beyond  remedy.  AH 
of  these  conditions  so  prevalent  on 
many  railways  have  the  effect  of  re- 
ducing the  life  of  the  rail.  Another 
cause  of  the  lamentable  wrecks  is  try- 
ing to  operate  trains  at  the  rate  of  60 
miles  per  hour  on  a  twenty-five  mile 
per  hour  roadbed. 

How  many  times  do  you  hear  of  a 
wreck  which,  after  apparent  careful 
investigation  by  the  railway  officials, 
is  marked  down,  "Cause  unknown." 

WliBt  would  you  think  of  a  watch- 
maker to  whom  you  took  your  watch 
to  find  the  cause  of  its  stopping,  who 
told  you  the  cause  was  unknown? 
There  is  a  cause  for  every  derailment, 
and  those  in  charge  should  be  able  to 
give  the  cause.  It  is  true  there  may 
be  several  causes,  which  together  re- 
sulted in  the  accident.  For  instance, 
a  loose  wheel  on  one  train  may  permit 
of  the  wheel  crtiearing  off  bolt  heads  or 
nuts,  leaving  the  Joint  without  sup- 
port of  fish  plates  or  angle  bars.  A 
train  following  strikes  the  end  of  rail 
exposed  and  is  derailed,  or  a  nut  fall- 
ing from  a  passing  train,  dropping  be- 
tween switch  point  and  stock  rail  may 
cause  the  switch  point  to  stand  open 
against  train  running  towards  point. 
While  several  trains  have  passed  run- 
ning-off  the  point,  the  train  running 
towards^polnt  straddles  the  switch. 
Every  accident  has  a  direct  and  con- 
tributory cause,  that  should  be  ascer- 
tained before  the  matter  Is  disposed 
of. — The  Advance  Advocate, 


How  Unde  Peter's  Headache  was  Cured. 

By  Mbs.  Gbobob  Hughes. 

"Dlrexa,  the  Lord  has  seen  fit  to 
afflict  me  with  a  dizziness  and  burning 
of  the  head,  this  first-day  morning.  I 
feel  not  equal  to  the  exertion  of  sitting 
in  the  hot  meeting  bouse.  Thee  go. 
though,  and  attend  to  thy  devotions, 
and  I  win  betake  myself  to  the  shade 
and  coolness  of  the  river  bank,  and 
there,  with  my  bible  and  the  quietness 
and  solitude  of  nature  will  devote  my- 
self to  meditation  and  prayer." 

"Why,  Peter!  Thee  has  a  headache? 
And  thee  cannot  attend  meeting?  I 
thought  so  many  of  those  hot  biscuits 
thee  ate  last  night  would  trouble  thee 
somewhat.    Thee  ate  ten." 


"Direxa,  thee  can  be  so  aggravating 
at  times.  Thee  always  counts.  Thee 
mayhap  may  be  mistaken  at  times. 
Thee  knows  I  am  always  abatemious 
and  am  opposed  to  an  immoderate  in- 
dulgence of  the  appetite  at  all  times." 

"But,  Peter,  thee  ate  ten  biscuits. 
But  if  thee  has  a  headache  I  will  apply 
cold  water  to  thy  head,  and  do  thee  lie 
down  in  the  sitting  room." 

"No,  Direxa,  thee  go  to  meeting  and 
I  wlU  tarry  by  the  river  bank.' 

"Bridget,"  said  Dlrexa,  "thee  may 
red  up  the  breakfast  things.  Set  them 
away  in  the  pantry  till  tomorrow,  and 
remember  'tis  the  Lord's  day  and  thee 
shall  do  no  unnecessary  work.  Thee 
may  then  attend  thy  own  church  if  it 
pleaseth  thee,  or  pass  thy  time  in  any 
seemly  way  that  is  in  accordance  with 
the  Lord's  day." 

'^Sure,  mem,  go  right  on  to  yer 
church  an'  I  will  attend  to  the  things." 
Direxa  had  gone  to  meeting.  Peter 
arose  from  the  couch  on  which  he  had 
been  lying,  put  on  his  old  straw  hat 
and  went  out  behind  the  barn.  He  was 
scanning  the  ground  closely.  Getting 
down  on  his  knees  he  peered  under  the 
^dge  of  the  barn;  carefully  and  slowly 
he  reacbed  under  and  drew  out— an 
old  tomato  can.  He  arose,  went  into 
the  bam,  and  brought  out  a  spade. 
He  scanned  the  ground  again,  selected 
a  rich,  mellow-looking  spot,  and  began 
to  dig — for  worms;  big,  fat  worms, 
with  whicl>  he  proceeded  to  fill  his 
can.  Going  again  into  the  bam  he 
hunted  around  untlil  he  found  a  fishing 
rod  and  tackle.  These  he  dusted  and 
wrapped  in  an  old  newspaper.  Going 
out  again  he  secured  his  can  of  worms 
and  was  off, 

Peter  had  been  sitting  on  the  edge 
pf  the  river  bank  in  deep  meditation 
and— fishing.  He  had  been  there  two 
hours  and  not  a  bite.  Peter,  disgusted, 
threw  down  his  rod  and  looked  long 
and  earnestly  at  the  water. 

"The  water  does  look  cool  and  tempt- 
ing, I  declare,"  he  said  to  ]bimself. 
"Cleanliness  is  next  to  godliness,  so 
the  good  book  sayeth.  I  think  I  will 
take  a  bath." 

He  removed  his  clothes  and  made  a 
bundle  of  them  and  put  them  among 
some  bushes  not  far  from  the  river 
bank.  He  plunged  in.  How  cooH  the 
water  was.  He  plunged  and  swam 
and  dove.  For  nearly  an  hour  he 
thus   enjoyed   himself,   till   finally  he 


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ONION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


475 


emerged  from  the  water,  shook  him- 
self, etood  tn  the  hot  sun  a  few  mo- 
meiuUi  until  he  was  dried  oft.  He  then 
went  to  where  he  had  left  his  clothes. 
The  clothes  were  gone. 

What!  Where  were  they?  €k>ne! — 
yes,  gone.  For  a  moment  he  was  elec- 
trified with  the  dlscoyery.  Then  he 
looked  about  again.  Useless.  The 
clothes  were  gone.  There  he  ^ood  in 
nature's  garb— helpless.  What  ehould 
he  do?  Had  the  Almighty's  wrath 
descended  upon  him  for  sinning,  for 
not  keeping  the  Lord's  day  as  the 
bible  commanded?  He  must  do  some- 
thing. He  could  not  stand  there  in 
that  plight  He  would  hide  in  a 
neighboring  com  field  nearby  until 
night,  then  perhaps  he  could  get  to  the 
house  some  way  unobserved. 

He  wandered  on  through  the  field, 
dodging  here  and  there  whenever  he 
teard  a  slight  rustling  in  the  leaves. 
or  an  unusual  noise  of  any  kind,  fear- 
ing some  one  would  see  him.  'He  felt 
like  Cain  of  old,  an  outcast.  He  was 
still  wandering  about  when  a  queer 
object  suddenly  came  into  view.  At 
first  appearance  it  seemed  to  be  a  man; 
but  on  closer  acquaintance  it  proved 
to  be  only  a  scare  crow.  Defllverance! 
The  thought  came  quickly  to  his  mind ; 
he  would  don  its  clothes,  though  tat- 
ters and  rags,  it  would  be  a  covering. 
And  perhaps  he  could  get  to  the  house, 
lie  in  hiding  somewhere  until  he  could 
see  Bridget.  He  could  fix  it  with 
Bridget  all  right.  As  for  Direxa — ^he 
would  rather  face  a  thousand  (Bridgets 
than  Direxa.  So  he  put  them  on  as 
beet  he  could  and  a  queer  looking  ob- 
ject he  was  indeed.  Barefooted,  pan- 
taloons hanging  in  tatters  about  hts 
legs,  one  ler  fully  a  foot  longer  than 
the  other,  hardly  reached  his  ankle; 
while  the  other  merely  covered  his 
knee-joint.  An  old  blue  army  coat 
with  sleeves  much  too  long,  and  which 
he  was  obliged  to  roll  up  in  order  to 
free  his  hands;  an  old  stovepipe  hat 
crushed  in  at  the  top.  His  face  was  be- 
smeared with  the  dirt  and  dust  of  the 
corn  field.  His  best  friend,  not  even 
the  dog,  would  have  known  him. 

It  was  shortly  after  dusk  and  Peter 
had  taken  up  his  abode  in  the  cow 
shed,  lying  in  wait,  hiding,  until  there 
was  a  chitukce  of  seeing  Bridget  unob- 
served. He  thought  perhaps  she  would 
come  to  the  cow  shed  to  get  kindling 
for  morning.     He  waited  and  waited. 


but  no  Bridget  She  evidently  had  al- 
ready secured  her  kindling.  II  was 
now  dark,  and  he  would  quietly  sneak 
np  to  the  kitchen  door  and  try  to  get 
communication  somehow  with  her. 

He  had  Just  reached  the  back  porch 
and  was  about  to  step  up  when  the 
door  opened  and  Bridget's  portly  form 
stood  in  the  doorway.  Struck  perfectly 
dumb  with  amazement  she  was.  Then 
she  broke  forth. 

"Oh,  murder!  Who  and  what  are 
ye?  A  trams)  is  it?  An'  what  are  ye 
doin'  around  here  by  respectable  peo- 
ple's houses,  scaring  a  person  to  death? 
A  sweet  lookin'  wan  ye  are,  too,  wi' 
the  tatters  and  rags.  Begone!  We've 
nothing  for  the  likes  of  ye.  Begone,  I 
say,  or  I'll  turn  the  hose  on  ye.  Sure, 
ye  need  it  bad  enoufi^." 

Peter  tried  to  speak,  but  Bridget  was 
getting  angry,  besides,  Bridget  was  ex- 
pecting Pat  iMaloney  most  any  time 
now  and  sAie  was  getting  impatient  to 
be  rid  of  him. 

"I  say,  will  ye  be  goin'  or  will  ye 
not?  Not  a  bite  nor  a  sup  will  ye 
get  from  here.  An*  111  tell  ye  once 
again,  to  begone,  an'  if  you're  not  gone 
by  the  time  I  count  three  111  douce  ye. 
One,  two,  three" — and  suiting  the  ac- 
tion to  the  word  she  picked  up  a  heavy 
bucket  of  water  standing  near  and  let 
him  have  it  full  in  the  face,  drenching 
him  from  head  to  foot.  This  was  fol- 
lowed by  the  pelting  of  eggs,  unfertile 
eggs,  that  fiftie  had  taken  out  from 
under  a  setting  hen  and  laid  on  the 
bench  near  the  door.  She  had  intend^ 
ed  burying  them  later.  It  was  a  mean 
thing  to  do,  but  Bridget  was  mad,  and 
she  got  madder  and  madder.  As  Peter 
started  and  ran  she  let  him  have  it. 
Everything  she  could  lay  hands  on 
was  hurled  at  him.  He  was  a  target 
for  a  perfect  avalanche  of  tin  dippers, 
wash-basin,  clods  of  mud,  bottlee,  oHd 
shoes,  and  even  a  bar  of  soap  she  let 
fly  at  him  as  he  disappeared  in  the 
grape  arbor. 

'*Bad  cess  to  ye,  ye  murderin'  villain. 
I'll  teach  ye,  even  if  it  costs  me  a 
month's  wages."  And  Bridget,  fiery 
and  hot  from  the  fray,  disappeared  in 
the  kitchen,  bristling  all  over  with 
rage  and  resentment,  for  Bridget's 
Irish  was  up  and  she  was  mad. 

Peter,  frigbteuicd  and  faint  with  ex- 
haustion, at  last  ran  into  the  friendly 
shelter  of  the  neighboring  com  field 
out  of  which  he  had  emerged  a  short 


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JOURNAL   OF    THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


time  since.  He  sank  exhausted  on  the 
ground,  and  there  he  lay  for  a  time  it 
seemed  only  half  conscious.  He 
looked  up  at  the  stars.  They  seemed 
like  so  many  demons  mocking  him. 
Who  was  he  and  where  was  he  and 
what  had  happened?'  His  teeth  were 
,  chattering  and  he  was  •shivering  with 
cold.  The  fright  and  the  wet  ground 
had  given  him  a  chill.  He  slowly 
came  to  himself  and  began  to  remem- 
ber what  had  happened.  But  what  in 
the  world  was  he  to  do?  He  would 
never  dare  to  go  back  to  the  kitchen 
again  for  that  red-headed  Irish  woman 
would  kill  him  next  time  sure.  His 
mind  was  confused  as  he  lay  there 
thinking,  and  he  had  not  heard  the 
rustling  of  leaves  nor  seen  the  advent 
of  two  mlsclilevous-looklng  urchins 
until  they  stood  before  him.  Nor  did 
he  fieem  to  rouse  up  until  he  heard  a 
voice  say: 

"Say,  old  gent,  what  will  youse  give 
us  If  we  find  yer  duds  fer  ye?" 

Peter  jumped  to  his  feet. 

"You  young  rascals,  you!  So  it 
was  you  that — " 

"Hold  on,  now,  old  geezer,"  one  of 
the  boys  answered,  "take  it  easy. 
Don't  get  rattled.  If  you  wants  de 
habilln^ents — ^but  maybe  you  don't 
care  for  'em." 

Peter  saw  the  futility  of  blustering 
or  threatening,  and  he  wanted  his 
clothes  under  any  circumstances,  and 
that  quickly.  So  very  quietly  and 
meekly  he  said,  "Does  thee  know 
where  my  clothes  are,  son?  And  can 
thee  get  them  quickly?" 

"Now,  look^-here,  old  gent,  we's 
been  to  considerable  trouble  fer  you 
fer  to  get  the  clothes,  an'  we  has  ter 
have  pay,  see?  You  plunk  down  a  fiver 
an'  we'll  get  your  clothes." 

'^But,"  said  Peter,  "I  have  no  money 
with  me.  But  if  thee  will  come  around 
here  In  this  place  at  three  o*clock  to- 
morrow I  will  be  here  with  thy  money. 
And  if  thee  is  good  boys  and  keep 
quiet,  I  will  give  thee  50  cents  a  week 
as  long  as  thee  cares  to  come  here 
after  it." 

"We's  de  candy,  old  gent,"  said  one 
of  the  boys.  "Mum's  de  word,  dat  is, 
as  long  as  the  fifty  i)er  keeps  a-oom- 
in'.  We'll  be  Johnny-on-the-spot  to- 
morrow sharp.  So  long."  And  the 
boys  were  gone,  but  almost  immedi- 
ately returned  with  the  bundle  of 
clothes. 


Peter  dressed  himself,  then  went 
down  to  the  river  and  'WBsd)>ed  his 
hands  and  face.  There  he  stood,  meta- 
morphosed Intx)  the  solemn,  decent  re- 
spectable Peter  of  old. 

It  was  now  past  nine  o'clock  and 
Peter  stood  once  more  before  his  own 
door.  It  was  not  the  kitchen  door  this 
time,  but  the  side  door.  Mike  and 
Bridget  were  in  the  kitdien  and  he 
did  not  wish  to  disturb  them. 

He  opened  the  door  and  walked  In 
thfrough  the  hall  into  the  fritting  room, 
where  Dlrexa  was  sitting  by  the  taMe, 
reading  her  chapter  for  the  night  She 
looked  up  as  Peter  entered. 

"Why,  Peter,  where  In  the  world  has 
thee  been?  Has  thee  been  over  to 
Brother  Jonathan  Taylor's?  I  heard 
thee  mention  about  going  over  there 
the  other  day,  and  thought  perhaps 
thee  were  there,  as  I  did  not  see 
Brother  Jonathan  at  meeting.  And 
how  Is  thy  head-ache?" 

"DlTSxa,  I  fell  asleep  by  the  river 
bank  and  Just  awakened.  My  head  has 
been  very  bad  all  day,  and  so  I  tarried 
longer  than  I  should.  I  am  111.  Do 
thee  get  me  a  cup  of  tea,  and  don't 
ask  questions.  Thee  Is  so  aggravating 
about  asking  questions,  Dlrexa.  I 
wlsto  thee  would  cure  thyself  of  this 
fault." 


A  Modest  Summary. 

Statistics  are  not  always  uninterest- 
ing.   Look  at  these. 

In  Massachusetts  60  per  cent  of  the 
women  over  eighteen  years  of  age  who 
work  in  retail  stores  receive  less  than 
$8  a  week. 

Of  the  women  who  work  in  candy 
factories  93  per  cent  receive  less  than 
$8  per  week. 

Of  the  women  who  work  in  laun- 
dries 75  per  cent  receive  less  than  $8 
a  week. 

Of  the  women  who  work  In  cotton 
mills  67  per  cent  receive  less  than  $8 
a  week. 

Now  try  to  figure  out  how  much 
food,  how  much  clothing,  how  much 
rent  may  be  bought  with  $8  in  tiiese 
days  of  the  high  cost  of  living.  Re- 
member, those  $8  often  have  to  put 
food  In  the  mouths  and  clothes  on  the 
backs  of  others  besides  the  woman 
who  earns  them. 

Here  are  some  more  cold  figures 
that  have  a  story  to  tell: 

In  Massachusetts  41  per  cent  of  the 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMERICA. 


477 


candy  workers,  10.2  per  cent  of  the 
saleswomen,  16.1  per  cent  of  the  laun- 
dry workers  and  23  per  cent,  of  the 
cotton  workers  earn  less  than  $5  a 
week;  and,  respectively,  65.2  per  cent, 
29.5  per  cent,  40.7  per  cent  and  37.9 
per  cent,  of  these  women  workers  earn 
less  than  $6  a  week. 

No,  reader,  those  figures  were  not 
gathered  wltli  hasty  zeal  by  some 
"muck-raker."  They  were  given  in  the 
report  of  the  Minimum  Wage  Commis- 
sion created  by  the  Massachusetts 
Legislature.  This  commission,  with 
ability  and  industry,  made  a  most  ex- 
haustive investigation.  Its  report  is 
authoritative.— La    Follette's    Weekly, 


Women  in  Unions. 

Tliere  are  two  fundamental  reasons 
why  women  workers  should  be  organ- 
ized into  trade  unions.  The  first  is 
that  the  good  of  society  demands  such 
associated  effort.  It  is  a  significant 
fact  that  wherever  labor  is  highly 
skilled  and  highly  paid,  trade  organ- 
ization follows  as  a  matter  of  course, 
and  in  its  wake  comes  a  higher  stand- 
ard of  living  for  the  family  and  for 
the  community.  Wherever  labor  is 
unskilled  and  underpaid,  organization 
is  difficult  and  the  maintenance  of  a 
high  standard  of  living  Is  well-nigh 
impossible. 

Much  of  this  unskilled  and  underpaid 
work  is  done  by  women,  sometimes  in 
competition  with  men,  sometimes  not, 
sometimes  by  women  who  are  the  sole 
wage-earners  of  the  family,  sometimes 
by  women  who  supplement  an  inade- 
quate wage  earned  by  the  man  of  the 
family,  sometimes  by  women  who  have 
no  families  either  to  support  or  to  be 
supported  by. 

This  means  that  upon  the  backs  of 
the  weakest  of  the  industrial  world  is 
laid  the  burden  of  the  longest  hours 
and  the  shortest  pay.  In  those  far-off 
countries  where  the  beginnings  are 
being  made  of  a  recognition  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  a  living  wage  for  labor  per- 
formed, the  State  insists  upon  organ- 
ization, as  a  preliminary  step. 

Again,  anotiier  peril  in  the  path  of 
the  unorganized  woman  worker  has 
been  pointed  out  by  one  of  the  keenest 
observers  of  industrial  America,  Mrs. 
Florence  Kelley,  secretary  of  the  Na- 
tional Consumers*  League. 


"A  corporation,"  shb  says,  "may  be 
accurately  law  abiding,  yet  its  foreman 
may  be  a  libertine  or  a  petty  tyrant, 
and  it  is  the  foreman  who  comes  into 
contact  with  the  working  women  and 
girls.  He  incarnates  for  them  the  cor- 
poration. Young  girls  receiving  from 
$8  to  $6  a  week  are  at  the  mercy  of 
the  foremen  and  forewomen  under 
whose  direction  they  work.  If  these 
latter  are  of  bad  character  the  whole 
community  suffers  from  their  corrupt- 
ing influence.  Where,  however,  there 
is  a  strong,  stable,  old-established 
union,,  the  foreman  is  apt  to  be  a  bet- 
ter type  than  the  man  who  deals  ex- 
clusively with  inexperienced  unorgan- 
ized women  and  girls. 

The  second  reason  for  the  organiza- 
tion of  women  is  the  education  which 
the  trade  union  ofPers  to  the  woman 
herself.  Women  have  always  done 
more  than  their  share  of  the  work  of 
the  world,  and  now,  for  ^he  first  time, 
they  are  beginning  to  realize  its  value. 
The  path  of  woman  in  modem  industry 
has  not  been  strewn  with  roses,  but  it 
surely  is  leading  her  to  a  position  of 
dignity  and  influence  unknown  to  wo- 
men of  the  past,  and  no  other  factor 
In  her  progress  seems  to  be  compar- 
able in  usefulness  with  the  trades 
union. — Anne  Withington,  in  Boston 
Globe, 


Equality  Before  the  Law. 

By  Robebt  Hunter. 

We  hear  it  said  that  in  this  country 
at  least  men  are  equal  before  the  law. 
It  is  said  that  you  cannot  make  men 
equal  in  height  or  in  brain  or  in  moral 
stature,  but  that  you  can  make  men 
equal  before  the  law. 

On  the  Fourth  of  July  the  politicians 
talk  much  about  this  matter.  They 
say  our  law  applies  to  rich  and  poor 
alike. 

And  they  go  into  perfect  ecstacies 
over  the  freedom,  justice  and  equality 
this  land  enjoys. 

Well,  let's  take  an  ordinary  indi- 
vidual with  a  family,  whose  leg  has 
been  conflscated  by  the  United  States 
Steel  Trust 

The  leg  is  gone,  has  been  conflscated, 
and  the  man's  usefulness  is  over  and 
his  family  is  in  distress. 

He  was  at  work  because  he  needed 
the  money.     He  is  now  out  of  work 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


because  a  one-legged  man  is  no  use  in 
the  steel  business.  And  what  is  his 
remedy? 

It  was  well  stated  recently  by  a 
writer  in  one  of  our  magazines:  'Ton 
have  been  injured/'  he  said,  "your 
remedy  is  simple. 

"Qo  ahead  and  sue  the  United  States 
Steel  Corporation.  The  courts  are  open 
to  you,  Just  as  they  are  open  to  the 
United  States  Steel  Corporation. 

"You  are  at  perfect  liberty  to  employ 
lawyers  competent  to  meet  lawyers  of 
the  United  States  Steel  Corporation. 

*Tou  are  at  perfect  liberty  to  stay 
in  the  courts  as  long  as  the  United 
States  Steel  Corporation  stays  in  the 
courts. 

"You  may  appeal  from  court  to  court 
till  you  reach  the  highest  court,  just 
as  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation 
will  80  appeal. 

*Tou  are  at  liberty  to  try  to  starve 
out  the  United  States  Steel  Corporation 
just  as  tbe  United  States  Steel  Cor- 
poration is  at  liberty  to  try  to  starve 
you  out,  before  the  two  or  three  or  four 
years  elapse  which  must,  in  all  prob- 
ability, precede  the  final  decision  of  the 
judges  of  the  court  of  final  resort. 

"In  every  respect  you  are  on  terms 
of  perfect  equality  with  the  United 
States  Steel  Corporation.  Just  go 
ahead  and  begin  suit." 

Now,  that  is  what  the  law  ofTers  in 
the  way  of  equality  and  it  is  all  the 
law  offers.  Therefore,  a  man  named 
Peter  Myreen,  who  was  injured  in  1902 
in  Chicago,  went  up  against  the  law. 

Late  in  1903  he  got  to  the  lowest 
court.    Result,  new  trial. 

He  reached  another  court  two  years 
later,  in  1905. 

He  was  then  sent  by  an  appeal  to 
another  court,  which  gave  another  de- 
cision commanding  a  new  trial. 

In  consequence  of  this  second  de- 
cision Peter  Myreen  got  another  de- 
cision in  1907.  The  jury  disagreed  and 
the  result  was  a  new  trial. 

In  1909,  for  the  fourth  time,  the  case 
of  Peter  Myreen  reached  still  another 
court,  and  in  that  year  again  he  plead- 
ed his  cause.  But  nothing  doing  his 
case  had  still  to  go  to  the  Appellate 
Court  and  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
State. 

During  these  long  years  Peter  re- 
mained injured  unable  to  earn  his  live- 
lihood and  unable  to  support  his  fam- 
ily, and  during  these  long  years  Peter 


was  paying  lawyers'  fees  and  court  fees 
to  push  his  case. 

The  thing  that  Peter  most  needed 
was  money,  while  those  fighting  his 
case  had  money,  and  so,  you  see,  that 
is  a  case  of  equality  before  the  law. 

But  we  have  equality  before  the  law. 
There  is  no  question  of  that. 

Let  him  who  doubts  remember  that 
"The  la^w  in  Its  majesty,"  as  Anatole 
Prance  says,  "prohibits  the  rich  and 
poor  alike  from  sleeping  under  bridges, 
begging  in  the  streets  or  stealing 
bread." 


Wofnan  and  llie  Ballot 

By  Anna  A.  Malct. 

When  we  have  given  the  women  the 
ballot  we  shall  have  elected  them  to  a 
place  on  the  world's  board  of  manage- 
ment. 

Heretofore  it  has  been  held  that  the 
duties  of  wife  and  mother  were  sufll- 
cient  for  the  woman.  Let  the  father 
manage  the  world. 

The  duties  of  the  mother — do  they 
cease  when  she  has  given  her  baby  to 
the  kindergarten?  Does  not  the  child 
go  into  the  world — ^the  school,  the  &o- 
tory,  the  office,  into  commerce,  industry 
and  war? 

The  cow's  duty  to  the  calf  is  done 
when  she  has  nourished  him  on  his 
way  to  the  slaughter  pen,  and  the  cow 
must  be  satisfied.  But  it's  a  poor  sort 
of  human  mother  who  is  willing  to  la- 
bor to  make  her  boy  sturdy  and  fine 
that  she  may  relinquish  him  to  the 
world's  industrial  and  military  slaugh- 
ter pens,  in  the  management  of  which 
she  has  nothing  to  say. 

"Peaceful  industry"  in  America  de- 
vours almost  600,000  workers  yearly. 
Nor  does  this  record  take  account  of 
the  thousands  who  die  of  diseases  con- 
tracted at  their  work. 

We  cannot  too  strongly  insist  that 
since  Industry  in  one  form  or  another 
takes  up  the  greater  part  of  the  lives 
of  the  majority  its  conditions  deter- 
mine the  conditions  of  the  common  lif^ 

Are  our  industries  safe?  Are  they 
organized  for  the  protection  of  health 
or  the  promotion  of  intelligence?  Are 
workshop,  fitctory  and  store  well  ven- 
tilated? Are  the  lives  of  railroad  men 
and  miners  adequately  safeguarded? 
Is  the  rest  of  the  time  sufficient  to 
keep  the  bodies  strong  and  the  minds 
wholesome,  and  is  the  wage  enough  to 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMSRICA. 


479 


insure  the  worker  a  comfortable  home 
and  abundant  food  and  clothing?  Is 
child  labor  permitted?  Are  the  wages 
and  working  conditions  for  young  wo- 
men Buch  as  will  save  them  from  the 
temptations  of  the  street? 

All  of  these  are  questions  in  which 
the  women  of  the  country  are  con- 
cerned; and  yet,  work  as  we  may  as 
housekeepers  and  mothers,  our  labors 
will  not  affect  the  law  of  the  land,  and 
the  law  of  the  land  govems  industrial 
conditions. 

•Tes,"  comes  the  objection,  **but  the 
mother's  influence  in  the  home  is  felt 
in  the  son's  vote."  The  boy  sees  his 
mother  always  cooking,  washing,  sweep- 
ing, tending  babies,  and  the  question 
naturally  comes  to  him:  "What  does 
this  creature  of  brooms  and  dish  rags 
and  cradles  know  about  public  affairs? 
Why  should  I  seek  her  advice  as  to 
how  I  should  vote?" 

A  good  mother  with  whom  the 
writer  recently  talked  had  labored 
faithfully  to  teach  her  boys  the  prin- 
ciples of  human  equality.  Her  eldest 
boy  returned  home  after  his  first  term 
at  a  university.  The  subject  of  equal 
rights  was  one  day  under  discussion 
and  the  boy  said:  "Mother,  I  don't  be- 
tteve  in  equal  suffrage  now.  Since  I 
have  been  away  I  have  come  to  believe 
that  the  woman's  place  is  in  the  home 
and  that  she  can  best  influence  politics 
by  properly  teaching  her  boys." 

His  mother  answered:  "If  I  had  ever 
held  that  belief  you  would  be  the  best 
proof  that  I  was  wrong.  I  have  taken 
more  pains  than  most  mothers  do  to 
teach  you  the  principles  of  equal  polit- 
ical rights.  My  influence  of  twenty 
years  is  destroyed  by  your  first  six 
months  at  the  university.  Perhaps  if  I 
and  other  women  of  like  mind  had 
something  to  say  about  your  course  of 
study  at  school  our  influence  upon  you 
might  be  more  lasting. 

No;  you  may  teach  Johnny  all  you 
know — all  that  your  baking,  washing, 
scrubbing  and  nursing  will  permit  you 
to  know — and  it  will  not  save  him 
from  the  slavery  of  the  factory,  mine, 
railroad  or  office,  to  wnlch  he  must  go 
to  get  his  living. 

You  may  scrub  Katie  until  her  face 
and  frock  shine  again — girls  as  good 
aa  she,  as  well  trained  as  she.  stand 
by  thousands  behind  the  counters  of 
the  department  stores  of  America,  half 
I>aid  and  half  fed,  the  natural  prey  of 


men  who  have  money  to  invest  in  the 
flesh  of  the  working  class  daughtexs  in 
the  land. 

Far  better  that  you  should  under- 
stand that  we  need  good  housekeeping 
in  city  and  State  even  more  than  we 
need  it  in  the  household;  that  if  the 
money  produced  by  the  workers,  whlciH 
are  wasted  on  the  luxuries  of  the  rich 
and  worse  than  wasted  in  filling  Lori- 
mer's  Jackpots — if  this  money  could  be 
devoted  to  running  people's  laundries, 
bakeries,  etc.,  you  would  have  more 
time  to  learn  about  the  great  world's 
work  and  to  teach  Johnny  the  things 
he  ought  to  know. 

Also  we  must  not  forget  that  low 
wages  and  lack  of  opportunity  to  get 
work  prevent  many  men  from  marry- 
ing and  that  young  women  who  would 
otherwise  be  their  housekeepers  must 
find  employment  outside  of  the  home. 

The  woman  in  the  home  may  be  rep- 
resented in  some  fashion  in  politics  by 
her  husband,  but  there  is  no  longer  the 
shadow  of  an  excuse  for  withholding 
the  ballot  from  the  woman  in  industry. 
No  husband  supports  her,  and  the  only 
man  who  represents  her  politically  is 
the  boss  who  hires  her.  He  is  also  in- 
terested in  keeping  her  wages  low,  and 
accordingly  he  votes  for  such  laws  and 
lawmakers  as  will  be  most  likely  to 
dieapen  labor. 

The  women  of  the  working  class 
have  but  little  to  gain  by  possession  of 
the  ballot  unless  they  will  use  their 
votes  for  the  protection  of  their  own 
class.  The  workers,  men  and  women, 
must  bear  their  chains  as  long  as  their 
means  of  labor,  the  land,  mills,  mines, 
factories  and  railroads  are  privately 
owned  and  operated  for  profit. 

Let  us  work  for  it  today  with  such 
means  as  are  in  our  hands,  and  let  us 
work  for  the  ballot  that  we  may  better 
serve  the  cause  which  means  our  free- 
dom. 


The  End  to  Which  Labor  Strives. 

The  trade  unionist  hopes  for  the 
establishment  of  conditions  where 
every  child  born  into  the  world  shall 
have  a  chance  to  be  educated:  he 
hopes  for  the  establishment  of  a 
scheme  of  things  which  will  enable 
the  father  to  support  the  family,  and 
send  the  child  to  school  rather  than  to 
the  factory:  he  hopes  for  such  altera- 
tions in  our  industrial  system  as  will 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


480 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'S 


make  it  impossible  for  the  greedy 
members  of  society  to  prey  upon  the 
helplessness  of  our  little  ones  for 
profit;  he  hopes  to  see  the  time  come 
when  murder,  through  child  labor,  in 
the  name  of  industrial  development, 
will  be  as  severely  punished  as  are 
other  kinds  of  murder;  he  hopes  for 
the  dawning  of  a  day  when  the  mother 
will  not  be  forced  to  leave  her  child  to 
the  tender  mercies  of  strangers  in 
order  that  she  may  help  her  husband 
to  earn  a  living  for  the  family.  He  is 
going  to  insist  upon  these  changes 
until  they  shall  have  been  accom- 
plished.— Labor  Olarian, 


St  Peter  and  Magnate's  Son. 

Bt  Eli^s  O.  Jones. 

"Next,"  called  St.  Peter. 

A  dapper  young  fellow  on  the  end 
of  the  bench  yawned,  arose,  came  for- 
ward leisurely,  end  enveloped  St. 
Peter  In  a  huge  exhalation  of  cigar- 
ette smoke.  He  was  dressed  In  ex- 
treme style,  trousers  far  back  above 
his  shoe  tops,  hat  pushed  away  back 
on  his  head,  and  cane  hooked  over  his 
forearm. 

"Name,  please!" 

"I  am  the  American  Magnate, 
Junior." 

"And  you  d^ire  to  come  in?" 

"Yes,  if  you  don't  mind — ^that  is  for 
a  little  while,  don't  you  know.  Of 
course.  It  would  be  a  terrible  bore  to 
stay  very  long." 

"Yes,  no  doubt.  .  .  .  Can  you 
present  any  reason  why  you  should  be 
admitted?" 

"Why,  certainly.  You  know  my 
father.    My  father  was — " 

"Never  mind  your  father.  We  have 
dealt  with  him  separately.  Every 
man  stands  on  his  own  merits  here." 

"Oh,  I  say,  that's  hardly  fair. 
What's  the  use  of  being  so  strict  about 
a  little  matter  of  that  sort?  Now,  the 
governor — " 

"If  you  are  referring  to  your  father 
I  must  ask  you  again  to  leave  him  out 
of  consideration.  What  have  you  to 
say  for  yourself?" 

"Oh,  I  say,  Pete,  don't  be  a  grouch. 
I  have  always  been  a  good  fellow." 

"What  do  you  mean  by  a  good  fel- 
low?" 

"Why,  don't  you  know  what  that 
means?  It  means,  don't  you  know,  a 
fellow   who   always   treats   everybody 


right,  a  good  spender,  and  all  that  sort 
of  thing." 

"But  have  you  been  a  good  earner?" 

"ESamer!  Oh,  I  say,  what  was  the 
use  of  my  being  an  earner  when  my 
father  left  me  so  much?" 

"Well,  since  you  insist  on  mention- 
ing your  father,  you  may  tell  us  what 
he  did." 

"He  developed  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant industries  of  the  country." 

"And  for  that  he  was  amply  re- 
warded in  both  goods  and  honor?" 

"I  suppose  so." 

"And  he  saw  that  you  got  a  good 
education  and  all  possible  advan- 
tages?" 

'•Oh,  yes." 

"And  Just  because  your  father  did 
something  worth  while  you  think  that 
society  should  go  on  for  ever  reward- 
ing you  and  your  brothers  and  sisters 
and  wives  and  sons  and  daughters  and 
nephews  and  nieces  interminably  r' 

"I  hadn't  thought  about  it  so  far 
ahead  as  all  that  But  shouldn't  I  be 
rewarded  for  what  my  father  did?" 

"Would  you  expect  that  if  a  certain 
man  had  spent  a  large  part  of  his  Ume 
in  Jail  society  should  treat  the  son  in 
the  same  way,  whether  he  had  done 
anything  or  not?" 

"It  may  look  different  to  you  down 

there  on  earth,  but  to  us  up  here  it  is 

exactly  the  same  principle.     But,  let 

me  ask,  do  you  insist  on  receiving  the 

same   treatment   here   that   we    gave 

your  father?    You  remember,  no  doubt, 

that  he  had  some  pretty  black  spots 

on  his  record.    Do  you  insist?" 

"Oh— «r— that   depends.     Now   that 
t» 

"Here,  clerk!  Find  out  from  the 
records  what  we  did  to  this  fellow's 
father  and  give  him  the  same  treat- 
ment with  double  severity." 


Weather  Slims. 

The  following  formula  of  weather 
signs  was  adopted  by  the  Farmers' 
Club  of  the  American  Institute  some 
years  ago,  and  it  has  been  found  to 
give  satisfaction: 

When  the  temperature  falls  sud- 
denly there  is  a  storm  forming  south 
of  you.  When  the  temperature  rises 
suddenly  there  is  a  storm  forming 
north  of  you.  The  wind  always  blows 
from  a  region  of  fair  weather  toward 


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UNION   OF   NORTH   AMBJRICA. 


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a  point  where  a  storm  i&  forming. 

Cirrus  clouds  always  move  from  a 
region  where  a  storm  is  in  progress  to 
one  of  fair  weather.  Cumulus  clouds 
always  come  from  a  region  where  a 
storm  is  forming.  When  cirrus  clouds 
are  moving  rapidly  from  the  north  or 
northeast,  no  matter  how  cold  it  is, 
there  will  be  rain  within  twenty-four 
hours.  When  cirrus  clouds  are  moving 
rapidly  from  south  or  southeast  there 
will  be  a  hailstorm  on  the  morrow,  if 
it  be  in  summer,  and  if  it  be  in  the 
winter  there  will  be  snow. 

The  wind  always  blows  about  a 
storm  in  a  circle.  When  it  blows  from 
the  north  the  heaviest  rain  is  east  of 
you.  If  it  blows  from  the  south  the 
heaviest  rain  is  west  of  you.  If  it 
blows  from  the  east  the  heaviest  rain 
is  south.  The  wind  never  blows  even 
moderately  unless  rain  or  snow  is  fall- 
ing within  a  radius  of  1,000  miles. 

Whenever  heavy  white  frost  occurs 
a  storm  is  forming  within  1,000  miles 
north  or  northwest  of  you. — Christian 
Herald  Almanac, 


Remittance  Roll  of  Honor  for  the  Month 
of  June,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  G.  S.  and  T.  dur- 
ing the  month  of  June,  1912: 

June  let— Lodges  5,  60,  88,  98,  122, 
130,  142,  173,  185,  195,  196,  212. 

June  3d — Lodges  2,  20,  22,  3^,  32,  33> 
61,  77,  91,  92,  102,  104,  115,  141,  154, 
156,  174,  1«7,  193,  213,  214,  2.15,  ^16. 

June  4th— LKKiges  11,  13,  14,  23,  29, 


37,  38,  41,  44,  51,  52^  56,  74,  78,  90,  96, 
110,  112.,  116,  120,   123.  134,  146,  166, 
176.  188,  159,  194,  200. 
June  5th — Lodges  3,  9,  10,  19,  21,  40, 

53,  72,  73,  80,  82,  Sa,  «4,  94,  95,  97,  99, 
100,  106,  107,  126,  129,  140,  151,  1&2, 
155,  192,  203,  217. 

June  6th— Lodges  1,  6,  24,  2S,  31,  43, 

54,  70,  75,  89,  101,  111,  113,  114,  124, 
133,   144,  147,  179,  180,   191,   205,   218, 

220,  225. 

June  7th— Lodges  8,  15,  16,  3>5,  3d,  42, 
46,  48,  49,  50,  64,  65,  68,  79,  11«,  137, 
169,  181,  190,  199,  201,  202,  208.  209, 
224,  228,  229. 

June  8th — Lodges  36,  55,  58,  63,  67, 
69,  71,  105,  126,  128,  158,  159,  177,  204, 
207. 

June  10th— Lodges  4,  7,  12,  1^,  18, 
26,  45,  47,  57,  62,  &5,  87,  93,  108,  135, 
138,   143,   145,   149,   175,   182,   184,   219, 

221,  226,  230. 

June  11th— Lodges  103,  117,  172, 
210,  211. 

June  l\2th-^Lodge  206. 

Up  to  June  14th  the  reports  of 
Lodges  34,  86,  IdS  and  222  have  not 
been  received. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  shall  be 
imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose  reports 
are  not  received  by  the  G.  S.  and  T.  by 
the  tenth  day  of  each  month,  and  if  re- 
ceived late  for  two  or  more  months 
then  the  officers  shall  be  asked  to  re- 
move the  cause  for  such  delay. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address*  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  reoeive  his  Joubnal  promptly  and 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  onoe: 

Name Lodpe  No 

Btreet  Town State 

JSTot  moved  to Btreet 

Town Btate 


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482 


JOURNAL   OF    THB    SWITOHMBN'8 


Statement  of  Claims  Paid  During  the  Month  of  June,  1992 


^5 

Date 

Ho. 

NAKS 

gl       Proof 
S  o      oeived 

Dftte 

Fiad 

PAID  TO 

KBSIDKNCB 

Amc 

142» 

F.  R.  Wells 

10 

Death    9-  &-'ll 

5-29-' 12 

Revert,  Sec.  89 

Sl, 361.90 

1448 

B.  G.  Kunk 

189 

Death  112-  6-'ll 

5-29-' 12  Revert,  Sec.  89 

1,500.00 

I.WO 

J.  B:.  Duncan 

1.^ 

Death 

6-l7-'12 

Expense 

Oakland,  Cal. 

IM.00 

1541 

Ira  D.  East 

94 

Death    4-15-'12 

6-17-n2 

Maltle,  wife 

Terre  Haute,  Ind. 

1,500.00 

1M2 

Jos.  S.  Plsarek 

47 

Death    5-13-'12 

e-17-U2 

Mary,  wife 

So.  Chicago,  111. 
Toledo,  Ohio 

1,600.00 

1543 

A.  B.  Sonci-ant 

14 

Dejith    5-  3-'12 

6-17-'12 

Grace,  wife 

1,5CO.OO 

1544 

P.  Mc(iulre 

129 

D«»th  '  4-22-'12 

fi-17-'12 

Bridget,  mother 

Scranton,  Pa. 
Chicago,  III. 
Detroit,  Mich. 

1,500.00 

164.'> 

0.  B.  Hurley 

36 

Dls 

5-21-'12 

6-17.'12 

Himself 

750.00 

IMfi 

W.  R.  Noble 

13 

Death 

5.21-U2 

6-17-42 

Bertha,  wife 

1,500.00 

1M7 

Frank  Dow 

43 

Death 

o-10-*12 

6-17-'12 

Agnes,  wife 

Chicago,  111. 

1,500.00 

154.S 

Thos.  Kelly 

62 

Death 

6-ll-'12 

6-17-'12 

Elizabeth,  wife 

Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Chicago,  111. 

1,600.00 

154R 

Edw.  VVeger 

17 

Death 

.5-23-'12 

6-17-'12 

Carrie,  wife 

1,500.00 

1550 

Wm.  P.  Bain 

8 

Dis. 

5-29-' 12 

H-17-'12;H!misclf 

El  Paso,  Texas 

1,500.00 

1551 

E.  Flebrlck 

.58 

Death 

5-ll-'12 

r>-l7-'12 

Eila,  wife 

Chicago,  111. 
Keene,  ill. 

1,600.00 

1552 

J.  F.  Hanklns 

189 

Death 

(S-19-U2 

6-19-'i2 

Wife 

375.00 

1554 

Henry  Murphy 
Jiks  Welch 

as 

Death 

6-  :vi2 

(>-17-M2 

Eliza,  sister 

Freeport,  111. 
Syracuse.  N.  Y. 

1,500.00 

1566 

152 

Death 

6-  5-'12 

6-17-' 12 

Orrie,  wife 

760.00 

PreTlously  repoited  .. 
PiBhld  sinoe  last  report . 
Refunded  Insarance. . 


.11,517,212.10 

21,886.90 

6.00 


ToUJ. Il,688,e04.00 

Acknowledgment  of  Claims  Paid  In  May,  1912 

Mrs.  Ellen  Bulger,  Blnghamton,  N.  Y Sl,dUO 

Mrs.  Anna  E.  Uhanesy,  Belvldere,  111 1,600 

Mrs.  Lizzie  Clark,  Oooncil  Blofft,  la. 1,600 

Mrs.  Garrity  and  brother,  Scranton,  Pa.. 1,600 

Mrs.  N.  Stokes,  BnflUo,  N.  Y 1,601 

Mrs.  Battle  Ball,  Terre  Haate,  Ind 760 

Mra.  Matilda  Hamilton,  Sandusky,  O 760 

Mrs.  Lizzie  Pitkins,  Kansas  City,  Kan 1,600 

Zenas  H.  Eby,  Lewlston,  Pa 760 

Mrs.  Myrtle  Brasher,  Cincinnati,  0 1,800 

Mrs.  J.  M.  Gard  and  daughter,  luuisas  City,  Mo 1,600 

Mrs.  C.  Sullivan,  Buflalo,  N.  Y 760 

Mrs.  LUlian  Smith,  Chicago,  111 760 

Mrs.  Regina  Riches,  Bufflklo,  N.  Y 1,600 

Mrs.  Anna  Warner,  BuflWo.N.  Y 760 

(                              Guardian  for  daughter  of  C.  Btraum,  Wichita,  Kan 750 


^(^^j,£^ 


121,886.90 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurm^ 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 

GRAND    LODGE    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BxTnTALO,  N.  Y^  July  1, 1012 
BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treasurer  or 
Financial  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  everv  month  (see  Section  213).  Grand  does 
are  fifty  cents  (60o)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  *'  B  "  oertiflcate,  nnncM 
ment  $2.00;  class  ^A"  certificate,  assessment  $1.00:  class  '*C"  oerrifloate, 
assessment  60e  (see  section  88).  A  failure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  fti 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  hirther  notice  (see  SeoUoiw 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  assessment  la  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Grand  Lod«^ 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  from  members,  as  above  provided,  not 
later  than  the  third  (3d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182). 
Yours  In  B.,  H.  &  P., 

M.  R.  WELCH, 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


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'.J- '  'l  '^^•**4s-.  i :  ■••c;  '..ii  < ;;  ii^3  ^''j^.  AIv^V^  y  .'  t  Xt>>V.,  ;.; 


jj.^i^-.-'s  »: 


PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

I  St.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
— of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  tmderstanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 

ornc 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  Of  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  N.  THOMPSON.  Editor  Md  Ifciwggr 


TNOSB  WNO  aBAII  SQUALLY  THB  auilOBNS  OF  OOVBRNMBNT  SHOULD 
BQUALLY    FARTICIPATB    IN    ITS    BBNBPITS  —  THOMAS    JKPFKR80N 

Eu9*rtd  ms  $0Mmd^lms$  msil  msmr  Jsmmmrf  Ji,  291it  Mt  ih§  P*st  Q0€§  Mt  Brngsht  N,  7.,  mmd^r  tk§  Att  •fJmlj  /i,  1894 


VOL.  XIV 


AUGUST,  1912 


Hm,B 


THE  COURTS  AND  LABOR  UNIONS 

How  the  Judges  Belonging  to  One  Gass  Arrogate  the 
Legislative  function  to  Themselves  in  their  Inclination 
to  Discriminate  Against  Another  Class. 

Bt  Thomas  Q.  Ck>NNOLLT. 
(Continued  from  July  issue.) 


There  was  a  strike  in  progress  in  a 
Massachusetts  shoe  factory.  The 
strikers  hired  a  boy  to  stand  in  front 
of  the  struck  premises  and  hold  aloft 
a  banner  reading,  "Dasters  in  strike, 
and  lasters  are  requested  to  ke3p  away 
from  P.  P.  Sherry's  until  the  present 
trouble  is  settled.  Per  order  Lasters' 
Protective  Union."  Admittedly  the 
banner  told  the  truth,  and  admittedly 
there  was  no  violence  or  disorder. 
There  was  absolivtely  no  written  law, 
constitutional  or  legislative,  to  pre- 
vent the  act;  and  yet  the  Massachu- 
setts Supreme  Judicial  Court  (Sherry 
vs.  Perkins,  147  Mass.  212,  year  1888) 
"decided"  it  to  be  illegal,  and  so  en- 
joined IL 

And  in  Boston,  on  Feb.  26th,  Theo- 
dore Roosevelt,  fresh  from  his  Colum- 
bus speech,  praised  this  same  court 
for  having  "carefully  and  wisely  kept 
within  the  constitutional  limits,  and 
for  refraining  from  interference  with 
the  oxercise  of  the  legislative  power"! 

No  legislature  ever  enacted  a  clearer 
bit  of  legislation   than  this  decision, 


which  ib  only  typical  of  others,  given 
below.  But  for  the  sake  of  contrast  it 
may  be  well  now  to  site  another  case 
involving  Capital  and  Labor  back  in 
the  days  when  these  two  forces  had  not 
come  iLto  their  present  close  conflict, 
and  when  therefore  the  courts  did  not 
so  ruthlessly,  even  if  speciously,  delete 
the  simple  human  rights  of  organized 
labor.  The  case  referred  to  is  the  fa- 
mous and  oft-cited  one  of  John  Hunt 
and  others,  in  Massachusetts,  whn  were 
criminally  indicted  in  1842  for  form- 
ing an  association  and  agreeing  not  to 
work  for  any  employer  who  should 
employ  men  not  members  of  the  asso- 
ciation. The  court  held  that  this  was 
not  a  criminal  conspiracy. 

The  decision  (4  Mote.  Ill)  reads  in 
part: 

We  think  that  associations  may  be 
entered  into,  the  object  of  which  is  to 
adopt  measures  that  may  have  a  tend- 
ency to  impoverish  another;  that  is, 
to  diminish  his  gains  and  profits;  and 
yet  so  far  from  being  criminal  or  un- 
lawful, the  object  may  be  highly  mer- 


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484 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHHBNIS 


ItoriouB  and  puUio-spirited.  The  leg- 
ality o£  such  an  association  will  there- 
fore deiiend  upon  the  means  to  be  used 
for  its  accomplishment.  If  it  is  to  be 
carried  into  effect  by  fair  or  honor- 
able an  i  lawful  means,  it  is,  to  say  the 
least.  Innocent;  if  by  falsehood  or 
force,  it  may  be  stamped  with  the 
character  of  a  conspiracy. 

And  80  this  combination  of  work- 
men for  a  "closed"  shop  was  held  to 
be  legal;  today  it  would  be  held  to  be 
illegal.  The  decision  was  unanimous, 
and  wae  rendered  by  Chief  Justice 
Lemuel  Shaw,  who  is  generally  re- 
garded as  possessing  as  sound  and 
clear  a  legal  mind  as  Massachusetts 
has  ever  produced. 

The  same  spirit  of  Judicial  fairness 
prevailed  in  the  next  great  labor  case, 
twenty-live  years  later,  that  of  Bowen 
vs.  Matheson,  14  Allen  499  (1867). 
Those  were  the  good  old  days  when 
seamen  were  lured  into  boarding- 
houses  along  the  water-front  on  the 
promise  of  credit,  plied  with  cheap 
liquor,  and  while  still  maudlin  in- 
duced to  sign  up  for  a  voyage  with 
some  shipmaster,  and  piled  aboard  the 
vessel,  the  men  often  not  sobering  up 
until  the  vessel  was  well  out  to  sea. 
In  Boston  a  good  part  of  this  unlovely 
business  went  to  the  Seamen's  Mutual 
Benefit  Association,  whose  constitu- 
tion provided  as  follows: 

No  person  can  be  a  member  who 
does  not  keep  a  regular  seamen's 
boarding-house.  Members  are  forbid- 
den to  ehip  seamen  for  less  than  cer- 
tain specified  rates  of  wages.  They 
are  to  use  ther  best  endeavors  to  pre- 
vent their  boarders  from  shipping  in 
any  vessel,  when  any  of  the  crew  are 
shippe<I  from  boarding-houses  that  are 
not  in  good  standing  with  the  Associa- 
tion. 

A  boarding-house  outside  the  Asso- 
ciation, finding  its  business  hurt  by 
this  agreement,  sued  the  Association 
for  money  damages.  The  labor  injunc- 
tion, perfect  flower  of  org:inized 
wealth,  had  not  yet  blossomed. 

The  court  found  for  the  Associa- 
tion, saying  in  part: 

If  the  effect  of  the  by-laws  is  to  de- 
stroy th6  business  of  shipping-masters 
who  are  not  members  of  the  Associa- 
tion, it  is  such  a  result  as  in  the  com- 
petition of  business  often  follows  from 
a  course  of  proceeding   that   the   law 


permits.  New  inventions  and  new 
methodf  of  transacting  business  often 
destroy  the  business  of  those  who  ad- 
here to  the  old  methbds.  Sometimes 
associations  break  down  the  business 
of  indi^/iduals,  and  sometimes  an  in- 
dividual is  able  to  destroy  the  busi- 
ness of  associated  men. 

In  other  words:  We.  the  courts, 
cannot  legislate  in  these  economic 
troubles  concerning  which  the  legisla- 
ture itself  has  refused  to  act  In  the 
absence  of  physical  force  or  fraud  the 
parties  must  be  left  by  the  courts  Just 
where  they  found  them. 

From  that  time  on,  however,  the 
line  between  organized  wealth  and  or- 
ganized labor  was  more  sharply 
drawn ;  both  Capital  and  Laboi  were 
becomin^^  more  cleanly  contoured. 
The  partnership  was  yielding  to  the 
corporation,  and  the  corporation  to 
the  incipient  trust,  whose  beginnings 
acute  observers  could  see  in  the  Stand- 
ard Oil  Company  which  about  then 
was  destroying  competition  in  the  oil- 
fields of  Pennsylvania.  Twenty  years 
before,  Marx  and  Engel,  like  twin 
voices  crying  out  in  the  economic  wil- 
derness, had  predicted  this  very  thing 
—and  been  laughed  at  for  their  pains. 

From  that  time  on  we  find  the 
courts,  particularly  in  the  wealthy 
Eastern  States,  dropping  their  pre- 
vious policy  of  inaction  where  the 
legislatures  had  not  acted,  and  deter- 
mining Just  what  labor  unions  might 
or  might  not  do — particularly  what 
they  might  not  do.  And  from  that 
time,  down  to  the  close  of  1911,  Labor 
has  not  won  a  single  contention  be- 
fore the  Massachusetts  Supreme  Court. 

The  first  of  these  anti-Labor  de- 
cisions is  Carew  vs.  Rutherford,  106 
Mass.  i  (1870).  The  facts  are  as  fol- 
lows: The  plaintiff,  Otrew,  had  made 
a  sub-contract  to  furnish  trimmed 
stone  foi  the  Roman  (Catholic  Cathe- 
dral in  Boston,  and  had  employed  cer- 
tain Joumesrmen  to  do  the  work. 
•  Carew  bad  a  difficulty  with  the  Jour- 
neymen Freestone  Cutters'  Associa- 
tion, and  as  a  result  of  it  he  allowed 
the  main  contractor  to  take  part  of 
the  stone-work  oif  his  hands  and  have 
it  done  outside  of  the  State.  The  Bos- 
ton union  thereupon  voted  that  if 
C^rew  did  not  pay  the  union  $500  be- 
cause of  his  action  (to  reimburse  tbp 
union  for  the  loss  which  it  Judged  its 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


48( 


members  had  suatained  by  reason  of 
Carew*a  allowing  the  work  to  be  done 
elsewhere).  It  would  call  on  all  union 
men  then  in  his  employ  to  walk  out, 
and  by  fair  and  peaceful  methods 
would  try  to  dissuade  any  other  avail- 
able journeymen  from  taking  their 
places.  That  is,  the  union  put  two  al- 
temati^es  up  to  Carew:  Either  he 
could  pay  the  union  $5u0,  the  sum  in 
which  ic  believed  itself  to  be  damaged 
by  his  action,  and  retain  his  unioti 
help,  or  he  could  refuse  to  pay  and 
get  his  workmen  in  the  best  way  he 
could.  Carew  paid  over  the  $500,  and 
the  threatened  strike  was  called  off; 
then,  when  his  contract  was  finished, 
he  sued  for  the  recovery  of  the  money 
he  had  paid  to  the  union.  There  was 
no  written  law  to  cover  such  a  case 
as  this,  yet  the  court  decided  that  the 
union  must  pay  the  money  back  to 
Carew.  How  was  such  a  decision 
reached? 

The  court  did  not  say,  nor  did  it 
even  hint,  that  a  imion  could  not  call 
its  men  out,  as  the  union  did  here,  out 
of  simple  resentment  over  some  act  of 
the  common  employer.  Admittedly  a 
workman  has  the  right  not  to  work 
for  any  particular  person,  and  has  not 
a  union  the  same  right  that  belongs 
to  each  individual  member?  If  the 
union  had  the  right  entirely  to  ' 
working  for  Carew,  regardless  of  its 
motive,  did  it  not  have  the  right  to 
quit  work  conditionally?  Does  not 
the  whole  include  the  part?  And  yet. 
Judging  by  this  decision,  it  would 
seem  net.  In  the  absence  of  statute, 
the  court  reached  the  desired  end  by 
the  now  common  device  in  these  labor 
troubles  of  dragging  ''common  law'*  in 
by  the  ears. 
What  Is  comnK>n  law? 
Ther3  are  two  kinds  of  law:  the 
written  law,  and  the  unwritten,  or 
common,  law.  The  written  law  In- 
cludes the  Conetitution,  the  statutes, 
and  the  decisions  of  the  court  itself,  a 
sample  of  which  last  we  have  in  this 
present  case. 

The  unwritten,  or  common,  law,  says 
Wharton,  a  leading  authority,  is  ''a 
system  of  Jurisprudence  developing 
under  the  guidance  of  the  courts  so  as 
to  apply  a  consistent  and  reasonable 
rule  t>  each  litigated  case.*'  Another 
decision,  often  quoted,  defines  it  as, 
"the  law  that  receives  its  binding  force 
from  immemorial  usage  and  universal 


reception,  as  ascertained  and  expressed 
in  the  judgment  of  the  courts.'* 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  phrases 
italicized  above,  that  "common  law" 
in  reality  means  the  same  thing  as 
'public  policy,"  already  defined  in  the 
first  halt  of  this  article;  it  lies  alto- 
gether within  the  power  of  the  courts, 
and  is  Interpreted  (ev^i  as  "publdc 
policy*  is  shaped)  according  to  the 
consci(.u&  or  unconscious  bias  of  the 
Judges.  The  Judiciary,  in  short,  has 
become  an  American  Little  Father.  In 
cases  Involving  the  relations  of  Capi- 
tal and  Labor,  whether  in  trade  dis- 
putes or  in  simple  accident  cases,  that 
which  tliese  capitalistic  courts  deem  to 
be  good  and  right  is  found  to  be  "in 
harmony  with  the  principles  of  com- 
mon law,"  or  "in  accordance  with 
sound  public  policy."  There  is  noth- 
ing scientific  about  it;  it  is  simply 
the  dominant  class,  where  the  written 
law  does  not  positively  forbid  (and 
somietimes  even  where  it  does,  as  in 
the  latest  "interpretation"  of  the  Sher- 
man anti^ruet  act ) ,  legislating  through 
its  Judicial  agency. 

As  a  sort  of  counter-proof,  it  is 
worth  while  briefly  to  consider  here 
the  case  of  Worthlngton  vs.  Waring, 
157  Mass.  421,  decided  in  1892.  The 
necessary  facts  are  that  Worthlngton, 
having,  with  others,  gone  on  strike 
against  the  Narraganaett  Mills  of  Fall 
River,  was  blacklisted  so  effectively  by 
the  textile  mills  of  that  city  that  he 
could  not  get  employment.  Injunc- 
tions against  labor  unions  had  eo^ 
into  fashion,  so  the  unemployed 
Worthlngton  asked  for  one  against 
this  destructive  blacklist. 

The  petition  was  denied,  and  on  ap- 
peal, the  Supreme  Court  upheld  the 
action  of  the  lower  court.  No  words 
were  wasted,  either;  the  court  says 
nothing  about  the  "principles  of  com- 
mon law,"  or  "sound  public  policy"  in 
an  attempt  to  aid  this  blacklisted 
workman.  The  court  was  right;  the 
legislature  not  having  spoken,  the 
court  should  be  silent.  But  the  bit- 
terness of  it,  when  the  court  had  been 
for  years  legislating  in  behalf  of  Cap- 
ital in  industrial  disputes!  To  legis- 
late Judicially  for  Capital  is  one  thing, 
of  course;  to  legislate  Judicially  for 
Labor  is  quite  another  thing. 

Said  the  court  (and  unanimously), 
"There  are  no  approved  precedents  in 
equity   for   enjoining   the   defendants 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


486 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHMBN^ 


from  continuing  such  a  conspiracy." 
Not  without  a  kind  of  grim  humor 
that,  when  it  is  considered  that  (in 
Massachusetts,  at  least,)  this  was  the 
first  time  a  workman  had  had  the  te* 
merirty  to  ask  for  such  relief.  Thus 
the  blacklist  is  sanctioned,  greatly  to 
the  satisfaction  of  Capital,  not  alone 
in  Massachusetts  hut  in  the  great  num- 
^  ber  of  other  States  that  eagerly  follow 
her  decisions. 

The  court  had  said  in  Carew  vs.  Ru- 
therford,  when  Capital  was  attacking 
Labor:  "This  is  a  species  of  annoy- 
ance which  the  common  law  has  never 
tolerated.  .  .  .  Freedom  ie  the 
policy  of  this  country.  .  .  .  The 
acts  alleged  and  proved  here  are  pecu- 
liarly  oJOiensive  to  the  free  principles 
which  prevail  in  this  country,  and  if 
such  practices  could  enjoy  immunity, 
they  would  tend  to  establish  a  tyranny 
of  irresponsible  persons  over  labor 
and  mechanical  business  which  would 
be  extremely  injurious  to  both." 

No  legislature  in  Massachusetts 
ever  declared  a  boycott  illegal,  and 
boycott  is  the  same  weapon  in  the 
hands  of  Labor  that  a  blacklist  is  in 
the  hands  of  Capital.  And  yet  Labor 
is  so  certain  that  the  Massachusetts 
courts  would  legislate  it  into  illegality, 
in  direct  contrast  to  its  decision  on 
the  blacklist,  that  there  seems  to  be  no 
instance  of  a  boycott  case  being  car- 
ried up  to  the  Supreme  Court.  The 
dicta  running  through  the  cases  are 
too  clear  to  make  that  course  neces- 
sary; they  have  all  the  effect  of  an 
actusil  straight-cut  decision. 

Inconpistent?  Yes  and  no;  it  de- 
pends on  the  viewpoint.  Clearly 
theee  decisions  are  inconsistent  from 
the  viewpoint  of  ordinary  Justice;  but 
they  are  all  in  accord  with  the  phil- 
osophy of  the  economic  class  from 
which  our  important  Judges  are  ap- 
pointed and  of  whom  they  are  the 
agents  in  the  Judicial  branch  of  our 
government.  Property  and  vested 
rights  must  be  protected  and  favored, 
whatever  may  be  the  result  to  prop- 
ertyless  humanity,  and  regardless  of 
how  that  property  and  those  vested 
right:^  may  have  been  secured  in  the 
first  place.  So  it  Is  that  a  national 
incom?  tax  is  declared  "unconstitu- 
tional." So  it  is  that  in  New  York  a 
compulsory  compensation  act  for 
workmen  injured  In  certain  dangerous 
employments  is  also  deleted    on    the 


ground  of  "unconstitutionality,"  in 
that  il  interferes  with  "property 
rights.'  So  it  is  that  men  like  Pitney 
are  still  appointed  to  the  United 
States  Supreme  Court  And  so — ^but 
why  multiply  cases  that  are  familiar 
to  the  ordinary  reader? 

Another  landmark  Is  Plant  vs. 
Woods,  176  Mass.  492^  decided  in  1900. 
The  parties  in  this  case  were  two  rival 
labor  unions  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  both 
of  which  claimed  the  title  of  "Union 
257,  Painters  and  Decorators  of  Amer- 
ica," the  difficulty  being  caused  by  a 
split  from  the  parent  organization  and 
the  formation  of  an  independent  union. 
The  seceders  may  be  called,  for  ccm- 
venience,  the  Lafayette  Union,  and  the 
defendants,  or  regulars,  ths  Baltimore 
Union. 

The  trouble  started  when  the  Balti- 
more Union,  aiming  to  have  all  mem- 
bers of  the  craft  in  Springfield  belong 
to  their  organization,  voted  that  "if 
our  demand  (i.  e.,  that  all  painters 
and  decorators  shall  Join  our  union) 
are  not  complied  with,  all  men  work- 
ing In  shops  where  Lafayette  people 
are  employed  shall  refuse  to  work." 
Still  the  Lafayette  men  held  out,  and 
their  employers  were  notified  that  if 
they  did  not  discharge  the  obstinate 
ones  or  persuade  them  to  Join  the  Bal- 
timore Union,  then  the  Baltimore  men 
would  walk  out 

It  was  a  peaceful  struggle.  The 
question  before  the  court  was:  Could 
the  Baltimore  Union  be  .enjoined? 
Again,  it  should  be  remembered,  there 
was  no  statute  to  cover  the  case;  nor 
in  fact  is  there  any  complicating  stat- 
ute to  cloud  the  issue  in  any  case  con- 
sidered in  this  article,  ntw  is  there 
present  any  element,  such  as  force  or 
fraud,  that  admittedly  is  wrongful  in 
itself. 

The  court  enjoined  the  Baltimore 
men,  saying  that  under  such  circum- 
stances employers  are  reasonably  Jus- 
tified in  assuming  that  the  "trouble" 
expected  would  mean  more  than  that 
the  strikers  would  cease  to  work. 
"That  is  only  the  preliminary  skir- 
mish," said  the  court  "It  means  that 
those  who  have  ceased  to  work  will, 
by  strong,  persistent,  and  organized 
persuasion  and  social  pressure  of 
every  description,  do  all  they,  can  to 
prevent  the  employer  from  procuring 
workmen  to  take  their  place5«.  It 
means  much  more.    It  means  that  if 


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DKION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


487 


these  peaceful  measures  fail,  the  em- 
ployer may  reasonably  expect  that  un- 
lawful physical  injury  may  be  done  to 
his  property/'  and  so  on  ad  nauseam — 
a  long  list  of  acts  which  the  court 
opined  might  happen,  and  perhaps 
would  happen.  It  neglected  to  say 
that  if  anything  actually  wrongful 
should  be  done  by  the  Baltimore  Union 
or  their  ssrmpathizers  in  the  course  of 
th€  strike,  there  was  nothing  to  pre- 
vent the  police  (or  even  the  militia) 
from  dragnsing  the  culprits  into  court 
therefore.  And  all  these  pages  of 
speculation  were  from  the  court  which 
eight  years  before  had  summarily  dis- 
missed the  petition  of  a  workman  to 
be  protected  against  ruin  by  blacklist- 
ing. 

The  evidence  is  overwhelming  that 
the  lives  of  operatives,  men  and  wo- 
men and  children,  are  being  shortened 
in  our  textile  mills  and  elsewhere  by 
the  lack  of  devices  that  could  be  in- 
stalled to  make  conditions  in  the  mills 
more  wholesome  and  safe.  Yet  no  sane 
lawyer,  as  our  courts  are  now  consti- 
tuted, could  expect  the  Judges  to  in- 
voke "common  law  *  and  "sound  public 
policy"  to  improve  these  conditions 
and  lengthen  the  lives  of  the  opera- 
tives. Rather  do  the  courts,  on  the 
ground  of  the  fictitious  "assumption 
of  the  risk,"  allow  employers  to  hire 
helpless  employes,  even  little  chil- 
dren, to  work  at  machines  so  danger- 
ous that  wHh  each  passing  year  an  in- 
evitable percentage  of  the  workers  are 
killed,  or  injured  for  life.  "The  em- 
ployer does  not  compel  anybody  to 
work  for  him,"  says  the  courts;  yet 
unless  the  Judges  lack  common  sense 
altogether,  they  must  know  that  the 
worker  cannot  choose  his  Job — ^he 
must  work  where  he  can,  or  go  to  the 
poorhouse,  or  starve. 

"The  right  involved  here,"  said  the 
court  in  Plant  vs.  Woods,  "is  the  right 
to  dispose  of  one's  labor  with  full  free- 
dom. This  is  a  legal  right."  That 
language  from  a  court  which  bad  re- 
fused to  grant  relief  against  a  black- 
list. Does  a  blacklist,  in  the  court's 
ODinion,  allow  a  man  to  "dispose  of 
his  labor  with  full  freedom"? 

And  in  Plant  vs.  Woods,  admitting 
the  legal  right  of  anybody  to  dispose 
of  his  labor  freely,  who  was  interfer- 
ing with  anybody's  right  to  dispose  of 
his  labor — if  he  could  get  anybody  to 
hire  him?    Surely  the  court  does  not 


contend  that  the  Lafayette  men  could 
force  their  labor,  willy-nilly,  on  the 
Springfield  employers.  Who  was  pre- 
venting fthe  Lafayette  men  from  work- 
ing for  anybody  who  would  hire  them? 
No  workman,  to  repeat,  has  a  right  to 
compel  an  employer  to  hire  him.  An 
employer  may  refuse  fiatly;  and  that 
being  so,  may  not  an  employer  be  in- 
duced thereto  by  a  union?  And  if  that 
be  so,  how  can  any  court  hold  a  union 
to  be  acting  wrongfully  when  it  is 
only  trying  to  induce  the  employer  to 
do  that  which  he  has  an  absolute  right 
to  do? 

A  handful  of  cases  will  confirm  the 
argument.  Pickett  vs.  Walsh,  192 
Mass.  572  (1906),  decides  thkt  any 
sympathietic  strike  is  unlawful.  Legis- 
lation pure  and  simple.  It  is,  of 
course,  another  "public  policy"  case. 

Said  the  court  here  (and  again 
unanimously),  "Organized  labor's 
right  of  coercion  and  compulsion  is 
limited  to  strikes  against  persons  with 
whom  the  organization  has  a  trade  dis- 
pute." Can  one  wonder  that  the  In- 
dustrial Workers  of  the  World,  with 
their  militant  methods,  their  direct  ap- 
peal to  the  workers,  and  their  feoorly- 
concealed  hostility  to  courts  are  becom- 
ing so  strong  that  they  threaten  the 
very  Existence  of  the  'more-  lethargic 
American  Federation  of  Labor?  Is  it 
to  be  wondered  at  that  union  officials, 
like  the  McNam&ras,  finding  ,  their 
unions  emasculated  by  such  Judicial 
legislation,  conceive  the  idea  that  their 
economic  salvation  may  be  worked  out 
only  by  anarchy? 

In  Aberthaw  Construction  Company 
vs.  Cameron,  194  Mass.  209  (1907) 
and  Reynolds  vs.  Davis,  198  Mass.  294 
(1908)  the  courts  "decided"  that  it  is 
unlawful  for  a  union  to  strike  for  a 
closed  shop. 

Prom  Reynolds  vs.  Davis  the  follow- 
ing is  taken:  "It  is  settled  in  this 
commonwealth  that  the  legality  of  a 
combination  not  to  work  for  an  em- 
ployer— th.it  is  to  say,  of  a  strike — de- 
pends upon  the  purpose  for  which  the 
combination  is  formed  and  the  purpose 
for  which  the  employes  strike."  Here 
again  it  should  be  remembered  that 
there  is  absolutely  no  legislation  to 
this  effect  by  the  legislature.  When 
the  court  says  that  "it  is  settled  in  this 
commonwealth,"  etc.,  it  means  that  it 
has  been  settled  without  learlslative 
authority,  by  the  Judges  themselves 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


488 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHHBKS 


This,  however,  will  be  taken  up  more 
in  detail  in  the  really  astonishing  case 
of  Willcutit  ft  <Sons  Company  vs.  Dris- 
coll,  200  Mass.  110. 

This  real  travesty  on  Justice  was 
handed  down  in  1908.  It  was  no  snap 
Judgment,  the  court  holding  It  nine- 
teen months  before  rendering  the  de* 
cision  The  necessary  facts  are  these: 
The  defendants  were  the  bricklayers' 
and  stonecutters'  unions  of  Boston.  In 
April,  1906.  notice  was  given  by  these  • 
unions  that  after  June  Ist  union  brick- 
layers and  stonecutters  must  be  paid 
ofT  in  working  hours,  and  their  wages 
increased  five  cents  an  hour.  Willcutt 
refused  to  grant  these  terms.  The 
working  rules  of  the  union  provided 
a  fine  for  such  members  as  refused  to 
go  out  on  strike  when  a  strike  was 
ordered.  A  strike  on  Willcutt  was  or- 
dered in  this  case,  but  a  certain  union 
man  employed  by  Willcutt  refused  to 
go  out.  His  union  thereupon  voted 
that  charges  therefor  be  preferred 
against  him,  appointing  a  committee 
to  try  him.  Matters  had  got  as  far  as 
that  when  Willcutt,  the  employer  of 
the  scabbing  union  man,  applied  to 
the  courts  for  an  injunction  to  pre- 
vent the  union  from  fining,  or  even 
threatening  to  fine,  the  scabbing  union 
man  in  question.  The  injunction  was 
granted. 

The  union  appealed  to  the  Supreme 
Court,  which  apparently  was  unable  to 
decide  what  the  law  was  until  nine- 
teen months  had  elapsed.  Then  it 
confirmed  the  granting  of  the  injunc- 
tion. That  Is,  four  of  the  seven 
Judges  did  so  flatly.  The  fifth  Joined 
with  these  four  because  he  thought 
that  this  case  came  under  the  decision 
laid  down  in  Martell  vs.  White  above, 
which,  of  course,  was  a  "public  policy" 
case.  The  other  two  Judges,  Chief 
Justice  Knowlton  and  Justice  Sheldon, 
dissented  flatly. 
This  decision  was  to  the  effect  that 

(1)  The  simple  unionization  of  la- 
bor shall  be  allowed  by  the  courts  in 
Massachusetts; 

(2)  The  present  strike  was  for  a 
lawful  purpose,  being  for  higher  wages 
and  (in  effect)  a  shorter  working- 
day.    And 

(3)  So  the  case  was  simply  one  of 
what  the  court  called  intimidation. 

The  "intimidation"  spoken  of  by 
the  court  was  the  imposition,  or  rather 
the  threat  of  imposition,  of  a  fine,  in 


accordance  with  the  rules  of  the  union, 
on  a  strike-breaker  within  its  ranks. 
The  case  hinged  on  this. 

It  was  shown  that  the  union  was 
only  putting  into  effect  a  by-law 
which  the  scabbing  member  had  agreed 
to  whon  he  voluntarily,  for  his  own 
selfish  purposes.  Joined  the  union. 
Nobody  had  ciHnpelled  him  to  Join. 
He  might  have  stayed  out  and  broken 
strikes  to  his  heait's  content;  but 
since  be  did  not,  it  was  urged  that 
the  union  had  an  absolute  right  to  hold 
him  liable  to  a  by-law  to  which  he  had 
subscribed  when  he  became  a  memr 
ber,  and  that  if  unions  could  not  en- 
force their  own  by-laws  they  might  as 
well  go  out  of  business  altogether. 
Since  the  strike-breaking  union  man, 
it  was  argued,  had  taken  his  choice, 
no  Injunction  could  properly  be 
granted  to  him. 

But  the  majority  of  the  court  held 
that  "If  it  be  said  that  the  member 
fined  may  take  h^s  choice,  either  to 
leave  the  organization  or  abide  by  the 
rules  10  which  he  has  before  assented, 
and  that  where  is  a  choice  there  can 
be  no  coercion,  the  answer  is  that  in 
almost  every  conceivable  case  short  of 
an  actual  overpowering  of  the  physical 
forces  of  the  victim  there  is  a  choice. 
The  hightoaynian  [tho  italics  are  the 
writer's]  toho  presents  hi$  cocked 
pistol  to  the  traveler  and  demands  his 
purse  under  pain  of  instant  death  in 
case  of  refusal,  offers  his  victim  a 
choice:  He  may  aither  give  up  hts 
purse  and  live,  or  refuse  and  die.** 

We  have  heard  somewhere  of  the 
mountain  that  labored  and  brought 
forth  a  mouse;  the  figure  is  hardly 
more  striking  than  this,  where  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court  of  Massachu- 
setts, supposedly  made  up  of  the 
highest  legal  talent  in  the  State,  labors 
a  year  and  a  half  and  then  brings 
forth  this  miscarriage  of  logic.  It 
would  be  humorous  if  it  were  not 
tragic;  for  remember  always  that 
Massachusetts  decisions  are  adopted 
all  over  the  country. 

And  so  the  court,  following  out 
equally  sound  logical  processes,  "de- 
cided" that  while  the  scabbing  union 
man  himself  could  not  prevent  the 
union  from  fining  him  for  his  treach- 
ery, yet  that  was  not  so  with  regard 
to  any  third  party  who  was  adversely 
affected— in  this  case,  the  employer  of 
the  scab.     In  other    words,    a    third 


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UNION  OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


489 


party,  whose  fights  came  entirely 
through  the  scab,  has  a  right  of  action 
against  the  union  that  the  scab  him- 
self does  not  possess.  The  inequity  of 
it  is  clearly  apparent  to  any  layman; 
yet  to  such  limits  do  our  courts  in  ^ 
equity  go  in  determining  what  ''sound 
public  policy"  means.  Capital  must 
not  be  denied  access  to  a  "free  labor 
market/'  and  agreements  between 
workman  and  workman  are  of  no  avail 
when  this  "free  labor  market"  is  im- 
periled. But  on  the  other  hand  em- 
ployers, by  pel  mission  of  the  courts, 
may  limit  by  blacklisting,  the  market 
for  the  sale  of  one's  labor  power, 
which  is  practically  the  sole  property 
of  the  proletariat 

De  Minico  vs.  Craig,  207  Mass.  593, 
decided  on  Feb.  27,  1911,  is  another 
"public  policy"  case.  There  a  union 
of  Milford  gi^mite-cutters  went  oat  on 
strike  against  an  obnoxious  foreman, 
whereupon  this  foreman,  De  Minico, 
was  reduced  to  the  rank  and  pay  of  a 
simple  journeyman.  De  Minico  ap- 
plied for  an  injunction  against  a  con- 
tinuation of  this  adverse  combination 
of  unior  men,  asking  also  f^r  money 
damages.  The  court  allowed  him  $500 
against  the  union,  and  would  have 
granted  the  injunction  also,  only  that 
De  Minico's  need  and  desire  for  it  had 
gone  by  when  the  decision  was  handed 
down. 

We  have  shown  above  that  the 
courts,  entirely  without  legislative 
authority,  have  reserved  to  themselves 
the  right  to  determine  for  what  ob- 
jects a  union  may  strike.  Now  in  this 
case  the  court  did  not  deny  that  the 
union  regarded  the  object  of  the  strike 
as  lawful — lawful  even,  that  is,  in  view 
of  any  previous  "decision"  laid  down  by 
this  court.  This  case  goes  beyond  any 
previous  case,  however,  under  this  gen- 
eral head.  A  strike,  says  the  court,  must 
be  begun  in  "good  faith,"  and  the  court 
itself  will  determine  whether  or  not  it 
has  been  begun  in  good  faith*  Fur- 
thermore, it  plainly  states  that  "It  is 
wiser,  in  our  opinion,  in  matters  such 
as  we  are  now  dealing  with,  to  go  no 
farther  than  to  decide  each  case  as  it 
arises."  And  as  we  have  seen,  the  Su- 
preme Court  Judges  themselves  do  not 
know  Just  what  purpose  seems  good  to 
them  except  after  months  of  delay  — 
nineteen  months  in  the  Wllcutt  vs. 
Driscoil  case,  and  even  then,  as  in 
that  same  case,  differing  among  them- 


selves. Here  is  a  beautiful  plot  for  a 
comic  opera,  all  made  to  order  by  a 
court  bent  on  legislation. 

See  how  it  works  out  in  the  very 
latest  case,  that  of  Minasian  vs.  Os- 
borne, et  al.,  210  Mass.  250,  decided  on 
Nov.  29,  1911.  A  union  shoe  laster 
named  Minasian  was  on  piece-work. 
With  the  firm's  consent  he  had  his 
father  for  helper.  The  father  got  no 
recompense  for  his  work,  but  threw 
his  product  in  with  that  of  his  son, 
who  was  paid  for  the  Joint  product  of 
the  two.  The  question  was:  did  the 
lasters*  union  have  the  right  to  induce, 
or  try  to  induce,  the  common  employer 
to  discharge  the  elder  Minasian,  by 
threatening  to  go  on  strike  if  he  did 
not  comply?  How  were  poor  lasrmen 
of  lasterH  to  know  If  they  were  acting 
as  law-abiding  citizens  by  taking  part 
in  that  strike?  How,  indeed,  when  the 
Judges  themselves  later  on  could  not* 
agree?  The  Minasians,  father  and  son, 
petitioned  the  Superior  Court  to  re- 
strain the  defendant  union,  and  the 
petition  was  allowed.  The  union  ap- 
pealed, and  the  "majority  of  the  (Su- 
preme) court"  overturned  the  lower 
court,  holding  the  strike  to  be  lawful. 
The  minority  gave  no  reason  for  their 
dissent 

Would  any  sane  legislator  try  to 
have  enacted  into  law  a  provision  to 
the  effect  that  any  body  of  men,  court 
or  commission  or  whatever  it  be 
called,  should  have  the  right  to  deter- 
mine, on  appeal  to  it,  whether  or  not 
any  particular  strike  shall  be  lawful? 
Certainly  not.  No  citizen's  rights 
would  be  secure  under  that  arrange- 
ment. And  yet  that  is  the  very  posi- 
tion of  the  court  of  last  re<^ort  in 
Massachusetts  and  the  other  States — 
not  as  a  result  of  any  legislative  or 
constitutional  provision,  but  simply 
becauso  of  the  unwarranted  power  it 
has  arrogated  to  itself. 

President  Taft  may  still  exclaim, 
"Judicial  recall!  The  words  them- 
selves are  so  inconsistent  that  I  hate 
to  utter  them";  but  he  may  be  sure 
that  th»  masses  of  the  people  are  fast 
losing  reverence  for  Judges.  It  can,  at 
least,  do  the  reader  no  harm  to  recall 
these  labor  decisions. 


The  man  who  remains  master  of  him- 
self never  knows  defeat.— CTiarZes  W. 
Oordon. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


400 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMBN'8 


Beauty  Rose. 

That  many  buds  must  be  destroyed 
to  make  one  American  Beauty  rose  is 
the  illustration  by  which  John  D. 
Rockefeller,  Jr.,  argued  for  the  exist- 
ence of  the  overtowering  fortune  to  ' 
which  he  is  the  heir. 

It  has  taken  forty  years  of  selec- 
tion to  produce  this  American  Beauty 
rose.  These  forty  years  have  been  the 
years  of  most  rapid  progress  in  the 
history  of  the  world. 

In  these  years  *  since  the  Standard 
Oil  flower  was  planted  scientists  have 
stolen  more  secrets  from  nature  and 
brought  them  to  the  service  of  man 
than  in  all  the  ages  since  Prometheus 
robbed  the  gods  of  a  spark  of  fire  for 
man's  benefit.  Inventors  have  searched 
out  countless  new  and  helpful  combin- 
ations of  force  and  matter  and  multi- 
plied man's  power  to  satisfy  his 
wants.  Forests  have  been  cleared, 
swamps  drained,  deserts  watered,  dis- 
eases conquered,  a  most  of  man's 
enehiies  subdued  and  abolished. 

These  factors  have  made  possible  a 
happy,  healthful  people,  but  instead 
of  a  multitude  of  such  people  we  have 
chosen  rather  to  develop  a  few  Amer- 
ican Beauty  roses.  To  this  end  we 
turn  the  fruits  of  toil  and  the  triumphs 
of  science  and  invention  toward  the 
development  of  a  few  choice  buds 
upon  the  social  tree. 

The  Rockefeller  rose  could  flourish 
only  in  an  environment  that  fostered 
its  peculiar  qualities.  Into  the  indus- 
trial branch  upon  which  it  grew  was 
poured  the  great  nourishing  flood  of 
wealth  that  came  from  invention  and 
increased  skill  directed  and  operated 
by  the  toil  of  millions. 

That  this  one  magnificent  blossom 
might  be  brought  to  its  full  beauty  we 
sacrifice  millions  of  others.  That  a 
Rockefeller  may  have  $900,000,000. 
some  10,000,000  families  live  on  less 
than  man-animals  need  to  keep  them 
healthy. 

That  this  rose  might  feel  the  shel- 
terjnflf  qui/9t  of  universities,  90  per  cent 
of  the  children  of  America  are  shut 
out  from  the  high  schools.  That  its 
perfume  may  be  perfect,  we  sacrifice 
the  purity  of  a  hundred  thousand 
daughters  of  the  poor  every  year  to 
the  beast  of  prostitution.  Lest  its 
exuberant  foliage  be  confined  we  have 
torn  away  the  restrictions  of  the  law 
and  uprooted  those  principles  of  Jus- 


tice that  the  race  spent  ages  acquiring. 

That  it  may  have  a  deeper  red  than 
its  fellows  we  have  watered  it  with 
the  bk>od  of  a  million  babes  slain 
every  year  in  the  tenements  and 
hovels  by  neglect  and  poverty  and 
ignorance,  because  care  and  knowledge 
and  wealth  must  be  lavished  on  this 
one  beautiful  blossom. 

These  things  we  have  done  for  forty 
years.  The  blossom  now  shows  forth 
in  all  its  beauty,  or  lack  of  beauty* 
and  a  nation  is  asking  if  the  result  is 
i^orth  the  effort 

Moreover,  these  are  human  beings 
and  not  blossoms  with  which  we  are 
dealing,  and  the  multitude  are  protest- 
ing that  the  life  of  no  man  or  woman 
should  be  a  means  to  someone  else's 
gaudy  efflorescence.  It  is  the  wives 
and  the  daughters  and  the  children 
of  labor  whose  bodies  are  fertilizing 
this  foul  growth  of  our  system. 

The  laborers  of  America  have  the 
destinies  of  society  in  their  hands. 
They  can  determine  whether  the  so- 
cial energies  shall  all  be  used  to  pro- 
duce a  few  parasitic  blossoms,  or  to 
build  up  a  nation  of  healthy,  happy  hu- 
man beings. 

They  will  decide  in  favor  of  human 
beings. — A.  M,  Simons,  in  The  Coming 
Nation, 


TheValiMofaSMce. 

Among  the  positive  results  of  the 
revolt  of  the  New  York  waiters  Is  the 
certainty  of  better  conditions  for  some 
of  the  hardest-worked  men  in  this 
country  and  the  most  deserving. 

hiven  in  the  hotels  and  restaurants 
that  have  managed  to  operate  with  im- 
ported strike-breakers  the  system  of 
theft  that  was  called  "fines"  has  been 
utterly  abolished,  shorter  hours  ani 
slightly  better  pay  have  been  assured 
These  improvements  alone  Justify  the 
strike,  or  do  in  the  minds  of  those 
that  have  any  idea  of  the  waiters*  lot 
under  the  abominable  conditions  of 
former  days. 

In  the  midst  of  the  strike  the  New 
York  Call  made  public  some  astound- 
ing and  sickening  affidavits  from  men 
that  should  know  concerning  the 
actual  condition  of  the  kitchens  of 
some  of  the  famous  and  luxurious 
hotel®  of  New  York.  They  furnished 
the  most  instructive  commentary  on 
American  life  that  I  have  ever  seen. 

It  appears  that  the  American  public 


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UNION  OF  IfOBTB  AMBRIGA. 


491 


is  being  fooled  intolerably  about  tbeae 
gorgeous  caravansaries  of  which  it  is 
80  proud.  It  payB  for  gilt,  plush, 
elaborate  decorati<ms,  gold  leaf  and 
showy  trappings,  and  then  eats  garb- 
age and  carrion  among  these  palatial 
surroundings. 

The  details  furnished  were  not  only 
sworn  to,  but  in  themselves  were  con- 
vincing. 

They  were  also  calculated  to  make 
a  man  think  with  profound  regret  ot 
home  and  mother. 

Fancy  made-disbes  composed  of  de- 
cayed meat,  fragments  from  the  plates, 
meat  that  bas  been  gnawn  by  rats, 
and  refuse  scraps  hardly  constitute  an 
appetizing  diet  for  one  with  a 
susceptible  etomach.  I  omit  certain 
particulars,  but  they  can  be  readily 
imagined  from  the  fact  that  in  some 
of  the  kitchensr  the  temperature 
ranges  from  116  to  127,  that  in  sucn 
an  atmosphere  the  cooks  work  over 
the  broiling  stoves  all  day,  and  that 
the  places  tire  seldom  cleaned. 

But  up. stairs  the  marble  columns 
are  very  impressive,  the  beveled  mir- 
rors are  perfectly  grand,  and  the  liv- 
eried flunkey  at  the  door  is  elegantly 
upholstered. 

Millions  for  display,  but  not  one 
cent  for  sanitation  seems  to  be  our 
hotel  motto. 

Parlors  overweighted  with  a  gaudy 
display,  viands  prepared  from  rubbish 
in  kitchens  reeking  with  filth,  waiters 
at  85  cents  a  day  working  like  slaves, 
and  a  vast  army  of  snobby,  purse- 
proud,  tuft-hunting  Americans  and 
their  over-dressed  women  giving  their 
money  to  support  all  this. 

Bedlam  let  loose. 

There  is  one  of  the  great  hotels  of 
New  York  of  which  the  owner  paid 
$3,000  more  for  each  of  thirty  marble 
€k>lumn8  in  order  to  have  the  capitals 
of  the  columns  made  out  of  the  same 
piece  of  stone  as  the  rest.  No  human 
being  could  tell  the  difference  without 
a  ladder  and  a  minute  examination. 
At  the  same  time  he  ordered  orna- 
ments of  solid  gold  in  remote  and  al- 
most invisible  places.  The  guests 
find  the  results  of  these  things  in  their 
bills.  But  their  women  folks  can  go 
back  to  Skowhegan  and  tell  the  vil- 
lagers that  they  stayed  at  the  Nickel 
Plush  Hotel,  and  so  mad  has  grown 
the  passion  f<^  ostentation  and  fol-do- 
rol  that  this  Joy  is  deemed  worth  any 
price. 


Such  is  life  in  the  last  days  of  a 
rotten  social  system  that  offers  men 
nothing  better  than  to  wrest  the 
means  of  existence  from  their  fellows 
and  women  nothing  better  than  to  bo 
dress  pattern  exhibits  and  scramblers 
for  an  idiotic  social  distinction. 

Incidentally  I  may  add  to  the  revela- 
tions of  the  Call  a  little  chapter  from 
another  source. 

A  professor  of  comparative  anatomy 
In  a  great  university  was  a  member  of 
a  dinner  party  at  a  great  and  cele- 
brated New  York  hotel. 

One  of  the  dishes  brought  to  table 
was  terrapin. 

The  professor  found  some  bones  in 
his  portion  of  this  dainty  dish  and 
was  struck  with  their  appearance, 
which  seemed  very  familiar  to  him. 

He  wrapped  them  in  paper  and  took 
them  home  for  more  detailed  examina- 
tion. 

They  then  proved  to  be  the  bones  of 
a  rat 

What  do  we  care?  The  plush  is  all 
there,  the  famous  name  of  the  hotel  is 
still  famous,  our  women  can  still  pose 
about  its  corridors  and  show  their 
dress  goodis  on  their  persons. 

What  more  do  we  want?  On  with 
the  dance,  let  us  eat  rats,  soak  the 
waiter  and  be  happy.— C7tarlc«  Edward 
Russell  in  The  Coming  Nation. 


Hearat  and  tlic  Pressmen. 

The  San  Francisco  Examiner  recent- 
ly printed  a  letter  by  Mr.  Hearst  to 
President  Berry  of  the  International 
Printing  Pressmen's  Union  in  which 
he  sets  forth  his  position  toward  or- 
ganized labor  generally  and  the  press- 
men in  particular.    He  says: 

"I  believe  it  is  always  to  the  best 
interests  of  organized  labor  to  be  Just. 
I  believe  it  is  for  the  best  interests  of 
organized  labor  to  confine  its  demands 
to  good  wages,  good  hours  and  good 
working  conditions,  and  not  put  un- 
necessary burdens  on  the  employer 
which  interfere  with  the  success  of 
his  business  and  make  it  difficult  if 
not  impossible  for  him  to  comply  with 
labor's  rightful  demands  for  good 
wages,  good  hours  and  good  working 
conditions." 

How  ridiculous  organized  labor 
would  be  if  it  were  to  accept  his  ad- 
vice in  this  respect  Is  plain  to  any- 
one who  will  take  the  trouble  to  look 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


492 


JOURNAL  OF  THB   SWITCBUEHTB 


into  the  matter.  Lat>or  organizations 
might  as  well  disband  if  they  are  to 
confine  them8elye6>  to  hours,  wages 
and  sanitary  conditions.  Unions  are 
bound  to  protect  their  members 
against  the  greed  of  employers  by  the 
establishmenit  of  certain  rules  and 
regulations.  This  duty  is  Just  as  vital 
to  the  membership  as  are  hours  and 
wages.  The  cause  of  the  present 
trouble  is  a  good  Illustration  of  this 
point.  The  big  modern  presses  used 
by  dally  newspapers  are  dangerous 
pieces  of  mechanism,  and  in  order 
that  the  lives  of  pressmen  may  be 
protected  to  some  extent  the  union 
insists  that  a  certain  numt>er  of  men 
shall  be  required  to  operate  them  be- 
cause with  only  a  few  men,  through 
rushing  and  hurrying,  many  men  are 
crippled  and  killed.  The  rule  estab- 
lished by  the  pressmen  and  com- 
plained against  by  Mr.  Hearst  is  the 
result  of  years  of  experience  and  is 
altogether  reasonable  and  proper,  yet 
he  would  have  unions  abolish  such 
rules,  and  confine  themselves  to  wage<) 
and  hours.  Labor  can  not  follo«w 
such  advice,  because  thousands  of  men 
are  at  the  present  time  going  through 
life  minus  arms  and  legs  because  the 
pressmen  had  no  such  rules  years  ago. 
The  general  public  will  not  support 
Mr.  Hearst  in  such  a  position. 

In  one  paragraph  of  his  letter  he 
says:  "It  seems  to  me  that  wages  are 
but  a  form  of  division  of  profits,  and 
if  organized  labor  insists  upon  impos* 
ing  so  many  burdens  and  restrictions 
and  discriminations  upon  the  em- 
ployer as  to  interfere  with  the  succes- 
ful  conduct  of  his  business,  organized 
labor  to  that  extent  interferes  with 
its  own  ultimate  success.  It  interferes 
with  the  profits  of  the  enterprise,  it 
Interferes  with  the  proper  division  of 
these  profits  in  good  wages." 

Then  a  little  further  on  this  gem  of 
consistency  appears:  "Another  point 
in  your  letter  which  I  would  like  to 
make  clearer  is  the  point  about  the 
number  of  papers  printed  by  our  Chi- 
cago paper.  You  are  wrong,  Mr.  Berry, 
in  the  number  of  papers  that  you  as^ 
sume  we  print,  and  also  in  your  as- 
sumption of  the  possible  effect  of  that 
situation  upon  the  point  in  discussion. 
We  are  producing  our  papers  suffici- 
ently successful  in  Chicago,  but  if  we 
were  not  printing  one  copy  I  would 
not  be  infiuenced  thereby  to  submit  to 
injustice,  and  I  hope  I  would  not  be 


influenced,  on  the  other  hand,  into  any 
unreasonable  antagonism  to  union  la- 
bor or  to  the  just  demands  of  union 
labor.  I  am  determined,  as  far  as  1 
can,  to  consider  these  questions  from 
the  point  of  view  of  what  is  right  or 
wrong,  and  from  no  other  point  of 
view." 

Turn  those  two  statements  over  iu 
your  mind,  Mr.  Reader,  and  see  what 
they  mean.  He  admits  that  his  Chi- 
cago papers  are  good  paying  institu- 
tions, but  he  apparently  has  forgotten 
all  about  the  other  statement  that 
wages  are  but  a  form  of  division  of 
profits. 

The  other  statement  concerning  the 
number  of  papers  printed  is  also  ri- 
diculous, because  if  there  is  anyone 
connected  with  a  newspaper  who 
knows  the  circulation  turned  out  that 
man  is  the  pressman  who  actually 
prints  the  papers.  So  that  Mr.  Berry 
is  in  far  better  position  to  know  how 
many  papers  are  printed  in  the  press- 
rooms of  the  Chicago  papers  than  is 
Mr.  Hearst. 

He  also  makes  an  effort  to  convince, 
not  Mr.  Berry,  but  the  public,  that  he 
was  forced  to  join  the  Publishers'  As- 
sociation very  much  against  his  will 
in  Chicago.    He  says: 

"I  have  gone  into  the  Publishers' 
Association,  not  very  willingly,  as  you 
may  know,  but  because  I  have  been 
forced  to  do  so  in  order  to  secure  from 
organized  labor  the  same  treatment 
that  was  extended  by  it  to  the  otiier 
newspapers  of  Chicago.  Now  that  I 
have  become  a  member  of  the  Publish- 
ers' Association  I  must  act  with  them, 
but  my  infiuence  in  that  body  will  al- 
ways be  exerted  in  favor  of  good 
wages,  good  working  conditions  and 
reasonable  hours." 

Now  the  truth  is  that  Mr.  Hearst 
Is  a  member  of  the  San  Francisco  Pub- 
lishers' Association,  cuid  he  was  not 
forced  to  join  it  by  the  unions  of  this 
city,  and  can  make  no  such  claim. 
The  same  is  true  of  Los  Angeles, 
where  he  went  into  the  association  of 
publishers,  and  became  a  fellow  mem- 
bers with  Harrison  Gray  Otis,  willing- 
ly and  anxiously.  In  the  face  of  these 
fBCtB  how  can  he  hope  to  have  the 
public  believe  that  he  was  forced  to 
join  with  the  others  in  Chicago?  The 
ice  is  too  thin.  It  will  not  bear  the 
weight  of  public  analysis.    . 

The  fight  in  Chicago  has  reached  a 
stage   where   two   of  the  papers   in- 


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▼olved,  the  Journal  and  the  Inter- 
Ocean,  €u*e  said  to  be  on  the  verge  of 
bankruptcy. 

The  local  situation  is  being  directed 
along  lines  calculated  to  destroy  the 
circulation  of  the  Examiner  and  it  is 
very  successful,  fully  50  per  cent  of 
the  subscribers  tiaving  cancelled  their 
subscriptions.  In  Alameda  County, 
reports  indicate  that  the  circulation 
has  been  reduced  from  about  17,500 
copies  to  7,000  copies,  and  reports 
from  all  parts  of  the  State  are  to  the 
same  efEect — The  Labor  Clarion. 


I  a  Crimlwai, 

Frederick  Orowsey,  a  locomotive  fire- 
man of  England,  has  been  sent  to  jail 
and  is  awaiting  trial  for  distributing 
a  circular  bearing  the  title:  "An  Open 
Letter  to  British  Soldiers."  The  let- 
ter reads  as  follows: 

"When  we  go  on  strike  our  lot, 
which  is  the  lot  also-  of  your  fathers, 
mothers,  sisters  and  brothers,  you  are 
called  upon  by  your  officers  to  murder 
us.  Don't  do  it.  You  know  how  it 
happens.  We  stand  out  as  long  as  we 
can,  then  one  of  our  and  your  irrespon- 
sible brothers,  goaded  by  the  sight  of 
his  loved  ones  sulfering  misery  and 
hunger,  commits  a  crime  on  property. 
Immediately  you  are  ordered  to  mur- 
der us,  as  you  did  at  Mitchelltown, 
Featherstown  and  Belfast  Boys,  don't 
do  It  Murder  is  murder  whether  com- 
mitted In  the  anger  by  pipe-clayed 
Tommies  with  rifles.  Act  the  man, 
brother  'human  being.  Property  can 
be  replaced.  Human  life  never.  They 
and  their  friends  own  land  and  the 
means  of  life,  and  when  we  kick  they 
order  you  to  murder  us.  When  you 
kick  you  get  cells.  Your  fight  is  our 
fight.  Don't  disgrace  your  parents 
and  your  class  as  being  willing  tools 
any  longer  of  the  master  class.  You, 
like  us,  are  of  the  slave  class,  and 
when  we  rise  you  rise;  when  we  fall, 
even  by  your  bullets,  you  fall  also. 
Ck>mrades,  have  we  called  in  vain? 
Think  things  over,  and  refuse  any 
longer  to  murder  your  kindred.  Help 
to  win  back  Britain  for  the  British 
and  the  world  for  the  workers." 

The  above  letter  was  treason  to  capi- 
talism, and  treason  to  capitalism,  when 
capitalism  owns  and  controls  govem- 
T^ent.  is  treason  to  the  government. 
The  above  letter,  written  by  a  fireman. 


appealing  to  the  soldiers  to  refuse  to 
violate  the  biblical  mandate,  "thou 
Shalt  not  kill,"  is  clothed  in  a  pathetic 
eloquence  that  touches  the  tendrils  of 
the  human  heart. 

This  fireman  asked  his  fellow-men, 
clad  in  tbe  uniforms  of  a  soldier  to 
refuse  to  murder  his  brother  on  the 
Industrial  field  battling  for  justice, 
and  he  asked  this  fevor  in  the  most 
touching  and  courteous  language,  but 
capitalism  has  decreed  that  he  is  a 
criminal  and  should  be  fiung  behind 
the  walls  of  a  prison.  To  destroy  hu- 
man life  at  the  command  of  the  class 
that  stands  behind  the  throne  of  gov- 
ernment, is  a  virtue,  but  for  a  hungry, 
desperate  man,  erased  by  unbearable 
conditions,  to  redden  his  hands  in  the 
blood  of  an  oppressor  or  despot,  is  a 
crime  that  must  be  met  with  all  the 
penalties  of  the  law.  This  fireman  is 
a  humane  man,  whose  nature  revoKs 
at  the  shedding  of  human  blood,  and 
because  he  appealed  to  the  noblest 
traits  and  sympathy  of  the  soldiers, 
to  refuse  to  be  Cain  at  the  command 
of  economic  masters,  he  languishes  in 
a  prison  cell  branded  as  a  traitor  to 
the  government. 

There  will  come  a  time  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  world  when  it  will  not  be 
necessary  for  men  with  human  hearts 
to  make  appeals  to  soldiers  to  refuse 
to  kill,  for  labor  throughout  the  world 
is  coming  together  in  a  brotherhood 
that  will  put  the  sword  in  its  scab- 
bard and  silence  the  iron  lips  of  the 
cannon. — Miners*  Magazine. 


Labor  aiid  Cnioymcnt 

That  the  man,  or  the  woman,  who 
works  for  wages  has  as  just  a  right 
to  recreation  and  enjoyment  as  has 
the  millionaire  there  can  be  no  ques- 
tion. As  to  just  what  constitutes  en- 
j03rment  there  is,  of  course,  room  for 
wide  difference  of  opinion,  but  as  to 
the  right  of  every  human  being 
brought  into  the  world  to  a  certain 
amount  of  leisure  time  to  do  with  as 
he  or  she  may  see  fit  there  can  be  no 
room  for  difEerence  of  opinion  between 
honest  men.   - 

It  is  not  the  purpose  here  to  contend 
that  the  idler  who  nas  wasted  his  time 
is  entitled  to  a  specific  kind  of  enjoy- 
ment simply  because  some  more  in- 
dustrious brother  is  enabled  through 
frugality  and  industry  to  take  advan- 


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JOURNAL   OF    THB    8WITCHMRN*8 


tage  of  certain  conditions,  but  what 
we  do  contend  is  that  conditions  should 
be  such  In  the  wage  world  that  every 
person  should  be  in  a  position  to  en- 
Joy  those  pleasures  which  most  appeal 
to  them  in  reasonable  degree.  In 
other  words,  working  hours  should  be 
short  enough  so  that  all  of  a  person's 
time  is  not  taken  up  either  in  work  or 
recuperation,  and  wages  should  be  high 
enough  so  that  an  industrious,  frugal 
head  of  a  family  should  not  be  com- 
pelled to  work  like  a  slave  from  the 
first  of  January  to  the  close  of  De- 
cember, year  after  year,  in  order  to 
keep  the  ghost  of  want  away  from  his 
door. 

That  our  scheme  of  things  at  pres- 
ent does  not  make  it  possible  for 
merit  and  worth  to  be  Justly  rewarded 
there  is  none  so  rash  as  to  deny.  We 
have,  because  of  our  plan  of  operations, 
in  a  world  that  is  big  enough  and 
bountiful  enough  to  give  every  human 
being  a  chance  to  enjoy  life,  on  the 
one  hand  a  few  millionaires,  and  on 
the  other  untold  thousands  of  paupers, 
and  it  is  certain  that  we  will  continue 
to  conduct  ourselves  in  Just  this  fash- 
ion until  the  great  mass  of  the  people 
becomes  sufficiently  interested  to  study 
the  Questions  which  vitally  affect  their 
well-being. 

The  principal  trouble  with  ns  is  that 
we  are  so  lazy,  and  shiftless,  and 
selfish  that  we  have  gone  on  through- 
out the  ages  expecting  the  other  fellow 
to  do  the  studying  and  remedy  the 
conditions  for  us,  while  we  content 
ourselves  with  our  own  immediate  in- 
terests. Remarkable  as  it  may  seem, 
the  other  fellow  has  gone  to  work  and 
struggled  day  after  day,  and  year  after 
year,  to  fulfill  our  wishes,  but  there 
have  been  so  few  of  them  that,  while 
we  have  steadily  progressed,  we  have 
not  advanced  as  rapidly  as  might  have 
been  possible  under  other  circum- 
stances. 

It  would  be  so  easy  to  bring  about 
a  more  equitable  condition  of  affairs 
than  we  now  have  If  every  man  whose 
interest  lies  in  a  certain  direction 
would  but  equip  himself  for  travel 
over  the  roads  that  lead  to  the  goal  of 
equal  opportunities.  It  would  not 
make  a  great  deal  of  difference  whioh 
road  the  Individual  took,  whether  it  be 
the  road  of  socialism,  single  tax,  syn- 
dicalism, or  any  other  ism,  if  each 
would  earnestly  study  these  schemes. 


there  would  finally  be  better  condi- 
tions for  the  toiler  and  more  oppor- 
tunity for  enJo3rment  of  life  by  those 
who  now  possess  no  such  opportunity, 
for  with  all  studying  there  would  be 
little  likelihood  of  wild  and  imprac- 
ticable dreamers,  or  vicious  and  selfish 
persons  leading  the  masses  astray. 

One  thing,  however,  is  certain  to 
follow  a  close  study  of  trade  unionism, 
and  that  is  that  the  workday  can  be 
shortened  and  wages  raised  throagh 
this  medium  in  a  short  time  if  the 
members  of  the  union  will  but  be  con- 
sistent unionists.  Thus  the  laborer 
can  gain  more  enjoyment  for  himself 
and  for  his  family,  without  waiting 
for  the  remote  future. 

Trade  unionism  is  the  bread-and- 
butter  getter  of  the  immediate  pres- 
ent, and  any  man  who  does  not  desire 
opportunity  to  eat,  sleep  and  rest  has 
no  business  Joining  a  union. — Lahar 
Clarion, 


The  Titafik» 

The  Titanic  is  gone.  Built  stronger 
and  stauncher  than  any  vessel  afloat, 
the  giant  steamship  now  lies  two 
thousand  fathoms  deep  and  the  whole 
world  mourns  the  dead.  Sixteen  hun- 
dred lives  sacrificed.    Why? 

Not  enough  lifeboats  on  board? 
Even  the  ship  owners  acknowledge 
that.  But  there  was  another  fatal 
weakness.  There  were  not  enough  ex- 
perienced seamen  on  the  ship  to  prop- 
erly and  quickly  launch  even  the  few 
lifeboats  carried. 

A  smooth  sea  and  a  clear  night. 
Yet  lifeboats  capsized.  The  sinking 
ship  lay  almost  motionless,  yet  how 
much  precious  time  was  lost  in  clear- 
ing and  lowering  away  the  few  boats 
available.  Not  enough  sailors  there  to 
do  the  work  properly  and  quickly. 

Surely,  the  world  must  see  the  truth 
now.  But  why  would  it  not  listen  to 
the  Seamen,  who  year  after  year  have 
sounded  a  warning  cry?  The  Seamen's 
Union  has  pointed  out  the  danger 
time  after  time.  Now  the  finger  of 
grim  Death  again  points  the  result. 
And  it  Is  not  the  first  time. 

There  was  the  case  of  the  excursion 
steamer  General  Slocnm — a  fire  on 
board — and  nearly  a  thousand  women 
and  children  burned  to  death  or 
drowned.  Then,  as  now,  the  world 
was  horrified.    A  United  States  com- 


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mission  of  investigation  was  appointed. 
It  found  the  steamer's  crew  of  "sail- 
ors" consisted  of  a  few  roustabouts, 
who  proved  useless  when  the  disaster 
occurred. 

At  that  time  the  demand  for  action 
by  Ck>ngre6s  was  Insistent.  Did  Con- 
gress act?  Yes.  ,  It  passed  a  law 
which.  In  effect,  gave  the  ship  owners 
legal  permission  to  man  their  ships 
with  exactly  the  same  incompetent 
deck  crews  as  formerly.  The  protest 
of  the  Seamen's  Union  was  unavailing. 
Other  disasters  have  occurred  since, 
until  now  the  awful  story  of  the  Ti- 
tanic is  being  told. 

During  the  past  few  months  the 
Seamen's  Union  has  again  been  plead- 
ing with  Congress  to  enact  a  protec- 
tive law  requiring  that,  exclusive  of 
the  licensed  officers  needed,  at  least  75 
per  cent,  of  the  deck  crew  on  every 
steamer  shall  be  able  seamen,  and  that 
no  one  shall  be  rated  as  able  seaman 
unless  he  shall  have  served  at  least 
three  years  on  deck  at  sea,  or  on  the 
Great  Lakes,  or  Is  able  to  pass  an  ex- 
amination in  seaman^lp. 

Oive  us  more  lifeboats,  is  the  public 
cry.  Let  the  sailors  ask  you  a  ques- 
tion, dear  public.  What  would  you  do 
with  more  lifeboats  unless  there  were 
sailors  to  handle  them?  The  Titanic 
— has  it  already  been  forgotten — sank 
as  the  last  boat  pulled  away.  What 
good  had  there  been  a  hundred  more 
lifeboats  lashed  to  her  decks?  Accord- 
ing to  the  manner  In  which  the  boats 
were  handled  any  additional  lifeboats 
would  simply  have  gone  down  with  the 
ship. 

ApDly  the  remedy  so  often  pointed 
out  by  the  Seamen.  Prohibit  ships 
from  leaving  port  without  a  sufficient 
number  of  skilled  seamen,  regularly 
drilled  in  practical  lifeboat  work.  Re- 
quire a  sufficient  number  of  proper 
lifeboats  to  carry  every  person  on 
board.  Stop,  and  stop  quickly,  the 
present  practice  of  sendlne  shins  to 
ses  without  seamen  on  boj^rd.  Then 
and  not  until  then  will  ships  become 
reasonably  «afe. — Victor  A.  Olander, 
in  Life  and  Labor. 


Law  and  Rube  Oflcsby. 

Rube  Oglesby,  a  vigorous,  hardy 
young  man,  was  a  brakeman  on  the 
Missouri  Pacific  railroad.  One  day  his 
train  was  smashed  up  In  a  wreck,  due 


to  rotted  construction  in  a  box  car. 
Rube  Ogleeby  was  smashed  up,  too — 
crippled  for  life.  He  could  never  turn 
a  brake  wheel  or  couple  cars  again,  or 
earn  another  dollar  by  manual  labor. 

He  sued  the  railroad  and  got  $15,000 
—that  is,  a  verdict  for  |15,000.  The 
law  put  its  protecting  arm  around 
Rube  0gle9by  and  said:  "This  young 
man  through  no  fault  of  his  own,  in 
the  performance  of  his  duty,  has  been 
made  a  cripple.  The  railroad  which 
crippled  him  shall  pay  him  for  his  lost 
years  of  usefulness.  This  is  fair,  and 
it  is  legal." 

But  the  money  wasn't  paid  yet.  The 
railroad  appealed,  carried  the  case  to 
the  Missouri  Supreme  Court — where 
the  Judgment  was  affirmed  by  six 
Judges  out  of  the  seven.  Still  no  pay- 
ment. The  railroad  attorneys  begged 
very  earnestly  and  got  a  rehearing,  and 
for  the  third  time  the  law  said,  "Pay 
Rube  Oglesby  his  money."  Again  the 
faithful  railroad  attorneys  pleaded,  the 
case  was  reopened  and  fOr  the  fourth 
time — the  third  time  in  the  Supreme 
Court — the  law  said:  "Pay  Rube  Ogles- 
by for  his  crippled  body,  his  crippled 
life." 

These  lawyers  tell  us  frequently 
that  the  decisions  of  a  court  are  sa- 
cred; that  to  question  them  Is  to  vio- 
late the  sanctity  of  the  temple  of  Jus- 
tice. But  In  this  case  three  Supreme 
Court  decisions  In  a  row  were  not  sa- 
cred. The  railroad  attorneys  went 
into  another  county  and  had  the  case 
reopened.  A  difEerent  Judge  and  dif- 
ferent Jurors  heard  the  testimony,  and 
they,  too,  gave  Judgment  for  Rube 
Oglesby.  For  the  fifth  time  Justice 
triumphed. 

And  the  railroad  appealed  to  the  Su- 
preme Court.  What,  again?  Assured- 
ly. You  see,  more  than  ten  years  had 
passed  since  Rube  Oglesby  had  been 
smashed  up,  the  personnel  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  had  changed,  and  there 
was  a  chance  that  new  conceptions  of 
law— 

That  was  it.  The  new  Judges  on  the 
Supreme  Court  bench  smashed  the  sa- 
cred decision  of  their  predecessors  Just 
about  as  badly  as  Rube  Ogleeby  had 
been  smashed.  They  said  to  the  rail- 
road, "^ou  needn't  pay  him  a  dollar 
for  crippling  him."  And,  to  clinch  the 
sanctity  of  this  decision,  they  refused 
Rube  Oglesby  a  new  trial.    Five  times 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


the  railroad  had  the  caae,  won  by  Rube 
Ogleaby,  reopened.  He  couldn't  get  it 
reopened  once.  The  final  decision  was 
banded  down  on  June  15,  1903,  nearly 
eleven  years  after  the  man  had  been 
crippled. 

The  public,  of  course,  could  not  re* 
call  the  decision.  But  they  recalled 
Rube  Oglesby,  for  they  elected  him 
railroad  commissioner  of  Missouri, 
and  his  associates  made  him  chairman. 

Now  this  case  of  Rube  Oglesby  is 
precisely  the  kind  of  case  which  dis- 
tinguished corporation  lawyers  have  in 
mind  when  they  tell  us  sternly  that  a 
legal  decision  is  sacred,  and  that  for 
the  people  to  have  anything  whatever 
to  say  upon  euch  a  matter  is  "close  to 
treason"  and  'laying  the  ax  at  the 
root  of  the  tree  of  freedom."— Ama^ 
gamated  Journal. 


Mdi  Ittol  vs.  Poverty  Pangs. 

Croesus  was  the  richest  man  In 
Rome.  His  total  wealth  was  estimated 
83  the  equivalent  of  $5,000,000  in 
American  money.  He  would  hardly 
be  counted  a  third-rate  millionaire  to- 
day, where  Rockefeller's  annual  in- 
come alone  is  computed  at  a  dozen 
times  the  whole  Croesus  fortune. 
E^very  tOiree  months  Carnegie's  profits 
amount  to  more  than  all  of  the  Croe- 
sus wealth,  and  the  same  is  true  of 
the  Morgan,  Ryan,  Vanderbilt,  Astor 
and  other  incomes. 

In  fact,  wealth  is  pouring  in  upon 
the  rich  of  America  so  rapidly  that 
their  most  reckless  extravagances  fall 
far  short  of  dissipating  their  annual 
incomes. 

And  all  the  time  that  these  heart- 
less plutocrats  engage  in  their  luxuri- 
ous excesses  and  licentious  exhibitions 
there  are  breadlines  of  hopeless  work- 
ers standing  in  the  streets  of  the  great 
cities,  tens  of  thousands  of  families 
on  the  edge  of  starvation  are  kept 
alive  by  public  and  private  charity, 
and  such  misery  and  suffering  are  re- 
vealed in  congested  centers  as  were 
no  more  intensely  felt  by  the  plebians 
and  slaves  of  Rome  or  the  sansculottes 
of  France. 

Charles  Schwab  spent  over  $4,000,- 
000  to  build  a  mansion  in  New  Tork 
that  he  declined  to  live  in  when  it  was 
finished. 

Howard    Gould    built    a    $1,000,000 


country  mansion  that  he  seldom  sees, 
a  $250,000  barn  for  his  cows  and  a 
$150,000  hen  house,  with  a  fence 
around  both  costing  $10  per  foot. 

Anna  Gould  is  said  to  have  a  bed 
valued  at  $1,000,000  and  Mrs.  McKay 
is  the  possessor  of  a  bath  tub  that  cost 
$50,000. 

A  society  paper  recently  estimated 
that  there  are  6,000  women  In  New 
York  alone  who  annually  spent  $10,000 
01  more  on  their  wardrobe. 

One  woman  is  known  to  have  spent 
over  $2,700  a  year  on  her  pet  poodle. 
Another  has  a  house  built  for  her  dog, 
a  Queen  Anne  cottage,  with  carpets, 
lace  curtains,  etc.,  and  the  pup  eats 
out  of  silver  dishes  and  is  attended  by 
a  4og  governess. 

There  are  any  number  of  dogs  in 
New  Tork  who  wear  coats  in  the  wiu- 
ter  time  valued  as  high  as  $200  each, 
and  many  are  arrayed  in  collars  stud- 
ded with  diamonds  and  rubles  wort>i 
hundreds  of  dollars. 

There  are  thousands  of  emaciated 
little  children  slowly  dying  of  starva- 
tion and  diseases  due  to  poverty  a  few 
city  blocks  from  the  aristocratic  dogs. 

There  are  tens  of  thousands  of  work- 
ing women  who  are  compelled  to  toil 
and  drudge  as  no  ancient  or  modern 
slaves  were  forced  to  do  to  pay  for 
food,  clotiiing  and  shelter,  and  in  or- 
der that  the  fine  ladies  may  compete 
to  outdo  each  other  in  fashionable 
madness  and  prove  the  theory  of  "the 
survival  of  the  fittest"  There  are 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  men  who 
are  worse  oft  than  were  the  serfs  of 
other  days  because  they  are  unable  to 
find  masters  to  provide  them  with 
work,  for  the  reason  that  the  land  and 
machinery  of  production  upon  which 
they  must  depend  to  live  has  been 
monopolised  by  the  patricians  of  our 
day  for  their  own  aggrandizement. 

Can  Uiis  inferno  continue  forever? 
No,  it  cannot  It  is  in  conflict  with  all 
sense  of  Justice,  against  all  natural  or 
divine  concepts  of  equity,  and  at  war 
with  the  best  thought  of  the  age. 

Class  privilege  is  on  trial  for  its 
life,  and  no  compromise  can  be  ef- 
fected by  dilettante  reformers  and  the 
patchwork  of  political  poltroons. 

A  system  that  in  a  few  short  genera- 
tions has  transformed  a  nation  of  freo 
men  Into  a  land  of  masters  and  de- 
pendents, in  which  a  few  thousand  In- 
dividuals own  all  and  many  millions 


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497 


are  mere  pawns,  is  rotten  to  the  core 

and  cannot  endure. 

"Ill  fares  the  land  and  to  hastening 

Ills  ft  prey 
Where  wealth  accumulates  and  men 
decay." 

if  this  gOYernment  is  not  to  perish 
from  the  earth,  then  the  people  of  this 
nation  must  become  thoroughly 
aroused  and  throttle  the  system  that 
is  dragging  the  republic  toward  an 
abyss. 

Jefferson,  Jackson,  Madison,  Lin- 
coln and  other  statesmen  repeatedly 
warned  against  the  dangerous  tend- 
encles  that  were  developed  by  capital- 
ism even  in  their  own  day,  and  now 
this  country  is  rapidly  approaching  a 
crisis  that  cannot  be  averted. 

Eiither  the  money  power  must  sur- 
render or  the  people  must  acknowl- 
edge its  complete  rule,  which  latter 
condition  will  unquestionably  result 
in  a  revival  of  all  the  barbarities  aui 
corruption  that  centralized  wealth  and 
power  produced  in  all  ages — and  then 
chaos. — Cleveland  Citizen, 


A  Parable  and  m  Moral. 

Bt  Db.  p.  a.  Kane. 

Fifty  monkeys  and  their  families, 
once  upon  a  time,  many  centuries  ago, 
lived  upon  an  island.  Nature  in  her 
munificence  had  supplied  cocoanut 
trees  and  cocoanuts  in  abundance,  on 
which  they  lived  luxuriously.  When 
hungry  they  would  climb  a  tree,  pick 
a  nut  and  eat  the  contents.  Everyone 
was  happy  and  peace  and  prosperity 
reigned  supreme. 

One  day  a  brilliant  idea  matured  in 
the  brain,  the  thinking  organ  of  one  of 
those  monkeys.  I  will  not  say  that 
he  was  the  wisest  of  the  monkey 
colony,  but  I  will  say  that  he  was  the 
most  unscrupulous  and  dishonest  of 
them  all.  After  he  had  consulted  with 
some  of  the  leading  lights  of  this 
colony,  namely,  a  preacher,  a  lawyer, 
a  doctor  and  the  labor  leaders,  he 
called  all  the  monkeys  together  and 
counseled  that  they  should  collectively 
pick  all  the  coacoanuts  and  put  them 
into  his  keeping  so  that  they  would 
be  better  taken  care  of. 

The  preacher  had  extolled  the  vir- 
tues of  the  rich  and  their  munifi- 
cence and  philanthropy  and  showed 
how  God,  in  His  infinite  wisdom,  had 
consigned  nature  into  the  keeping  of 


the  wealthy,  etc.,  the  lawyer  had 
shown  the  legality  of  corporate 
wealth  and  the  divine  right  of  kings. 
The  doctor  spoke  in  favor  of  it  be- 
cause he  could  obtain  more  money  for 
one  operation  performed  upou  a  rich 
patient  than  he  could  earn  in  months 
from  the  common  workers.  The  labor 
leaders  favored  the  idea  because  they 
would  rather  be  business  agents  than 
carriers  and  collectors  of  cocoanuts. 
It  was  then  decreed  that  all  the  nuts 
be  put  into  the  keeping  of  this  one 
monkey,  whom  we  will  call  John  Dee. 
This  proved  to  be  a  very  good  ar- 
raiigement,  for  where  previously  nuts 
used  to  rot  between  seasons,  now  all 
were  saved,  so  that  the  monkeys  were 
unable  to  eat  all  from  year  to  year, 
bounteous  nature  supplied  so  liber- 
ally. 

Now  was  the  time  that  John  Dee 
did  his  finest  thinking.  On  surround- 
ing islands  and  across  in  foreigp  coun. 
tries  where  other  monkeys  dwelt, 
cocoanuts  were  not  so  plentiful,  In 
fact,  they  were  sadly  in  need  of  this 
particular  kind  of  food.  He  had  ships 
built  and  sent  over  loads  of  cocoanuts, 
and  he  began  to  charge  the  other  mon- 
keys a  certain  amount  per  cocoanut 
and  pocketed  the  coin.  After  the  lapse 
of  some  years  he  became  careless  of 
the  welfare  of  his  people  and  sent 
away  too  much  food  stuffs,  the  result 
being  that  the  monkeys  in  his  colony 
had  to  cut  down  rations. 

The  following  year  was  very  dry 
and  nature  did  not  produce  so  liber- 
ally, so  there  was  a  great  scarcity  of 
nuts.  Of  the  money  which  John  Dee 
had  received  for  the  exported  cocoa- 
nuts,  some  was  paid  out  to  sailors, 
shipbuilders,  laborers  and  artisans, 
the  remainder  being  in  the  possession 
of  the  people.  When  they  came 
clamoring  to  him  for  food  he  pointed 
out  how  it  would  cost  him  much 
money  to  import  cocoanuts  and  that 
he  would  have  to  charge  them  so  much 
to  reimburse  him  for  his  trouble  and 
expense.  Very  soon  he  had  all  their 
money  except  that  of  those  who  were 
in  his  active  employ.  This  practically 
made  him  master  of  the  situation  and 
owner  of  all  the  other  forty-nine  mon- 
keys and  .  their  progeny.  We  can 
readily  see  how  he  owned  all  of  them, 
as  he  furnished  their  necessities. 

Now  those  monkeys  who  had  no 
money  and  were  slowly  starving  for 
want  of  food,  began  to  take  council 


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JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITCHMBN*8 


with  one  another  and  chattered  and 
argued  at  meetings  called  for  that  pur- 
pose. The  result  was  that  they  or- 
ganized all  the  different  trades  and 
demanded  higher  wages  and  more 
work,  or  their  cocoanuts  In  common, 
as  was 'originally  the  custom. 

While  all  this  was  taking  place  John 
Dee  enlisted  into  his  service  police- 
men, private  detectives  and  soldiers. 
He  also  employed  many  spies  in  the 
ranks  of  the  organised  starving  mon- 
keys. When  the  demands  of  the  or- 
ganized monkeys  were  presented  to 
him  he  was  well  prepared  and  met 
them  with  lockouts  and  more  starva- 
tion and  then  with  policemen  and 
their  clubs  and  lastly  with  soldiers 
and  gatling  guns.  After  many  pro- 
letariat monkeys  were  killed,  the 
others  sued  for  peace  and  John  Dee 
was  master  of  the  situation  and  was 
soon  after  crowned  king  supreme. 

This  was  the  original  master  and 
slave — employer  and  employe— capital 
and  labor.  Were  not  those  monkeys 
imbeciles  to  put  their  means  of  sus- 
tenance into  the  keeping  of  John  Dee? 

At  the  present  time  we  have  a  John 
D.  Rockefeller  who  is  a  billionaire. 
He  and  his  intimate  business  associ- 
ates are  said  to  own  and  control 
one-sixth  of  the  wealth  of  this 
country,  the  population  of  which  is 
100,000,000  people,  so  that  he  and  his 
associates  control  16,000,000  of  us.  In 
other  words,  16,000,000  of  us  are  giv- 
ing our  food,  clothing  and  shelter  into 
their  care. 

Many  are  on  the  farms,  plantations 
and  ranches  raising  cereals,  cotton 
and  stock.  Others  are  in  the  flour 
mills  grinding  cereals  into  food  stuffs, 
in  mills,  weaving  cotton  into  cloth, 
many  in  the  stockyards  turning  cattle 
into  meats,  others  in  the  forest  turn- 
ing trees  into  lumber.  Some  are  work- 
ing  in  mines  producing  iron,  coal,  etc., 
while  others  are  employed  in  the 
building  trades  erecting  palaces, 
houses  and  hovels,  and  in  the  latter 
they  live.  Many  are  employed  as  bak- 
ers and  tailors,  while  multitudes  are 
working  on  the  railroads.  All  are  pro- 
ducing and  delivering  our  necessities 
into  the  maw  of  this  one  great  mon- 
key, John  D. 

Now,  if  this  is  true  of  160,000,000 
of  our  population,  then  the  whole 
population  of  this  country  is  produc- 
ing manufacturing  and  delivering  all 
their  necessities,  as  the  monkeys  did, 


into  the  keeping  of  a  few  unscrupu- 
lous leading  men  of  this  continent,  so 
that  J.  D.  Rockekfeller,  J.  P.  M<Mrgan, 
T.  F.  Ryan,  August  Belmont,  Henry 
Clews,  J.  J.  Hill,  the  Goulds,  the  Van- 
derbilts  and  a  few  others,  are  our  mas- 
ters and  keepers. 

Therefore  we  are  all  bigger  apes 
than  the  original  ones.  They  did  not 
produce  nor  labor  for  the  production 
of  those  cocoanuts.  They  did  labor  to 
collect  those  nuts  into  John  I>ee's 
keeping,  while  we,  human  beings,  en- 
dowed with  reasoning  powers  and 
wonderful  constructive  abilities  and 
great  producing  powers,  are  manufac- 
turing, constructing  and  delivering  all 
things  of  value  on  earth  into  the  kee(>- 
ing  of  a  few  John  D.'s. 

What  do  you  propose  to  do  about  it? 


ABilof  kMWiL 

An  Irishman  and  a  Jew  were  dls^ 
cussing  the  great  men  who  had  be- 
longed to  each  race,  and,  as  may  be  ex- 
pected, got  into  a  heated  argument 
Finally  the  Irishman  said: 

"Ikey,  listen.  For  ivery  Jew  ye  can 
name  ye  may  pull  out  one  of  my 
whiskers,  an'  for  ivery  great  Irishman 
I  can  name  I'll  pull  one  of  yours.  Is 
it  a  go?" 

They  consented,  and  Pat  reached 
ovw,  got  hold  of  a  whisker,  said  "Rob- 
ert Ehnmet,"  and  pulled. 

'*Moses!"  said  the  Jew,  and  pulled 
one  of  Pat's  tenderest 

"Dan  O'Connell,"  said  Pat,  and  took 
another. 

"Abraham,"  said  Ikey,  helping  him- 
self again. 

"Patrick  Henry,"  returned  Pat,  with 
a  vicious  yank. 

"The  twelve  Apostles."  said  the  Jew, 
taking  a  handful  of  whiskers. 

Pat  emitted  a  roar  of  iMiin,  grasped 
the  Jew's  beard  with  both  hands,  and 
yelled  "The  Ancient  Order  of  Hiber- 
nians!" 


He  Was  Right. 

First  Boy— "Your  folk  ain't  as  rich 
as  ours.  My  father  and  mother  go 
driving  every  day." 

Second  Boy — "My  father  drives 
every  day,  too." 

First  Boy— "I  don't  believe  it!  What 
does  he  drive?" 

Second  Boy — "Nails." — The  Voice. 


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INTERNATIONAL  OFFICERS 

S.  E.  Heberllng,  326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buf- 
falo. N.  T. 

Oband  Svcrbtary  and  Trsabursb. 
M.  R.  Welch,  326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buffalo. 

N.  y. 

Journal  Editor. 
W.    H.    Thompson,    326    Brisbane    Bldg.. 
Bufl^o. 

Grand  Board  of  Dirbctors. 

P.'C.  Janes,  1261  Metropolitan  Ave.,  Kan- 
sas City,  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cunimings,  250  Whltesboro  St., 
Utlca,  N.  T. 

W.  A.  Tltas.  1378  E.  92d  St.  Cleveland,  O. 

International  Vicr-Presidents. 
J.   B.   Connors,   707  E.   40th  St..   Chicago, 

111. 
L,.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 
T    Clohessy,  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago,  111. 

F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Buffaio. 
N.  Y. 

T.  J.  Mlsenhelter,  507  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale,  Kan. 

Protective  Board. 
R  W.  Plynn,  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton, 
Pa, 

G.  C.  Hess,  579  18th  St,  Detroit  Mich. 

T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago. 
Hi. 

Dan  Smith,  5547  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 
Ul. 

A  .1.  Peterson,  25  Johnson  Ave.,  Port  Ar- 
thur, Ont.  Canada. 

Grand  Medical  Examinee. 

M.  A^  Sullivan.  M.  D.,  326  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Parte  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


LABOR  AWAKING  TO  INJUSTICE  OF 
PRISON  CONTRACT  LABOR. 

Much  has  been  written  upon  the 
question  of  convict  labor  —  its  evils 
and  propoSied  cure.  Probably  no  state 
legislative  body  in  the  Union  has  es- 
caped having  had  its  members'  atten- 
tion called  to  it  with  a  view  of  hav- 
ing remedial  reform  inaugurated  to 
overcome  this  long  intrenched  evil. 
Yet  it  has  acquired  such  a  hold  upon 
society  its  extermination  is  by  no 
means  an  easy  task.  For  years  ambi- 
tiouB  contractors)  and  large  business 
concerns  have  seen  where  their  divi- 
dends could  be  greatly  augmented  by 
exploiting  the  strength  of  convicts 
languishing  in  American  prisons  by 
getting  their  services  converted  into 
the  production  of  mercantile  necessi- 
ties. 

The  state  and  federal  penitentiaries 
filled  with  non-productive  inmates 
serving  sentences  ranging  in  duration 
from  a  month  to  life,  were  most 
tempting  to  those  seeking  cheap 
labor  and  unfortunately  most  all  con- 


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JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITOHMBNnS 


cems  always  seek  that  sort.  It  was, 
therefore,  most  nataral  that  large  la- 
bor employing  concerns  should  nego- 
tiate for  the  enactment  of  legislation 
and  make  suitable  (to  them)  arrange- 
ments with  those  In  charge  of  such 
penal  Institutions  for  the  hire  of  con- 
victs under  their  care.  Under  the  plea 
of  giving  proper  exercise  and  content- 
ment of  mind  to  the  Inmates  and  of 
greatly  reducing.  If  not  eliminating 
altogether  the  burden  of  expense  to 
maintain  such  Institutions,  there  was 
but  little  trouble  encountered  In  driv- 
ing bargains  with  them.  Every  such 
deal  practically  placed  these  inmates 
out  of  the  control  of  the  states  or  the 
government  Into  the  hands  of  those 
whose  only  Interest  In  them  was  to  ex- 
ploit every  atom  of  life  and  energy 
into  profits. 

For  many  years,  however,  until  hon- 
est free  labor  became  perturbed  with 
the  fact  that  their  own  earning  ca- 
pacity and  conditions  were  being  con- 
stantly lowered  to  prison  standard 
levels  agreed  to,  between  those  selling 
and  those  buying  such  labor,  was 
there  any  very  great  protestations 
against  this  curse  that  was  blighting 
those  in  stripes  as  well  as  those  free. 

Ministers  of  all  gospel  creeds,  the 
judiciary  and  all  other  learned  lights, 
and  sattelltes  were  blissfully  oblivious 
of  the  curses  and  blighted  hopes  being 
securely  yoked  around  the  necks  of 
such  unfortunates  as  they  prayed  for 
and  expounded  upright  ideals  of  life, 
decided  the  intricacies  of  law  and  at- 
tended to  other  functions  of  business 
and  society  for  the  uplift  and  advance- 
ment of  humanity.  So  prison  condi- 
tions continued  to  grow  worse  until 
labor  awakened  to  the  enormities  of 
the  crimes  and  abuses  orthodox 
•creeds,  Judiciaries  nor  legislatures 
could  not  discern  and  decreed  it  had 
•quite  enough  burdens  to  bear  without 
this  and  that,  the  nefarious  system 
<hat  sought  to  cheapen  free  labor  to 


the  level  of  involuntary  servitude 
must  be  overthrown.  It  was  a  mighty 
task;  it  is  still  an  effort  of  Herculean 
proportions  and  yet  labor  can  and  will 
purge  this  trafl\c  curse  from  these  pe- 
nal institutions  when  It  fully  awakens 
to  the  enormity  of  it  all. 

But  labor  is  making  progress  in  re- 
gard to  this  as  in  other  things.  It  is 
awakening  to  the  fact  it  can  overcome 
many  of  the  Ills  with  which  It  is  beset 
through  tlie  medium  of  organization 
of  its  forces  and  ascertaining  its  con- 
victione  and  principles  of  right  and  the 
terms  upon  which  it  will  toll  and  pro- 
duce.  It  has  an  abundance  of  foreign 
evils  to  contend  with  without  the  in- 
troduction or  perpetuation  of  such 
wrongs  as  have  crept  into  our  prison 
systems.  Labor  is  also  awakening  to 
a  realization  of  its  political  powers. 
It  has  power  through  the  ballot  to  in 
augurate  reforms  and  correct  abuses 
of  this  nature  and  many  others  that 
were  not  formerly  realized  or  utilised. 

But  it  is  beginning  to  realize  these 
powers  now  and  will  soon  become  so 
imbued  with  the  knowledge  of  such 
powers  as  will  cause  it  to  rise  in  its 
might  and  purge  the  curse  of  competi- 
tion between  free  and  prison  labor 
from  the  land. 


THE  CAMPAIGN  IS  ON. 

With  conventions  over,  platforms 
adopted  and  details  for  management  of 
campaigns  well  under  way,  we  can 
now  listen  to  the  welfare  schemes  each 
party  has  inaugurated  to  present  to 
the  people  for  the  purpose  of  carrying 
conviction  and  getting  their  votes.  As 
was  to  be  expected,  the  Republican 
convention  at  Chicago,  and  the  Demo- 
cratic convention  at  Baltimore,  out- 
ranked the  others  in  brilliancy.  Con- 
tinued tenure  of  management  of  pub- 
lic affairs  and  the  mazuma  accruing 
therefrom,  if  nothing  else,  would  have 
sufficed  to  assure  this  fact    However, 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


501 


at  each  of  these  gatherings  it  reqaired 
a  copious  supply  of  most  fervent  invo- 
cations from  pious  ecclesiastics  to  get 
the  attention  of  the  feverish  delegates 
and  an  army  of  police  to  preserve  a 
semblance  of  good  order  that  Wall 
Street  chieftains  might  be  selected  to 
preside  over  the  destinies  of  those 
gatherings  and  to  insure  the  selection 
of  safe  and  reliable  standard-bearers. 
Had  it  been  otherwise,  too  progressive 
ideas  and  too  progressive  candidates 
would  have  forced  themselves  to  the 
front  and  controlled  things,  and  the 
pec^le  in  that  event  might  have  been 
promised  real  reforms,  which  would 
not  do.  That  they  were  representative 
bodies,  no  one  would  question,  for  the 
tests  of  strength  clearly  indicated  it. 
Wall  Street  sent  a  faithful  attorney  to 
Chicago  to  preside  temporarily  over 
one,  and  another  to  do  likewise  at  Bal- 
timore, and  while  there  wcui  consider- 
able "fussin"'  over  it,  they  presided 
all  right.  Bo  there  wasn't  any  ques- 
tion about  them  being  representative 
bodies  nor  whom  they  represented.  The 
Prohibition  party  has  also  had  its  con- 
vention, and  after  a  very  heated  spell 
of  discussions  upon  various  topics, 
among  which  was  one  trying  to  elim- 
inate its  name  and  substitute  a  new 
one,  became  so  perturbed  that  it  re- 
quired the  administration  of  consider- 
able rations  of  hymnal  lotions  and 
other  similar  narcotics  to  allay  the 
troubled  minds  of  the  dry  ones  at  the 
Atlanta  convention.  Fortunately  no 
arrests  for  inebriety  were  reported, 
nor  are  we  aware  of  any  radical  de- 
partures from  the  old  way  being  ar- 
ranged for  in  event  of  victory  at  the 
polls,  other  than  the  making  of  the 
United  States  a  dry  district,  which 
will  soon  be  accomplished  anyhow  by 
the  railroads  and  other  employing 
agencies.  The  Socialists  displayed  wis- 
dom in  holding  their  convention  in  In- 
dianapolis, Ind.,  before  the  sweltering 
weather  rendered  it  necessary  to  de- 


vote too  much  of  their  time  to  fighting 
files  and  climatic  elements  instead  of 
the  elements  that  have  so  long  been 
weighting  down  the  workers  of  the 
world  by  refusing  to  give  them  that 
portion  of  their    earnings    to    which 
they  are  of  right  entitled.    It  was  also 
fortunate  from  the  fact  its  meetings 
were  more   peaceful   than   the  other 
conventions.     Had  it  been  otherwise 
their  delegates  would  have  been  under 
Jail  sentences  or  heavy  bail,  for  any 
party  representing  the  laboring  class 
must  obey  the  law  or  suffer  the  conse- 
quences.   So  they  obeyed  the  law.    It 
wiU  also  be  soon  known  what  the  pos- 
sibilities of  the  bolt  from  the  Repub- 
lican party   will  amount  to,  since  a 
call   has   been   issued  by  the  "rough 
rider"  to  all  the  faithful  who  are  de- 
sirous of  real  rule  by  "the  people"  to 
meet  him  in  Chicago  and  discuss  grave 
questions  of  state.     Anyhow,  all  the 
regular  parties  are  on  their  way  with 
candidates  and  platforms  towards  the 
final  goal,  securing  votes  preliminary 
to  taking  over  the  reins    of    govern- 
ment and  establishing  the  needed  and 
much-heralded  reforms  so  long  para- 
mount Issues,  but  which  somehow  or 
other  have  continued  to  fall  through 
the  state  and  national  sieves  and  re- 
main   unknown  quantities  as   far   as 
established  or  applied  utility  are  con- 
cerned.    Since   the  vast  majority  of 
voters  in  this  country  are  in  the  work- 
ing class,  and  since   the   lot   of   this 
army   of   willing   workers,    sovereign 
subjects  of  this  great  commonwealth, 
is  becoming  worse  as  the  years  go  by, 
it  should  be  their  sacred  ,duty  to  study 
well  the  conditions  that  confront  them 
and   see   from   which  party  platform 
they  can  get  the  best  assurance  of  en- 
joyment of  the  full  blessings  they  are 
entitled  to  as  the  results  of  their  toil 
and  obedience  to    constituted   govern- 
ment   They  have   long   be^n   cajoled 
into  the  belief  that  support  to  existing 
conditions  was  the  panacea  for  their 


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602 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHBODN'6 


ills,  but  tbe  increasing  oppreBSions 
bearing  down  upon  them  harder  each 
year  have  not  justified  such  belief. 
Hence  the  distrust  to  the  importun- 
Ings  of  those  now  representing  old  es- 
tablished conditions  and  the  leaning  to- 
wards a  new  dispensation,  a  new  lease 
of  life  sought  through  other  channels. 
While  the  workers  of  the  world  have 
been  patient  to  tests  of  endurance  that 
would  have  long  ago  justified  their 
overthrowing  of  a  system  of  rule  on 
account  of  its  stealth  and  robbery  that 
was  reducing  them  to  peonage,  they 
were  patient  and  forbearing  and  sub- 
mitted in  anticipation  of  being  led  out 
of  the  wilderness  of  despair  into  the 
promised  haven  of  righteous  rule  and 
plenty.  But  the  people  are  getting 
more  intelligent  now  and  it  is  requir- 
ing a  different  balm  to  soothe  their 
troubles  and  so  they  are  beginning  to 
think  in  a  different  light  and  will  soon 
have  to  be  shown.  Vague  promises 
have  about  run  their  course,  and  i 
will  soon  require  more  nourishing 
stimulants  to  appease  the  ever-growing 
army  of  half-provided  yet  faithful  sons 
of  toil  who  have  long  been  misguided 
and  misruled.  Labor  has  the  world's 
work  to  do  and  its  burdens  to  bear.  It 
has  ever  been  so  and  it  will  ever  be  eo. 
It  has  ever  robbed  itself  to  enrich 
those  who  rule  and  toil  not,  but  that  is 
not  necessarily  a  guarantee  that  it 
must  always  be  so.  In  fact,  the  world 
over,  workers  are  realizing  as  never 
before  the  powers  they  possess  in  the 
industrial  and  political  field  and  are 
studying  and  making  better  use  of 
thei^  than  ever  before.  They  now  see 
the  importance  of  getting  together  and 
working  together,  so  there  need  be  no 
surprise  if  there  is  some  drastic  de- 
viations from  old-established  records 
this  fall  when  the  campaigns  are  over 
and  the  votes  counted.  Labor  should 
find  the  platform  that  offers  it  the 
most  reward  for  its  toil  and  should 
then  have  no  hesitancy  about  voting 


for  the  party  representing  such  plat- 
form. The  opportunities  for  enlight- 
enment regarding  the  records  of 
parties  long  in  power  and  those  that 
have  not  yet  been  fortunate  enough  to 
have  acquired  power  of  rule  but  are 
before  the  suffragists  with  declarations 
of  human  rights  unmistakably  of  a 
better  brand  than  now  prevails,  have 
an  excellent  opportunity  of  choice  as 
to  how  they  should  vote  for  the  best 
hope  of  having  their  burdens  more 
equitably  adjusted  and  their  wants 
and  necessities  of  life  best  adifdnis- 
tared  to.  There  should  be  serious 
meditation  during  the  campaign,  with 
no  failures  as  to  the  duties  of  regis- 
tration and  voting,  when  the  time 
comes  for  the  performance  of  such 
duties. 


SWITCHMEN  JOIN  THE  UNION   RCPREr 
SENTING  YOUR  WORK. 

In  all  labor  organizations,  as  in 
every  form  of  society  that  has  any 
reasonable  hope  of  success,  there  must 
be  constant  activity  of  the  forces 
within  in  order  to  keep  them  in  good 
growing  condition  and  in  position  to 
accomplish  best  results.  This  organi- 
zation is  no  exception  to  the  general 
rule  in  this  respect  There  is  constant 
need  of  every  member  in  every  lodge 
becoming  actively  Interested  in  the 
work  of  extending  its  infiuence  of  the 
principles  it  is  exdeavoring  to  promul- 
gate until  they  carry  convictions  and 
conversions  into  the  hearts  of  all 
thoee  engaged  in  the  service  whose  in- 
terests it  seeks  to  promote  and  sun* 
serve.  While  there  is  no  point  of  any 
consequence  in  this  country  where  its 
infiuence  for  good  in  the  way  of  im- 
proved wage  and  working  conditions 
hasn't  been  felt,  there  are  many  im- 
portant points  where  we  are  unorgan- 
ized andi  where  we  should  have 
lodges. 

In  many  other  points  where  there 
are   lodges,  only  a  small  portion  of 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMSRICA. 


608 


those  engaged  in  the  switching  service 
are  members  of  the  organization  when 
ali  should  be.  It  should  be  the  pur- 
pose of  all  the  menbbers  of  the  Switch- 
men's Union  to  actively  identify  them- 
selves in  its  affairs  and  to  encourage 
all  others  with  whom  they  work  and 
associate,  who  are  eligible  to  member- 
ship, to  become  members  of  it  and  do 
likewise.  Animated  by  such  motives 
and  practicing  such  a  policy  of  action 
would  greatly  increase  the  member- 
ship and  influence  of  the  union  and 
would  ere  long  be  productive  of  bene- 
ficial results  due  to  the  prestige  o'd- 
tained  through  such  manifestation  of 
interest. 

There  are  always  those  who  seek  to 
benefit  from  others,  who  sacrifice  their 
time  and  means  at  the  risk  of  losing 
their  positions  without  themselves  be- 
ing committed  to  such  policy,  yet  who 
are  ever  ready  to  accept  the  benefits 
accruing  as  the  result  of  those  having 
made  such  sacrifices.  Base  ingrati- 
tude of  this  kind  has  ever  been  a  con- 
spicuous factor  in  all  of  labor's  battles 
for  a  more  equitable  share  of  its  prod- 
uct. But  to  those  who  read  and  think 
in  the  advanced  civilization  and  light 
in  which  we  live,  it  would  seem  there 
could  no  longer  prevail  such  ingrati- 
tude and  that  all  would  contribute 
towards  the  success  of  the  union  labor 
movement  to  which  they  owe  so  much 
for  the  rates  of  pay  and  other  im- 
proved conditions  they  enjoy.  Every 
one  who  allies  himself  with  this  cause, 
with  a  faithful  determination  to  study 
well  its  purport  and  give  it  his  earn- 
est and  active  support  will  be  an  in- 
strument for  good  in  the  promotion 
of  his  own  condition,  as  well  as  those 
with  whom  he  works  and  mingles. 
Failure  to  do  so  is  indicative  of  a 
spirit  of  ingratitude  and  a  willingness 
to  subscribe  to  present  standards  or 
meekly  srubmit  to  conditions  inferior 
tQ  those  now  enjoyed  whenever  it  may 
be  agreed  upon  by  the  companies  for 


whom  they  work  to  introduce  lower 
standards.  Some  of  our  lodges  are 
showing  a  splendid  spirit  of  eftort  to 
keep  well  organized  the  yards  they 
represent,  while  others  are  not  doing 
so  well.  Every  member  should  inquire 
of  himself  whether  or  not  he  is  doing 
his  full  duty  towards  his  organization 
and  those  around  him  and  if  not  he 
should  awaken  to  the  importance  of 
giving  proper  heed  to  a  work  to  which 
he  is  so  much  indebted  for  the  condi- 
tions of  life  now  enjoyed,  and  while 
by  no  means  what  they  should  be,  are 
much  better  than  they  would  have 
been  without  the  assistance  of  this  or- 
ganization. 

Switchmen  should  join  the  organiza- 
tion that  represents  their  class  of 
work. 

EDDITH  IC  COBBS. 

A  true  worker  for  the  advancement 
of  humanity  is  always  respected. 
True,  we  do  not  always  recognize  or 
fully  appreciate  manly  virtues  as  soon 
or  as  fully  as  we  should,  but  they  are 
usually  discovered  and  at  least  par- 
tially valued  ei-e  the  life  work  of  their 
possessor  Is  completed.  By  the  death 
of  Eddith  K.  Cobbs  Victory  Lodge  No. 
16  sacrifices  an  exemplary  member, 
and  the  organization  a  valiant  brother 
and  friend.  He  shrank  from  no  hon- 
orable duty.  His  integrity  was  be- 
yond reproach,  and  his  love  and  char- 
ity extended  to  every  deserving  per- 
son his  duty  and  associations  brought 
him  in  contact  with.  He  often  sacri- 
ficed if  his  time  and  larder  to  aid 
those  less  worthy  of  generosity  than 
himself.  He  was  not  given  to  despond- 
ency or  complaining,  either  at  home  or 
at  work,  and  had  long  displayed  a  de- 
gree of  fortitude  that  exemplified  the 
manly  characteristics  of  which  he  was 
possessed  as  a  deadly  cancer  was 
making  serious  inroads  upon  and  fin- 
ally conquered  his  vitalitji^.  He  was 
well  and  favorably  known  to  switch- 


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604 


JOURNAli   OF  THB   SWITOHMTOrS 


men  anO  other  railroad  men  in  this 
district,  and  this  union  was  fortunate 
in  having  his  services  and  friendly 
influences  enlisted  in  its'  behalf.  He 
early  saw  the  propriety  of  the  Switch- 
men's Union  in  the  railroad  labor 
moYement»  and  proftered  his  time  and 
services  to  aid  in  its  advancement. 
His  life  was  an  inspiration  for  good 
to  all  who  knew  him,  and  words  can 
neither  add  to  nor  detract  from  his 
noble  characteristics — his  death  was  a 
severe  loss.  This  organization  was 
benefited  by  his  living  and  its  mem- 
bers deeply  mourn  his  death. 

John  B.  White, 
President  Lodge  No,  16. 


FroENDSniP  OF  CORPORATIONS 
FOR  EMPLOYES. 

iFriendship  of  corporations  for  their 
employes  is  baaed  upon  one  general 
law  or  condition.  That  law  or  con- 
dition is  tAieir  knowledge  of  the  fact 
that  their  employes  are  organized  into 
progressive  labor  unions  and  have 
their  eyes  open  to  the  possibilities 
which  are  before  them  and  of  which 
they  are  becoming  more  familiar  each 
year.  With  such  an  atmosphere  pre- 
vailing around  a  railroad  or  other 
corporation,  the  workers  always  find  a 
hearty  welcome  before  whatever  c^- 
cial  their  committee  may  go  for  ad- 
justment of  grievances. 

Well  organized  forces  can,  on  very 
short  notice,  secure  adequate  repara- 
tion for  their  aggrieved  members  that 
would  otherwise  require  months  to  ad- 
just through  disorganized  or  individual 
eftort  if  it  were  possible  to  so  adjust 
them  at  all.  This  fdct  is  so  well  under- 
stood by  those  who  give  any  thought 
to  labor  subjects  that  it  is  unnecessary 
to  make  mention  of  it  for  their  bene- 
fit The  usefulness  of  such  a  state  of 
affairs  to  secure  the  friendship  of  la- 
bor emplosrlng  agencies  is  apparent  to 
those  who  have  had  the  experience  of 


incurring  the  ill-will  of  0uch  agencies^ 
whatever  tbe  cause  may  have  been  for 
it,  or  regardless  of  who  wai  to  blame 
for  it  Modem  business  ethics  are 
conceived  in  minds  of  such  expertness 
of  precision  and  nicety  of  distinction 
that  any  act,  whether  or  not  aimed  or 
applied  for  the  benefit  of  such  con- 
cern, if  anything  happens  or  does  not 
happen  in  the  performance  of  duty  or 
neglect  of  duty,  the  one  held  account- 
able for  it  incurs  the  displeasure  of 
those  in  authority  to  the  extent  of  dis- 
missal from  service  if  those  in  charge 
so  decree,  unless  there  be  a  strong 
working  force  behind  the  one  upon 
whom  displeasure  has  fastened  its 
grip  to  intercede  and  insist  in  no  un- 
certain terms  that  justice  be  done  such 
accused,  let  the  blame  fall  where  it 
will.  But,  unless  there  is  a  unity  of 
interests  of  the  workers,  a  solidarity 
of  active  forces  welded  into  strong  ties 
of  brotherhood,  there  can  be  no  check 
mating  unnecessary  and  crude  meth- 
ods of  discipline  which  companies  are 
so  gifted  in  bringing  into  operation 
With  such  organization  and  cohesion 
of  its  forces  labor  is  sure  of  the 
friendship  of  such  concerns  to  the  ex- 
tent of  driving  fair  bargains  for  work 
conditions  and  to  insure  equitable 
treatment  for  those  of  its  members 
who  have  the  misfortune  to  be  dis- 
ciplined for  any  purpose.  The  old  ad- 
age that  it  requires  force  to  overcome 
force  is  as  true  today  as  when  it  first 
found  expression.  While  it  is  not 
often  necessary  to  bring  into  extreme 
action  all  this  force  to  get  justice,  It 
must  nevertheless  be  organized  and 
available  for  any  emergency,  else  it 
has  not  the  charm  that  will  brinf^; 
forth  friendship  and  fair  treatment 
from  those  in  high  councils  in  modern 
business  concerns.  As  a  rule  corpora- 
tions are  more  to  blame  for  the  con- 
troversies that  ekist  between  them  and 
their  employes,  but  regardless  of  that 
fact  their  decisions  relative  to  them. 


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UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


506 


however,  unjuet  they  may  be,  will  pre- 
vail unless  the  workers  have  compact 
and  aggressive  forces  with  which  to 
combat  them.    With  such  forces  labor 
can  gain  more  In  a  day  In  the  way  of 
reform  and  justice  than  It  could  In 
an  age  when  relying  solely  upon  Ind!- 
vldual  effort,  and  still  we  hear  umch 
in   this  advanced   age  of   experience 
from  some  Individuals  who  seem  to 
think  more  can  be  accomplished  indi- 
vidually than  in  any  other  way.    Such 
individuals,  however,  as  a  rule  will  l>3 
found   following  after  concerns  that, 
through  force  of  their  union  employee, 
have  improved  working  conditions  to 
the  best  prevailing  standards.     Their 
friendship  is  of  the  same  brand  as  that 
of  corporations   for  the  workers — re- 
ceive all  the  benefits  at  the  expense  c  f 
someone  else.  .It  should  be  the  busi- 
ness of  the  workers  of  the  world  to 
get  their  forces  thoroughly  organized 
in  their  unions  and  at  the  polls  and 
through  those  agencies  work   to  the 
end  of  establishing  a  frlaidship  be- 
tween working  classes  the  world  over 
that  will  prevent  the  existence  of  mil- 
lionaires and  paupers,  but  will  insure 
a  world  of  plenty  and  joy  for  all  who 
are  willing  to  work.    Such  is  the  kind 
of  friendship  needed  today  and  such 
is  the  kind  that  will  prevail  when  the 
workers  realize  their  power  to  adjust 
matters  and  arise  to  the  duty  of  tak- 
ing charge  of  governmental  affairs  and 
the  establishing  of  working  conditions. 
While  cor];>orate  greed  knows  no  such 
thing  as  love,  brotherhood  and  friend- 
ship for  those  who  do  the  world's  use- 
ful work  and  make  possible  the  exist- 
ence of  such  creatures,  the  nearest  ap- 
proadi  to  a  manifestation  of  such  at- 
tributes from  them  is  apparent  when 
their    real    workers    are    thoroughly 
organized     and     persistent     in     de- 
manding   decent    wages    and     work- 
ing     oondltkms.       No     other      tonic 
win    Inspire    within    them    such    re- 
spect or  care  for  their  employes.    Con- 


gressional investigations  and  other 
onward  movements  under  whatever 
appellation  they  are  known,  or  other 
similar  lotions  are  as  naught  in  com- 
parison with  the  unctuous  balms  or 
healing  powers  when  patients  are  suf- 
fering from  corporate  ills  and  their 
case  la  in  the  hands  of  a  good  com- 
mittee of  workers  of  such  concerns 
and  backed  up  by  a  solid  union  mem- 
bership of  workers  upiholdlng  such 
committee.  So,  in  order  to  retain  the 
respect,  good  will  and  friendship, 
of  one  another  and  the  corporations 
you  work  for,  every  worker,  in  every 
enterprise,  should  become  c<mversant 
with  these  truths  and  affiliate  himiself 
or  herself  with  the  union  representing 
their  vocation  and  (become  an  active 
worker  for  the  advancement  of  all 
workers,  amd,  in  so  doing,  you  will 
have  the  friendship  of  the  world,  as 
well  as  the  friendship  of  those  abstract 
things  known  as  corporations. 


CHICAGO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL.  S.  U.  OF 

N.  A.  TO  GIVE  GRAND  PICNIC 

SEPTCMBTR  Sth. 

On  Sunday,  Sept.  Sth,  the  Chicago 
District  Council  will  hold  a  grand 
picnic  in  Riverside  Park  Exposition 
Picnic  Grounds,  Chicago,  111.,  to  which 
a  hearty  welcome  is  extended  to  all 
members  of  the  union,  their  families 
and  friends.  Bros.  B.  O.  Wilson  (79), 
George  Munroe  (36),  J.  P.  Mulvaney 
(199),  Thomas  Earner  (29),  W.  A. 
Walsh  (68),  and  G.  W.  Rutter  (19), 
are  the  members  of  the  committee  in 
charge  of  this  event,  which  they  hope 
to  make  a  most  successful  outing.  To 
the  end  of  making  it  a  most  enjoyable 
day  for  all  who  find  an  opportunity  of 
attending  It,  they  ask  the  co-operation 
of  the  members  of  all  Chicago  lodges. 
Tickets  of  admission  are  25  cents. 
There  will  be  good  speakers  present; 
dancing,  races,  jumping  and  other 
amusements  will  be  afforded  for  the 


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506 


JOURNAL   OF  THB   SWITCHMBN'8 


enlightenment  an4  pleasure  of  those 
present.  Whatever  funds  are  raised 
from  the  proceeds  of  the  picnic  will 
be  applied  towards  aiding  the  council 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  a  representa- 
tive at  Springfield,  111.,  when  the  legis- 
lature convenes  this  fall  to  try  and  get 
the  Full  Crew  bill  and  Semi-Monthly 
Pay  bill  passed,  that  we  expect  to  have 
introduced  before  that  assembly.  Let 
every  member  take  a  number  of  these 
tickets  and  make  It  a  point  to  dispose 
of  them  to  his  friends;  also  let  him 
make  it  a  point  to  turn  over  the  pro- 
ceeds for  the  tickets  to  those  from 
whom  he  received  them,  together  with 
all  unsold  tickets.  In  order  that  a 
prompt  accounting  can  be  rendered  by 
the  committee  to  the  lodges  Involved 
in  the  matter.  A  long  pull,  a  strong 
pull  on  the  part  of  the  members  of  all 
the  lodges  in  this  district,  and  It  will 
be  a  grand  success.  Remember  your 
duty  in  the  premises,  and  don't  ffeil  to 
be  present  and  attend  to  them.  If  all 
do  this  it  will  be  the  success  it  de- 
serves to  be.  B.  G.  Wilson. 


RAILROAD  ACCIDENTS. 

The  recent  collisions  of  passenger 
trains  that  have  cost  so  much  in  hu- 
man life  and  so  much  suffering  for 
those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to 
survive  them  and  who  must  bear 
marks  and  suffer  pain  as  the  result  of 
injuries  received,  perhaps  as  long  as 
they  live,  brings  freeh  to  our  minds 
the  great  sacrifice  of  life  and  limb  ex- 
acted from  the  traveling  public. 
These  frequent  occurring  holocausts 
may  be  blamed  upon  many  causes,  as 
they  are,  but  in  the  aggregate  they 
claim  an  awful  death  toll  from  the 
traveling  public  withopt  affording  any 
very  sane  reason  for  it.  Nor  does 
there  seem  any  very  great  amount  of 
wladom  gained  from  any  one  of  these 
4  disasters  that  serves  as  an  incentive 
to  guard  against  future  accidents  of 


the  same  nature.  So,  from  year  to 
year,  with  the  benefits  of  past  experi- 
ences in  such  misfortunes,  together 
with  the  advantages  afforded  in  the 
way  of  Improved  machinery  and  equip- 
ment, we  are  compelled  to  witness  as 
great  an  amount  of  casualty  as  ever. 
While  all  companies  have  done  con- 
siderable along  their  lines  towards  the? 
adoption  of  safety  rules,  they  have  at 
the  same  time  adopted  so  many  other 
rules  and  regulations  that  none  of 
them  can  be  lived  up  to,  according  to 
their  obvious  meaning,  without  the 
risk  of  the  loss  of  life  or  the  employes 
being  under  severe  disciplinarian  cen- 
sure. The  mile  a  minute  speed  of 
first-class  passenger  service,  which  Is 
necessary  to  maintain  the  forty-mile 
per  hour  or  faster  schedules  now  pre- 
vailing on  many  trunk  lines,  la  suffici- 
ent cause  alone  for  great  life  destruc- 
tion and,  only  for  the  expert  care  and 
judjgment  exercised  by  the  employes 
in  charge  of  such  service,  the  death 
toll  would  be  much  greater  than  ft 
now  is.  Such  schedules  are  to  be 
maintained  regardless  of  fogs,  .mechan- 
ical failures  or  personal  Imperfections 
and  regardless  of  the  destruction  of 
life  necessary  to  maintain  them.  Fixed 
danger  signals  must  be  disregarded, 
engines  must  be  taken  on  such  runs, 
whether  In  proper  repair  or  out  of  re- 
pair. The  time  must  be  made  and  it 
usually  is  made.  But,  occasionally  on 
account  of  a  mishap  ahead  and  in- 
ability to  get  out  proper  fiagging  dis- 
tance, or  to  be  equipped  with  torpe- 
dos  if  the  weather  is  foggy,  a  crash 
takes  place  and  a  lot  of  lives  are  sacri- 
ficed and  the  poor  engineer  or  some 
other  member  of  the  crew  is  to  blame, 
but  the  company  never.  About  100,000 
railroad  employee  were  removed  from 
service  to  curtail  expenses  during  the 
past  twelve  months,  notwithstanding 
the  fact  that  tonnage  business  is 
heavier  this  year  than  it  was  a  year 
ago.    Were  an  honest,  painstaking  ef- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


607 


fort  made  on  part  of  employes  to  live 
up  to  the  strict  letter  of  company 
rules  «there  would  be  need  at  the  pres- 
ent time  of  at  least  200,000  more  em- 
ployes in  the  service  of  United  States 
railway  companies  and  a  slowing 
down  in  mental  and  physical  strain  in 
every  department  Unfortunately  it 
is  not  a  slowing  down  to  safe  and  sane 
speed  limits  that  is  wanted  by  either 
the  corporations  or  the  public.  Con- 
sequently they  are  getting  high  speed 
from  equipment,  high  nervous  ten- 
sion from  employes,  high  death  tolls 
from  the  public,  and  all  for  high  divi- 
dends for  the  roads.  But  there  is  al- 
ways a  jnost  thorough  investigation — 
a  dead  engineer  or  providential  cir- 
cumstance that  causes  them  all — the 
companies  are  never  to  blame.  Of 
only  one  thing  the  public  is  assured 
after  one  wreck  is  cleared  up,  cmother 
one  is  due  and  they  are  never  very 
long  overdue,  for  they  come  in  rapid 
succession,  brut  the  companies  are 
never  to  blame.  * 


DIVISION. 

Anything  to  get  the  workers  di- 
vided and  in  a  wrangle' among  them- 
selves, is  an  old  time  profession  of  the 
capitalist.  It  matters  not  what  the 
division  point  is  based  upon  Just  so 
there  is  a  division  t9  the  extent  of 
disruption  of  forces  from  a  united 
course  towards  securing  their  eman- 
cipation from  the  thraldom  under 
which  they  have  been  so  perfectly  and 
contentedly  yoked  for  ages.  If,  per- 
chance, those  doing  the  world's  useful 
work  discern  the  harmful  attributes  of 
any  particular  yoke  that  presses  with 
excessive  severity  upon  the  necks  of 
honest  toil  so  that  there  be  danger  of 
such  friction  irritating  them  to  the 
point  of  casting  aside  such  appendages 
and  working  free  from  them,  another 
is  substituted  in  its  stead.  In  making 
such  changes,  however,  great  care  is 


taken  by  the  masters  in  making  the 
substitution  that  the  new  yoke  has 
the  same  amount  of  friction  and  works 
the  same  degree  of  hardship  as  the  old, 
the  only  difference  being  the  selection 
of  a  new  spot  that  Is  in  fair  way  of 
finding  a  cure  for  the  friction  to  effect. 
It  must  be  again  punctured  and  fes- 
tered to  the  proper  state  of  abnormal- 
ity so  this  condition  will  be  accepted 
as  the  natural  one  and  be  borne  meek- 
ly and  submissively.  Industrial  sta- 
tistics clearly  demonstrate  an  abnor- 
mal discrepancy  between  the  results 
of  production  by  those  who  produce 
and  the  reward  received  by  them  after 
distribution  of  products  have  been 
made.  The  present  modes  of  division 
will  suffice  or  even  more  abnormal 
ones  may  be  devised  and  placed  Into 
operation,  as  long  as  the  producers 
can  be  properly  estranged  and  their 
powers  for  seeing  and  overcoming 
their  dilemma  frustrated.  That  the 
art  of  diversion  of  the  minds  of  work- 
ers from  the  objects  sought  for,  the 
securing  of  their  freedom  and  coming 
into  full  possession  of  their  powers  of 
intellect  and  making  proper  applica- 
tion of  them  for  their  edification,  has 
reached  its  highest  point  of  develop- 
ment and  efficiency  during  the  last 
few  years,  is  self-evident  even  to  the 
novice  in  sociological  research.  The 
tonic  most  frequently  ufied  for  this 
purpose  and  with  best  results  is  an 
injection  of  religious,  racial,  national 
and  overlapping  labor  union  virus  into 
the  system  of  the  unwary  communi- 
cants or  inheritants  of  such  incoher- 
ent babble  of  counter  forces.  The 
evacuations  on  account  of  such  emitics 
is  usually  of  the  form  prescribed  for 
and  has  the  desired  witchcraft  effect 
upon  the  patients,  such  as  will  craze 
them  to  adaptability  for  the  accom- 
plishment or  frustration  of  any 
scheme  the  intellectual  forces  of  de- 
signing powers  of  rule  may  devise.  It 
has  caused  them  to  convert  their  hu- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


508 


JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITCHBOBN'B 


mane  brotherly  instincts  and  ties  of 
common  kindred  into  arrays  of  con- 
tending troops,  carrying  with  them 
and  applying  the  most  destructive 
agencies  available  in  the  ages  they 
were  used,  leaving  millions  of  slain 
and  maimed  In  the  paths  of  their  trails 
as  evidence  of  the  effects  of  the  virus 
engrafted  into  their  intellects  by  those 
far  from,  free  and  safe  from  the  tur- 
moils of  such  strife  and  savagery.  Yet 
those  adroit  injectors  of  such  hatred 
in  the  background  have  ever  been  and 
are  now  reaping  the  benefits  of  such 
contentions  on  account  of  creating 
such  forms  of  division  and  diversion 
among  the  workers  of  the  world.  The 
etchings  creei^ng  into  print  at  the  in- 
ception of  the  present  quadrennial 
presidential  contest  is  pregnant  with 
disrupting  germs  of  such  virus,  which 
if  not  sacredly  guarded  against  will 
allow  dialects  to  overcome  languages, 
creeds  to  overcome  religions,  and  divi- 
dends to  overcome  all  by  those  who 
have  no  dialects,  no  religion  and  no 
scruples,  only  for  power  and  lucre 
accruing  through  their  adroitness  in 
being  able  to  control  this  confusion  of 
forces  arrayed  against  each  other.  If 
the  great  majority  of  producers  will 
oast  asunder  the  guiding  forces  that 
have  so  long  fed  them  with  broken 
promises  and  unemployment,  or  em- 
ployment at  rates  of  pay  that  would 
assure  but  half  rations  their  la- 
bors had  earned,  wdll  but  open  their 
eyes  to  the  extent  of  looking  squarely 
at  the  conditions  and  issues  with 
which  they  are  confronted,  consider 
the  causes  of  the  heavy  yokes  with 
which  they  are  burdened  and  the 
means  of  redress  they  hold  in  the  form 
of  privileges  of  the  ballot  to  absolve 
themselves  from  such  manacles  as  now 
bind  them  down  In  servitude  to  mas- 
ters of  rule,  they  can  soon  rid  them- 
selves of  the  forces  now  holding  them 
down. 


With  proper  application  of  peaceful 
methods  now  available,  the  workers  in 
this  fair  land  will  soon  have  an.oppor- 
tunity  of  coming  into  their  own,  when 
there  can  be  such  a  means  of  oppor- 
tunity and  distribution  afforded  them 
as  will  overcome  the  unjust  burdens  so 
long  and  so  patiently  borne.  With  a 
knowledge  of  past  experiences  and  the- 
modern  means  of  diffusion  of  knowl- 
edge by  which  all  may  be  dally  en- 
lightened in  regard  to  inequalities  of 
opportunity,  there  should  be  no  dearth 
of  Intelligence  pertaining  to  such  in- 
equalities nor  for  methods  of  taking- 
advantage  of  the  remedies  fortunately 
available  in  this  country  with  which 
to  overcome  them. 

When  there  is  a  proper  manifesta- 
tion of  zeal  In  regard  to  the  ills  of 
society  that  so  dwarf  the  stomachs 
and  Intellects  of  those  upon  whom  the- 
burdens  of  production  and  distribu- 
tion of  the  world's  supplies  of  nutrl-^ 
ment  and  raiment  rest,  there  will  be- 
fewer  pygmatic  and  diseased  human 
organs  and  an  equitable  distribution, 
of  necessities  of  life-sustaining  ele- 
ments among  those  willing  to  work 
for  them.  With  ample  dividends  for 
a  bounteous  distribution  among  the 
sons  of  toil  to  warrant  abundance  and 
comfort  for  all,  there's  somehow  an 
inadequate  process  in  the  present  mode 
of  operation  that  eliminates  or  very 
slightly  affects  them  from  any  of  the 
quotient  benefits  accruing  from  their 
toll  and  the  present  means  used  In 
making  the  division. 

But  out  of  a  commingling  of  diver- 
sified buds  from  a  proper  division  of 
the  forces  of  nature  which  for  a  while 
hold  them  hidden  from  view  and  the 
functions  they  are  to  afterwards  per- 
form, comes  a  unity  and  utility  of  that 
division  which  not  only  Jt>rings  frag- 
rance and  beauty,  but  fruits  and  sus- 
tenance as  well.  So  will  it  be  with 
our  mental  buds  when  the  sunshine  ot 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


50> 


knowledge  and  recuion  awakena  them 
to  a  realization  of  the  fruitful  efteots 
to  which  they  may  be  opened  up,  de- 
veloped and  applied.  Then  there  will 
be  a  more  equitable  dlBtrlbutlon  of 
bounties  so  plentiful  and  yet  so  rare 
for  those  who  earn  them. 

There  must  of  necessity  be  a  divl- 
slon  of  the  products  of  toll,  but  let  H 
be  made  according  to  the  works  and  re- 
gulrements  of  those  who  have  earned 
them  and  those  who  are  so  unfor- 
tunate from  physical  infirmities  as 
to  be  unable  to  earn  them.  La- 
bor has  the  power  to  make  the 
proper  transition  from  its  present 
dilemma  when  it  so  wills,  but  during 
this,  aboTe  other  years,  should  It  avail 
itself  of  its  golden  opportunity  for 
overcoming  the  barriers  so  long  ham- 
pering its  onward  movement,  for  much 
of  its  ills  may  soon  be  relieved  by  the 
rightful  use  of  the  ballot.  If  properly 
directed,  ballots  will  avail  more  than 
bullets,  and  since  the  workers  are  the 
only  targets  for  the  bullets  their  bal- 
lots should  be  cast  for  those  who  be- 
lieve in  forever  casting  aside  such 
crude  methods  of  civilization.  With  a 
dispensation  of  crude  warfare  that 
exists  in  the  world  today  and  the  ap- 
plication of  such  energy  for  the  uplift 
of  downtrodden  humanity,  there  would 
be  brighter  hopes  for  despondent  souls 
who  toil  and  enjoyment  by  them  of  a 
better  kind  of  division. 


GUARD  WCU  TIIC  PMNGPLCS  OF  fRtt 
SPCCCH  AND  A  FREE  PRESS. 

The  right  of  free  thought  and  free 
speech  is  an  inherent  human  attribute, 
and  the  right  of  a  free  press,  a  world 
medium,  through  which  to  express 
such  thought  and  speech,  is  a  con- 
comitant absolutely  essential  to  hu- 
man progress.  Through  this  trinity, 
which  iMrmeates  and  moulds  opinion 
throughout  the  civilized  world,  is  car- 
ried the  essence  of  diversant  words. 


thoughts,  aspirations  and  actions  of 
the  inliabitants  of  all  countries. 
Through  it  is  also  carried  to  every 
reader  of  every  nation  the  ever-chang- 
ing, ever-longing  and  ever4ncreasing 
in  advance  thought,  higher  aspirations 
and  more  equitable  impulses  that  ac- 
tuate the  human  mind  in  Its  struggle 
for  a  bettM*  and  brighter  world  in 
which  to  live.  The  world  advances  or 
lags  In  direct  relation  to  uttered  or 
written  thought,  as  the  result  of  ex- 
periences and  their  world-wide  trans- 
mission that  others  may  hear,  see  and 
scan,  absorb  the  useful  and  sublime 
and  discard  to  oblivion  that  which  is 
dejtrimental.  Any  attempt  to  curb  the 
mind's  discoveries  and  applications  of 
that  which  is  useful  to  humanity  is 
indeed  an  ill  omen  and  the  only  re- 
ward for  which  must  be  ignominy  and 
the  retarding  of  human  advancement. 
Not  always  have  the  world's  thoughts 
and  actions  had  the  advantages  of  the 
opportunities  now  available  for  dis- 
semination of  knowledge  in  any  com- 
parison wltii  the  advantages  now  af- 
forded for  such  purposes.  For  ages 
families,  tribes  and  even  nations 
existed  and  passed  away  in  ignorance 
of  not  far  remote  similar  human 
groups  about  them.  For  centuries 
succeeding  generations  made  but  little 
progress  and  depended  largely  upon 
the  unwritten  laws  and  useful  knowl- 
edge that  had  been  handed  down  from 
generation  to  generation  by  word  from 
mouth  to  ear.  In  this  manner  much 
of  the  useful  in  art,  science  and  liter- 
ature was  brought  down  to  the  ages 
when  characters  were  invented  in  the 
printer's  art  to  arrange  them  in  suit- 
able form  for  records  and  transmission 
to  the  world.  The  unholy  campaign 
against  any  class  of  publications  in 
this  country  with  a  view  of  harassing 
them  to  the  point  of  disruption  or 
harassing  them  at  all  for  printing  the 
truth  must  cease  or  our  government 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


510 


JOXniNlL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


will  have  locrt  ito  best  agency  for  the 
advancement  of  human  progreee. 
These  rights  have  been  too  dearly  pur- 
chased to  now  allow  them  to  be  taken 
from  us.  They  must  be  sacredly 
guarded  and  maintained  as  fixed  feat- 
ures of  our  government,  for  they  are 
the  chief  bulwark  of  <progress  and 
security  and  the  only  hope  the  work- 
ers of  the  world  have  for  retaining 
the  liberties  they  now  have  or  of 
securing  more  and  better  ones.  Guard 
well  your  rights  of  free  speech  and  a 
free  press. 


NEW  LODGES. 

Since  last  report  in  these  columns 
in  regard  to  the  question  of  new  addi- 
tions to  our  roster  of  lodges,  new 
charters  have  been  placed  as  follows: 
By  Organizer  P.  H.  Merriman,  Lodge 
No.  183  at  Calgary,  Alberta,  and 
LfOdge  No.  185  at  Moose  Jaw,  Sask.; 
by  Vice-President  Thomas  Clohessy, 
at  Port  William,  Ont.,  Lodge  No.  195; 
by  Vice-President  T.  J.  MisenheKer, 
Lodge  No.  196,  at  Enid,  Okla.;  .by  Vlce- 
Pi-esident  L.  H.  Porter,  Lodge  No.  181, 
at  Holloway,  O.  These  new  lodges  are 
welcomed  into  the  fold  and  the  mem- 
bers of  each  are  assured  at  all  times 
of  the  good  will  from  the  older  lodges, 
in  fact,  the  best  wishes  of  all  the  mem- 
bers of  all  the  lodges  in  the  organiza- 
tion, in  their  efforts  to  upbuild  the 
union  in  the  territories  where  these 
charters  have  been  planted.  It  has  re- 
quired much  painstaking  effort  to  in- 
stitute some  of  these  lodges  on  account 
of  the  opposition  of  those  who  seem  to 
hold  convictions  that  there  shouldn't 
be  such  a  thing  as  a  Switchmen's 
Union.  But  these  lodges  were  deemed 
necessary  by  some  of  the  men  who 
formerly  held  such  opinions  them- 
selves, but  who  now  see  the  error  of 
their  old  mode  of  reasoning  upon 
which  they  based  their  opinions.  So 
they  now  come  into  the  organization 


that  was  organized  for  their  benefit. 
Each  terminal  point  represented  by 
the  members  of  these  new  lodges  af- 
fords an  opportunity  for  the  expansion 
of  the  membership  of  the  union  and 
it  will  grow  and  thrive  as  each  of  the 
new  members  and  the  old  ones  who 
drift  into  those  places  exert  themselves 
to  explain  the  objects  of  the  union  to 
those  with  whom  they  work  and  en- 
deavor to  convert  to  the  principles  of 
this  organization  and  secure  their  co- 
operation as  members  of  it.  It  is  the 
hope  of  all  that  each  member  of  these 
new  lodges,  as  well  as  all  other  lodges, 
realizes  his  individual  responsibiity  to 
the  union  and  that  the  organizatdon 
is  a  faiure  to  the  extent  he  fails  to 
do  his  full  duty  towards  promoting  its 
interests.  We  therefore  hope  each 
member  will  try  to  give  a  good  ac- 
counting of  himself,  as  we  believe  he 
will.  Let  no  discouragements  keep 
you  from  doing  so  and  may  the  beat 
of  results  accrue  from  this  new  blood. 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  LADIES*  AUXILIARY 
HOLDS  MEEHNG  IN  BUEEALO. 

The  Grand  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Ladies'  Auxiliary  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
together  with  their  Grand  President, 
Sister  Clark,  and  Sister  Sarah  T.  J. 
Jackson,  G.  S.  and  T.,  recently  met  in 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  for  the  purpose  of  audit- 
ing the  Grand  Lodg6  books  and  the 
transaction  of  such  other  business  per- 
taining to  the  organization  as  required 
their  consideration.  On  her  way  to 
Buffalo  Sister  Clark  paid  a  visit  to 
the  lodges  in  Chicago,  111.,  and  Gary. 
Ind.,  and  reported  conditions  as  good 
at  those  points.  On  her  return  trip 
she  established  a  lodge  at  Terre 
Haute,  Ind.,  ^ith  twenty  charter  mem- 
bers. She  was  much  encouraged  at 
the  friendly  reception  given  her  at 
Terre  Haute  and  lias  strong  hopes  of 
a  large  membership  there.  She  ex- 
pected to  stop  at  other  points  on  her 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


511 


homeward  trip  where  she  was  hope- 
ful of  soon  being  able  to  plant  the 
banner  of  U.,  H.  and  J.  as  the  result 
of  her  visit.  The  Grand  Lodge  ofQcars 
of  the  auxiliary  realize  the  import- 
ance of  the  necessity  of  a  policy  of  ag- 
gressive work  in  order  to  build  up  the 
organization  and  have  hopes  of  soon 
devising  ways  and  means  of  placing  a 
permanent  organizer  in  the  field. 
Sister  Clark  asserts,  however,  that 
there  must  be  an  awakening  of  inter- 
est on  the  part  of  aU  the  members 
where  lodges  are  now  established  be- 
fore the  auxiliary  will  grow  and  pros- 
per as  it  should.  Their  death  benefits 
and  other  obligations  have  been 
promptly  met  and  all  their  Grand 
Lodge  officers  feel  hopeful  of  soon 
entering  upon  a  much  more  prosper- 
ous era  than  has  been  yet  experienced 
in  the  history  of  the  auxiliary,  and  our 
best  wish  Is  that  their  hopes  may  be 
speedily  and  fully  realized. 


THOUGH  BLIND  THERE  IS  A  SPIRIT  OF 
VISION. 

In  the  recent  strike  of  the  blind 
workers  at  Bristol,  England,  those 
unfortunate  charges  have  been  com- 
pelled to  resent,  to  the  point  of  strik- 
ing, against  the  ignominious  extremes 
of  exploitation  which  their  employ- 
ers have  forced  them  to  endure. 
The  cruel,  grinding  system  of  extort- 
ing profit  from  fellow  human  creatures 
apparently  has  no  limitations,  and  all 
the  toilers  of  earth,  regardless  of  so- 
cial condition,  mental  or  physical  in- 
firmities, are  alike  subjected  to  the 
tortious  exactions  of  toll  to  keep  in 
unimpaired  luxury  the  horde  of  lineal 
and  creatjed  scions  who  revel  in  luxury 
and  power  by  means  of  the  tribute 
exacted  fr<mi  the  blind  and  lowly  citi- 
zenship upon  whose  weakness  they 
pr^  with  the  same  rapacious  pre- 
cision as  the  talons  of  the  eagle  close 
iB  upon  its  weaker  prey  before  appeas- 


ing its  carniverous  appetite.  What  a 
lesson  of  soli^rity  is  here  presented 
for  the  workers  of  the  world,  supposed 
to  be  in  the  possession  of  all  their 
faculties,  to  realize  how  strongly  de- 
veloped within  those  blind  workers  is 
the  spirit  of  rebellion  against  being 
exploited  beyond  certain  limitations. 
Though  bereft  of  sight  they  have  more 
commendable  and  better  vision  of  the 
powers  of  unity  than  many  who  have 
the  power  of  sight. 


BLUE  ISLAND  LODGE  No.  29  HOLDS 
PICNIC  AUGUST  ITth. 

The  first  annual  picnic  to  be  given 
under  the  auspices  of  Blue  Island 
Lodge  No.  29  of  this  union,  and  B.  of 
L.  F.  ft  E.  Lodge  No.  511  of  Blue 
Island,  111.,  will  take  place  in  Calumet 
Grove,  Blue  Island,  111.,  on  Saturday, 
Aug.  17th,  and  to  which  all  members 
and  families  of  Chicago  lodges,  to- 
gether with  their  friends,  are  invited 
to  attend  and  participate  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  most  pleasant  outing  and 
day  of  recreation  and  amusement.  The 
joint  committee  in  charge  of  this 
event  is  sparing  no  effort  to  make  it 
an  enjoyable  affair,  and  requests  the 
co-operation  of  all  members  of  both 
lodges,  to  the  extent  of  aiding  it  in 
the  sale  of  tickets  and  encouraging  as 
many  as  possible  to  come  out  and  en- 
joy the  day.  TickeU  are  25  cents. 
The  proceeds  derived  from  the  picnic 
will  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  defray- 
ing necessary  legitimate  expenses  of 
the  locals  giving  it,  a  considerable 
portion  of  which  goes  for  the  benefit 
of  deserving  aid  to  their  members 
having  the  misfortune  to  sustain  in- 
juries. 


That  there  should  be  a  much 
greater  vigilance  on  the  part  of  the 
government,  as  well  as  of  the  working 
classes  of  people  in  this  country  over 
the  number  of  immigrants  seeking  ad- 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


M2 


JOURNAL   OP    THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


miBsion  in^to  this  country  as  well  as 
the  distribution  of  suoih  foreign  popu- 
lation to  sections  of  the  country  where 
opportunities  afford  them  the  best 
advantages  to  become  acclimated,  ac- 
<iualnted  with  our  government,  and 
find  a  place  best  suited  to  their  nat- 
ui*al  environments  and  cause  the  least 
friction  and  discomforts  to  the  labor- 
ers already  here,  is  evident  to  even  a 
•casual  observer  of  the  ever-changing 
^ratas  of  society  due  to  this  annual 
inhision  of  foreign  blood. 


A  recent  enactment  by  the  Massa- 
chusetts legislature  and  signed  by  the 
Governor  provides  for  the  length  of 
work  days  of  street  railway  employes 
in  that  commonwealth.  Beginning  on 
Jan.  1,  1913,  such  work  must  be  done 
upon  a  nine-hour  work-day  basis  and 
Ihe  nine  hours  work  must  be  per- 
formed within  a  space  of  12  consecu- 
tive hours — ^and  eight  hours  continu- 
ous time  must  intervene  between  the 
close  and  beginning  of  work  days  for 
extra  men  used.  This  law  is  a  dis- 
tinct victory  for  this  class  of  workers 
Inasmuch  as  the  regular  men  had  to 
work  any  length  of  day  prescribed  by 
the  companies  and  the  extra  men  to 
report  for  duty  one  or  a  dozen  times 
per  day,  whether  or  not  there  was  any 
work  for  them,  as  the  whims  of  the 
companies  required  them  to  do. 


Bro.  Frank  Williams,  member  of 
L.odge  No.  85,  and  wife  recently  paid 
a  visit  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  is  one 
•of  the  old-*time  switchmen  of  the 
IVest  and  has  spent  much  of  his  life 
In  the  city  of  Denver,  Ck)l.,  where  he 
worked  in  the  Union  Pacific  yards  for 
ti  number  of  years  prior  to  the  organ- 
ization of  the  (Colorado  Southern  Rail- 
way, since  which  time  he  has  been  em- 
ployed in  the  yards  of  that  company 
in  his  home  city.  He  has,  therefore, 
rseen  much  of  the  development  of  yard 


service  in  Colorado  and  aided  much 
in  the  handling  of  such  service.  He 
and  his  wife  were  on  their  way  to 
New  York  City  to  make  an  extended 
visit  with  relatives  and  friends. 


It  now  appears  thait  the  aeronauts 
have  begun  to  realize  the  hazards  of 
their  occupation,  and  as  a  result  have 
lately  established  a  relief  fund  for  the 
protection  of  the  families  of  those 
meeting  serious  injury  or  death  in 
that  very  hazardous  vocation.  Accord- 
ing to  press  reports  relative  to  it,  the 
public  are  to  be  asked  to  contribute  to 
the  enterprise,  and  fliers  themselves  to 
be  aaseeeed  a  portion  of  the  receipts 
for  flights  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
funds  wi^h  which  to  pay  the  benefits. 
One  has  but  to  read  of  the  continuous 
list  of  fatalities  connected  with  that 
vocation  to  convince  himself  of  the 
awful  hazards  encountered  and  great 
need  for  the  protection  for  the  fam- 
ilies of  those  who  are  contributing  so 
much  of  their  life  blood  to  this,  as  yet 
undeveloped  and  very  unsafe,  mode  of 
transportation.  There  should  be  pro- 
tection for  these  families  and  the  ar- 
rangement for  it  appears  to  be  meet 
timely  and  Just. 


from  Vice-Prcsidefit  GMMOfs. 

New  Obueans,  La. 
Editor  SwrrcHMicN's  Journal: 

In  the  >fay  issue  of  the  Railroad 
Trainman  appears  an  article  entitled. 
"Low  Wages  in  the  South,"  signed  by 
W.  A.  Bruce,  a  Chicago  switchman, 
commenting  on  a  letter  I  had  written 
for  the  March  issue  of  our  Journal. 
It  ie  here  reproduced  for  the  benefit  of 
our  readers: 

Low  Wages  of  Switchmen  iir  the 

SOTTTH. 

The  writer  hsA  been  reading  the 
"Pink  Pamphlet,"  known  among  m^n- 
bers  of  the  Switchmen's  Union  aa  their 
official  organ,  and  among  other  inter- 
esting reading  matter  is  a  letter  from 
J.  B.  Oonneni  which  calls  the  attention 
of  Its  readers  to  the  awful  condition 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


513 


•of  the  swltchnn^n  in  the  South,  paj- 
ticularly  the  men  in  the  Rome  yard  on 
the  N.,  C.  ft  St.  L. 

Jim  seems  to  think  that  where  the 
road  men  fix  conditions  for  yardmen, 
that  the  yardmen  are  working  at  a  dis- 
advantage, but  if  the  conditions  were 
fixed  by  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  everything 
would  be  lovely.  The  writer  believes 
Jim  should  try  to  level  up  a  little  on 
the  Rock  Island  before  starting  in  to 
save  the  men  in  the  South.  The  S.  U. 
-of  N.  A.  h&ye  the  yard  schedule  on 
this  property,  and  it  is  surely  a  sample 
of  their  blundering.  Seven  classes  of 
pey.  four  more  than  any  other  line  in 
the  same  territory,  and  the  only  line 
controlled  by  the  Switchmen's  Union. 
Very  nearly  every  other  line  has  the 
Chicago  B.  of  R.  T.  rules. 

The  Rock  Island  men  have  the  same 
old  rules  giving  the  company  the  right 
to  lay  them  the  meal  hour  regardless 
of  the  time  they  start  to  work.  Set- 
ting the  standard  of  living  for  a 
switchmaoi  who  has  to  be  away  from 
home  under  instructions  from  the  rail- 
way company  at  $1.50  per  4ay.  Think 
•of  it,  you  S.  U.  men,  $1.50  per  day  for 
living  expenses  away  from  home,  and 
besides  you  give  the  company  the  wit- 
ness fees. 

Do  you  see  anything  in  the  Chicago 
rules  where  a  switchman  has  to  live 
on  a  dollar  and  a  half  per  day  and 
give  up  the  witness  fees  to  boot?  In 
other  words,  give  up  more  than  you 
actually  receive  for  living  expenses. 

If  It  were  not  for  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
the  switchmen  In  Chicago  would  to- 
day be  working  under  the  deplorable 
conditions  that  they  were  fifteen  years 
ago,  and  which  are  very  little  better 
today  <Hi  the  Rock  Island,  the  one  road 
controlled  by  the  S.  U. 

If  Mr.  Conners  will  just  compare  the 
Rock  Island  yard  schedule  with  the 
yard  schedules  signed  in  the  name  of 
the  B.  of  R..T.,  he  ought  to  hang  his 
head  in  shame  instead  of  letting  the 
yardmen  in  the  North  know  how  he 
opened  up  the  gateway  for  yardmen  in 
the  South  to  better  their  conditions 
through  the  S.  U.  Fix  up  the  Rock 
Island  first,  Jim.         W.  A.  Bruce, 

A  Chicago  Switchman. 
He  calls  attention  to  conditions  on  the 
Hock  Island  System,  where  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  controls  the  schedules  for  the 
Tards  and  suggests  that  I  level  up  a 


bit  on  that  line  before  I  try  to  save 
the  switchmen  of  the  South. 

Referring  to  conditions  in  the  yards 
on  the  Rock  Island,  let  me  say  we  feel 
very  proud  of  the  advimcement  we 
have  made  in  those  yards  since  1902. 
The  only  reason,  or  at  least  the  chief 
reason,  why  we  have  not  gotten  the 
Chicago  standard  of  pay  in  all  yaros 
on  that  system  is  because  of  the 
treachery  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  the  or- 
ganization Mr.  Bruce  speaks  so  highly 
of.  In  all  our  negotiations  with  rail- 
road officials,  for  better  wages  and 
and  working  conditions  for  switch- 
men, we  have  been  reminded  by  them, 
that  the  B.  of  R.  T.  are  waiting  to 
take  our  places  if  we  go  to  the  ex- 
treme. The  Rock  Island  is  no  excep- 
tion to  this  rule,  and  judging  from 
their  work  of  this  kind  in  the  past, 
we  have  sufficient  cause  to  believe 
those  statements  to  be  true. 

I  do  not  imagine  that  Mr.  Bruce,  if 
he  is  a  member  of  any  standing  in  his 
organization,  is  ignorant  of  the  titoch- 
ery  of  some  of  his  brothers,  and  some 
of  the  officers  of  his  organization  dur- 
ing the  strike  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  in 
the  northwest  territory  two  years  ago. 
Nor  has  he  forgotten  their  treachery 
during  the  sU-ike  on  the  D.  ft  R.  G., 
the  Kansas  City  Southern,  or  in  the 
Pittsburg  district  a  few  years  ago. 
Lest  he  may  not  be  posted,  let  me  in- 
form him  that  when  or  wherever  the 
members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  have  a 
strike,  when  it  is  over,  the  men  work- 
ing are  about  100  per  cent.  B.  of  R.  T. 
who  have  taken  the  places  of  the 
strikers.  Mr.  Bruce,  no  doubt,  Is 
anxious  to  see  such  a  percentage  or 
members  of  his  organization  in  the 
yards  on  the  Rock  Island  road. 

I  would  advise  him  not  to  lose  any 
sleep  over  this  proposition  for  our 
membership  on  that  system  "are  wise" 
to  the  "big  noise."  Since  he  has 
shown  how  little  he  knows  of  condi- 
tions along  the  Rock  Island,  it  might 
be  advisable  to  "put  him  wise"  by 
making  a  few  comparisons,  showing 
the  rates  of  pay  received  by  switch- 
men under  a  schedule  obtained  by  a 
committee  representing  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  as  against  Ihe  rates  paid  in  the 
same  cities  and  obtained  by  commit- 
tees representing  the  B.  of  R.  T. 

First  we  will  take  La  Salle,  III., 
where  the  switchmen  on  the  Rock  Isl- 
and, under  a  schedule  obtained  by  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


514 


JOURNAL   OP   THE    SWITOHMBN'S 


S  U.  committee,  are  receiving  the  Chi- 
cago pay»  while  the  switchmen  work- 
ing for  The  C.  B.  &  Q.  and  the  I.  C, 
under  a  schedule  obtained  by  the  B. 
of  R.  T.  committee,  are  working  for 
one  cent  an  hour  less.  At  Peoria,  111., 
the  switchmen  on  the  Rock  Island, 
working  under  S.  U.  conditions,  are 
receiving  Chicago  pay,  while  the 
switchmen  working  for  the  C,  B.  ft  Q., 
under  B.  of  R.  T.  conditions,  are  re- 
ceiving one  cent  per  hour  less.  The 
switchmen  in  the  P.  ft  P.  U.,  in  Peoria, 
are  receiving  Chicago  pay,  but  this 
was  obtained  by  the  S.  U.  in  190fc.  We 
will  then  take  Mr.  Bruce  to  Rock  Isl- 
and, where  the  switchmen  working  for 
the  Rock  Island  under  S.  U.  conditions 
are  receiving  the  Chicago  rate,  but 
switchmen  working  for  the  C,  B.  ft 
Q.  find  the  C,  M.  ft  St.  P.  in  Rock  Isl- 
and under  B.  of  R.  T.  conditions  are 
receiving  one  cent  per  hour  less.  We 
will  then  go  to  Cedar  Rapids,  and  we 
find  switchmen  in  the  Rock  Island 
yard  receiving  the  Chicago  rate,  and 
those  working  for  the  C.  ft  N.  W.  and 
the  C,  M.  ft  St.  P.,  all  of  them  strong 
B.  of  R.  T.,  working  for  one  cent  per 
hour  less. 

We  agiee  that  there  are  too  many 
classes  of  pay  for  switchmen  on  the 
Rock  Island,  and  the  same  may  be 
said  of  other  roads.  There  should  be 
only  one  class  of  pay  for  them  and 
there  would  be  but  one  class  of  pay 
if  the  switchmen  would  get  into  the 
union  t)iat  does  things  for  switchmen. 
As  it  is,  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  is  con- 
fronted with  a  rather  perplexing  dif- 
ficulty in  trying  to  establish  a  uni- 
form rate  of  pay  in  all  yards  on  the 
Rock  Island  system  for  in  some  of  the 
small  yards  on  that  road,  the  B.  of  R. 
T.  has  claimed  to  have  more  members 
that  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  as  a  result, 
when  our  general  adjustment  commit- 
tee attempts  to  have  the  pay  in  those 
yards  brought  up  to  the  standard,  the 
general  manager  reaches  -  into  a 
drawer  and  brings  forth  a  document 
in  the  form  of  a  protest  from  the  B. 
of  R.  T.  members  in  those  yards  claim- 
ing to  be  satisfied  with  their  pay  and 
conditions.  The  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  has  re- 
duced the  number  of  classes  of  pay  in 
yards  on  the  Rock  fsland  more  than 
75  per  cent,  since  they  have  relieved 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  from  the  responsibility 
of  legislating  for  the  switchmen  on 
that  system. 
It  might  be  stated  for  Mr.  Bruce's 


information  that  it  has  been  a  difficult 
task  for  this  union  to  eliminate  the 
fifteen  or  more  rates  of  pay  estab- 
lished by  the  B.  of  R.  T.  for  the  yards 
on  the  Rock  Island  before  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  got  control,  and  bring  them  up 
to  the  standard.  I  would  suggest  that 
Mr.  Bruce  enumerate '  the  number  of 
classes  of  pay  being  paid  to  switch- 
men on  the  Erie,  I.  C,  C,  B.  ft  Q.^ 
C.  ft  N.  W.,  G.  T.,  Monon.,  and  other 
roads,  and  he  will  find  plenty  of  op- 
portunity for  the  125,000  to  do  some 
leveling  up. 

Roadmen  'have   been    fixing   condi- 
tions   for   switchmen    on    the    above- 
named  roads  for  years.  He  also  speaks 
of  the  Chicago  B.  of  R.  T.  working 
rules.    Let  me  advise  him  of  the  fact 
that  a  major  portion  of  the  rules  that 
switchmen  are  working  under  in  Chi- 
cago or  elsewhere  that  are  worth  the 
paper  upon  which  they  are  written^ 
were  either  secured  years  ago  by  the 
S.  M.  A.  A.,  or  were  agreed  to  by  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  committee  who  met  the 
government  officials  and  railroad  of- 
ficials  in    mediation   in   the   City  of 
Washington,  D.  C,  in  1910.    Of  course 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  claimed  credit  for  get- 
ting them  in  order  to  fool  their  mem- 
bers into  paying  big  assessments.    I 
am  surprised  that  Mr.  Bruce  is  not 
claiming  credit  for  the  three  cent  in- 
crease per  hour  that  was  secured  for 
switchmen  in  the  last  wage  movement,, 
but  that  is  an  impossibility  under  the 
circumstances,  since  the  only  thing  he 
could   consistently  say  was   that  hia 
organization  (B.  of  R.  T.)  did  evei*y- 
thing  within  its  power  to  prevent  ine 
switchmen  from  getting  anything  as  it 
-always   does  and  did  prevent  them  from 
getting  the  full  measure  of  their  de- 
mands  by   accepting   a   two-cent  per 
hour  increase  for  the  Chicago  district. 
Pour    days    later,    the    Switchmen's 
Union  got  a  three-cent  per  hour  in- 
crease for  switchmen  in  all  the  3rards 
on  eight  roads,  and  a  horizontal  in- 
crease of  five  dollars  per  month  for 
switchtenders   and    towermen,    which 
fortunately  has   reflected   similar   in- 
creases  of  pay   and   other   improved 
conditions  to  every  switchman  in  the 
country. 

No,  I  do  not  now,  nor  never  did 
think  that  road  men  are  qualified  to 
fix  conditions  for  switchmen,  but  they 
are  past  masters  in  the  art  of  tmflxing 
and  misrepresenUng  them.  When^v^r 
a  comfnitt^  of  roadmen  me^  officials 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


515 


they  have  so  much  business  of  their 
own  to  look  after  the  switchmen  are 
overlooked.  I  agree  that  It  is  advan- 
tageous for  the  roadmen  to  be  per- 
mitted to  handle  switchmen's  griev- 
ances with  their  own,  from  the  fact  it 
gives  them  an  opportunity  to  barter 
away  switchmen's  rights  to  gain  a 
point  for  a  conductor  or  a  brakeman, 
an  opportunity  they  never  fall  to  im- 
prove where  they  have  control  of  yard 
schedules. 

There  is  no  class  of  men  who  know 
the  grievances  of  switchmen  better 
than  the  men  who  work  side  by  side 
in  the  great  railroad  yards  and  no  one 
is  as  well  qualified  to  fix  conditions 
for  switchmen  as  switchmen  them- 
selves. Again  I  reiterate  my  state- 
ment regarding  the  conditions  of  the 
switchmen  in  the  South.  I  will  not  go 
further  than  Memphis,  Tenn.  I  will 
take  as  an  example  the  Illinois  Cen- 
tral, Frisco,  Iron  Mountain  and  the 
Southern,  where  the  switchmen  are 
working  under  B.  of  R.  T.  schedules, 
you  will  find  three  men  working  on  a 
switch  engine  and  all  receiving  a  dif- 
ferent scale  of  pay. 

True,  one  of  those  men  Is  a  negro, 
but  if  those  who  claim  to  control  the 
conditions  would  insist  upon  keeping 
up  the  standard  of  wages,  the  com- 
panies would  most  likely  employ  ail 
white  men.  As  it  now  is,  it  is  a  big 
saving  to  the  companies  to  employ  ne- 
groes, since  they  pay  them  from  $1.60 
to  $2  per  day  less  .than  they  do  a  white 
man.  I  understand  there  is  an  agree- 
ment that  the  companies  will  have  the 
right  to  employ  60  per  cent,  negroes 
on  the  above  mentioned  roads  in  Mem- 
phis. If  we  don't  protect  the  wages 
and  see  to  it  that  all  men  are  paid 
alike,  whether  white  or  black,  for  do- 
ing the  same  work,  the  negro  will,  in 
time,  pull  the  white  man  down  to  his 
level  on  the  industrial  field. 

There  was  a  time  when  there  were 
no  negroes  employed  in  the  switching 
service  in  Memphis,  but  that  was 
when  the  switchmen  all  belonged  to 
their  own  union  and  made  conditions 
for  themselves.  If  the  switchmen  in 
Memphis  today  were  given  the  sup- 
port they  should  receive,  and  would 
receive  if  they  were  all  members  of 
their  own  union,  there  would  be  none 
but  white  men  employed  in  the  yards 
in  that  city,  and  all  would  be  receiv- 
ing l^e  same  rates  of  pay.    In^lTidnally, 


the  men  are  not  to  blame  for  those 
damnable  conditions  I  have  re- 
ferred to,  and  they  would  not 
exist  in  that  city  if  the  men  were 
receiving  the  proper  support  and  en- 
couragement from  the  organization 
handling  their  affairs.  It  would  be 
well  for  Mr.  Bruce  to  refrain  from  fur- 
ther criticism  of  the  S.  U.,  or  at  least 
until  he  knows  more  about  the  game, 
or  is  able  to  arm  himself  with  weigh- 
tier topics  than  entered  into  his  mind 
at  the  time  of  writing  his  contribution 
to  the  May  issue  of  the  Railroad 
Trainmat}.  After  what  the  S.  U.  has 
done  for  him  and  his  kind  in  this 
country,  he  should  bow  his  head  in 
shame  for  speaking  or  writing  dis- 
paragingly of  it.  I  want  to  remind 
him  that  the  S.  U.  has  been  respons- 
ible for  increasing  his  pay  more  than 
one  dollar  per  day  since  1902.  Judg* 
ing  from  past  events  the  next  increase 
in  pay  that  he  or  any  other  good 
switchman  will  get  will  have  to  come 
through  the  efforts  of  the  good  ship 
S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

Yours  truly, 

Jas.  B.  Oonnobs. 


rrcMii  Vice-Presklefit  PorUr. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

As  I  have  not  written  a  letter  for 
two  months  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  advise 
the  brothers  of  some  of  the  conditions 
T  find  in  my  endeavor  to  enlighten  the 
off  craft  that  they  are  in  wrong, 
while  in  a  great  many  instances,  in 
fact  most  all,  they  do  not  know  what 
is  going  on  within  their  own  organ- 
ization only  to  pay  what  the  financier 
asks,  and  then  ''kick  and  bawl"  among 
themselves  and  threaten  to  Join  the 
S.  U.  so  their  dissatisfaction  will 
reach  Mr.  Lee  and  he  will  provide 
them  with  some  soothing  syrup  of 
peace  until  the  next  month's  receipts 
are  due  and  then  lay  off  until  all  Is 
calm. 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  some 
true  switchmen  at  Holloway,  C,  on  the 
B.  &  O.  Railway.  While  all  were  B.  of 
R.  T.  men,  with  the  exception  of  two, 
they  had  been  misused  by  their  be- 
loved order  and  It  came  home  to  them 
so  plain  that  the  soothing  syrup  did 
not  work  as  I  found  them  far-thinking 
men.  I  was  very  much  pleased  to  or- 
ganize them  In  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  with 


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516 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMEN'S 


hopes  of  getting  HoUoway  yard  solid 
in  the  near  future. 

On  receipt  of  a  letter  from  the 
Grand  Lodge  that  there  were  three 
men  at  Portsmouth  on  the  N.  ft  W. 
Who  wished  to  join  the  S.  U.  I  com- 
municated with  the  three  men,  but  re- 
ceived  no  answers,  then  believing  it 
my  duty  to  visit  that  place  and  learn 
the  true  situation,  which  is  as  follows: 
Those  men  are  paid  31c  and  33c  per 
hour  on  a  large  hump,  all  solid  B.  of 
R.  T.  men,  and  I  was  told  by  the 
financier  of  their  lodge  they  were  very 
well  satisfied,  as  an  S.  U.  man  could 
not  work  there  and  they  could  have 
had  Cincinnati  wages  if  they  wanted 
them,  but  would  rather  ma^e  the  com- 
pany pay  the  men  on  what  he  called 
the  dark  belt,  comprised  of  negroes, 
the  same  wage  they  are  getting.  This 
is  the  way  they  expect  to  get  rid  of 
the  negroes  at  that  point,  but  it  seems 
a  very  slow  process  and  an  injustice 
to  the  white  men  on  the  N.  ft  W.  at 
Portsmouth.  But  with  all  of  the  sat- 
isfaction there  I  succeeded  in  getting 
seven  applications  and  making  three 
sight  members  to  Columbus,  with  hope 
of  better  success  in  the  near  future. 
I  expect  to  visit  the  same  yard  again, 
assured  of  the  fact  that  members  of 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  will  prove  as  val- 
uable to  the  N.  ft  W.  officials  as  B.  of 
R.  T.  men  if  they  are  allowed  to  prove 
the  same  and  not  discharged  for  this 
reason.  While  I  have  known  that  this 
is  the  weapon  used  in  that  part  of  the 
country  for  a  number  of  years  to  re- 
tard the  growth  of  our  noble  order 
that  has  stood  for  right  and  justice 
ever  and  cannot  be  swayed  by  this 
abuse,  but  will  remain  loyal  to  our 
watchwords,  "The  injury  to  one  is  the 
concern  of  all."  Where  can  you  find 
a  more  open  confession  of  justice  than 
the  watchword  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  of  North  America? 

I  want  to  say  one  word  to  the  lodges 
that  are  not  active,  and  there  are  a 
few  in  the  territory  I  have  traveled, 
that  give  up  too  easy  and  shut  the 
lodge-room  door  not  to  be  opened  only 
on  special  occasions.  While  I  realize 
the  burden  rests  on  the  shoulders  of 
the  active  few,  if  they  will  use  their 
best  efforts  and  go  forth  with  a  deter- 
mination to  hold  meetings  that  in  time 
will  stimulate  others  to  become  more 
active  members  and  assist  them  in 
their  efforts  to  continue  life  and  active 


work  which  are  so  necessary  to  suc- 
cess. While  the  obstacles  that  stand 
in  our  way  are  hard  to  overcome  with 
members  who  are  indifferent  and  only 
feel  that  their  duty  is  to  pay  for  the 
liberal  insurance  given  by  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  and  when  they  have  done  that 
they  feel  they  have  done  their  entire 
part.  But,  brothers,  I  hope  you  will 
consider  what  our  noble  order  has 
done  for  you  to  help  you  to  pay  for  the 
protection  to  yourself  and  family  and 
talk  the  true  history  of  our  union  to 
all  eligible  men  you  meet  that  they 
also  may  help  to  continue  the  good 
work  that  has  been  so  nobly  begun  by 
becoming  members  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.        Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  H.  POBTEB. 


Mrs.  Maggie  Pd%vefs  Dead. 

Several  of  our  members  will,  no 
doubt,  remember  delegate  C.  E.  Pow- 
ers from  Lodge  90,  and  his  amiable 
wife,  at  the  1907  Detroit  convention. 
The  following  announcement  of  Mrs. 
Powers'  death  appeared  in  the  June 
20  issue  of  the  McAlester  Netos-Oap- 
ital: 

John  R.  Whiteacre  received  a  tele- 
gram this  morning  from  San  Diego, 
Cal.,  announcing  the  death  at  11 
o'clock  last  night  of  his  sister,  Mrs. 
Maggie  Powers,  who  left  here  six 
weeks  ago  with  the  hope  that  the  cli- 
mate of  the  coast  might  restore  her 
health. 

The  funeral  will  be  held  at  San 
Diego.  She  leaves  no  children.  She 
lived  In  McAlester  many  years  and 
has  many  friends  here  who  will  be 
pained  to  hear  of  her  death,  although 
it  does  not  come  entirely  unexpected. 

A.  Whiteacre,  father  of  Mrs.  Pow- 
ers, went  to  join  his  daughter  recently 
but  had  started  home  without  realis- 
ing how  serious  her  condition  was. 


A  horse-dealer  complained  to  a  mag- 
istrate that  some  malicious  person  had 
cut  off  his  horse's  tail,  which,  as  he 
meant  to  sell  it,  would  be  a  great  draw- 
back. 

"Then,"  said  the  magistrate,  '"you 
must  sell  the  animal  wholesale." 

"Wholesale?"  replied  the  other. 
"What  do  you  mean?    How  so?" 

"Because  you  cannot  re^il  It,"  was 
Ae  replr. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


CoBBaslcatloM  for  Ik*  JOUBNAL  mast  b«  rM«lv«d  BEFOBE 
Ik*  15tb  of  Ik*  BOBtk  to  lB««r«  pabllcaMoB.  All  CoflUBaslca- 
tloB«  for  tb«  JOUBNAL  mast  b«  aocooipaBlttd  by  tk«  »am« 
of  tk«  ••■d«r«  oad   wi1tt«a  oaly   oa  ob«  aid*  of  tk«   popor. 


Supcfior»Wis.~No.  107. 

Bditob  Switchmsn'8  Journal  : 

As  this  is  my  first  attempt  at  writ- 
ing for  the  SwiTOHiCEN's  Joubnal,  I 
do  not  expect  to  make  a  success  of  it» 
but  it  i3  up  to  somebody  to  do  some- 
thing to  stir  up  the  members  of  Lodge 
No.  107  and  get  them  started  to  attend 
the  meetings,  hence  this  little  "bawling 
out"  in  the  pink  book. 

For  a  bunch  of  men  that  they  have 
proven  themeelves  to  be  in  1909,  one 
would  expect  they  were  good  mem- 
bers, but  they  are  not,  inasmuch  as 
but  a  very  few  of  them  ever  turn  out 
to  go  to  a  meeting.  Wake  up,  broth- 
ers, and  get  busy.  There  is  a  loc  to  do 
if  we  are  ever  going  to  get  another 
raise  in  wages,  or  better  working  con- 
ditions. Tou  will  never  get  it  if  you 
do  not  attend  meetings,  or  make  any 
attempt  to  get  new  members,  and  you 
are  slack  about  doing  either.  Of 
course,  I  know  this  is  the  baseball 
season,  and  some  of  you  are  ardent 
fans  and  don't  want  to  miss  a  game 
of  ball  on  Sunday  afternoon,  but  we 
have  an  evening  meeting  once  a 
menth.  Why  not  divide  up  ycur  en- 
thusiasm and  come  to  one  meeting  at 
least?  It  will  pay  you  in  the  long 
run. 

Come  on  in,  boys;  the  water's  fine. 

Whatever  should  we  do  for  a  dele- 
gate to  the  next  convention  if  any- 
thing were  to  happen  to  Jack  or 
Oliver?  Take  care  of  yourselves,  boys, 
and  do  not  plunge  ys  into  grief.  It 
takes  a  member  that  is  in  actual 
switching  service,  and  one  that  has  at- 
tended twelye  meetings  in  the  year  be- 
fore convention,  so  wake  up,  brothers, 
and  get  busy,  for  the  way  you  are 
doing  now  will  never  get  you  any- 
thing. 

Remember,  too,  that  it  will  soon  be 


time  to  go  to  the  polls,  and  if  you  do 
not  know  how  to  vote,  take  a  look  at 
th^  little  old  Appeal  to  Reason,  and 
do  not  scab  at  the  polls,  but  put  your 
shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  work  and 
vote  for  your  own  interest.  If  you  do 
not,  no  one  else  will. 

Say,  what's  the  matter  with  the 
"Big  Noise"  that  we  do  not  get  any 
more  of  his  breezy  letters.  Come, 
Curley,  let's  hear  from  you  again. 

And  if  any  of  the  Winnipeg  bunch 
see  this,  "Smokey,"  for  instance,  stop 
working  long  enough  to  let  us  know 
that  you  are  still  in  the  business  of 
writing  a  letter  to  the  Journal. 

Well,  boys,  I  have  "bawled"  you  out, 
now  I  feel  better,  and  will  switch  off. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Joe  Pete. 


Empoffte,  Kansas.— No.  33. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Just  a  few  words  from  Sunflower 
Lodge  No.  33.  We  have  almost  doubled 
our  membership  in  the  last  sixty 
days,  under  a  depression  of  business, 
and  we  have  taken  in  all  good  ma- 
terial, none  with  a  yellow  streak  up 
their  backs. 

Vice-President  Misenhelter  paid  us 
a  visit  some  time  ago  and  gave  us  all 
good  advice,  which  all  the  brothers  ap- 
preciated. From  all  indications,  Bro. 
Misenhelter  is  doing  good  work  for 
the  S.  XJ,  Men  that  read  and  study 
the  labor  conditions  of  the  country 
have  begun  to  see  that  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  is  a  progressive  organization, 
and  has  and  does  look  after  the  good 
and  welfare  of  yard  men,  which  can- 
not be  said  of  any  other  organization. 
The  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  has  set  the  pace 
for  all  railroad  organlzationB  for  the 
past  ten  years  for  wages  and  better 


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518 


JOUiRNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


conditions.  I  quote  you  ttie  following 
article  taken  from  Emporia  Oaxette, 
Topeka,  Kans.,  July  8th:  "The  biggest 
victory  for  union  labor  in  Kansas  for 
many  years  was  won  Saturday,  when 
the  Supieme  Ck>urt  of  the  State  hand- 
ed down  the  decision  that  a  member  of 
a  union  cannot  be  discharged  because 
he  refuses  to  sign  a  statement  to  with- 
draw from  the  union." 

Said  €im  A.  Bramlette,  president  of 
the  Kansas  State  Federation  of  Labor: 
"This  decision  means  a  great  deal  to 
the  labor  forward  movement,  since 
men  Lave  been  discharged  because 
they  have  belonged  to  labor  organiza- 
tions, and  have  been  unable  to  get  a 
prosecution  started  in  some  of  the  dis- 
trict courts.  With  the  constitution- 
ality of  the  law  established,  the  legal 
d^rtment  of  the  State  Federation 
will  lend  its  assistance  in  the  prosecu- 
tion of  every  case  where  the  law  is  vio- 
lated." 

I  consider  this  a  grand  decision  for 
the  S.  U.  While  it  is  an  evident  fact 
that  the  S.  U.  have  been  discriminated 
against  in  this  State  for  no  other  rea- 
sons than  being  progressive  and  fight- 
ing for  rights. 

Will  close,  wishing  success  to  the 
S.  U.  of  N,  A. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
J.  E.  McDonald, 
Treasurer  Lodge  No,  33. 


Rock  bland,  III.-N0.  133. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

A  short  time  ago  Lodge  No.  133  had 
the  pldasure  of  a  visit  from  our  Inter- 
national President,  Bro.  Heberling, 
which  was  greatly  enjoyed  by  all  who 
had  the  opportunity  of  meeting  him 
and  hearing  him  discuss  current  sub- 
jects pertaining  to  our  organization. 
It  was  our  good  fortune  to  have  him 
with  us  on  Sunday.  June  9th.  We  held 
open  meetings  in  Industrial  Hall  both 
afternoon  and  evening,  and  both  meet- 
ings were  well  attended.  At  both 
meetings  Bro.  Heberling  delivered  a 
very  able  address,  and  we  feel  sure  a 
great  deal  of  good  will  oome  from  his 
addresses  and  visit  with  us.  His  re- 
marks contained  plenty  of  food  for 
present  and  future  thought  that  will 
be  appropriate  for  use  at  any  time, 
and  should  be  thoughtfully  considered 
and  weighed  by  all  who  enjoyed  the 


privilege  of  hearing  them.  Generally 
speaking,  '^e  are  doing  fairly  well  and 
are  increasing  our  membership  and 
Improving  in  most  every  way  with  the 
exception  of  lodge  attendance,  for 
which  neglect  the  same  old  excuses 
prevail:  Too  hot  in  summer,  too  cold 
in  winter,  couldn't  get  out,  etc.,  all 
very  lame  ones  and^  none  of  which 
prevent  the  non-attendants  from  going 
to  othor  places  to  spend  a  Monday 
evening  or  Sunday  morning.  Of  one 
thing,  however,  we  are  always  as- 
sured, and  that  is  if  a  brother  is  in 
trouble  with  the  company,  pulled  out 
of  service  for  any  mishap,  or  has  a 
serious  grievance  of  any  nature  that 
require  attention  of  the  lodge  for  ad- 
justment, we  can  always  find  such 
brother  waiting  at  the  lodge  door  for 
admission  and  the  privilege  of  having 
his  grievance  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  adjustment  committee  forthwith. 
If  his  troubles  are  easily  and  prompt- 
ly adjusted  we  will  most  likely  not 
have  the  privilege  of  enjoying  his 
presence  and  companionship  at  an- 
other meeting  for  a  long  time,  but, 
perchance,  the  grievance  should  be  of 
such  na;ture  that  it  required  a  consid- 
erable length  of  time  to  adjust,  we 
would  in  such  case  be  likely  to  be  fa- 
vored with  his  presence  at  more  thar 
one  meeting.  It  is  quite  possible  if  all 
the  brothers  attended  all  the  meetings, 
or  as  many  of  them  as  possible,  and 
took  a<tive  part  in  discussions  rela- 
tive to  their  duties  as  members  of  the 
union  and  as  employes  of  the  company 
for  which  they  worked,  there  would  be 
fewer  grievances  to  attend  to,  since 
there  would  be  more  thought  given  to 
such  matters.  So,  brothers.  If  you'll 
get  the  habit  of  attending  all  your 
lodge  meetings  and  becoming  actively 
interested  in  the  workings  of  the 
lodge,  you'll  soon  find  you're  "to  the 
good"  on  account  of  so  doing. 

On  Sunday,  June  30th,  a  committee 
from  I'Odge  No.  133  waited  upon  our 
terminal  trainmaster,  Mr.  P.  W.  Ros- 
ser,  and  presented  him  with  a  very 
nice  watch  and  chain  as  a  souvenir  of 
the  days  spent  in  the  Tri-GIties.  His 
recent  promotion  to  the  superintend- 
ency  of  an  Iowa  division  with  head- 
quart  9i<9  located  a  EsheviHe,  la.,  dating 
from  July  1st,  made  it  necessary  for 
his  moving  to  that  point.  On  account 
of  his  departure  the  switchmen  have 
lost  one  of  the  best  officials  we  ever 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


519 


had  to  deal  with,  as  he  was  always 
fair  aod  would  lend  a  helping  hand 
to  any  worthy  brother  who  was  in 
trouble.  However,  we  are  glad  to 
know  his  services  were  appreciated  by 
the  company  and  hope  he  will  merit 
even  greater  success  in  his  new  field. 

We  are  ^so  glad  to  inform  our 
brothers  of  the  promotion  of  one  of 
our  own  members  whose  services  have 
been  appreciated  by  the  company  to 
the  extent  that  he  now  uses  the  sufl^ 
Y.  M.  after  his  name.  We  are  all  cer- 
tainly pleased  to  hear  of  Bro.  Milke*s 
promotion,  and  we  wish  him  abundant 
success  in  his  new  position  and  sin- 
cerely trust  all  the  brothers  will  do 
all  within  their  power  to  help  him 
along  and  to  convince  the  company 
there  was  no  mistake  made  when  it 
selected  one  of  our  rank  for  this  posi- 
tion. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  brothers,  I 
remain.    Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Ben  Jacobson. 


Eiiid»Okla.--No.  196. 

Editor  Switchmicn's  Journal: 

l^odge  No.  196  is  still  the  same  en- 
thusiastic bunch  as  they  were  on  the 
29th  day  of  April  when  they  entered 
the  noble  order  of  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and 
every  member  is  always  on  the  out- 
look for  new  members,  and  so  far  we 
have  landed  every  man  that  has  gone 
to  work  here.  They  put  on  an  extra 
engine  since  last  I  wrote  the  pink 
book,  and  we  obtained  two  new  mem- 
bers by  it,  the  third  man  of  the  crew 
being  already  a  member  in  good 
standing. 

In  reading  the  Journal  for  May  X 
noticed  that  quite  a  few  of  the  broth- 
ers spoke  of  the  political  situation  of 
the  country  In  regard  to  the  views  of 
the  men  we  vote  for,  or  labor  troubles. 
Brothers,  one  and  all  of  you,  did  you 
ever  sit  down  and  think  just  how 
great  an  amount  of  the  great  nation's 
population  are  entirely  dependent  on 
the  railroad  for  a  living  and  what  it 
would  mean  if  we  send  men  to  make 
our  laws  that  have  our  interest  at 
heart,  men  that  could  and  would  close 
their  eyes  to  the  outstretched  hand  of 
Capita],  and  stand  up  and  fight,  tooth 
and  nail,  for  the  Interest  of  tne  men 
who  gave  them  their  office.  We  can 
go  on  forever  and  ever  letting  Capital 


buy  these  men  that  we  are  now  send- 
ing to  the  Capitol,  and  we  shall  al- 
ways be  the  downtrodden  class  of  la- 
borers, but  as  soon  as  we  open  our 
eyes  and  vote  for  Labor  and  n>t  Capi- 
tal we  can  hold  our  heads  up  as  high 
as  anyone;  our  wives  and  children  can 
enjoy  life  as  the  great  God  above  in- 
tended they  should  do.  So,  brother, 
before  you  go  to  the  polls  next  elec- 
tion day,  think  and  talk  it  over  with 
your  lcIIow  men  and  pick  out  the  one 
candidate  who  stands  for  the  good  of 
the  laboring  man,  and  when  you  have 
scratched  your  ticket  you  will  know 
you  have  helped  the  cause  that  much. 
With  all  the  smart  men  we  have  among 
the  laboring  class,  surely  there  is  some 
one  that  we  could  elect  who  would 
give  us  a  square  deal,  so  let's  put  him 
up  and  get  him  in  line  for  that  office. 

I  think  Bro.  A.  L.  Guntz  brought 
out  a  Nery  good  point  in  his  letter  for 
May  regarding  Section  100  of  the  con- 
stitution, and  I  hope  that  every  brother 
will  see  it  in  the  same  light,  and  have 
it  changed  or  amended  in  our  next 
convention,  for  why  should  the  widows 
and  orphans  be  made  to  suffer  for  our 
follies? 

In  closing,  I  wish  to  thank  Bro. 
Russell  of  Lodge  No.  217  for  his  kind 
help  toward  organizing  Lodge  No.  196. 
He  lost  time  of  his  own  free  will  and 
accord  to  help  us  out.  Bro.  Russell  is 
a  good,  loyal  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  man,  and 
I  hope  to  live  to  see  the  day  when  the 
lodge  rooms  all  over  the  country  will 
be  filled  with  men  of  his  class,  real 
workers,  not  merely  members  who  pay 
their  dues  and  think  they  have  ful- 
filled their  duty. 

Every  meeting  Lodge  No.  196  has 
had  we  have  had  over  90  per  cent,  of 
the  members  in  attendance. 

So  much  for  this  time. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  A.  Starbuck,  Jr. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.— No.  4. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  I  didn't  have  a  letter  in  the  last 
edition  of  the  Journal  will  have  to  at- 
tend to  this  matter  for  August,  as  I 
have  been  notified  by  several  of  the 
brothers  that  I  will  get  canned  if  I 
do  not  hit  the  ball. 
There   is   not   very  much   to  write 


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JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITOHMBN'6 


alMut  Just  now,  except  that  buBiness 
has  picked  up  a  little  and  the  extra 
men  are  doing  fairly  well. 

Bro.  Dlgman  has  joined  the  First 
Ward  Athletic  Club's  baseball  team, 
and  says  the  right  field  at  Collins  Park 
was  made  for  him  to  go  swimming  in. 

Bro.  Hook  Carr  says:  Whoa,  Colts, 
19  and  5. 

Bro.  Bagley  is  trying  to  interest  the 
boys  in  a  new  union-made  hat  which 
he  sprung  on  us  recently. 

Bro.  Pankow  says  Bros.  B.  Frizzell 
and  Judge  put  up  a  Job  on  him  and  he 
has  purchased  a  carload  of  knobs  to 
get  even. 

It  is  reported  that  Bro.  Vance 
Yount  saved  his  torpedoes  for  the  4th. 

Bro.  Digman  reports  that  Bros.  Bert 
.Evoy  and  Kenny  queered  the  Joy 
street  Job  and  had  him  disqualified. 

Bro.  McGarvey  thought  he  was  doing 
fine  and  dandy  as  the  draw-stick  man 
on  the  do-it-all  Job,  but  has  since  been 
placed  on  the  house  engine  days, 
where  he  has  nothing  to  do. 

Bro.  John  Gangloff  met  with  painful 
but  not  eerious  accident  recently, 
having  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  the 
nail  on  the  fore  finger  of  his  right 
hand. 

Somebody  put  Bro.  Warning  in 
wrong  with  the  Sloan  constable  at 
Harlem  avenue,  thereby  causing  Bro. 
Warning  a  lot  of  trouble  and  to  lose  a 
lot  of  sleep. 

Brothers,  the  town  of  Sloan  needs 
the  money,  so  it  will  stand  the  con- 
ductors in  hand  to  see  that  the  cross- 
ing at  Harlem  avenue  is  kept  open, 
as  it  looks  Just  now  as  though  you 
will  have  no  protection  except  your- 
selves, and  I  know  that  none  of  the 
brother  conductors  have  $50  to  throw 
away. 

Well,  brothers,  I  can't  think  of  any- 
thing more  to  write  for  this  time,  so 
will  "pull  the  pin  and  go  In  the  hay." 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gib. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.-No.  209. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Evening  Star  Lodge  No.  209  greets 
the  members  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  through  the  pink  book  and 
hopes  they  are  all  working. 

The  volume  of  business  handled  by 
the  railroads  appears  to  be  increasing, 
which    speaks   well    for   the   working 


class.  It  is  pleasing  to  note  the  in- 
creased membership  and  interest  in 
the  organized  labor  movement,  as  it 
denotes  a  serious  concern  for  the  fu- 
ture. But  unionism  must  not  stop  at 
membership,  but  must  awaken  its 
members  to  the  fact  that  big  business 
will  not  grant  a  shorter  work-day  and 
increased  wages  without  a  struggle. 

The  Chicago  convention  (RepuMi- 
can),  and  the  Baltimore  convention 
(Democratic),  do  not  seem  to  favor  the 
recall  of  Judges,  some  of  whose  unjust 
decisions  were  especially  rendered  to 
curtail  the  growing  labor  movement, 
therefore,  it  is  up  to  the  union  men  to 
stop  and  think  at  this  coming  presi- 
dential election  and  to  try  to  place 
as  many  of  its  own  class  in  power  as 
possible.  Throughout  the  greater  part 
of  our  country  unionism  and  Social- 
ism have  been  working  hand  in  hand, 
so  Bro.  Shults  of  Lodge  No.  46  need 
not  be  offended  if  his  fellow  workers 
call  him  a  Socialist  The  Progressives 
of  both  the  two  older  political  parties 
are  advocating  Socialistic  principles 
and  are  forming  a  new  political  organ- 
ization on  those  principles. 

You  have  noticed  on  the  railroad 
crossings  a  sign  which  reads:  Stop! 
Listen!  Look  out  for  the  cars.  Union 
men,  I  say.  Stop!  Think!  Look  out 
for  the  future  of  not  only  yourself 
but  your  family  and  your  fellow  man. 
I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
C.  Babkeb. 
Journal  Agent, 


BnNidock,  Pa.— No.  212. 

Editor  Switchmeit's  Journal: 

Not  having  seen  anything  in  the 
Journal  from  Lodge  No.  212  for  some 
time,  I  think  it  is  up  to  me  to  let  the 
brothers  throughout  the  country 
know  that  we  are  still  in  existence 
and  doing  business  in  the  same  old 
place. 

Business  is  booming  on  the  Union 
Railroad  and  in  the  mill  yards  around 
here  at  present,  and  things  look  favor- 
able for  a  continuance  of  the  present 
state  of  things. 

We  took  in  three  new  members  at 
our  last  meeting  and  have  three  more 
for  the  next,  and  with  prospects  of  a 
few  more.  The  brothers  here  are  all 
working  hard  to  build  up  the  S.  U.  in 
this  district  and  we  are  doing  fairly 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


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well,  ccnsidering  the  mount  of  knock- 
ers there  are  here.  We  are  having  an 
uphill  fight,  but  our  opponents  will 
see  that  we  are  stickers  and  mean  to 
stay  for  the  finish  and  make  this  one 
of  the  strongest  S.  U.  districts  in  the 
country  if  it  can  he  done,  and  I  for 
one  think  it  can.  If  the  brothers  will 
all  put  their  shoulders  to  the  wheel 
and  hand  the  no-bill  that  is  working 
with  them  an  application  and  have  a 
little  talk  with  him  and  tell  him  what 
the  S.  U.  is  and  what  it  will  do  for 
him  as  it  has  always  done  for  others, 
I  don't  think  it  will  be  hard  to  line 
them  up.  Go  after  them,  brothers,  for 
the  good  of  the  S.  U.  and  your  own 
cau^,  and  see  what  you  can  do  with 
them. 

I  would  like  to  «=«ay  a  few  words 
about  the  brothers  not  attending  meet- 
ings. Come  out,  brothers,  and  come 
down  to  the  hall  and  see  what  is  going 
on.  We  want  you  there  at  every 
meeting,  if  possible,  but  if  you  can't 
come  to  every  meeting,  you  can  attend 
at  least  once  a  month,  for  our  meet- 
ings are  arranged  so  you  can  attend 
at  least  once  a  month,  no  matter  if 
you  work  day  or  night — so  come  along. 

Hoping  this  does  not  find  the  waste 
basket,  I  will  close  wishing  the  best 
of  success  to  the  S.  U.  and  all  the 
brothers. 

Yours  in  B,,  H.  and  P., 
R.  E.  Stell, 

Recording  Secretary  Lodge  No,  212. 


Chicago,  III.— No.  19. 

EiDiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Not  having  written  for  our  pink 
book  for  some  time,  I  will  try  and  let 
the  brothers  know  what  is  going  on 
in  this  part  of  Chicago. 

We  had  the  pleasure  of  having  Bros. 
Connors  and  Clohessy  with  us  at  our 
last  meeting  and  we  were  very  glad  to 
see  them.  They  gave  us  a  very  inter- 
esting talk  on  the  good  of  the  order, 
which  we  enjoyed  very  much  and  they 
also  told  us  about  their  work  in  and 
around  Chicago.  We  were  glad  to 
hear  that  they  are  trying  to  organize 
a  lodge  on  the  C.  ft  N.  W.  at  Chicago 
and  wish  them  success.  We  are  very 
sorry  we  had  so  few  brothers  at  our 
meeting  to  hear  Bros.  Connors  and 
Clohessy  talk.  Lodge  No.  19  is  noted 
for  poor,  attendance  at  meetings.  It 
is  the  same  old  story — they  promise  to 
come,  but  never  get  there.     It  is  a 


^'ery  easy  matter  to  attend  at  least  one 
meeting  a  month,  so,  brothers,  try  to 
come. 

We  put  one  candidate  through  at 
our  last  meeting  and  I  am  sorry  to 
say  that  he  had  to  drop  one  brother 
for  non-payment  of  dues.  So,  broth- 
ers, pay  more  attention  to  your  dues. 
Get  them  in  on  time  and  keep  paid  up. 

We  also  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting 
with  the  sisters  of  the  auxiliary  on 
June  15th,  at  which  time  the  officers 
of  the  new  West  Side  Auxiliary  were 
installed.  Grand  President  Sister 
Clark  being  the  installing  officer.  Sis- 
ter Clark  gave  a  good  talk  on  the 
work  of  the  auxiliary.  Sister  O'Con- 
nor also  gave  quite  a  talk  on  the  aux- 
iliary, after  which  refreshments  were 
served  and  dancing  enjoyed.  The  new 
lodge  will  be  known  as  West  Side 
Lodge  No.  8. 

Wishing  the  new  lodge  success  and 
hoping  that  the  brothers  will  pay 
more  attention  to  meetings  and  their 
dues,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

J.  Norman. 


Chicago,  m.— No.  68. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  know  I'm  late  with  my  letter,  but 
hope  not  too  late — anyhow,  the 
weather  has  been  too  sultry  to  write, 
but  its  cooler  now  and  1*11  endeavor  to 
tell  our  members  a  few  things,  if  not 
many. 

First  of  all,  I  wish  to  say  our  boat 
eicur^on  was  a  grand  success,  as  we 
had  hoped  and  felt  assured  it  would 
be.  We  desire  to  thank  all  who  took 
advantage  of  going  with  us  on  the  trip, 
or  those  who  didn't  or  couldn't,  but 
who  aided  us  in  other  ways  to  make 
it  a  success.  I  wish  to  especially  ten- 
der our  deep  debt  of  gratitude  to  the 
members  of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  for 
their  presence  and  hearty  cooperation, 
without  which  it  would  have  been  im- 
possible to  have  succeeded  as  we  did 
in  that  effort.  Fortunately  for  our 
members  in  this  city  these  sisters  al- 
ways come  to  our  rescue,  not  only  at 
picnics,  balls,  etc.,  but  at  hospitals, 
sick  rooms  at  our  homes  and  at  fu- 
nerals as  well.  Their  presence,  assist- 
ance and  funds  are  in  evidence  when- 
ever the  conditions  and  circumstances 
justify  it.  So  no  brother  should  ever 
condemn  the  auxiliary,  but  should,  in- 
stead, study  Its  principles  and  encour- 


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522 


JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'8 


age  those  who  are  endeavoring  to  build 
it  up  in  every  way  they  can. 

On  the  day  of  our  pleasure  trip  we 
were  aleo  fortunate  in  having  access 
to  two  boats  instead  of  one.  I  feel 
safe  in  saying  everyone  enjoyed  the 
outing  and  returned  home  pleased  on 
account  of  having  gone.  The  only 
serious  mishap  that  occurred  during 
the  event  was  the  loss  of  the  voice  of 
Bro.  Powers,  who  was  yardmast^r  on 
one  of  the  boats,  but  it  soon  came  back 
to  him  and  you  would  never  know 
from  the  present  tones  coming  from 
his  vocal  chords  that  they  were  ever 
strained. 

Vice-President  Clohessy  also  hon- 
ored the  occasion  by  his  presence,  and 
with  words  of  good  cheer  for  the  mem- 
bers and  their  families  and  advice  and 
solicitation  to  non-members  aboard 
that  they  should  line  up  in  the  organ- 
ization representing  their  vocation. 
He  appears  to  be  a  good  organizer 
whether  on  land  or  water  and  some  of 
those  present  were  so  uncharitable  as 
to  remark  that  it  would  not  be  advis- 
able to  send  him  on  a  very  extended 
water  route  excursion  '  for  fear  the 
'longshoremen's  organization  would 
capture  him  and  draft  him  as  an  or- 
panlzer.  Anyhow,  he  doesn't  forget  or 
neglect  to  put  in  sledge-hammer  licks 
for  the  S.  U.  wherever  he  is. 

Now,  brothers,  it  will  require  an 
extra  amount  of  effort  during  this  hot 
weather  and  dull  business  season  to 
keep  our  membership  up  to  high-water 
mark,  and  the  proper  amount  of  en- 
thusiasm among  the  membership  as  we 
should.  So  we  must  all  give  all  the 
attention  possible  to  it.  Let's  make 
it  a  point  to  have  some  appli- 
cations always  with  us  available 
for  use  among  the  men  with 
whom  we  work.  We  should  also  make 
It  a  point  to  approach  every  non-mem- 
ber who  is  elifiHble  not  only  once  upon 
the  subject  of  the  advisability  of  be- 
coming a  member,  but  continually  do- 
ing so  until  he  Joins  it  to  get  rid  of 
us.  if  for  no  other  purpose — and  then 
when  you  go  home  sugereet  to  your 
wife  she  ought  to  join  the  auxiliary, 
if  s^e  doesn't  already  belong.  It  re- 
quires a  lot  of  vim  and  effort  to  suc- 
ceed in  these  things,  and  we  should 
make  use  of  all  we  have.  If  we  do 
we'll  boom. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

John  Cole. 


Chicago,  W.— No.  79. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  take  this  opportunity  to  write  a 
few  lines  for  the  August  issue  as  it  is 
seldom  you  have  a  letter  from  No.  79 
appear  in  your  columns. 

I  don't  think  it  amiss  to  appear  two 
months  in  succession,  and  I  don*t 
think  I  am  breaking  any  rule.  I  hope 
that  none  of  the  brothers  will  feel  of- 
fended at  any  remarks  I  may  make, 
especially  members  of  No.  79. 

1  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  find  so 
many  of  the  switchmen  that  are  not 
true  to  their  obligation  and  promiBe 
that  I  cannot  refrain  from  making 
some  comment  on  them,  for  there  is 
nothing  a  real  union  man  despises  so 
much  as  the  unfaithfulness  to  an  ob- 
ligation supposed  to  be  given  in  good 
faith,  and  depended  upon  by  those  re- 
ceiving it  both  by  members  and  offi- 
cers of  an  organization.  This  is  a  per- 
fectly natural  feeling  because  a  broken 
obligation  and  promise,  always  results 
in  injury  to  some  one  and  that  is  the 
case  with  many  members  of  oar 
union.  I  am  sorry  to  say,  but  never- 
theless it  is  true,  our  members  look 
too  lightly  on  their  obligation  and 
promises  and  do  not  hold  them  seri- 
ous enough.  If  they  would  only  give 
them  the  proper  consideration  and 
weigh  its  intent  and  purpose,  and  take 
it  and  think  over  it  in  the  same  earn- 
est way  that  it  is  administered  to  liiiu 
he  would  become  an  active  member 
instead  of  just  a  paying  one.  There 
is  no  trait  of  character  more  valuable 
in  a  member  than  to  be  true  to  his  ob- 
ligation and  promises  he  gave  to  the 
organization  of  his  calling. 

This  is  doubly  true  when  applied  to 
obligation  and  promises  taken  upon 
his  becoming  a  member  of  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for  our  competitors 
in  the  field  take  a  kick  at  us  when 
they  find  we  have  members  that 
hold  their  obligation  as  they  would  a 
piece  of  ice  when  the  thermometer  is 
at  110.  Brothers,  hold  it  just  as  sa- 
cred as  you  would  your  oath  to  your 
country  in  time  of  war.  The  switch- 
men who  will  not  keep  his  proTiise* 
usually  cannot  be  depended  upon  in 
any  event  and  he  is  no  good  to  him- 
self or  the  members  he  toils  with  or 
to  the  organization  he  swore  to  be 
true  to.  What  is  a  switchman  without 
being  backed  up  by  character  and  his 
promises  and  obligation.  .  Experience 


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UNION   OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


523 


and  ability  in  the  possession  of  a 
switchman  with  no  character  is  a  det- 
riment to  the  members,  a  danger  to  be 
guarded  against  and  constantly  kept 
under  surveillance  lest  it  injure  or 
destroy  those  with  whom  it  comes  iu 
contact.  Character  and  honesty  stand 
head  and  shoulders  above  any  other 
thing  in  a  switchman.  Members  talk 
about  their  union  as  if  it  were  some- 
thing separate,  distinct  and  apart 
from  themselves.  They  growl  about 
the  union.  They  bemoan  its  shortcom- 
ings and  overlook  entirely  their  obli- 
gation and  promises  and  their  fail- 
ures. They  fall  to  see  that  they,  them- 
selves, are  the  union  and  only  as  they 
live  and  talk  and  act  as  union  men 
will  the  union  and  themselves  prosper 
for  the  success  of  the  union  is  yours 
and  it  will  be  what  it  was  intended  for 
simply  an  instrument  to  make  pos- 
sible better  conditions,  higher. wages 
and  shorter  workdays  for  its  mem- 
bers. I  am  also  surprised  to  find  so 
many  different  kind  of  union  men  in 
our  organization.  No.  79  has  her 
share  of  such.  We  have  several  that 
pay  their  dues  promptly  but  are  never 
known  to  attend  a  meeting,  but  are 
satisfied  with  what  action  is  taken  on 
all  matters  at  lodge  meetings.  We 
have  another  class  who  pay  their  dues 
promptly  and  never  attend  meetings, 
but  are  always  taking  a  kick  at  the 
oiflicers  and  the  few  members  who  at- 
tend regularly.  They  are  called  a 
"clique"  that  run  the  lodges.  There  is 
still  another  section  known  as  the 
third  class  who  never  have  their  dues 
paid  by  the  last  of  the  month,  and  if 
they  are  approached  about  it  give 
the  ofQcers  an  unlimitect  amount  of 
advertisement  by  stating  they  are  run- 
ning the  lodge  to  suit  themselves.  We 
have  still  another  section  that  is  com- 
posed of  brothers  who  don't  send  in 
their  dues  and  make  no  request  to  the 
lodge  meeting  or  to  the  treasurer  to 
be  carried;  consequently  are  sus- 
pended and  think  they  are  O.  K.  They 
do  not  realize  that  if  their  dues  are 
not  paid  on  or  before  the  last  day  of 
the  month  that  they  susi>end  them- 
selves without  further  action.  They 
do  not  seem  to  understand  that  at  12 
o'clock  midnight  the  last  day  of  the 
month  their  insurance  run  out  and  if 
anything  happened  to  them,  such  as 
losing  their  lives,  their  families  would 
receive  nothing,  or  if  they  lost  a  limb 
they  would  also  lose  $1&00,  or  what- 


ever amount  they  were  insured  for. 
I  advise  the  brothers  of  all  lodges  to 
be  prompt  with  their  dues  and  I 
especially  request  every  member  of 
No.  79  to  be  prompt  in  regard  to  this 
matter  as  I  will  not  take  more  inter- 
est in  you  than  you  do  in  yourself. 

So  let  us  all  belong  in  one  class 
from  now  on  and  it  will  make  things 
much  more  appreciated  by  your  offi- 
cers and  the  few  active  members  who 
attend  each  meeting.  See  to  it  that 
the  treasurer  has  your  dues  befqre  or 
by  the  last  day  of  the  month;  then  if 
you  lose  your  life  or  your  limb  your 
beneficiary  will  be  safe  to  receive  your 
claim  and  we  will  not  be  criticized  by 
our  competitors  in  the  field.  I  will 
conclude  with  best  wishes  to  all  mem- 
bers, and  may  the  organization  prosper. 
B.  Q.  WiLsox. 


East  St.  Louis,  lil.-^No.  16. 

ElDiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Again  Victory  Lodge  No.  16  has  its 
charter  draped  in  mourning,  this  time 
on  account  of  the  death  of  Bro.  E.  K. 
Cobb,  which  occurred  on  June  28th  at 
St.  Mary's  Hospital,  East  St.  Louis,  111. 
We  realize  that  we  have  had  one  of 
our  best  props  taken  from  us,  as  Bro. 
Cobb  was  always  looking  out  for  the 
welfare  of  our  union  and  our  indi- 
vidual membership  in  time  of  adversi- 
ties or  distress.  He  was  stricken  with 
disease  that  had  confined  him  for  near- 
ly eight  months  to  the  house  or  yard, 
but  as  long  as  he  could,  with  assist- 
ance move,  he  attended  our  meetings 
and  also  looked  after  the  office  of  sec- 
retary and  treasurer.  He  underwent 
two  very  critical  operations  and  suf- 
fered much,  but  to  the  last  was  as 
strong  mentally  as  ever.  I  had  talked 
personally  with  our  late  brother  be- 
fore the  second  operation  about  his 
condition,  and  I  can  truthfully  say 
that  he  had  no  fear  of  that  which 
comes  to  us  all — death.  He  spoke  to 
me  as  though  death  would  be  a  greater 
blessing  than  to  live  and  suffer,  and 
he  died  in  that  faith  which  teaches 
that  death  is  only  the  door  to  an- 
other life,  and  the  night  here  as  but 
the  dawn  of  a  brighter  day  in  the  be- 
yond. 

His  life  was  an  inspiration  for  good 
to  all  who  knew  him  and  his  painstak- 
ing service  and  interest  in  the  afFairs 
of  Victory  Lodge  No.  16,  a®  well  as 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITGHMBN'S 


those  pertaining  to  the  organization  in 
general,  made  him  a  most  valuable 
servant  to  the  cause.  It  is  a  great 
pleasure  to  be  privileged  to  have  such 
associates  in  life  and  their  services  en- 
listed in  such  worthy  enterprises.  He 
will  be  sadly  missed,  but  lovingly  re- 
membered by  all  who  knew  him. 

Bro.  H.  C.  Brown,  Sr.,  has  been 
elected  treasurer  and  E.  E.  Eames 
recording  secretary,  to  fill  the  va- 
cancy caused  by  the  death  of  Bro. 
Cobb.  Bro.  Brown  needs  no  introduc- 
tion to  a  majority  of  our  members, 
since  he  is  an  old  veteran  in  yard 
service,  having  done  work  as  helper, 
foreman  and  yardmaster  in  several 
yards  before  many  of  our  members 
were  born.  While  not  now  engaged  in 
such  service,  his  heart  is  in  the  work 
and  he  has  always  been  found  in  the 
ranks  of  the  switchmen  who  were 
striving  to  better  their  condition  of 
life.  Bro.  Brown  early  identified  him- 
self with  the  old  S.  M.  M.  A.  in  this 
city  and  during  nearly  all  the  history 
of  that  organization  was  the  custodian 
of  the  funds  of  Lodge  No.  18.  When 
the  petition  was  circulated  throughout 
the  various  yards  here  in  the  spring 
of  1899  for  the  purpose  of  establishing 
a  lodge  of  this  union,  "Hank" 
Brown's  name  was  one  of  the  first  to 
be  found  thereon  and  he  is  one  of  the 
very  few  charter  members  of  Victory 
Lodge  who  are  living,  and  have  never 
failed  to  pay  each  month's  dues  and 
assessments  since  our  charter  has 
been  placed  in  the  various  halls  occu- 
pied since  the  institution  of  the  lodge. 
Since  Bro.  Brown  no  longer  works  in 
the  yards  and  is  unable  to  run  after 
members  for  their  dues  and  assess- 
ments, the  members  in  each  yard 
should  make  it  a  point  to  have  their 
dues  in  his  possession  not  later  than 
the  last  day  of  the  month,  preceding 
the  month  for  which  paid,  otherwise 
he  will  be  compelled  to  suspend  them, 
much  as  he  may  regret  to  do  so.  Our 
constitution  is  very  clear  and  exact 
on  the  dues  paying  question  and  must 
be  lived  up  to  If  members  expect  to 
have  their  benefit  certificates  honorod 
and  paid  by  the  Grand  Lodge  when 
death  or  total  disability  overtakes 
them.  I  trust  each  member  of  our 
lodge  will  co-operate  with  the  officers 
and  try  to  increase  our  membership. 
We  would  be  glad  to  have  all  of  our 
members  who  are  not  now  doing  so, 
form  the  habit  of  always  carrying  a 


membership  application  in  their* 
pocket  where  it  will  be  available  for 
use.  We  would  also  like  all  members^ 
to  familiarize  themselves  with  the 
aims  of  the  union  and  explain  them  to- 
all  with  whom  they  work  who  are  not 
already  members  and  try  to  induce- 
them  to  Join  our  ranks  and  become 
actively  identified  in  our  work.  Such 
a  policy  on  the  part  of  our  members 
would  not  only  show  a  worthy  spirit 
of  appreciation  on  their  part  toward  a. 
cause  that  has  so  greatly  benefited 
them,  but  would  also  afford  a  means- 
of  strengthening  the  union  and  the  ac- 
complishment of  still  better  results  for 
switchmen  and  their  families.  Let  us 
also  try  and  attend  lodge  meetings  a. 
little  better  and  thereby  get  better  ac- 
quainted with  one  another  and  talk 
over  questions  of  interest  and  benefit 
to  all.  With  best  wishes  to  all  mem- 
bers in  their  efforts  to  prosper  and  up- 
build  the  union,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

E.  E.  Eames. 


Chaniftet  Kans.— No.  77. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxjbnal: 

Again  we  will  try  and  let  you  hear 
from  Lodge  No.  77.  We  Just  had  a 
recent  visit  from  Bro.  Miaenhelter^ 
and  he  gave  us  lots  of  good  news,  also 
good  advice.  Had  an  open  meeting, 
and  what  few  there  was  present  were 
certainly  well  paid  for  their  trouble, 
because  he  told  us  something  about 
unionism  that  will  last  for  all  time 
to  come,  and  that  is  federation.  If  we 
as  union  meti  expect  to  gain  and  not 
go  backward  that  is  the  only  solution* 
It  is  federation  or  step  down  and  out. 
It  has  certainly  come  to  the  time  that 
one  order  cannot  win.  Look  back- 
wards and  review  the  past  and  see 
how  much  easier  it  was  to  get  con- 
tracts, better  wages,  better  working- 
oonditions  than  it  is  today.  It  is  al- 
most impossible  for  any  one  order  to- 
get  anything  now.  Take  the  engineers 
in  the  east;  see  how  long  they  hav^ 
been  ond  have  got  nothing  yet.  Also- 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  here  on  the  Santa  Fe. 
They  have  been  several  months  try- 
ing to  get  a  yard  schedule,  and  have 
got  nothing  yet  but  some  big  assess- 
ments. Now,  brothers,  do  you  think 
that  if  we  were  all  under  a  nationaT 
federation  that  the  general  managers 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OP  NORTH   AMERICA. 


525 


would  put  UB  off  that  way?  No,  you 
kmow  they  would  not,  for  they  would 
not  dare  to.  We  notice  almost  every 
man  of  the  orders  are  heartily  in  fa- 
vor of  it.  Why  not  get  some  results? 
We  also  know  that  each  and  every 
Grand  Lodge  officer  of  the  S.  U.  of  N. 
A.  is  In  favor  of  such  a  move.  Where 
is  the  nigger  in  the  woodpile?  Let's 
hunt  him  out  and  kick  him  out  of  the 
way  and  push  the  movement  forward. 

We  would  like  to  write  some  on 
brotherly  love.  How  often  do  we  hear 
a  brother  speaking  ill  of  another,  and 
we  do  not  try  to  correct  the  brother. 
The  writer  will  plead  guilty  at  once. 
We  forget  our  obligation  almost  as 
soon  £ts  we  leave  the  lodge  room,  and 
do  not  try  and  give  an  erring  brother 
a  helping  hand.  Now  you  each  know 
this  is  not  right,  and  you  have  taken 
a  solemn  obligation  before  God  and 
man  that  you  will  assist  and  help  a 
brother  who  has  gotten  in  trouble  or 
has  erred  in  any  way.  You  do  not 
have  to  do  this  by  financial  aid  all  the 
time.  Sometimes  a  friendly  word  of 
advice  will  do  worlds  of  good  to  him 
and  may  help  him  retain  his  job  and 
by  that  means  furnish  support  to  his 
wife  and  children.  For  God's  sake  do 
not  get  the  idea  that  you  and  yours 
are  the  only  people  to  consider;  the 
other  brother  may  love  his  family  just 
as  well  as  you  do  yours. 

Now  we  will  hit  the  non-union  man 
another  jolt  He  will  work  along 
shoulder  to  shoulder  with  you  and 
you  can  coax,  beg  and  explain  the 
benefits  he  is  getting  through  your 
order,  and  cannot  get  him  to  join 
and  help  pay  for  what  he  is  getting. 
He  is  ten  times  worse  than  the 
knocker,  for  the  knocker  does  help  tp 
pay  the  freight,  but  the  non-union 
parasite  will  derive  all  the  benefits 
that  the  union  man  gets  and  will  boast 
about  it,  and  will  say,  "Well,  I  get  just 
as  much  as  Mr.  Brown  or  Mr.  Smith 
and  do  not  have  to  pay  anjrthing."  He 
will  also  have  the  gall  to  ask  you  how 
much  your  assessment  was  the  last 
time  your  adjustment  committee  was 
up  for  him  as  well  as  yourself.  Now, 
what  arc  we  going  to  do  with  such  a 
fellow?  We  are  at  a  loss  to  figure  him 
out.  Can  some  brother  devise  some 
plan  whereby  we  can  bring  him  to 
realize  what  is  his  duty?  We  have 
lots  of  them  here  in  all  branches  and 
have  advanced  all  kinds  of  arguments 


to  them  to  get  them  lined  up,  but  can- 
not Some  will  say,  ''Well,  I  will  in  a 
short  while,"  and  others  will  say,  *H3et 
the  other  fellow  and  I  will."  If  we 
all  would  have  done  that  way  where 
would  we  have  been  today?  We  some- 
times think  it  would  be  a  good  idea  to 
make  a  closed  shop  for  at  least  five 
years,  and  if  they  will  not  line  up 
where  they  belong  step  down  and  out 
and  let  the  union  man  in,  or  the  man 
that  is  willing  to  help  pay  the  way. 

Now,  brothers,  if  this  will  do  any 
good,  ask  every  non-union  man  to  read 
it  you  can. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

No.  77. 


Chicago  Junctioii,  O.—No.  155. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

I  will  endeavor  to  write  a  few 
lines  for  August  Joubnal  to  keep  the 
brothers  advised  of  the  fact  that  Lodge 
No.  155  is  still  on  the  map  and  is  also 
on  a  progressive  platform  seeking,  like 
all  other  true  labor  progressives,  for 
brighter,  better  days  and  things  for 
the  workers.  We  now  have  twenty- 
five  members  and  in  addition  have  a 
lot  of  good  timber  to  work  on,  and 
which  we  trust  we  will  soon  be  able  to 
have  added  to  the  roster  of  our  lodge. 
They  think  the  S.  U.  is  right,  in  fact, 
they  are  sure  of  it,  but  many  of  them 
can't  educate  themselves  to  the  point 
of  following  their  convictions  in  re- 
gard to  the  matter,  and  so  don't  give 
in  and  come  across  where  they  of  right 
belong  and  where  their  interests  are 
best  subserved.  So  many  of  them  can't 
break  away  from  the  saying  that  what 
"Pa  is  I  want  to  be,"  and  so  it  often- 
times happens  we  don't  make  the 
headway  we  desire  and  which  we 
really  should.  Some  time,  though,  we 
hope  men  will  open  their  eyes  and 
ears  to  reason  and  consistency,  and 
when  they  do  we  will  soon  have  those 
switching  cars  within  this  union.  It 
requires  much  time  and  patience  to 
educate  all  those  working  at  such  work 
to  the  importance  of  lining  up  in  a 
union  that  represents  their  calling, 
but  in  time  we  believe  we  will  be  able 
to  do  80.  I  am  sorry  to  tell  any 
brother  that  the  only  way  he  can  be 
a  switchman  on  the  B.  &  O.  is  to  get 
a  yard  position  on  the  road  as  brake- 
man  and  when  the  general  yardmas- 
ter  wants  any  more  men  in  the  yards 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


526 


JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITOHMBITS 


he  will  bulletin  it  for  ten  days  and  the 
oldest  man  making  application  for  the 
Job  bids  them  in  and  starts  in  on  the 
extra  list  in  yards.  This  affords  an- 
other illustration  of  how  the  B.  of  R. 
T.  use  the  yards  for  the  benefit  of  their 
road  men  to  get  improved  conditions 
for  road  men.  In  some  of  the  lower 
paid  yards  they  have  succeeded  in  get- 
ting a  cent  per  hour  raise  for  their 
men,  but  their  assessment  was  about 
$1S.00  per  member  for  accomplishing 
this  feat.  We  now  have  a  12-to-l  din- 
ner hour,  ten-hour  work-day  basis, 
begin  work  at  6  a.  m.  and  7  a.  m.,  and 
half  of  the  crews  can't  get  a  warm 
dinner  before  1  o'clock.  Before  get- 
ting this  schedule  these  same  crews 
were  making  eleven  and  twelve  hours 
per  day  and  were  relieved  at  the  same 
time  they  now  are,  so  for  an  $18.00 
assessment  they  received  an  advance 
of  one  cent  per  hour,  are  docked  two 
hours  per  day,  begin  and  quit  work  at 
the  same  time  they  did  before  getting 
their  new  agreement.  Will  some  one 
kindly  figure  out  for  me  how  much 
they  are  ahead  after  sacrificing  this 
$18.00  per  for  the  new  conditions?  I 
for  one  fail  to  see  the  advantages 
gained  for  all  this  outlay  and  some  of 
those  days  the  big  order  will  have  to 
show  its  members  why  this  getting 
inferior  conditions  comes  at  such  a 
high  price  to  Its  members  for  main- 
taining and  perpetuating  such  a 
system.  Even  some  of  Its  own  herd 
Is  getting  wise  to  its  game,  and  it 
can't  always  pull  the  wool  over  Its 
members'  eyes. 

But  the  only  way  to  overcome  such 
Injustices  to  those  workine:  In  the 
yards  along  systems  Is  for  those  who 
belong  to  this  union  to  become  mis- 
sionaries for  it  to  the  extent  of  build- 
ing it  up  so  strongly  in  all  the  yards 
that  it  can  get  the  schedules  and  have 
the  yard  men  separated  entirely  from 
road  men,  as  it  should  be.  There  will 
always  be  friction  between  the  two 
kinds  of  work  and  the  men  doing  it 
as  long  as  it  remains  as  it  now  is  on 
the  B.  &  O.  So  my  closing  admonition 
to  all  our  memibers  is  to  get  busy  and 
get  into  a  majority,  and  then  go  after 
the  schedules.  But  you  have  got  to 
have  the  majority  to  do  business  and 
you  have  got  to  hustle  hard  and  faith- 
fully and  in  some  cases  long  for  it. 
But  yard  men  must  control  the  yards 
or  suffer  the  abuses  that  result  from 


others  controlling  them,  as  they  are 
now  doing  in  so  many  places.  We  are 
reaping  some  of  the  fruits  you  hear  so 
much  about  when  a  B.  of  R.  T.  organ- 
izer comes  into  your  territory  and  tells 
you  about  what  the  big  order  will  get 
for  you  if  you  will  line  up  with  it. 
Well,  they're  lined  up  all  right  on  the 
B.  &  O.,  and  those  in  the  yard  service 
see  what  they  are  getting — ^tapped 
good  and  a-plenty. 

Wishing  all  members  the  best  of 
success  in  their  efforts  to  upbuild  the 
union  and  hoping  all  will  see  that  it 
is  their  duty  and  to  their  interest  to 
take  an  active  interest  in  the  work,  1 
remain,  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
A  Member  of  Lodge  No.  155. 


Tcrre  HautCt  Ind.— No.  94. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Well,  brothers,  once  more  our  little 
pinlr  book  is  at  hand,  and  as  usual, 
brim  full  of  interesting  articles.  We 
are  more  than  pleased  to  note  the 
letter  frorl  our  big  brother,  Jim  Con- 
nors (big  in  more  ways  than  one),  in 
reply  to  the  letter  written  by  J.  A. 
Kimbro,  published  in  the  May  number 
of  the  Journal.  Now,  in  our  <H>in4on, 
Bro.  Jim  most  certainly  spreads  it  all 
over  the  gentleman  in  a  very  conclu- 
sive and  uncontradictory  manner. 
Now,  brothers,  I  think  I  voice  the  sen- 
timents of  the  members  of  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  when  I  say  we  as  a  body  of 
union  men  have  no  war  with  the  B.  of 
R.  T.,  and  we  know  it  Is  a  good  and 
necessary  order,  and  were  I  in  the 
train  service  right  there  is  where  I 
would  be  enrolled.  Yet,  I  will  further- 
more say,  that  it  is  beyond  my  com- 
prehension why  men  engaged  In  the 
switching  service  will  continue  to  hold 
their  membership  in  that  organiza- 
tion and  continue  to  pay  the  excessive, 
heavy  assessments  levied  upon  them  lo 
defray  the  expense  of  a  so-called  com- 
mittee that  would  formulate  and  sign 
such  an  abortion,  miscarriage  of  jus- 
tice, or  monstrosity  (whichever  one 
would  prefer  to  call  it),  in  the  interest 
and  for  the  betterment  of  the  condi- 
tions of  men  in  the  switching  service 
of  the  N.,  C.  ft  St.  L.  R.  R.,  and  then 
call  it  a  schedule.  May  the  Lord  de- 
liver me  from  such  justice.  And,  In 
my  opinion,  switchmen  that  will  sub- 
mit to  such  treatment,  still  continuing 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


527 


to  be  legislated  for  by  such  cattle  as 
J.  A.  Kimbro,  must  certainly  be  crip- 
pled where  crutches  will  not  do  them 
any  good. 

Now,  boys  engaged  in  the  switching 
service,  why  can't  you  see  the  folly  of 
staying  away  from  and  out  of  the 
order  that  was  organized  for  the  epe- 
cial  benefit  of  men  engaged  in  switch- 
ing service?  If  you  are  enrolled  in 
any  labor  organization  other  than  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  you  may  be  in  the  right 
church,  but  you  are  undoubtedly  in  the 
wrong  pew;  and  if  you  do  not  belong 
to  any  labor  organization,  you  most 
certainly  are  unjust  to  yourself  and 
your  fellow-man. 

So,  come  now,  fellow  switchmen, 
break  the  fetters  that  bind  you  to  the 
wrong  past,  knock  the  scales  from 
your  eyes,  see  aright,  and  line  up  with 
the  order  that  was  organized  for  your 
benefit,  and  has  always  shown  itself 
ready  and  willing  to  assist  anyone  in 
a  just  fight  for  right,  and  can  without 
fear  of  contradiction  declare  that  we 
have  never  done  a  dishonorable  act  to- 
ward our  fellow-men. 

Well,  brothers,  our  International 
President  spent  a  short  time  with  us 
last  month.  We  held  an  open  meeting 
at  the  C.  L.  U.  club  rooms.  Meeting 
was  well  attended  by  members  of  the 
S.  U.,  with  a  crinkling  of  stingers. 
Bro.  Sam  delivered  quite  a  lengthy  and 
very  interesting  address.  Everybody 
in  attendance  was  well  satisfied  and 
felt  themselves  benefited  by  his  able 
words.  Come  again,  Sammy;  the 
latch-Btring  is  always  outside. 

It  Is  highly  gratifying  to  note  the  in- 
crease In  our  membership  in  the  past 
year,  and  It  proves  to  us  conclusively 
that  at  our  last  convention,  in  the 
selection  of  timber  for  our  Grand  offi- 
cers, we  chose  wisely  and  well  the 
ones  to  steer  our  grand  old  ship  to 
success.  Let  the  good  work  go  on, 
everyone  with  his  shoulder  to  ihe 
wheel,  and  our  ultimate  reward  will 
be  the  crown  of  success,  and  in  a  short 
time  switchmen  will  come  into  their 
own,  conditions  will  not  be  as  they 
now  are  in  parts  of  this  country, 
where  they  can  and  now  do  tell  you 
which  order  you  shall  Join  to  hold 
your  job.  We  are  rejoicing  in  the  fact 
that  we  have  the  manhood  to  belong  to 
the  other  order,  the  one  that  stands 
\  for  the  watchword,  "The  injury  of  one 
is  the  concern  of  all." 


Brothers,  we  of  Lodge  No.  94  at  the 
present  moment  are  enjoying  a  short 
visit  of  our  worthy  Bro.  J.  L.  Clark 
and  wife  of  Kansas  City,  Mo.  Sister 
Clark  Is  combining  business  with 
pleasure  in  the  fact  that  she  Is  organ- 
izing a  Icuiies'  auxiliary  to  Lodge  No. 
94  at  this  point,  and  may  unlimited 
success  attend  her  efforts.  Sister 
Clark  Is  very  much  Interested  In  her 
work,  is  undoubtedly  alive  to  the  im- 
portance of  her  work,  and  will  cer- 
tainly make  the  auxiliary  branch  of 
the  order  a  success. 

Several  of  us  enjoyed  an  informal 
visit  with  Bro.  Clark  and  wife  at  Bro. 
Harris's  residence  last  Wednesday 
night,  and  one  and  all  enjoyed  the 
visit  very  much.  I  tell  you,  boys,  it 
does  one  good  to  have  a  heart-to-heart 
talk  with  one  of  the  tried  and  true 
old  wheel  horses  of  the  business.  Bro. 
Clark  enlightened  us  as  to  a  few  of  the 
trials  and  indignities  the  S.  U.  men 
are  subjected  to  at  Kansas  City  and 
other  points  of  the  west.  Well,  never 
mind,  brothers,  keep  a  stiff  upper  lip, 
assert  your  manhood  and  rights  at  all 
times  and  places,  and  it  will  all  come 
out  in  the  wash.  But  keep  the  fact  well 
in  mind  that  we  must  at  all  times  be 
on  the  alert  and  ready  to  take  advan- 
tage of  every  move. 

How  long  do  you  suppose  we  could 
hold  our  jobs  as  switchmen  if  we  were 
as  dilatory  about  our  work  for  the 
company  we  are  employed  by  as  a 
great  many  of  us  are  about  the  wel- 
fare of  the  S.  U.  in  general.  Now, 
brothers,  for  the  sake  of  yourselves 
and  families,  try  to  impress  upon  the 
minds  of  all  fellow-switchmen,  as  well 
as  deep  down  In  your  own  heart,  the 
fact  that  he  who  builds  for  the  future 
builds  well,  and  that  eternal  vigilance 
will  be  crowned  by  success.  Impress 
the  fact  indelibly  In  your  mind  that 
the  lodge  member  that  always  pays 
his  dues  by  proxy,  or  otherwise,  purely 
to  keep  himself  in  good  standing  for 
selfish  motives  is  not  a  very  profitable 
member. 

Try  to  elect  yourself  a  committee  of 
one  to  Impress  upon  some  fellow- 
switchman,  who  Is  not  inside  the  wall 
of  protection,  the  fact  that  he  who  is 
not  with  us  is  against  us,  and  we  feel 
reasonably  assured  that  the  grand  old 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  will  come  out  on  top 
with  colors  fiying,  and  that  then  and 
not  until  then  will  the  switchmen  of 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE  SWITCHMEN'S 


this  country  get  all  that  legitimately 
belongs  to  them. 

Well,  I  will  cut  loose  and  get  into 
clear  for  this  time,  wishing  the  utmost 
success  for  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  in  gen- 
eral.        Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
A.  L.  Goodwin, 
Journal  Agent, 


New  York  Cky.-No.  56. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Will  endeavor  to  write  a  few  lines 
again  to  let  th^  brothers  know  that 
Lodge  No.  56  is  still  doing  business  at 
444  Willis  avenue,  and  that  we  are 
awake  to  the  fact  that  it  is  our  duty 
jBiS  union  men  to  promote  the  principles 
of  unionism  and  be  ever  on  the  look- 
out to  build  up  the  Switchmen's  Union 
At  this  place;  keep  at  it  and  all  will 
•come  out  all  right.  I  wish  to  call  your 
attention  to  a  simpler  here  that  has 
not  washed  his  face  since  he  paid  a 
visit  to  a  suite  of  rooms  where  he  met 
one  of  his  grand  lodge  officers.  That 
was  two  years  ago.  Now,  brothers.  If 
a  union  man  comes  here  this  simpler 
wanti:  to  know  if  he  is  a  switchman, 
and  if  he  tolls  him  he  is  he  will  tell 
him  that  the  trainmen  will  raise  h — 
with  him.  Now,  brothers  who  come 
here  need  pay  no  attention  to  him,  for 
he  is  beneath  the  name  of  man,  and  as 
for  raising  disturbances  with  union 
men,  well,  "simpler,"  start  in.  You 
will  meet  a  snake,  maybe  a  rattler. 

There  is  another  that  could  not  get 
over  our  Grand  Lodge  officers  coming 
into  the  yards  to  see  the  brothers,  and 
says  the  grand  lodge  officers  of  their 
organization  would  not  come  into  the 
yards,  but  would  be  in  a  suite  of  rooms 
in  the  hotel.  Well,  the  writer  don't 
doubt  it,  and  as  there  is  no  graft  in 
the  Switchmen's  Union  and  the  Grand 
Lodge  officers  In  the  organization  do 
not  think  themselves  better  than  the 
lowest  switchman  they  are  proud  of 
their  officers.  So,  come  again,  Bro. 
Sheehan;  you  will  always  be  welcome, 
and  the  work  you  are  doing  is  honor- 
able alongside  of  the  simplers.  Tou 
should  have  a  little  charity  and  not 
be  so  vicious.  Did  you  ever  see  one 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  officers  of  the  S. 
U.  of  N.  A.  stand  outside  of  the  pay- 
car  and  have  a  spotter  point  out  the 
Brooklyn  school  no-bills  and  hand  out 
applications  to  them,  and  if  they  did 
-not  take  them  from  them  at  that  time 


take  his  name  and  number  of  the 
house  he  lives  in  and  then  send  one  of 
the  "birds"  to  see  his  wife  and  tell  her 
what  a  good  coffin  she  can  get  for  him 
in  the  Trainmen  and  don't  permit  him 
to  join  the  Switchmen  for  they  have 
no  coffins  in  their  organization,  etc. 
Well,  1  will  tell  them  the  switchmen 
want  more  than  the  coffin  before  they 
get  killed  or  crippled,  and  their  offi- 
cers are  working  to  accomplish  better 
things  for  them  in  un  honorable  man- 
ner. So,  brothers,  be  on  the  lookout 
from  this  on  to  see  the  Grand  Lodge 
officers  in  the  yard  or  where  they 
please  to  do  good  work.  It  is  in  the 
yards  they  get  the  knowledge  of  the 
working  conditions  you  have  to  put  up 
with,  and  if  the  "simpler"  be  old  or 
young  he  ought  to  know  that  the 
switchmen  have  no  suites  of  rooms  for 
their  Grand  Lodge  officers.  We  are 
paying  them  to  work,  and  when  they 
accomplish  good  work  we  give  them 
the  credit  that  is  due  them.  As  I  have 
said  before,  we  are  endeavoring  to 
make  Lodge  No.  56  the  banner  lodge 
.of  the  East.  I  think  Bro.  Mc,  you 
are  doing  well,  and  also  Bro.  Michaels. 

I  am  sorry  to  state  that  Bro.  Bowl- 
ing is  on  the  sick  list,  and  I  hope  he 
wiU  be  able  to  get  back  to  work  soon 
to  referee  the  race  with  old  folks  and 
Barney. 

Now,  brothers,  come  to  the  meet- 
ings, for  you  will  get  a  surprise  at  one 
of  them. 

I  think  I  have  explained  all  at  this 
writing,  and  would  like  to  see  a  letter 
from  our  Journal  agent  in  the  next 
month  edition,  so  I  will  close  with 
best  wishes  for  all  the  brothers,  not 
forgetting  old  Baldy  O'Brien.  I  re- 
main.      Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


NottingfMni,  0.— No.  55. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  will  take  up  a  few  more  lines  in 
our  little,  but  rapidly-growing,  pink 
book.  First  of  all  I  will  thank  Vice- 
President  Conners  for  his  diligent 
work  in  securing  the  proper  and  best 
authority  to  denounce  Kimbro  of  the 
G.  G.  C.  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  for  his 
unprincipled  and  deceitful  character. 
That  should  at  last  convince  all  men, 
of  even  the  smallest  thinking  capacity, 
that  must  depend  upon  a  livelihood  at 
switching  cars  In  any    yard    of    this 


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•country,  that  it  Is  surely  to  their  ad- 
Tantage  to  belong  and  also  to  get  as 
tnany  others  as  possible  to  join  the 
Jionorable  order  of  the  6.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Put  on  your  little  thinking  caps  and 
••study  a  little.  Think  of  the  predica- 
ment the  yard  men  on  the  N.  C.  ft  St. 
L.  system  are  in,  especially  those  in 
Rome  yards,  where  helpers  get  the 
starvation  wages  of  $1.50  for  twelve 
liours  of  hazardous  toil.  Most  of  them, 
I  presume,  have  little  ones  and  a  dear 
ivife  starving  themselves  gradually  to 
death  through  the  crooked  work  of  the 
much-talked-about  Kimbro  and  the 
rest  of  the  bunch  trying  to  legislate 
for  yard  men  connected  with  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  To  my  idea  they  are  nothing 
l)ut  slave  dealers,  making  a  fat  living 
by  deriving  their  poor  brothers  of 
«their  just  dues,  and  telling  them  they 
are  in  right  by  being  members  of  the 
great  order,  which  is  simply  used  as  a 
blindfold.  But  let  us  hope  it  will  not 
last  much  longer. 

I  see  by  Vice-President  Connors' 
last  letter  that  they  are  beginning  to 
•wake  up  to  the  fact  that  they  have 
been  paying  their  hard-earned  money 
to  a  worthless  cause.  It  would  surely 
11)e  a  grand  thing  for  all  concerned  if 
we  could  open  their  eyes  fully  and 
show  them  the  advantage  of  our  order, 
make  every  one  of  them  a  loyal  mem- 
1>er  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  obtain 
for  them  an  equal  scale  with  us,  so 
they  could  at  least  live  like  human 
"beings. 

Brothers,  do  not  forget  to  attend  the 
meetings  of  your  lodge  regularly,  so 
as  to  be  well  posted  at  all  times  with 
the  workings  of  the  order.  Do  not 
say,  '*Well,  there'll  be  enough  there 
without  me  today,"  because,  should  all 
feel  that  way,  there  would  be  no  one 
^t  the  meetings.  Never  feel  that  way, 
because  you  are  always  needed  at  the 
post.  There  are  so  many  who  think 
their  duty  to  themselves,  family  and 
order  is  done  by  just  paying  up  their 
dues  each  month  to  the  collector  when 
lie  makes  his  rounds,  but  let  me  tell 
you,  one  and  all,  that  such  thoughts 
should  never  enter  a  union  man's  head. 
A  good  union  man  must  attend  all  the 
meetings  he  possibly  can,  and  also 
liave  the  union's  welfare  among  his 
"flrst  thoughts.  Never  let  yourself 
think  you  are  doing  too  much,  for  you 
-never  can  do  enough.  As  our  watch- 
-word  i«,  "The  injury  of  one  Is  the  con- 


cern of  all,"  always    bear    that   little 
piece  in  mind. 

By  working  hard  and  improving 
things,  you  benefit  yourself  as  well  as 
your  brother  switchman,  and  it  will 
never  hurt  your  conscience  to  know 
you  have  helped  a  great  and  honorable 
cause  along  by  a  little  helping  hand< 
which  all  should  be  willing  to  end. 

Hoping  and  trusting  it  wil  not  be 
long  before  we'll  have  that  longed-for 
eight-hour  day,  so  a  switchman  will  be 
on  the  level  with  other  tradesmen  of 
this  great  and  glorious  country.  Let 
everyone  have  that  in  mind,  and  when 
it  comes  time  for  the  next  convention 
let  us  inform  our  delegates  that  we 
wish  the  matter  threshed  out  as  soon 
as  possible.  I  see  in  July's  Joubnal 
where  the  House  of  Representatives 
and  the  Senate  have  both  passed  the 
eight-hour-day  bill.  All  that  is 
needed  now  is  the  President's  signa- 
ture and  the  point  is  gained,  which 
should  look  good  to  all  the  men  em- 
ployed in  government  shops,  also  the 
men  employed  by  contractors  doing 
government  work. 

We  took  in  eight  new  pieces  of  tim- 
ber at  our  last  meeting,  ^nd  have  some 
more  for  the  next. 

I  will  close,  with  best  wishes  to  all 
brothers.    I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Fbed  Bebgeb. 


Tcxarlcana,  Tex.— No.  147. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  it  has  been  quite  a  while  since 
anyth- ng  has  appeared  from  Lodge  No. 
147  in  the  little  pink  book,  I  will  try 
to  tell  you  and  all  the  brothers  some- 
thing about  the  Lone  Star  State  of 
Texaa. 

All  railroads  are  doing  a  fine  busi- 
ness with  the  fruit  and  stock  ship- 
ments to  the  eastern  country,  and  we 
also  h{(Vf<  lots  of  business  with  our 
dead  freight  stuff;  our  yards  are  all 
full. 

In  reading  the  pages  of  our  little 
pink  book  I  note  a  good  many  good 
letters  from  different  brothers.  I  read 
in  thd  Journal  a  good,  long  and  in- 
teresting letter  from  Lodge  No.  39 
(Bro.  Thomas  G.  Meaney),  and  an- 
otAier  fTom  Bro.  S.  A.  Pogarty  of  Lodge 
No.  19'J  Also,  brothers,  I  ask  you  one 
and  all  to  read   carefully  over  your 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITOHMBN'8 


June  Journal,  pages  376-377,  and  see 
what  a  worthy  committee  on  the  L.  6. 
A  M.  S.  has  done  for  the  good  old  8. 
U.  Brothers,  you  will  have  to  agree 
with  mo  that  those  brothers  should 
have  great  praise  for  their  good  work. 
You  Klow  that  it  takes  good,  level- 
headed men  to  complete  such  a  taek 
as  those  brothers  did  and,  therefore, 
they  should  have  all  of  our  worthy 
thanks,  and  1  will  say,  for  one,  that 
may  tlose  brothers  have  good  success 
in  anything  that  they  undertake. 

I  will  say  for  Bro.  P.  A.  Timm  of 
Lodgo  No.  187,  don't  you  be  afraid 
that  your  letter  will  be  criticized  by 
any  worthy  brother.  We  will  always 
be  too  glad  to  read  it  and  hear  from 
you  often;  also  Bro.  A.  L.  Goodwin  of 
Lodge  No.  94.  I  must  say  that  your 
letter  in  our  June  issue  was  some- 
thing great.  We  only  hope  to  see  you 
write  again  and  as  often  as  you  can. 
I  will  say  if  the  brothers  would  only 
follow  its  teaching  they  would  be  bet- 
ter brothers  both  fo  the  organization 
and  theii  little  families.  They  never 
stop  to  think  when  they  stay  away 
from  lodge  meeting  that  they  are  put- 
ting more  work  on  the  poor  brother 
who  attends  the  lodge  meeting.  Tou 
let  one  of  those  brothers  who  attends 
to  lodgd  duty  put  a  little  extra  work 
on  thoeie  who  stay  away  in  the  yard, 
why,  then  is  when  you  hear  him  kick 
good  and  strong.  Now,  brothers,  you 
all  know  well  that  such  work  as  this 
should  be  cut  out.  We  should  get 
closer  together  and  remember  the 
obligation  we  took  when  we  were  ad- 
mitted into  the  noble  order  of  the  S. 
U.  You  all  know  that  the  lodge-room 
is  the  place  for  our  troubles  or  griev- 
ances to  be  discussed  and  make  them 
satisfactory  to  all  concerned.  Let  us 
try  and  have  more  peace  and  har- 
mony among  ourselves  and  our  fam- 
ilies. Don't  knock  on  a  poor  brother 
because  he  is  down,  but  go  and  give 
him  a  helping  hand,  just  like  you  said 
you  would  when  you  took  your  obliga- 
tion. 

Now,  brothers,  as  T  am  at  the  end. 
there  is  one  thing  I  want  to  call  your 
attentfon  to,  and  that  is  if  you  don't 
write  home  be  sure  and  write  your 
secretary  of  your  lodge  and  let  him 
know  what  you  are  doing  and  where 
you  ar*.  so  that  should  anything  hap- 
pen to  you  he  can  attend  to  you  at 
once.    Now,  my  brothers,  the  reason  I 


call  your  attention  to  this  is  because 
I  had  t )  drop  two  of  our  best  members 
this  month  on  account  of  not  hearing 
from  them  for  the  last  two  months.  I 
did  not  know  if  they  were  living  or 
dead  or  gone  to  Mexico  to  fight  the 
rebels  again.  Don't  fail  to  keep  your 
lodge  posted  where  you  are  and  don*t 
cause  UE^  to  suspend  you. 

With  best  regards  and  good  success 
to  all  the  Grand  Lodge  officers  and  all 
the  brothers  of  the  good  old  S.  U.,  I 
remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

William  Kelley. 


Holoway»  0.->No.  146. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  try  to  let  the  brothers  over 
the  country  know  that  on  June  16th 
Bro.  Porter  came  to  Holloway  and, 
with  t)'e  help  of  Bros.  Warder,  Hall, 
Shivers  and  myself,  organized  Pride  of 
the  Hills  Lodge  for  the  S.  U.  with  14 
charter  members,  with  the  promise  of 
10  or  1'*  more  the  15th  of  this  months 
and  I  consider  this  a  big  boost  for  the 
S.  U.,  for  this  was  a  stronghold  of  the 
stingers  for  years,  iind  they  only  em- 
ploy about  40  switchmen  in  summer 
and  about  20  in  winter,  so  the  14 
members  we  secured  include  mostly 
the  oil  men  who  live  here  and  hold- 
over all  winter,  and  with  what  floats 
ers  we  can  land  on  in  their  travels 
tlhrougi;  here  we  expect  to  make  Pride 
of  the  Hills  a  good  lodge  before  long. 
And  row  Just  a  few  words  for  Bro. 
Porter.  I  think  he  is  the  right  man 
in  the  right  place,  and  wish  him  sue- 
cesa 

Now,  to  make  my  letter  ring  like 
the  res:  of  the  letters  to  our  Joubnal, 
I  think  each  lodge  should  have  the 
right  to  send  as  a  delegate  any  mem- 
ber it  elects  whether  he  is  employed 
or  not  by  a  railroad,  and  I  would  also 
like  ',0  see  our  city  made  the  conven- 
tion city,  and,  of  course,  my  choice 
would  b-i  Indianapolis,  not  because  I 
am  a  member  of  Lodge  No.  146,  but  it 
is  the  most  centrally  located. 

Well,  now,  just  a  few  words  about 
myself.  I  had  the  misfortune  to  dip 
and  fail  between  a  moving  cut  of  cars 
on  the  29th  of  May  and  lost  my  left 
arm  jvvf  below  the  elbow. 

Now  if  this  gets  by  the  waste 
basket  I  may  try  again.     With  best 


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wishes  for  the  welfare  of  the  S.  U. 
throughout  the  country*  I  slxh, 
YouTE  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  H.  Arnold. 


Haimlton,  C— No.  130. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Jufit  a  few  lines  to  the  brothers  to 
let  them  know  that  Fort  Hamilton 
Lodge  is  still  in  existence. 

Business  on  the  C,  H.  &  D.  is  pick- 
ing up  a  little,  but  they  have  plenty 
of  men  for  the  jobs. 

June  19th  was  a  big  day  for  the 
lodge  here  on  account  of  the  presence 
of  Bro.  Heberling,  the  worthy  leader 
of  the  grand  oixier  of  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
He  certainly  gave  the  boys  a  nice  talk 
on  tho  things  the  S  .U.  is  doing  for  the 
men  in  yard  service  all  over  the  coun- 
try. The  lodge  had  a  nice  banquet  at 
the  leading  hotel  here,  and  were  all 
sorry  Bro.  Heberling  could  not  stay 
longer. 

There  have  been  several  brothers 
"hit"  this  town  lately  with  the  under- 
standing that  this  lodge  has  a  fund  to 
help  vibiting  brothers  out.  This  is 
entirely  wrong,  and  all  the  help  they 
get  here  is  given  by  the  individual 
members  themselves.  The  lodge  mem- 
bership has  fallen  off  in  the  last  few 
months  due  to  members  dropping  out. 
It  is  better  to  have  a  few  good  mem- 
bers than  a  bunch  that  won't  take  any 
interest  in  the  lodge  work. 

This  is  all  the  news  for  this  time. 
I  will  ring  off,  hoping  the  S.  U.  will 
keep  up  its  good  work.    I  remain, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
C.  W.  Cahalane, 
Journal  Agent. 


Moral  Depravity. 

There  is  no  surer  indication  of  the 
moral  depravity  of  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  literature  of  the  day  than 
the  persistent  attempt  to  /essen  the 
worth  of  woman's  modesty  by  glorify- 
ing ''heroines"  of  questionable  char- 
acter. The  bold  woman,  shorn  of  that 
charm  which  Is  the  modest  woman's 
as  by  right,  is  now  extolled  as  the 
ideal  of  feminine  excellence.  The 
virtues  which  blossomed  forth  lir  the 
dutiful  daughter  and  worthy  mother, 
are  too  old-fashioned  to  appeal  to  the 


present-day  maker  of  books.  But  of 
even  great  evil  influence  is  the  ease 
with  which  sensational  writers  and 
speakers  command  space  in  the  daily 
press.  Everybody  reads  the  papers; 
hence  the  purveyors  of  loose  morality 
seek  the  wide  influence  which  the 
press  offers. 


He's  Better  Than  the  Teller  on  the  Pence 

I  like  a  man  of  courage,  an'  convic- 
tions good  an'  strong. 

Though  his  judgment  may  be  hasty 
an*  his  theories  may  be  wrong; 

A  man  who'll  come  out  boldly  an'  de- 
fend with  main  an'  might 

A  thing  in  controversy  if  he  thinks 
the  thing  is  right. 

I  like  t*  measure  words  with  one  who'll 
parry,  guard  and  thrust, 

Defendin'  what  he  thinks  is  fair,  an' 
fight  in'  what's  unjust. 

He  may  hold  views  t*  which  my  mind 
most  stubbornly  dissents, 

But  I'm  bound  t'  like  him  better  than 
the  feller  **on  the  fence." 

The  wishy-washy  feller  who  when  poll- 

,  tics  or  art 
Are  subjects  of  discussion  never  cares 

t'  take  part; 
The  man  who  when  he's  talkin*  with 

his  dearest  bosom  friend 
Will  state  not  his   opinions  lest  the 

statement  may  offend. 
Offends   me   more  by   silence  an'   by 

sittin'  calm,  inert. 
Than  he  would  by  flghtin'  back  a  bit, 

my  views  to  controvert. 
An'  it  doesn't  stand  to  reason  that  a 

man  with  common  sense 
Could  feel  much    admiration    for   the 

feller  "on  the  fence." 

The  man's  a  moral  coward  who  the 
topmost  rail  will  choose 

To  perch  on,  wholly  speechless,  when 
you  charge  on  him  with  views. 

A  long-horn  Texas  bovine  might  there 
drive  me  to  a  seat — 

But  I'll  ne'er  from  controversy  with  a 
palsied  tongue  retreat! 

An'  so,  a  man  of  courage,  and  convic- 
tions good  an'  strong, 

I'll  choose,  although  his  judgment  an* 
his  theories  be  wrong, 

His  views  be  those  t*  which  my  mind 
most  stubbornly  dissents — 

I'm  bound  to  like  him  better  than  the 
feller  *'on  the  fence."   — Hope. 


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THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


Toledo,  O. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxjbnal: 

On  the  evening  of  June  28th,  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  gave  an  open  meeting, 
to  which  the  Ladles'  Auxiliary  and 
friends  of  both  orders  were  invited. 
It  was  a  very  pleasant  affair,  and 
seemed  to  be  hugely  enjoyed  by  all,  if 
one  would  judge  by  the  happy  coun- 
tenances and  the  fun  that  went  on  all 
about  one.  The  punch  was  there,  and 
ice  cream,  too,  and  a  magnificent  sup- 
per stood  in  readiness  immediately 
after  the  meeting,  of  which  all  par- 
took with  avidity.  There  were  also 
dancing  and  music. 

Bro.  Heberling,  the  International 
President,  gave  us  a  very  interesting 
address  relating  to  the  many  inci- 
dents that  tend  to  the  making  and 
welfare  of  the  union.  He  gave  us  an 
insight  into  some  things  of  which 
many  of  us  were  not  cognizant,  relat- 
ing to  the  double-dealing  and  treachery 
goinp  on  at  Washington  in  regard  to 
the  Full-Crew  bill  and  other  matters 
^hlch  are  of  vital  interest  to  us,  and 
-should  be  thoughtfully  studied  over 
:and  seriously  taken  to  heart,  and  then 
acted  upon  by  each  individual  switch- 
man according  to  his  ability.  EJach 
lias  a  work  to  do  and  an  interest  to 
take  in  these  matters,  if  he  would 
make  for  the  betterment  of  conditions 
and  the  welfare  of  himself  and  loved 
ones  and  his  union  stronger.  If  the 
switchmen  would  but  only  realize  the 
power  that  lies  in  their  own  hands 
and  would  only  use  it.  Think  over 
well  what  Bro.  Heberling  has  told  you 
and  profit  by  his  advice,  for  although 
he  is  not  very  social,  or,  perhaps  I 
should  say  "rather  retired,"  still  he  Is 
right  in  these  matters  and  I  believe 
has  your  welfare  at  heart. 

Bro.  Porter  was  also  present,  and 
gave  us  a  nice  little  talk  along  other 
lines,  which  was  much  appreciated  by 
all  and  we  found  him  very  affable  and 
pleasant,    genial    and    good    company. 

And,  my  sisters,  let  me  tell  you  of 


one  strong  factor  in  which  we  can  be 
highly  instrumental  in  strengthening 
and  giving  support  to  the  union  in 
which  we  share  the  advantages  gained 
for  us  by  the  S.  U.,  and  that  is  to  be 
strictly  conscientious  in  buying  none 
but  union-made  goods  whenever  pos- 
sible. By  a  little  Investigation  and 
time  we  can  most  always  secure  such. 
The  help  we  give  them  in  this  respect 
is  quite  an  item  when  you  stop  to  con- 
sider how  much  of  their  money  passes 
through  our  -hands.  When  we  fail  to 
do  80  we  are  only  tearing  down  what 
they  are  trying  so  faithfully  to  build 
up,  whereby  we  are  only  the  losers  in 
the  end:  for  a  few  cents  gained  now 
by  purchasing  sweat-shop  labor,  we 
are  buying  for  ourselves  later  on  a 
harder  struggle  for  our  men,  more 
nights  out  in  the  cold  and  blizzards 
for  them  to  earn  a  few  more  dollars 
to  make  both  ends  meet;  larger  living 
expenses,  lower  wages  for  our  women 
workers  (our  own  daughters,  per- 
haps), and  many  other  evils  for 
which  we  are  repaid  in  our  own 
coin  with  double  interest.  There  are 
so  many  of  the  working  women  of  our 
own  class  who  are  forced  to  submit  to 
the  insults,  the  hardships,  the  mere 
existing,  and  worse  that  accrue  from 
poorly-paid  labor,  for  which,  in  a  meas- 
ure, we  may  be  responsible.  For  how 
do  we  know  that  by  our  indifference 
to  sudh  matters  now  that  our  own 
daughters  a  few  years  hence  may  be 
forced  to  go  out  into  the  world  to  earn 
their  living  under  just  such  circum- 
stances that  exist  now  In  many  places 
that  we  patronize  in  buying  their 
products.  Not  one  of  us,  I  am  sure, 
would  be  willing  to  injure  our  daugh- 
ters and  working  sisters  in  this  way, 
or  be  a  hindrance  to  the  union,  if  we 
would  only  stop  to  think.  We  mean 
all  right,  but  we  forget,  and  so  we  buy 
many  times  where  we  shouldn't.  But 
don't — for  it  doesn't  pay. 

But  I  am  wandering  in  my  thoughts, 
and  will  come  back  to  first  Issue.  The 
ladies  certainly  had  a  fine  time  at  this 


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533 


blow-out  of  our  brothers,  and  they  did 
eyery  possible  thing  to  make  it  pleas> 
ant  for  us,  and  we  thank  them  for 
their  efforts  In  our  behalf,  for  we  cer- 
tainly appreciate  our  good,  big-hearted 
brother  switchmen.  But  it  was  ex- 
ceedingly funny  to  see  them  in  the 
kitchen  among  the  "pots  and  pans," 
BO  very  deft  in  the  handling  of  dainty 
china,  and  waiting  on  table — ^just  like 
they  were  switching  cars.  Dainty 
white  aprons  they  donned,  too,  which 
were  sweetly  becoming  to  them.  A 
great  big,  dark-looking  bottle  seemed 
to  be  making  the  rounds  of  the  kitchen, 
but  I  don't  know,  though.  Guess  it 
was  catsup  or  something.  At  any 
rate,  there  seemed  to  be  no  ill  effects 
from  it,  so  we'll  let  it  go  at  that,  and 
hope  it  was  nothing  worse. 

When  our  Grand  President,  Sister 
Clark  is  in  our  vicinity  Sunshine 
Lodge  would  be  more  than  pleased  to 
have  her  stop  off  at  Toledo  and  visit 
our  auxiliary.  She  would  be  much 
welcomed,  as  also  would  any  other  of 
our  Grand  officers  who  come  this  way. 

Well,  1*11  ring  off  now,  and  here's  to 
the  suffrage  movement  in  Ohio,  and 
may  it  sucoeed. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Mas.  Geobge  Hughes, 
Journal  Agent 


Detroit,  Midi. 

EDrroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

A^Uenoe  has  ceased  to  be  a  virtue 
with  me  for  the  time  being  at  least. 
I  have  waited  for  some  of  the  sisters 
to  pen  a  line  to  the  Journal,  but  up 
to  date  none  has  done  so.  I  presume 
all  are  too  busy  or  too  bashful.  Lodge 
No.  32  is  moving  steadily  forward, 
adding  new  names  all  the  time  and  it 
gives  me  great  pleasure  to  see  our 
lodge  grow.  We  try  to  be  up  to  date 
and  keep  in  touch  with  the  times. 

On  Sunday,  May  26th,  several  sis- 
ters met  at  Woodmere  Cemetery  and 
proceeded  to  the  grave  of  Sister  Min; 
nie  Hutchinson  and  placed  thereon  a 
beautiful  wreath  of  flowers  as  a  m-e- 
nwrial.  Then  we  boarded  a  street  car 
and  went  to  Mt  Elliott  Cemetery  and 
did  the  same  office  for  Sister  Rose 
Moroney,  whom  many  will  remember 
as  a  member  of  the  board  of  directors. 
Not  having  a  service,  we  decided  the 
above  to  be  the  best  to  do  at  this  time. 


I  hope  at  the  next  convention  a  suit- 
able memorial  service  will  be  added  to 
our  ritual. 

Once  again  I  want  to  call  your  at- 
tention to  the  matter  of  keeping  your 
assessments  paid  up.  Tou  have  a  duty 
to  perform  in  regard  to  this,  the 
proper  performance  of  which  will  les- 
sen the  worries  of  the  treasurer  if  you 
will  only  try  to  be  punctual  in  the 
payment  of  dues.  There  is  not  one  sis- 
ter who  could  not  do  so  if  she  only 
tried. 

Our  annual  picnic  on  Belle  Isle  was 
a  success.  A  large  attendance  and 
plenty  of  good  things  to  eat  is  a  great 
temptation,  even  to  the  stay-at-homesw 
We  were  very  glad  to  see  so  many  out 
and  will  be  three  times  as  glad  if  the 
sisters  would  come  to  the  meetings  in 
such  large  numbers.  We  need  your 
advice  and  co-operation. 

On  June  7th  I  visited  Lodge  No.  39 
at  Milwaukee  and  will  always  reserve 
a  warm  spot  in  my  heart  for  Cream 
City  Lodge  and  its  splendid  band  of 
sisters.  Sister  Bertrand  should  have 
a  large  lodge,  for  she  is  an  untiring 
worker. 

What  is  the  matter  with  the  letter 
writers?  By  the  way.  Sister  Lawrence 
of  Gary,  Ind.,  if  you  had  answered  my 
card  I  should  have  stopped  over  to 
visit  some  of  the  sisters;  but,  maybe, 
it  went  astray.  The  next  time  I  go  to 
Chicago  I  will  endeavor  to  see  as* 
many  of  the  lodges  as  I  can. 

Brothers    and    sisters:     Read    the 
brother's  letter  from  Lodge  No.  43  in 
the  July  number,  it  is  very  good. 
Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mart  M.  Whiteman. 


Tort  Wortlit  Texas. 

E2DITOB  Switchmen's*  Journal: 

As  it  is  almost' time  for  the  Journal 
to  go  to  press  again,  I  want  to  tell  all 
the  brothers  and  sisters,  and  especially 
the  sisters  of  Lodge  No.  38 — those  who 
did  not  attend  our  picnic  at  Trinity 
Park  on  June  21st — that  they  certain- 
ly missed  a  treat.  Most  all  of  the  sis- 
ters and  a  good  number  of  brotherj 
carried  picnic  baskets  loaded  down 
with  good  things  to  eat.  We  arrived 
at  the  park  real  early,  while  it  was  yet 
cool,  and  prepared  ourselves  to  spend 
a  pleasant  day  and.  I  am  very  proud 
to  say,  we  all  had  a  pleasant  day,  in- 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB    SWITCHMBN'B 


deed.  The  races  were  certainly  en- 
joyed by  all.  Such  sprinters,  as  some 
of  our  members  are,  and  I  will  say 
that  the  purse  won  by  the  winner  of 
the  race  was  well  earned.  The  wad- 
ing pool  In  the  park  was  a  much- 
sought  for  spot  by  the  children  and 
they  enjoyed  themselves  to  their 
heart's  content.  Bro.  Alfen  was  on  the 
grounds  with  his  camera  and  got 
many  good  snapshots.  While  at  the 
picnic  two  young  brother  switchmen 
were  mistaken  for  political  candidates 
which  caused  much  merriment.  Call 
again,  brothers.  We  did  not  return 
home  until  after  supper,  having  car- 
ried lunch  for  supper  too.  It  is  need- 
less to  say  that  all  had  a  pleasant 
time  and  were  sorry  when  the  happy 
day  drew  to  an  end. 

The  brothers  of  Lodge  No.  8  held 
the  ninth  annual  picnic  and  ball  at 
(Lake  Oomo  on  July  23d.  As  usual 
with  affairs  undertaken  by  the  switch- 
men, a  record-breaking  crowd  was  In 
attendance. 

Sister  Kathleen  Heigligman  Is  pre- 
paring to  leave  for  Kansas  City  to 
make  it  her  future  home  as  Bro.  Heig- 
ligman is  already  there.  We  are  very 
sorry.  Indeed,  to  lose  Sister  Heiglig-, 
man.  A  goodly  number  of  the  sisters 
gave  her  a  little  surprise  party  at  her 
home  on  Belklg  street.  Sister  Heig- 
ligman was  all  packed  up  ready  to 
ship  her  things  to  her  new  home  when 
the  sisters  walked  in  with  cake  and 
an  ice  cream  freezer  full  of  cream  and 
presented  her  with  a  Fort  Worth 
spoon  as  a  souvenir.  It  Is  putting  it 
very  mildly  when  I  say  that  she  was 
very  much  surprised.  But  Sister 
Kathleen  certainly  repaid  us  by  tell- 
ing our  future  troubles  and  happiness 
with  cards.  We  all  hope  she  will  find 
her  new  home  a  pleasant  one.  We 
will  always  miss  her  at  our  lodge 
meeting. 

We  are  taking  in  new  members  most 
every  meeting,  but  the  weather  is  so 
extremely  hot  here  at  present  that  we 
cannot  accomplish  what  we  might 
were  it  otherwise.  We  hope  to  make 
up  when  cooler  weather  comes  again. 

Let  us  hear  from  more  of  the  sister 
lodges  oftener,  as  it  helps  wonderfully 
in  our  work  to  read  a  good  report 
from  some  other  lodge. 

Just  a  few  words  to  the  stay-at- 
homes  and  habitual  knockers:  In 
most  all  fraternal  lodges  there  are 
members  who  cannot  see  any  good  in 


what  the  lodge  does.  They  never  at- 
tend lodge  meetings,  but  somehow  or 
other  manage  to  hear  about  what  is 
going  on  in  the  lodge  room  and  com- 
plain that  just  a  few  run  everything. 
Now,  sisters,  did  you  ever  stop  to 
think  that  if  those  few  did  not  run 
things  that,  perchance,  it  would  not 
be  run  at  all.  When  you  joined  the 
lodge  you  made  a  solemn  promise  not 
only  to  keep  the  secrets  of  the  lodge, 
but  to  help  build  it  up  and  attend  all 
meetings  if  possible.  It  behooves  you, 
therefore,  to  live  up  to  the  obligation 
you  have  taken. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  the  brothers 
and  sisters  I  will  bring  my  letter  to 
a  close. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  andJ., 
Vashti  Glanton, 
Journal  Agent. 


Kansas  Gty,  Mo. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  have  got  in  the  habit  of  writing 
now  anJ  1  can't  resist  the  temptation 
in  trying  my  pen  for  the  August  num- 
ber. We  have  a  Journal  agent,  by 
the  way,  but  listen  while  I  explain. 
The  stork  seems  to  be  working  on  the 
plan  of  the  old  adage,  "Anything 
worth  doing  is  worth  doing  well,"  and 
on  June  16th  he  blessed  the  hearts  and 
home  of  Brother  and  Sister  Lonergan 
with  a  fine  new  son,  so  Catherine, 
hurry  up  now  and  write  a  few  lines 
occasionally,  so  the  people  may  know 
of  No.  17's  whereabouts. 

On  Wednesday,  June  26th,  the  day 
dawnel  bright  and  clear  upon  the  dif- 
ferent miembers,  who  had  the  pleasure 
of  taking  a  trolley  ride  to  Leaven- 
worth, the  event  being  the  third  annual 
trolley  party,  and  by  far  the  most  suc- 
cessful trip  No.  17  has  ever  given.  The 
brother  switchmen,  their  families  and 
friends  filled  two  large  cars  to  their 
utmost  capacity.  However,  I  was  pre- 
vented from  attending  on  account  of 
'sickness,  but  the  assurance  from  the 
different  ones  who  were  fortunate 
enough  to  attend  I  dare  say  will  put  it 
down  in  history  along  with  other  suc- 
cessful undertakings  for  this  year. 

I  wish  to  assure  anyone,  if  he 
should  "V  ish  to  give  medals  for  merits 
and  abiiity  No.  17's  "hat  is  In  the 
ring"  and  our  teeth's  a-shlning.  We 
made  <;  resolution  to  make  this  the 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMBRICA. 


535 


banner  year  and  erase  the  word  fail 
from  oui  vocabulary  and  in  Its  stead 
write  Success  in  all  things.  Our  ex- 
penses fcr  the  trolley  ride  were  $57.75, 
our  proceeds  to  date  are  $125,  which  I 
think  speaks  for  the  ladies  itself. 
Through  the  courtesy  of  Bro.  Janes  in 
dropping  an  old-time  friend  of  his  a 
card,  wh(  is  now  stationed  at  the  state 
prison  (don't  infer  from  this  that  he 
was  sentenced  or  is  in  stripes,  for  he 
Isn't),  the  ladies  were  shown  a  few 
extra  favors.  Many  thanks  to  Bro. 
Janes,  and  may  he  long  be  permitted 
the  gooil  fortune  of  attending  other  en- 
joyable events  In  the  future.  Bro. 
Janes  also  insured  Sister  Nugent  of 
an  application  in  the  O.  R.  C;  if  run- 
ning a  car  will  get  her  there,  I  dare 
say  I  lardly  think  she  would  be  re- 
jected, but  we  need  her  to  do  a  little 
more  switching.  After  Sister  Nugent 
assured  the  brothers  she  didn't  belong 
to  the  "suffragists"  the  time  was  well 
spent  on  her  "special"  in  joylting  and 
smoking,  and,  by  the  way,  they  didn't 
stop  traffic,  either,  as  the  two  specials 
started  and  returned  on  schedule  time. 

Golden  Rule  Lodge  No.  17  is  prepar- 
ing for  a  sort  of  housewarming  and 
reunlori  on  Sunday,  July  14th.  The 
event  will  mark  the  initiation  of  six 
new  members  and  the  reinstatement 
of  one  old  member  whom  we  are  all 
very  proud  to  welcome  bafck  into  our 
fold. 

Our  social  will  come  too  late  for  the 
August  Journal,  but  we  hope  for  a 
large  attendance  considering  the  way 
tlcket3  tre  selling,  and  hope  to  see  the 
detadls  .in  a  later  issue. 

Wishing   all    brothers    and    sisters 
much  success,  I  remain. 
Fraternally, 

Bertha  Stauffer, 
Member  Lodge  No.  17. 


San  Lake  aty,  Utah. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Here  I  am  again  with  a  few  lines 
from  Sego  Lily  Lodge  No.  20.  I  feel 
it  a  great  honor  to  be  asked  to  assist 
In  our  good  work,  and  of  which  every 
one  of  our  members  are  doing  their 
utmost  to  keep  up.  I  am  very  sorry 
to  have  to  state  that  a  few  of  our 
members  have  been  called  to  other  sta- 
tions in  life.  Sister  Wilbur  left  some 
time  ago  on  a  prolonged   visit  with 


relations  in  Oregon  for  she  and  her 
two  little  sons'  health*  and  from  last 
reports  they  were  im/proving  and  ex- 
pect to  be  able  to  return  soon.  Sister 
Viola  Charles,  our  past  president,  is 
now  living  in  Portland,  where  Heine 
has  a  good  Job,  therefore  we  do  not  ex- 
pect her  to  be  with  us  soon,  but  she 
as  well  as  Sister  Wilbur  and  Sister 
Beckwith  are  still  making  good. 

We  are  taking  in  a  few  members 
right  along,  and  am  pleased  to  say  we 
have  a  full  attendance  at  most  every 
meeting,  which  I  think  Is  very  encour- 
aging. 

We  had  a  very  pleasant  outing  at 
Wandameer  last  Thursday.  Each  one 
of  the  members  was  requested  to 
bring  a  friend  as  well  as  refreshments. 
Sister  Shill  was  Johnnie^n-the-spot 
with  her  little  pan  of  baked  beans, 
which  were  very  appetizing. 

Well,  if  this  little  letter  does  not  find 
its  way  to  the  scrap  basket,  I  will 
endeavor  to  scribble  a  few  lines  in  the 
near  future.  With  best  wishes  for 
Lodge  No.  119  as  well  as  Lodge  No.  20, 
I  am  a  switchman's  wife, 

Minnie  A.  Smith. 


OikagOt  li. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Some  time  has  passed  since  1  have 
contributed  anything  to  our  most  in- 
teresting Journal,  and  to  be  candid,  I 
had  promised  myself  not  to.  for  we 
have  a  Journal  agent  who,  I  believe, 
is  fully  able  to  defend  our  auxiliary 
against  all  odds,  if  given  a  chance. 

But  in  reading  July  issue,  I  read 
Bro.  Earner's  letter  with  much 
thought,  and  I  might  venture  a  bit 
farther,  and  say  a  little  indignation. 
Not  that  I  would  or  even  try  to  dis- 
courage a  move  that  would  bring  com- 
fort to  the  aflBicted,  but  why  not  all 
try  to  help  ourselves  and  prepare  as 
far  as  we  can  for  the  time  when  afflic- 
tion is  sure  to  be  ours.  Allow  me  to 
quote  a  paragraph  from  Bro.  Earner's 
pen: 

"Bro.  Henry  has  a  good  move  on  in 
I^odge  No.  29.  He  proposes  to  form  a 
club  of  all  our  members  who  wish  to 
join  and  tax  each  member  one  dollar 
when  a  brother  dies  or  gets  killed,  the 
amount  to  be  paid  the  widow  at  once 
by  taking  It  out  of  club  fund.  Some 
of  the  brothers  thought  it  also  a  good 


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JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


plan  for  a  50-cent  fund  in  case  of  loss 
of  member's  wife.  Such  a  fund  would 
come  In  handy  and  do  away  with  a  list 
around  the  yard.  Trouble  of  this  kind 
has  hit  our  lodge  severely  of  late." 

Now,  first  of  all,  I  have  an  apology 
to  make  to  all  ladies  eligible  to  be- 
come members  of  L.  A.  to  8.  U.  for  I 
have  at  all  times  said  they  were  to 
blame  for  the  snail-like  progress  of 
said  auxiliary;  but  when  Lodge  No.  29 
insinuates  that  they  are  going  to  pick 
the  trumps  from  the  pack,  then  I  am 
ready  to  throw  down  my  hand. 

In  Combination  Lodge  No.  45  we 
have  six  members  whose  husbands  be- 
long to  Lodge  No.  29,  and  I  cannot  be-, 
lieve  that  other  members  do  not  know 
of  the  good  work  done  for  the  S.  U. 
and  their  families,  or  of  anywhere 
that  they  have  neglected  a  duty  with 
either  time  or  money  in  case  of  afflic- 
tion. Now  I  will  try  to  explain  the 
principles  of  L.  A.:  We  have  a  death 
benefit  of  $300  paid  in  two  weeks  after 
death  proof  reaches  Grand  Lodge,  and 
150  from  our  local  just  as  soon  as  a 
member's  death  is  reported  to  our 
local  treasurer.  Our  aim  is  to  increase 
our  membership  so  we  can  make  ar- 
rangement for  the  benefit  of  $500  after 
our  next  convention  for  the  cost  of  50 
cents.  Brothers  of  Lodge  No.  29,  do 
you  understand,  $350  at  present  in 
case  of  death,  and  no  list  around  the 
yard.  Can  switchmen's  wives,  mothers 
or  sisters,  as  the  case  may  be,  not  af- 
ford to  protect  themselves  by  paying 
60  cents  per  month  into  our  auxiliary, 
help  themselves  and  us  by  getting  the 
increase  desired  In  another  year. 

And  again,  brothers,  let  me  inform 
you  that  Lodge  No.  45  has  paid  hos- 
pital bills  for  its  members  when  the 
pay  has  been  used  for  necessaries  of  a 
mere  existence,  or  when  the  brother  is 
out  of  work  or  on  the  extra  list  as  the 
case  may  be.  Brother  S.  U.  men,  keep 
your  dues  paid  promptly,  see  that  your 
wife,  mother  or  daughter  has  a  mem- 
bership card  in  the  L.  A.  (she  need 
not  attend  meetings  if  she  doesn't  care 
to),  then  the  wife  is  protected,  the 
husband  is  protected,  and  if  affliction 
comes  to  the  children,  the  father  and 
mother  can  bear  the  burden  equally. 

And  again  I  say,  had  we  the  mem- 
bership we  should  have  In  Chicago, 
we  could  give  from  our  treasury  $50 
to  the  sister  whose  husband  might  be 
called  to  the  Great  Beyond.    Stop  just 


a  minute  and  think,  2,000  S.  U.  men  in 
Chicago  and  less  than  300  members  in 
the  auxiliary.  What  is  the  matter? 
Don't  for  an  instant  presume  that 
yours  are  too  nice  to  join  an  auxil- 
laty  to  the  order  that  has  got  you  $40 
per  month  more  at  present  than  you 
got  for  same  work,  same  hours,  and 
so  on  ten  years  ago;  or  is  it  on  account 
of  this  that  some  have  an  idea  they 
live  in  a  different  latitude  to  others  of 
the  same  vocation.  Or  maybe  they 
think  those  women  talk  too  much; 
but,  I  ask,  how  are  people  to  know  of 
all  of  your  good  principles  if  they 
are  not  talked  about?  If  you  think 
we  are  such  criminals  and  not  worthy 
of  our  title,  I  would  advise  you  to  get 
your  committee  together  and  put  us 
out  of  business  in  a  legitimate  way, 
and  not  by  beating  around  the  bush 
and  telling  what  can  be  done.  No  sit- 
ting on  top  the  fence  goes.  Tou  are 
either  on  one  side  or  the  other. 

Lodge  No.  45  is  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition at  present.  Not  a  meeting  with- 
out candidates,  and  with  the  help  of 
our  worthy  Grand  President,  in  the 
near  future  we- will  make  some  of  you 
brothers  sit  up  and  take  notice. 

As  I  pen  these  lines  notice  comes 
from  C.  B.  Powers  of  the  death  of  his 
wife,  and  once  again  we  will  bow  our 
head  and  say  Thy  will  be  done,  for  all 
who  knew  Maggie  Powers  loved  her 
for  the  beautiful  disposition  that  was 
hers,  and  let  us  hope  those  who  were 
near  and  dear  to  her  will  be  comforted 
when  they  think  she  has  gone  to  pre- 
pare a  place  for  them  on  the  other 
side.  Maboabet  Con  nobs. 


So.  Chicago,  M. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

It  has  been  quite  a  while  since  I 
have  been  able  to  represent  Calumet 
Lodge  No.  15,  but  as  I  was  very  ill  I 
had  sufficient  excuse.  I  notice  the  let- 
ters in  the  ladies'  space  have  been  few 
and  far  between  and  I  do  not  wonder 
at  the  same  as  it  grows  monotonous 
to  merely  chronicle  the  doings  of  the 
mem'bers  and  to  urge  members  to  at- 
tend. 

Now,  sisters,  the  only  means  we 
have  of  communicating  is  in  the  Joub- 
nal, and  why  not  take  up  some  of  the 
live  issues,  among  which  Is  the  con- 
vention topic.    Do  the  members  think 


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it  necessary  or  economical  to  hold  a 
convention  just  because  the  brothers 
do?  I  think  it  is  pure  nerve  for  us 
to  undertake  to  do  as  the  brothers  do 
when  we  number  about  one-tenth 
what  they  do.  If  we  were  to  tell  the 
exact  truth  to  our  candidates  that  in 
May  next  their  pocketbooks  will  be 
severely  taxed  by  their  husbands'  and 
their  own  conventions,  how  many 
would  come  in,  even  if  the  switchmen 
pay  their  assessments  in  advance  in- 
stallments. 

We  cannot  stop  the  next  convention, 
but  we  can  do  something  about  the 
future  ones.  Don't  you  think  the 
jnoney  could  be  better  spent,  if  spend 
we  must,  and  we  must  if  we  wish  to 
advance  our  order?  Why  not  spend 
the  money  by  paying  the  expenses  of 
our  president  or  other  officers  while 
they  visit  the  different  localities  and 
gain  new  members.  Then  we  will 
grow. 

Again,  do  the 'sisters  think  it  ought 
to  be  necessary  for  a  sister  moving  to 
another  city  to  pay  a  dollar  for  a 
transfer  card — they  move  generally 
because  of  change  of  position  on  the 
husband's  part,  and  would  naturally 
like  to  join  the  home  lodge.  I  wish  the 
JouBNAL  agents  would  discuss  these 
questions,  find  out  the  consensus  of 
opinion  of  the  members,  and  let  the 
different  members  know  the  verdict  of 
the  majority.  Then,  when  the  dele- 
gates go  to  Houston  they  will  have 
had  a  great  deal  of  the  subject 
threshed  out  and  a  lot  of  valuable  time 
saved.  Again,  unless  you  are  a  for- 
ward, fluent  talker,  what  show  do  you 
stand  at  a  convention — none.  I  am 
writing  this  at  the  instigation  of  the 
members  who  sincerely  hope  the  Jour- 
nal agents  will  take  up  the  subjects 
and  thresh  them  out.  The  majority 
here  want  fewer  conventions,  no  fee 
for  transfer  card  when  the  member 
moves  from  one  city  to  the  other,  and 
a  paid  organizer,  if  possible. 

We  had  the  pleasure  of  having  our 
Grand  President  with  us,  but  owing 
to  short  notice  a  great  many  of  the 
sisters  were  unable  to  meet  her,  and  I 
was.  sorry  to  say,  one  of  the  unfor- 
tunates. However,  she  left  a  very 
pleasant  impression  on  the  members 
who  were  lucky  enough  to  meet  her, 
and  we  received  the  same  by  proxy. 

Bros.  Thomas  Connolly  and  Ernest 
Goegel,    who    were    severely    injured 


while  on  duty,  are  still  in  the  South 
Chicago  Hospital,  but  are  improving. 
We  hope  to  see  them  well  very  soon. 

Hoping  to  see  some  of  the  issues 
discussed  in  the  near  future,  I  remain. 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Jennie  Sine. 


IN   MCMORIAM. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Kensington 
Lodge,  No.  230: 

Whereas.  God  has  seen  fit  to  send 
the  Angel  of  Death  into  the  home  of 
our  worthy  brother,  Geo.  Falkner,  and 
called  to  her  heavenly  home  his  be- 
loved wife.  She  also  left  two  children 
to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  loving  mothei*. 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of 
Kensington  Lodge,  No.  230,  extend  our 
heartfelt  sympathy  to  the  afflicted 
family. 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  call  unto  Himself  the 
beloved  sister  of  our  esteemed  brother, 
John  Sibbert. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Kensington  Lodge,  No.  230,  extend 
ther  heartfelt  sympathy  to  the  be- 
reaved family. 

J.  Slater,  Rec.  Secretary, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adoptel  at  a  regrular  meeting  of  St. 
Louis  lodge  No.  37,  held  Sunday  even- 
ing, June  16th: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  Heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  Jerry  P.  Wren; 
and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  wife  and 
a  host  of  friends  now  mourn  his  loss 
and  this  lodge  a  most  loyal  member; 
and 

Whereas,  We  deem  it  befitting  to 
take  suitable  action  at  this  time  to  ex- 
press, as  far  as  it  lies  within  our 
power  to  do,  our  sympathy  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  friends  who  have  been 
deprived  of  the  support  and  compan- 
ionship of  our  dearly  beloved  brother; 
therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  St. 
Louis   Lodge   No.    37    in   meeting   as- 


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sembled,  that  our  sincere  sympathy  be 
extended  to  the  bereaved  wife  in  this 
her  sad  hour  of  affliction,  and  may 
God  comiort  and  cheer  her  during  the 
remainder  of  her  life;  and  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved,  That  6ur  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a 
mark  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  brother;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  a  copy  be  forward- 
ed to  our  Journal  for  publication. 

W.   B.   FiTZPATBICK, 
F.   J.   CkXTTEB, 

J.  H.  Stoddard, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Harlem  River 
Lodge  No.  56,  held  July  4th: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father,  in  His  infinite  wisdom, 
to  remove  from  our  midst  the  beloved 
wife  of  Brother  W.  Gellick,  and 

Whereas,  By  her  death  great  sor- 
row has  come  to  our  brother's  home 
and  we  deeply  deplore,  and  are  like- 
wise grieved  at  her  death;    and, 

Whereas,  We  feel  it  our  duty  to 
take  action  in  this  meeting  expressive 
of  the  members'  respect  and  sorrow 
for  the  surviving  relatives  of  our  de- 
parted sister;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  Brother 
Gellick  and  his  children  our  sincere 
sympathy  in  this  their  sad  time  of 
bereavement;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family, 
one  be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  and  one  be  furnished 
our  official  journal  for  publication. 
John  J.  Cordial, 

G.    McMlCHALES, 

H.  Cuff, 

Committee. 


.The  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  by  Victory 
Lodge  No.  16  at  a  regular  meeting, 
held  on  the  evening  of  July  5th: 

Whereas,  Death  has  removed  from 
ufi  our  dearly  beloved  brother,  Eddlth 
K.  Cobbs,  who  had  long  ago  endeared 
himself  to  all  who  had  the  pleasure  of 


hid  acquaintance  and,  especially  so,  to 
the  members  of  this  lodge,  on  account 
of  his  high  qualities  of  duty  and  love 
for  hie  family  and  those  with  whom 
he  mingled  and  worked;    and  « 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  wife  and 
children  have  suffered  the  loss  of  an 
estimable  husband  and  fatner,  the  city 
an  upright  citizen  and  this  lodge  .i 
most  exemplary  member;    and 

Whereas,  On  account  of  his  long 
and  efficient  stewardship  in  conduct- 
ing the  affairs  of  the  offices  of  secre- 
tary and  treasurer  of  this  lodge  he 
had  especially  endeared  himself  in  tht 
hearts  of  its  membership,  who  deem 
it  their  duty  to  take  suitable  aetioa* 
conunemorative  to  such  services  to 
this  union  and  his  devotion  to  his 
wife  and  children;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Vic- 
tory Lodge  No.  16,  in  meeting  as- 
sembled, that  our  deepest  sympathy 
be  extended  to  his  wife  and  children 
in  this  their  time  of  sad  bereavement, 
with  the  hope  that  God  will  comfort 
and  cheer  them  as  they  try  to  live 
without  the  aid  of  the  dear  c(Hnpaiiion 
now  taken  from  them;   be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  mark  of  respect  to 
the  memory  of  our  deceased  brother, 
our  charter  be  draped  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days,  beginning  with  this  date; 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  vi^on  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  one  be  forwarded  to 
the  editor  of  the  Journal  for  publi- 
cation. C.  B.  Bames, 
WnxLAM  Read, 
H.  C.  Brown,  Sr., 

Committee. 


On  June  26th,  at  the  regular  meet- 
ing of  Pride  of  the  West  Lodge,  No. 
43,  the  following  resolutons  were 
adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav 
«nly  Father  to  take  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  Herbert  D. 
Stokes,  who  was  killed  by  accident  on 
the  night  of  June  22d; 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Bro. 
Stokes  ths  lodge  laments  the  loss  of  a 
brother  who  was  ever  ready  to  proffer 
the  hand  of  aid,  and  the  voice  of  sym- 
pathy to  the  needy  and  distressed,  an 
active  member  of  this  union,   whose 


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utmost  endeavors  were  exerted  for  ItH 
welfare  and  prosperity,  a  friend  and 
companion  who  was  dear  to  us  all. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  Pride  of  the  West  Lodge,  No. 
43,  extend  iheir  heartfelt  sympathy  to 
the  bereaved  mother  and  relatives. 

Itesolved,  Aa  a  tribute  to  the  mem- 
ory of  deceased  brother  that  our  char- 
ter be  draped  for.  a  period  of  thirty 
days;  also  that  three  copies  of  these 
resolutions  be  made,  one  sent  to  his 
mother,  one  spread  on  our  minutes, 
and  one  sent  to  our  journarl  for  publi- 
cation. 

O.  M.  Seaman, 
A.  Bailey, 
Martin  McNulty, 

Committee. 

The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Gilt 
Edge  Lodge  No.  62: 

Whereas,  By  the  recent  death  of  our 
beloved  brother,  Thomas  P.  Kelley, 
this  lodge  has  sustained  a  great  loss 
and  his  wife  and  children  have  been 
deprived  of  a  loving  husband  and 
father;   and 

Whereas,  We,  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  mourn  the  loss  of  a  true  and 
faithful  member  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union  and  an  honest,  upright  and 
kind  friend;    be  it  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  his  wife 
and  children  our  sincere  and  heartfelt 
sympathy,  commending  them  to  the 
consolation  of  the  all-wise  and  merci- 
ful Providence;    be  it  also 

Resolved,  That  as  a  further  mark  of 
respect  toward  our  departed  brother, 
we  drape  our  charter  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days  and  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  Journal  for 
publication. 

James  Earlet, 

T.  W.  Brown, 

H.  M.  Dronsfield, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Gilt 
Edge  Lodge  No.  62: 

Whereas,  The  messenger  Death  has 
again  visited  us  and  taken  from  our 
ranks  our  beloved  brother,  E.  W.  Gush, 
whose  death  occurred  on  May  29th; 
and 

Whereas,  His  death  has  been  the 
means  of  the  severance  of  earthly  tiea 


with  his  mother,  wife  and  five  chil- 
dren, in  addition  to  a  host  of  friends 
and  associates,  all  of  whom  sadly 
mourn  his  loss;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  lodge  extends 
its  sincere  sympathy  to  the  bereaved 
family  of  our  deceased  brother;  and 
be  it  further 

Resolvedj  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  in 
respect  to  the  memory  of  our  de- 
ceased brother. 

James  Earlet, 

T.  W.  Brown, 

H.  M.  Dronsfield,, 

Committee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Burlington 
Lodge  No.  19,  the  following  resolu- 
tions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
the  beloved  wife  of  Bro.  Behnke; 
therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  Bro. 
Behnke  and  his  children  our  sincere 
sympathy  in  their  hour  of  sorrow  and 
bereavement;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  our  bereaved  brother 
and  chiMren,  one  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  our  meeting  and  one  copy 
sent  to  the  Journal  for  publication. 
J.  B.  Hates, 
J.    NobMAN, 

E.    R.    RUTTER, 

Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Buffalo 
Lodge  No.  4,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  held  July 
5th,  the  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  hcus  pleased  Almighty 
God  to  remove  from  our  midst  our 
dearly  beloved  brother,  John  J.  Reidy, 
who  died  after  a  short  illness  from 
acute  indigestion  on  July  2d;    and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  a  loving  wife 
and  two  children  are  left  to  mourn  his 
sad  loss,  this  lodge  one  of  its  oldest 
and  most  worthy  members,  who  was 
ever  ready  to  assist  a  brother  in  dis- 
tress, and  the  community  has  also 
been  deprived  of  an  upright  citizen; 
therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  that  our 
sincere  sympathy  be  extended  to  the 
wife    and   children    of    our    deceased 


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JOURNAL   OF   THE    SWITCHMBN*S 


brother  in  this,  their  time  of  bereave- 
ment, and  may  God  guide  them 
through  the  remainder  of  their  lives: 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  mark  of  respect  and 
esteem  for  our  departed  brother  we 
drape  our  charter  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days,  a  copy  of  these  resolutions 
be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this 
meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  heart- 
broken family  and  a  copy  be  for- 
warded to  the  JouBNAL  for  publication. 
G.  J.  Hamilton, 
J.  E.  Galvin, 

M.  J.   COLGAN, 

Committee. 


Cards  of  Thanks. 


El  Paso,  Tex.,  June  19,  1912. 
M.  R.  Welch,  G.  8,  d  T.,  8.  U,  of  N.  A., 
Buffalo,  N.  r.: 
Dear  Sir  and  Brother — I   received 
yours  of  June  17th,  with  beneficiary 
receipt    for    amount    of    my    policy 
fifteen    hundred    dollars    ($1,500)    for 
payment  of  my  claim.  No.  1550,  for 
total  disability.     I  thank  you  all  for 
the  prompt  payment  of  my  claim.     I 
am  getting  along  nicely.    My  wounds 
are  almost  healed.     Will  be  able  to 
leave  hospital  about  July  Ist.    Thank- 
ing you  again,  and  also  the  brothers  of 
Trilby  Lodge  No.  8  for  the  prompt  at- 
tention to  my  claim,  I  remain, 
lours  in  B.,  H.  annd  P., 
W.  P.  Bain, 
Hotel  Dieu,  El  Paso,  Tex. 


Chicago,  111.,  June  23,  1912u 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  thank  the  members  of 
Kensington  Lodge  No.  230  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  for  the  beautiful  fioral  offerings 
and  the  kindness  shown  me  in  my 
sad  bereavement,  the  death  of  my 
wife  Louisa  Falknor,  who  died  May 
21,  1912.  Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
George  W.  Falknor. 

Member  Kensington  Lodge  No.  2S0. 


ScRANTON,  Pa.,  June  28,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wi®h  to  extend  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  members  of  Electric  City 
Lodge  No.  129  for  the  kindness  shown 


me  in  my  late  sad  bereavement,  the 
death  of  my  son,  Patrick  McGulre.     I 
also  wish  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
the  prompt  payment  of  his  policy. 
Yours  most  sincerely, 

Mrs.  B.  McGuire. 


Chicago,  111.,  July  16,  1912. 
M.  R.  Welch,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.: 

De.\r  Sir — I  have  just  found  the  en- 
closed acknowledgment  among  unan- 
swered correspondence,  and  hasten  to 
return  the  same  to  you.  Kindly  par- 
don this  negligence  on  my  pert. 

In  behalf  of  my  mother  and  sisters 
I  wish  to  thank  you  for  the  prompt 
settlement 'and  at.  the  same  time  com- 
mend all  the  members  of  the  S.  U.  No. 
43  of  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  as  well  as  die 
members  of  Local  Lodge  No.  36  for 
their  kindly  consideration  during  the 
time  of  father's  death. 

Sincerely  yours, 

Wm.'e.  Dow. 
6908  Union  avenue. 


Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  desire  to  express,  through  the 
columns  of  the  Journal,  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Gilt  Eldge  Lodge  No.  62,  of  which  our 
dear  husband  and  father,  T.  P.  Kelly, 
was  a  member,  for  the  sympathy  8<^ 
kindly  extended  to  us  at  the  time  of 
his  death,  especially  so  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  offering  from  Lodge  No.  62 
and  his  fellow-workers.  Our  sincere 
thanks  is  also  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  prompt  payment  of  the  benefit 
claim  he  held  in  the  Switchmen'? 
Union. 

Yours  sincerely, 
Mrs.  T.  p.  Kelly  and  Children. 


Notice. 

Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  B^ 
P.  Barrett,  former  member  of  Mil- 
wauke'3  Lodge  No.  10,  would  greatly 
oblige  by  sending  same  to  E.  J.  Burke,. 
209  South  Warren  street,  Watertown,. 
Wis. 


Bro.  H.  C.  Grady,  member  of  Spo- 
kane  Lodge  No.  137,  Spokane,  Wash., 
had  stolen  from  him  his  S.  U.,  K.  of 


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UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


541 


P.  receipts,  service  letters,  together 
with  some  important  court  papers 
while  at  work  in  the  yards  at  Spo- 
kane. These  receipts  have  since  that 
time  been  used  for  fraudulent  purposes 
which  has  cost  a  brother  in  an- 
other city  several  dollars.  Bro.  Grady, 
as  well  as  the  brother  losing  so  heav- 
ily on  account  of  this  theft,  are 
anxious  to  have  these  receipts  and 
other  papers  located.  Should  they  be 
presented  to  any  brother  for  favors  of 
any  kind,  Bro.  Grady  requests  that 
they  be  taken  from  the  present  pos- 
sessor of  them  and  returned  to  his  ad- 
dress, 306  East  Third  avenue,  Spokane, 
Wash.,  together  with  as  much  informa- 
tion as  can  be  obtained  in  regard  to 
the  party  presenting  them. 


Any  one  knowing  the  address  of 
Bro.  C.  H.  Dutton,  member  of  Lodge 
No.  43.  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending 
same  to  W.  B.  Tilley.  2670  N.  Slchel 
street,  Los  Angeles.  Cal. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts 
of  Bro.  M.  Pennell,  member  of  Sanga- 
mon Lodge  No.  86,  will  confer  a  favor 
by  sending  same  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  M. 
Pennell.  405  N.  4th  street,  Springfield, 

ni. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts 
of  Bro.  J.  D.  Winans,  member  of  Har- 
lem River  Lodge  No.  56,  will  kindly 
send  same  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  Catherine 
Winans,  111  Brie  street,  Owego,  N.  Y. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  Bro. 
C.  Toler,  member  of  St.  Louis  Lodge 
No.  37,  will  confer  a  great  favor  by 
sending  same  to  his  wife,  Mrs.  Louisa 
Toler,  Craig,  111.,  who  is  sick  and  very 
anxious  to  hear  from  him. 


Vice-President  L.  H.  Porter,  member 
of  Lake  Shore  Lodge  No.  55,  Notting- 
ham, O.,  had  the  misfortune  to  lose 
his  notebook,  vice-president  traveling 
card  and  fountain  pen  in  the  suburbs 
of  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  July  17th,  somewhere 
between  Glenwood  and  B.  O.  depot  in 
the  B.  A  O.  yards.  Anyone  finding 
them  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending 
same  to  his  home  address,  which  is 
General  Delivery,  Nottingham,  O. 


Rcmittaiice  RoN  of  Honor  for  the  Month 
of  July,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  num- 
bers) of  the  lodges  whose  remittances 
have  been  received  by  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer  during  the 
month  of  July,  1912: 

July  1st— Lodges  5,  32,  130,  142,  171, 
173,  183,  195,  203. 

July  2d^-^odges  22,  55,  60,  102,  116, 
141,  189,  193,  212. 

July  3d— Lodges  2,  28,  30,  73,  83,  91, 
92.  112.  115,  120,  154,  156,  174,  188. 
200,  213,  214,  215,  217. 

July  5th— Lodges  1.  3,  9,  10,  14.  16, 
1«,  20,  21,  23,  33,  37,  38,  40,  41,  42,  44, 
51,  52,  53,  54,  56,  72,  74,  78,  80,  82,  88. 
89,  90,  95,  96,  97,  98,  104,  106,  107,  110. 
113,  123,  125,  129,  146,  155,  159.  166. 
175,  176,  179,  180,  194,  196,  199,  201, 
2.16,  218. 

July  6thr— Lodges  6,  18,  24,  29,  39,  69, 
71,  77.  79,  84,  85,  103,  114,  119,  122, 
138,  169,  181,  225.  228. 

July  8th— Lodges  12,  15,  31.  43,  47, 
48.  49.  50.  61,  63.  64.  65,  94,  99,  100. 
101,  108,  111,  124,  128,  133.  137,  147, 
151,  152,  158,  185, 187  202,  204,  209,  224. 

July  9th— Lodges  4,  8.  11,  26,  35.  30, 
45.  62.  75.  117,  134,  140.  144.  182^  190, 
198,  2j06,  207,  220,  229. 

July  10th— Lodges  7,  13,  17.  57.  58, 
68,  93.  105.  135.  172,  177,  184,  192,  2-10, 
211,  219,  221,  222,  226,  230. 

Jfuly  11th— Lodges  46,  67,  70,  145, 
191. 

July  13th— Lodge  87. 

July  15th— Lodges  143,  205. 

Up  to  July  16th  the  reports  of 
Lodges  34,  86,  126,  149  and  208  have 
not  been  received. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per 
capita  shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges 
whose  reports  are  not  received  by  the 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer  by  the 
tenth  day  of  each  month,  and  if  re- 
ceived late  for  two  or  more  months, 
then  the  officers  shall  be  asked  to  re- 
move the  cause  for  such  delay. 


To  be  great  is  to  have  risen  above 
the  leve!  of  weakness,  without  having 
forgotten  It. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


542 


JOURNAL   OF   THB   SWITC^lfSN'8 


Statmmmnt  of  Claims  Paid  During  thm  Month  of  July,  1912 


No. 


NAME 


5  o      oelved 


Date 


PAID  TO 


UEUIBENCB 


Amu 


1556  David  Hughes 

1557  J  H.  Arnold 

1558  Klias  Williams 
155tt  Jas,  Buckley 
15«0  E.  W.  Cush 
1561  J.  P.  Wren 


isas 

1584 
156.5 
1570 


David  Gardner 
P.  J.  l^onboy 
Wm.  C.  Parker 
W.  W.  Tinnell 
Wm,  L.  Traylor 


225  Death 

146  Dls 

'M  Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

2261  Death 

106 1  Death 

I  192  Death 

I  124  Dls. 

I  214  D€«ith 


189 
62 


7-  5.U2 
ft-22-'12 
6-l0-'r2, 
6-18-'12 
6-t5-»12, 
6-24-U2 
7-10-'12 
7-  l-*12 
7-12-' 12 
7-12-M2 
4-«)-'l2! 


7-17. 

7-17- 
7-17- 
7-17- 
7-17. 
747- 
7-17- 
7-17- 
7-17- 
7-17- 
7-17- 


■*12  John  G.,  brother 
•12  Himself 
'12  Julia  M.,  wife 
'12  Ray  D.,  son 
■'12  Anna,  wife 
.'12  Elizabeth,  wife 
'12  Lena,  wife 
'12  Nora,  sister 
'l2Hiarah,  wife 
■'12  Himself 
'I2i  Maud,  wife 


St  Louis,  Mo. 
Indianapolis,  Ind. 
St.  liouis,  Mo. 
Indiana  polls.  Ind. 
Pitteburgh,  Pa. 
St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Scranlon,  Pa, 
Detroit,  Mich 
(htplcasha,  Ukla. 
Ludlow.  Ky. 


I7SO.O0 
1,-500.00 
1^500.03 
1,500.00 
1,500.00 
1,500.00 
750.00 
1,500.00 
1,500.00 
1.500.00 
1,200.00 


PreTknuOy  reported  .. 
Fftld  stnoe  laet  report . 

TotaL 


.11,538.604.00 
.       14,700.00 

..11,568,804.00 


tl4,700.00 


Acknowledgmmnt  of  Claims  Paid  In  June,  1912 

Mrs.  MatUe  East,  Terre  Haute,  Ind $1,600 

Mrs.  Mary  Ptsarek,  So.  Chicago,  III, 1,600 

M  rs.  Grace  Soncrant,  Toledo,  Ohio 1,600 

Mrs.  Bridget  McGuire,  Scranton,  Pa 1,500 

O.  B.  Hurley,  Chicago,  111 750 

Mrs.  Bertha  Noble,  Detroit,  Mich 1,600 

Mrs.  Agnes  Daw,  Chicago,  111 1,600 

Mrs.  Elisabeth  Kelly,  Pittsburg,  Pa 1,600 

Mrs.  Carrie  Weger,  Chicago,  111 1,600 

Wni.  P.  Bain,  El  Paso,  Texas 1,600 

Mrs.  Ella  Fiebrick,  Chicago,  111 1,600 

Mrs.  J.  F  Hankins,  Keene,  111 375 

Miss  Eliza  Murphy,  Freeport,  111 1,600 

Mrs.  Carrie  Welch,  Syracuse,  N.  Y 760 


<j^^#a4^cX 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION 


OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Angnst  1,  lUS. 


BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dnee  and  aMeeamente  are  dne  and  payable  to  the  Treamrer  or 
Financial  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  month  (see  Section  218).  Orand  daei 
are  fifty  cents  (60o)  per  month ;  memben  holding  class  "  B"  certiflcate,  aeeeM- 
ment  $2.00;  class  ^A"  certificate,  asseasment  11.00:  class  *'C"  certiflcate, 
assessment  60o  (see  section  88).  A  milore  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  Is 
a  forfeiture  ofmembership  in  the  Union  without  ftirther  notice  (see  SectJoos 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  aaseesment  la  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  pnrpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Grand  Lodg^ 
Orand  dues  and  assessments  collected  fh>m  members,  as  above  provided,  noi 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  i82) . 
Your8inB.,H.AP., 

M.R.  WELCH, 

Orand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


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THE       ROSTER 


INTERNATIONAL  OFFICERS 

INTSRNATIONAL    PRBSIDBNT. 

8.  B.  Heberlinff,  S2e  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buf- 
falo. N.  Y. 

ORA2<n>  Sbcebtart  A2<n>  Trxabxtrbr. 
If.  R.  Welch,  326  Brisbane  Bld^..  Bxiitalo. 
N.  Y. 

Journal  EIorroR. 
W.  H.  Thompson,  826  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y. 

Grand  Board  op'  Directors. 

P.  C.  Janes;  1261  Metropolitan  Ave.,  Kan- 
sas City,  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cumminfirs,  250  Whitesboro  St. 
UUca.  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Titus,  1878  E.  92d  St,  Cleveland,  O. 

International  Vicb-Prssidents. 
J.   B.    Connors,   707    E.   40th   St,   Chicago, 

111. 
L.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 
T.  Clohessy,  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  111. 
P.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Buflblo  J^.  Y. 
T.  J.  Misenhelter,  607  College  Ave.,  Kose- 

dale,  Kan. 

Protective  Board. 
R.  W.  Flynn,  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scran  ton, 

Q.  C.  Hess,  579  18th  St,  Detroit,  Mich. 
T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago, 

HI. 

Dan  Smith,  5647  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 
lit 

A,  J.  Peterson.  25  Johnson  Ave.,  Port  Ar- 
thur, Ont.  Canada. 

Grand  Medical  Examiner. 
M  A.  Sullivan,  M.  D.,  826  Brtsbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.   Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


SUBORDINATE  LODGES 

KANSAS  CITY  LODGE  No.  1,  Kansas 
City,  Mo.,  meets  second  Sunday  and  fourth 
Saturday  at  7.30  p.  m.,  at  702  Southwest 
Boulevard. 

President — E.  W.  Randolph,  care  S.  W. 
Green,  1439  Jefferson  St 

Sec. — T.  J.  Condon,  21 10  Madison  Ave. 

Treaa — S^  W.  Greene,  1439  Jefferson. 

RIVERVIEW  LODGE  No.  2,  ICmsas 
City,  Kan.,  meets  on  second  and  fourth 
Thursdays,  8  p.  m.,  in  Motter's  Hall,  cor- 
ner Tenth  St  and  Central  Ave.,  third  floor. 

President — Edward  Monez,  331  N.  20th 
St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — A.  A.  Faus,  28  South 
Ferree  St. 

Journal — S.  E.  Stlnson,  1016  Hasbrook 
St 

JOLIET  LODGE  No.  3,  Joliet  HI., 
meets  flrst  and  third  Fridays  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  3  p.  m.,  of  each 
month,  in  Connor's  Hall,  cor.  Joliet  and 
Jefferson  Sts. 

President — Nick  Welch,  400  S.  Ottawa 
St 


Sec.    and   Journal — F.    P.    Lumley,    802 
Glenwood  Ave. 

Treaa — J.  W  Austin,  104  Gardner  St 


BUFFALO  LODGE  No.   4,   Buffalo,   N. 

Y.,  meets  every  flrst  and  third  Friday  at 

8.80  p.  nu,  and  fourth  Simday,  9.30  a.  m., 

in  Boyer's  Hall,  cor.  Swan  and  Emslie  Sts. 

President — M.  J.  Colgan,  66  South  St, 

.Sec — Joseph  M.  Kelly,  101  Peabody  St 

Treaa — Geo.  Hamilton,  234  W.  Delavan 

Ave. :    phone  North  1878-R. 

Journal — ^A.  W.  Gibney,  18  Prospect  Av. 

OVERLAND  LODGE  No.  5,  Omaha, 
Neb.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays. 
8.30  p.  m.,  Quinn's  Hall,  southwest  comer 
16th  and  Cummings  St& 

President— H.  G.  Stalder,  1257  S.  16th 
St 

Sea — J.  L.  PMnch,  2820  Capitol  Ave. 

Treaa — A.  L.  Short,  4210  North  25tb 
Ave.   

.COUNCIL  BLUFFS  LODGE  No.  6. 
Council  Bluffs,  la.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Thursday  evenings  at  8.30  in  K  P. 
Hall,  First  National  Bank  Building,  Main 
and  Broadway. 

President— C.  Lee,  1711  Sixth  Ave. 

Rec  Sec. — A.  H.  Granshaw,  9th  St  and 
16th  Ave. 

Treas. — Frank  Colburn,  164  Graham 
Ave. 

FLOUR  CITY  LODGE  No.  7,  Minne- 
apolis, Minn.,  meets  at  Mozar  Hall,  1417 
Washington  Ave.  South,  on  the  flrst  Sun- 
day of  the  month  at  2.30  p.  m.,  and  on 
the  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  G.  Kelley,  8135  22d  Ave. 
South. 

Sec.— T.  J.  Kelley,  3240  23d  Ave.  South. 

Treas.— D.  E.  Clifford,  1863  25  1-2  St 

Journal — J.  L.  Holscher,  Albert  Lea, 
Minn. 

TRILBY  LODGE  No.  8,  Fort  Worth. 
Tex.,  meets  flrst  and  third  Wednesdays  at 
8.30  p.  m..  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  Fourth 
and  Main  Sta 

Pre.«ddent— D.  L.  Martin,  1516  E.  Bel- 
knap St 

Sec-Treas. — ^L.  C.  Woods,  1100  Jose- 
phine St 

Journal — G.  W.  Weir,  1312  E.  Bluff  St 

ST.  JOSEPH  LODGE  No.  9.  St  Joseph, 
Mo.,  meets  flrst  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8 
p.  m..  Putter's  Hall,  King  Hill  and  Mis- 
souri Ave. 

President— Theo.  Miller,  104  W.  Elk  St 

Sec  and  Jour. — Geo.  H.  Scheinert,  311 
W.  Valley  St 

Treas.— E.  Prine,  1416  S.  19th  St 

MILWAUKEE  LODGE  No.  10,  Milwau- 
kee, Wia,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoons  of  each  month  at  2.30  o'clock 
at  Third  and  National  Avea,  Witt's  Hall. 
President — Maurice  Collins,  246  Wash- 
ington St. 

Sec. — Wm.  S.  Herze,  460  S.  Pierce  St 
Treas. — Fred  Giese,  691  Scott  St 
Journal — Charles  Collins,  249  Washing- 
ton St. 


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544 


JOURNAL   OF   THE   SWITGHMBN'8 


M.  J.  NAUGHTON  LODGE  No.  11. 
Cleveland,  O..  meets  In  Letter  Caxrierr 
Hall,  Beckman  B\dg.,  409  Superiof  Ave., 
N.  W..  Urst  Sunday  at  8.80  a.  m.,  and 
third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President — S.  M.  Ryan,  10580  Dupont 
A.ve 

Sec.— B.  E.  Weir.  2092  W.  86th  St 

Treaa— W.  J.  Keegan,  789  B.  106th  St. 

'journal— W.  A.  Titus,  1878  E.  92d  St 

TOPEKA  LODGE  No.  12,  Topeka;  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Thursday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8.30  o'clock,  comer  6th 
Ave.  and  Quincy  St.  K.  of  P.  HalL 

President— J.  R  Strain.  113  W.  6th  St, 
Room  3. 

Sec. — G.  E.  Durbto,  1530  N.  Harrison 
St 

Treas. — Geo.  A,  Fitzgibbons,  201  Polk 
St. 

Journal — P.  H.  Morgan,  722  Jeflterson 
St 

DETROIT  LODGE  No.  13,  Detroit 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at  8 

E.   m.,  and  second  Sundsiy  at  9  a.  m.,  in 
O.  O.  F.  Hall,  comer  Hubbard  Ave.  and 
Baker  St 

President— J.  G.  McMurchy,  80  High  St 
West 

Sec. — Cory  Derousle.  220  18th  St 

Treaa — James  Trant  106  20th  St 

Journal — Geo.  C.  Hess,  579  18th  St 

TOLEDO  LODGE  No.  14,  Toledo,  Ohio, 
meets  third  Thursday  at  8  a.  ol,  and 
fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Broer's 
Hall,  626  So.  St  Clair  St 

President — Thomas  Dean,  213  South  St. 

Sec. — Joseph  Keegan,  1617  Indiana  Ave. 

Treas. — Henry  Gale.  1010  Junction  Ave. 

Journal — D.  J.  Dorcy,  1671  Western  Av. 

BLUE  GRASS  LODGE  No.  15,  Coving- 
ton, Ky.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2.80 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Wednesday  at  7.30  p.  m., 
Rowe  Kemp's  Hall,  cor.  16th  and  Greenup 
Sta 

President— C.  W.  Richter,  816  W.  19  th 
St 

Sec. — ^Thoa  McGaflE.  1612  Banklick  St 

Treaa — H.  E.  Jameson.  1710  Banklick 
St 

Journal — Geo.  Davis,  18th  and  Kellogg 
Sts. 

VICTORY  LODGE  No.  16.  East  Saint 
Ix>uis.  111.,  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
nights  at  8  o'clock,  in  Foresters'  Hall,  120 
Colllnsvllle  Ave. 

President— J.  E.  White,  812  N.  8th  St. 
\  Sec. — Clayton  E.   Eames,    1326   N.   15th 

St. 

Treaa — H,  C.  BrowTi.  Sr.,  1808  Lake 
Ave. 

JAMES  MILLS  LODGE  No.  17,  South 
Chicago,  111,,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.  of  each 
month  at  Union  Bank  Hall.  cor.  92d  St. 
and  Erie  Ave..  Brie  Ave.  side. 

President — J.  M.  Fisher,  7718  Coles  Ave. 

Sec— Geo.  H  Hoos,  3062  E.  91st  St 

Treaa — T.  H  Stone.  9140  BuflCalo  Ave. 

Journal — R  J.  Manley,  1613  E.  65th  PL 

STAR  OF  HOPE  LODGE  No.  18.  Coal 
City.  111.,  meets  third  Sunday,  2.80  p.  m., 
and  last  Sunday  of  each  month  at  7.80 
p.  m.,  at  Forester's  Hall. 

President  and  Jour. — ^Bf.  J.  Horan. 

Sec. -Treaa — ^A.  P.  Ayersman. 


BURLINGTON  LODGE  No.  19i,  Chi- 
cago, 111.,  meets  second  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.80  p.  m.,  in  Duf- 
fek's  Hall.  cor.  21st  and  California  Avt. 

President — James  E.  Hayes^  3072  Colo- 
rado Ave. 

Sec. — W.  J.  Aheam,  1418  a  Western 
Ave. 

Treaa — E.  R  Rutter,  2225  Park  Ave. 

SEDALIA  LODGE  No.  20,  Sedalla,  Mo., 
meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Labor  Temple  HalU 
818-315  South  Lamine  St 

President-^.  M.  Egan,  1012  E.  4th  St 

Sec-Treaa — G.  R  Wilson,  629  R  11th 
St. 

Journal — M.  M.  Crane,  817  Saline  St 

CAPITAL  CITY  LODGE  No.  21,  Co- 
lumbus, O.,  meets  second  Monday  at  8.30 
a.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8  p.  m.,  at 
Engineer's  Hall,  South  Fourth  St 

President— L.  J.  O'Rourke,  409  W.  Rich 
St 

Sec— C.  W.  Teal.  81  W.  Eighth  Ave. 

Treas.  ami  Jour. — E.  J.  Hexter,  551 
Kilboume  St 

GATEWAY  CITY  LODGE  No.  22,  La 
Crosse.  Wia,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  7.30  p.  m.,  in  K.  of  P.  Hall,  Rose 
St 

President — Jno.  F.  Downs,  226  Mill  St 

Sec.  and  Treaa — John  R  Wilson,  222  8. 
8th  St 

Journal — Archy  Berry.  1015  Berlin  St 

LICKING  LODGE  No.  23,  Newark.  O., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Wedneadso^  at 
7.30  p.  m..  'in  Newark  Trades  and  Labor 
Council  Hall,  W.  Park  PL 

President — G.  W.  Hughes,  275  S.  Webb 
St 

Sec. — S.  B.  Smith.  5  Spencer  St 
Treas. — J.  H  Dial,  5  Mechanic  St 
Journal — G.'  W.  Hughes;  275  Sunmer  St 

THE  SWITCHMEN'S  HOME  LODGE 
No.  24,  Mandan,  N.  D.,  meets  Maccabee 
Hall  last  Sunday  of  month. 

President — Peter  Wagner,  108  1-2  Fourth 
Ave.  N.  W. 

Sec. — B.  L.  Anderson,  507  Sixth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

Treaa — Martin  Larson,  106  Fourth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

Journal — Dennis  Tobin,  206  Second  Ave. 
N.  W. 

*  ROYAL  BLUE  LODGE  No.  26,  Cincin- 
nati. O.,  meets  first  Sunday  morning  at  9 
o'clock,  and  third  Friday  evening  at  8.30, 
in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Fourth  and  Home 
Sta 

President — G.  Hattersly,  618  E2vans  St 
Sec— J.  M.  Foit,  1619  Cumber  St 
Treaa — R    E.    McKenna,    439    Elberon 

Journal — ^T.  Murphy,  154  W.  Linden  St. 
Ludlow,  Ky. 

ZENITH  LODGE  No.  28.  Duluth.  Minn., 
meets  first  and  third  Sundays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Sloan  Hall,  20th  Ave. 
West 

President — G.  F.  Brennison,  811  R  6tfa 
St 

Sec. -Treaa — C.  H  Stang,  2208  Wast  Sd 
St 


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BLUE  ISLAND  LODGE  No.  29,  Blue 
Island,  HI.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
day evenings  of  esu:h  month,  at  8  o'clock. 
Jewel  Hall,  321  Western  Ave. 

President — ^Wm.  J.  Roach,  366  Grove  St 

Sec. — H.  N.  Allen,  726  Western  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — ^Tho&  Earner,  331 
Vermont  St 

MINNEAPOLIS  LODGE  No.  30,  Mln- 
neapolis,  Minn.,  meets  second  Sunday 
evening  at  8  o'clock  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoon  at  2  o'clock,  each  month.  In 
Richmond  HalL  5th  St  and  3rd  Ave.  a 

President — Henry  Swark,  618  Hennepin 

Sec—Morris  Pull,  301  Plymouth  Av.  N. 
Treaa— A  A.  Wilson,  815  4  th  Ave.  N. 

ST.  PAUL  LODGE  No.  31,  St  Paul, 
Minn.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays 
at  2  p.  m.,  in  Central  Hall,  comer  W.  7th 
and  6th  Sts. 

President — James  O'Gara,  566  Bradley 
St 

Sec. — A.  F.  Pabst,  643  Lafayette  Ave. 

Treas. — J,  H.  Grlffln,  81  E.  Isabelle  St 

Journal — Geo.  W.  Smith,  336  E.  Winne- 
fray  St 

""fRISCO  lodge  No.  32,  Monett,  Mo., 
meets  each  Thursday  at  7.30  p.  m.,  521 
Scott  St 

President  Sec.  and  Treas. — C.  C.  Wil- 
liams, 521  Scott  St  . 

Journal — ^A.  G.  Long,  Sapulpa,  Okla. 

SUNFLOWER  LODGE  No.  33,  Em- 
poria, Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday 
mornings  at  9  o'clock,  in  Labor  Hall,  cor. 
4th  and  Commercial  Sts. 

President — C.  M.  Young.  202  State  St 

Sec — Robt  O.  Griffiths.  14  S.  Neosho 
St 

Treaa — J.  E    McDonald,  15  Neosho  St 

WATERLOO  LODGE  No.  34,  Waterloo, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Thursdays  of 
each  month,  at  8  p.  m.,  Kurth's  HalL 

President — ^E.  C.  Page,  116  IrvlngSt 

Sec -Treaa — ^F.  C.  Hartman,  1121  \Vash- 
Ington  St 

Journal — ^P.  Dahl,  320  Argyle  St 

CENTENNIAL  LODGE  No.  35,  Denver, 
Col.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Club  Building,  Room  415, 
1749  Arapahoe  St 

President — J.  H.  Clark,  3425  Arapahoe 
St 

Sec.  and  Jour. — J.  D.  Peery,  P.  O.  Box 
447. 

Treas. — J.  J.  Rlordan,  3963  Larimer  St 

JOHN  W.  DRURY  LODGE  No.  36,  Chi- 
cago,  HI.,  meets  at  Carry's  Hall,  5444 
Wentworth  Ave.,  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  afternoon  at  2.30 
o'clock. 

President — Joseph  T.  Murphy,  929  W. 
53rd  PI. 

Sec— William  J.  Giroux,  450  W.  46th 
St 

Tre«ia — ^W.  H.  Langan,  1044  W.  55th 
St 

Journal — ^W.  Hickey,  4610  Wentworth 
Ave.  0 

ST.  LOUIS  LODGE  No.  87,  St  Louis, 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8  o'clock  in  Druid's  Iiall, 
cor.  Nmth  and  Market  Sts. 

President— Thoa  Nester,  2106  N.  9th  St 


Sec  and  Jour. — F.  J.  Cotter,  2390  Pope 
Ave. 

Treaa — J.  P.  Sheridan.  2217  Robins  Av. 

PRESQUE  ISLE  LODGE  No.  88,  Erie, 
Pa.,  meets  the  first  and  third  Thursday 
evenings  of  each  month  at  8.30  o'clock,  at 
Zuck's  Hall,  cor.  16th  and  State  Sta 

President — T.  M.  Dundon,  2001  Sassa- 
fras St 

Sec — Michael  A,  Gooley,  212  Holland 
St 

Treaa  and  Jour. — E  Fleming,  1611 
Chestnut  St. 

EMPIRE  STATE  LODGE  No.  39,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Thursdays,  8  p.  m.,  and  third  Tuesday,  9 
a.  m.,  in  O'Grady's  Hall,  cor.  Broadway 
and  N.  Central  Ave. 

President — W.  S.  Young,  423  Ideal  St 

Sec — Julius  Schultz,  986  Fillmore  Ave. 

Tretia — ^Fred  Gackle,  192  Oneida  St 

PARK  CITY  LODGE  No.  40,  Bridge- 
port  Conn.,  meets  first  and  second  Sun- 
day at  1.30  p.  m.,  in  Emmett  Hail,  100 
State  St 

President,  Sec  and  Journal — ^L.  A  Hem- 
mlngway,  Stratford,  Conn. 

Treaa— D.  E.  Griffith,  129^1ifford._^ 

HARD  STRUGGLE  LODGE  No.  41, 
Elyrla,  O.,  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
at  8  p.  m.,  at  Elks'  Hall. 

I*resldent — N.  J.  Gerliart  911  East  Ave. 

Sec-Treaa — J.-  Francia  905  13th  St, 
Lorain,  O. 

Journal — ^A.  Forbes,  114  Highland  Ave. 

SILVER  CITY  LODGE  No.  42,  Argen- 
tine,  Kan.,  meets  every  third  Wednesday 
at  8  p.  m.,  each  month.  In  Nokes*  Hall. 

President — F.  C.  Janes,  1261  Metropoli- 
tan Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — Thoa  Monohan,  3704 
Strong  Ave. 

PRIDE  OF  THE  WEST  LODGE  No. 
43,  Los  Angelea  Cal.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Friday  evenlngrs,  8  o'clock.  In  Labor 
Temple,  617  South  Broadway. 

President — J.  F.  Seymour,  2521  East  3d 
St 

Sec. — M.  F.  Pontius,  Station  V. 

Treas.- W.  B.  Tilley,  2670  N.  Sichel  Si. 

Journal — T.  A  Bailey,  213  So.  Ave.  21. 

UTICA  LODGE  No.  44,  Utica,  N.  Y., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Friday  evenings 
at  8  o'clock,  at  651  Whltesboro  St 

President — J.  Mahar,  103  Taylor  Ave. 

Sec — Edward  King,  2  Thomas  Lane. 

Treas. — C.  B.  Cummings,  R.  F.  D.,  May- 
nard.  N.  Y. 

Journal — H  Zemmeng,  638  Lincoln  Ave. 

GAS  BELT  LODGE  No.  45,  Muncie, 
Ind.,  meets  in  Anthony  Blk..  third  floor. 
Room  11,  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
7.80  p.  m..  Labor  Hall. 

President — Chaa  F.  Thorpe,  1676  W. 
7th  St 

Sec-Treaa  and  Jour. — Chaa  Lawrence, 
2206  S.  Madison  St 

HAPPY  THOUGHT  LODGE  No.  46. 
Colorado  City.  Col.,  meets  first  and  third 
Sunday  at  9.30  a.  m.,  each  month,  in  K. 
of  P.  Hall. 

President — ^M.  M.  Sonnlchsen.  225  Mon- 
roe Ave. 

Sec-Treaa — J.  J.  Elliott,  324  Colorado 
Ave. 


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JOURNAL   OF    THE    SWITCHMEN'S 


GARY  LODGE  No.  47.  Gary»  Ind.,  meeu 
at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall.  Sixth  and  Masaa- 
chusetts  St8..  first  Sunday  at  1.30  p.  m.. 
and  third  Sunday  at  7.30  p.  m. 

President — J.   B.   Farreli.   659   Harrison 

Sec — J.  F.  McDonald.  406  Harrison  St. 

Trefiu^ — ^W.  R.  Brown.  ToUeston*  Ind., 
Box  181. 

Journal — Jaa   Atchinson,   556   Harrison 


COPPER  CITY  LODGE  No.  48,  Butte. 
Mont.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock,  at  Old  Masonic  Hall, 
35  West  Park  St 

President — Harry  Miller,  832  N.  Mon- 
tana St 

Sec.  and  Treaa — P.  O'Shea,  887  S.  Main. 

Journal — E.  F.  Vincent,  Rocker,  Mont 

THREE  RAIL.  1X)DGE  No.  4f.  Pueblo. 
Col.,  meets  first  Tuesday,  7.80  p.  m..  and 
third  Tuesday  at  2  p.  m. 

President — ^A.  B.  Hamilton,  Box  lOSO, 
Sta.  D. 

Sec. — ^Wm.  R.  Wilson,  1829  Orman  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — E.  N.  Haling,  1703 
Orman  Ave. 

PARSONS  LODGE  No.  50,  Parsons. 
Kan.,  meets  first  and  last  Saturday  even- 
ings of  each  month,  at  8  p.  m..  at  200  1-2 
N.  Central  Ave. 

President — Laurence  Smitli.  706  N.  Cen- 
tral Ave. 

Treas.— John  Schlldgen,  1003  Washlng- 
ton  Ave. 

JUNCTION  LODGE  No.  61,  West  Bay 
City,  Mich.,  meets  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall 
second  and  fourth  Sundays  at  7.80  p.  m. 

President — James  O'Brien,  1114  N.  Van 
Buren  St 

Sec.  and  Jour. — ^F.  J.  Roach,  1012  N. 
Line  St 

Treas. — ^A.  Strachan.  210  Raymond  Ave. 


EXCELSIOR  LODGE  No.  52,  Port  Jer- 
via.  N.  Y.,  meets  in  H.  H.  Furnum's  Hall, 
Pike  St,  first  Sunday,  1.30  p.  m.,  second 
Thursday,  8.15  p.  m. 

President  and  Treas. — J.  A.  Boyle.  184 
W.  Main  St 

Sec.  and  Journal — ^Wm.  Wall,  12  Buck- 
ley  St 

WELCOME  LODGE  No.  53,  Decatur, 
III.,  meets  first  Thursday,  8  p.  m.,  in  B. 
of  L.  E.  Hall. 

President — ^W.  W.  Albright  423  N.  Mor- 
gan St 

Sec— Walter  Grant,  200  N.  Calhoun  St 
Treas. — ^J.  Barnett.  933  N.  Edward  St 
Journal— T.  A.  Nolan,  1694  E.  North  St 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN  LODGE  No.  54, 
St  Louis.  Mo.,  meets  in  Dewey  Hall,  2301 
South  Broadway,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days, 8.30  p.  m. 

President — L.  Roberts,  1810  S.  Broad- 
way. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — J.  J.  Ruesing,  3147-a 
Neosho. 

LAKE  SHORE  LODGE  No.  55.  Not- 
tingham, O.,  meets  first  Thursday  at  8  a. 
m.,  and  third  Thursday,  8  p.  m.,  of  each 
month,  in  King's  Hall,  Nottingham,  O. 

President — Fred  Krum. 

Sec. — George  Home. 

Treas. — ^Thoa  W.  Baldwin. 

Toumal — C.  W.  Hammond,  831  E.  157th 
St..   Cleveland.  O. 

HARLEM  RIVER  LODGE  No.  56,  New 
York  City,  meets  first  Monday  at  10  a.  m., 


and  third  Thursday  at  10  a.  rl.  In  Aurorm 
Maennerchor  Hall.  444  Willis  Ave. 

President — Jas.  Wendltog.  724  B.  184th 
Sec. — C.  E.  Benson,  59  8.  Boulevard. 
Treas. — George  McMlchaeU  249  E.  128th 
St 

LAKE  ERIE  LODGE  No.  57,  Sandusky, 
Ohio,  meets  second  and  fourth  Monday 
evenings,  at  7.30  p.  m.,  in  Trades  and 
Labor  Assembly  Hall. 

President — G.  Schiller.  536  Osbom  St 
Sec— A.  J.  Diedrich,  112  Van  Buren  St 
Treas. — E.  A.  Roth.  811  Pearl  St 

PROGRESS  LODGE  No.  58.  Chicago, 
m.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  8 
p.  m.,  at  Marquette  Hall,  1910  W.  12th  St 

President — ^T.  T.  Sample.  1220  a  Lin- 
coln St 

Sec. — W.    J.    Sweeney,    2522    Lexington 

Treaa — ^W.  A.  Welsh,  2031  Washtnim 
Ave.;    phone  Canal  4646. 

MONROE  LODGE  No.  60.  Rochester. 
N.  Y..  meets  ev^ry  fourth  Wednesday  in 
Painters'  Hall    Exchange  St 

President — J.  P.  Crosson.  140  Prost  Ave, 

Sec.  and  Jour. — Bert  Elbrldge.  76  Sher- 
wood St. 

Treaa — ^F.  E.  Hall,  49  Gardner  Ave. 


JACKSON  LODGE  No.  61.  Jackson. 
Mich.,  meets  »first  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.30  p.  m..  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall.  140 
Courtland  St 

President— D.  J.  O'Keefe,  1512  E.  Main 
St 

Pec— H.  S.  Hashbrouck,  816  Detroit  St 

Treas. — R  Blgalke,  219  Chapln  St 

GILT  EDGE  LODGE  No.  62,  Pitts- 
burgh, Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.45 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.46  p.  hl.  In 
Union  Labor  Temple,  cor.  Washington  and 
Webster  Ave. 

President — ^D.  A.  Harshbarger.  626 
Bcggs  Ave. 

Sec. — H.  H.  Pape.  333  Main  Ave.,  Roch- 
ester    Pa. 

Treas. — F.  W.  Brown,  5262  Holmes  St 

NORTH  STAR  LODGE  No.  63.  Winnl- 
peg,  Man.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  2.30  p. 
m.  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  at  Labor 
Temple,  cor.  Louise  and  James  Sta 

President — ^W.  A.  Walden.  665  McMUlan 

Sec. — A.  J.  Young,  469  Rosser  Ave. 
Treaa — J.  B.  Lee,  469  Rosser  Ave. 
Journal — ^W.  J.  Pinch,  843  William  Ave. 

LITTLE  FORT  LODGE  No.  64.  Wau- 
kegan,  HI.,  meets  in  G.  A.  R.  Hall.  North 
Genesee  St.  second  and  fourth  Tuesdays 
at  8  o.  m. 

President — ^W.  F.  Ward,  328  N,  Utica 
St 

Sec. — C.  S.  Hanford,  S.  St  James  St 

Treaa — ^Davld  L.  Donohue.  429  N.  Utlca 
St 

Journal — F.  E.  HofT,  W.  Washington  St 

FORT  SCOTT  LODGE  No.  65,  Port 
Scott,  Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
•at  2.30  p.  m.,  in  K.  of  P.  Hall. 

President — Geo.  E.  DeJean.  715  E.  Wall 
St 

Sec.  and  Treaa — J.  H.  Huffman,  215  S. 
Broadway. 

Journal — H.  P.  Hopkins,  208  S.  Broad- 
way. 


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MARTHA  liODas  No.  67,  Hammond, 
Ind.,  meets  first  Monday  afternoon  ana 
night  and  third  Monday  afternoon  and 
niMit  in  Easles*  Hall,  171  Homan  St 

Pre«ldent--H.  W.  Stewart,  217  S.  Ho- 
man St 

Sec. — O.  A.  Lietson,  426  Michigan  Ave. 

Treaa — ^B.  Scott  428  Summer  Ave. 

UNION   STOCK   YARDS   LODGB   No. 

68,  Chicago,   HL.   meets  first  Sunday  at 

7.S0  p.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  in 

KcNally's  New  Hall,  47th  and  Hafited  Sta 

President — ^Ed.  Ljyona  6919  Justine  St 

Sec-Treaa— P.  B.  Pratt  6920  LAflin  St 

Journal — John  Cole,  6416  Bishop  St 

HOUSTON  liODOB  No.  69,  Houston. 
Tex.,  meets  on  the  first  Tuesday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  in  K 
of  P.  Halt  McKee  and  Liberty  Ave. 

President — Chaa  Lease,  1709  Blyslan  St 

Sec-Treaa — ^H.  R.  Brandt  1907  Gentry 
8t 

Journal — H.  R.  Christian,  2808  Wash- 
ington Ave. 

OLBANDBR  LODGB  No.  70,  Galveston. 
Tez^  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
S  T*.  m.,  in  Cook  ft  WaitenT  Halt 

President— V.  V.  Cooper,  88d  St  and 
Ave.  A. 

Sec— W.  J.  Hardy,  88d  St  and  Ave.  A. 

Treaa— W.  H.  Forbes.  8621  Ave.  L 

Journal — A.  D.  Crow.  88d  St  and  Av.  A. 

QUBBN  CITT  LODGB  No.  71,  SeatUe. 
Wash.,  meets  in  Hall  No.  2,  Labor  Temple^ 
Sixth  Ave.  and  University  St.  second  Sun- 
day at  8  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8 

Presldont— J.  H.  Arbuthnot  1847  17th 
Ave.  & 

Sec — C.  B.  Lindsey,  Station  S,  Box  67. 
Treas. — ^T.  A.  Hayden,  Columbia  JSta. 

PEORIA  LODGB  No.   72,   Peoria,  HL, 
Bieets  first  Sunday,  8  p.  m.,  and  third  Sun- 
day at  8.80  p.  m.,  in  Sahmidt's  H^l,  2901 
8.  Adama 
President— Bdw.  Storey,  1117  Ann  St 
Sec— F.  M.  Piatt  518  Blaine  St 
Treaa— W.  S.  Dimon,  127  Lincoln  Park 
PL 

BAT  STATB  LODGB  No.  78,  Sprinff- 
lleld,  Masa,  meets  at  Harmony  llall,  sec- 
ond Saturday  of  each  month  at  8p.  m. 

Sec-Treaa — ^B.  T.  Clark,  118  Plalnfield 
St 

Journal — H.  D.  Marsh,  98  Marengo  Pk. 

CLIPPER  LODGB  No.  74.  Michigan 
City.  Ind.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.80 

fe^L  and  fourth  Thursday  at  2.80  p.  m.. 
Condon's  Hall.  206  1-2N.  Franklin  St 
President — John  Hutton,   416  Michigan 
8t 

Sec — G.  H.  Muse.  511  'Washington  St 
Treaa — W.  H.  H.  Ruggles^  620  B.  2nd 
St 
Journal — R.  L.  Mattex,  117  Earl  Road. 

BTEARNBa  LODGB  No.  75,  Ludlngton, 
Ml<di»  meets  in  K  C.  Hall  first  and  sec- 
ond Tuesdays  of  each  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President—^.  W.  Conkling.  408  B.  Me- 
lindy  St 

Sec — ^Irvin  Cl^k,  816  B.  Melindy  Ave 


Treaa — Chaa  D.  Morarity,  608  8.  James 
St 
Journal — ^B.  T.  Bamond.  510  N.  Row  St 

SOUTHERN  KANSAS  LODGE  No.  77, 
Chanute,  Kan.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Wednesdays  of  each  month  at  7.80  p,  m., 
in  Carpenters'  Hall. 

President — ^K.  Hendrickson,  608  S.  Ever- 
green Ave. 

Sec — C.  D.  Coulter,  618  S.  Central. 

Treaa — G.  G.  Basler.  1118  &  EVergreen. 

Journal — ^A.  Gross,  408  W.  1st  St 

FORT  WAYNE  LODGB  No.  78.  Fort 
Wa^e,  Ind.,  meets  at  Harmony  Ha.il,  120 
W.  Berry  St,  fourth  Tuesday  evening  at  8 
o'clock. 

President — ^Emil  Florent  2828  8.  Hoag- 
land  Ave. 

Sec. — G.  T.  Simley,  606  Holman  St 
Treaa— G.  W.  Thiebolt  962  Brie  St 
Journal — Charles  Taylor,  1108  N.  Case 
St 

JACKSON  PARK  LODGB  No.  79,  Chi- 
cago, HI.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  G.  A.  R 
Hall,  6236  Princeton  Ave. 

President — J.  G.  Rlordan,  5618  Indiana 
Ave 

Sec  and  Journal — J.  H.  Landers,  708 
W.  60th  St 

Treaa — ^B.  G.  Wilson,  8280  .Princeton 
Ave. ;   phone  Yards  2684. 

X7NI0N  LODGB  No.  80.  Grand  Rapids, 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at 
7.80  p.  m.,  Simmons'  Hall,  S.  Division  St 
and  Fifth  Ave 

President — ^A.  L.  Snell,  411  Woodlawn 
Ave. 

Sec — W.  H  Woods,  128  11th  Ave. 

Treaa — G.  M.  Johnson,  1806  Cass  Ave. 

Journal — W.  B.  Dan    berg,  49  12th  St 

PARK  LODGB  No.  82.  Herington,  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Mondasrs,  8  p.  m., 
L  O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

President — W.  H  Bonner.  Box  262. 

Sec-Treaa — ^P.  G.  Towey,  Box  445. 

ILLINOIS  CENTRAL  LODGE  No.  88, 
Chicago,  111.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2.80 
p.  m.«  and  fourth  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  at 
Calumet  Hall,  63d  St  and  Stony  Island 
Ave. 

President— F.  C.  Lockwood,  718  B.  90th 
St 

Treaa— R  W.  FIflher.  1488  E.  64th  St 

Sec  and  Journal — F.  W.  Day,  9040 
Dauphin  Ave. 

MAPLE  LEAF  LODGB  No.  84,  Oelwein. 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  or 
each  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Temple  Block. 

President — ^A-  B.  Swem,  110  8rd  Ave.  N. 

Sec-Treaa — C.  S.  Scolea  816  1st  Av.  B. 

Journal — Geo.  D.  Gibbons^  19  1-8  South 
Frederick  St 

WICHITA  LODGB  No.  85,  Wichita. 
Kan.,  meets  first_^and  third  Wednesday 
evening  In  Labor  Hall.  607  R  Douglas  Av. 

Preirident — J.  E.  Ceurvorst  886  North 
Waithlngton  St 

Sec — ^.  J.  Gould. 

Sec  and  Treaa — ^A.  W.  Bums,  612 
Cleveland  Ave, 


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jousRNAL  OF  THB  swiTamiflars 


SANGAMON  LODGB  No.  86,  Sprlnf- 
fleld,  DL.  meets  Moond  and  fourth  Fri- 
days at  8.80  p.  m.»  in  Odd  Fellows'  Bide, 
seventh  floor. 

President— T.  B.  Decge^  1787  B.  Rey- 
nolds St. 

Treas.— R.  P.  Weston.  488  1-2  N.  6th  St 

Journal— C  A.  Turner.  188  1-8  N.  8th 
St 

COLUMBIA  LODOB  No.  87.  Portland. 
Ore.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  and 
last  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  at  614  Delay  St 

President^T.  J.  McCambridge.  614  De- 
lay St 

Sec— A.  F.  Schuman.  819  1-8  Williams 
Ave. 

•rreas.-— Frank  Miebus,  R.  P.  D.  No.  2,  Mil- 
waukee. Oregon. 

Journal — ^B.  F.  Smith,  688  Miss.  Ave. 

BNTBRPRISB  IjODOB  No.  88.  Orssn 
Bay.  Wis.,  meets  last  Sunday  of  month  at 
P  .M.  in  Maoabees  Hall,  in  Funk  Block,  cor. 
Main  and  Adams.  _    . 

President — ^Truman  Cuish.  1110  Division 
St 

See. — "hL  H.  Thompson.  508  Aihland 
Ave. 

Treas.— H.  B.  Janson.  986  8.  Jadcson 
St 

Journal— A.  Lewli^  1848  Broadway. 

OTTUMWA  LODOB  No.  89,  Ottumwa, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays  at  8  p. 
m.,  in  Labor  Hall.  oor.  Main  and  Court 

StSL 

President   and   Treas. — O.    C.    Kenney. 

706  W.  4th  St  ^     .  .     «. 

Sec.— O.  B.  ZeUers,  609  W.  Main  St 
Journal — &    H.    Loring,    116    Fairvlew 

Ave.  

DBNISON  LODGB  No.  90.  Denison. 
Tex.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock,  in  O.  R.  C.  New 
Hall,  Main  St  «    -   ^   ^,      . 

President— B.  a  Clark,  R.  F.  D.  No.  4. 

Sec  and  Treas.— M  J.  Leabo,  1819  W. 
Gandy  St 

ntONDALB  LODGB  No.  91,  Chicago, 
HI.,  meets  Duffy's  Hall,  cor.  106th  St  and 
Torrance  Ave.,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  Kilduff.  6884  Adams  Av. 

Sec  and  Journal — ^H.  A.  Flynn,  9041 
Commercial  Ave. 

Trea& — ^T.  L.  Roderick,  10440  Calhoun 
Ave.,  South  Chicago,  IlL 

STANDARD  LODGB  No.  92.  Cedar 
Rapids,  la.,  meets  in  Acema  Bldf.,  be- 
tween Dth  and  6th  Sts.  B.,  second  Monday 
and  fourth  Tuesday,  8  p.  m. 

President— J.  P.  Holmes,  R  F.  D.  No.  6. 

Sec — H.  J.  Manchester.  Beaver  St 

Treas.— J.  H.  McKinley.  Ill  N.  2d  St  W. 

Journal — O.  H.  Black.  1002  A  Ave.  B. 

TRUB  BLUB  LODGB  No.  98.  OSka- 
loosa,  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays, 
8.80  p.  m..  at  610  High  Ave.  West 

President— R,  H.  Fuller.  1918  a  10th 
St,  St  Joe,  Mo. 

Sec-Treas. — J.  Brown,  802  1st  Ave.  W. 

Journal — Harry  McSpadden,   810  N.  C 

ON  THB  BANKS  OF  THB  WABASH 
LODGB  No.  94,  Terre  Haute,  Ind.,  meets 
every  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  at  8  p. 
m,  in  a  L.  U.  HaU,  426  1-2  Main  St 


Presldent-nJ.  Snyder,  642  N.  6th  St 
Sec— Dustin  Crawford.  418  N.  18th  St 
Treas.— H.  H.  Byington.  818  N.  16th  St 
Journal — F.  D.  Ball,  1628  2nd  Ave. 

ASHTABULA  LODGB  No.  95,  Ashta- 
bula, O.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.80  p. 
m..  and  fourth  Sunday  at  2.80  p.  m..  m 
O.  R  a  Hall.  Main  St 

President — A.  T.  Hartnell,  88  Camp  St 
Sec— C.  J.  McKensie.  19  Stark  St 
Treas.^-Chaa  L.  Kain.  68  Fisk  St 

LIMA  LODGB  No.  96,  Lima,  O.,  meeU 
first  Sunday  at  2  p  m.  and  third  Sunday 
at  7  p.  m..  Madiinfsts'  Hall.  Fisk  Block. 

President  and  Treas. — John  G.  Stege- 
man,  667  N.  Jackson  St 

FRBBBORN  LODGB  No.  97,  Albert 
Lea.  Minn.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  5  p.  m.. 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Red  Men's 
Hall,  cor.  William  and  Broadway. 

President — G.  C.  Riley.  816  Court  St 

Sec  and  Treaa — J.  P.  Woodsy  810 
Water  St 

Journal — ^A.  L.  Hove,  268  S.  PearL 

CADILLAC  LODGB  No  98,  Cadillac. 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  In 
Trades  and  Labor  Council  Hall,  at  8  p.  ol 

President  and  Treaa — ^Thoa  Long,  1049 
Haring  St 

Sec — Bernard  LongMOO  B.  Pine. 

Journal — ^A.  Craig,  Wright  St 

BLK  LODGB   Nc    99,   Buftelo.   N.   T.. 

meets  in  Nagel's  Hall.  oor.  Hasrward  and 

Blk  Sta.  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  flo 

p.  m..  and  lastWednesday.  at  8  a.  m. 

President — ^W.  F.  Schleua  67  Monroe  St 

Sec -Treaa — C  Souter.  62  Gorham  St 

LITTLB  GIANT  LODGB  No.  100  Mc- 
Kees  Roclcs^  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at 
7.80  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.80  p. 
RL,  in  Christian  Hall,  219  Chartlers  Ave. 

President — ^W.  A.  Ganan.  222  Munson 
Ave. 

Sec — ^B.  T.  Brown.  227  Munson  Ave. 

Treaa — ^Robt  McCarthy,  400  Woodward 
Ave 

Journal — ^W.  Byster,  110  Margaret  St 

ALUM  ROCK  LODGB  No.  101,  San 
Jose.  CaL.  meets  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Halt 

President — Frank  R  Webber.  &  P. 
Yard  Ofllce. 

Sec  and  Treaa — P.  J.  McKay.  126  N. 
4th  St 

LBHIGH  LODOB  No.  108.  Lahlfhtoa, 
Pa.,  meets  In  Reber's  Hall,  seoond  and 
fourth  Sundays,  at  8  p.  m. 

President — O.  M«ti.  PadMrton.  Pik 

Treaa— -M.  A.  Cochran.  R  F.  D.  No.  1. 
Box  91.  Welssport  Pa. 

Sec— B.  Sillers.  R  F.  D.  No.  1.  Manoii 
Chunk.  Pa. 

Journal — Goo.  Dolan.  Tishfgt^ynn.  Pik 

SHRBVBPORT  LODGB  No.  108^Shreve. 
port  La.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days at  8  p.  m..  In  Frank  Ryan's  resi- 
dence. 

President — Frank  Ryan.  Bossier  City. 
La. 

Sec-Treaa — ^R  B.  Jones,  646  Davis  St 

Journal — S.  P.  Moore,  Gary  St 


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SWBET  CLOVER  LODOB  No.  104,  Ar- 
kan8a«  City,  Kan. 

Preatdont—^.  A.  Kanuth.  lOfiB  MlaaiMippi 
Aye.,  St.  Louie,  Mo. 

Sec — Lt,  F.  Dodaon,  Conway,  Kan. 

Treaa — Geo.  B.  Hammond,  611  S.  C  St 

Journal — ^R  B.  Coillna,  Mnakogee,  Okla. 

OZARK  LODGB  No.  lOS,  Qprlngflald. 
Ifo^  meeU  second  and  fourth  TueadayfL  at 
MOjh  m.:  each  month,  in  Workmen'!  Hall, 


828  Soooyille  St. 

Prertdent— W.  R.  Stewart.  1619  Poplar 
St 

Sao.  and  Treaa. — ^B.  F.  Cole,  Campbell 
ftf^  Camay  Sta. 

Journal— O.  B.  Smith,  lOSO  W.  Atlantic 


TUBB  CITY  LODGB  Na  lOe.  McKeea- 
port  Pa..  meeU  aecond  and  fourth  Sun- 
daya  at  7.S0  p.  m..  In  First  National  Bank 

Prealdent— P.  J.  Bremwn,  €89  5th  Ave. 

Sec-Treaa— J.  B.  Bevana,  119  8th  Ave. 

Journal— D.  P.  Coatello,  178  Duquesne, 

Duquesne.  Pa. 

HBAD  OF  THB  LAKB  LODGB  No. 
107.  Superior.  Wla.  meeta  first  Sunday  at 
8.80  p.  m.  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  In 
Union  Labor  Hall.  1438  BelknM>  dt 

President— O.  F.  Blls.  1028  Banka  Ave. 

Sec  and  Journal — J.  C  O'Connell.  1124 
Grand  Ave.  _     . 

Treaa— W.  Whearatt  1628  Banks  Ave. 

ROUGH  RIDBR  LODGB  Na  108,  Hor- 
nell.  N.  Y..  meeta  first  and  third  FHday 
evenings  of  each  month  at  8.15  o'clock, 
and  aecond  and  fourth  Fridays  at  4  p.  m.. 
In  Bngineers*  Hall,  108  Main  St 

Preaident— P.  L.  Cullinan.  91  River  St 
Sec— W.  R.  Burke^  lOOMaple  St 
Treaa— Jaa  Colbert  08  Pine  St 
Journal— J.  H.  Baldwin,  11  Pleasant  St 

SAGINAW  LODGB  Na   110,  Saginaw. 

K.  S..  Michigan,  meeta  at  9.80  a.  m.  on 

the  first  and  third  Sundays  of  each  month, 

at  MyrUe  HalL  602  Potter  St 

Preaident— Seth  Bark,   218  Wadsworth 

St 
Sea— James  H.  Hlckev.  1027  N.  7th  St 
Treaa- H.  B.  Gay.  1028  N.  Oth  St 
Journal — J.  G.  Ladebauche,  708  Farwell, 

B.  8 

INDIAN  CRBBK  LODGB  Na  111. 
Marion,  la.,  meets  second  Saturday  after- 
noon and  fourth  Saturday  evening,  at  L 
O.  O.  F.  HalL 

President — B.  P.  Reld. 

Sec  and  Treaa — John  Leming.  482  18th 
St 

Journal— T.  J.  Ryan.  7th  Ave. 

NBTCONG  LODGB  Na  112.  Netoong. 
N.  J.,  meets  in  Clark's  Hall,  on  second 
Wednesday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sun- 
day at  2.80  p.  m. 

I»resident--a  Bird.  DeU  Ave. 

Sec  and  Jour. — Burtis  Bird.  Allen  St 

Treaa— Jaroes  CNell.  Mechanic  St 

BAST  BND  LODGB  Na  118.  Cincm- 
nati.  O..  meets  in  Vulcan  Hall.  Martin  St. 
third  Friday  of  each  month,  at  8.80  p.  m. 

Preaident.  Treaa  and  Journal — ^A.  T. 
Carina  848  Overton  St.  Newport  Ky. 

Sec— F.  B.  Alwin.  2708  Hofl  Ave. 


BROOMB  LODGB  Na  114,  Blnghamton. 
N.  Y..  meeta  second  and  fourth  Monday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall. 
299  Chenango. 

President — John  McMahon.  43  Griswold 
St 

Sec  and  Treaa — Geo.  Martin.  41  Men- 
delssohn 

Journal — ^Michael  Sheehan.  88  Fayette. 


JBRSBY  CITY  LODGB  No.  118.  Jersey 
City.  N.  J.,  meets  at  Fisher's  Hall.  126 
Hudson  St.  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  third  Sunday 
at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  Londregon.  724  Monastery 
St.  W.  Hoboken.  N.  J. 

Sec — J.  J.  Devine.  285  St  Paul  Ave. 

Treaa— Martin  Keating.  1810  Willow 
Ave..  Hoboken.  N.  J. 

BUCKBYB  LODGB  No.  116.  Conneaut 
O..  meets  fltst  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  and 
third  Thursday  at  8  p.  m..  each  month,  in 
G.  A.  R.  HalL  Stanley  Block,  Main  St 

President— P.  J.  KeUey.  887  Adams  St 

Sec  and  Jour. — H.  D.  Badger,  827  Har- 
bor St 

Treaa — ^B.  C  McCloCkey.  698  Broad  St 

HARMONY  LODGB  No.  117,  Chicago. 
111.,  meets  in  Colonial  Hall.  oor.  Chicago 
and  Western  Avea.  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  2  p.  m. 

President— J.    H    Dodgion,    1626   Tripp 

Sec— D.  B.  Burke.  4126  W.  North  Ave 
Treaa — S.  El  Goveia.  1605  Warren  Ave. 
Journal — ^t.  C.   Tousey,   1648   Fairfield 
Ave. 

SALT  LAKB  LODGB  No.  IIJ.  Salt 
Lake  City.  Utah,  meeta  second  and  fourth 
Tuesdays  at  8.80  p.  m..  at  Labor  Temple, 
2d  St  Bast  between  Ist  and  2d  South. 

President — John  Bayea  469  N.  Ist  W. 

Sec— J.  B.  MoLaughUn.  268  W.  N. 
Temple. 

Treas.— H.  a  Smith.  544  West  4th  N. 

Journal— B.  A.  FuUerton.  528  W.  1st 
North  St 

LINCOLN    LODGB    No.    120.    Lincoln. 

Neb.,   meets  first   Sunday.    2   p.   m..   and 

third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  in  Labor  Temple. 

216  N.  11th  St 

President— J.  H.  Francisco.  620  N.  19th 

St 

Sec— P.  J.  Helser.  716  C  St 
Treaa — ^A.  G.  Strouse,  821  H  St 
Journal — Fred  Manchester.  2536  H  St 

MISSOULA  LODGB  No.  122.  Missoula, 
Mont,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  of 
each  month  at  8  p.  m..  in  L  O.  O.  F.  HalL 

President— Robt  Sheehan.  185  B.  Mahi 
St 

Sec-Treaa— C.  A.  Maloney,  General  De- 
livery. Deer  Lodge.  Mont 

Journal — ^Bruce  Mackey.  625  Sherwood 
St 


IVORTDALB  LODGB  No.  128.  Blm- 
wood  Place.  O..  meets  in  Keller's  Hall.  SCO 
Main  Ave.,  second  and  fourth  Fridays  at 
8  p.  m. 

President  and  Jour. — R  J.  Alexander. 
100  Park  Ave..  Hartwell.  O. 

Sec. — ^W.  DeNeese.  415  Walnut  St 

Treaa — ^Anthony  Ash.  800  BlmWood  Av. 


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JOURNAL  OF  THB  SWITOHMBN'S 


EL  RENO  LODGE  No.  12i  El  Rano. 
OUa..  meeta  In  Red  Men's  Hall,  eeoond 
and  fourth  Tueidaye,  8  p.  m. 

President — H.  Slevers,  620  a  Choctaw 
St. 

Sec — ^Ted  Torpey,  410  &  McGomb  St 
Treaa — ^Uarry  Morris*  811  N.  Evans  St 
Journal — J>acy  Hovenden,  808  S.  Rob- 
erta St 

NBCHES  LODGE  No.  12  S,  Beaumont. 
Tex.»  meets  at  K  of  P.  Hall  on  the  second 
and  fourth  Sundays  of  each  month  at  8 

^  iSesIdent— L.  C.  Kelly,  1647  Laurel  Av. 
Sec— A.  T.  WoodrilJ4  Liberty  Ave. 
Treas.~B.  C.  Kirk,  1168  South  St 
Journal— W.  a  Graves,  1806  Liberty. 

HAWKEYB  LODGE  Na  126,  Marshall- 
town,  la.,  meets  third  Sunday  each  month 
at  8  p.  m.,  T.  M.  C.  A.  Hall. 

President — G.  Morgan,  712  a  Center  St 

Sec,  Treaa.  and  Journal — J.  G.  Lynch, 

602  a  3rd  St 

ST.  ANTHONY  LODGE  No.  128.  Min- 
neapolis^ Minn.,  meets  in  Odd  Fellows' 
Han,  Fourth  St  and  Central  Ave.,  first 
Sunday  8  p.  m.,  third  Sunday  at  2.80  p.  m. 

Sec  and  Journal — ^A.  L.  Maeby,  2429 
7th  St  a 

Treaa — J.   E.   La  France,   110   4  th   St 

a  E. ^_^^_ 

ELECTRIC  CITY  LODGE  Nc  129. 
Scranton.  Pa.,  meets  at  G.  A.  R  Hall, 
Pennsylvania  and  Linden  Sta.  second  Sun- 
day at  8.46  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at 
7.80  p.  m. 

President — Robert  W.  Flynn,  487  Rail- 
road Ave 

Sec— Patrick  Ryan.  424  Railroad  Ave. 

Treaa.  and  Jour. — J.  P.  Crowley,  274 
Railroad  Ave. 


FORT  HAMILTON  LODGE  No.  ISO. 
Hamilton,  O.,  meeta  in  Trades  Council 
Hall,  Second  and  Court  Sta,  second  and 
fourth  Thursdays  at  8.80  p.  m. 

President— John  H.  Connell,  621  a  4th 
St 

Sec.-<aiarles  J.  Welch.  624  a  4th  St 

Treaa— W.  J.  Welch,  624  S.  4th  St 

TRI-CITY  LODGE  No.  188,  Rock  Isl- 
and, IlL,  meets  first  Monday  night  at  8 
o'clock,  and  third  Sunday  morning  at  9.80 
o'clock.  Industrial  Home  Hall,  21st  St 
and  8rd  Ave. 

President— J.    B.    Pritchett    8016    10th 

^Sec— H.  W.  Olson.  2680  6  1-2  Ave. 
Treaa— W.  Meilke,  610  89th  St 
Journal — ^Ben  Jaoobson.  602  89th  St 

SUCCESS  LODGE  No.  184,  St  Louia 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays,  8  p.  m., 
Bremen  Hall,  8606  N.  11th  St 

President — ^Wm.  Ferguson.  2266  Alice 
Ave. 

Sec— Frank  Calhoun.  2140  Salisbury  St 

Treaa — J.  J.  McCarthy,  2248  Geraloine. 

PUGBT  SOUND  LODGE  No.  186,  Ta- 
oomsL  Waah.,  meeta  in  Milwaukee  HalL 
cor.  28rd  and  Jeflteraon  Sta,  aecond  and 
fourth   Mondaya  of  each   month  at  2.80 


Prealdent— F.  J.  Maxfield,  8858  E.  H  St 
Sec— a  M  Griffin.  2620  a  L  St 
Treaa— a  E.  Whitman.  2716  A  St 
Journal — J.  W.  Vail.  Spanaway,  Waah. 


SPOKANE  LODGE  No.  187.  Spokane. 
Waah.,  meeU  in  BartendenT  Hall.  612  1-2 
Rlveraide  Ave.,  aecond  Tueaday.  at  2.80 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday,  at  7.80  p.  m. 

Prealdent— H.  H.  Chapman.  10  W.  Srd 

Sec — R.  D.  Buckley.  717  K  Ermlna  St 
Treaa — A.  J.  Welton.  E.  2429  lat  Ave. 
Journal — ^F.  A.  Guents,  1019  lat  Ave. 


ALAMO  LODGE  No.  188.  San  Antonio. 
Tex.,  meeta  first  and  third  Tueaday  even- 
ings at  8.80  d'clock,  at  Murriea'  Hhll.  Aua- 
tin  and  10th  Sta 

Prealdent,  Sec  and  Treaa— J.  R  Webb. 
500  Lamar. 

Journal — ^E.  M.  Baaon.  828  Caraon  St 

SECOND  CITY  LODGE  No.  140,  Naa- 
hua.  N.  H.,  meeta  aecond  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  noon,  in  Barker'a  HaU. 

Prealdent— H.  E.  Pace^  8  Allda  St 
Sec — J.  Enrlght  10  Foundry  St 
Treaa — John  Brennan.  104  Vine  St 
Journal — ^Wm.   J.  Howard.   90  1-2  Pine 
St 


SUSQUEHANNA  LODGE  No.  141.  «>u^ 
quehanna.  Pa.,  meeta  every  Wednesday  at 
8  p.  m.  at  84  High  St.  Oaklaad. 

Prealdent  and  Sec-Treaa. — ^D.  H.  Qrla- 
wold.  84  High  St,  Oakland. 

OPEN  PORT  CITY  LODGE  No.  142. 
Muakegon.  Mich.,  meeta  firat  and  third 
Sundays  at  10  a.  m.,  at  North  Yard's  Of- 
fice Ottawa  St 

President — P.  J.  Hawkins,  66  Ramson 
St  ^^ 

Sec  and  Journal — ^W.  A.  DennlJ^  202 
Ottawa  St 

Treaa — L.  A.  KnM>Pt  62  Ottawa  St 

LAFAYETTE  LODGE  No.  148,  Lafay- 
ette, Ind.,  meeta  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  1.80  p.  m.,  in  Leai^e's  Hall,  cor.  8rd 
and  Chestnut  Sta 

President — ^R.  J.  Stevens,  1108  Queen 
St  «*^  ^ 

Sec. — ^E.  G.  Hannagan.  266  Green  St 
Treaa — J.  C.  Kennedy.  240  Green  St 


TELEGRAM  LODGE  No.  144,  Blinlra, 
N.  Y.,  meets  the  first  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  of  each 
month,  at  St  James*  Hall.  Paik  pL  and 
CUnton  St 

President— M.  W.  Powen^  766  B.  Mats 
St 
Sec— Wm.  Murphy,  818  W.  7th  8t 
Treaa— T.  J.  Hurley,  962  Main  St 
Journal— J.  W.  Bowea,  448  W.  6th  St 


CALUMET  LODGE  Na  146.  Bast  Chl< 
cago.  Ind.,  meeta  firat  and  third  Sundaya 
at  8  p.  m,  in  Moaa*  HaU. 

Prealdent  and  Journal — ^Daniel  SterUng; 
4912  Northoote  St 

Sec — ^T.  A.  Cregan.  4864  Lagoon  Avau 

Treaa — Martin  M  McGregor.  4808  For- 
asrthe  Ave. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


UNION   OF  NORTH   AMERICA. 


Ml 


INDIAN APOUS  LODOB  No.  146.  In- 
dianapolis, IncL,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  at  Morrison's  Hall,  62  1-2 
Monument  PL 

President—P.  O'Shea.  128  S.  Noble  SL 

Sec. — C.  A.  Akers,  1012  Hoyt  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — H.  L.  Hicks,  2628 
Central  Ave. 

GATB  CITY  LiODOB  No.   147;  Texar- 
kana,  Tex.,  meets  on  second  and  fourth 
Tuesday  evenings  at  1320  Maple  St 
President— J.  T.  Smith,  308  Ash  St 
Sec-Treas. — ^Wm.  Kelley.  1820  Maple  St 
Journal — F.  J.  Bumb,  112  State  St 

FREEPORT  LODGE  No.  149,  Freeport 
HI.,  meets  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  second 
Sunday  at  2.30  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday 

*  President— Wm.  H.  O'Malia.   17  Kicka- 
poo  St 

Sea  and  Treas. — F.  R.  Dunlap,  Room  7, 
146  Stevenson  St 

ELKHART  LODGE  No.  161,  Elkhart 
Ind.,  meets  first  Tuesday  at  2.30  p.  m., 
and  third  Tuesday  at  7.80  p.  m.,  in  Red 
Men's  Hall,  228  &.  Blain  St 

President — ^L.  H.  Martin,  428  Sherman 
St 

Sec. — C.  C.  Wagner,  1418  Prairie  St. 

Treas.— G.  D.  Elliott  2021  MarUn  Ave. 

Journal — C  H.  Hamelin,  108  Washing- 
ton  Bt 

SYRACUSE  LODGE  No.  162,  Syracuse, 
N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days of  every  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Kear- 
ney's Hall.  cor.  S.  Geddes  and  Gifford  Sts. 

President— W.  A.  Ryan,  104  Willis  Ave. 

Sec.— T.  W.  ReiUy,  807  WhitUer  Ave. 

Treaa — ^A.  H.  Richardson,  732  Otesco 
St 

TRIANGLE  LODGE  No.    164,   Staples, 
Treas. — ^W.  A.  Cummings,  Box  623. 

THANKSGIVING  LODGE  No.  166,  Chi- 
cago^ O.,  meets  in  K.  of  C.  Hall  fifst  Fri- 
day in  month  at  7.80  p.  m.,  and  third 
Friday  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  W.  Heckman,  Box  686. 

Sec. — J.  F.  Cooley. 

Treas. — J.  &  Swartz. 

FRONTIER  LODGE  No.  166,  Cheyenne, 
[dent— J.  L.  Fairchild,  306  E.  10th 


Wyo. 
Presi< 


St 

Treas.— L.  F.  Prlo^,  309  E.  20th  St 

^K>LDBN  GATE  LODGE  No.  168,  Oak- 
land.  CaL,  meets  in  Fidelity  Hall,  comer 
Seventh  and  Peralta  Sts.,  second  and 
fourth  Tuesday  evenings  at  8  o'clock. 

President— E.  R.  StocktoxL  1791  11th  St 

Sea— C.  J.  McCarthy,  692  1-2  26th  St. 

Treaa  and  Journal — C.  H.  Scott,  1316eD 
Steiner  St,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

FORKED  DEER  LODGE  No.  169,  Jack- 
son,  Tenn.,  meets  first  and  third  Saturdays 
at  7.80  p.  m.,  .in  B.  of  L.  F.  ft  B.  Hsill, 
COT.  Market  and  Main  Sta 

President— Edward  J.  Phillips,  146  Mo- 
.  bile  Ave. 

Sec — ^Robert  B.  Curry,  624  E.  Chestnut 
St 

Treas. — C.  L  Goodman,  108  Lee  St 


BIENVILLE  LODGE  No.  166,  MobUe, 
Ala.,  meets  at  402  Bloodgood  St,  first  and 
third  Tuesdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  Connori,  260  Beauregard 
St 

Sec — H,  D  Meadows,  816  N.  Conception 
St 

Treaa— C.  W.  Rayfield,  367  Earl  St 

Journal — W.  C.  Burton,  S.  E.  oor.  Con- 
ception and  Beauregard  Sta 

PRIDE  OF  THE  HILLS  LODGE  No. 
171.  HoUoway,  Ohio,  meets  secoqd  Thurs- 
day at  2  p.  m.  and  fourth  Thursday  at  8 
p.  m..  in  K.  of  P.  Hall. 

President — o.  o.  Rea 

Sec — C.  Cleary. 

Treaa — ^W.  S.  Berry. 

Journal — S.  N.  MarshalL 

GOOD  HOPE  LODGE  No.  169,  Younga- 
town,  O..  meets  third  Tuesday  at  243-246 
Federal  St 

President — J.  F.  Owens,  724  Wilson 'Ave. 

Sec — E.  J.  Korman,  1662  MiUicoit  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Journal — ^F.  Owens^  724  Wil- 
son Ave. 

VALLEY  LODGE  No.  172,  Sayre,  Pa., 
meets  in  P.  O.  S.  of  A.  Hall,  Lockhart  St. 
second  and  fourth  Tuesdays  at  8.30  p.  m. 

President- M.  J.  Harding,  10  William 
St,  Waverly,  N.  Y. 

Sec— John  Goodall,  Fallott  Bldg.,  Sayre, 
Pa. 

_^Treaa— Robert  FiUgerald,  6  Ulster  St, 
Waverly,  N.  Y. 

^^Journal — Thomas  F.   Frost   Broad  St, 
Waverly,  N.  Y. 

TWIN  CITY  LODGE  No.  173,  La  Salle. 
111.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  10 
a.  m.,  Eagles'  Hall,  comer  Ist  and  Good- 
ing Sta 

President— A.  J.  Kerwick,  36  6th  St 
Sec.  and  Journal — J.  E.  Bowera  808  4th 

Treaa— P.  B.  Davis,  184  Gooding. 

DES  MOINES  LODGE  No.  174",  Valley 
Junction,  la.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p. 
m,,  and  fourth  Monday  at  2  p.  m.,  in  Fra- 
ternal Hall,  Valley  Junction,  la. 

President — A.  L.  Shearer. 

Sec. — Charles  F.  Shuey. 

Treas. — A.  L.  Ketter. 

Journal — John  F.  Sammon, 

DANVILLE  LODGE  No.  175,  Danville. 
IlL,  meets  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  first  and 
third  Mondays,  at  8  p.  m. 

President— C.  J.  McGlinchy,  17  Robin- 
son St 

Sec. — ^L.  J.  Hagerman,  1000  Myers  St 
Treaa— John  King,  ino  Tennessee  St 
Journal — J.  H.  Smith.  627  Porter  St 

SALAMANCA  LODGE  No.  176,  Sala- 
manca,  N.  Y.,  meets  at  Rosnea  Arcanum 
Hall,  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  and  fourth 
Sunday  at  8.30  p.  m..  Salamanca,  N.  Y. 

President — J.  Murphy,  Sycamore  Ave. 

Sec  and  Treaa — J.  J.  Connelly,  4  Plm- 
llco  Ave. 

WHIRLPOOL  LODGE  No.  177,  Niag^ 
ara  Falla  N.  Y.,  meets  the  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  at  Central  Labor 
Council  Hall. 

President— S.  Caldwell,  8  Bath  Ave. 
Sec — N,  F.  Walrod,  2232  Lockport  St 
Treas. — J.  L.  Hanlon.  2921  McCoon  Av, 
Journal— Geo.  B.  Hall,  842  2nd  St 


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652 


JOUBNAIi   OF   THB   SWITCHMEN'S 


BLACK  DIAMOND  LODGE  No.  179. 
Plttston,  Pa.,  meets  flrst  and  third  Mon- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  ^.t  St  Aloysius*  Hall,  S. 
Main  St 

President— Pat  Kelly.  12  Center  St 
Sec  and  Treas. — O.  Soharar.  80  Wash- 
ington St.  West  Pittston. 


FARGO  LODGE  No.  180.  Fargo.  N.  D.. 
meets  at  Assembly  Hall  second  juid  fourth 
Saturdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — C.  Simons,  707  Second  N. 

Sec  and  Jour. — D.  M.  Hurley,  Assembly 
HalL 

Trees.— G.  Weissert,  718  6th  St.,  N. 

BIG  FIVE  LODGE  No.  181.  Dallas, 
Tex..  meeU  at  W.  O.  W.  Hdll.  846  Main 
St.  last  Simday  in  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President — ^Frank  Mackln.  821  Swiss 
Avei 

Sec  and  Treaa — ^Thomas  J.  Peters.  2708 
Birmingham  St 

Journal — ^W.  P.  Hocker,  182  Nusbaumer 
St 

KALI-INLA  LODGE  No.  182.  BaUey- 
viUe.  Okla..  meets  flrst  and  third  Fridays 
at  8  p.  m..  in  Mesenia  HalL 

President — J.  Yockstick. 

Sec-Treas. — B.  W.  Edwards,  Box  267. 

Journal — C.  T.  Norman. 


CALGARY  LODGE  No.  183.  Calgary. 
Alberta.  Canada,  meets  flrst  and  third 
Thursday  at  3  p.  m.,  at  Labor  HalL 

President— P.  J.  McCourt 

Sec. — W.  J.  Spillane. 

Treas.— W.  W.  Harding.  IMl  11th  Ave. 
E 

WINDSOR  LODGE  No.  184.  Windsor. 
Ont.  meets  flrst  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8 
p.  m..  at  Foresters'  HalL 

President — ^Thomas  Barrows.  38  Curry 
Ave. 

Sec— J.  W.  Alldritt  Box  406. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Lonnee.  Box  406. 

MOOSE  JAW  LODGE  No.  185.  Moose 
Jaw.  Sask..  Canada,  meets  flrst  Saturday 
afternoon,  and  third  Saturday  night  8.30 
o  clock,  at  Trades  and  Labor  Assembly 
HalL 

President— R  E.  Blunt  174  N.  Main  St 

Sec  and  Jour. — W.  B.  Garvin. 

Troas. — J.  W.  Garwell.  160  0*Mlnica 
St  K 

BEND  CITY  LODGE  No.  187,  Musca- 
tine, la.,  meets  flrst  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.:{0  p.  m.,  5n  Trades  Labor  Assembly 
HalL 

President — James  H.  Young,  216  Rose- 
lawn  Ave. 

Sec. — Geo.  E.  Law,  1706  Oregon  St 

Treas,  and  Journal — F.  A.  Timm.  1000 
East  8th  St 

MAD  RIVER  LODGE  No.  188.  Dayton, 
O..  meets  flrst  and  fourth  Monda/s  at 
7.80  p.  m..  in  HoUencamp  Hall.  Market 
and  Jefferson  Sta 

President — ^William  M.  Thompson.  887 
Huffman  Ave. 

Sec. — M.  J.  O'Connor,  484  E.  2nd  St 

Treaa— Wm.  A.  MiUer,  184  BUcer  St 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON  LODOB  No. 
189.  Dolton.  IlL.  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  HalL 

President — J.  O'Brien.  227  Lincoln  Ava 

Sec— D.  J.  Gallagher.  18748  Legrden 
Ave..  Chicago.  HL 

Treaa — J7  A.  Headley. 

Journal — ^P.  H.  Sexton. 


GREENVILLE  LODGE  No.  190.  Gr 
vlUe.  Tex.,  meets  flrst  and  third  Thursdays 
at  8  p.  m. 

President  Sec.  and  Treaa — ^H.  C  Al- 
len. 1818  N.  King  St 

LYONS  LODGE  No.  191,  Lyons,  N.  T. 
President — Jaa  McDermott,  Geneva  8t 
Sec.-Treas.-James  Harrigan. 

TIGER  LODGE  Nc  192.  Detroit  MldL. 
meets  in  Schiller's  Hall.  cor.  St  Aubtn 
and  Gratiot  Ave.  flrst  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  ro. 

President — C  F.  Golf.  488  Toledo  Ava 
Sec — Edw.  Wagner.  988  Meldrum  Ava 
Treaa — J.  J.  Kenyon.  128  Chestnut  St 
Journal — ^Frank  D.  Conway.  87  ADoe  Av. 

FRANKLIN  PARK  LODOB  No.  198, 
Franklin  Park.  111.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  in  SwltchnMn's 
HalL 

President — George  W.  Clssna. 

Sec — Albert  H  Barton. 

Treaa — ^Frank  Brinkerholf. 

Journal-— John  J.  Breen. 

KEYSTONE  LODGE  No.  194,  HaO- 
stead.  Pa.,  meets  flrst  Wednesday  at  7.80 
p.  m..  and  third  Wednesday  at  7.30  a  ul. 
at  Clune's  HalL  Main  St 

President — ^Wm.  Squires^  164  Murrsy 
St,  Blnghamton.  N.  Y. 

Sec— Thomas  Casey. 

Treaa — Fred  Decker.  242  Main  St 

Journal — ^Daniel  Downey. 

THUNDER  BAY  LODGE  No.  196.  Fort 
William,  Ontario,  meets  third  Sunday  at- 
temoons.  Carpenters'  Hall.  , 

President — A,  G  McGregor.  323  Ogden 
St 

Sec — J.  G.  Schram,  222  Cameron  St 

Treas.  and  Jour. — A  J.  Tomllnson,  124 
Dease  St 


ENID  LODGE  No.  196,  Enid.  OklMu, 
meets  second  and  fourth  Sundaya  2  p.  nu 
at  Labor  Temple. 

President — A.  Lu  Johnson.  908  West 
Maple  St 

Sec  and  Treaa — C.  T.  Moxley.  1017  N. 
Jefferson  St 

Journal — L.  A.  Starbuck.  Antler's  Ho- 
teL 

TERMINAL  LODGE  No.  198.  Little 
Rock.  Ark.,  meets  flrst  cmd  third  Sundays 
at  8  p.  m..  in  Mathews'  Hall.  Mathews 
Block. 

President — C.  D.  Page.  801  Locust  St, 
Argenta,  Ark. 

Sec — J.  F.  Harria  601  Cypress  St,  Ar- 
genta.  Ark. 

Treaa — J.  Cannack.  628  Cjrpress  St. 
Argenta.  Ark. 

Journal — Harry  Kurts.  Twin  City  Ho- 
tel. Argenta,  Ark. 


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UNION   OF  NORTH  AMBRICA. 


668 


CmCAGO  LODGE  No.  199.  Cnleago. 
HL,  meeta  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and 
fourth  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  eaoh  month,  at 
Hannah  Hogg's  Hall.  128  W.  Randolph  St 

Prejldent — John  J.  Clyne,  2628  Prince- 
ton Ava 

Sec — J.  W.  Hemen.  8819  Lowe  Ave. 

Treaa— E.  D.  Brough,  1214  B.  46th  St 

Journal — S.  A.  Fogarty,  1186  Richmond 
St 

CONSTITUTION  LODGE  No!  200^ 
South  Boston,  Masa,  meets  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  150  1-2  M  St,  South 
Boston.  Masa 

President — Geo.  Wise,  160  1-2  M  St 

Sec.  and  Treaa — ^T.  C.  Lamb,  84  Cres- 
cent St,  E.  Somervllle,  Masa 

Journal — ^B.  B.  Rice,  752  Main  St, 
Greenwood,  Masa 

HAPPY  DAT  LODGE  No.  201,  Buftolo, 
K.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Friday 
evenigs  at  8.80  o'clock,  third  Thursday  at 
9  a.  nL.  at  Beyer's  Hall,  oor.  Emslie  and 
Swan  Sta 

President — J.  J.  O'ConnelL  40  Bolton  PL 

Sec.  and  Journal — G.  C  Roth,  159  High 
St 

Treaa — ^Wm.  Krieger,  28  French  St 

PASCO  LODGE  No.  202.  Pasco,  Wash., 
meets  last  Saturday  of  month  at  8  p.  m., 
at  Eagles'  HaU. 

President — F.  R  Lee,  Box  716. 

Sec. — G.  Sanderson,  Box  716. 

Treaa— J.  J.  Kolinsky.  Box  716. 

Journal — ^L.  M.  Emery,  Box  716. 

FORT  DODGE  LODGE  No.  20B,  Fort 
Dodge,  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
of  each  month  at  8  p.  m..  in  G.  A.  R  Hall, 
Central  Ava 

President — ^M.  D.  Kane,  1407  Eleventh 
Ava  S. 

Sec.  and  Jour. — S.  E.  Huffman.  1027  S. 
11th  St 

Treaa— F.  L.  Barker.  607  &  17th  St 

ELY  LODGE  Na  204,  East  Ely.  Nev. 
President — ^N.  McGovem. 
Treaa — ^W.  R  Rice. 

DELTA  LODGE  No.  206.  Cairo.  HI., 
meets  in  Day's  Hall,  12th  and  Washington 
Sta,  second  and  fourth  Friday  evenmgs 
at  8  o'clock. 

President — ^Frank  Sauerberg,  2108  Pine 
Sec — Alonxo  F.  Kellla  606  Jefferson  Av. 
Treaa — Geo.  J.  Gllmore,  610  Walnut  St 
Journal— Frank  N.  Ireland,  218  12th  St 

MIDWAY  LODGE  No.  206,  8t  Paul, 
Minn.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday. 
8  p.  m..  In  Columbia  Hall,  cor.  Prior  and 
University. 

President  and  Treaa — E.  L.  Matheny, 
202  4th  Ava  S.  E.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

SASKATOON  LODGE  No.  207,  Saska- 
toon,  Sask.,  Canada. 

President — G.  S.  Setchell,  401  Ava  C 
South. 

Treaa — A  R  McDonald,  224  Ava  D 
South. 

AUBURN  PARK  LODGE  No.  208,  Chi- 
cago.  HI.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  m..  In  Auburn  Hall.  cor.  79th  St 
and  Lowe  Ava 

President — ^R  H  Spence.  869  W.  86th  PI. 

Sec — ^M.  E.  Glover,  6946  Marshfleld  Av. 

Treaa — Louis  Boyce.  444  W.  80th  St 


EVENING  STAR  LODGE  No.  209.  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y..  meets  In  Beyer's  Hall.  cor. 
Emslie  and  Swan  Sta,  first  and  third 
Thursdays  at  8.80  p.  m.,  and  third  Wednes- 
day at  8.80  a.  m. 

President— J.  W.  Slattery,  28  Oakdale 
PL 

Sec. — ^Thomas  Davis.  886  Elk  St 
Treaa — W.  J.  McGregor.  68  Goode  Ava 
Journal — C.  Barker.  67  Greene  St 

MONONGAHELA  LODGE  No.  21oI 
Pittsburg.  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at 
10.46  a.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  7.46 
p.  m..  in  A.  O.  H.  Hall,  2815  Sarah  St  S.  S. 

President — L.  J.  Sauers.  2902  Carey  Al- 
ley. 

Sec.— E.  Wllklna  2614  Buelah  St 

Treaa— W.  J.  Mangan,  99  a  11th  St 

PRIDE  OF  THE  VALLEY  LODGE  No. 
211,  mrama.  Pa.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  at  2  p.  m. 

President — ^W.  R  Prout 

Sea— p-Lu  F.  Ljmch. 

Treaa— J.  H  Gollick,  Box  188. 

Journal — P.  J.  Gavaghan. 

BRADDOCK  LODGE  No.  212,  Brad- 
dock.  Pa.,  meets  at  East  Plttirt)urg.  Pa., 
second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and  fourth 
Sxmday  at  2  p.  m.,  in  Rubenstlne  Hall, 
1032  Washington  St 

President  —  B.  W.  Wonderley,  209 
Crosby  St,  North  Braddock,  Pa. 

Sec.— R  E.  Stell.  212  Curry  St,  North 
Braddock,  Pa. 

Treaa — J.  J.  McCormlck,  283  Bell  Ava, 
North  Braddock,  Pa. 

REGINA     LODGE    No.     218,     Reglna. 
Sask.,  Canada. 
President — J.  A.  Hanrahan. 
Treaa— A.  C.  Plxler. 

OLD  KENTUCKY  LODGE  No.  214. 
Ludlow,  Ky..  meets  second  Sunday  at  2 

m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  in 
rdd  Fellows'  Hall,  Elm  and  Butler  Sta 

President— M.  M.  Miller,  2  Euclid  Ava 

Sec— W.  J.  Schachlelter,  949  W.  8th  St, 
Cincinnati,  O. 

Treaa — J.  K.  Cartwright  1214  Girard 
Ave..  Covington.  Ky. 

Journal— -F.  W.  Niebaum,  Elm  and  Ken- 
ner  Sta 

TRUE  SPIRIT  LODGE  No.  215,  Cleve- 
land,  O. 

President— J.  Dailey,  3131  W.  90th  St 

Sec — ^R  Packwood,  Lindale,  Gresham, 
Ohio. 

Treaa — V.  J.  Goldrlck,  7208  Hague  Ave. 

OKLAHOMA  CITY  LODGE  Na  216. 
Oklahoma  City.  Okla. 

President — Chaa  Noble,  420  E.  6th  St 
Treaa — ^R  S.  Oldham,  10  E.  3rd  St 

CHICKASHA  LODGE  No.  217,  Chlck- 
asha,  Okla. 

President — R.  Y.  Estea  410  Choctaw  Av. 

Treaa — L.  R  Russell,  218  Penn  Ava 

Journal — Ray  McCormlck,  care  R  R 
Yards  Ofllca 

NORTH  McALISTBR  LODGE  No.  218. 
North  McAlister.  Okla. 

President — ^W.  C.  Tlppit.  24  Townsend 
Ava 

Sec  and  Treaa — A.  C.  Drumb,  Jr..  66 
Bolen  Ava 

Journal — C.  E.  Powers.  8  Springer  Ave. 


p   m. 
Odd 


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JOURNAL  OF   THB    SfWITOmiBira  UNION 


HULBERT  LODGE  No.  219,  Hulbert, 
Ark.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays. 

President — ^W.  Butler. 

8eo.-Trea0.-J.  W.  Jackson,  288  N.  8d  8t;, 
Memphis,  Tenn. 

NICKEL  PLATE  LODGE  No.  220,  Buf- 
falo,  N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days at  8.S0  p.  m.,  and  third  Tuesday  at 
8.80  a.  m.,  at  McCarthy's  Hall,  Seneca  and 
Walter  8ta 

President — ^Horner  Dewett,  20  Weyand 
St. 

Sec-Treaa-^J.  J.  Smith,  61  Imson  St 

Journal— F.  M.  McFarland,  1060  Elk  St 

LACKAWANNA  LODGE  No.  221.  Lack- 
awanna, N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Fridays  of  each  month  at  8.80  p.  m.,  and 
fourth  Friday  at  8.30  a  m.,  at  McCarthy's 
Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sta,  BuffaJo. 

President— J.  G.  Bvoy,  81S  Smith  St, 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Sec — Jas  Oarvey,  760  S.  Division  St, 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Treaa — ^H.  Turner,  78  Lilac  St,  Buffalo, 

Journal — ^Wm  Flynn,  1769  South  Park 
Ave..  Lackawanna,  N.  x. 

EVANSVILLE  LODGE  No.  222,  Evans-* 
ville,  Ind.,  meets  In  C.  L.  U.  Hall,  Third 
and  Division  Sta,  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  8  p.  m. 

President-^.  B.  La  Mell,  1600  Walnut 
St 

Sec -Treaa — ^W.  W^  Harria  1600  Bast 
Michlcan  St 

Journal — J.  P.  Glass,  28  William  St 

STILL  CITY  LODGE  No.  224.  Peoria, 
HL,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
8  p.  m.,  in  Room  400,  sixth  floor.  Obser- 
vatory Bldg. 

President — ^D.  F.  Clancy,  1821  N.  Wash- 
ington St 

sec  and  Jour. — J.  H.  Brown,  816  Mor- 
ton St 

Trf»\a— W.  J.  Deady,  711  Hurlbert  St 

PONTCHARTRAIN    LODGE    No.    226. 

New  Orleans.  La.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8 

p.  m.,  and  24th  of  each  month  at  Mrs. 

Loeper's  Hall,  Annunciation  and  Erato,  at 

8  p.  m. 
President— H  J.  Scott,  1916  Vllbre  St 
Sec-Treaa — ^W.  A.  Heatherlngton,  1284 

S.  Claiborne  St 


ERIE  LODGE  Na  226,  Buffalo,  K.  T, 

meets  in  McCarthy's  Hall.  oor.  Smeoa  mad 
Walter  Sta,  sapond  and  fourth  Thorsaaiff 
at  8.80  p.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  T.M 
a  m. 
President— F.  A.  Clench,  44  Lester  8L 
Sec-^Jaa  Hasset  2886  Seneca  St 
Treaa  and  Jour. — B.  D.   Southard,   Tl 
Sage  Ave. 


MANCHESTER  LODGE  No.  228,  L__.  _ 

vUle^  N.  Y.,  meets  first  Wednesday  at  8.tt 
a.  m,  and  third  Wednesday  at  8  p.  m.»  of 
each  taonth.  at  Odd  FellowiT  Halt 

President— R  R  Loring.  Manaieater. 
N    Y 

'see.— Geo.  Parish,  ShortsviUe,  N.  T. 

Treaa— M.  F.  Bolan,  Shortsvllle,  N.  "T 

Journal— B.  R.  Quinter,  Shortsvine.N.Y. 


ANTHRACITE  LODGE  No.  229, 
barre.  Pa.  meets  first  and  third  Sunday 
at  2  p.  m..  in  Owls'  Hall.  East  Market  St 

President— W.  A.  McCall,  148  S.  Meade. 

Sec  and  Treaa — ^W.  R  Graver,  20  Wyo- 

Journal— Howard  Rlcketts,  84  Wyoming 
St 

KENSINGTON  LODGE  No.  2S0,  Chi- 
cago, 111.,  meeU  third  Monday  at  8  p.  ol. 
in  Bock's  Hall.  11628  Michigan  Ave^ 

President— J.  B.  Mcllvaln,  11528  Perry 
Ave. 

Sec— P.  J.  Salter,  11986  Yale  Ava.      _ 

Treaa  and  Jour. — Hugh  Dean,  401  B. 
118th  St 

CHICAGO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL,  Chi- 
cago, HI.,  meets  first  Saturday  of  eadi 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Western  Hall,  Ran- 
dolph and  Michimn  Ave 

President— L.    Lasear.  689  W.  47th  St 
Sec— E.  D.  Brough.  1214  R  46th  St 
Treaa^B.  G.  Wilson,  8280  Prinoeton  Aviy. 
phone  Yds.  2664. 

BUFFALO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  meets  second  Wednesday  oC. 
each  month,  at  8.30  p.  m.,  in  McCarthy's 
Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sta 

President — ^Thomas  G.  Meaney,  176  May 

Sec-Joseph  M.  Kelly,  101  Peabody  St 
Treaa — W.  F.  Schleua  67  Monroe  St 


Any  member  who  dutngeg  hie  street  addreee  or  who  ig  iBtending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wighes  to  recelTe  hig  Joumn al  promptlj  and 
without  f&ll  ig  reqnegted  to  fill  ont  the  following  form  and  eead  same  to  the 
Editor  at  onoe: 


Vame, 
Btreet 


Town. 


Lodge  No. 
Bt€ie 


JSTot  inovod  to. 
Town 


Btato. 


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PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

1st.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
— of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 

OTTNE 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  H.  THOMPSON.  Cditor  and  MsMtcr 


THOSK  WHO  ■■AR  SQUALLY  THK  BURDKN*  OF  aOVKRNMKNT  SHOULD 
SQUALLY    PARTieiPATK    IN     ITS    BBNIf ITS -^  THOMAS    JSPPSRSON 

Emur$d  St  tu9nthtU$t  msil  mstur  Jsmusry  JJ,  191i^  at  tht  Ptt  0§€t  at  Bufalo^  N.  T.,  umdtr  th*  jtet  of  July  i6, 1894 


vol.  XIV 


SEPTEMBER,  1912 


No.  9 


TAXATION  WITHOUT  REPRESENTATION 


Application  of  this  Principle  to  Public  Service  GMnmission. 


By  a.  a.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kans. 


The  ancient  despotic  governments 
collected  taxes  at  will,  and  this  re- 
mained the  rule  until  the  organization 
of  governments,  in  medieval  times, 
among  the  theretofore  savage  hordes 
of  central  and  northern  Europe,  where 
freedom  had  become  a  habit,  and  the 
government  was  only  the  operation  of 
a  contract  between  the  feudal  lord  and 
his  lord  paramount,  of  whatever  title 
or  authority,  to  whom  he  did  homage 
— a  contract  usually  for  the  rendering 
of  military  services  or  payments  in 
the  nature  of  taxes  voluntarily  as- 
sented to. 

The  feudal  lords,  then  correspond- 
ing to  what  we  understand  by  citizens 
now,  in  public  or  state  assemblies, 
"enregistered  decrees,"  or  otherwise 
gave  their  assent  to  the  pajrment  to 
the  king  of  such  revenues  or  taxes  as 
had  been  agreed  upon. 

Restricting  ourselves  now  to  Great 
Britain,  and  referring  specially  to  col- 
onial times,  we  find,  to  quote  from 
what  I  once  revered  as  the  highest  and 
most  respectable  authority.  Black- 
stone's  Commentaries  on  the  Laws  of 
England,  where  in  the  earliest  edi- 
tions, he  states  that  the  common  law 
is  the  heritage  of  every  Briton,  fol- 


lowing him  over  the  globe,  and  resid- 
ing in  his  domicile  wherever  affixed 
under  the  sway  of  his  native  land. 

The  American  colonies  shortly  re- 
belled, chiefly  for  the  reason  that  the 
mother  country  had  violated  the 
sacred  tradition  of  consent  to  the  pay- 
ment of  a  revenue,  and  insisted  on 
"taxation  without  repr^entation,"  as 
the  phrase  then  went. 

In  an  attempt  to  justify  the  action 
of  the  British  government  toward  the 
colonies,  Blackstone  then  changed  his 
text,  declaring  that  the  common  law 
never  had  extended  to  the  American 
colonies. 

This  mutability  on  the  part  of  a 
great  Judge  to  meet  ever-changing  po- 
litical conditions  is  well  illustrated  by 
the  action  of  the  Supremo  Court  of  the 
United  States  in  the  Standard  Oil  and 
Tobacco  Trust  decisions,  recently 
handed  down.  This  is  a  digression,  but 
I  know,  without  asking,  that  I  am 
pardoned  already. 

The  rebellion  of  the  American  col- 
onies soon  became  a  revolution,  result- 
ing in  the  establishment  of  our  gov- 
ernment and  the  vindication  of  the 
traditional,  ancient  and  eversubsisting 
right,  always  insisted  on  by  the  Euro- 


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JOURNAL    OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    N.    A. 


peans  and  their  descendants  in  Amer- 
ica, that  there  should  be  no  taxation 
without  representation. 

Having  thus  briefly  stated  the  tradi- 
tion, the  history  and  the  practice,  now 
crystallized  into  fundamental  law  in 
relation  to  the  operation,  from  a  finan- 
cial standpoint,  of  our  government,  we 
are  ready  for  the  application  of  the 
principle  to  our  public  service  corpora- 
tions. 

Public  service  corporations  are  in 
the  exercise  of  a  part  of  the  govern- 
mental prerogative,  a  franchise.  The 
sovereign  has  parted,  for  a  time,  wit)i 
a  portion  of  the  inherent  and  funda- 
mental powers  of  the  State,  and  for  a 
consideration,  the  consideration  that 
the  corporation  will  serve  the  public 
needs  in  some  particular  direction,  has 
granted  to  such  corporation  the  right 
to  transact  such  business,  and  to 
charge  therefor  a  reasonable  rate  for 
the  services  rendered,  to  cover,  first,  a 
fair  return  on  the  capital  legitimately 
invested,  and,  second,  the  cost  of 
proper  and  efficient  operation. 

At  this  point,  we  strike  that  much 
vexed  question,  a  mixed  question  ot 
fact  and  law,  as  to  what,  under  the 
circumstances,  is  a  reasonable  rate  oi 
charge. 

The  answer  to  this  question  depends^ 
•entirely  upon  three  antecedent  ques 
tions,  (1)  The  amount  of  capital  legit- 
imately invested,  (2)  What  rate  per 
cent,  is  a  fair  return,  (3)  What  con-* 
stitutes  proper  and  efficient  operation? 

We  have  now  the  whole  proposition 
before  us,  and  the  demonstration  does 
not  seem  at  all  difficult.  These  three 
antecedent  questions  call  for  facts, 
which,  when  ascertained,  the  main 
question  then  becomes  one  of  law,  ex- 
pressible in  mathematical  terms,  and 
able,  so  to  speak,  to  take  care  of  itself, 
and  we  also  see  that  all  the  contro 
versy  heretofore  waged  over  the  rea- 
sonableness of  a  charge  has  been  with 
out  a  foundation  to  rest  upon. 

By  reason  of  stockjobbing,  misman- 
agement and  corruption  generally,  (1) 
The  amount  of  capital  legitimately  in- 
vested  depends  upon  the  physical  value 
•  of  the  property.  (2)  What  rate  per 
cent,  is  a  fair  return  depends  upon  the 
money  market,  and  is  ascertainable  ac 
a  fact,  the  market  value,  (3)  What 
constitutes  proper  and  efficient  opera 
tion  is  the  only  question  presenting 
any  difficulties. 

At  first,  these  corporations,    In    al 


matters,  were  permitted  to  do  as  they 
pleased,  except  not  to  exceed  a  maxi- 
mum charge,  and  not  all  of  them  have 
had  even  this  limitation  placed  upon 
them. 

At  present,  the  rate  of  charge  may, 
very  generally,  be  fixed  by  the  Inter- 
state Commerce  Commission,  the  pub- 
lic utilities  commissions  of  the  various 
States,  or  the  local  municipal  commis- 
sions, as  the  case  may  be. 

The  true  source  of  the  difficulty, 
however,  arises  from  the  fact  that  the 
rate  of  charge  is  fixed  by  the  public 
commissions  just  named,  while  the  ex- 
penditures are  determined  by  the  cor- 
porations themselves.  If.  now,  these 
expenditures  are  not  legitimate  and 
honest,  if  the  corporation  is  paying 
salaries  of  $50,000  to  $100,000  a  year 
to  officials  incapable  of  earning  any- 
thing, or,  what  is  worse,  are  an  abso- 
lute detriment,  or  is  paying  subsidies 
or  gratuities  for  consent  to  stock- 
jobbing schemes,  or  for  rebates,  and 
the  like;  if,  I  say,  the  operation  is  to 
be  burdened  with  these  unjust  charges, 
the  rate  of  charge  for  the  service  ren- 
dered must  be  correspondingly  high, 
and  the  public  must  be  taxed  to  pay 
these  iniquitous  amounts,  too  often  in 
the  nature  of  loot  to  the  man  on  the 
insido,  and  in  no  manner  even  for  a 
laudable  purpose,  such  as  the  raising 
of  a  revenue  for  the  home  government, 
as  In  our  colonial  illustration. 

Our  ancestors  raised  a  revolution, 
because  they  objected  to  paying  a  few 
cents*  tax  on  tea,  when  they  had  no 
voice  in  the  levying;  but  now  we  pay 
millions,  millions,  millions,  as  a  tax  tn 
our  public  service  corporations  by 
reason  of  mismanagement,  extrava- 
gance and  Ipot.  not  objecting  to  any. 
not  knowing  the  existence  of  many, 
and  with  no  voice  In  determining  the 
legitimacy  or  the  honesty  of  purpose 
of  the  charge. 

You  now  see  the  difference  between 
taxation  without  representation  in 
revoluntionary  times  and  now,  cents  to 
millions,  and  the  difference,  also,  be- 
tween the  snirlt  of  independence  then 
and  now.  Then  our  ancestors  would 
not  pay  from  principle,  would  not  pay 
a  cent  illegally  or  unjustly  demanded, 
but  we  now  pay  millions  without  ob- 
jection or  thought  even. 

The  voice  of  liberty  Is  either  dead 
among  us.  or  we  are  but  the  degener- 
ate descendants  of  a  noble  anceetry.  I 
am  inclined  to  the  latter  view,  because. 


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like  an  overburdened  ass,  we  bear  the 
load  with  great  stolidity. 

In  my  Judgment,  we  have  no  choice 
of  remedies  for  this  unfortunate  con- 
dition. The  public  must,  through  the 
commissions  above  named,  become  the 
operator,  by  a  well-directed  control,  of 
all  public  service  corporations,  limit- 
ing their  expenditures  within  proper 
and  legitimate  bounds,  applying  their 
income  to  maintenance  and  better- 
ments, and  then  the  fixing  of  the  ratp 
of  charge  will  become  an  easy  matter. 


Shall  the  Sled  Trust  Control  the  Bread 
Market? 

Yes,  dear  reader,  that  is  the  question 
which  confronts  you  now.  The  Steel 
Trust  interests,  not  being  satisfied 
with  the  fleecing  exploitations  that 
they  conduct  in  the  steel  industry,  are 
now  taking  possession  of  the  bread 
market  for  the  purpose  of  duplicating 
their  nefarious  methods  in  the  baking 
industry.  Not  satisfied  with  having 
at  their  mercy  the  slaves  compelled  to 
toil  in  the  production  of  steel  and  In 
their  other  subsidiary  Industries,  they 
are  now  aiming  to  place  at  their  mercy 
the  bakery  workers  who  are  compelled 
to  earn  their  living  In  the  manufac- 
ture of  bread,  the  main  staff  of  life. 

Not  satisfied  with  having  at  their 
mercy  the  consumers  of  the  entire 
steel  market,  they  are  now  aiming  to 
establish  a  condition,  by  taking  posses- 
sion of  the  bread  market,  by  which 
they  will  dictate  not  alone  the  terms 
under  which  the  bakery  workers  may 
earn  a  living,  but  also  dictate  under 
which  terms  every  man,  woman  and 
child  in  the  country  may  eat  bread. 
Those  Steel  Trust  interests  are  now 
conducting  rank  scab  bread  factories 
in  the  cities  of  Greater  New  York. 
Pittsburg,  Cleveland,  Boston  .and 
Providence  and  adding  to  these  cities 
other  towns  as  rapidly  as  it  is  possible 
for  them  to  do  so.  Their  daily  output 
figures  up  into  the  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands of  scab  loaves  of  bread. 

The  Bakery  Workers*  International 
Union  of  America  has  exhausted  all 
honorable  means  to  amicably  obtain 
pome  recognition  from  the  firms  now 
forming  the  Bread  Trust.  Nepotln- 
tions  have  been  conducted  for  month <* 
between  Representatives  of  the  bakery 
workers*  International  organization 
and  the  representatives  of  the  trust 


plants.  But  the  Steel  Trust  interests 
have  passed  the  word  that  under  no 
circumstances  must  any  consideration 
be  given  the  bread-consuming  public 
by  granting  any  kind  of  recognition 
and  conditions  to  the  bakery  workers. 
They  have  declared  war  on  the  Bakery 
and  Confectionery  Workers'  Interna- 
tional Union  and  organized  labor  in 
general,  as  well  as  on  the  bread-con- 
suming public. 

For  these  reasons  all  the  trust-made 
products  carrying  the  Tip  Top  trade- 
mark, minus  the  union  label  of  the  or- 
ganized bakery  workers,  have  been  de- 
clared unfair  to  organized  labor  and 
its  friends  by  the  Bakery  and  Confec- 
tionery Workers'  International  Union 
of  America  and  a  vigorous  publift  cam- 
paign has  been  inaugurated  against 
these  scab  products.  It  is  the  intention 
of  the  organized  bakery  workers  that 
the  lot  of  the  slaves  in  the  steel  in- 
dustry must  not  and  will  not  become 
the  lot  of  the  bakery  workers. 

The  bread-consuming  public  must 
not  and  will  not  consent  to  a  condi- 
tion by  which  the  Steel  Trust  can  dic- 
tate terms  under  which  they  must  eat 
bread,  the  main  staff  of  life. 

Our  readers  will  please  bear  in  mind 
the  action  taken  by  our  organized 
brothers  in  the  baking  industry  and 
seek  to  assist  them  by  demanding 
bread  which  bears  the  union  label.  It 
is  an  easy  matter  to  do  this.  The 
union  label  on  the  bread  can  be  had. 
and  if  your  baker  does  not  have  it,  it 
is  because  he  is  unfair  toward  the  bak- 
ery workers  and  to  all  other  organized 
workers.  Be  a  union  man  in  fact  and 
in  soirit  and  cultivate  the  habit  of 
purchasing  onlv  goods  made  by  union 
men  and  under  union  conditions. — 
Exchnnpe. 


The  Label's  Value. 

The  possession  of  a  union  card  is 
supposed  to  indicate  that  the  holder 
Is  a  union  man.  This  is  true  In  theory 
only,  for  the  man  who  purchases  non- 
union goods  when  label  goods  can  be 
obtained — and  It  is  frequently  done — 
Is  not  a  union  man.  The  genuine 
trade  unionist  demands  the  label,  and 
if  all  members  did  likewise,  he  would 
never  fail  to  get  It. 

It  was  our  fortune,  about  fifteen 
years  ago,  to  be  in  a  city  in  which 
there  were  but  three  unions,  and  they 


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were  struggling  along  with  just  about 
enough  members  to  hold  their  char- 
ters. A  vigorous  campaign  of  organ- 
ization was  started,  and  the  various 
crafts  represented  in  the  industries  of 
this  city  of  about  3<H000  souls,  were 
brought — secretly,  for  open  organiza- 
tion was  impossible — together  and  or- 
ganized. It  required  about  three  years 
to  institute  about  a  dozen  unions  and 
place  them  upon  a  sound,  substantial 
basis. 

A  delegate  to  the  Typographical 
Union  convention,  recently  held  here, 
who  came  from  the  city  under  discus- 
sion, informed  us  that  they  now  have 
forty  odd  unions,  all  strong  and 
healthy.  "And,"  said  he,  "do  you 
know*  we  have  built  up  these  strong 
organizations  principally  by  label  agi- 
tation. We  have  advertised  the  label 
in  season  and  out,  and,  as  a  direct  re- 
sult, we  have  four  absolutely  100  per 
cent,  unions  in  the  city.  I  believe  that 
the  unions  having  labels  can  be  built 
up  faster  by  earnest  label  agitation 
than  by  any  other  means." 

A  pretty  strong  argument  as  to  the 
efficacy  of  the  union  label.  However, 
there  is  jko  doubt  that  the  great  ma- 
jority of  union  men  do  not  fully  real- 
ize the  value  of  the  label  as  an  instru- 
ment for  the  advancement  of  the  en- 
tire movement.  They  have  not  looked 
into  the  subject  deep  enough  to  appre- 
ciate the  widespread  influence  that 
every  purchase  of  union-label  goods 
has  on  the  labor  movement.  It  is  far- 
reaching  in  its  effects,  and  if  the  mem- 
bership could  be  brought  to  a  realiza- 
tion of  the  enormous  power  for  good 
in  demanding  the  label,  the  progress 
would  be  much  more  rapid  than  at 
present. 

That  union  members  spend  five 
times  as  much  to  keep  non-union  con- 
cerns in  the  field  as  they  spend  for  the 
support  of  union  establishments,  there 
can  be  no  doubt.  Every  dollar  spent 
with  a  concern  without  the  label  is  a 
dollar  put  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy 
with  which  to  destroy  unions.  Every 
dollar  devoted  to  the  purchase  of 
union-label  goods  is  a  dollar  directed 
toward  preserving  them. 

It  is  said  that  union  men  spend  in 
this  country  $1,500,000,000  annually 
for  the  necessaries  of  life.  The  2,500.- 
000  union  men  in  this  country  would, 
if  they  dem»nded  it,  soon  find  a  union 
label  on  all  their  nurchases.  Were 
this  the  case,  it  would  not  be  long  until 


there  were  30,000v000  union  workers  in 
this  nation  instead  of  2,500,000,  as 
now.  As  a  result  of  the  working  con- 
ditions that  wotdd  necessarily  follow 
such  a  transition,  there  would  he  hap- 
pier homes,  more  air  and  sunshine  in 
factories,  more  men  at  work  at  living 
wages,  more  children  in  attendance  in 
our  schools,  fewer  persons  in  our  poor- 
houses  after  age  had  crept  upon  them, 
fewer  sorrows  and  more  joys,  fewer 
tears  and  more  smiles,  and  a  higher, 
happier  standard  of  life  for  all  work- 
ers. 

The  possibilities  are  ^  great,  and 
the  manner  of  accomplishment  so 
simple,  that  no  excuse  can  be  justified. 

Always  demand  the  label — it  is 
more  than  worth  while — ^be  one  of  the 
instruments  of  progress  in  the  move- 
ment rather  than  a  drag  that  holds  it 
back.  It  may,  to  some,  be  a  little  bit 
embarrassing  at  times,  but  it  is  worth 
it  a  thousand  times  over,  not  only  to 
the  union  whose  label  you  demand,  but 
to  you.  You  will  reap  your  reward  in 
genuine  material  benefits  In  the  end — 
keep  at  it. — Women^a  Label  League 
Journal, 


Hie  effect  of  OM  Age  Pensioas. 

Victor  L.  Berger,  the  Milwaukee  So- 
cialist representative,  has  introduced 
an  old  age  pension  bill  into  Congress. 

This  bill  declares  that  all  persons 
over  sixty  years  of  age,  who  have  been 
residents  in  the  United  States  for  six- 
teen years,  and  whose  average  weekly 
income  does  not  exceed  $6,  shall  l>e  en- 
titled to  a  pension  of  $4  a  week.  If 
the  income  from  other  sources  is  over 
$6  but  under  $9,  the  pension  will  range 
from  $3  to  $1. 

If  enacted  into  law,  this  measure 
would  have  far-reaching  effects.  It 
would  remove  the  fear  of  old  age  from 
the' minds  of  working  people.  It  would 
brighten  millions  of  homes  in  rural 
districts  as  well  as  in  the  cities.  It 
would  prevent  much  destitution  and 
reduce  the  squalor,  disease  and  crime 
that  are  the  result  of  destitution. 

It  would  necessitate  an  increase  of 
taxes,  but  restrict  the  sphere  of  private 
benevolence.  It  would  do  much  toward 
solving  the  unemployed  problem  by 
withdrawing  large  numbers  of  elderly 
people  from  the  field  of  industry.  It 
would  enable  the  workers  to  command 
higher  waives,  firstly,  by  relieving  the 
labor  market,  and  secondly,  by  making 


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it  possible  for  them  to  bargain  more 
successfully  with  the  bosses. 

Mr.  Berger  estimates  that  approxi- 
mately three  million  people  would  be 
entitled  to  pensions  under  this  bill.  If 
only  one-sixth  of  these  quit  their  jobs 
upon  receiving  a  pension,  that  would 
mean  500,000  fewer  persons  fighting 
for  employments  That  would  make  it 
easier  for  the  younger  men  to  secure 
jobs.  It  would  also  make  it  easier  for 
them  to  command  higher  wages.  The 
less  competition  they  have  to  meet  the 
more  independent  they  can  become. 
Furthermore,  if  the  old  members  of  a 
worker's  family  receive  pensions,  the 
worker  himself  will  not  be  so  hard 
pressed.  He  need  not  accept  the  first 
job  that  turns  up,  nor  need  he  cling  to 
a  job  that  galls  him  because  there  is 
only  nine  dollars  between  him  and 
poverty.  He  can  insist  upon  better 
conditions,  he  can  hold  off  for  better 
terms,  he  can  stand  up  for  his  rights 
more  ably  than  he  has  ever  stood  up 
tor  them  before. 

A  government  pension  is  worth  more 
than  its  face  value  to  the  working 
class.  Its  benefit  extends  beyond  the 
amount  of  bread  it  will  buy.  It  con- 
fers many  indirect  benefits  that  are 
not  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  not  least 
among  which  is  peace  of  mind.  It 
may  even  enable  organized  labor,  at 
times,  to  win  doubtful  strikes. 

Politically,  the  party  that  cham- 
pions old  age  pensions  will  inspire  the 
gratitude  of  large  numbers  of  work- 
ing people,  gratitude  that  will  be  ex- 
pressed in  the  form  of  votes.  The  So- 
cialist party  is  fortunate  in  being  the 
first  to  introduce  such  a  measure  into 
Congress. 

Socialists,  trade-unionists,  and  all 
public-spirited  citizens  should  co-oper- 
ate to  bring  public  onlnion  to  bear 
xipon  Congress  in  behalf  of  this  meas- 
ure.— Piano,  Organ  and  Musical  Instru- 
ment Workers*  Journal. 


Civilization. 

Why  is  It  that  today  in  the  United 
States,  when  every  intelligent  person 
knows  that  it  is  possible  for  every 
man,  woman  and  child  to  be  supplied 
with  all  the  things  necessary  for  a 
decent  life,  together  with  all  the  so- 
called  luxuries  of  this  twentieth-cen- 
tury civilization,  why  is  it  that  one- 
tenth   of   the  people  have   four-fifths 


of  all  the  things  which  were  made 
and  produced  entirely  by  the  working 
class,  while  this  same  working  class, 
or  nine-tenths  of  the  people,  have 
practically  nothing  but  fresh  air  and 
water — sometimes  not  even  these? 
Why  is  It? 

Why  is  it  that  in  the  United  States, 
in  this  great,  big,  rich  country,  where 
one  State  alone,  the  State  of  Texas, 
can  furnish  enough  grain,  cattle, 
fruits  and  provisions  to  feed  every 
man,  woman  and  child  in  the  United 
States,  together  with  making  and 
manufacturing  every  single  article 
that  \s  used  or  can  be  used  by  the 
people  of  the  United  States,  why  is  it 
that  there  are  now  ten  million  people 
living  in  shacks  and  tenements,  fac- 
ing utter  poverty  at  all  times,  under- 
fed, cheaply  and  poorly  clothed,  and 
nearly  always  diseased?     Why  is  it? 

Why  is  it  that  in  the  United  States, 
the  richest  country  in  the  world,  with 
a,  population  of  only  about  one  hun- 
dred million  people^  why  is  is  that 
there  are  four  million  public  paupers, 
men,  women  and  children  who  exist 
only  through  charity?    Why  is  it? 

Why  is  is  that  over  a  million  little 
children  are  taken,  away  from  school 
and  shut  up  in  factories,  mines  and 
mills,  where  they  work  like  machines 
for  less  than  fifty  cents  a  day,  when 
there  are  millions  of  grown  men  and 
women  begging  for  work?    Why  is  it? 

Why  is  it  that  every  day  in  the 
year  there  are  three  thousand  men. 
women  and  children  killed  and  in- 
jured while  doing  useful  and  neces- 
sary work  for  the  people  of  the 
United  States?  Why  is  it? 

The  answer  is  easily  given  and 
easily  understood. 

This  earth  contains  everything 
which  human  beings  require  for  food, 
clothing  and  shelter. 

Everything  we  use,  everything  we 
see,  everything  we  eat  or  drink, 
comes  in  its  first  condition  out  of 
the  land  or  water. 

All  we  have  to  do  in  order  to  live 
is  to  work  sometime  and  somewhere 
on  the  free  matter  which  is  scattered 
all  over  the  surface  of  the  planet,  and 
by  our  work  satisfy  our  wants. 

But  the  earth  and  its  contents,  par- 
ticularly the  industries,  are  claimed 
as  the  private  property  of  Morgans 
and  other  capitalists,  who  say  it  be- 
longs to  them,  and  who  require  us  to 


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divide  up  with  them  in  order  to  get 
an  opportunity  to  work  for  a  living. 

These  conditions  can  be  changed  by 
political  action — by  voting  into  the 
legislatures  and  courts  lawmakers  and 
judges  to  make  the  industries  collec- 
tive property,  and  thus  insure  equal 
opportunity  to  every  man,  woman  and 
child  living  today,  as  well  as  to  those 
who  will  be  born  tomorrow. — Hugh 
McOee. 


The  Ovifized  Monkey. 

By  Fred  D.  Wahren. 

A  great  traveler  went  to  Africa.  He 
penetrated  far  into  the  interior  where 
the  foot  of  civilized  man  had  never  be- 
fore left  its  imprint.  He  found  a  tribe 
of  monkeys  contentedly  living  on  the 
things  which  Nature  had  provided  in 
abundance. 

Each  monk  gathered  what  he  needed 
and  his  neighbor  did  the  same — and 
there  was  none  that  lacked.  The  man 
was  surprised  at  the  ignorance  of  these 
simple-minded  creatures,  and  he  con- 
cluded to  give  them  a  few  lessons  in 
political  economy.  He  called  together 
several  of  the  brightest  looking  fel- 
lows, and  unfolded  to  them  his  plan 
to  live  without  work. 

"In  my  country  we  do  not  gather 
the  fruits  of  the  field  and  forest — 
others  do  that  for  us." 

"How  so?"  inquired  one. 

The  man,  lowering  his  voice,  gave 
his  audience  of  select  persons  the 
secret. 

On  the  following  day,  before  the  rest 
of  the  tribe  were  astir,  the  select  few, 
under  the  guidance  of  the  man,  took 
possession  of  the  forest  and  the  cocoa- 
nut  groves.  When  the  other  monkeys 
came  forth  to  partake  of  the  morning 
repast,  the  manager  of  the  new  com- 
pany stepped  forward  and  said: 

"Dear  fellow  monks,  it  has  seemed 
best  that  we  (indicating  the  select 
few)  should  take  possession  of  the 
land  and  the  cocoanut  groves.  We 
have,  however,  decided  to  give  you  all 
work,  for  which  we  will  pay  you 
wages,  so  that  none  may  lack  for  food," 
and,  with  a  pleasant  smile  and  a  kind- 
ly twinkle  in  his  eye,  he  explained  the 
scheme  of  civilization  which  the  great 
white  man  had  brought  with  him. 

The  other  monkeys  seemed  well 
pleased  with  this  arrangement — for 
was  it  not  a  step  toward  civilization — 
and  went  to  work  with  light  heart  and 


willing  hands,  gathering  the  fruit  of 
the  trees.  One-half  the  nuts  picked 
were  turned  over  to  the  owners,  while 
the  other  half  were  retained  by  the 
working  monkeys  as  their  wages.  In 
a  short  time  the  members  of  the  com- 
pany were  in  possession  of  all  the  nuts 
they  could  eat,  and  having  need  of  no 
more  a  notice  was  posted  by  the  man- 
ager, stating  that  operations  would 
cease  for  the  present,  and  that  work- 
ers could  take  a  vacation. 

Presently  they  became  hungry  and 
would  have  plucked  of  the  fruit  of  the 
trees,  but  the  manager  said:  **Nay, 
when  we  have  work  for  you  to  do  you 
can  gather  the  fruit  for  us  and  we  will 
give  you  a  part  of  it  as  your  wages. 
But  see,  we  have  all  we  need  for  some 
time  to  come,  and  it  will  not  be  neces- 
sary to  resume  operation  yet." 

Though  the  trees  were  laden  with 
nuts,  and  the  monkeys  were  willing  to 
wx)rk,  the  manager  could  not  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  resume  operations — be- 
cause there  was  a  surplus  on  hand. 

A  consultation  was  held,  and  one  of 
the  monkeys — more  rebellious  than  the 
rest — openly  advocated  taking  posses- 
sion of  the  grove  and  satisfying  their 
needs,  saying  they  had  as  much  right 
to  the  fruit  as  the  pretended  owners. 

This  seemed  good  in  the  sight  of 
some,  but  others  shook  their  heads  and 
said  that  it  was  not  the  way  of  civil- 
ization— that  they  should  wait  until 
times  "picked  up."  Others  (those  who 
had  received  favors  from  the  company) 
said  that  those  now  without  nuts 
should  have  saved  from  their  supply 
while  at  work,  so  that  when  the  com- 
pany no  longer  needed  them  they 
would  not  be  in  want. 

As  the  monkeys  got  hungrier  the 
prrumbllng  became  louder.  To  their 
untutored  minds  it  seemed  ridiculous 
that  they  should  be  hungry  while  the 
cocoanuts  rotted  on  the  ground.  After 
a  time  many  good  and  conservative 
monkeys  openly  advocated  taking  pos- 
session of  the  srrove  and  supplying: 
their  needs  as  they  did  in  the  days 
before  civilization. 

And  so  it  was  decided. 

The  monkeys  in  a  body  went  to  the 
manager  and  demanded  of  him  the 
keys  to  the  grove,  and  the  manager 
was  much  afraid  at  this  outcry  amoifl^r 
the  neoole,  but  his  appeal  to  observe 
the  "law" — the  law  nlade  by  the  select 
few,  under  which  they  took  as  their 
private   property   that  which   was  in- 


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tended  for  all — was  of  no  avail.  The 
monkeys  possessed  themselves  of  the 
grove  and  the  fruit.  There  was  plenty 
for  all,  including  the  manager  and  his 
former  friends — but  they  were  Invited 
to  do  their  share  of  work,  which  they 
did.  as  no  one  else  would  gather  for 
them.  ^ 

Question — are   we   as   wise   as   the 
monkeys? 


Slot  Machine  Unionists. 

Some  workers  look  on  their  trade 
union  as  a  slot  machine.  They  think 
that  by  putting  in  50  cents  a  month, 
or  $6  a  year,  for  instance,  an  eight- 
hour  day  and  an  increased  wage  scale 
will  automatically  roll  out. 

A  trade  union  is  not  a  thing  in  it- 
self. 

Men  talk  about  their  union  as  if 
it  were  something  separate,  distinct 
and  apart  from  themselves.  They 
growl  about  the  union.  They  bemoan 
its  shortcomings,  and  overlook  entire- 
ly their  obligations  and  their  failures. 

They  fail  to  see  that  they  themselves 
are  the  union,  and  only  as  they  live 
and  talk  and  act  as  union  men  will 
the  union  prosper  and  be  What  it  was 
intended  for — simply  an  instrument  to 
make  possible  the  collective  action  of 
workers. 

A  union  is  not  a  machine  that  you 
can  stand  up  against  the  wall  to 
throw  rocks  at,  and  then  secure  bene- 
fits every  time  the  mood  comes  over 
you.  There  is  ro  such  thing  as  the 
union.    You!   Vo"!   You  are  the  union. 

Don't  b«  q  slot  machine?  unionist. — 
Toledo  Union  Leader. 


Other  Things  Besides  War  that  ai«  Heli 

By  Ed.  H.  Packard. 

No  one  can  investigate  the  American 
slaughter-house  very  far  without  con- 
cluding that  killing  of  food  animals  at 
the  most  up-to-date  establishments, 
and  with  government  oversight,  is,  to 
say  the  very  least,  the  only  method 
that  a  civilized  community  should  tol- 
erate. 

I  will  not  dwell  upon  the  unspeak- 
able atrocities  termed  butchering  that 
take  place  in  secluded  places  as  a  re- 
sult of  the  lack  of  public  abattoir 
facilities  in  this  State,  of  laws  to  com- 
pel stunning  before  bleeding,  and  the 


blindfolding  of  animals  to  spare  them 
visible  evidences  of  their  impending 
fate. 

These  features  of  slaughter,  as  all 
readers  of  Our  Dumb  Animals  know, 
are  being  contended  for  by  officers  of 
the  M.  S.  P.  C.  A.  with  all  the  resources 
and  energy  at  their  command.  Nor 
will  I  dwell  upon  the  management, 
methods  or  machinery  of  those  plants 
that  kill  food  creatures  in  large  num- 
bers. 

As  far  as  I  have  witnessed  slaugh- 
tering done  under  the  most  expeditious 
methods  in  vogue  under  present  laws 
in  the  big  government  inspected 
slaughterrhouses,  I  am  bound  to  admit 
that  they  constitute  an  immense  im- 
provement over  the  country  butcher's 
methods. 

As  a  quick,  clean  business  proposi- 
tion the  slaughter  of  250  hogs  an  hour 
which  I  witnessed  recently,  would  seem 
to  be,  and  doubtless  Is,  the  acme  of  a 
perfected  business  system. 

I  have  nothing  but  words  of  praise 
for  the  cleanliness,  order,  system  and 
courtesy  displayed  throughout  the 
whole  place.  Government  inspection, 
I  learn,  has  done  much  to  bring  about 
these  conditions.  That  they  do  exist 
in  this  particular  establishment  I  am 
glad  to  testify,  and  I  noticed  that 
everything  which  ingenuity,  and  re- 
gard for  cleanliness,  and  even  the  wel- 
fare of  the  animals,  could  suggest  up 
to  ten  minutes  of  the  time  of  killing 
and  ten  minutes  thereafter,  was  to  be 
observed. 

But  there  is  a  period  of  half  an  hour 
in  each  hog's  life,  even  at  this  estab- 
lishment, which  must  be  concentrated 
hell  for  it,  and  I  lay  the  scene  before 
the  reader,  not  to  excite  prejudice 
against  a  business  enterprise  as  consid- 
erate and  humane  probably  as  it  is 
necessary  to  be,  under  existing  laws, 
with  due  regard  for  the  exigencies  of 
business,  but  rather  to  stir  up  the  con- 
sumers of  the  product  to  place  on  the 
statute-books  laws  that  shall  require 
their  meat  to  be  absolutely  without 
taint  of  cruelty  in  its  preparation: 

"Out  of  the  cars  into  long  runs 
swarmed  an  'afternoon's  kill'  of  hand- 
some vari-colored  western  hogs,  into 
the  clean  cement-floor  pens  of  the 
housing  bam,  glad  of  an  outing— rea- 
soning, I  suppose,  that  liberty  or  par- 
tial freedom  was  theirs  again.  Up  a 
long  incline  they  are  shoo'd,  over  a 
fifty-foot  'bridge  of  sighs,*  or  'squeals,* 


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as  you  prefer,  and  shunted  fifteen  or 
twenty  at  a  time  into  a  smaller  en- 
closure where  two  men  with  stout 
sticks  stand  to  welt  them  into  the 
slaughtering-pen  when  the  time  ar- 
rives. 

"It  is  in  this  first  pen  that  the  hogs' 
hell  begins.  They  are  obliged,  with 
every  evidence  of  utter  terror  and  with 
heads  huddled  piteously  together  seek- 
ing common  protection,  to  listen  to 
the  wild  pandemonium  broken  loose 
just  over  the  bars  where  their  fellows 
are  being  jerked  up  alive  by  a  hind 
leg  to  receive,  ten  feet  farther  on,  the 
fatal  knife-thrust  which  transforms 
their  already  horrid  contortions  into  a 
diabolical  frenzy,  this  finesse  of  cruelty 
to  a  human  food-product  finding  its 
final  expression  in  unearthly  squealing 
filtered  through  quarts  of  spouting 
blood. 

"Two  hogs  dropped  off  the  hook  be- 
fore they  were  stuck,  as  I  looked  on, 
some  300  pounds  of  dead  weight  falling 
on  the  animal's  face  from  a  height  of 
five  feet. 

"I  saw  a  hog's  eye  jammed  in  during 
the  pummeling  with  clubs  administered 
by  the  two  Hessians  in  the  outside  pen 
whose  business  it  was  to  force  the  ani- 
mals into  the  slaughter-pen. 

"This  dubbing  is  necessary  at  this 
stage  of  the  killing,  under  existing 
conditions,  and  whether  the  hog  gets 
maimed  is  of  no  moment.  He's  going 
to  die  soon  anyway. 

'This,  kind  reader,  is  a  brief  pen- 
picture  of  your  pork-food  in  the 
making.  You  are  the  one  whose  diet- 
ary desires  have  brought  these  in- 
fernos into  existence.  What  are  you 
going  to  do  about  it?  Don't  blame  the 
modem  government-inspected  slaugh- 
ter-house: blame  yourself,  your  flat 
has  made  the  business  possible.  It 
must  be  your  flat  through  legislation 
to  place  it  upon  a  plane  which  shall 
guarantee  absolute  freedom  from  suf- 
fering and  fear  as  far  as  human  in- 
genuity can  encompass  it,  to  the 
slaughter  of  these  animals  whose  flesh 
you  desire  for  food." 

Devote  yourself,  therefore,  with  your 
money,  time  and  talents  to  the  work 
of  securing  justice  and  mercy  for  the 
dumb  creatures  that  administer  to 
your  pleasure  and  for  which  also  the 
humane  society  is  so  assiduously  labor- 
ing. 

If  you  should  witness  a  moving  pic- 
ture  show    of   the   hogs   that    T    saw 


slaughtered,  illustrated  with  films 
taken  from  ten  minutes  before  to  ten 
minutes  after  the  fatal  knife-thrust, 
you  would  go  from  the  show,  as  I  did 
away  from  the  abattoir,  with  a  sense 
of  depression  that  days  and  weeks 
could  not  dispel.— Oiir  Dumb  Animals, 


rrank  Lane's  Victofy* 

The  largest  check  ever  awarded  in 
a  damage  suit  in  the  coal  fields  of 
Kansas  has  just  been  handed  to  Frank 
Lane.  It  was  handed  to  him  as  the 
result  of  the  fight  made  in  his  behalf 
by  the  Appeal  to  Reason  and  Coming 
Nation. 

Although  a  lower  court  awarded 
him  a  verdict  of  $25,000,  yet  because 
it  was  realized  that  this  verdict  would 
have  to  stand  the  scrutiny  of  the  higher 
courts  where  the  corporations  are  most 
strongly  intrenched,  and  because  the 
delay  possible  in  conducting  a  case 
through  •  these  courts  would  make  it 
years  before  Frank  Lane  could  reap 
any  benefits,  it  was  thought  best  to 
accept  a  compromise.  Consequently  a 
settlement  was  effected  on  the  basis 
of  $11,000,  to  be  paid  over  to  Frank 
Lane. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  he  was 
injured  two  years  ago  while  at  work 
for  the  Sheridan  Coal  Mining  Com- 
pany, five  miles  oast  of  Girard.  His 
spine  was  broken  and  the  lower  limbs 
totally  paralsrzed.  While  in  a  hospital, 
without  funds,  and  helpless,  the  Ap- 
peal and  Coming  Nation  workers  put 
their  energies  behind  him.  Attorney 
J.  I.  Sheppard  was  retained  to  prose- 
cute the  case. 

Although  it  was  the  original  inten- 
tion to  fight  the  case  through  all  the 
courts  in  order  to  show  their  working, 
yet  it  was  felt  that,  in  justice  to 
Frank  Lane,  when  an  opportunity  for 
settlement  was  offered  it  should  be 
accepted. 

The  total  expenses  paid  by  the  Ap- 
peal in  this  case  to  date  are  as  fol- 
lows: 

Hospital,  Pittsburg.  Kans $240.25 

Hospital,  Fort  Scott,  Kans.  . . .  420.00 

Medical  attention I6O1OO 

Expense  of  trial   147.35 

Total    $967.60 

Some  small  unpaid  bills  will  raise 
this  amount  to  about  one  thousand  dol- 
lars.   No  attorney's  fees  were  charged 


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to  Frank  Lane,  and  he  will  enjoy  the 
entire  $11,000. 

In  the  meantime  the  effect  of  this 
fight  has  been  to  strengthen  the  posi- 
tion of  every  miner  not  only  In  Kan- 
sas but  throughout  the  country  in  his 
struggle  for  better  conditions.  It  has 
helped  to  force  the  adoption  of  work- 
ingmen's  compensation  laws,  and  will 
compel  greater  safeguards  for  human 
life  throughout  this  district. 

He  win  now  go  to  a  sanitarium  for 
further  treatment  In  the  hope  that  he 
may  be  given  at  least  a  partial  use  of 
his  lower  limbs. 

His  mother  is  a  widow  in  Finland. 
He  would  bring  her  to  this  country, 
but  her  health  is  such  that  she  could 
not  pass  the  physical  examination 
necessary  for  her  admission.  It  is, 
therefore,  probable  that  he  will,  with- 
in a  short  time,  return  to  his  native 
country,  where  the  money  obtained  for 
him  by  those  who  fought  his  battle 
will  keep  him  In  comfort  for  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life. 

When  he  was  Injured  he  could  speak 
only  Finnish.  During  the  two  years 
that  have  elapsed  since  then  he  has 
studied  English  and  is  now  able  to 
apeak,  read  and  write  that  language. 
— The  Coming  Nation. 


Be  a  Man  When  a  Man. 

So  you  are  21? 

And  you  stand  up  clear-eyed,  clean- 
minded,  look  an  the  world  squarely 
In  the  eye.    Tou  are  a  man! 

Did  you  ever  think,  son,  how  much 
it  has  cost  to  make  a  man  out  of  you? 

Someone  has  figured  the  cost  in 
money  of  rearing  a  child.  He  says  to 
bring  up  a  young  man  to  legal  ago, 
care  for  him  and  educate  him,  costs 
$5,000.  Which  is  a  lot  of  money  to 
put  into  flesh  and  blood. 

But  that  isn't  all. 

You  have  cost  your  father  many 
hard  knocks  and  short  dinners  and 
worry  and  streaks  in  his  hair.  And 
your  mother — oh,  boy,  you  will  never 
know!  You  have  cost  her  days  and 
nights  of  anxiety  and  wrinkles  in  the 
dear  face  and  heartaches  and  sacri- 
fices. 

It  has  been  expensive  to  grow  you. 

But— 

If  you  are  what  you  think  you  are 
you  are  worth  all  you  cost — ^and  much, 
much  more. 


Be  sure  of  this:  While  father  doe  a 
not  say  much  but  "Hello,  son,"  way 
down  in  his  tough,  stout  heart  he 
thinks  you  are  the  finest  ever.  -  And 
as  for  the  little  mother,  she  simply 
cannot  keep  her  love  and  pride  for 
you  out  of  her  eyes. 

You  are  a  man  now. 

And  some  time  you  must  step  into 
your  father's  shoes.  He  wouldn't  like 
you  to  call  him  old,  but  just  the  same 
he  isn't  as  he  used  to  be.  You  see. 
young  man,  he  has  worked  pretty  hard 
for  more  than  twenty  years  to  help 
you  up!  And  already  your  mother  U 
beginning  to  lean  on  you. 

Doesn't  that  sober  you.  Twenty-one? 

Your  father  has  done  fairly  well,  but 
you  can  do  better  now.  You  may  not 
think  so,  but  he  does.  He  has  given 
you  a  better  chance  than  he  had.  In 
many  ways  you  can  begin  where  he 
left  off.  He  expects  a  good  deal  from 
you,  and  that  is  why  he  has  tried  to 
make  a  man  of  you. 

Don't  fiinch,  boy! 

The  world  will  try  you  out.  It  will 
put  to  the  test  every  fiber  in  you.  But 
you  are  made  of  good  stuff.  Once  the 
load  is  fairly  strapped  on  your  young 
shoulders,  you  will  carry  if  and 
scarcely  feel  it — If  only  there  be  the 
willing  and  cheerful  mind. 

All  hall  you,  on  the  threshold! 

Its  high  time  you  were  beginning  to 
pay  the  freight.  And  your  back  debts 
to  father  and  mother.  You  will  pay 
them,  won't  you,  boy? 

How  shall  you  pay  them? 

By  being  always  and  everywhere  a 
man! — Uticd  Advocate. 


At  the  Tomb  of  the  Banker. 

I  stood  at  the  tomb  of  a  banker, 
and,  gazing  at  the  marble  shaft  that 
marked  his  last  resting  place,  I  pon- 
dered on  his  greatness.  I  saw  him 
when  he  left  his  birthplace  in  an 
lEasteirn  village,  barefoot,  eager  to 
conquer.  I  could  see  him  winning 
promotion  after  promotion  in  busi- 
ness life,  because  he  never  was  par- 
ticular about  the  "color"  of  the  dollars 
he  acquired.  He  accepted  the  widows' 
all  as  cheerfully  as  the  rich  man*s 
mite,  nor  turned  a  hair  when  per- 
chance it  was  the  all  of  an  orphan. 

I  saw  him  as  a  captain  of  Industry, 
when  he  wrested  wealth  by  taking  un- 
fair  advantage    of    his   employes    by 


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forcing  them  to  work  for  starvation 
wages,  through  his  ownership  of  the 
machine;  his  competitors  were  forced 
to  the  wall  through  his  ability  to  con- 
trol the  market,  and  as  I  gazed  at 
his  tomb  I  could  see  the  sunken  eyes 
of  the  spirits  of  those  he  had  wronged 
marshalled  in  solid  phalanx,  looking 
the  look  of  the  wronged.  I  could  see 
the  legislators  he  had  bought,  the  law- 
makers he  had  corrupted,  the  fair  wo- 
manhood he  had  debauched,  through 
low  wages. 

I  could  see  the  tears  of  anguish 
shed  by  countless  thousands  of  those 
he  had  injured  by  his  business  meth- 
ods, and  dry  eyes  of  those  he  had 
caused  to  suffer  beyond  the  point  of 
tearsv  /Looking  through  the  green 
trees,  I  could  see  the  spire  of  a  church 
he  had  given  his  town,  whose  lofty 
spires  were  a  constant  reminder  of  his 
devotion  to  the  life  of  the  godly.  I 
gazed  upon  the  bronze  tablet  erected 
in  his  honor  in  the  doorway  of  the 
church  Itself  as  a  testimonial  to  his 
benefactions. 

I  thought  of  the  workers  in  his  em- 
ploy; of  their  privations,  of  their 
struggles  against  want,  of  their  hum- 
ble houses  of  worship,  of  their  un- 
marked graves  when  a  premature 
death  had  called  them — and  I  knew 
that  I  wouldn't  have  changed  places 
with  him  in  his  marble  tomb. 

I. would  rather  have  been  that  hum- 
ble toiler,  sent  to  an  untimely  death 
by  the  carelessness  of  industry,  lying 
in  an  unmarked  grave,  conscious  that 
in  my  life  I  had  injured  none,  know- 
ing that  though  I  died  in  poverty  I 
had  taken  naught  from  another,  than 
to  have  lain  in  that  marble  tomb  with 
the  reproaches  of  my  vfctims  ever 
with  me;  and  I  would  rather  be  the 
widow  of  that  poor  worker,  and  had 
as  his  only  heritage  the  knowledge 
that  he  had  lived  upright  and  honest, 
than  to  have  been  the  million-endowed 
widow  of  the  banker. 

I  would  rather  walk  the  streets  a 
washerwoman  and  a  cleaner  of  halls 
and  offices,  able  to  look  anyone  in 
the  face,  than  to  have  the  finger  of 
reproach  from  one  man  or  woman 
aimed  at  my  acquired  wealth. — Colo- 
rado Industrial  Review. 


Freshleigh — "Did  you  see  me  at  the 
zoo  yesterday?" 

Miss  Sharp — "I  didn't  go  near  the 
monkey  cage,  Mr.  Freshleigh." 


Gems  from  Robert  G.  Ingersol. 

I  believe  in  protecting  American  in- 
dustries, but  I  do  not  believe  in  rock- 
ing the  cradle  when  the  infant  is  seven 
teet  high  and  wears  a  No.  12  boot. 

Beneath  the  loftiest  monuments  may 
be  found  ambition's  worthless  dust,, 
while  those  who  lived  the  loftiest  lives 
are  sleeping  now  in  unknown  graves. 

The  civilized  man  is  governed  by  his 
intelligence  uninfluenced  by  his  pas- 
sions. A  savage  is  controlled  by  his 
passions  uninfluenced  by  his  intelli- 
gence. 

I  regard  the  rights  of  men  and  wo- 
men equal.  In  love's  fair  realm,  hus- 
band and  wife  are  king  and  queen, 
sceptered  and  crowned  alike  and  seated 
on  the  self-same  throne. 

We  live  on  a  grain  of  sand  and  tears 
we  call  the  earth,  and  what  we  know 
of  the  infinite  is  infinitely  limited,  but 
little  as  we  know  all  have  a  right  to 
give  their  honest  thoughts. 

Music  expresses  feeling  and  thought 
without  language.  It  was  below  and 
before  speech,  and  it  is  above  and  be- 
yond all  words.  Beneath  the  waves  is 
the  sea — above  the  clouds  is  the  sky. 

In  the  presence  of  death  how  beliefs 
and  dogmas  wither  and  decay  I  How 
loving  words  and  deeds  burst  into  blos- 
som! Pluck  from  the  tree  of  any  life 
these  flowers,  and  there  remains  but 
the  barren  thorns  of  bigotry  and  creed. 

All  enjoy  the  stage.  It  makes  us 
human.  A  rascal  never  gained  ap- 
plause on  the  stage.  No  one  has  ever 
yet  seen  any  play  in  which,  in  his  own 
heart,  he  did  not  applaud  honesty, 
heroism,  self-denial,  fidelity,  courage 
and  sincerity. 

Life  Is  a  shadowy,  strange  and  wind- 
ing road;  just  a  little  way — only  a 
few  short  steps  from  the  cradle  with 
its  lullaby  of  love,  to  the  low  and  quiet 
wayside  inn,  where  all  at  last  must 
sleep,  and  where  the  only  salutation  is 
"goodnight." 

The  lives  of  millions  are  not  worth 
living  because  of  their  ignorance  and 
poverty,  and  the  lives  of  others  are 
not  worth  living  on  account  of  their 
wealth  and  selfishness.  The  palace 
without  justice,  without  charity,  is  as 
terrible  as  the  hovel  without  food. 

All  men  should  be  temperate — should 
avoid  excess — should  keep  the  golden 
path  between  the  deserts  of  extremes 
— should  gatlier  roses,  not  thorn?.  The 
only  way  to  make  men  temperate  Is  to 


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develop  the  brain.  The  people  need 
facts,  education  and  philosophy. 

All  blessing  on  the  man  whose  face 
was  first  illuminated  by  a  smile.  All 
blessings  on  the  man  who  first  gave 
the  common  air  the  music  of  laughter 
— laughter  springing  from  good  nature, 
that  is  the  most  wonderful  music  that 
has  ever  enriched  the  ears  of  man. 

Tf  there  Is  anything  of  importance 
in  this  world  it  is  the  family,  the 
home,  the  marriage  of  true  souls,  the 
equality  of  husband  and  wife,  the  true 
republicanism  of  the  heart,  the  real 
democracy  of  the  fireside.  Unless  the 
marriage  relation  be  pure,  tender  and 
true,  civilization  is  impossible. 

Nothing  can  be  grander  than  to  sow 
the  seeds  of^  noble  thoughts  and  virtu- 
ous deeds — to  liberate  the  bodies  and 
the  souls  of  men — to  earn  the  grateful 
homage  of  a  race-^and  then  in  life's 
shadowy  hour,  to  know  that  the  his- 
torian of  liberty  will  be  compelled  to 
write  your  name. 

Nature  has  furnished  every  human 
being  with  a  light  more  or  less  bril- 
liant, more  or  less  powerful.  That 
light  is  reason,  and  he  who  blows  that 
light  out  is  in  utter  darkness.  It  has 
been  the  business  of  superstition  for 
centuries  to  extinguish  the  lamp  of  the 
mind  and  to  convince  the  people  that 
their  own  reason  is  wholly  unreliabl<» 

Wives  who  cease  to  learn — who 
simnly  foreet  and  believe — will  fill  the 
evening  of  their  lives  with  barren 
sighs  and  bitter  tears.  The  mind 
should  outlast  youth.  If.  when  beauty 
fades,  thought,  the  deft  and  unseen 
sculptor,  hath  not  left  his  subtle  lines 
upon  the  face,  then  all  is  lost.  There 
is  no  flame  within  to  glorify  the 
wrinkled  clay. 


Right  and  Left  Handed. 

A   college   professor   has   figured   it 
out  that  if  you  are  left-handed  it  is  a 
sign    that    your    ancestors    were    not. 
good   fighters,   says    the   Kansas   City 
JournaJ, 

"Most  persons  are  right-handed," 
says  he.  "Only  one  in  every  twenty 
is  left-handed?  Why  are  people  right- 
handed?  They  may  have  been  born 
that  way,  It  is  true,  but  why? 

"Away  back  in  the  beginning  the 
chief  occupation  of  man  was  fighting. 
In  battle  he  carried  a  shield  in  one 
hand  and  a  weapon  in  the  other.  It 
was  not  much  work  to  carry  the 
shield,  but  the  quick  action  required 


by  the  hand  and  arm  which  did  the 
fighting  soon  developed  that  arm.  It 
also  developed  the  nerves  and  the  half 
of  the  brain  that  governed  the  right 
side  of  the  body.  Those  who  shielded 
their  left  side,  thus  protecting  the 
heart,  were  the  ones  who  usually 
came  out  victorious.  Down  through 
the  ages  this  selection  continued,  the 
right  hand  gradually  becoming  more 
proficient." — Ex. 


A  Lost  Opportunity. 


-William  Graham  Sumner  writes  in 
the  Yale  Review:  The  United  States 
presents  us  a  case  quite  by  itself.  We 
have  here  a  confederated  State  which 
is  a  grand  peace  group.  It  occupies 
the  heart  of  a  continent,  therefore 
there  can  be  no  question  of  balance  of 
power  here  and  no  need  (jf  war  prepar- 
ations such  as  now  impoverish  Europe. 

The  United  States  is  a  new  country 
with  a  sparse  population  and  no  strong 
neighbors.  Such  a  State  will  be  a 
democracy  and  a  republic,  and  it  will 
be  "free"  in  almost  any  sense  that  its 
people  choose.  If 'this  State  becomes 
militant,  it  will  be  because  its  people 
choose  to  become  such;  it  will  be  be- 
cause they  think  that  war  and  warlike- 
ness  are  desirable  in  themselves  and 
wArth  going  after.  On  their  own  con- 
tinent they  never  need  encounter  war 
on  their  path  of  industrial  and  political 
development  up  to  any  standard  which  , 
they  choose  to  adopt. 

It  is  a  very  remarkable  fact,  and 
one  which  has  had  immense  influence 
on  the  history  of  civilization,  that  the 
land  of  the  globe  is  divided  into  two 
great  sections,  the  mass  of  Europe, 
Asia  and  Africa  on  the  one  side,  and 
these  two  Amerlcew  on  the  other,  and 
that  one  of  these  worlds  remained  un- 
known to  the  other  until  only  400  years 
ago. 

We  talk  a  great  deal  about  orogress 
and  modern  enlightenment  and  democ- 
racy and  the  happiness  of  the  masses: 
but  very  few  people  seem  to  know  to 
what  a  great  extent  all  these  things 
are  consequences  of  the  discovery  of 
the  new  world.  As  to  this  subject  of 
war  which  we  are  now  considering,  the 
fprt  that  the  new  world  Is  removed  to 
ciif»vi  o  distance  from  the  old  world 
mflde  it  Dossible  for  men  to  make  a 
new  start  here.  It  was  possible  to 
break  o^d  traditions,  to  revise  institu- 
tions, and  to  think  out    a    new   phil- 


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osophy,  to  fit  an  infant  society,  while 
keeping  wliatever  seemed  good  and 
available  in  the  inheritance  from  the 
old  world.  It  was  a  marvelons  oppor- 
tunity; to  the  student  of  history  and 
human  institutions  it  seems  incredible 
that  it  ever  could  have  been  offered. 

The  men  who  founded  this  republic 
recognized  that  opportunity  and  tried 
to  use  it.  It  is  we  who  are  now  here 
who  have  thrown  it  away;  we  have  de- 
cided that  instead  of  working  out  the 
advantages  of  it  by  peace,  simplicity, 
domestic  happiness,  industry  and 
thrift,  we  would  rather  do  it  in  the  old 
way  by  war  and  glory,  alternate  vic- 
tory and  calamity,  adventurous  enter- 
prises, grand  finance,  powerful  govern- 
ment, and  great  social  contrasts  of 
splendor  and  misery.  Future  ages  will 
look  back  to  us  with  amazement  and 
reproach  that  we  should  have  made 
such  a  choice'  in  the  face  of  such  an 
opportunity,  and  should  have  entailed 
on  them  the  consequences — for  the  op- 
portunity will  never  come  again. — Ex. 


Scientific  Tacts  About  Babies. 

Many  up-to-date  scientists  hold  the 
somewhat  startling  theory  that  in  its 
physique  and  its  ways  the  average 
baby  resembles  the  ape-like  ancestor 
of  the  human  race  far  more  than  it 
does  the  grownup  into  which  twenty 
years  or  so  will  turn  it. 
.  Notice,  they  say,  how  a  small  baby 
carries  the  soles  of  its  feet.  It  has 
the  power  of  turning  its  ankles  in  till 
the  soles  are  in  a  line  with  its  legs. 

This  power  is  soon  lost,  but  it  is, 
these  scientists  declare,  a  direct  inher- 
itance from  the  tree-climbing  habits  of 
our  ancestors. 

Another  point  is  the  great  strength 
of  a  baby's  arms  compared  with  that 
of  its  legs.  Experiments  have  shown 
that  nearly  all  children  less  than  three 
weeks  old  can  suspend  themselves  by 
the  arms  from  a  horizontal  walking- 
stick  for  at  least  ten  seconds. 

That  distinguished  scientist,  Dr. 
Chalmers  Mitchell,  in  a  recent  lecture, 
remarked  that  he  had  known  babies 
not  only  to  hang  on  without  support, 
but  voluntarily  take  away  one  hand, 
hanging  on  with  only  one— even  babies 
only  an  hour  old.  This  great  arm 
strength  is  said  to  date  from  the  days 
when  our  ancestors  relied  on  their 
arms  alone  in  swinging  from  tree  to 
tree. 


Another  curious  point  brought  for- 
ward is  that  of  the  perpendicular  fur- 
row on  the  upper  lip.  Ajs  people  grow 
older,  this  gets  less  and  less  distinct, 
and  sometimes  vanishes  entirely.  But 
in  babies,  as  in  apes,  this  furrow  is 
very  de^  indeed. 

Again,  everybody  who  has  had 
charge  of  a  baby  knows  that,  if  left 
to  itself  when  going  to  sleep,  it  chooses 
a  posture  which  seems  horribly  un- 
comfortable to  its  mother  or  nurse. 
It  goes  to  sleep  lying  on  its  stomach, 
with  its  limbs  curled  up  beneath  it. 

Another  indication  of  how  babies 
are  nearer  to  the  tree-dwelling  period 
of  the  race  than  they  are  to  the  adults 
around  them  is  said  to  be  found  in 
the  passion  babies  have  for  crawling 
upstairs.  No  baby  will  crawl  along 
a  level  floor  if  it  can  find  a  staircase. 
There  seems  to  be^  some  mysterious 
instinct  teaching  it  to  climb. 

To  send  a  baby  to  sleep  you  rock  It. 
either  in  the  arms  or  a  cradle.  Why? 
Grownups  would  only  turn  giddy.  But 
rocking  soothes  a  baby.  Another  leg- 
acy, say  this  school  of  8cienti$fts.  from 
our  tree-top  days.  More  than  one 
scientist  has  pointed  out  that  the  fav- 
orite lullaby  in  most  languages  has,  as 
in  "Rock-a-by,  Baby,  on  the  Tree-top." 
some  reference  to  the  swaying  motion 
of  trees,  and  attempts  have  been  made 
to  prove  that  these  lullabies,  which  are 
all  of  great  antiquity,  are  due  to  the 
race's  dim  memory  of  its  past. 

Watch  the  way  a  baby  grips  a  mug. 
It  does  not  apply  thumb  and  flnger  to 
the  handle.  It  does  not  try  to  get  a 
good  leverage  by  putting  the  thumb  in- 
side. No,  it  uses  only  its  fingers, 
bringing  the  palm  flat  down,  with  the 
fingers  inside  the  brim,  ignoring  the 
thumb.  Monkeys,  which  use  the  hands 
simply  as  hooks  to  swing  from,  neglect 
the  thumb  in  just  the  same  way. 

A  baby  can  wriggle  its  toes  in  a  way 
no  adult  can.  It  can  separate  the  big 
toe  from  the  others.  In  fact,  it  has 
the  monkey  trick  of  using  the  big  toe 
as  a  thumb,  and  the  first  toe  as  a  fore- 
finger. And  a  baby  can  move  its  toes 
separately,  as  a  rule,  unlike  the  adult, 
whose  toes  are  practically  useless  to 
him. 

An  abvious  point  of  similarity  to  the 
primeval  man-ape  is  to  be  found  in 
the  baby's  crawl.  Its  inability  to 
straighten  its  thighs  put  prevents  it 
from  walking  upright.  Though  most 
babies  use  the  knees  in  crawling,  many. 


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especially  those  not  too  fat,  use  only 
bands  and  feet. 

But  it  is  comforting  to  remember 
tbat«  tbougb  many  scientists  support 
this  curious  version  of  the  theory  that 
the  child  is  father  *  of  the  man,  and 
believe  that  babies  start  thousands  of 
centuries  back  and  live  through  hun- 
dreds of  years  a  day,  others,  just  as 
prominent,  merely  laugh  at  the  idea.— 
Answers, 


The  Oifldrcii's  Tather. 

A  prominent  woman  wjas  talking 
with  motherly  pride  of  the  good  qual- 
ities of  her  eldest  daughter  and  with 
that  soft  light  that  comes  into  the 
eyes  of  a  good  mother  and  wife  on 
occasions  where  her  pride  is  touched 
she  said:  "You  see,  I  gave  her  the 
right  kind  of  a  father." 

This  woman  had,  when  she  was 
very  young  been  married  to  a  man 
much  older  than  herself,  but  he  was 
a  man  of  many  fine  qualities  and  at- 
tainments; a  man  who  always  worked 
in  the  interests  of  those  less  able  to 
bear  the  burdens  of  life  than  himself 
and  his  children  were  still  very  young. 
But  the  quality  of  the  man  is  shown 
in  the  reverence  in  which  the  woman 
who  had  known  him  best  of  all  the 
world  held  his  memory. 

But  that  is  not  the  point.  It  is  the 
woman's  statement  that  she  had  given 
her  daughter  a  good  father.  That  Is 
the  greatest  gift  any  woman  can  give 
the  child  she  brings  into  the  world, 
and  yet  it  is  the  last  thought  of  the 
grlrl  looking  towards  marriage.  Of 
course,  every  girl  wants  the  man  she 
marries  to  be  all  that  he  should  be, 
but  she  doesn't  exert  herself  over 
much  to  find  out  that  he  is. 

In  fact,  too  many  women  about  to 
enter  the  married  state  permit  their 
affection  and  their  emotions  to  per- 
form the  functions  of  Judgment  and. 
unfortunately,  for  far  too  many  of 
them,  they  have  a  day  of  awakening. 
Even  the  known  vices,  small  though 
they  may  be,  are  likely  to  be  over- 
looked. If  they  are  not  condoned  by 
the  girl  who  is  about  to  be  married. 
She  argues  something  like  this:  **If  I 
can  put  up  with  them  it  is  nobody's 
business."  And  so  she  marries  with 
the  partial  hope  In  her  breast  that 
when  she  is  his  wife  she  can  "reform" 
him.  It  is  a  nretty  pood  gamble  that 
if  a  man  won't  do  a  thing  for  love  of 


a  woman  before  he  marries  her  he 
won't  after  she  is  irrevocably  his.  And 
so  we  find  women  eating  their  hearts 
out  through  disappointment  at  their 
failure. 

If  most  girls  would  stop  to  think 
that  marriage  in  most  cases  presup- 
poses the  advent  of  children  in  the 
home  and  the  future  and  the  welfare 
of  these  children  in  life  largely  de- 
pends upon  the  kind  of  "father  she 
gives  them,"  she  would  not  be  so 
ready  to  make  sacrifices  for  the  man 
she  thinks  she  loves. 

A  woman  will  suffer  every  kind  of 
Inconvenience,  sacrifice  and  abuse  at 
the  hands  of  the  man  she  marries, 
but  the  last  straw  is  reached  when 
his  indignities  extend  to  the  children, 
or  when  his  shortcomings  bring  the 
deprivation  and  suffering  to  them. 
And  a  woman  never  hates  a  man  quite 
as  much  as  when  she  realizes  that  he 
has  inveigled  her  into  giving  her  chil- 
dren a  bad  father. 

Some  may  think  it  indelicate  for 
the  girl  about  to  wed  to  think  out  the 
problems  of  possible  motherhood  and 
all  that,  but  it  is  the  only  rational 
thing  for  the  prospective  wife  to  do. 
If  more  girls  did  this  there  would  be 
fewer  unhappy  homes,  few  broken 
homes  and  less  work  for  the  divorce 
courts,  because  there  would  be  greater 
circumspection  on  the  part  of  men. 
Of  course,  the  man  of  right  type 
doesn't  want  to  blight  any  life,  and 
long  before  he  thinks  of  marrying  he 
is  trying  to  curb  whatever  unsatisfac-* 
tory  tendencies  he  may  have.  Such  a 
man  deliberately  sets  out  to  find  the 
kind  of  woman  who  will  be  the  "right 
kind  of  a  mother^'  for  the  children  he 
expects  to  have.  And  so  we  are  pretty 
likely  to  find  an  ideal  home  estab- 
lished when  he  does  marry. — Kather- 
ine  Kip,  in  Knickerbocker  Press. 


Hookworm  Amon^  Oriental  Immigrants. 

Nearly  one-half  of  the  immigrants 
coming  to  this  country  from  the  Orient 
are  infected  with  hookworm,  as  shown 
by  the  recent  investigations  made  by 
the  ofllcers  of  the  United  States  Pub- 
lic Health  and  Marine  Hospital  Service 
at  San  Francisco.  Between  Sept.  23. 
1910,  and  Nov.  80,  1911.  out  of  2,255 
immigrants  examined,  1,077  were  found 
to  be  infected  with  some  form  of  in- 
testinal parasite.  Hindoos  showed 
the    largest   proportion,    63    per   cent. 


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JOURNAL    OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OP    N.    A. 


being  infected.  Seven  hundred  and 
seven  Japanese  females  were  exam- 
ined, of  which  401,  or  56.7  per  cent, 
were  infected.  Of  ninety  Japanese 
males  examined,  fifty,  or  55.5  pen  cent., 
were  infected.  Out  of  1,002  Chinese 
males  examined,  390,  or  38.9  per  cent, 
were  infected,  while  of  thirty  Chinese 
females  examined,  only  six,  or  20  per 
cent.,  showed  any  sign  of  infection. 
The  prevalence  of  hookworm  among 
Japanese  women  as  compared  with 
Chinese,  Is  probably  due  to  the  fact 
that  Japanese  women  brought'  to  this 
country  are  for  the  most  part  country 
girls  who  have  been  working  bare- 
footed in  the  fields,  while  the  Chinese 
women  are  the  wives  and  daughters 
of  merchants,  and  are  mostly  house 
women.  These  figures  are  taken  from 
a  paper  by  Dr.  M.  W.  Glover  of  the 
United  States  Public  Heakh  and 
Marine  Hospital  Service,  recently  pub- 
lished in  The  Journal  of  the  American 
Medical  Association. 


Matrimony. 

By  Herbekt  H.  Morley. 

It  seems  that  marriage  is  not  such 
a  popular  institution  as  it  once  was, 
say  a  generation  ago.  There  is  of  late 
years  a  tendency  to  pause  on  the 
threshold  of  the  matrimonial  state,  and 
as  a  consequence  the  percentage  of 
bachelors  and  spinsters  in  the  country 
is  increasing  at  a  rate  that  threatens 
the  future  generation  of  our  race  and 
is  causing  no  little  alarm  among  those 
who  study  and  would  seek  to  solve  our 
social  problems. 

Naturally,  there  must  be  a  cause — 
or  rather,  it  is  believed,  a  combina- 
tion of  causes — for  this  condition.  It 
may  be  due  In  part,  as  contended  by 
some,  to  a  growing  moral  laxity;  the 
aspiration  of  women  for  things  that 
they  consider  higher  than  family 
drudgery  may  have  something  to  do 
with  it;  the  prevalent  spirit  of  "wo- 
man's rights"  no  doubt  contributes  its 
share;  the  desire  for  freedom  from 
the  responsibility  of  the  marital  state 
has  its  efTect,  but  it  is  not  believed  that 
all  of  these  together  are  to  be  blamed 
as  much  as  the  industrial  cause — the 
feeling  on  the  part  of  so  many  men 
that  they  are  not  financially  compe- 
tent to  care  for  a  family  in  the  way 
they  would  desire. 

The   "cost    of    living"    proposition, 


about  which  we  have  heard  so  much 
of  late,  is  far  from  a  myth.  The  man 
who  has  been  so  fortunate  as  to  have 
gathered  together  sufficient  wealth  to 
relieve  him  of  much  concern  as  to  the 
increased  price  <5f  those  things  which 
nature  demands  to  sustain  life  may 
look  lightly  upon  the  added  expendi- 
ture of  a  few  additional  cents  on  each 
article  he  purchases;  but  to  the  poor 
fellow  whose  wants  have  always  been 
necessarily  limited,  and  who  has  but  a 
few  dollars  each  week  that  must  be 
stretched  to  the  limit  to  provide  even 
these  bare  necessities,  the  soaring 
tendency  of  prices  of  late  presents  a 
most  stern  problem.  He  has  to  pinch 
and  scrape  week  in  and  week  out  to 
make  ends  come  within  hailing  dis- 
tance, to  say  nothing  of  meeting,  and 
finds  that  his  life  has  become  simply 
a  problem  of  how  to  obtain  the  means 
to  keep  him  and  his  family  alive.  No 
summer  vacations  for  him,  no  trips  to 
the  pe^ahore.  not  even  a  few  days  t»* 
home  with  his  family — for  the  slight- 
est cessation  from  work  means  for 
him  harder  drudgery  than  ever,  and 
an  indebtedness  which,  though  small, 
seems  insurmountable. 

A  sorry  sort  of  encouragement  such 
a  fellow  offers  to  one  who  Is  consider- 
ing the  wisdom  or  the  folly  of  a  plunge 
in  the  matrimonial  sea.  It  is  not  to 
be  greatly  wondered  at  that  so  many 
of  the  men  In  the  ranks  of  the  work- 
ers hesitate  at  such  alone,  they  cannot 
but  feel  the  unfairness  of  asking  an- 
other to  Join  them  in  such  a  lot  as 
this,  with  the  prospect  of  numerous 
progeny  to  be  dedicated  to  such  a  life 
In  their  turn. 

But  you  say  that  in  other  times  men 
and  women  with  prospects  even  more 
gloomy — the  mothers  and  fathers  of 
the  present  generation,  for  instance — 
did  not  shirk  their  duty  to  the  human 
race  in  this  regard.  Very  true.  But 
time  was  when  men  and  women  were 
also  slaves  and  vassals,  having  no 
rights  other  than  those  their  masters 
saw  fit  to  confer.  The  men  and  wo- 
men of  today  are  beginning  to  learn 
that  it  is  their  right  to  live  instead  of 
merely  exist,  and  it  is  surely  time  that 
they  found  it  out.  They  demand  a 
higher  standard  of  life  than  they  did 
in  the  old  days,  and  who  shall  say  they 
are  not  entitled  to  It? 

And  in  those  other  days  the  dispar- 
ity was  not  so  great.  If  those  who 
were  about  to  embark  on  the  real  stem 


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duties  of  life  had  thci?  Liulships  to 
face,  so  did  tlieir  contemporaries.  So- 
ciety had  not  evolved  so  great  d^istinc- 
tions  as  prevail  at  the  present  time. 
The  worker  of  today  knows  that  the 
world  owes  every  man  a  living  now  as 
ever,  and  that  today  his  living  should 
keep  pace  with  the  increased  produc- 
tion of  wealth,  which  it  surely  has  not 
done.  Those  in  the  old  days  did  not 
see  some  favored  ones  spending  more 
money  for  automobile  gasoline  than 
they  were  able  to  spend  for  food;  they 
were  not  called  upon  to  witness  to  so 
great  an  extent  the  wealth  they 
created  being  squandered  by  others, 
while  their  sole  duty  was  to  pile  it  up. 
There  was  more  of  an  equality  In  the 
past  generations,  and  the  struggles  of 
the  cruder  age  were  more  evenly  dis- 
tributed. There  is  a  heroism  in  bear- 
ing a  part  in  a  common  struggle,  which 
heroism  savors  of  foolishness  when 
you  struggle  while  others  enjoy  the 
fruits  of  your  hardships. 

So  it  is  not  so  much  to  be  wondered 
f^t  that  sometimes  the  man  who  works 
for  a  daily  wage  hesitates  a  little  at 
matrimony.  He  realizes  his  duty  in 
this  regard  probably  a  little  more  keen- 
ly than  others  higher  in  the  social 
scale.  But  he  wants  first  to  be  assured 
that  he  is  not  by  this  means  to  bring 
the  blight  of  poverty  to  himself  and 
those  who  will  be  dependent  upon 
him.  When  he  is  assured  that  he 
\.ill  bo  ahle  to  provide  for  him- 
self and  his  family  a  standard  of  liv- 
ing commensurate  with  his  usefulness 
to  society  he  will  show  more  alacrity 
in  this  direction.  And  when  he  does 
there  will  be  less  danger  of  rpce  sui- 
cide in  his  ranks  than  in  the  ranks  of 
those  who  fear  the  advent  of  too  many 
chfldrpn  as  presaging  the  (disintegra- 
tion of  their  fortunes. 


A  Good  Home  A  Paradise. 

*Twas  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  who 
^aid.  "Happiness  consists  of  four  feet 
on  a  fender" — another  way  of  spell- 
ing h-o-m-e.  Understand,  one  can 
get  considerable  "pleasure"  elsewhere, 
coarse  or  refined.  There's  consider- 
able gratification  in  a  night  of  fellow 
ship  with  the  "boys"  at  the  lodge 
One  may  be  wildly  hilarious  at  a  "fun 
factory"  at  Coney  Island,  but  when 
it's  all  done,  after  the  last  guffaw  at 
the  "factory,"  after,  with  more  or  less 
treacherous     memory,     you've     sung 


"Auld  Lang  Syne,"  then  you  start — 
homeward!  The  cheap  tinsel  of  re- 
galia, the  hollowness  of  ritual,  some- 
how crowd  in  on  you.  The  trite  say- 
ing of  the  "suverin  gran  potentate"  as 
he  gave  you  good  night  grip  at  the 
street  corner,  "We  can  go  home,  Jim, 
when  we  can  go  nowhere  else,"  strikes 
in  still  deeper.  To  Adam  paradise 
was  home;  to  you  home  is  paradise. 
There  the  "kiddies"  are;  there  "the 
best  woman  God  ever  made"  greets 
you  with  face  and  eyes  bright  as  June 
morning.  What  do  the  Chinese  say? 
"A  hundred  men  make  an  encamp- 
ment; it  takes  a  woman  to  make  a 
home."  Any  influence  that  makes  man 
think  less  of  home  is  traitor  to  the 
man.  The  strength  of  the  republic  is 
built  on  the  American  home.  It's  a 
political  safeguard.  "No  home"  means 
Goths  and  Vandals.  It's  the  strength 
of  the  church,  too.  Hearthstones  were 
laid  before  altar  stones.  To  the  true 
home  angels  might  be  invited  to  stay 
and  not  find  themselves  amiss. 

The  worst  tragedies  are  not  enacted' 
on  stage,  but  in  homes.  The  divorce 
courts  indicate  that.  Poverty  trage- 
dies in  the  little  street  back  of  us 
where  some  actors  suffer  nobly  rather 
than  beg.  Tragedies  in  the  big  houses 
for  women,  infernos  for  men,  cham- 
bers of  horrors  for  children.  Break- 
ing hearts,  withering  hopes,  madden- 
ing brains,  the  crowd  goes  screaming 
by.  No,  all  the  tragedy  is  not  back 
in  the  little  street.  But  "when  pov- 
erty comes  in  the  door  doesn't  love 
fly  out  the  window"?  No,  I've  seen 
too  many  lovers  in  overalls  and 
sweethearts  in  gingham  aprons  to  be- 
lieve that.  When  I  write  a  book  of 
fables  the  first  one  will  begin:  "Once 
upon  a  time  there  was  a  house  of 
poverty.  But  when  the  wolf  came  to 
the  door  he  ttirned  away,  for  he  heard 
them  laughing  and  singing."  Home 
doesn't  consist  in  things,  but  of  hearts. 
A  woman  in  a  magnificent  palace  in 
Nebraska  said  to  me.  "Doctor,  the  hap- 
piest days  of  my  life  were  soent  in  a 
sod  hon«e  ten  miles  ort  yonder  on  the 
prairie."    She  is  now  at  Reno. 

Remember  the  picture  in  the  Chil- 
ean building  at  the  Pan-American 
Exposition  bv  Harris,  entitled,  "No 
More  Home"?  I  can't  forget  it.  For 
the  first  time  the  young  husband  stag- 
gers into  that  rich  home  intoxicated. 
And  it  is  a  rich  home:  notice  the 
draperies,   the    pictures,   the   fumlsh- 


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ings.  The  baby's  crib,  which  the 
young  mother  prays  may  become  its 
casket,  rocks  to  sleep  Innocence.  A 
thousand  things  are  worse  than  death. 
The  husband  wears  a  flashing  dia- 
mond, but  lacks  the  diamond  of  char- 
acter. See  the  roses  dropping  from 
the  vase,  withering,  dying.  See  the 
roses  dropping  from  the  wife's  heart, 
withering,  dying.  The  closed  piano- 
music  is  dead.  The  light  is  going  out. 
"No  moiVB  home."  God  help  those 
who  live  in  homeless  houses— houses 
where  a  husband  gives  black  looks  and 
vile  oaths;  where  a  woman's  sarcastic 
and  nagging  tongue  drives  a  man  to 
drink  quicker  than  snake  bite;  where 
a  lazy  son  gives  abuse  and  heartbreak 
instead  of  gratitude;  where  a  shallow, 
thankless  daughter  believes  it  her  chief 
end  and  aim  in  life  to  dress  swell  and 
marry  a  bank  account  and  an  auto  as 
though  happiness  always  traveled  in  a 
touring  car!  Deliver  us  from  such  a 
home!  Close  it  up  quick!  Put  up  the 
sign,  "House  For  Sale."  Better  sit  on 
a  stump  of  a  tree  out  in  the  woods 
with  an  umbrella  over  your  head  and 
call  that  home.— iJev.  Samuel  W.  Pur- 
vU,  D,  D. 


The  Floating  Palace. 

Beautiful  and  grand,  none  to  compare, 
Don't    take    me    where    the    icebergs 

glare; 
Pride  of  the  ocean  I  am  to  be, 
I'm  only  prepared  for  the  smoothest 

sea. 

I  was  made  for  those  so  rich  and  great. 
Who  are  honored  for  their  wide  estate, 
I  was  made  for  those  who  never  know 
Only  the  gentle  winds  that  blow. 

I  had  made  my  ports,  speed  second  to 

none, 
Many  laurels  in  sight,  victory  almost 

won; 
When  an  awful  moment  to  the  captain 

came, 
I  lost  my  power;    he  lost  his  fame. 

What  oould  be  done  In  those  two  brief 

hours, 
With   helpless  man   In    the   elements' 

powers; 
With  space  above,  and  sea  below. 
What  course  to  take,  which  way  to  go? 

How  sweet  is  life  to  each  one  of  us, 


Call  him  not  coward  who  saved  his  life 

thus; 
Hono^  to  those  so  lordly  and  brave 
Who    for   women   and   children    gave 

their  own  lives  to  save! 

Some  turning  with  tears  from  a  loved 

one's  side, 
Took  for  their  portion  the  ocean  so 

wide. 
While  others  preferred  on  the  deck  to 

stand 
And  die  as  they'd  lived,  clasped  hand 

in  hand. 

With  a  manly  hope  for  his  late  love 

.  bom. 
And  a  fareweli  kiss,  "We'll  meet  again 

in  the  mom." 
Thus  each  one  took  to  his  judgment 

beet. 
Left  captain  and  ship  to  sink  with  the 

rest 

As  our  lifeboats  for  an  unknown  har- 
bor had  set, 

Those  last  strains  of  music  we'll  never 
forget, 

"Nearer  my  God,  oh,  would  we  be!" 

Hast  Thou  forgotten  this  awful  sea? 

While  the  beautiful  Titanic,  with  lighU 

yet  buming. 
Now   from  the  last  sight  of  her  we 

were  turning. 
Thinking  of  those  who  were  yet  asleep. 
She  sways  and  breaks  and  sinks  in 

the  deep. 

Forms   now   on   ocean's  bosom   float; 

some  underneath  the  waves; 
Some  dashed  against  a  rocky  coast; 

some  washed  in  ocean's  caves. 
Others  many  fathoms  deep, 
Will  lie  there  in  their  lasting  sleep. 

Their  matted  locks  with  the  seaweed 

float. 
And  dainty  jewels  clasp  their  throat; 
Their   garments   rent   by   some   coral 

strand, 
No  one  to  reach  that  lonely  hand. 

Years  will  go  and  ages  roll. 

Naught  shall   disturb  their  protected 

soul 
Until  He  oomes  Who  can  waters  tread. 
Then  shall  the  sea  give  up  her  dead. 
Mrs.  Violet  Wilson. 


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INTERNATIONAL  OFFICCRS 

S.  E.  Heberling,  826  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buf- 
falo. M.  T. 

Grand  Sbcrktart  and  Trbasurbr. 
M.  R.  Welcb.  326  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buffalo. 
N.  y. 

Journal  Editor. 
W.    H.    Thompson,    826    Brisbane    Bldg.. 
Buffalo. 

Grand  Board  of  Dirbctors. 

P.  C.  Janes.  1261  Metropolitan  Ave..  Kan- 
sas City.  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cummings.  250  Whltesboro  8t, 
Utlca,  N.  T. 

W.  A,  Titus.  1378  R  92d  St,  Cleveland,  O. 

International  Vicr-Presidbntb. 
J.   B.   Connors.   707  E.   40th  St,  Chicago. 

ni. 

L.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O.  _ 

T   Clohessy.  7207  Peoria  St.  Chicago,  111. 

F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Buffalo. 
N.  T. 

T.  J.  Misenhelter.  507  College  Ave..  Rose- 
dale.  Kan. 

Protective  Board. 

R  W.  Flynn,  487  Railroad  Ave..  Scranton, 
Pa. 

G.  C.  Hess.  579  18th  St,  Detroit.  Mich. 

T.  H.  Stone.  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago. 
HL 

Dan  Smith,  5547  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 
111.  ,   . 

A  .1.  Peterson,  25  Johnson  Ave..  Port  Ar- 
thur. Ont,  Canada. 

Grand  Medical  Examiner. 

H.  A.  Sullivan  M.  D.,  326  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  T. 


OARCNCC  DARROW  ACQUITTED  Of 
BmBCRV  CHARGE. 

Clarence  Darrow,  the  noted  labor  at- 
torney, has  recently  been  acquitted  of 
the  charge  of  offering  a  bribe  to  jury- 
man Franklin  in  connection  with  the 
McNamara  trial.  Mr.  Darrow  has  long 
since  ingratiated  himself  into  the 
hearts  of  the  workers  of  this  country 
by  the  sacrifice  of  his  time  and  talent 
in  defending  them  against  dire  perse- 
cutions inaugurated  against  them. 
Probably  no  attorney  in  this  country 
has  worked  more  devotedly  to  prevent 
the  unscrupulously  inclined  aggrega- 
tions of  labor  destroying  agencies  in 
carrying  out  their  nefarious  plans. 

It  is  doubtful  if  any  have  succeeded 
to  the  extent  he  has  in  cheating  prose- 
cutors of  labor  leaders  against  whom 
were  charges,  which,  if  established  be- 
yond a  reasonable  doubt  to  Juries  be- 
fore whom  tried,  would  have  meant 
execution  or  at  best  long  prison  sen- 
tences. He  has  been  able  to  convince 
courts  and  juries  that  labor  has  many 
accusations  charged  against  it  which 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.    A. 


will  not  stand  the  calcium  light  tests 
of  reason  and  publicity.  His  own  ap- 
pearance before  the  bar  in  defense  of 
himself  and  the  pressure  brought  to 
bear  to  convict  him  of  felonious 
wrong  is  in  harmony  with  all  other 
prosecutions  against  those  connected 
prominently  with  the  great  labor  move- 
ment and  those  seeking  to  bring  about 
equal  opportunities  in  life  for  all.  Ac- 
cording to  latest  press  reports,  Darrow 
is  to  be  again  indicted  for  alleged 
bribing  of  another  Juror.  The  long- 
drawn-out  ordeal  he  has  just  under- 
gone relative  to  the  case  Just  ended, 
and  which  was  evidently  supposed  to 
be  the  strongest  one  against  him,  ap- 
parently has  not  sufl&ced  to  satisfy  the 
prosecuting  attorney  for  the  State  of 
California  as  to  his  innocence  relative 
to  his  course  of  action  during  the  trial 
of  the  McNamara  brothers.  To  those 
at  all  conversant  with  the  trend  of 
events  in  the  labor  world,  it  has  ap- 
peared all  along  that  these  great  trials 
against  labor  have  not  been  against  the 
persons  of  those  summoned  before  the 
courts  to  answer  for  crimes  charged 
against  them,  but  rather  for  the  pur- 
pose of  getting  its  representatives 
Jailed  in  order  to  bring  discredit  and 
confusion  upon  the  forward  efforts 
that  are  being  made  by  labor  to  get 
proper  recognition  foi*  those  seeking 
to  get  Justice  from  corporations  for 
which  Its  adherents  work. 

The  hand  of  some  great  corporate 
concern  is  visible  in  every  prosecution 
of  this  kind,  Just  as  that  of  the  Steel 
Trust  Is  In  the  McNamara  and  Darrow 
trials,  and  the  desire  for  conviction  of 
the  person  is  a  secondary  feature  in 
every  instance  of  the  kind.  The  real 
object  is  to  head  off  the  onward  and 
upward  trend  of  organized  labor.  It 
is  nothing  more  or  nothing  less.  While 
these  influences  desire  to  convict  Dar- 
row, the  conviction  is  not  sought  for 
the  purpose  of  punishing  him  indi- 
vidually so  much  as  it  is  to  silence  his 


voice  and  to  discourage  others  from 
raising  theirs  in  defense  of  labor.  Or- 
ganized labor,  in  whose  behalf  Har- 
row's voice  and  intellect  have  so  many 
times  been  forthcoming,  should  do 
everything  within  its  power  to  see  that 
he  suffers  no  injustice  at  the  hands  of 
corporate  greed  in  this  time  of  perse- 
cution. Every  union  man  and  woman 
should  realize  it  is  he  or  she  whom  all 
such  prosecutions  are  aimed  against, 
and  the  only  reason  that  Darrow  has 
been  singled  out  for  punitive  court  at- 
tention is  for  the  purpose  of  discour- 
aging other  attomies  from  coming  to 
the  defense  of  organized  labor. 


LABOR  RCCOVING  MUCH  MORE  ATTCN- 
HON  THAN  rORMCRLY-WHY? 

While  there  has  never  been  the  at- 
tention there  should  have  been  de- 
voted to  the  affairs  of  those  who  do  the 
world's  useful  work  by  those  control- 
ling the  Implements  of  production,  or 
by  those  entrusted  with  authority  to 
make^  laws  governing  distribution  of 
their  products,  there  can  be  no  gain- 
saying the  fact  that  this  chief  element 
in  the  multitude  of  earth's  inhabitants 
is  more  in  public  opinion  than  ever 
before.  The  two  classes  of  humanity 
are  in  evidence  to  the  extent  they  de- 
sire to  be  and  to  the  extent  the  con- 
tending forces  in  society  allow  each 
other  to  be.  If  the  present  ruling 
class,  the  owners  of  the  soil  and  the 
implements,  who  constitute  a  very 
small  per  cent,  of  the  population,  de- 
cree to  formulate  conditions  under 
which  the  destinies  of  a  very  large 
majority  of  inhabitants  shall  exist,  and 
there  be  no  issue  taken  by  those  so 
affected  to  forestall  or  prevent  it,  it 
will  be  so  decreed  and  so  ordained. 
Whenever  it  is  the  earnest  will  of  the 
producers  they  shall  own,  as  well  as 
operate  the  tools  of  production,  such 
condition  is  susceptible  of  solution. 
'    Getting  the  will  power  of  this  host 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.   A. 


678 


Into  earnestness  of  mode  in  regard  to 
its  real  powers  possessed  to  the  extent 
of  crystalizing  and  concentrating  its 
forces  into  compact  working  order 
sufficient  to  arranging  for  the  re- 
acquiring of  that  which  has  been  taken 
from  it  has  been  the  great  difficulty  to 
encounter  and  will  continue  to  be  the 
chief  obstacle  to  overcome  before  the 
toilers  come  into  their  own.  But  the 
hosts  of  labor  are  beginning  to  awaken 
to  their  powers,  both  in  industrial  and 
political  affairs,  and  with  proper  ap- 
plication of  the  light  and  fruits  of  ex- 
perience now  available  to  guide  their 
st^s,  it  should  not  be  long  until  they 
make  such  use  of  their  advantages  as 
will  enable  them  to  control  the  des- 
tinies of  the  world. 

The  largest  trusts  and  commercial 
bodies  realize  they  must  recognize  la- 
bor in  ways  they  would  have  frowned 
upon  but  a  short  time  ago.  True,  most 
of  the  things  recommended  by  them  in 
way  of  reformation  over  the  worst  sort 
of  conditions,  such  as  a  reduction  of 
Sunday  work,  etc.,  are  mere  palavers 
or  subterfuges  to  divert  attention  of 
the  workers  from  the  main  issue. 

While  Congress  is  indisposed  to 
make  any  special  efforts  to  make  the 
lot  of  labor  any  more  pleasant  or 
profitable  for  the  sons  of  toil,  yet  it  is 
cognizant  of  the  onward  and  upward 
trend  of  those  who  do  useful  work  and 
of  their  determination  to  exact  more 
attention  from  public  servants  in  their 
behalf  than  before.  So  our  national 
legislative  bodies  have  about  reached 
the  point  where  they  must  awaken  to 
the  importance  of  looking  after  the 
multitude  of  jobless  men  and  women 
as  well  as  of  those  accountable  for  this 
army  of  unemployed  which  is  growing 
larger  and  more  desperate,  or  step 
aside  for  those  who  will.  Indeed,  some 
of  these  statesmen  have  so  long  been 
oblivious  of  the  rights  of  toilers  to  live 
and  enjoy  the  luxuries  of  enough  food 
and  raiment  to  sustain  their  bodies  in 


something  near  normal  conditions  that 
they  are  really  going  to  experience 
much  difficulty  in  succeeding  them- 
selves in  Congress.  Unfortunately  for 
some  of  them  at  least  their  districts 
are  largely  inhabited  by  a  multitude 
of  these  jobless  and  dejected  souls  who 
have  votes  and  convictions,  too,  and 
are  about  prodded  to  the  point  of 
taking  on  new  faith  and  new  life  and 
to  hunt  for  a  new  column  in  their  bal- 
lots where  may  be  found  better  innings 
and  surer  methods  of  a  means  of 
proper  living. 

Labor  is  still  in  a  very  bad  plight  on 
account  of  the  diversified  classes  into 
which  it  is  divided  in  industrial  pur- 
suits without  proper  affiliations  and 
mutual  understandings  between  them; 
and  equally  so  for  want  of  a  good  un- 
derstanding between  them  in  the  polit- 
ical battles  continually  being  waged  in 
all  countries  of  the  world.  But  it  is 
waking  up  somewhat  in  regard  to 
these  matters,  and  that's  why  it  is  re- 
ceiving more  attention  than  formerly. 


EXPCRIENCE  THE  GERM  OF  POWER. 

The  world  advances  or  retards  ac- 
cording to  the  results  of  application 
or  disregard  of  things  useful  obtained 
through  experience.  If  properly  ap- 
plied for  the  uplift  of  humanity,  ex- 
perience is  a  most  useful  teacher,  a 
most  essential  asset  in  our  search  for 
the  blessings  of  life.  If  abused,  the 
things  learned  by  experience  often- 
times become  the  means  of  undoing 
those  who  make  such  application  of 
them.  Scarcely  is  there  a  day  in  our 
lives  but  what  we  experience  some- 
thing new  and  something  of  value  to 
us  if  we  but  make  proper  observance 
and  use  of  such  knowledge.  Scarcely 
a  day  passes,  however,  but  when  it  is 
gone  we  can  recall  the  folly  of  some- 
thing, or  a  lost  opportunity  to  have 
accomplished  something  which  should 
have  been   done.     The  experience  of 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.   A. 


thoughtful  reflection  over  such  things 
and  a  proper  application  of  benefits, 
thus  obtained  from  such  review,  af- 
fords a  basis  for  a  great  portion  of 
the  world's  progress.  While  human 
nature  is  very  much  of  a  sameness 
the  world  over,  there  is  none  the  less 
an  entity,  an  individuality  to  each 
memiber  of  society.  There  are  no 
complete  duplicates  or  absolute  like- 
ness in  any  two  members  of  society, 
either  mentally  or  physically.  In 
general,  there  may  be  and  is  a  great 
similarity  in  the  members  of  each 
household,  community,  state,  nation 
or  world-wide  human  family;  yet  with 
it  all  a  distinct  individuality  for  each 
member  of  it  The  result  of  useful 
experience  carries  with  it  a  power, 
even  though  such  experience  comes  to 
the  weakest  member  of  society  and, 
oftentimes,  when  it  is  properly  fol 
lowed  up,  results  in  marvelous  man- 
ner upon  shaping  destinies  and  modes 
of  living.  This  wise  arrangement  of 
diverging  entities' in  the  human  race 
precludes  exact  duplications  of  mind 
and  provides  for  a  greater  latitude  of 
opportunity  for  something  useful  to 
come  from  each  to  aid  in  world  devel- 
opment. Necessity  for  food,  shelter, 
raiment  and  other  things  indis- 
pensably requisite  to  maintain  life, 
renders  it  obligatory  upon  every 
member  of  society  to  contribute  for 
the  benefit  of  all,  the  wisdom  gar- 
nered from  experiences  undergone  in 
making  it  more  easy  to  overcome 
difficulties  to  provide  the  best  possible 
existence  for  all.  In  no  age  in  his- 
tory has  there  been  the  opportunities 
afforded  for  making  such  prompt  and 
general  applications  of  the  results  of 
wisdom  accrued  from  things  experi- 
enced each  day,  and  never  before  were 
their  powers  for  good  being  constant- 
ly placed  into  general  application  as 
they  are  today.  The  experiences  gath- 
ered  from  those  with   whom   we  mix 


and  mingle  and  those  which  are  con- 
veyed to  us  by  means  of  modern  dis- 
tribution of  intelligence,  renders 
available  the  results  of  practically  all 
the  experience  of  all  the  nations  of 
earth.  In  this  respect  we  have  the 
benefits  of  advantages  undreamed  of  a 
century  ago,  and  only  faintly  so  a 
generation  ago.  As  the  result  of  men- 
tal and  practical  development  through 
experiences  in  life,  our  mode  of  life 
has  undergone  marvelous  transforma- 
tion in  these  few  years  and  none  can 
now  foretell,  with  any  degree  of  ac- 
curacy, what  the  immediate  future 
has  in  store  for  the  world's  advance- 
ment and  which  will  be  made  avail- 
able as  the  result  of  experiences  now 
being  realized  and  which  will  soon 
be  utilized  for  still  greater  oppor- 
tunities in  life.  Let  it  not  be  forgot- 
ten though,  in  this  life  of  work  and 
school  of  experience  that  all  is  not 
bliss  and  that  there  are  thorns  and 
thistles  to  contend  with  among  the 
flowers  and  fruits.  Por  the  darkest 
recesses  of  mind,  mountain^  mine  and 
ocean  must  be  ransacked  in  order  to 
secure  the  fairest  specimens  o'f  those 
things  that  enter  most  largely  into 
our  lives,  making  life  possible  and 
heredity  a  blessing.  Yet,  in  the  ex- 
perience necessary  to  develop  this 
world  power  for  advancement,  there 
are  those  to  be  encountered  whose 
sympathies  and  aid  are  apparent- 
ly against  progress  and  whose  ex 
periences  are  all  aimed  toward  re- 
tarding advancement.  This  has  ever 
been  and  is  today  the  experience  of 
those  who,  by  their  every  effort  in 
life,  are  striving  to  make  the  world 
brighter  and  better  for  the  privilege 
of  having  had  the  opportunity  of 
dwelling  thereon.  Probably  there  has 
been  no  important  development  in 
science  or  art,  but  that  its  author  suf- 
fered indignities  and  censure  on  ac- 
count of  experiences  undergone  while 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A, 


675 


bringing  to  the  attention  of  the  world 
the  truth  of  the  fact  that  out  of  use- 
ful experience  comes  new  power  for 
good.  Each  member  of  society  should 
strive,  as  far  as  possible,  to  gain  a 
useful  lesson  from  each  day's  experi- 
ence and  apply  the  benefits  derived 
therefrom  toward  lessening  the  cause 
for  a  repetition  of  the  evil  ones  and 
an  encouragement  of  those  which 
elevate  and  advance  mankind.  There 
is  so  much  with  which  to  contend  in 
life  that  each  member  of  society 
should  share  freely  the  benefits  de- 
rived from  experience  and  lessons 
learned  with  those  about  them,  and 
all  should  realize  they  are  debtors  to 
all  about  them  for  the  privileges  of 
life.  All  should  be  thankful  for  the 
blessings  now  atPorded  them  through 
their  own  and  world  experiences 
available  for  the  promotion  of  their 
happiness,  for  in  every  experience 
there  is  a  germ  of  power. 


UNION  LABOR  ASKING  QUESTIONS  Of 
OrriCC  SKKERS. 

The  union  labor  sentiment  in  the 
State  of  Kansas  is  crystallzing  into  a 
new  method  of  procedure  that  has  in- 
dications of  bearing  good  results.  In 
Kansas,  as  in  other  States,  union  labor 
begins  to  realize  that  while  striving  to 
advance  the  welfare  of  its  adherents 
along  industrial  lines,  it  was  unable  in 
that  manner  alone  to  fully  cope  with 
the  advantages  held  and  exercised  by 
its  adversaries  in  the  political  field.  It 
mattered  not  what  concessions  were 
granted  to  labor  in  the  way  of  im- 
proved working  conditions,  through 
the  administration  of  civil  authority 
it  was  soon  more  than  taken  away 
from  them  by  those  dominating  the 
conditions  of  State  and  national  gov- 
ernment. 

So  the  union  workers  in  Kansas  have 
formulated  a  simple  code  of  questions 
which  bear  on  topics  they  believe  are 


essential  to  their  .  best  welfare  and 
which  are  being  submitted  to  all  the 
candidates  of  the  Republican,  Demo- 
cratic and  Socialist  parties  for  the  pur- 
pose of  ascertaining  whether  or  not,  if 
elected,  they  will  favor  such  measures 
in  the  legislature.  Attorney  A.  A. 
Graham,  formerly  an  employe  of  the 
Santa  Fe  Railroad,  and  contributor  to 
many  labor  journals,  has  for  some  time 
advocated  the  propriety  of  such  pro- 
cedure on  the  part  of  organized  labor. 
In  an  article  in  the  June  Journal, 
page  362,  on  "How  to  Secure  Needed 
Labor  Legislation — A  Practical  Sug- 
gestion," he  offers  suggestions  practic- 
ally the  same  as  are  being  made  use 
of  in  Kansas.  The  following  item  from 
a  prominent  publication  of  Topeka  and 
bearing  upon  this  subject  is  self- 
explanatory: 

The  union  labor  interests  in  Kansas 
are  checking  things  up  to  the  candi- 
dates for  State  office.  The  members  of 
the  legislative  committee  of  the  State 
labor  organization  have  sent  lists  of 
questions  to  all  of  the  Republican, 
Democratic  and  Socialist  candidates 
for  legislative  offices.  They  ask  for 
answers  to  all  of  the  questions,  and 
give  the  candidates  until  Saturday 
night  to  answer  them. 

The  letters  with  the  list  of  questions 
are  signed  by  Sim  Bramlette,  William 
Morse  and  Clyde  Davidson,  constitut- 
ing the  legislative  committee  o>f  the 
organization.  Union  labor  has  taken 
a  more  or  less  active  part  in  Kansas 
politics  for  many  years,  but  this  is  the 
first  time  It  has  taken  its  affairs  up 
directly  with  the  candidates. 

After  the  answers  to  the  questions 
are  in,  the  labor  leaders  will  know 
where  the  candidates  stand  upon  mat- 
ters in  which  they  are  interested.  If 
the  candidate  does  not  answer  they 
will  hold  that  he  is  unfriendly.  If  he 
does  not  answer  satisfactorily  they 
will  hold  him  unfriendly.  And  after 
they  have  checked  up  all  of  the  can- 
didates the  labor  leaders  plan  to  send 
out  letters  to  all  of  the  union  men  in 
the  State  telling  them  how  to  vote. 

There  are  seven  questions  in  the  list 
that  has  been  submitted  to  the  candi- 
dates. They  have  until  Saturday  night 
to  make  replies  to  each  of  them.  Most 


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of  the  questions  asked  relate  to  legis- 
lation.   Here  is  the  list: 

Would  you  support  a  resolution  to 
submit  an  amendment  providing  for 
the  initiative,  referendum  and  recall? 

Will  you  support  a  bill  limiting  the 
hours  of  labor  for  women  to  eight 
hours  a  day? 

Will  you  favor  abolishing  the  coal 
mines  at  the  penitentiary  and  provid- 
ing for  the  employment  of  the  inmates 
of  the  penal  institutions  on  State 
roads? 

Will  you  support  a  bill  establishing 
a  State  building  code  applicable  to 
cities  of  5,000  population? 

Will  you  support  legislation  provid- 
ing safeguards  for  the  preservation  of 
life  and  limb  in  the  mines? 

Will  you  favor  amending  the  present 
compensation  law  removing  the  limita- 
tion and  extending  the  8C(H>e  of  the 
law? 

Will  you  vote  to  repeal  the  unfair 
road-tax  law? 


CRIMCS  AGAINST  SOQETY  WILL  M 

nymt,  WHm  UNPRorrrABLC. 

The  Rosenthal  murder  investigation 
in  New  York  City  is  aifording  much 
food  for  useful  reflection  relative  to 
the  question  of  protection  of  gambling 
and  other  forms  of  vice,  for  a  money 
consideration,  in  that  great  city.  The 
system  that  affords,  or  which  is  sup- 
posed to,  immunity  from  arrest  and 
prosecution  (or  very  slight  sentence  if 
court  convictions  result  for  such  of- 
fenses against  society),  is  doubtless 
only  a  fair  illustration  of  that  which 
likely  prevails  in  nearly,  if  not  all 
other  large  cities  in  this  country. 

According  to  sacred  writ  Christ  was 
crucified  for  a  price  and  had  our  mod- 
ern firearms  been  in  use  at  that  time 
would  probably  have  been  disposed  of 
in  Rosenthal  manner.  No  one  will 
ever  know  the  closeness  of  relations, 
the  identity  of  interests,  between  those 
elected  and  appointed  by  constituted 
authority  to  conserve  the  peace  by  ad- 
ministering laws  in  the  interests  of  the 
industrious  and  peaceful  citizenship 
and  for  the  salary  arranged  by  law  for 


their  compensation  and  evildoers  they 
are  protecting.  Scarcely  is  there  ever 
a  thorough  or  even  partial  invest!' 
gation  into  the  conduct  of  the  differ* 
ent  city  departments  of  large  munici- 
palities,  but  what  abundant  evidence 
of  the  existence  of  practically  th«9 
same  conditions  are  found,  as  are  be^ 
ing  unearthed  in  the  investigation  now 
going  on  in  our  greatest  metropolijtan 
city.  It  is  generally  conceded  by  those 
making  such  disclosures  that  vice  and 
murder  would  not  exist  and  be  car- 
ried on  in  the  brazen  manner  it  now 
in,  were  it  not  for  a  pre-arranged  un- 
derstanding between  those  engaged  in 
such  business  and  those  who  are  en^ 
trusted  by  the  people  with  authority 
to  prevent  it. 

As  long  as  there  is  a  chance  for 
profit  in  the  maintenance  of  gambling 
dens  and  vice  centers,  so  long  will  they 
exist  and  thrive;  and  jus.t  as  long  as 
public  servants  can,  with  impunity, 
profit  by  being  a  party  to  the  encour- 
agement of  gambling  and  other  vlce«^ 
they  will  give  it  their  protecting  care 
and  encouragement. 

This  business  in  New  York  was  pro- 
tected for  a  price  and  as  in  all  other 
things  for  which  there  is  a  money  con- 
sideration, it  is  the  hands  of  labor 
that  must  earn  it  and  suffer  on  ac- 
count of  any  portion  of  it  that  is  taken 
from  it  for  any  purpose  detrimental  to 
society. 

Labor  should,  therefore,  raise  its 
voice  and  concentrate  its  votes  and  all 
ether  infiuences  possessed  towards 
taking  charge  of  city  government  as 
well  as  the  national  government  and 
attend  to  the  matter  of  eliminating  the 
profit  system  for  officials,  other  than 
their  salaries,  from  the  land.  When 
it  becomes  unprofitable  to.  be  engaged 
iu  injurious  or  unlawful  acts,  a  pana- 
cea will  have  been  found  for  the  eradi- 
cation of  most  of  them.  Make  all 
forms  of  crimes  unprofitable  and 
there'll  soon  be  a  noticeable  diminu- 


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tlon  of  them.  The  punishment  of  those 
now  Indicted,  and  about  to  be  for  such 
misdemeanors,  will  not  abate  such 
evils,  if  after  such  punitive  action  a 
free  license  is  allowed  those  who  take 
their  places  to  continue  in  the  manner 
as  those  now  selected  for  punishment 
and  those  whose  consciences  have  be- 
come perturbed  to  -the  extent  of  volun- 
taiily  showing  willingness  to  make 
full  confession  of  all  knowledge  they 
possess  relative  to  the  workings  of  the 
system  so  corruptly  innoculated  with 
protection  of  crime  for  profit. 


LABOR  DAY. 

September  has  the  honor  of  being 
the  only  month  in  the  year  containing 
a  holiday  especially  devoted  to  the  in- 
terests of  those  who  do  the  world's 
useful  work — ^Labor  Day.  World  his- 
tories are  full  of  specially  set  apart 
days  in  commemoration  of  various 
personages  and  events,  but  none  of 
them,  except  this  day  in  this  country 
at  least,  extol  the  virtues  of  the  sons 
of  toil.  It  was  therefore  a  happy 
thought— the  institution  of  Labor  Day. 
However  crude  the  eCForts  that  have 
contributed  to  its  establishment,  or 
the  per  cent,  of  labor  its  exponents 
represents,  it  none  the  less  affords  the 
only  day  in  our  calendar  when  the 
central  thought  of  our  nation,  or  a 
decent  proportion  of  it,  is  focused 
upon  the  workers,  its  real  producers. 
It  is,  therefore,  educational  and  as 
such  commendable  and  should  become 
a  fixed  and  bright  star  in  our  system 
of  holidays.  All  those  who  seek  to 
improve  the  conditions  of  labor  and 
keep  its  standard  raised  as  high  as 
possible,  should  do  all  they  can  to 
educate  all  workers  to  the  importance 
of  doing  all  within  their  power  to  im 
prove  the  moral  and  material  con- 
ditions of  all  toilers.  Labor  Day  af- 
fords a  most  excellent  opportunity  for 
the  expansion  of  such  knowledge  and 


such  object.  This  year's  Labor  Day, 
on  account  of  its  close  proximity  to 
election  day,  should  give  it  special 
prominence  and  make  it  a  lesson  of 
extra  importance.  As  the  hosts  of  la- 
bor turn  out  on  Labor  Day  and  march 
in  unisouv  or  observe  the  day  in  other 
forms  for  a  common  purpose — the  ad- 
vancement of  their  interests — let  it  be 
duly  impressed  upon  them  the  still 
greater  importance  of  marching  and 
voting  in  a  similar  manner  on  election 
day  in  November.  Labor's  interests 
are  the  same  on  each  day,  but  the 
power  afforded  for  getting  results  are 
immeasurably  greater  on  election  day 
than  on  any  other,  and  the  importance 
of  this  fact  should  be  indelibly 
stamped  on  every  mind  possible  on 
Labor  Day.  It  was  due  to  organized 
labor  that  it  became  possible  to  have 
a  day  set  apart  designated  and  cele- 
brated as  Labor  Day.  Every  element 
with  which  labor  must  contend  for  an 
existence  has  its  forces  organized, 
hence  the  importance  of  organized  la- 
bor. Every  advance  of  union  labor 
has  been  made  possible  only  through 
concerted  action  in  going  after  that 
which  was  due  it.  Every  victory  won 
by  unity  of  workers  would  have  been 
defeats  for  them  had  they  made  single- 
handed  attempts  to  obtain  them.  That 
labor's  victories  have  not  been  vastly 
greater  than  they  should  have  been  is 
chiefly  due  to  the  partially  organized 
condition  of  forces  in  the  industrial 
fields  and  want  of  organization  almost 
entirely  in  the  political  field.  When 
these  things  are  properly  understood 
and  the  hosts  of  toilers  get  properly 
together  upon  the  two  fields,  nothing 
can  prevent  them  from  peacefully  get- 
ting that  to  which  they  are  entitled — 
the  products  of  their  toil.  Labor  Day 
finds  many  minds  available  which 
may  be  impressed  by  these  truths  as 
upon  no  other  day.  Labor  union  rep- 
resentatives should  use  this  oppor- 
tunity to  the  extent  of  their  ability 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


for  the  purpose  of  not  only  commemo- 
rating things  already  accomplished  by 
union  labor,  but  for  the  still  more  im- 
portant purpose  of  pointing  out  to  its 
hosts  of  useful  toilers  the  necessity  of 
remaining  loyal  to  the  cause  already 
begun  and  to  continue  the  battle  for 
full  advantages  in  society  upon  a  level 
with  the  best  there  is  to  be  afforded 
to  humanity — its  full  share  of  the 
products  of  labor's  work  and  energy. 
£^very  laborer  who  possibly  can  should 
make  it  a  point  to  participate  In  La- 
bor Day  exercises  and  thereby  show 
appreciation  for  things  already  at- 
tained and  a  proper  spirit  of  Interest 
in  getting  acquainted  with  current 
events  of  Interest  to  labor;  also  in 
getting  as  accurate  a  vision  as  pos- 
sible into  vital  auctions  that  will 
most  seriously  afPect  the  future  prog- 
ress of  organized  labor.  Labor's 
course  is  either  one  of  progression  or 
retrogression.  It  should  be  the  high 
aim  of  all  to  so  build  and  so  act  that 
each  day  and  year  will  bear  the  im- 
prints of  something  accomplished  to 
elevate  the  lives  of  those  whose  hands, 
minds  and  bodies  produce  all  things 
in  life.  Whatever  occurs  on  Monday, 
September  2d,  to  bring  out  such 
thoughts  while  the  hosts  of  labor  are 
assembled  in  commemoration  of  the 
day  set  apart  for  such  purpose — either 
through  words  uttered  or  written,  or 
by  other  peaceful  means  of  demon- 
stration to  impress  them  upon  the 
world's  citizenship — will  have  served 
a  useful  purpose.  All  hail  Labor  Day, 
its  purpose  and  mission! 


NO  GUILT. 

Great  Britain's  investigation  into 
the  circumstances  incident  to  the  sink- 
ing of  the  Titanic,  April  14th,  carrying 
to  the  fathomless  depths  1,500  of  her 
human  cargo,  has  been  concluded.  Ac- 
cording to  the  findings  of  this  court  of 
inquiry  no  one  is  blamable  for  that 


catastrophe.  The  ship  merely  struck 
an  iceberg  and  sank.  The  board  found, 
however,  that  it  was  her  trial  trip; 
that  she  was  making  high  ^»eed;  that 
she  didn't  have  a  sufficient  number  of 
lookouts  nor  glasses  for  those  she  had ; 
that  she  was  speeding  headlong  into 
fioes  of  dangerous  icebergs  of  which 
she  had  warnings;,  that  she  was  in- 
efficiently manned,  many  of  her  crew 
being  unfit  for  the  duties  exacted  of 
them,  due  to  their  inexperience  in  suon 
work;  that  she  was  short  of  lifeboats 
for  rescue  work  and  failed  to  utilize 
the  passenger  space  in  those  she 
carried;  that  they  found  the  chief 
executive  of  the  ship  company  ai>oard 
and  offering  no  precautionary  advice 
relative  to  speed  or  anything  else  after 
being  familiar  with  speed  of  ship  and 
warnings  in  regard  to  ice  fioes.  All 
this  and  more  this  court  of  Inquiry 
found  without  finding  anyone  guilty  of 
anything.  Yet  British  courts  are  re- 
puted to  be  models  for  finding  guilt  as 
well  as  pronouncement  of  sentence 
upon  the  guilty. 


BCNCVOLCNT  ASSESSMENT. 

The  attention  of  our  members  is 
again  called  to  Section  8Sa  in  the  con- 
stitution, which  reads  as  follows: 

"There  shall  be  created  and  main- 
tained a  fund  to  be  known  as  the 
Benevolent  Fund,  Into  which  shall  be 
paid  in  October  of  each  year  one  dol- 
lar from  each  member  holding  a  Class 
A  certificate,  two  dollars  from  each 
member  holding  a  Class  B  certificate 
and  fifty  centa  from  each  member 
holding  a  Class  C  certificate,  to  be 
collected  under  the  same  provisions 
and  penalties  as  those  governing  the 
collection  of  dues  and  assessments. 
The  fund  thus  created  shall  be  used 
only  in  the  payment  of  donated 
claims  provided  for  through  Sections 
108,  109  and  50  of  the  constitution." 

As  indicated  in  this  self-explanatory 


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'Section  of  our  constitution — ^$1.00 
from  each  Class  A,  $2.00  from  each 
Class  B  and  50c  from  each  Class  C 
member — is  due  and  payable  with  Oc- 
tober dues  for  the  maintainance  of 
our  benevolent  fund.  Since  none  of 
our  members,  giving  proper  thought 
to  this  subject,  can  doubt  the  wisdom 
of  this  section  in  the  constitution, 
and  since  the  same  penalties  follow 
for  non-observance  of  payment  of  this 
assessment,  as  for  any  oth^r  form  of 
dues  and  assessments,  it  behooves 
every  member  to  make  a  point  to  at- 
tend to  its  payment  with  their  regu- 
lar October  dues.  While  this  feature 
of  our  organization  has  not  been  very 
long  established,  it  has  brought  a 
great  relief  to  several  of  our  brothers 
who  had  become  totally  disabled  from 
performing  manual  labor,  yet  whose 
disabilities  and  ailments  were  not 
provided  for  in  other  sections  of  the 
•constitution.  The  attention  of  our 
members  is  also  called  to  the  notice 
from  the  Grand  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer in  this  issue  of  the  Joubnal  in 
reference  to  this  matter. 


TWO  LABOR  LAWS  UPHCLD. 

The  Supreme  Court  of  Kansas  has 
recently  rendered  a  decision  in  the 
case  of  the  State  of  Kansas,  appellee, 
vs.  T.  B.  Coppage,  appellant.  The  case 
at  bar  was  the  result  of  action  brought 
against  Supt.  T.  B.  Coppage  of  the 
^Frisco  Line  because  of  the  refusal  of 
Switchman  A.  R.  Hedges  to  sign  an 
agreement  presented  to  him  by  Cop- 
page stipulating  as  a  condition  under 
which  he  might  remain  In  the  service 
of  the  company.  This  condition  of 
tenure  of  position  was  that  he  with- 
draw his  membership. 

He  refused  the  conditions  and  was 
discharged  from  the  services  of  the 
company.  He  entered  suit  against  the 
'Company    for    violation    of    the    laws 


against  coercing  employes,  etc.  After 
failure  by  the  company  to  have  the  in- 
dictment quashed  or  the  case  thrown 
out  of  court  It  was  carried  on  to  the 
State  Supreme  Court  for  final  decision. 
The  case  hinged  on  the  validity  of  sec- 
tions 4674  and  4675  of  the  General 
Statutes  of  Kansas  of  1909,  and  which 
read: 

Sec.  4674.  ♦  ♦  ♦  That  It  shall 
be  unlawful  for  any  individual  or  mem- 
ber of  any  firm,  or  any  agent,  officer 
or  employe  of  any  company  or  corpora- 
tion to  coerce,  require,  demand  or  in- 
fluence any  person  pr  persons  to  enter 
into  any  agreement,  either  written  or 
verbal,  not  to  join  or  become  or  re- 
main a  member  of  any  organization  or 
association,  as  a  condition  of  such  per- 
son or  persons  securing  employment, 
or  continuing  In  the  employment  of 
such  Individual,  firm,  or  corporation. 

Sec.  4675.  ♦  ♦  ♦  Any  Individual 
or  member  of  any  firm  or  any  agent, 
officer  or  employe  of  any  company  or 
corporation  violating  the  provisions  of 
this  act  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a 
misdemeanor,  and  upon  conviction 
thereof  shall  be  fined  In  a  sum  not  less 
than  fifty  dollars  or  Imprisoned  In  the 
county  jail  not  less  than  thirty  days. 

After  full  argument  from  counsel  on 
both  sides  Into  which  precedents  that 
governed  In  similar,  or  partially  simi- 
lar, cases  were  drawn  upon  for  effect, 
the  above-quoted  sections  of  the  law 
were  declared  by  the  court  to  be  valid, 
and  the  'Frisco  Company  was  guilty  of 
violation  of  them  In  the  removal  of 
Hedges  from  the  service  for  refusal  to 
withdraw  from  the  Switchmen's  Union 
of  North  America  as  a  condition  under 
which  he  might  continue  In  the  ser- 
vice of  the  company. 

The  syllabus  by  the  Court  as  ar- 
ranged by  Judge  Smith,  reads: 

1.  An  employer  has  no  inherent 
right  to  coerce  an  employe  to  make  a 
written  or  verbal  contract,  as  a  condi- 


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tion  of  remaining  in  his  employment, 
not  to  become  or  remain  a  member  of 
a  labor  organization. 

2.  The  legislature,  deeming  such 
coercion  against  public  policy,  violated 
no  constitutional  rights  of  employers 
in  the  enactment  of  Sections  4674  and 
4675  of  the  General  Statutes  of  1909, 
and  such  sections  are  valid. 

Johnson,  C.  J.,  Burch,  J.,  Mason,  J., 
Benson,  J.,  concurring. 

Porter,  J.*,  and  West,  J.,  dissenting. 

So,  after  a  year's  court  procedure,  it 
is  decided  for  the  present,  in  the  State 
of  Kansas,  at  least,  to  be  unlawful  for 
corporations  to  have  as  a  condition  for 
either  entering  service  or  removal  from 
service  compulsion  to  join  or  with- 
draw from  any  labor  organization. 
While  we  feel  the  decision  was  in  con- 
formity to  the  sections  of  Kansas  law 
upon  which  the  suit  was  based,  we  also 
believe  such  decision  was  based  upon 
equity  as  well. 

The  B.  of  R.  T.  has  found  itself  hard 
pressed,  in  a  few  instances  at  least,  to 
find  persuasive  arguments  sufficient 
with  which  to  maintain  a  majority  in 
large  switching  terminals,  a  necessary 
requisite  to  enable  it  to  prevent  the 
Switchmen  from  ''gobbling  up"  some 
of  its  yard  agreements.  So  where 
arguments  based  upon  merit  among  the 
men  fail  to  enable  it  to  keep  its  forces 
properly  lined  up  to  a  per  centum  of 
the  forces  employed  in  such  service 
sufficiently  large  to  bar  others  from 
getting  working  schedules  away  from 
it,  it  has  resorted  to  the  method  of  im- 
portuning companies  to  become  busi- 
ness agents  for  it  to  the  extent  of 
agreeing  to  make  it  easy  for  it  to  keep 
its  ranks  organized  up  to  the  desired 
quota  of  strength. 

There  is  no  preference  of  labor  or- 
ganizations among  railroads  or  other 
corporations,  only  as  they  are  con- 
vinced they  may  use  them  for  special 
purposes  beneficial  to  them.  If  the 
membership  of  one  labor  organization 


evinces  a  spirit  of  greater  docility  and 
acquiescence  to  conform  to  "any  old 
thing"  imposed  upon  its  members  by 
the  officers,  whether  or  not  in  viola- 
tion of  working  agreements  entered 
into,  that  is  the  very  organization  the 
companies,  as  a  rule,  have  decided 
preference  for  and  a 'desire  to  deal 
with  and  the  one  they  do  deal  with, 
all  other  things  being  equal.  The 
Switchmen's  Union  can  have  no  par- 
ticular grievance  with  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
for  getting  any  schedule  they  may 
with  companies  where  they  have  in 
their  membership  a  majority  of  those 
performing  switching  duties,  but  it 
does  protest  against  and  it  believes  it 
has  a  right  to,  any  corporation  becom- 
ing a  business  agent  for  any  labor 
union  for  the  purpose  of  bolstering  up 
its  membership  when  the  merits  of  its 
standing  and  principles  are  such  they 
can  not  induce  them  to  join  it  without 
such  coercive  tactics  as  was  in  evi- 
dence in  the  case  here  referred  to,  as 
well  as  in  others  that  might  be  re- 
ferred to.  The  B.  of  R.  T.  may  gain  a 
temporary  point  of  advantage  occa- 
sionally over  the  Switchmen's  Union 
by  resorting  to  such  tactics,  but  we  are 
inclined  to  the  belief  they  will,  as  a 
rule,  be  veiy  unprofitable  investments. 
Anyhow,  the  Switchmen  are  prospering 
fairly  well  in  spite  of  all  the  tactics 
resorted  to  by  its  rival  to  dislodge  and 
disrupt  it,  and  it  is  proiH;>ering,  too, 
on  the  merits  of  its  records  and  merits 
of  its  principles. 


rUU  CRCW  BILLS. 

The  Pull  Crew  bill,  in  Massachu- 
setts, arranging  for  a  minimum  num- 
ber of  men  who  could  l>e  employed  on 
railroad  crews,  after  passing  both 
branches  of  the  legislature  almost 
unanimously,  has  been  vetoed  by  Gov- 
ernor Poss.  The  governor  desires  a 
public  utility  board  provided,  in  which 
shall  be  vested  power  to  decide  upon 


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.  JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


5811 


such  queetions.  Such  an  arrangement 
now  exists  in  New  York.  Far  be  it, 
however,  from  the  Intent  of  such  a 
public  board,  did  one  exist  by  appoint- 
ment, to  bother  its  brains  with  hu- 
manitarian questions  requiring,  say,  a 
minimum  crew  of  five  men  upon  every 
road  train  and  yard  crew,  something 
absolutely  necessary  for  the  safety  of 
either  the  crew  themselves  or  the 
public.  Governor  Dix  of  New  York 
had  a  bill  of  the  same  nature  pre- 
sented to  him  for  his  signature  during 
the  last  session  of  the  State  Assembly 
and  vetoed  it  upon  the  assumption  it 
was  a  matter  to  be  attended  to  by  the 
Public  Service  Commission.  Both  of 
these  bills  were  vetoed  after  such  bills 
had  been  enacted  into  laws  in  the 
states  of  Indiana  and  Arkansas  and,  in 
the  case  of  the  Massachusetts  bill, 
after  the  legality  and  constitutionality 
of  the  Full  Crew  bills  had  been  duly 
tested  in  the  Supreme  Courts  of  those 
States  as  well  as  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  United  States.  Quite  often  our' 
State  executives,  and  the  National 
executive  as  well,  are  prone  to  hunt 
for  precedents  relative  to  proposed 
legislative  measures  as  a  basis  which 
they  use  to  convince  themselves  that 
they  are  good  measures  and  that  they 
will  prove  immune  from  adverse  con- 
stitutional court  decisions  with  which 
they  will  likely  be  confronted  after 
enactment  Unfortunately  their  minds 
are  not  very  strongly  inoculated  with 
healthy  germs  of  this  kind  in  regard 
to  labor  legislation,  and  so,  as  a  rule, 
such  bills  are  either  pigeonholed  by 
the  committees  before  which  they  come 
to  be  acted  upon  or  else  they  are  de- 
feated by  the  legislatures.  In  the 
event  legislators  care  to  shift  respon- 
sibility these  bills  are  passed,  being 
provided  with  jokers  curtailing  their 
usefulness,  and  sent  on  to  the  governor 
who  must  either  approve  or  veto  them. 
There  is  no  doubt  about  there  being 
much    destruction    to    life,    limb   and 


property  due  to  short-handed  crews  on 
account  of  Inability  of  the  men  com^ 
posing  such  crews  to  pass  signals  prop- 
erly in  the  performance  of  their  duties' 
and  to  use  other  precautionary  meth- 
ods that  would  make  life  and  property 
more  secure  around  these  great  arteries 
of  transportation.  Railroad  employes- 
have  not  only  the  railroads  themselves 
to  fight  in  regard  to  getting  such  legis- 
lation enacted,  but  one  of  our  peculiar 
features  of  business  to  contend  with  is 
that  it  is  so  intertwined  that  when  a 
railroad  director  or  owner  fights 
against  such  measures  the  banker  and 
large  commercial  interests  also  oppose* 
them.  Perhaps  a  single  individual  will 
be  a  member  of  not  only  the  board  of 
directors  of  a  railroad  but  a  member 
of  the  board  of  directors  of  twenty-five- 
other  enterprises  at  the  same  time,  ajid 
will  be  able  thereby  to  influence  the 
entire  aggregation  of  interests  ad- 
versely and  bring  sure  defeat  for  Just 
legislation.  Hence  it  should  require 
no  great  depth  of  thought  to  convince 
one  of  the  importance  of  bringing  in- 
fluence to  bear  upon  all  segregated 
classes  of  railroad  employes  through- 
out the  country  to  the  extent  of  hav- 
ing their  forces  properly  concentrated 
before  Congress  and  get  suitable  bills 
drafted  and  passed  to  cover  objection- 
able features  In  railroading  that  would 
apply  In  every  State.  As  an  Illustra- 
tion of  some  of  the  inconsistencies  of 
full-crew  laws  in  States  that  have  them 
and  States  that  do  not,  In  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania  the  law  requires  three 
brakemen  on  trains  handling  over  a 
certain  number  of  cars,  while  the  law 
In  the  states  of  New  York  and  Ohio  do 
not  As  many  crews  necessarily  run 
from  one  State  to  another  there  can 
be  no  law  governing  such  matters 
thoroughly  unless  adopted  by  all  the 
States.  For  Instance,  on  a  through 
freight  on  the  L.  S.  &  M.  S.  leaving 
Buffalo  for  Cleveland  with  sixty  cars 
to  conform  with  law  would  start  with 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF    N.    A. 


an  engineer,  fireman,  conductor  and 
two  brakemen.  When  the  Pennsyl- 
vania State  line  was  reached  it  would 
be  unlawful  to  proceed  until  a  third 
brakeman  had  been  provided  for,  but 
when  the  State  line  of  Ohio  was 
reached  the  third  brakeman  could 
alight  and  be  used  on  a  similar  errand 
in  the  opposite  direction.  Thus  the 
wise  law  providing  additional  protec- 
tion to  life  and  limb  over  the  few 
miles  gone  through  Pennsylvania  is  of 
no  avail  to  the  crew  or  the  publi<; 
while  either  in  New  York  or  Ohio 
or  during  a  greater  portion  of  their 
trip.  So  it  should  be  plain  to  all  that 
national  legislation  alone  can  cure  this 
short-'handed  crew  evil.  There  is  great 
need  of  unity  of  action  on  the  part  of 
all  railroad  brotherhoods  before  Con- 
gress and  forcing  the  securement  of 
favorable  legislation  to  have  all  switch 
engines  and  train  crews  properly 
manned.  A  great  brotherhood  getting 
a  good  law  passed  in  Pennsylvania 
compelling  a  proper  complement  of 
men  on  train  crews  and  at  the  same 
time  dickering  with  a  railroad  system 
elsewhere  for  all  switchmen  to  work 
short-handed  in  twenty-seven  specified 
yards  along  said  system  is  not  just  the 
proper  sort  of  interest  to  be  manifest- 
ing in  full-crew  legislation.  But  Gov- 
ernor Dix  of  New  York  and  Governor 
Foss  of  Massachusetts  are  opposed  to 
fuU-crewed  train  service,  otherwise 
they  would  have  signed  the  bills  pro- 
viding for  them  in  New  York  and 
Massachusetts.  Both  of  these  gentle- 
men are  aspiring  for  the  office  of  gov- 
ernor again  and  neither  can  be  elected 
without  the  votes  of  railroad  men. 
Railroad  men  in  all  branches  of  ser- 
vice should  not  only  remember  the 
record  of  these  men  in  regard  to  these 
measures,  but  they  should  make  it  a 
point  to  find  a  candidate  for  the  high 
offices  they  hold  who  are  known  to 
favor  any  just  legislation,  not  only  for 
railroad  workers  but  all  other  honor- 


able toilers  as  well,  and  such  a  candi- 
date can  be  readily  found  upon  the 
ticket  hn  either  State.  There  Is  now  a 
full-crew  bill  pending  before  Congress, 
calling  for  not  less  than  an  engineer, 
a  fireman,  a  foreman  and  two  helpers 
for  all  switch  engines,  and  which,  if 
enacted  into  law  would  overcome  this 
long-abused  short-crewed  policy  prac- 
ticed by  railroads  in  difiPerent  sections 
of  the  country  to  the  detriment  of 
safety  to  both  employes  ai;id  the  public 
in  all  switching  terminals  in  every 
State. 


JUDGE  WRIGtIT  RE-ATriRMS  SENTENCES 

or  GOMPERS,  MITCHELL  AND 

MORRISON. 

After  more  than  three  years  from 
the  time  the  original  prison  sentences 
were  pronounced  by  Judge  Wright 
upon  Gompers,  Mitchell  and  Morrison 
for  alleged  violation  of  the  Injunction 
issued  for  the  purpose  of  restraining 
them  from  keeping  the  name  of  the 
Buck  Stove  &  Range  Co.  of  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  upon  the  unfair  list,  this  emi- 
nent (?)  justice  has  reconfirmed  the 
prison  sentences  upon  them.  The  or- 
iginal trouble  with  the  employes  was 
long  ago  adjusted  and  were  It  not  for 
the  hair-splitting  fineness  of  court  dig- 
nity these  cases  should  have  been 
thrown  out  of  court  after  the  supreme 
court  of  the  United  States  refused  to 
sustain  the  original  questions  at  bar. 

Like  numerous  other  cases  in  our 
federal  judiciary,  these  jail  sentences 
were  not  for  violations  of  statutory 
law,  but  for  alleged  violation  of  court 
decrees.  Like  the  rest  of  them,  too. 
the  judge  was  his  own  court,  jury  and 
issued  sentences  as  his  mortified 
feelings  dictated.  What  a  travesty 
upon  Article  1,  the  long-boasted 
amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States,  which  provides  that: 
"Congress  shall  make  no  law  respect- 
ing an  establishment  of  religion,  or 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF    N.   A. 


588 


prohibitiog  the  free  exercise  thereof; 
or  abridging  the  freedom  of  speech  or 
of  the  press;  or  of  the  right  of  the 
people  to  assemble,  and  to  petition  the 
Government  for  a  redress  of  grievance. 
What  a  mockery  are  such  trials  to 
this  clause  in  Article  III  embodied  in 
the  original  Constitution  relative  to 
rules  respecting  trials:  '"The  trial  of 
all  crimes,  except  in  case  of  impeach- 
ment, shall  be  by  Jury,  and  such  trial 
shall  be  held  in  the  State  where  the 
said  crimes  shall  have  been  com- 
mitted; but  when  not  committed  in 
any  State  the  trial  shall  be  at  such 
place  or  places  as  the  Congress  may 
by  law  have  directed.'*  Yet  how  many 
have  been  deprived  of  the  exercise  of 
free  speech  and  freedom  of  press  and 
sent  to  loathsome  prisons  for  long 
terms  without  the  privilege  of  having 
a  jury  trial.  The  theory  that  those  ac- 
cused of  contempt  of  court  misde- 
meanor are  not  as  much  entitled  to  a 
jury  trial  and  before  an  unbiased 
judge,  is  sadly  out  of  gear  with  any 
sane  or  equitable  procedure  that  has 
for  its  aim  justice  and  equity,  and 
should  be  relegated  to  the  scrap  heap 
of  oblivion  together  with  every  judge 
showing  any  inclination  to  resort  to 
such  courses  of  court  procedures.  With 
so  much  of  injunction  or  court-made 
law  issuing  forth  from  judges,  firmly 
intrenched  as  to  tenure  of  office,  the 
terms  of  which  parry  with  them  such 
injustices  and  hardships  they  can  not 
be  borne  by  those  against  whom  issued 
without  the  sacrifice  of  all  honor  they 
possess,  there's  but '  little  wonder  at 
the  ill-repute  and  contempt  the  people 
now  have  for  the  judges  and  their 
courts.  Is  there  any  wonder  that  the 
people  are  clamoring  for  the  right  to 
both  elect,  and  recall,  if  they  deem 
necessary,  all  judges  into  whose  hands 
are  placed  the  destinies  of  their  lives 
and  protection  of  their  property?  I'he 
beginning  of  the  twentieth  century 
will  be  no  less  memorable  in  history 


for  the  attempts  of  those  in  authority 
to  throttle  free  press  and  free  speech 
than  took  place  in  the  early  part  of 
the  nineteenth  century.  Neither  will 
the  history  of  the  present  time  fail  to 
make  notes  of  as  devout  a  set  of  war- 
riors against  the  abridgment  of  such 
inherent  rights  and  privileges  as  have 
lived  in  any  preceding  age.  If  there 
ever  was  a  time  in  history  when  there 
was  more  need  of  a  thorough  upset- 
ting and  cleansing  of  our  judiciary 
oligarchy  than  at  the  present  time,  or 
a  time  such  dignitaries  could  puUify 
the  will  of  the  people  with  any  greater 
or  more  erudite  effrontery  than  at 
present,  it  would  be  interesting  to  have 
it  brought  to  light.  But  there  have 
ever  been  those  who  had  the  manhood 
and  courage  to  resent  encroachments 
upon  the  inherent  liberties  of  man- 
kind, as  we  believe  there  ever  will  be, 
and  thank  God  the  means  of  combat- 
ting such  evils  are  becoming  better, 
and  ere  long  the  assaults  by  those  en- 
deavoring to  crush  liberty  and  right 
will  be  overcome  and  vanished  from 
earth.  But  it  is  a  mighty  conflict  and 
one  in  which  every  lover  of  justice 
should  enlist. 


Bro.  R.  H.  Spence,  a  veteran  in  the 
switching  service  has  answered  the 
final  summons.  The  notice  of  Bro. 
Spence's  sudden  death  was  a  severe 
shock  to  his  fellow-workmen  and  espe- 
cially to  the  membership  of  the 
Swichmen's  Union  in  Chicago,  for  he 
had  been  prominently  identified  with 
its  affairs  since  its  inception,  sacri 
ficing  much  of  his  time  and  energy  for 
the  advancement  of  its  interests.  His 
love  of  home  and  family  made  him  an 
ideal  husband,  father  and  citizen.  The 
bereaved  members  of  his  family  who 
survive  him  realize  most  keenly  the 
sad  loss  of  one  who  h^s  always  cher- 
ished and  upheld  all  the  sacred  ties 
that  make  home  the  sweetest  and  hap- 
piest   place    on    earth.      His    friends 


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•584 


JOUBKAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.    A. 


were  leghm  rand  .the  bereaved  family 
has  the  assurance  that  his  beautiful. 
•  characteristicB  ^^re  recognized  cmd 
appreciated  by  all  who  had  the  pleas- 
ure to  know  him.  Bro.  Spence  was 
killed  while  perXormlng  his  duty  on 
the  Belt  Railway  of  Chicago.  De- 
ceased was  forty-seven  years  old  and 
leaves  to  mourn  his  sad  loss  a  wife 
and  eight  children.  He  had  been 
switching  cars  in  Chicago  for  the  past 
twenty-five  years.  He  was  a' member 
of  the  old  Mutual  Aid  and  a  charter 
member  of  the  S.  U.  He  was  presi 
-dent 'of  Auburn  Park  Lodge  No.  208. 
and  represented  his  lodge  in  the  Chi- 
.cago  District  CaunolL  Funeral  serv- 
ice was  held  at  his  late  home,  859 
West  86th  Place,  Ciiicago  and  was  in 
charge  of  the  Switchmen's  Union: 
burial  at  Mt.  Hope  Cemetery.  Vice- 
President  Connors  officiated  at  the 
grave,  where  his  many  friends  and  a 
large  assemblage  of  members  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  and  the  Ladles* 
Auxiliary  to  tiie  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  stood 
with  bowed  heads  as  the  last  sad 
.rites  over  the  mortal  remains  of  our 
departed  bcother  were  pronounced. 


In  looking  at  different  receipts  and 
traveling  cards  made  out  by  the  dif- 
ferent lodge  treasurers,  one  can  not 
help  thinking  of  the  plight  of  some  of 
the  brothers  who  are  away  from  their 
home  lodge  on  account  of  working 
elsewhere,  or  whatever  the  cause  of 
change  of  residence  may  be.  As  a 
rule  these  i^ceipts  and  cards  are 
made  out  with  a  lead  pencil  or  an  in- 
delible pencil  and  a  80od  portion  of 
the  receipts  are  not  filled  out  for  the 
secret  work.  While  this  manner  oC 
arranging  receipts  for  the  member  so 
fortunate  as  to  be  located  in  the  place 
his  lodge  Is  may  give  entire  satisfac- 
tion, it  is  not  quite  so  for  the  brother 
away  from  home  and  eppeclally  so 
when,  perchance,  lie  has  occasion  to 


endeavor  to  make  the  fact  known  that 
he  Is  a  member  of  the  union  entitled 
to  admission  Into  visiting  lodges  and 
all  other  recognition  and  courtesies 
supposed  to  go  to  those  who  have  paid 
all  their  dues  and  assessments.  Many 
business  concerns  as  well  as  Indi- 
viduals seriously  question  the  authen- 
ticity of  any  receipt  or  paper  unless 
made  out  in  ink  and  carrying  thereon 
an  official  seal.  It  will  also  be  found 
by  anyone  away  from  home  that  not  a 
few  members  of  this  union  will  ques- 
tion them  in  like  manner.  If  all 
treasurers  would  bear  these  things  la 
mind  when  making  out  receipts  and 
traveling  cards  for  their  out  of  town 
members  and  answer  their  requests 
promptly,  they  would  receive  the  ever- 
lasting gratitude  of  those  who  are  so 
unfortunate  as  to  be  away  from  their 
home  lodge. 


A  well  attended  lodge  meeting  of 
any  labor  organization,  without  any 
particular  grievances  or  induce- 
ments other  than  general  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  the  cause,  is  one  of 
the  best  indications  of  progressiveness 
and  Interest.  There  is  no  business 
that  can  succeed  as  it  should  without 
the  personal  attention  of,  its  owners 
and  supporters.  Labor  unionists  try- 
ing to  make  an  exception  of  them- 
selves in  regard  to  this  matter,  hoA- 
ever  much  they  may  desire  not  to  do 
so,  are  retarding  the  progress  of  use- 
ful results  that  could  be  secured  by  a 
different  course  of  action  on  their 
part.  ' 


They're  Expensive. 

Youth — "What  do  I  have  to  pay  for 
a  marriage  license?" 

Clerk— "Well,  you  get  it  on  the  in- 
stallment plan." 

Youth — "What  do  you  mean?" 

Clerk — "One  dollar  down  and  your 
monthly  salary  for  the  rest  of  your 
natural  life." 


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CoMMwalcatlons  for  tli«  JOURNAL  aivst  ba  i«c«lv«dl  BEPOBE 
tli«  lAth  of  tlio  Moatli  to  lAsvro  pabllcotloa.  All  CombivbIco* 
Hobs  for  tli«  JOURNAL  aivst  b«  occoaipoaUdl  by  tb«  Ban* 
of  tb«  ••sdor*  Midi   wrlttos  oaly  od  oa«  sldo  of  tb«  paper. 


Nottkisham,  Ohio.— No.  55. 

Editor  Switchmen*8  Journal: 

Another  line  for  the  benefit  of  the 
pink  book  and  all  men  engaged  in  the 
switching  line. 

Let  me  inform  you  again,  never 
neglect  the  meetings  of  your  lodge; 
attend  them  as  regular  as  possible, 
also  get  as  many  new  members  as 
possible  into  our  noble  order.  Let  us 
try  real  hard  to  get  every  man  switch- 
ing cars  in  our  respective  territory  to 
join  us  and  help  us  to  better  con- 
ditions. It  is  for  the  benefit  of  him- 
self and  his  family  as  well  as  for  us. 
Brothers,  do  not  be  afraid  of  a  little 
of  your  spare  time  and  a  few  encour- 
aging words  to  the  stray  sheep  of  the 
woods  who  have  wandered  and  are 
still  wandering  unprotected  by  a 
union  which,  we  all  know,  is  trying 
to  get  each  and  every  man  into  its 
fold  80  that  it  can  protect  them  prop 
erly  and  secure  for  them  working  con- 
ditions that  can  be  worked  under  with- 
out slavery,  as  has  been  the  case  here- 
tofore and,  in  fact,  is  still  the  case 
where  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  has  not 
reached  yet  and  where  the  slave-driv- 
ing order  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  has  full 
sway  to  sell  its  members  to  the  rail- 
road corporations  at  Its  own  free  will 
and,  most  assuredly,  to  their  own  ad- 
vantage. Brothers,  let  me  tell  you 
that  all  men  switching  cars  in  yards 
should  be  loyal  members  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  Let  the  trainmen  stay  on 
the  road  where  they  belong.  You  do 
not  see  or  hear  of  the  members  of  the 
S.  U.  going  out  trying  to  get  men 
working  on  the  road  to  join  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  and  tell  them  that  we  can 
do  better  for  them  than  the  B.  of  R. 
T.,  as  we  know  that  we  can  not. 
The  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  was  organized  to 
look  after  the  men  switching  cars  in 
the  different  yards  of  the  country  an^i 


to  do  that  successfully  we  hs^ve  our 
hands  fulf,  which  we  are  honest  and 
intelligent  enough  to  know  and  live 
up  to  it  which,  brothers,  is  more  than 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  does.  They  know  they 
cannot  legislate  for  switchmen,  as 
they  do  not  and  never  will  understand 
the  every  day  necessities  of  our  craft. 
If  we  went  among  the  roadmen  and 
promised  them  things  like  they  prom- 
ise switchmen  belonging  to  the  "graft" 
order  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  and  then 
when  the  time  came  to  make  good  our 
promise,  forget  their  interest  and  just 
look  out  for  ourselves,  not  forgetting, 
however,  to  assess  every  brother  $5 
or  $6  for  three  or  six  months  promis- 
ing them  great  results  to  their  benefit 
which  we  knew  they  will  never  get 
because  we  never  asked  for  them.  All 
we  wanted  was  their  hard-earned  cash 
to  better  our  own  personal  interests. 
If  such  conditions  prevailed  then  we 
could  shake  hands  and  affiliate  with 
Kimbro  G.  G.  C.  of  B.  of  R.  T., 
his  chief  stool  pigeon  W.  A.  Bruce 
and  the  rest  of  the  gang  that 
our  worthy  Vice-President  Connors 
has  just  made  such  fools  of  in  his 
last  letter.  Brothers,  never  wait  for 
your  neighbor  to  do  for  you  what  yoa 
are  not  willing  to  do  for  yourself.  Re- 
member life  is  but  of  very  short  dura- 
tion, so  why  not  try  and  make  as 
much  as  possible  of  it  while  we  have 
the  chance.  Don't  put  it  off  until  to- 
morrow, as  tomorrow  may  be  too  late. 
The  good  you  do  today  you  can  al- 
ways improve  on  tomorrow,  so  make 
your  start  today.  Put  your  shoulders 
to  the  wheel,  help  push  the  interests 
of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  along  so  that  in 
return  they  can  help  you  and  yours 
Do  not  forget  for  a  minute  that  the 
officers  and  the  S.  U.  in  general  are 
always  on  the  alert  for  better  condi- 
tions for  us  all,  so  let  us  join  in  and 
make  it  easier  and  successful  by  giv- 


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lug  a  helping  hand.  Don't  forget  that 
boys.  Don't  forget  that  no  one  reaps 
more  of  the  fruits  than  you  do  your- 
self. 

International  President  S.  E.  Heber- 
ling  and  Vice-President  L.  H.  Porter 
were  in  Cleveland  on  Sunday,  July 
14th,  and  M.  J.  Naughton  Lodge  No. 
11  held  an  open-for-all  meeting.  There 
was  not  an  extra  large  attendance  and 
I  suppose  the  rain  kept  the  sugar  loaf 
at  home.  Notwithstanding  the  incle- 
ment weather,  a  fair-sized  assemblage 
of  men  greeted  the  International 
President  when  the  meeting  opened. 
Vice-President  L.  H.  Porter  made  the 
opening  speech,  being  a  native  of  this 
town.  Believe  me,  boys,  he  is  right, 
there  and  can  tell  of  some  great  time.^ 
he  had  in  organizing  new  lodges 
among  the  stingers'  strongholds  where 
they  as  D^iuch  as  told  him  that  he  had 
better  move  on  but,  like  the  man  he 
was,  he  stuck  to  his  post  and  suc- 
ceeded in  organizing  a  new  lodge.  He 
is  well  read  and  also  well  versed  and, 
last  but  not  least,  ex-mayor  of  Not- 
tingham, 0.  He  has  always  been  held 
in  respect  by  everyone  who  knew  him. 
Thanks  and  best  wishes  for  his  work 
and  we  hope  that  he  will  be  re-electeJ 
vice-president  of  our  noble  order  when 
his  term  expires. 

International  President  S.  E.  Heber. 
ling  addressed  us  next  and  gave  us 
some  very  interesting  facts  to  study 
out  for  ourselves  and  explained  many 
instances  of  hia  career  as  a  Grand 
Lodge  officer  and  the  things  the 
switchmen  had  to  contend  with  since 
the  S.  M.  A.  A.  went  out  of  existence 
and  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  was  organized. 
He  also  told  of  the  many  petty  tricks 
the  stingers  did  through  the  country, 
especially  in  the  South,  West  and  on 
the  Grand  Trunk  system.  Look  it  up, 
boys,  and  see  what  that  great  125,000 
strong  bunch  of  stingers  stood  for  and 
explain  it  to  the  non-members  so  that 
they  will  readily  understand  the  Im 
portance  of  getting  lined  up  in  the  S. 
U,  of  N.  A. — that  noble  order  whose 
watchword  is  "The  Injury  of  one  is 
the  concern  of  all."  With  the  helping 
hand  of  all  our  brothers  we  hope  to 
make  the  S.  U.  the  strongest  railroad 
union  in  the  land.  Let  us  work  hard 
so  that  some  day  in  the  near  future 
we  may  obtain  that  wished  for  eight- 
hour  day.  Then  the  switchmen  will 
be  on  an  equal  standing  with  other 
tradesmen.      With  eight  hours'  work. 


ei£?ht  hours'  sleep  and  eight  hours'  re- 
creation^ we  will  feel  better  and  it 
will  lengthen  our  lives  and  we  will  be 
more  fit  to  give  the  company  better 
service  which  I  am  sure,  they  will 
leallze  as  an  important  point 

We  have  taken  in  a  few  more  new 
members  and  we  are  gating  all  the 
swltchtenders  as  fast  as  they  are  pro- 
moted. 

Wishing  all  the  brothers  through- 
out the  land  long  life  and  prosperity^ 
I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Fbed  Beboeb. 


TcffT€  tteiite»  Ind.— No.  94. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Well,  brothers,  I  will  endeavor* 
through  this  letter,  to  stir  up  an  argu- 
ment amongst  the  brothers,  and  any 
others  who  may  be  interested  enough 
to  read  this  letter  and  take  exceptions 
as  to  my  views  (and  I  suspect  there 
will  be  quite  a  few)  as  to  the  much- 
mooted  question  of  high  cost  of  living 
and  its  causes. 

Now,  In  the  first  place,  we  have  al- 
ways been  taught  tha.t  the  law  of 
supply  and  demand  regulated  the  value 
of  all  things,  and  we  will  be  compelled 
to  admit,  to  some  extent  at  least,  that 
there  is  some  truth  in  this.  Again, 
we  are  taught  that  competition  is  the 
life  of  trade.  Now  as  to  supply  and 
demand. 

We  read  through  the  press  of  the 
country  the  government  report  as  to 
the  value  of  exports  of  all  commodities 
to  foreign  countries  amounting  to  one 
billion  of  dollars  for  this  year,  break- 
ing all  previous  records,  and  twenty 
per  cent,  (or  two  hundred  million  dol- 
lars) of  this  was  merchandise.  And 
all  of  this  enormous  amount  of  goods 
shipped  to  other  countries,  where  they 
are  undoubtedly  sold  for  considerable 
less  than  they  would  be  sold  for  in 
this  country.  Now,  if  there  is  a  short- 
age enough  in  this  country  to  keep 
the  price  of  everything  up  to  where  it 
is,  why  were  these  goods  shipped  out? 

In  my  opinion,  supply  has  but  very 
little  to  do  with  it.  Take,  for  instance, 
coffee.  From  the  report  of  the  investi- 
gating committee  appointed  to  Investi- 
gate the  coffee  trust,  they  report  find- 
ing uillllons  of  pounds  of  coffee  stored 
in  wfl rehouses  in  New  York  alone  to 
keep  it  off  the  market.    And  this  in  the 


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face  of  the  f^ct  that  the  price  of  coffee 
has  advanced  15  or  20  per  cent,  in  the 
past  few  years.  Is  this  caused  by  a 
shortage? 

On  the  other  hand,  take  coal,  for  in- 
stance. Thirty  years  back  one  could 
purchase  a  ton  of  the  best  Brazil  block 
coal  here  at  Terre  Haute  at  any  time 
during  the  winter  at  $2.50  per  ton,  for 
a  single  ton,  and  I  have  purchased  the 
same  in  ten-ton  lots  for  $1.85  per  ton 
in  the  shed,  and  the  best  bituminous 
coal  could  be  had  at  that  time  for 
$1.75  or  $2.00  per  ton  delivered. 
Thirty-five  years  back  the  operator 
could  not  sell  the  slack  at  all,  and  I 
have  seen  thousands  of  tons  of  it  given 
to  the  railroads  in  Ohio  to  use  as  track 
ballast,  in  order  to  get  it  out  of  the 
way,  and  today  the  slack  brings  as 
much  as  the  screened  lump  did  then. 
The  miner  then  received  more  per  ton 
for  mining  coal  then  today.  The  oper- 
ator pays  no  more  (if  as  much)  for 
freight  than  then.  Today  you  pay, 
right  here  in  the  center  of  the  greatest 
coal  mining  district  of  the  State  of 
Indiana,  $2.60  domestic  lump,  $2.50 
egg  size,  and  $3.40  Brazil  block  per 
ton,  and  if  one  waits  until  winter  will 
be  compelled  to  pay  an  advance  of 
about  one  dollar  or  more  per  .ton.  And 
all  this  in  the  face  of  the  fact  that 
there  is  more  coal  mined  In  the  State 
of  Indiana  alone  than  there  was  in  any 
three  States  thirty-five  years  back,  and 
the  fact  that  the  Black  Diamond  (the 
official  organ  of  the  operators)  report- 
ing a  very  light  demand  for  coal,  with 
the  mines  running  about  half  time. 
Brothers,  does  this  look  altogether  as 
though  supply  and  demand  was  the 
cause  of  an  increase  in  prices  of  coal? 

Now,  brothers,  we  come  to  the  ques- 
tion of  competition.  I  for  one  claim 
there  is,  in  some  instances,  too  much 
competition  for  the  welfare  of  the  mer- 
chant and  grocer,  and  too  much  com- 
bination and  not  enough  open  competi- 
tion for  the  welfare  of  the  consumer. 
Any  person  wishing  to  go  into  the  gro- 
cery business  can  purchase  from  the 
wholesaler  a  sufficient  stock  of  gro- 
ceries for  $150.00  to  $500.00  to  stock  an 
average  family  grocery.  At  the  pres- 
ent time  I  can  count  ten  such  groceries 
within  a  radius  (forming  a  square)  of 
twenty-four  city  blocks  in  this  imme- 
diate vicinity,  all  of  them  doing  busi- 
ness enough  to  support  families,  be- 
sl'^es  laying  bv  a  surplus.  I  have  dealt 
with  one  particular  one  of  them  for 


quite  a  long  time.  He  has  raised  a 
family  of  seven  children,  gave  them  a 
good  living,  schooled  all  of  them, 
clothed  them  well,  and  bought  prop- 
erty besides — all  off  an  original  stock 
that  cost  less  than  $500X)0.  Now,  some 
one  has  to  pay  for  all  this,  and  there 
is  no  competition,  for  the  grocers  the 
city  over  agree  on  an  established  sell- 
ing price,  as  well  as  an  established 
purchasing  price  when  dealing  with 
the  truck  farmer. 

Take  the  dry  goods  and  clothing  re- 
tailers, they  are  about  in  the  same 
proportion  as  the  grocers,  considering 
the  size  of  their  business,  the  city 
over,  and  the  natural  consequence  is 
these  people  have  to  make  a  profit  of 
from  lOO  to  200  per  cent,  to  be  enabled 
to  make  a  living  and  continue  in  busi- 
ness. 

Now,  the  only  ddfference  I  can  see  as 
between  the  combination  of  small  deal- 
ers to  control  trade  and  the  larger 
combination  known  as  trusts,  is  that 
the  larger  combination  can  do  busi- 
ness on  a  smaller  net  per  cent.  And  I 
am  in  favor  of  the  larger  concern,  if 
there  should  be  a  law  enacted  to  con- 
trol them  by  governmental  supervision 
allowing  them  an  honest  and  fair  per^ 
centage  of  profit  on  money  invested. 

We  hear  a  great  deal  of  talk  as  to 
the  enactment  of  a  minimum  wage  bill. 
Now,  I  fail  to  see  where  this  would 
benefit  the  breadwinner  to  any  degree, 
unless  there  should  be  enacted  a  bill 
governing  the  selling  price.  We  all 
know  that,  within  the  past  few  years, 
we,  through  the  power  of  organiza- 
tion, have  had  our  wages  increased  15 
or  20  per  cent.,  and  yet  are  in  a  worse 
condition  than  before,  for  the  simple 
reason  that  the  selling  price  of  every- 
thing we  use  has  increased  30  or  40 
per  cent,  in  the  same  length  of  time. 
Now,  the  only  two  parties  interested 
that  I  can  call  to  mind  that  has  noth- 
ing to  say  about  what  the  price  shall 
be  on  their  stock  in  trade  is  the  bread- 
winner that  depends  on  his  daily  wage 
and  the  farmer.  You  ask  for  a  day's 
work,  they  tell  you  what  the  wage  is, 
and  you  take  that  or  nothing.  They 
tell  the  farmer  what  they  will  pay  him 
for  his  hog.  He  takes  that  or  takes 
his  hog  back  home.  They  pay  the 
farmer  eight  cents  per  pound  for  his 
hog.  We  Day  20  to  28  cents.  Who  gets 
the  money? 

Well,  brothers,  now  for  a  little  of 
our  own  business.   Sister  CHark,  Grand 


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President  of  the  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
organized  a  lodge  here  last  month. 
They  start  out  with  very  bright  pros- 
pects for  the  future.  Have  thirty- 
three  members  enrolled  up  to  date.  We 
wish  them  all  the  success  Imaginable. 

Lodge  No.  94  is  still  on  the  map,  and 
all  the  members  are  working.  From 
all  Indications  we  expect  to  make  a 
substantial  increase  in  our  member- 
ship in  the  very  near  future.  Business 
is  on  the  increase  In  this  section  at 
present,  and  from  all  Indications  the 
amount  of  business  this  fall  and  win- 
ter will  be  gauged  by  the  car  supply 
to  handle  it. 

Well,  I  guess  I  will  close  for  this 
time  as  I  fear  the  editor  will  ditch  the 
whole  business. 

We  are  over  joyous  to  see  by  Bro. 
Jim's  (Vice-President  Connor's)  letter 
in  this  month's  issue  of  the  Joubnal 
that  he  is  still  able  to  hold  his  own 
with  the  stingers  and  then  spread  it 
on  a  little  thicker  than  before. 
A.  L.  Goodwin, 
Journal  Agent, 


Chicago,  M.-No.  208. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  is  about  time  for  writing  for 
September  Journal,  I'll  endeavor  to 
contribute  a  few  lines  for  it.  I  am 
glad  to  state  that  Auburn  Park  Lodge 
No.  208  is  running  along  nicely,  taking 
in  new  members  right  along  and  have 
a  number  of  applications  outstanding 
and  we  are  in  hopes  to  soon  have  quite 
a  number  of  initiations  as  the  result. 
There  is  no  question  but  what  we  will 
if  those  distributing  theiA  will  make 
it  a  point  to  urge  upon  those  having 
them  the  importance  of  handing  them 
in  so  the  committees  can  act  upon 
them.  We  should  also  urge  upon  them 
the  importance  of  not  postponing  too 
long  about  getting  into  the  union  and 
protecting  themselves,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, against  the  hazards  and  unfore- 
seen difficulties  with  which  the  lives 
of  switchmen  are  always  confronted. 
Every  member  should  be  just  as  par- 
ticular about  trying  to  get  his  fellow- 
worker  whom  he  hands  an  application 
card  into  the  lodge  as  he  is  to  place  it 
into  their  hands.  It  frequently  hap- 
pens that  initiations  of  members  are 
greatly  delayed  on  account  of  the 
brothers  neglecting  to  encourage  those 
to  whom  they  have  given  applications 


to  be  present  at  a  regular  meeting  and 
ready  for  admission.     This  matter  is 
something  none  of  us  should  neglect, 
as  it  not  only  retards  the  growth  of 
the  union,  besides  it  doesn't  indicate 
the  brotherly  spirit  and  Interest  we 
should  take  in  those  who  have  become 
favorably  enough  impressed  with  the 
organization  to  accept  an  application 
and  expressing  a  desire  and  willing- 
ness to  become  a  part  of  it    Let's  all 
try  and  be  more  painstaking  in  regard 
to  this  matter  and  there  will  certainly 
be  good  results  derived  from  the  effort 
The   death   of   Bro.   R.   H.   Spence, 
which   occurred   while  on   duty   July 
16th,  was  a  severe  loss  to  our  lodge, 
since  he  devoted  much  of  his  time  and 
energy  towards  the  promotion  of  its 
welfare.    From  his  exemplary  conduct 
in  regard  to  this  matter  we  can  all 
learn  a  useful  lesson  from  his  life,  as 
I  sincerely  trust  we  all  will.     There 
was  a  splendid  attendance  at  his  fu- 
neral, a  fact  which  indicated  the  re- 
spect in  which  he  was  held  by  tJioee 
who  knew  him  and  worked  with  him. 
Combination  Lodge  No.  45  is  also  de- 
serving of  our  sincere  thanks  for  turn- 
ing out  as  they  did  upon  this  occasion, 
and  I  take^  this  opportunity  of  extend- 
ing same  to  its  members  for  their  ex- 
cellent turn-out  at  this  funeral.     Cer- 
tainly such  manifestation  of  interest 
in   our   behalf  as   originates   in   that 
noble  band  of  sisters  ia  worthy  of  our 
highest  commendation  and  encourage- 
ment.   There  is  no  case  of  injury  or 
sickness  among  the  switchmen  or  their 
families  but  what  they  seek  them  out 
and  administer  to  their  wants  and  com- 
forts as  far  as  lies  within  their  power 
so  to  do.    This  is  certainly  a  commend- 
able trait  and  one  which  our  own  mem- 
bers are  sometimes  very  short  on.    We 
should  all  take  a  lesson  from  our  sis- 
ters  in   regard  to   looking   after   the 
sick  and  injured  among  us.     We  are 
very  grateful  to  them  for  such  a  spirit 
of  interest,  if  we  don't  always  ^ow 
proper  appreciation  of  such  gratitude. 
It  will  soon  be  getting  cooler  and 
our  meetings  should  be  better  attend- 
ed as  the  result.    Don't  forget  that  no 
lodge     can     prosper    and     have    the 
strengrth  It  ought  to  have  unless  Its 
members  come  out  and  take  part  In  Its 
meetings.    We  have  too  much  at  stake 
in  our  union  affairs  to  allow  them  to 
go  by  default  on  account  of  a  want  of 
interest  in  them.    All  get  the  benefits 
of  our  organization  and  all  should  do 


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their  fair  part  of  the  work  and  aseume 
their  full  part  of  the  responsihility 
that  goes  with  such  work.  There 
ahould  be  no  shirkers,  and  all  should 
be  active  workers.  As  far  as  I  am 
able  to  Judge  there's  a  tendency  to- 
wards progress  in  all  Chicago  lodges 
in  this  union,  and  I  hope  when  the 
next  convention  assembles  it  can  be 
said  of  them  all  that  they  have  con- 
tributed their  part  towards  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  union. 

Before  closing,   I   desire  to   request 
of  each  of  the  members  of  Lodge  No. 
208  that  he  send  me  his  correct  ad- 
dress as  soon  as  possible,  as  we  are 
anxious  to   revise  our  list   from   the 
fact  there  have  been  several  moves  and 
it  is  important  that  we  have  an  uivttv 
date  mailing  list  for  our  membership. 
I  trust  all   the  brothers  will   comply 
with  this  request  as  soon  as  they  can. 
WI^  best  wishefi  to  all  lodges,  as  well 
as  those  of  the  auxiliary,  I  remain. 
Yours  ia  B.,  H.  and  P.. 
M.  E.  Glover. 
Secretary  Lodge  No.  209. 


New  YjMic,  N.  Y.— No.  56, 

Editor  SwrrcHMEN's  Journal: 

I  will  again  endeavor  to  write  a  few 
lines  for  the  "pink  book"  relative  to 
affairs  in  Lodge  No.  56.  Some  of  its 
members  are  working  very  hard  to 
try  to  educate  the  switchmen  at  this 
great  waterfront  to  the  importance  of 
attending  the  meetings  and  to  take  a 
general  activity  in  trying  to  promote 
the  interests  of  the  organization  in 
every  honorable  manner  within  their 
means  and  opportunity.  Like  others, 
we  have  some  who  are  inclined  to  be 
leaners  on  others  and  depend  on  them 
for  everything.  Now,  brothers,  don't 
be  a  leaner.  Tou  all  are  blessed  with 
a  backbone  and  for  your  own  sake,  as 
well  as  those  dependent  upon  you, 
make  use  of  it.  If  yon  have  any  force 
of  character  exert  it  for  the  welfare 
of  those  about  you;  if  you  can  walk 
and  don't  require  a  crutch  to  support 
you,  come  out  to  your  meetings  and 
be  the  union  man  you  should  be.  Our 
union  is  very  strict  in  regard  to 
scabs,  and  we  will  not  take  one  into 
our  organization  if  we  know  it.  There 
are  many  definitions  of  those  crea- 
tures and  it  is  well  understood  that 
there  are  no  railroad  unions  in  which 
the    definitions    or    attitude    toward 


them  are  any  more  severe  than  ours. 
Perhaps  there  are  none  worse  than 
the  scab,  unless  it  be  the  union  man 
who  has  taken  a  sacred  obligation  to 
be  true  to  his  fellow  brothers  and 
then  takes  his  receipts  and  card  for 
the  purpose  of  working  the  public 
with  them,  by  being  a  good  fellow 
and  telling  everyone  he  does  not 
have  to  work  and  can  get  by  without 
it  on  account  of  his  receipts  in  this 
and  other  organizations.  This  is 
truly  a  rotten  business  and  we  should 
lose  no  time  with  such  leaches.  When 
we  put  up  with  one  of  them  he  does 
not  last  long  ''panhandling'*  in  this 
place  before  I  get  the  watch  dog  after 
him. 

Now,  brothers,  it  is  important  for 
all  men  switching  cars  to  get  lined  up 
in  %his  union  in  order  to  get  the  best 
conditions  for  doing  this  important 
work.  It  is  very  essential  that  we  get 
the  no-bill  in  with  us  and  that  they 
be  men  among  men  and  brothers  with 
us  in  upbuilding  our  common  inter- 
ests. While  we  believe  all  union  men 
should  work  in  harmony  with  each 
other,  yet  we  believe  roadmen  should 
be  in  an  order  by  themselves  and 
switchmen  in  one  of  their  own.  It 
should  be  so  in  order  to  simplify  mat 
ters  and  so  all  will  know  just  where 
they  belong  and  then  get  in  where 
they  of  right  belong.  The  sooner 
switchmen  realize  this,  the  sooner  will 
they  get  that  which  is  their  due- 
satisfactory  wages  and  good  working 
oonditions.  We  want  all  honest  switch- 
men in  our  union  and  we  should  all 
work  to  the  end  of  getting  them  into 
it  as  soon  as  possible,  and  this  means 
all,  not  a  few  of  us.  Now,  brothers, 
we  have  much  to  contend  with  on  ac- 
count of  the  "one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  thousand"  strong  organization  we 
hear  so  much  about,  but,  regardless  of 
all  that,  if  each  of  our  members  here 
and  at  Jersey  City  will  do  his  full 
duty  we  will  surely  get  some  of  that 
bunch  to  discard  their  membership  in 
that  organization  and  come  into  this 
one,  where  they  belong.  But  let  us 
all  remember  that  it  is  no  easy  task 
to  make  such  a  change  and  it  requires 
the  united  effort  of  every  member  of 
this  union  to  get  such  a  transforma- 
tion started  and  a  continuous  and  care- 
ful exercise  of  work  and  good  Judgment 
to  keep  it  so  after  once  getting  them. 
We  must  all  understand  this  or  we 
will  fall  short  on  getting  proper  re- 


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suits.  We  should  all  try  to  conyince 
ourselves  of  the  importance  of  organ- 
izing the  switchmen  along  this  great 
waterfront  into  the  union  that  prop- 
\  erly  represents  their  work  and  then 
assume  our  full  share  of  the  work  ne- 
cessary to  get  the  men  into  the  union. 
We  might  as  well  get  away  from  the 
idea  that  this  is  any  one  member's 
work,  or  that  of  the  lodge  officers 
alone.  In  fact,  we've  got  to  do  so,  or 
we'll  never  prosper  and  grow  and  get 
results  as  we  should.  Too  many  have 
been  leaning  on  others,  as  above 
stated.  Suppose  we  all  straighten  up 
and  squarely  face  the  situation  as  we 
find  it,  and  then  do  our  full  part  in 
getting  in  members  and  attending  to 
all  other  duties  in  connection  with 
our  obligations  towards  the  union^that 
has  already  done  so  much  for  us.  We 
are  taking  in  a  member  now  and  then 
and  have  strong  hopes  of  getting  in 
several  more  new  ones.  Let  us  all  get 
the  habit  of  carrying  application 
cards  with  us  and  try  to  place  them 
in  the  hands  of  those  with  whom  we 
work  and  then  keep  after  those  who 
have  them  until  we  land  them.  If  we 
all  make  a  practice  of  doing  this  and 
live  right  up  to  it  in  good  faith,  it 
will  not  be  very  long  until  there  will 
be  another  story  to  tell  in  regard  to 
the  strength  of  our  union  in  this  east- 
em  section  of  the  country.  Let  all 
realize  their  duty  and  then  do  it. 
With  best  wishes  to  all  brothers,  I 
remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


Ludk»w,Ky.— No.214. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  the  brothers  in  this  district  are 
delinquent  in  writing  to  the  Joubnal 
for  some  reason  or  other,  I  will  en- 
deavor to  keep  some  important  ques- 
tions before  our  members. 

Now  that  the  business  outlook  is 
promising  for  the  coming  winter  on 
account  of  the  enormous  crops  being 
harvested  we  should  endeavor  to  rap- 
idly build  up  our  membership  the 
coming  fall  and  winter  and  get  our 
thoughts  concentrated  on  that  possible 
eight-hour  day  which  must  come  to 
the  switchmen  sooner  or  later,  let  us 
hope  sooner.  Now,  we  should  ever 
bear  in  mind  that  we  must  be  progres- 
sive to  accomplish  results.     We  have 


an  example  of  stand-patism  under  our 
present  administration.  Nothing  has 
been  accomplished  worthy  of  note  for 
labor  in  the  last  three  years  by  our 
present  administration.  Just  read  the 
three  platforms  as  outlined.  Only  one, 
the  Progressive  platform,  advocates  an 
eight-hour  work  day  for  all  those  en- 
gaged in  any  emplojrment  All  the  so- 
called  eight-hour  work  days  that  have 
heretofore  been  advocated  have  been 
for  government  employes.  We  are  not 
all  government  employes,  and  there- 
fore do  not  benefit  by  those  laws.  So 
if  we  ever  expect  to  get  an  eight-hour 
work-day  in  the  railroad  yards  of  this 
country  we  will  have  to  get  busy  our- 
selves. Now,  I  would  suggest  to  the 
brothers  in  this  country  and  Canada 
that  they  talk  this  over  with  each 
other  and  send  their  delegate  to  the 
next  convention  with  his  head  full  of 
eight-hour  subject  matter,  and,  lest 
you  forget,  brothers,  we  must  find  some 
way  to  more  fully  protect  our  bene- 
ficiaries, as  Article  100  of  the  consti- 
tution is  a  hindrance  to  our  organiza- 
tion Just  at  the  present  time.  The 
railroads  of  this  country  are  advocat- 
ing safety.  Last  week,  here  in  Lud- 
low, the  officials  of  the  Q.  6  C.  held  a 
very  large  meeting  and  appointed 
safety  committees.  Had  I  not  been 
sick  in  bed  T  would  have  attended  that 
meeting,  as  I  would  have  liked  to  have 
taken  uo  the  question  of  safety  as  it 
really  should  have  been,  namely,  first, 
full  crews  on  all  switch  engines,  a 
good  hand  brake  on  each  and  every 
car  now  in  service,  and  a  number  of 
unsafe  conditions  which  are  known  to 
exist,  yet  through  the  inability  of 
some  official  who  should  be  made  to 
shoulder  the  responsibility  and  is  un- 
known to  the  higher  official,  su<A  con- 
ditions are  allowed  to  exist  Now,  I 
exempt  the  Q.  ft  C.  officials,  as  I  be- 
lieve that  every  brother  here  will 
agree  with  me  that  all  our  switch 
arews  are  full  crews,  and  if  any  of 
thera  are  not  full  crews  Just  let  the 
S.  U.  committee  know  about  It,  and  we 
will  try  to  remedy  same.  I  believe 
that  safety  is  what  both  employer  and 
employe  and  the  general  public  desire. 
It  remains  to  be  seen  Just  what  the 
results  will  be  or  what  will  be  accom- 
plished thereby. 

Lodge  No.  214  is  having  some  lar^ 
meetings  and  adding  new  members  at 
each  meeting.  Just  now  we  are  busy 
trying   to    organize    an   auxiliary   to 


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Lodge  No.  214.  Mrs.  Jean  Rodgers  and 
Bro.  Maurice  Canfield's  wife  are  trying 
to  Institute  this  lodge,  and  are  having 
good  succeBS  bo  far.  So,  brothers,  give 
them  all  the  support  you  can,  as  you 
may  need  the  assistance  of  some  of  the 
sisters  in  your  home  any  time,  and  the 
50  cents  per  month  you  cannot  give  to 
a  better  cause. 

Just  a  word  anent  the  brother's  let- 
ter from  Lodge  No.  77  of  August  issue. 
It  is  my  idea  exactly.  We  are  going 
deeper  into  that  question  every  year. 
We  can  see  the  results  of  separate  or- 
ganization. We  are  not  blind,  we  hu- 
man machines.  We  have  to  work  in 
the  railroad  yards  of  this  country  at 
most  every  day  in  the  year  on  the  aver- 
age twelve  hours  per  day,  counting  one 
hour  for  dinner  and  one  hour  going  to 
work  and  coming  home,  making  four- 
teen hours  away  from  home,  leaving 
ten  hours,  for  what  Qod  only  knows,  to 
shorten  our  lives.  Now,  if  we  had  an 
eight-hour  work-day  in  every  railroad 
yard  in  this  country,  I  believe  the 
average  switchman  would  live  twenty 
years  longer  and  give  his  employer 
better  service.  One  thing  certain,  the 
positions  would  be  better,  so  much  so 
that  we  would  all  have  to  look  to  our 
laurels.  Hoping  to  hear  from  some  of 
the  brothers  on  this  question  in  Octo- 
ber issue,  I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Gantz. 


Valley  JuncHoii,  ia.-No.  1 74. 

EonoB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

We  are  all  sorry  to  have  to  say  to 
our  brothers  that  we  lost  one  more  of 
our  members,  Bro.  P.  E.  Border,  who 
passed  away  at  his  home  on  Monday 
morning,  Aug.  5th.  There  was  a  large 
funeral,  many  switchmen  as  could  lay 
ofF  attended,  also  several  night  men. 
Bro.  Border  leaves  to  mourn  his  loss 
a  mother,  one  sister  and  two  brothers. 
He  was  well  liked  by  everybody  where- 
ever  he  went,  always  having  a  good 
word  for  all.  May  his  soul  rest  in 
peace. 

At  our  last  regular  meeting,  Sunday 
evening,  Aug.  4th,  we  balloted  favor- 
ably on  seven  applications.  Des 
Moines  lodge  is  always  doing  some- 
thing like  that.  Why  not  others  get 
busy?  I  am  now  asking  you  broth- 
ers to  know  the  order  you  belong  to. 
Tou  have  taken  an  obligation  to  fur- 


ther its  interests.  Are  you  doing  it? 
Tou  have  promised  to  be  a  good  and 
faithful  member.  Are  you?  Tou 
also  vowed  to  be  helpful  to  your  fel- 
low members.  Tou  lu&ve  promised  to 
work  for  the  extension  of  tiie  order. 
It  is  your  order  and  you  have  been  de- 
pending upon  it  to  protect  your  fam- 
ily to  the  extent  of  its  obligation  to 
you.  Then  why  not  help  increase  its 
membership  and  endeavor  to  promote 
its  interests  in  every  honorable  man- 
ner? Tou  can  easily  do  so  if  you  only 
go  at  it  in  the  proper  manner.  Tou 
can  always  do  something  with  a  fel- 
low worker  by  talking  to  him  about 
joining  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  even  if  this 
party  is  a  "no-bill"  or  a  good  B.  of  R.  ^ 
T.  man  and  his  heart  is  in  the  right 
place  and  he  is  working  under  the 
switchmen's  schedule.  He  knows  very 
well  that  if  he  was  in  his  proper  place 
he  would  be  a  member  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  When  I  was  a  boy  I  was  a  great 
lover  of  the  sport  of  hunting  with  the 
gun,  and  I  have  not  forgotten  it  yet. 
In  those  days  we  used  the  old  Spring- 
field musket;  the  one  I  used  did  not 
kill  at  both  ends,  neither  did  I  go 
hunting  without  plenty  of  ammuni- 
tion, and  by  so  doing  I  always  got 
some  game.  Now,  if  every  member  of 
the  S.  U.  would  arm  himself  with 
some  ammunition  in  the  form  of  ap- 
plications in  his  pocket  and  some  good 
arguments  in  his  brain  while  going  to 
and  from  his  work  and  use  a  good  line 
of  talk  upon  our  members  as  well  as 
non-members  you  would  get  an  abun- 
dance of  good  game — members.  Try 
it.  Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  P.  Sammon, 
Journal  Agent, 


Crie  Pa.— No.  38. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  the  progressives  have  held  the 
stage  for  the  past  few  months,  intend- 
ing to  place  before  the  people  some 
ideas  calculated  to  work  a  change  for 
the  betterment  of  the  people,  it  is  not 
amiss  at  this  time  for  the  organiza- 
tions, especially  those  having  an  insur- 
ance feature,  to  get  the  progressive 
spirit  and  do  something  that  will  work 
a  change  for  the  members  which  will 
be  of  some  benefit. 

I  am  not  finding  any  fault  with  any- 
thing in  our  own  organization  what- 
ever.   But  when  we  read  of  and  hear 


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the  speeches  made  by  men  who  are  at 
the  heads  of  large  corporations,  and 
see  how  they  are  ta'king  advantage  of 
every  new  means  which  they  can  de- 
vise which  will  work  out  a  small  sav- 
ing here  and  t^ere,  we  must  surely 
see  that  we,  as  an  insurance  organiza- 
tion, have  been  lax,  in  that  we  have 
done  nothing  to  prevent  accidents,  but 
just  paid  out  claim  after  claim  along 
lines  the  very  inconsistency  of  which 
should  long  ago  have  suggested  a 
change. 

We  hear  of  some  of  the  largest  insur- 
ance companies  dofng  business  in  this 
country  furnishing  nurses  and  doctors 
to  go  about  amongst  the  policyholders 
in  time  of  sickness,  rendering  such  as- 
sistance as  they  can  to  keep  that  case 
from  becoming  a  death  claim,  thereby 
keeping  down  the  death  rate  each  year 
and  by  this  means  are  able  to  pay 
larger  dividends  to  their  policyholders. 

I  have  been  thinking  for  some  time 
past  what  the  Switchmen's  Union 
might  save  each  year  if  it  would  de- 
vise some  means  which  would  In  a  gen- 
eral way  have  a  tendency  to  reduce 
the  number  of  accidents  which  hapoen 
to  men  switching  cars  every  year.  We 
see  by  the  report  of  the  Interstate  Com- 
merce Commission  that  for  the  year 
ending  Jime  30,  1911,  10,396  persons 
were  killed  and  150,159  Injured  on  the 
roads  of  the  United  States.  Of  these 
3,602  of  the  killed  and  126.039  of  the 
injured  were  employes  in  the  different 
branches  of  the  service. 

How  many  of  these  were  paid  claims 
out  of  the  treasury  of  the  Switchmen's 
Union?  How  many  deaths  out  of  that 
3,602  might  have  been  prevented,  had 
there  been  some  systematic  way  of  re- 
moving the  cause  thereby  not  feeling 
the  efPect? 

What  is  the  cause  of  such  an  enor- 
mous death  rate  among  railroad  men. 
especially  those  in  yard  service?  T 
would  refer  the  reader  to  a  little  book 
written  by  Mr.  George  Bradshaw,  en- 
titled "Prevention  of  Railroad  Acci- 
dents," which  have  been  distributed 
among  the  employes  on  the  New  York 
Central  Lines,  where  he  places  before 
us  very  plainly,  in  an  unprejudiced 
manner,  the  causes  which  make  pos- 
sible such  an  awful  effect.  While  I  do 
not  think  that  the  men  are  to  accept 
his  views  as  conclusive,  I  do  feel  as 
though  he  has  hit  the  nail  on  the  head 
in  a  great  many  places. 

There  has  ben  organized  on  the  L.  S. 


6  M.  S.  a  division  safety  committee, 
composed  of  an  employe  of  each  branch 
of  the  service,  of  which  the  superin- 
tendent is  chairman,  whose  duty  it  is 
to  observe  everything  that  would  have 
a  tendency  to  cause  accident  or  death 
and  report  the  same  at  their  meeting 
with  a  view  of  eliminating  such  flaw, 
whatever  it  may  be.  The  present  ad- 
ministration in  Washington  heesLH  a 
nation-wide  agitation  looking  toward 
the  conservation  of  our  natural  re- 
sources, which,  if  carried  out,  would 
mean  more  to  future  generations  than 
we  can  scarcely  realize  at  present. 

Again,  we  hear  of  a  baby-saving 
show,  as  a  means  of  educating  mothers 
in  matters  pertaining  to  the  health  of 
their  children.  When  we  see  the  fig- 
ures, 11,609  infants  under  two  years 
of  age  died  in  the  State  of  Pennsyl- 
vania in  the  year  1911,  80  per  cent  of 
them  dying  during  the  months  from 
July  to  October,  and  that  one-half  of 
these  deaths  were  preventable.  It  is 
time  the  parents  should  become  in- 
fected wltii  the  progressive  spirit  and 
do  something  to  overcome  the  large 
death  rate.  6o  we  can  see  that  the 
foundations  are  being  laid  now  which 
win  In  years  to  come  work  out  to  a 
moral  and  financial  betterment. 

But  to  our  own  part  In  the  move- 
ment; I  would  suggest  an  educational 
department  In  our  Joubnal.  Now  that 
the  advertisements  have  been  elimin- 
ated and  a  large  amount  of  revenue  cut 
o£F,  could  we  not  have  in  its  place  a 
page  or  two  devoted  to  the  education 
of  our  members  as  regards  the  saving 
of  lives?  So  many  little  things  are 
done  every  day  by  our  members  In  a 
more  or  less  careless  manner,  which 
some  time,  if  not  one  day  perhaps  the 
next,  may  bring  death  or  injury.  Of 
course,  the  claim  will  be  paid,  but  what 
is  it  compared  with  a  few  more  years 
of  life?  It  can  mean  but  little  to  one's 
friends  except  in  a  material  way  to 
smooth  the  way.  But  that  is  the 
point:  It  means  a  claim  to  be  paid, 
and  we  are  all  glad  when  we  know  that 
the  victim  was  In  good  standing;  It  is 
a  blessing.  But  if  we  could  have  pre- 
vented the  accident,  it  would  have  been 
a  0tlll  greater  blessing. 

We  think  the  little  things  we  do,  or 
do  not  do,  as  the  case  may  be,  are  too 
small  to  pay  any  attention  to,  but 
when  Mrs.  O'Leary's  cow  kicked  a  lamp 
over  it  caused  a  conflagration  which 
has  gone  down  in  history  as  the  great 


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598 


Chicago  fire.  If  these  little  careless 
practices  were  brought  to  the  attention 
of  over  members  through  the  Journal, 
it  might  save  one  life  in  the  year. 
Had  an  agitation  of  this  sort  been  the 
means  of  saving  ten  or  twelve  lives 
during  1911  and  early  1912  we  would 
not  have  paid  out  $21,386.90  during 
June,  1912,  and  a  few  more  homes 
would  not  have  been  saddened. 

The  members  in  difFerent  parts  are 
claiming  that  to  do  away  with  so 
many  conventions,  or  to  have  a  per- 
manent convention  city,  would  save 
the  organization  many  thousands  of 
dollars  every  two  years,  which  perhaps 
is  correct  in  many  wbju.  But  let  each 
lodge  of  the  Switchmen's  Union  take 
up  the  matter  of  saving  the  lives  of 
its  members  by  a  course  of  instruc- 
tions, and  let  the  Joubnal  handle  it  in 
a  general  way,  and  I  believe  the  mem- 
bers would  appreciate  it  and  co-operate 
with  the  safety  committee  on  their  di- 
vision. We  would  lessen  the  amount 
of  money  paid  in  claims,  have  our 
members  with  us  in  life,  which  is  the 
real  issue,  and  we  could  use  the  money 
to  hold  our  conventions  wherever  and 
whenever  we  see  fit.  We  need  conven- 
tions. 

A  claim  Is  a  nice  thing  to  get  when 
a  member  meets  misfortune,  and  surely 
there  are  many  which  cannot  be  avoid- 
ed, but  we  all  know  that  some  are 
caused  by  taking  chances,  hurrying, 
and  by  some  small  thing  we  never 
thought  would  get  us. 

Let  us  take  the  matter  up  in  the 
Joubnal,  let  the  individual  members 
act  on  it  as  other  grievances,  and  let 
us  hear  from  the  other  members 
through  the  columns  of  the  Journal, 
and  I  am  sure  we  can  benefit  by  it  to 
such  an  extent  that  it  will  be  notice- 
able In  our  treasury,  and,  above  all,  in 
the  homes  of  our  members.  A  human 
life  is  a  precious  thing,  and  when  it  is 
gone  what  sadness  and  sorrow  it  leaves 
behind.  Money  can  only  relieve  the 
financial  difllculty,  but  cannot  mend  a 
broken  heart. 

So  let  us  try  and  save  as  many  as 
we  can,  and  we  will  be  doing  a  service 
which  will  be  of  greater  value  than  we 
can  estimate. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

M.  A.   GOOLET. 


Difficulties   are   the   "runirs"   which 
lead  up  the  ladder  of  success. 


fort  Wortii,  Tex.— No.  8. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

No  doubt  there  are  many  under  the 
Impression  that  Lodge  No.  8  is  in 
arrears  or  a  thing  of  the  past,  but, 
brothers,  you  never  missed  a  guess  so 
far  in  your  lives;  however,  I  admit  our 
worthy  Joubnal  agent  has  somewhat 
slept  at  the  switch  or  showed  up  late. 
Nevertheless,  Walter,  we  fully  under- 
stand, and  we  hope  yours  will  be  a 
long  and  happy  lot  and  your  greatest 
troubles  little  ones. 

But  let's. get  back  to  what  is  doing. 
Lodge  No.  8  is  prospering  along  all 
lines,  regardless  of  the  perpetual  ani- 
mosity and  misrepresentation  being 
continually  preached  and  practiced, 
not  only  against  Lodge  No.  8  but 
against  all  switchmen  throughout  the 
southwest  by  our  enemies. 

We  are  using  our  goat  at  almost 
every  meeting.  A  slow  but  a  steady 
and  substantia]  gain  in  membership 
has  marked  the  pages  of  our  roster  all 
through  the  dull  season  as  well  as  the 
busy  season.  Lodge  No.  8  will,  if 
nothing  happens,  have  two  delegates  at 
our  Houston  convention  in  May,  1913; 
only  lack  three  members  now,  and  the 
baldy  boys  are  getting  their  eyes  open 
in  a  manner  never  before  through 
this  district. 

We  gave  our  ninth  annual  ball  and 
picnic  at  Lake  Como,  July  23d.  All 
who  attended  had  a  most  delightful 
time.  The  ball  and  picnic  proved  to  be 
the  greatest  success  both  socially  and 
financially  of  any  yet  given  by  Lodge 
No.  8.  As  an  attest  of  the  standing  of 
the  members  of  Lodge  No.  8  and  the 
Switchmen's  Union  amongst  the  busi- 
ness people  that  we  daily  come  in  con- 
tact with  I  herewith  submit  a  letter  I 
received  from  Mr.  Sterley.  superintend- 
ent of  the  Trinity  Compress  Company, 
which  reads: 

Fort  Worth,  Tex.,  July  12,  1912. 
O,  G,  Glanton,  Chairman  of  Ball  Com- 
mittee, Trilhy  Lodge  No,  8  8,  U, 
of  N.  A.; 

Dear  Sir— Herewith  draft  of  Trinity 
Compress  Company  for  $5.00,  which 
pays  for  ten  tickets  to  your  ninth  an- 
nual ball  and  picnic,  given  by  Trilby 
Lodge  No.  8  on  July  23,  1912. 

It  is  a  pleasure  upon  the  part  of  the 
Compress  to  help  this  cause,  as  we 
fully  recognize  that  the  men  compos- 
ing Trilby  Lodge  No.  8  are  men  of  that 
high  standing  and  integrity  that  any 


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railroad  company  having  men  of  this 
class  are  indeed  fortunate,  as  their 
business  relations  with  industries  of 
our  kind  that  receive  service  at  their 
hands  is  fully  appreciated.  I  desire 
upon  the  part  of  the  Compress  to  ex- 
press our  thanks  and  appreciation  to 
all  of  your  boys  for  the  excellent  ser- 
vice and  pleasant  relations  that  now 
«xlst  between  the  Compress  and  all  of 
the  switchmen.  Wishing  you  all  a 
pleasant  time  at  the  picnic  and  ball, 
we  are,  sirs.  Yours  truly, 

TrINITT  <!^MPBE8S  Co. 

B.  H.  Steblipt,  aupt. 
As  chairman  of  the  committee,  I  de- 
sire to  thank  all  who  contributed  to 
the  success  of  this  ball  and  picnic,  and 
especially  those  who  purchased  so  lib- 
erally of  our  tickets  (which  was  the 
only  source  of  revenue),  among  whom 
were  S.  E.  Burt,  chief  superintendent 
of  terminals,  U.  P.  Railway;  W.  B. 
King,  general  manager  Fort  Worth 
Belt;  D.  B.  Keeler,  general  manager 
and  vice-president  Ft.  W.  k  D.  C.  Rail- 
way; Edw.  Bewley,  and  many  others 
too  numerous  to  mention. 

I  note  there  is  considerable  agitation 
among  several  of  the  brothers  for  cer- 
tain changes  in  our  laws  at  the  next 
convention.  Brothers,  I  find  but  little 
wrong  with  our  present  constitution. 
However,  1  believe  there  should  be 
means  whereby  we  could  create  and 
maintain  a  general  adjustment  fund  by 
a  small  assessment  each  year  of  the 
entire  membership;  this  fund  to  be 
maintained  separately  from  all  others 
at  the  Grand  Lodge  to  pay  adjustment 
committees,  whether  general  or  system 
committees.  I  know  someone  is  going 
to  holler,  but.  brothers,  our  motto  is 
"The  injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of 
all."  Now,  on  systems  where  we  have 
no  general  committee,  but  have  many 
members  employed  that  never  have  to 
I>ay  such  assessments,  and  if  these 
members  were  to  help  the  brothers 
through  this  channel  of  a  general  ad- 
justment assessment  the  burden  would 
be  much  lighter  on  brothers  of  systems 
where  general  committees  convene. 
Then  again,  the  committeemen  would 
not  have  to  wait  long  for  their  just 
dues,  as  is  the  case  many  times  now. 

I  understand  there  has  been  intro- 
duced in  Congress  a  bill  calling  for 
eight  hours  for  switchmen  and  oper- 
ators. This  bill,  introduced  by  Repre- 
sentative Martin  of  Colorado,  has  been 
reported  favorably  by  the  house  com- 


mittee. I  do  not  know  the  merits  or 
demerits  of  this  bill,  but  think  it 
should  be  investigated  (if  not  yef)  by 
our  Grand  Lodge,  and  if  found  meri- 
torious take  the  matter  up  with  a  de- 
termination to  bring  as  much  in- 
fluence as  possible  to  bear  upon  our 
representatives  and  senators.  That 
this  is  what  we  want  and  need  in  the 
switching  service,  i  would  like  to  see 
such  a  bill  go  through  and  become  a 
law,  especially  if  it  were  possible  to 
carry  a  minimum  wage  clause  in  the 
bill  of  not  less  than  50c  per  hour,  or 
some  stipulated  minimum. 

I  note  the  B.  of  R.  T.  is  having 
many  assessments  throughout  the 
country  for  insurance.  I  learn  the 
general  committee  on  the  B.  k  O.  8.  W. 
disbanded  after  a  five-months^  session. 
This  cost  the  boys  $9.75  each  for  five 
months.  Eugene  Wright  of  St.  Louis 
B.  of  R.  T.  says  this  assessment  was 
distributed  in  the  foUowing  manner: 
Assessment,  $3.00,  dues,  $2.75,  and 
voluntary  relief  to  the  company  of 
$4.00,  or  about  10  per  cent,  of  their 
wages.  I  would  like  some  one  to  give 
a  correct  diagnosis  of  the  voluntary 
relief  to  the  company  proposition.  Is 
this  a  mild  way  of  a  reduction  in 
wages,  or  is  it  out  of  gratitude  for  the 
promptness  with  which  that  committee 
dispatched  its  duties,  thereby  letting 
them  down  light  on  the  grievance 
assessment? 

Look  here,  Mr.  B.  of  R.  T.  yardman, 
will  you  never  see  the  fallacy  of  your 
present  position  and  throw  off  this 
yoke  of  unjust  burdens  and  cast  your 
lot  where  you  Justly  and  rightfully  be- 
long and  where  you  can  get  and  will 
get  Just  and  honest  treatment  and.  we 
think,  more  speedy  action  in  regard 
to  your  complaints.  Join  the  order 
that  does  things  for  yard  men  only 
and  is  ever  ready  and  willing  to  lend  a 
helping  hand  to  its  membership  and 
the  yard  men  in  general — that  is  none 
other  than  the  grand  old  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
the  order  that  has  raised  your  wages 
from  thirty  to  fifty  dollars  per  month 
in  a  period  of  about  seven  years — from 
1903  to  1910.  Now,  brothers,  it  should 
be  a  pleasure  for  you  to  use  every  fair 
means  and  every  bit  of  your  ability  and 
influence  to  induce  all  good,  clean  jrard 
men  to  become  afflliated  with  the  S.  U. 
You  can't  expect  your  Grand  Lodge  offi- 
cers to  zo  out  and  dras:  these  fellows 
all  in.  Each  of  us  has  some  influence 
with  some  non-member.    Use  It  and  get 


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him  in  line,  and  then  he  in  turn  has 
influence  over  acqnaintances  of  his, 
and  80  on.  Let  every  brother,  regard- 
less of  where  he  is,  put  his  shoulder 
to  the  wheel  and  march  one  solid 
phalanx  along  these  lines.  Be  not  like 
dumb  driven  cattle  of  the  meadow,  but 
be  a  hero  in  the  strife. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
C.  G.  Qlanton, 
Past  President  Lodge  No.  8, 


Clevcteiid»  C— No.  1 1 . 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joxtbnal: 

The  convention  of  the  National  Ckm- 
ference  of  Charities  and  Corrections, 
recently  held  in  Cleveland,  O.,  was  a 
most  important  one,  and  if  success 
should  crown  their  labors  the  ultimate 
results  secured  to  the  American  wage- 
earner  would  be  so  extremely  bene- 
ficial and  far-reaching  that  the  work 
performed  by  that  body  at  this  par- 
ticular convention  would  be  stamped 
upon  the  pages  of  history  as  one  of  the 
most  brilliant  accomplishments  in  the 
interests  of  humanity  of  modem  times. 
In  1909  the  National  Conference  of 
Charities  and  Corrections  appointed  a 
commission  for  the  purpose  of  making 
a  thorough  investigation  of  the  living 
and  labor  conditions  of  the  American- 
people  in  general,  make  comparison  of 
existing  conditions  wiUi  those  of  for- 
eign countries,  and  from  the  results 
of  investigation  make  such  recom- 
mendations as  would,  in  their  estima- 
tion»  lead  to  the  securing  of  greatly 
improved  conditions  to  the  thousands 
upon  thousands  of  wage-earners 
throughout  the  country.  The  work  of 
the  commission  having  been  completed 
the  results  of  their  efforts  were  laid 
before  the  convention.  The  report  sub- 
mitted by  this  commission  was  un- 
questionably one  of  the  most  remark- 
able documents  on  industrial  life  in 
America  that  haB  ever  been  written, 
and  every  worker,  of  either  sex,  should 
be  deeDlv  Interested  In  it.  The  recom- 
mendations of  the  commission  are  of 
such  a  pure,  clean,  and  wholesome  na- 
ture that  they  must  appeal  to  every 
fair-minded  citizen  of  this  great  re- 
public as  a  rigid  application  of  the 
same  to  our  industrial  life  would  pro- 
duce most  wonderful  results.  Their 
recommpndations  were  as  follows: 

1.  The  eight-hour  day,  a  six-day 
week,  and  the  abolition  of  night  work 


for  women  and  children.    Night  work 
for  men  minimised  wherever  possible. 

2.  A  living  wage,  the  establishment 
of  minimum  wage  commissions,  and 
the  publication  by  all  employers  of  all 
wages  they  pay. 

3.  Prohibition  of  the  manuf^ture 
of  poisons  dangerous  to  workers  when- 
ever harmless  substitutes  are  possible. 

4.  A  workmen's  compensation  act, 
and  the  safeguarding  to  workers  from 
Injury. 

5.  Prohibition  of  factory  work  in 
homes  and  tenements. 

6.  Greater  taxation  of  land  to  pre- 
vent exorbitant  rents. 

7.  No  child  under  sixteen  to  work. 
Women  not  to  be  employed  for  at  least 
eight  weeks  before  child  birth.  Wo- 
men not  to  work  In  standing  positions. 

8.  The  education  of  the  unemployed 
to  some  form  of  industrial  efficiency. 

9.  Insurance  against  unemployment 
and  accident,  as  in  liUropean  countries. 

These  recommendations  were  not 
submitted  as  herein  enumerated,  but 
were  condensed  into  six  separate  re- 
commendations dealing  with  wages, 
hours,  safety  and  health,  home  life, 
term  of  working  life,  and  compensa- 
tion and  insurance,  and  it  is  quite  evi- 
dent that  the  members  of  the  commis- 
sion were  largely  influenced  by  the 
existing  nation-wide  feeling  that  some 
standard  of  living  for  America's  in- 
dustrial Workers  must  be  established, 
below  which  no  American  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  live.  The  recommendations 
were  practically  in  the  form  of  planks, 
it  being  the  intention  of  the  conven- 
tion to  immediately  start  a  campaign 
seeking  to  have  the  planks  incorpor- 
ated in  the  platfohns  of  the  Demo- 
cratic and  Republican  parties.  A  care- 
ful review  of  the  report  will,  however, 
give  vou  some  idea  of  the  exceedingly 
broad  amount  of  matter  covered,  and 
should  most  certainly  convince  one 
that  the  commissioners  were  "not 
asleeo  at  the  switch"  while  on  duty. 
Without  a  auestlon  of  doubt,  these 
recommendations  as  a  whole  are  of  the 
utmost  importance  to  the  whole  peoole. 
but  those  dealing  with  the  establish- 
ment of  a  wage  commission,  publica- 
tion of  wage  schedules,  and  home  life, 
are  of  exceptional  interest,  inasmuch 
as  they  clearly  indicate  the  way  to 
the  all-imnortant  goal-^he  standard- 
ization of  living.  A  law  which  would 
estAblish  a  standard  of  living  would 
wield  a  mighty  influence  toward   the 


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uplift  of  humanity,  and  would  work 
wonders  with  the  future  derelopment 
of  our  people,  physioally,  mentally  and 
morally.  Its  benefits  would  be  two- 
fold. It  would  not  only  force  the  em- 
ployer to  pay  a  sufficient  wage  to  the 
empi4iye8  to  enable  them  to  live  up  to 
the  required  standard,  but  would  also 
compel  the  employe  to  dispose  of  his 
earnings  in  a  manner  which  would 
insure,  not  only  to  himself,  but  to 
those  dependent  upon  him,  of  a  stand- ' 
ard  of  llTlng,  safely  and  sanely  estab- 
lished. Have  you  ever  given  the  mat- 
ter a  thought  of  what  a  multitude  of 
evils  could  be  sidetracked  but  the 
switch  removed  so  they  would  remain 
"in  to  clear"  for  all  time.  Not  only 
pages,  but  volumes,  could  be  written 
on  the  evils  which  would  be  forever  re- 
moved from  the  home  life.  Millions  of 
dollars  are  annually  being  spent  in  an 
effort  to  check  the  steady  but  sure  ad- 
vance of  the  great  white  piague,  the 
American  people  seemingly  wLo'ly  ob- 
livious to  the  old  adage  that  "an  ounce 
of  prevention  is  worth  a  pound  of 
cure."  It  can  be  said  with  safety,  I 
believe,  that  if  the  same  amount  of 
wealth  should  be  spetit  in  providing 
for  the  standard  of  living  amongst  the 
unfortunate,  it  would  be  productive  of 
far  better  results  than  remedies  or 
sanitariums  can  hope  or  expect  to  do. 
Only  recently  in  our  '  city  officers 
were  forced  to  use  extreme  measures 
to  drive  the  chilrden  of  the  tenement 
districts  away  from  the  market  house 
garbage  cans,  filled  with  decayed  or 
rotten  fruits  and  foodstuffs.  It  is  un- 
reasonable to  believe  that  those  unfor- 
tunate little  urchins  preferred  this  un- 
salable stuff  to  good,  wholesome  food. 
This  refuse  matter  didn't  appeal  to 
those  children  because  it  was  fruit, 
but  because  they  were  hungry.  With 
them  it  was  a  case  of  anything  to  eat 
being  preferable  to  nothing  to  eat,  even 
though  it  be  literally  covered  with 
health-robbing  germs.  It  has  been 
said  that  an  ounce  of  prevention  is 
worth  a  pound  of  cure.  In  this  case 
the  "prevention"  was  the  officer's  club, 
the  ••cure"  a  standard  of  living  which 
would  have  Insured  to  those  young- 
sters a  liberal  allowance  of  good, 
wholesome  food  at  home.  In  the  early 
part  of  this  year  many  workers  in  the 
mill  districts  of  Massachusetts  went 
out  on  strike  in  an  effort  to  secure  a 
little  stronger  percentage  of  the  wealth 
they  produced.     The  employes  didn't 


want  to  strike,  and  offered  to  submit 
their  differences  to  arbitration.  The 
mill  owners,  having  first  refused  points 
blank  to  make  the  slightest  conces- 
sions, refused  to  even  submit  to  arbi- 
tration, thus  forcing  the  employes  to 
strike.  Public  sentiment  was  so 
strongly  in  favor  of  the  strikers  that 
it  became  necessary  for  Congress  to 
interfere,  and  an  investigation  was 
ordered.  Mill  workers  were  brought 
to  Washington  to  appear  before  the 
investigators.  The  statements  of  the 
workers  regarding  working  conditions 
and  home  life  were  of  such  a  nature 
that  the  mill  owners  immediately  got 
busy  and  arranged  a  settlement  Why 
this  sudden  change  of  heart?  Was  it 
because  the  net  earnings  of  the  mills 
had  increased  between  two  days  to  such 
an  extent  that  they  were  transferred 
to  a  position  which  would  permit  of  an 
increase  in  wages  being  granted?  Oh, 
no!  Publicity  was  the  prime  factor. 
Finances  had  nothing  to  do  with  it 
Publicity  was  the  mighty  power  which 
forced  the  mill  owners  to  yield.  The 
public  statements  of  the  workers  show- 
ing conclusively  that  the  wages  re- 
ceived were  not  sufficient  to  enable  them 
to  maintain  anything  like  a  decent 
standard  of  living  was  the  open  sesame 
to  the  treasury  vaults.  Poverty  may 
be  preferable  to  disease,  but  don't  over 
look  the  fact  that  poverty  quickly  be 
comes  the  parent  of  disease.  A  friend 
once  said  to  me  that  tuberculosis  was 
more  prevalent  in  the  homes  of  the 
monied  people  than  in  the  homes  of 
the  poorer  classes,  and  to  strengthen 
his  assertion  he  explained  that  of  all 
the  tubercular  sanitariums  throughout 
the  country,  all,  or  nearly  all  of  the 
patrons  were  people  of  means.  I 
merely  asked  him  if  he  had  ever  en- 
deavored to  learn  how  many  of  the 
victims  were  remaining  at  home,  un- 
able to  provide  for  themselves  the  milk 
and  strictly  fresh  egg  diet  at  home, 
let  alone  coming  to  a  sanitarium  to 
receive  it. 

But  let  us  get  back  to  the  work  of 
the  commission.  As  planned  by  the 
convention,  an  effort  was  made  to  have 
the  several  recommendations  incorpor- 
ated in  the  platforms  of  the  Demo- 
cratic and  Republican  parties,  but  was 
not  successful.  This  failure,  however, 
should  have  caused  little  surprise,  as 
the  policies  of  those  parties  are  dic- 
tated by  the  money  powers,  and  it 
could   hardly    be   expected    that   any 


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measures  would  be  acceptable  which 
might  cause  even  a  slightly  perceptible 
shrinkage  of  their  incomes.  Their 
motto  Ifi,  "All  ye  who  enter  here  leare 
hope  behind,  unless  the  hope  is  bene- 
ficial to  those  inside."  But  a  new  light 
has  appeared  above  the  horizon.  In 
the  city  of  Chicago  a  few  days  ago  a 
new  party  was  bom.  A  party  with 
sufficient  courage  to  write  a  ];>latform» 
many  of  the  planks  of  which  are  dis- 
tinctly favorable  to  the  masses.  Every 
feature  in  the  recommendations  in- 
cluded in  the  report  of  the  commission 
appointed  by  the  National  Conference 
of  Charities  and  Corrections  have  been 
incorporated  im  the  platform  of  the 
new  party.  The  question  of  wages, 
eight-hour  day  and  a  six-day  week, 
workmen's  compensation  act,  safe- 
garding  of  workers,  child  labor,  pub- 
lication of  wage  schedules,  formation 
of  commissions  on  wages,  with  power 
to  determine  what  shall  be  the  mini- 
mum wage,  they  are  all  there,  not  a 
single  feature  being  rejected.  While 
it  may  be  a  little  early  to  expect  a  full 
realiixition  of  these  ideal  conditions, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  the  party  is 
new,  we  shall  have  some  consolation 
in  knowing  that  a  gathering  of  men 
representing  every  State  In  the  Union 
should  have  gathered  together  in  such 
a  short  space  of  time  and  drafted  a 
platform  which  is  so  generally  bene- 
ficial to  the  people.  It  is  not  a  ques- 
tion of  Roosevelt  and  Johnson  which 
is  at  stake,  but  a  question  of  principle. 
If  it  was  Smith  and  Jones  it  would  be 
the  same  thing,  so  long  as  they  stood 
on  a  platform  which  was  drafted  large- 
ly for  the  purpose  of  eliminating  many 
of  the  ills  and  abuses  to  which  we  are 
now  subject.  Mr.  Roosevelt  will  un- 
doubtedly be  referred  to  during  the 
next  few  months  as  a  monomaniac,  an 
iconoclast,  a  honeyfugler,  and  other 
epithets  too  numerous  to  mention,  but 
the  purpose  in  that  will  be  to  divert 
the  public  mind  from  the  real  and 
vital  issue  at  stake,  the  declaration  of 
principles  set  forth  by  the  new  party. 
Those  who  are  opposed  to  the  new 
party  and  are  already  making  every 
effort  to  check  its  progress,  will  pre- 
sent the  argrument  that  the  time  con- 
sumed by  the  new  party  in  drafting 
its  platform  was  altogether  too  short 
to  insure  a  sound,  sane  and  logical 
platform,  and  that  the  quickly  prepared 
portion  which  pertains  to  social  and 
industrial  justice  to  the  wage-earners 


was  incorporated  for  the  sole  purpose 
of  getting  the  wage-earners'  vote,  but 
when  you  hear  that  argument  don't 
lose  sight  of  the  fact  that  a  very 
large  portion  of  that  part  of  the  platr 
form  was  drafted  from  the  recom- 
mendations submitted  by  the  commis- 
sion appointed  by  the  National  Con- 
ference of  Charities  and  Corrections, 
who  prepared  the  same  after  a  most 
thorough  Investigation  into  the  indus- 
trial conditions  existing  both  in  this 
country  and  Europe,  covering  a  period 
of  thfte  years,  and  recognize  the  fact 
that  one  of  the  gentlemen  composing 
this  commission,  Mr.  John  Oolden  of 
Fall  River,  Mass.,  is  a  prominent  labor 
leader  in  that  city.  It  is  reasonable  to 
hold  that  the  labor  portion  of  the  new 
party  platform  was  not  hastily  drafted, 
but  prepared  from  calm  and  conserva- 
tive observations  of  actual  conditions. 
The  new  party  may  not  receive  the 
stamp  of  public  approval  and  may  soon 
die,  but  its  principles  will  live  for- 
ever. The  issues  are  here  to  stay. 
They  are  too  valuable  to  be  lost  sight 
of  or  destroyed,  and  in  the  not  far 
distant  future  the  American  wage- 
earner  will  have  cause  to  feel  deeply 
grateful,  not  only  to  the  National  Con- 
ference of  Charities  and  Corrections 
for  its  splendid  recommendations  in 
the  interests  of  humanity,  but  also  to 
the  body  of  men  who  had  sufficient 
good  moral  courage  to  make  them  an 
important  issue  before  the  new  party 
convention. 
Respectfully  yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

W.  A.  TiTUB. 


MKwaukfie,  Wis.— No.  10. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

It  has  been  some  time  since  Joub- 
NAL  readers  have  heard  from  Lodge 
No.  10  and  I  noticed  in  the  August 
issue  tiiat  Head  of  the  Lakes  Lodge 
NOk  107  wanted  me  to  write  a  breezy 
letter  and  I  am  going  to  try  to  com- 
ply with  the  request,  so  here  you  are: 

The  St.  Paul  road  is  building  a  new 
receiving  yard  for  the  Hump  which 
will  be  in  operation  about  Sept  Ist. 

We  have  been  very  fortunate  this 
summer  as  far  as  work  is  concerned 
and  the  railroads  have  been  hiring 
men  here  all  summer  and  we  are  cer- 
tainly getting  the  noon  hour  every 
day. 

B.  H.  McNaney,  who  was  Snperin- 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N. 


tendent  of  Terminals  here,  has  been 
assigned  as  SupeHntendent  of  the 
Northern  Division.  All  the  boomers 
who  came  this  way  looking  for  work 
knew  Mm  and  I  know  all  the  boys 
will  be  with  me  when  I  say  that  he 
certainly  was  a  fair-minded  man.  We 
all  miss  him  and  we  all  hope  he  wlD 
make  good  in  his  new  field  of  labor. 
Our  picnic  was  held  on  Aug.  25th 
and  we  certainly  had  a  good  time. 

Bro.  Gormley  had  the  misfortune  to 
get  squeezed  between  cars  and  was 
taken  to  a  hospital.  At  this  wilting 
he  Is  still  confined  to  his  bed  and 
recovering  very  slowly. 

Now.  I  will  relate  a  istory  I  heard 
and  then*  I  will  cut  off  for  lunch:  An 
Irishman  was  crossing  the  street 
when  he  ran  into  a  brakeman  who 
was  going  out  on  the  road.  He  was 
waiting  for  a  car  when  the  Irishman 
(half  organized)  fell  against  him. 
Seeing  his  B.  of  R.  T.  button  on  his 
coat  he  said: 

"Hello,  broUier!"  and  stuck  out  his 
paw,  which  the  brakeman  gladly  re- 
ceived, being  afraid  the  Irishman 
would  land  on  him  if  he  did  not  shake 
hands. 

The  street  cars  were  not  running  on 
time  and  so  the  brakeman  said  to  the 
Irishman: 

"What  kind  of  a  button  have  you  on 
your  coat?" 

The  Irishman  said  that  it  was  an 
Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians  button. 
"Well."  said  the  brakemlan,  "I  do  not 
belong  to  the  Hibernians.  I  belong  to 
the  Brotherhood  of  Railroad  Train- 
men." 

"How  do  you  make  me  out  a 
brother  of  yours?" 

"Well,"  says  the  Irishman,  pointing 
to  his  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians 
button,  "Didn't  St.  Patrick  drive  the 
snakes  out  of  Ireland?" 

The  brakeman  said  "Yes." 

'•Well,  then,"  said  the  Irishman. 
The  B.  of  R.  T.  is  trying  to  drive  the 
snakes  out  of  the  United  States." 
(Aren't  we,  brothers). 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
CuBLET,  The  Bio  Noise. 


Many  an  honorable  career  has  re- 
sulted from  a  kind  word  spoken  in 
season,  or  the  warm  grasp  of  a  friendly 
hand. 


la.— No.  89. 

EnrroB  Switchmeic's  Joubnal: 

^J   ^^^.J^^  ^^^  <^^«   letter  from 
Vice-President  Bro.  L.   H.   Porter  in 
August  number,  and  I  must  say  that 
I  am  proud  to  say  that  I  am  a  mem- 
ber of  a  labor  organization  that  has 
never  entered  into  a  contract  whereby 
Uiey  leveled  themselves  to  work  side 
by  side  with  negroes,  and  it  seems  to 
me  this  would  be  an  eye-opener  to  the 
craft  working  under  these  conditions. 
I  don't  know  whether  these  "duskies" 
are  eligible  to  membership  in  the  B.  of 
R.  T.,  but  suppose  they  are,  as  their 
greed  for  membership  is  such  that  they 
bar  none,  even    those    outside    their 
craft     It  is  Just  as    sensible    for    a 
switchman  to  Join  the  B.  L.  B.  or  O 
R.  C.  as  to  Join  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  but,  of 
course,  that  is  impossible  as  these  or- 
ganizations confine  their  membership 
to  their  own  craft  as  does  the  8.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  and  as  all  should  do.    The  man 
that  does  not  belong  to  the  organiza- 
tion representing  his  craft  is  not  true 
to  himself,  his  family,  or  his  fellow- 
workers,  and  if  he  is  not  too  narrow- 
minded  he  will  some  day  realize  that 
he    is   paying   his    dues    and    special 
assessments  for  the  benefit  of  others, 
not  himself.     Of  course,    if    he    has 
friends  or  relatives  working  as  brake- 
men  or  enginemen  whose  interest  he 
wishes  to  further  rather  than  his  own, 
then,  of  course,  he  may  be  excused. 
But  to  the  man  who  is  looking  toward 
the  welfare  of  himself  and  family  and 
does  not  belong  to  the  order  represent- 
ing his  craft  there  is  something  wrong 
with  him  and  the  organization  is  bet- 
ter off  without  him.     Another  thing 
that  occurs  to  me,  brothers,  is  accept- 
ing men  into  our  order  who  are  not 
worthy.     The  strength   of  any  order 
depends  on  the  class  of  men  who  make 
up  its  membership.    There  are  a  class 
who  stay  In  one  place  Just  long  enough 
to  get  lined  up  and  get  a  current  re- 
ceipt and  then  get  drunk  and  "blow" 
and  use  the  receipt  for  no  other  pur- 
pose than  to   work  worthy  members 
for  a  feed.    It  seems  to  me  this  could 
be  eliminated  in  some  way.    Because 
a  man  is  a  switchman  should  not  be 
the  only  qualification  required  to  be- 
come a  member  of  this  union.    I  think 
we  would  do  well  to  draw  a  line  on 
some.    It  is  only  a  question  of  a  short 
time  until  all  switchmen  with  any  rea- 
sonable amount  of  common  sense  will 


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see  where  they  are  and  line  up  where 
they  belong,  because  in  order  for  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  to  hold  its  members  who 
are  switching  they  will  have  to  secure 
some  concessions  for  them  which  they 
have  no  idea  of  doing,  and  the  saying 
"You  can  fool  all  the  pec^le  some  ' 
the  time  and  some  of  the  people  all  the 
time  but  you  can't  fool  all  the  people 
all  the  time"  is  very  true  and  will 
apply  in  this  case.    Tours  truly, 

J.  W.  Walker. 


China  Leads;  We  folow. 

It  used  to  be  and  still  is,  for  all  we 
know  to  the  contrary,  a  favorite  argu- 
ment with  our  American  woman  suf- 
fragists that  the  denial  of  the  fran- 
chise to  women  placed  them  in  the 
same  category  as  convicts,  insane  peo- 
ple, Indians  and  Chinese.  The  news 
that  the  new  Republic  of  China  has 
granted  equal  suffrage  to  women,  to 
some  extent  takes  the  latter  out  of 
the  proscribed  list,  at  least  in  their 
own  country. 

If  there  were,  or  are,  any  woman 
suffragists  who  believed  they  had  a 
better  claim  to  a  vote  than  Chinese 
men  there  is  certainly  not  much  con- 
solation in  the  thought  that  even 
Chinese  women  have  secured  the 
franchise  which  is  yet  denied  to 
American  women.  But  we  do  not  be- 
lieve there  are  many  such  after  all. 
The  women  who  demand  the  suffrage 
in  this  country  are  usually  too  broad- 
minded  to  look  at  the  matter  in  this 
light  and  have  divested  their  minds 
of  racial  prejudice  to  such  an  extent 
that  they  can  sincerely  rejoice  that  the 
franchise  has  been  conferred  on  their 
Chinese  sisters. 

It  is,  unfortunately  for  them,  their 
lot  to  live  in  a  stupid,  prejudiced,  back- 
ward, unprogressive  land  like  the 
United  States  rather  than  in  a  highly 
civilized,  enlightened,  modem  pro- 
gressive country  like  China. 

It  is  generally  admitted  that  the 
Chinese  men  possess  superior  intelli- 
gence, but  the  American  women  should 
not  feel  discouraged  by  the  apparent 
stupidity  of  their  own  men  in  com- 
parison. They  are  really  not  naturally 
stupid,  but,  unlike  the  Chinese,  are 
rather  averse  to  change.  It  is  not  im- 
possible that  by  strenuous  and  persis- 
tent teaching  they  may  yet  be  raised 
to  the  level  of  Chinese  male  Intelli- 


gence in  this  matter.  It  is,  to  be  sure, 
somewhat  humiliating  to  have  to  ad- 
mit that  the  United  States  lags  in  the 
march  of  progress  behind  China,  Aus- 
tralia, New  Zealand  and  even  some 
European  countries,  but  there  is  much 
encouragement  in  the  thought  that 
some  day  we  may  at  least  come  up 
with,  if  not  surpass,  them  in  modem 
progress.  Even  now  we  are  not  at  the 
very  tall  end  of  the  procession,  for  it 
is  an  undoubted  fact  that  there  are 
many  oUier  countries  about  on  a  level 
with  us  in  this  particular  phase  of 
civilization. 

What  has  been  accomplished  by 
China  is  by  no  means  impossible  of 
achievement  in  the  United  States.  It 
is  after  all  a  mere  matter  of  education 
and  by  no  means  attributable  to  any 
noticeable  extent  to  inherent  or  racial 
superiority,  nor  is  the  Chinese  woman 
much  more  fitted  for  the  exercise  of 
the  franchise  than  are  our  American 
women.  It  is  simply  a  difference  of 
opinion  between  Chinese  and  American 
men,  and,  as  we  said  before,  it  Is  after 
all  merely  a  matter  of  education  to 
bring  the  latter  up  to  the  standard  of 
intelligence  displayed  by  the  former. 
—New  York  Call. 


Winning. 

It  takes  a  little  courage 

And  a  little  self-control. 
And  some  grim  determination 

If  you  want  to  reach  a  goal. 
It  takes  a  deal  of  striving, 

And  a  firm  and  stern  set  chin. 
No  matter  what  the  battle. 

If  you  are  really  out  to  win. 

There's  no  easy  path  to  glory. 

There's  no  rosy  road  to  fame. 
Life,  however  we  may  view  it. 

Is  no  simple  parlor  game; 
But  its  prizes  call  for  fighting, 

For  endurance  and  for  grit. 
For  a  rugged  disposition 

And  a  "don't-know-when-to-quit." 

You  must  take  a  blow  or  give  one, 

Tou  must  risk  and  you  must  lose. 
And  expect  that  in  the  struggle 

You  will  suffer  from  a  bmise. 
But  you  mustn't  wince  or  falter. 

If  a  fight  you  once  begin; 
Be  a  man  and  face  the  battle — 

That's  the  only  way  to  win. 

— Detroit  Free  Press, 


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THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


Hammond,  Ind. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Don't  let  these  few  lines  surprise 
you  too  much,  nor  drive  you  Into  the 
measles,  for  I  just  wanted  to  let 
Journal  readers  know  "we  are  still 
in  the  ring,"  and  it  needn't  surprise 
them  very  much  if  in  the  future  they 
should  hear  from  us  oftener  than  dur- 
ing the  past,  for  we  are  hoping  and 
really  intending  to  make  a  little  re- 
formation in  regard  to  our  duties 
along  this  line,  but  will  not  promise 
too  strongly  in  regard  to  this  lest  we 
should  not  quite  make  good.  Our  aux- 
iliary here  is  both  gaining  and  lose- 
ing — gaining  in  membership  and  ex- 
perience— losing  a  member  now  and 
then  on  account  of  non-payment  of 
dues.  So  far,  however,  our  gains  in 
members  have  more  than  offset  our 
losses  and  we  hope  to  be  able  to  con- 
tinue in  that  manner  and  also  hope, 
if  possible,  to  gain  all  we  can  and  lose 
as  few  as  possible.  It  hardly  seems 
that  it  should  not  be  necessary  for 
anyone  to  become  suspended  for  want 
of  ability  to  pay  dues,  especially  so 
when  husbands  are  working.  We 
trust  there  will  be  a  special  effort 
made  by  every  sister  to  keep  herself 
paid  up  and  induce  all  others  to  make 
a  special  effort  in  attending  to  the 
Important  duty  of  keeping  themselves 
in  good  standing  and  under  the  full 
protection  guaranteed  by  our  consti- 
tution. As  small  and  young  as  pur 
organization  is,  it  has  been  a  blessing 
indeed  to  many  families  when  death 
and  other  misfortune  had  entered  the 
homes  and  taken  therefrom  the 
mother.  So  many  a  husband  has  al- 
ready had  the  benefit  of  our  protec- 
tion, whether  or  not  he  approved  his 
wife  joining  the  order  at  the  time  of 
becoming  a  member  of  it.  It  is  our 
desire  to  extend  the  work  of  benevo- 
lence and  good  will  among  the  fami- 
lies of  those  whose  bread  winners 
follow  the,  vocation  of  switching  cars. 
But  to  do  so  successfully,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  have  the  co-operation  of  all 


those  families  and  this  we  are  very 
anxious  to  have.  It  is  now  vacation 
time  and  some  of  our  members  arc 
off  for  a  visit,  others  have  company 
and,  in  either  case,  it  tends  to  re- 
duce attendance  at  our  regular  meet- 
ings. Some  of  us  also  have  other  ex- 
cuses, such  for  instance,  as  too  busy 
ironing,  etc.  But,  sisters,  we  can  put 
off  until  tomorrow  many  other  things 
of  less  importance  than  this,  so  why 
not  lay  it  aside  a  few  hours  for  this, 
or  until  another  day  for  that  matter. 
You  may  not  think  your  absence 
amounts  to  much,  just  being  you,  but 
it  does  and  we  should  each  make  spe- 
cial sacrifices,  if  necessary,  not  to 
neglect  the  very  important  duty  of 
attending  all  meetings  as  well  as  all 
other  duties  in  connection  with  Vm 
organization. 

We  appreciate  very  much  the  let- 
-  ters  in  the  Journal  from  the  sisters 
from  different  parts  of  the  country 
relative  to  opinions  upon  different  sub- 
jects of  interest  to  the  auxiliary. 
They  have  a  tendency  to  broaden  our 
views  upon  those  things  as  well  as 
getting  entirely  new  ideas  concerning 
some  of  them  and,  since  it  requires 
much  thinking  from  all  to  arrive  at 
the  best  modes  of  procedure  and  use- 
ful results,  our  sisters  should  receive 
the  hearty  encouragement  of  all  in 
their  attempts  to  keep  us  in  touch 
with  their  ideas  and  actions  relative 
to  the  auxiliary. 

It  is  with  deep  regret  I  mention  the 
sad  loss  of  Bro.  Spence,  member  of 
and  the  president  of  Auburn  Park 
Lodge  No.  208,  who  lost  his  life  while 
in  the  performance  of  duty.  He  leaves 
a  wife  and  eight  children  (the  young- 
est a  baby  boy  but  two  weeks  old)  to 
mourn  his  loss  and  who  are  now  de- 
prived of  his  care  and  support.  They 
have  our  sincere  synipaUiy  and  our 
hope  that  the  One  above.  Who  does 
everything  for  the  beet,  will  place  His 
loving  arms  of  protection  about  them 
and  ke^  them  from  want.  This  par- 
ticular case  affords  an  excellent  il- 
lustration of  the  urgent  necessity  of 


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601 


keeping  ourselves  on  the  correct  side 
of  the  insurance  ledgers.  Sad,  indeed, 
is  the  lot  of  their  poor  wife  with  the 
$1,500  insurance  she  will  receive  from 
the  union,  and  how  very  sad  indeed  it 
would  have  been  for  her  without  it. 
No  member  of  the  S.  U.  or  of  the  Aux- 
iliay  can  afford  to  allow  themselves 
to  become  suspended,  as  much  as  they 
sometimes  think  it  impossible  or  un- 
necessary to  attend  to  the  matter  of 
paying  their  dues. 

After  this  we  hope  to  be  heard  from 
oftener.  Our  Joubnal  agent  is  kept 
busy  with  her  youngsters  and  some- 
times forgets  to  write  and  I  know 
she  will  pardon  me  for  having  taken 
the  burden  off  of  her  shoulders  this 
month. 

Wishing  all  brother  and  sister 
lodges  success  in  their  worthy  efforts, 
we  remain 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
White  Cabnation  Lodge  No.  11. 


Ft.  Wayne,  Ind. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

The  brothers  have  not  been  advised 
of  what  is  transpiring  in  this  part  of 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  system  due,  no 
doubt,  to  the  negligence  of  the  Jo  ve- 
nal agent,  and  I  really  cannot  frame 
up  an  excuse  for  not  keeping  my  end 
up.  I  can  only  ask  the  brothers  to 
exuse  me  and  I  promise  to  do  better 
in  the  future. 

I  will,  however,  inform  my  readers 
that  I  was  very  agreeably  surprised 
a  few  days  since  by  a  visit  from  "Old 
Reliable,"  our  Second  Vice-President, 
L.  H.  Porter.  It  does  one  good  to  see 
him.  But,  O  my,  how  much  better 
you  are  and  do  feel  after  you  have 
had  that  hearty  handshake,  see  his 
smile  and  then  listen  for  hours  to 
good,  well-meaning  words  of  advice 
as  to  what  to  do  in  order  to  advance 
the  cause  of  our  brothers  and  what  is 
being  done  along  his  line  of  super- 
vision. Then,  brothers,  if  you  have 
been  discouraged,  or  if  the  past  has 
not  been  quite  up  to  expectations,  his 
explanation  of  what  is  being  done  and 
what  our  mrothers  expect  to  do  will, 
indeed,  encourage  you,  and  we  can 
surely  look  for  great  accomplishments 
by  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  Bro.  Porter  says 
we  are  all  too  Inactive— that  we  do 
not  get  the  proper  move  on  us.  We, 
as  individuals,  depend  too  much  upon 


the  other  brother  to  do  the  work  and 
it  is  really  true.  Let  each  one  ask 
himself  the  question:  "Do  I  use 
proper  effort  to  get  into  the  fold  one 
who  is  engaged  In  the  same  line  of 
y/OTk  as  I  am?  It  may  be  that  they 
are  a  no-bill  or  a  member  of  the  B. 
of  R.  T.,  in  either  case  they  should 
be  in  our  class — that  is  if  they  are  to 
"herd"  bol  cars,  etc.  Then  we  will 
have  gained  nhimericailly,  inasmuch 
aB  we  are  all  concerned  in  our  motto, 
"The  injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of 
ell."  Our  good  old  reliable  brother  did 
iiot  forget  also  to  remind  us  that  we 
ought  to  attend  lodge  meetings  more 
regularly  to  see  and  learn  what  is  go- 
ing on,  and  all  brothers  should  take 
part  in  the  discussion  of  matte^^s  that 
are  brought  before  the  meeting  per- 
taining to  the  welfare  of  the  order. 
Too  many  of  our  brothers  do  not  see 
tbe  inside  of  a  lodge  room  unless  it 
be  that  they  have  a  grievance.  Then 
their  attendance  is  regular  until 
smooth  sailing  is  reached.  After  that 
where  do  we  find  them?  On  the  street 
corners  or  in  the  switch  shanty. 
Come,  brothers,  let  us  all  resolve  that 
we  will  attend  one  meeting  a  month 
at  least.  It  will  satisfy  our  officers 
and  we  will  all  be  much  benefited 
thereby.  The  result  of  such  effort 
will  be  a  great  stride  forward  for 
the  cause  and  how  pleased  our  Grand 
officers  would  also  be.  So  now,  broth- 
ers, let  each  one  resolve  to  do  better 
in  .the  future.  Come  again,  "Old  Re- 
liable!" 

Reading  the  different  letters  from 
the  brothers  in  our  Joubnal,  every- 
thing points  to  the  betterment  of  our 
cause.  Why  not?  We  have  one  of  Uie 
finest  beneficiary  departments  and  our 
claims  are  all  paid  promptly  in  full 
and  no  other  insurance  is  any  cheaper 
than  ours.  Though  we  pay  promptly 
in  full  we  should  not  overlook  the 
fact  that  a  great  number  of  our  broth- 
ers* are  fast  reaching  the  brow  and  will 
soon  be  on  the  decline.  We  must  find 
new  recruits  for  the  places  they  leave 
vacant  and  we  must,  therefore,  put 
our  best  efforts  to  test  to  accomplish 
good  results. 

What  are  we  going  to  do  at  our  next 
convention  in  regard  to  a  permanent 
headquarters.  Not  much  is  being  said 
of  late  in  regard  to  this  matter  and  I 
think  something  ought  to  be  done, 
either  make  it  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  or  In 
dianapolis,     Ind.      Tbe    latter    place 


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would  be  more  centrally  located  for 
all,  while  the  former  now  contains  the 
general  offices.  But  they  can  be  moved 
and  a  centrally  permanent  headquar- 
ters established.  ^Ith  this  mattei 
settled  and  our  convention  held  every 
three  years,  the  funds  would  be  very 
much  improved.  What  has  become  of 
Bro.  Meaney  and  a  few  others  who 
were  discussing  these  matters  in  the 
JouBNAL  a  few  months  ago.  Probably 
they  are  holding  back  some  good  ideas 
and  points  that  would  benefit  all  of  us. 
Let  us  hear  from  you,  brothers. 

Again,  what  is  the  matter  with  our 
Grand  officers?  Tliere  are  so  few  let- 
ters from  them  and  we  would  like 
to  know  what  is  going  on  all  along 
the  line  and  of  the  prospects  of  our 
order  in  different  places.  Come  more 
often,  brothers. 

Business  is  pretty  fair  in  this  neck 
of  the  woods.  The  crew  in  the  L.  S. 
yard  has  been  working  Sundays 
(something  unusual)  for  the  last 
month  or  more  and,  of  course,  the 
brothers  are  considerably  pleased 
when  the  pay  checks  come. 

We  are  looking  forward  to  the  hold- 
ing of  an  open  meeting  here  and  we 
expect  the  presence  of  our  Grand 
officers  to  fully  explain  the  benefit  and 
much  good  to  be  derived  by  becoming 
a  member  of  our  organization. 

Wishing  our  order  success  and  good 
will  to  all  brothers,  I  remain, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Bo. 


Coniicautt  Ohio. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Friendship  Lodge  No.  48,  Ladies* 
Auxiliary  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  will 
meet  in  G.  A.  R.  Hall,  Main  Street,  at 
7  p.  m.,  standard  time,  on  the  second 
and  fourth  Tuesdays  of  each  month. 
All  who  are  eligible  should  come  to 
these  meetings  and  we  will  soon  have 
a  large  membership. 

.  Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Mbs.  Emma  B.  Badoeb, 
Journal  Agent, 


YoiNifttowfiy  Ohio. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

It  has  been  quite  a  while  since  T 
have  written  anything  for  the  Jour 
NAL,  but  it  is  better  late  than  never. 
It  is   not  because  I  do   not  like  to 


write,  but  it  is  just  negligence.  But 
I  know  if  you  all  knew  how  busy  I 
have  been  this  summer  you  will  not 
wonder  at  my  not  writing  every 
month  for  the  Joubnal,  but  if  we  all 
were  so  busy  doing  nothing  there 
would  not  be  any  letters  in  the  Joub- 

NAL. 

In  reading  last  month's  Journal  I 
saw  quite  an  interesting  letter  from 
Sister  Margaret  Connors.  Come  again. 
Margaret;  shake  hands!  It  has  been 
the  sermon  I  have  been  trying  to 
preach  for  the  last  six  years. 

Well,  I  have  not  been  asleep  the 
last  two  months.  I  have  been  to  Erie, 
Conneaut  and  Ashtabula  and  say, 
girls,  if  any  of  you  want  to  embark 
on  the  sea  of  matrimony,  come  to 
Erie.  I  have  promised  a  number  of 
the  boys  there  that  I  would  get  them 
a  wife  80  I  could  organize  an  auxili- 
ary. Just  ask  Bro.  Patterson  about  it 
I  have  not  given  up  Erie  yet  and  I 
shall  go  back  there  again  some  day. 
I  succeeded  in  organizing  an  auxili- 
ary in  Conneaut  with  quite  a  nice 
membership  and  there  is  where  you 
find  the  good,  loyal  switchmen  and 
their  wives.  The  new  auxiliary  is 
known  as  Friendship  Lodge  No.  48. 
Quite  a  few  of  the  sisters  of  Lodge 
No.  7  of  Ashtabula  went  to  Conneaut 
and  helped  to  make  the  initiatory  ex- 
ercises interesting.  We  were  very 
sorry,  though,  that  our  worthy  Grand 
President  could  not  make  arrange- 
ments to  come  on  down  the  line  while 
in  Buffalo.  We  would  have  been  very 
much  pleased  to  have  had  her  present 
But  she  had  planned  her  route  dilter- 
ently  and  succeeded  in  organizing  an 
auxiliary  in  Terre  Haute,  Ind. 

What  has  become  of  Lodge  No.  10 
of  Cleveland?  Wake  up,  sisters,  and 
let  us  hear  from  you.  You  don't 
know  how  I  miss  you  all. 

I  wish  some  'Of  the  brothers  would 
come  to  Youngstown  and  wake  up 
some  of  the  S.  U.  men.  I  believe  they 
are  asleep  some  place  out  on  the  line. 
I  never  hear  of  them  holding  a  meet- 
ing, although  I  do  hear  of  some  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  officers  being  around 
occasionally,  but  that  is  all.  I  would 
like  to  get  an  auxiliary  started  here 
but  there  are  not  enough  S.  U.  men 
in  the  city  and  those  that  are  ther^. 
I  fear,  I  will  have  to  do  the  same  as 
I  had  to  do  in  Erie — find  wives  for 
them. 

Well,    my    letter    is    getting    qult3 


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lengthy  and  I  fear  it  will  be  slipped 
into  the  wastebasket.  But,  before  clos- 
ing,  I  must  say  one  thing  more  and 
that  is  that  I  hope  every  sister  of  our 
beloved  auxiliary  will  put  her  shoulder 
to  the  wheel  and  work  hard  from  now 
until  the  convention  and  help  increase 
our  membership.  Just  think  what  U 
would  mean  if  every  member  would 
juat  bring  in  one  new  member.  We 
would  be  sure  of  our  $500  benefit  at 
our  next  convention  if  this  was  done. 
So  hustle  up,  sisters,  and  let  us  see 
what  you  can  do.  Well,  I  will  bring 
my  letter  to  a  close  wishing  all  th? 
auxiliaries  success. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Maby  Stewabt, 
First  Vice  Orand  President, 


Kansas  City,  Kans. 

Editor  SwrrcHMEN*s  Journal: 

As  it  is  almost  time  for  the  Journal 
to  go  to  press,  I  realize  I  must  get 
busy  or  fail  again,  as  I  did  last  month 
to  tell  of  the  doings  of  Progressive 
Lodge  No.  4. 

Owing  to  the  extremely  hot  weather 
of  July  we  have  been  resting  for  a 
while,  hoping  to  regain  new  energy 
for  the  fall  months.  However,  we 
initiated  one  new  member  in  July  and 
have  several  more  in  view. 

Several  of  the  sisters  have  been 
away  on  their  vacation  and,  while  we 
are  glad  they  are  having  such  enjoy- 
able trips,  we  will  also  be  glad  to  wel* 
come  them  back  again  to  our  lodge 
room.  Sister  Beard  is  spending  tha 
summer  at  Colorado  Springs.  Now, 
Sister  Beard,  don't  try  to  walk  up 
Pikes  Peak,  for  Sister  Clark  tried  that 
and  only  made  it  a  little  over  half 
way,  and  you  know  she  is  somewhat 
of  a  walker.  Sister  Smith  returned 
from  her  vacation  much  improved  in 
health.  Sister  Graham  is  sojourning 
in  Denver.  Bro.  and  Sister  Woolsey 
are  doing  St  Louis  for  a  few  days. 
Bro.  Woolsey  wants  to  give  someone 
else  a  chance  at  the  extra  board. 

After  a  full  report  was  made  on 
Sister  Clark's  lawn  social,  we  were 
pleased  to  find  that  we  had  cleared 
$18.00.  Not  so  bad,  considering  the 
weather.  But  the  weather  man  is  giv- 
ing us  a  bad  deal  aU  around.  We 
^ere  to  give  a  social  at  Sister  Paul's 
on  the  evening  of  August  7th,  but  it 
had    to    be    postponed    until    Friday, 


August  16th,  on  account  of  a  storm. 

The  members  of  Lodge  No.  4  went 
out  to  Sister  Graham's  to  surprise  her, 
which  they  certainly  did  and  a  very 
enjoyable  was  spend  playing  cards, 
chatting  and  doing  justice  to  the  ice 
cream,  cake  and  fruit  salad.  Sister 
Mielke  sayp  she  is  going  to  give  an- 
other card  party  as  soon  as  it  gets  a 
little  cooler.  We  all  hope  for  cooler 
weather  soon. 

Now,  sisters,  don't  get  dilatory 
about  attending  the  meetings  and 
think  there  will  be  enough  there  with- 
out you,  for  there  is  not;  each  one  of 
us  has  a  work  to  do.  So  let  us  all 
try  hard  to  be  at  every  meeting  and 
do  our  part  For  the  benefit  of  those 
who  do  not  know,  will  give  our  treas- 
urer's address,  Mrs.  Jennie  Paul,  936 
Central  avenue,  Kansas  City,  Kans. 

We  extend  greetings  and  best 
wishes  to  the  new  sister  lodges — Indi- 
ana Lodge  No.  49  and  West  Side 
Lodge  No.  8. 

.  With   best   wishes   to   the   brothers 
iind  sisters,  I  am. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Journal  Aqent. 


IN  MMORIAM. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Nickel  Plate  Lodge  No.  220  has 
again  been  called  upon  to  mourn  the 
death  of  one  of  its  well-known  mem- 
bers^ Bro.  J.  J.  Callahan,  who  died  on 
July  17th  after  an  illness  of  about  two 
months.  The  funeral  was  held  on 
July  20th;  burial  at  Limestone  Hill 
Cemetery.  Bro.  Callahan  held  a  re- 
sponsible position  on  the  Nickel  Plate 
Railroad  and  various  other  roads  in 
Buffalo.  He  was  a  man  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  could  well  be  proud  of.  His  kind 
and  pleasing  manner  of  doing  his 
work  and  his  mild  disposition  always 
found  favof  with  his  fellow-employes. 
He  was  always  on  the  alert  for  the 
infterests  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  and 
its  members.  He  was  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  Nickel  Plate  Lodge  No.  220 
and  wa5  chosen  as  our  first  master. 
Bro.  Callahan  was  still  a  young  man, 
being  but  thirty-five  years  of  age. 
The  members  of  Lodge  220  extend 
their  heartfelt  sympathy  to  his  mother, 
father,  sisters  and  brother.  Bro.  Cal- 
lahan was  an  honor  to  our  union  and 
Lodge  No.  220  in  particular,  and  we 


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will  ever  bold  in  fond  remembrance 
his  many  kind  deeds  and  the  devoted 
tervlce  he  rendered  for  the  welfare  of 
the  union.    May  his  soul  rest  in  peace. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.» 
P.  McParland, 
Journal  Agent. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Still  City 
Lodge  No.  224  the  following  resolu- 
tions w6re  adopted : 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  God  in  His 
infinite  wisdom  to  remove  from  our 
midst  our  worthy  brother,  George  P. 
Sheibel;  and 

Whereas,  In  the  death  of  Bro.  Shei- 
bel this  lodge  has  lost  a  most  worthy 
brother;    therefore,  be  it 

ReMolved,  That  this  lodge  extend  to 
the  family  of  Bro.  Sheibel  its  heart- 
felt symcnthy;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  charter  be 
draped  in  mourning  for  thirty  days, 
and  that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be 
spread  on  the  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing, a  co^y  sent  to  the  family  of  Bro. 
Sheibel  and  a  copy  be  forwarded  to 
our  Journal  for  publication. 

John  Kernelly, 
W.  J.  Deady, 
J.  H.  Browx, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Open 
Port  City  Lodge  No.  142.  held  Sunday 
morning,  August  18th: 

Whereas.  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Pather  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  Bro.  David  G.  Murray; 
and 

Whereas.  By  his  death  his  wife  and 
a  host  of  friends  now  mourn  his  l033 
and  this  lodge  a  most  loyal  member; 
and 

Whereas,  We  deem  it  befitting  lo 
take  suitable  action  at  this  time  to 
express,  as  far  as  lies  in  our  power  to 
do,  our  sympathy  to  the  bereaved  wife 
and  friends  who  have  been  deprived 
of  the  support  and  companionship  of 
our  dearly  beloved  brother;  there- 
fore be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Open 
Port  City  Lodge  No.  142  in  meeting 
assembled,  that  our  sincere  sympathy 
be  extended  to  the  bereaved  wife  in 
this  her  sad  hour  of  affliction,  and  may 


God  comfort  and  cheer  her  during  th« 
remainder  of  her  life;  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  six  months  as  a 
mark  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  brother;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved  wife   and   a   copy   to   be   for- 
warded to  our  Journal  for  publication 
Roy  W.  Perris, 
Chas.  H.  Root. 
Henry   J.   Martin. 
Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Nickel  Plate  Lodge  No. 
220: 

Whereas,  The  Angel  of  Death  has 
again  visited  our  number  and  taken 
from  us  our  beloved  brother,  John  J. 
Callahan;    and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  the  lodge  has 
lost  a  true  and  tried  brother,  also  his 
family  a  most  devoted  son  and  brother; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep 
sympathy  to  the  sorrowing  family, 
with  the  hope  that  our  Heavenly  Pa- 
ther will  comfort  and  direct  them  in 
this  their  deep  hour  of  sorrow;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
our  next  meeting,  a  copy  be  sent  to 
the  bereaved   family  and  one  to  the 
Journal  for  publication,  and  that  our 
charter  be  draped  for  thirty  days. 
John  J.  Smith, 
Henrt  L.  Polhemus, 
Michael  McMahon, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Okla- 
homa City  Lodge  No.  216: 

Whereas,  The  Angel  of  Death  has 
again  visited  us  and  claimed  our  be- 
loved Bro.  Clarence  P.  Pennington, 
whose  death  occurred  on  Aug.  6th; 
and 

Whereas.  A  loving  mother,  two  sis- 
ters and  a  stepfather,  besides  a  host 
of  warm  friends  mourn  his  sudden  de- 
parture;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,   That   we   extend   to   this 


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brother's  family  our  sympathy  in  this 
their  time  of  trouble;  and  be  It 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso 
lutions  be  sent  to  this  brother's  be- 
reaved family,  one  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  our  meeting  and  one  copy 
sent  to  the  Journal  for  publication. 

C.    L.    BUNDY» 

W.  McDonald, 
RoBT.    L.    Handy, 
Committee. 


CoNNEAUT,  O.,  July  29,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Friendship 
Lodge  No.  48  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
the  following  resolutions  were  adopted : 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Pather  to  call  to  her  eternal  home 
the  mother  of  our  dear  sister  Maude 
McClosky,  Mrs.  •Sara  Fullmer,  whose 
death  occurred  (Saturday  evening,  July 
6th;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  our  sincerest  sym- 
pathy and  condolence  be  extended  to 
the  bereaved  family  in  this  their  sad 
time  of  bereavement,  for  some  of  us 
learned  very  early  in  life  what  it 
means  to  lose  a  mother  and  that  we 
must  bow  in  humble  submission  to  the 
will  of  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well; 
and,  be  It  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  placed  on  the  minutes  of  our 
lodge  meeting,  a  copy  sent  the  be- 
reaved family,  and  a  copy  sent  to  the 
"Switchmen's  Journal  for  publication. 

Let  us  all  live  so  that  we  can  go  to 
ber  and  visit  with  her  In  that  beauti- 
ful mansion  God  has  prepared  for  her 
and  is  preparing  for  eadh  one  of  us 
who  love  and  obey  Him. 

Mrs.  Mae  Bbace, 
Mrs.  Mabel  Grace. 
Mrs.  Margt.  J.  Badger. 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Au- 
burn Park  Lodge  No.  208,  held  July 
21st: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
Bro.  Robert  H.  Spencer,  who  met  death 
In  the  performance  of  his  duty  on  July 
16th;    and 

Whereas.  By  his  untimely  death,  a 
bereaved  wife  and  eight  children  are 
now  deprived  of  his  support  and  atten- 


tion, and  this  lodge  has  lost  one  of  its 
most  loyal  members  and  president; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep- 
est sympathy  to  those  who  were  near 
and  dear  to  him,  with  an  earnest 
prayer  that  the  Lord,  Who  hath  taken 
away,  will  comfort  their  sorrowing 
hearts;    and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved family,  and  one  be  forwarded 
to  the  Journal  for  publication;  and. 
be  It  further 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days,  be- 
ginning with  thifl  date,  in  memory  of 
our  departed  brother. 

J.  J.  Barrett, 
George  Collins, 
M.  E.  Glover, 

Committee. 


Chicago,  111. 
At  a  regular  meeting  of  Burlington 
Lodge   No.   19,   the   following   resolu- 
tions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  Heav- 
enly Pather  to  remove  from  our  midst 
the  beloved  daughter  of  Brother  Geo. 
Rutter;    therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  Brother 
Rutter  and  his  family  our  most  sin- 
cere sympathy  in  their  hour  of  sorrow 
and  bereavement;   and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  brother, 
one  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  our 
meeting,   and   one   copy   sent   to   the 
Journal  for  publication. 
J.  Norman, 
H.  E.  Ensworth, 
W.  Watkins, 

Committee. 


Portland,  Ore. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

For  the  second  time  this  year  Co- 
lumbia Lodge  87  has  had  its  charter 
draped.  Bro.  C.  M.  Culter.  vice-presi 
dent  of  our  lodge,  was  killed  instantly 
on  Sunday,  Aug.  4th,  at  11.30  a.  m., 
while  performing  his  duty  as  foreman. 
Bro.  B.  P.  Charles  of  Centennial  Lodge 

36  was  helping  Bro.  Culter.  For  some 
unaccountable  reason  both  stepped  in 
the  middle  of  the  cut-off,  when  engine 

37  pushing  one  car  through  this  track. 


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JOURNAL    OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OP    N.   A. 


struck  and  knocked  both  men  down 
and  ran  over  them.  Bro.  Charles  es- 
caped with  cuts  and  bruises  about  the 
head  and  body  and,  happy  to  say,  will 
pull  through.  It  was  a  miracle  how 
he  escaped  instant  death.  In  the  death 
of  Bro.  Culter  the  lodge  loses  a  worthy 
brother  and  hard  worker  tor  the  S.  U. 
He  leaves  a  widow  to  mourn  his  loss. 
Nature  is  reckless  in  her  destruction 
or  individuals,  but  the  race  is  always 
preserved.  It  seems  to  require  every- 
thing that  is  for  a  perfect  develop- 
ment. We  grow  and  develop;  we  flour- 
ish for  a  day  and  then  pass  away.  But 
the  desire  is  to  live. 

Bro.  Culter  had  many  friends  who 
will  miss  him,  as  he  was  a  loyal  S.  U. 
man. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  F.  Schumann,  Secy. 

6451-2  Kerby  St. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Indianapolis 
Lodge  No.  146: 

Whereas,  By  the  sudden  death  o' 
our  beloved  brother,  Harry  Allen,  this 
lodge  has  sustained  a  severe  loss,  and 
his  family  has  been  deprived  of  a  lov- 
ing husband  and  father;    and, 

Whereas,  The  members  of  this  lodge 
appreciate  the  fact  that  by  his  death 
the  Switchmen's  Union  has  lost  a  true 
and  faithful  member;   be  it,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  his 
family  our  sincere  and  earnest  sym- 
pathy, commending  them  to  the  com- 
fort and  protection  of  Almighty  God; 
be  it,  also. 

Resolved,  That  in  further  respect 
for  our  departed  brother  the  charter 
of  this  lodge  be  draped  in  mourning 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days,  and  a  copy 
of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  the 
Journal  for  publication. 

C.  A.  A.  Kerrs, 
H.  L.  Hicks, 
Frank  T.  Hawlky. 

Committee. 


Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Again  the  Angel  of  Death  has  been 
among  us  and  has  taken  Bro.  Clarence 
F.  Pennington  from  us.  He  was  a 
member  of  Lodge  No.  216. 

While  Bro.  Pennington  was  perform- 
ing his  duty  on  Sunday,  Aug.  4th,  he 
fell  between  the  engine  and  one  car, 
the  engine  passing  over  him,  break- 


ing his  right  leg  and  cutting  off  his 
left  besides  injuring  him  internally, 
resulting  in  his  death.  He  was  a  young 
man  of  the  best  of  habits  and  leaves  a, 
host  of  friends  to  mourn  his  loss. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

RoBT.  S.  Oldham. 


CmyI  of  Thanks. 

Salem,  111.,  Aug.  10,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen *8  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt 
thanks  to  members  of  George  Wash- 
ington Lodge  No.  189  <S.  U.  of  N.  A.  for 
the  kindness  shown  us  during  the  long 
illness  and  at  time  of  death  of  our 
husband  and  father;  also  thanks  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  for  prompt  payment 
of  insurance  policy. 
He  has  gone  from  his  loved  ones,  his 

children  and  his  wife. 
Whom  he  willingly  toiled  for  and  loved 

as  his  life; 
O  God,   how  mysterious  and   strange 

are  Thy  ways 
To  take  from  us  this  loved  one  in  the 

best  of  his  days. 
With   best  wishes   to  the  S.   U.  of 
N.  A., 

Mrs.  Grace  Hankins  and  Children. 


Millvale,  Pa.,  Aug.  12,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  through  the 
columns  of  the  Journal  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Gilt  Edge  Lodge  No.  62,  of  which  my 
dear  husband  and  kind  and  loving 
father,  Edward  W.  Cush,  was  a  mem- 
ber, for  the  sympathy  so  greatly  shown 
us  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  also 
for  the  beautiful  floral  offering.  We 
also  wish  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  prompt  payment  of  claim  he  held 
in  the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North 
America.  Yours  very  sincerely, 
Mrs.  Anna  Cush  and  Children. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  20,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 
^  We  desire  to  express,  through  the 
columns  of  the  Journal,  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  officers  and  members  of 
Buffalo  Lodge  No.  4  for  tflie  many 
kindnesses  and  other  manifestations 
of  sympathy  shown  us  at  the  time  of 
the  death  of  our  husband  and  father. 


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607 


We  also  wish  to  express  our  gratitude 
for  the  beautiful  floral  offering  sent 
us.  The  kind  favors  thus  rendered 
during  those  trying  hours  will  ever  be 
remembered  with  the  moet  profound 
respect.  I  am  also  thankful  to  ttie 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment 
of  the  policy  held  by  my  husband  in 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  having  received 
same  thirty  days  after  death.  My  best 
wishes  are  that  God  may  protect  every 
member  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  grant 
them  a  long,  happy,  and  successful  life. 
Yours  sincerely, 
Mrs.  Jno.  J.  Riedt  and  Family. 


ScRANTON,  Pa.,  Aug.  6,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  of  McKeesport 
Lodge  No.  106  and  to  the  Scranton 
Lodge  No.  129  for  their  sympathy  and 
kindness  in  our  sorrow  and  bereave- 
ment in  the  death  of  our  brother. 
Especially  do  I  wish  to  thank  the 
members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the 
prompt  payment  of  insurance  claim 
which  my  brother  held.  Wishing  the 
union  the  best  of  success^  I  remain. 
Sincerely  yours, 

Nora  Conboy. 


Detroit,  Mich.,  July  29,  1912. 
Editor  Svfitchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish,  through  the  Journal,  to  ex- 
press my  sincere  thanks  to  the  mem- 
bers of  Tiger  Lodge  No.  192  for  the 
kindness  shown  at  the  time  of  my 
late  sad  bereavement,  also  for  the 
beautiful  floral  offering.  I  also  thank 
the  Grand  Lodge  for  prompt  payment 
of  my  claim.       Sincerely  yours, 

Mrs.  Sarah  L.  Parker. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  July  24.  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Lodge  No. 
226  for  their  many  acts  of  kindness, 
which  found  expression  through  them 
at  the  time  of  the  death  and  burial  of 
my  beloved  husband,  David  Gardner. 
Especially  do  I  desire  to  thank  them 
for  the  beautiful  floral  offering  pre- 
f>ented.  The  kind  assistance  thus  ren- 
dered during  those  most  trying  hours 
will  ever  be  remembered  with  grati- 


tude and  sincerest  respect.  I  am  also 
most  thankful  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
the  very  prompt  payment  of  the  policy, 
hold  by  my  husband  in  the  uni<ui,.tlre 
same  having  been  recelv^d.^  3ty  best 
wish  is  that  the  SwitchiHen's  Union 
and  all  its  members  may  prosper  as 
they  justly  deserve  to  do.  I  remain. 
Very  sincerely  yours, 

Mrs.  Lena  Gardner. 


Chicago,  111.,  Aug.  18,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  heartfelt 
and  sincere  thanks  to  the  officers  and 
members  of  Auburn  Park  Lodge  No. 
208  for  the  beautiful  floral  offering 
and  sympathy  shown  to  us  in  our  late 
bereavement,  the  death  of  our  beloved 
husband  and  father,  who  was  killed 
on  July  16th.  We  lUso  wish  to  thank 
the  sister  of  White  Carnation  Lodge 
No.  11  and  Combination  Lodge  No.  45 
for  their  floral  offering.  We  are  also 
very  grateful  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for 
its  promptness  in  the  payment  of  tho 
policy,  which  I  received  on  Aug.  17th. 
May  success  crown  the  work  of  all 
members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  and 
L.  A.  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.i8  the  wish  of 
Mrs.  a.  Spence  and  Children. 


Bowerston,  O.,  July  29,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

'I  wish  to  thank  the  Grand  Lodge, 
through  the  Journal,  for  the  prompt 
payment  of  my  claim  for  the  loss  of 
my  hand,  at  Holloway,  the  29th  of 
May.  Claim  was  paid  the  28d  of  July. 
I  also  wish  to  thank  the  members  of 
Holloway  Lodge  for  their  kindness  to 
me  while  I  was  in  the  hospital. 
May  the  S.  U.  ever  prosper. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Jerry  H.  Arnold, 
Member  146. 


E.  St.  Louis,  111.,  Aug.  18,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  desire,  through  the  Journal,  to 
express  our  sincere  gratitude  to  the 
members  of  Elast  St.  Louis  Lodge  No. 
16  for  the  extreme  kindness  received 
from  them  throughout  the  long  sick- 
ness and  death  of  our  dear  husband 
and  father,  especially  to  Mr.  J.  E. 
White,  who  came  to  see  him   in  all 


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TOTTRNAT.    OF    ST^MTniMrN'S    UNION    OF    N.    A. 


W  !iO. 


'li 


1 


u  •>     .         -    .rii^    la'. I       >    :  W 

I'  ^:  f«.  i  .  t'.  •  1-  •.,  :.'■•.;  .  ■•.al  f>  -r 
inut  ■  cii  {>;.:  ou  I  ■  .u  f^  .'.'"I  M"  ii 
LtoAige  I\u.  <  io4  «iiio  oi4»  ht^'^i'-  .c»iid  the 
Ladies'  Auxiliary.  This  JLuAifestation 
of  deep  sympathy  will  ever  be  remem- 
bered with  hearts  full  of  gratitude. 
We  are  also  very  thankful  to  tho 
Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment 


than  six  weeks  from  time  of  death. 

With  best  wishes  for  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.,  we  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Mr.s  B.  Williams  and  Family. 
7116  Tremont  Ave. 

Tebre  Halte,  Ind.,  July  22,  1912. 
EniTOB  Switchmen's  Joubxal: 

I  wish,  through  the  columns  of  the 
JciBXAT^  to  extend  my  thanks  to  the 


LOIKiC  No.  189,  DALTON.  ILL. 


of   policy   in   the   Union   he   loved   so 
dearly.     May   God   bless   and   protect 
the  members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Sincerely  yours, 

Mrs.  Cobbs  and  Family. 


St.  Louis,  Mo.,  July  27,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Dear  Sir— We  wish,  through  the 
Journal,  to  express  our  appreciation 
to  the  members  of  St.  Louis  Lodge 
No.  37,  and  especially  Mr.  J.  P.  Sheri- 
dan, for  the  sympathy  extended  and 
the  assistance  rendered  in  our  recent 
bereavement  at  the  time  of  the  death 
of  Elea  Williams,  who  died  May  31, 
1912. 

Also  we  wish  to  express  our  thanks 
for  the  beautiful  floral  ofFering,  and 
their  prompt  settlement  of  the  insur- 
ance  policy,   which   was  paid  in  less 


Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt  settle- 
n.eut  of  my  claim  in  full;  also  for  the 
heartfelt  sympathy,  extreme  kindness 
and  beautiful  floral  ofFering  received 
from  Lodge  No.  94  at  the  time  of  the 
death  of  my  beloved  husband,  Frank 
D.  Ball,  who  lost  his  life  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duty  as  switchman  in 
thf.  Vandalia  yards',  March  13th. 

Wishing  the  union  the  best  of  suc- 
cess and  prosperity  in  the  future,  I 
remain. 

Sincerely  yours, 

Mbs.  Hattie  Bau.. 

1455  Fifth  Ave. 


Maud— "Miss  Oldun  thinks  that  hotel 
clerk  just  lovely.** 

Ethel— "Why  so?'* 

Maud — "He  wrote  opposite  her  name 
on  the  hotel  register:  *Suite  16.*  **— 
Boston  Transcript. 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.   A. 


Notice. 

Preceding  the  standing  assessment 
r.otice  there  appears  on  another  page 
a  notice  to  all  beneficiary  members 
relative  to  tho  payment  of  the  benevo- 
lent assessment.  The  assessment  col- 
lected in  1911  seems  to  have  been 
done  under  a  misconception  of  tho 
real  meaning  of  Section  83a,  which  is 
In  part  as  follows:  "There  shall  be 
created  and  maintained  a  fund  to  bo 
known  as  the  benevolent  fund,  into 
whfch  shall  be  paid  in  October  of  each 
year,  etc."  This  fund  is  maintained 
at  the  Grand  Lodge  office  and  to  be 
paid  into  must  be  remitted  by  the 
treasurers  with  their  October  remlt- 
ance.  In  other  words,  it  shall  be  col- 
lected in  September,  as  all  dues  and 
assessments  are  paid  monthly  in  ad- 
vance. So,  therefore,  be  prepared  to 
pay  this  assessment  with  your  Oc- 
tober dues. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
M.  R.  Welch, 
Secre  tary-Treaaurer. 


Anyone  who  can  give  information 
as  to  the  whereabouts  of  Samuel 
Hardy,  member  of  Lodge  No.  62,  will 
please  send  same  to  his  sister,  Mrs. 
Andrew  Knochel,  36  Freeport  street, 
Etna,  Pa. 


C.  E.  Eames,  1325  N.  15th  street. 
East  St.  Louis,  111.,  has  been  elected 
treasurer  of  Victory  Lodge  No.  16,  suc- 
ceeding H.  C.  Brown,  resigned.  The 
meeting  place  of  the  lodge  has  been 
changed  to  Music  Hall.  309  Collins- 
ville  avenue,  where  regular  meetings 
are  held  on  the  second  and  fourth 
Thursdays  of  each  month  at  8  p.  m. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  L.  A. 
Donovan,  member  of  Lodge  No.  210, 
will  confer  a  favor  by  sending  same  to 
his  wife,  Mrs.  L.  A.  Donovan,  Box  2, 
New  Eagle,  Pa.,  or  to  W.  J.  Mangan, 
99  Eleventh  street,  Pittsburg,  Pa., 
treasurer  of  Lodge  No.  210. 


"Hear  you  have  a  fine  baby  at  your 
house?" 

"Yep;    bouncing  boy." 
"Whom  does  he  look  like?" 
"Well,  we  haven't  quite  decided  as 
yet.     To  tell   the  truth,  none  of  our 
relatives  has  very  much  coin." 


Old  Time  Carsocs. 

Saturday,  July  12,  1834,  was  an  im- 
portant day  in  the  port  of  Chicago. 
On  that  day  the  first  vessel  to  arrive 
from  the  lower  lakes  dropped  anchor 
at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  She  was 
the  schooner  Illinois,  of  100  tons 
register  r*  i««  of  ir^erost  to  note  that 
the  modei^  lake  steamship  of  today  is 
equal  in  tonnage  to  about  70  vessels 
of  the  type  of  the  little  schooner  that 
arrived  in  the  port  of  Chicago  seventy- 
eight  years  ago.  And  in  season  carry- 
ing capacity  such  a  steamer  will  equal 
about  200  of  the  little  Illinois  type. 

In  1836  the  first  cargo  of  grain  from 
Lake  Michigan  arrived  in  Buffalo.  It 
was  brought  by  the  brig  John  Kinzie 
from  Grand  River,  Mich.,  and  consisted 
of  3,000  bushels  of  wheat.  Today  the 
big  steamers  will  carry  over  400,000 
bushels  in  one  cargo. 

The  first  iron  ore  was  brought  to 
Cleveland  in  1852,  by  a  vessel  called 
the  Baltimore,  and  consisted  of  six 
barrels.  The  first  regular  cargo  of 
iron  ore  reached  Cleveland  in  1854. 
Two  years  later  the  total  movement  of 
iron  ore  on  the  lakes  had  grown  to 
11,567  tons.  That  is  about  equal  to 
one  cargo  for  the  modem  ore  steamers 
of  today. — Joshua  Blunt. 


The  Power  of  a  Smile. 

There's  a  wondrous  lot  of  power 

In  an  honest,  wholesome  smile; 
It  often  starts  a  blessing 

That  will  travel  for  a  mile. 
Why,  when  hearts  are  sad  and  heavy 

And  the  days  are  dark  the  while. 
You  can  notice  t&at  things  brighten 

From  the  moment  that  you  smile. 

What  the  rose  is  to  the  bower. 

What  the  jewel  is  to  the  ring. 
What  the  song  ia  to  the  robin 

In  the  gladsome  days  of  spring, 
What  the  gold  is  to  the  sunsets 

That  oft  our  souls  beguile. 
All  this,  and  more,  to  people 

Is  the  blessing  of  a  smile. 

When  you  see  a  face  that's  saddened 

By  the  cruelty  of  strife, 
Into  which  have  come  the  wrinkles 

From  the  toils  and  cares  of  life, 
Just  send  a  ray  of  sunshine 

To  smooth  its  brow  a  while. 
And  bestow  a  passing  blessing 

By  the  giving  of  a  smile. 

— W.  Burleigh, 


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SPEECH  or  HON.  HOKE  SMITH 


The  Senate  having  under  considera- 
tion the  workingmen's  compensation 
bill,  Hon.  Hoke  Smith  of  Georgia 
&ald: 

The  proposad  Federal  compensation 
bill  la  made  applicable  to  injuries  re- 
sulting in  disability  or  death  of  em- 
ployes of  common  carriers  by  rail- 
roads engaged  in  interstate  and  for- 
eign commerce  while  such  employes 
are  employed  in  such  commerce. 

I  am  opposed  to  the  bill  in  its  pres- 
ent form,  because  it  would  prove  a 
serious  loss  tc  the  men  working  for 
railroads. 

It  would  become  their  exclusiv>3 
lemedy  for  injuries,  thereby  taking 
away  from  them  their  present  rights. 

It  would  leave  the  employe  where 
he  must  still  frequently  litigate.  It 
would  require  the  trial  of  his  case  be- 
fore a  Federal  special  master  called 
an  adjuster  and  prevent  his  contract- 
ing for  counsel. 

It  would  arbitrarily  rodtice  his  re- 
covery to  about  one-third  of  what  he 
is  now  entitled  to;  it  would  greatly 
I  educe  the  recovery  of  his  family  if 
he  is  killed,  and  allow  payments  only 
by  the  month  instead  of  in  a  bulk 
sum,  except  v/here  a  petition  is  pre- 
sented to  a  Federal  court  Judge  and 
he,  for  cause  shown,  directs  monthly 
payments  commuted  to  a  lump  sum. 

Now,  as  the  proposed  bill  becomes 
the  exclusive  remedy  if  it  Is  passed, 
it  is  well  at  the  outoet  to  consider 
what  are  the  present  rights  of  em- 
ployes of  railroad  companies.  Ever 
since  the  decision  in  Priestly  v.  Fow- 
ler a  contest  has  been  going  on  be- 
tween the  employes  and  the  employ- 
ers, the  employers  seeking  to  build 
more  and  more  technical  defenses  to 
pre  vent  employes  from  recovering  in 
cases  of  injuries;  the  employes  seek- 
ing to  check  those  defenses.  The  em- 
ployers have  to  a  large  extent  been 
successful  before  the  courts  in  build- 


ing up  these  defenses,  due,  in  my 
opinion,  chiefly  to  the  fact  that  their 
trained  counsel  were  specialists  and 
their  views  of  the  law  as  a  rule  were 
presented  with  more  ability  than  the 
\iew8  presented  on  the  other  side.  But 
we  have  gotten  away  from  Priestly  v. 
Fowler,  and  we  have  gotten  away 
from  all  tnese  decisions,  for  by  the 
acts  of  Congress  the  rights  of  em- 
ployer, are  established  so  far  as  they 
can  be  established  by  acts  of  Congress. 

In  1906  the  first  employers'  lia- 
bility act  was  passed.  The  Supreme 
Court  heard  a  case  involving  its  con- 
stitutionality in  1908  and  held  it  to 
be  unconstitutional.  At  once  Congress 
rassed  the  second  employers'  liability 
act,  seeking  to  meet  the  constitutional 
criticism  placed  upon  the  first  act  by 
the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States.  In  1910  Congress  passed  an 
amendment  to  the  employers'  liability 
act.  In  1908,  at  Atlantic  City,  a  large 
number  of  counsel  of  railroad  com- 
panies met  and  organized  to  fight  the 
employers*  liability  act  of  1908,  and 
able  counsel  were  selected  to  conduct 
the  litigation  through  to  the  Supreme 
Court. 

During  the  present  term  of  the  Su- 
preme *Court,  in  the  case  of  Mondou  v. 
The  New  York,  New  Haven  ft  Hart- 
ford Railway  Co.,  in  the  month  of 
January  of  the  present  year,  the  court 
sustained  the  constitutionality  of  the 
employers'  liability  act  of  1908.  The 
decision  also  goes  far  enough  to  sus- 
tain the  amendment  to  the  act 

Congress  also  passed  the  safety-ap- 
pliance acts.  Those  acts  have  been 
continuously  before  the  courts  and 
have  been  attacked  by  the  railroad 
companies.  Only  during  the  present 
Lession  of  the  Supreme  Court  have  th-? 
safety-appliance  acts  been  passed  upon 
and  fully  and  broadly  sustained  by  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States, 
the  court  holding  that  they  apply  not 


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6U 


alone  to  cars  and  engines  engaged  in 
interstate  commerce,  but  to  all  car3 
and  engines  used  by  railroad  com- 
panies engaged  in  interstate  com- 
merce, whether  the  particular  cars 
were  used  in  interstate  or  intrastate 
commerce.  9o  the  rights  of  employes 
under  existing  law  have  only  become 
settled  during  the  past  few  weeks,  and 
only  from  now  on  are  the  employes  to 
receive  the  baneflcial  effect  to  its  full 
extent  of  this  wise  legislation  by  Ck>n- 
sress. 

Let  us  consider  these  acts  and  see 
where  they  leave  the  rights  of  em- 
ployes. The  present  employers'  lia- 
bility act  provides  that  railroad  com- 
panies shall  be  liable  to  employes  or 
their  personal  representatives  for  in- 
jury or  death  "resulting  in  whole  or 
In  part  from  the  negligence  of  any  of 
the  of&cers,  agents,  or  employes  of 
such  carrier,  or  by  reason  of  any  de- 
lect or  insufBciency,  due  to  its  negli- 
gence, in  its  cars,  engines,  appliances, 
machinery,  track,  roadbed,  works, 
boats,  wharves  or  other  equipment" 

So  that  the  doctrine  of  non-liability 
for  the  negligence  of  a  fellow  employe 
has  been  abolished. 

Again,  the  act  provides  that  the 
fact  that  the  employe  may  have  been 
guilty  of  contiibutory  negligence  shal! 
not  bar  a  recovery,  but  the  damages 
s>ball  be  diminished  by  the  jury  \u 
proportion  to  the  amount  of  negli- 
gence attributable  to  such  employe.    , 

So  that  the  defense  of  contributory 
negligence  by  railroad  companies  is 
gone,  and  even  though  an  employe  is 
guilty  of  contributory  negligence,  he 
i£  entitled  to  recover  the  amount  of 
bis  damage,  to  be  reduced  in  propor- 
tion to  his  negligence. 

Again,  the  employers'  liability  act 
provides  that  the  employe  shall  not  be 
held  to  have  assumed  the  risks  of  his 
employment  in  any  cases  where  the 
violation  by  such  common  carrier  of 
any  statute  enacted  for  the  safety  of 
the  employes  contributed  to  the  injury 
or  death  of  such  employe. 

I  will  a  little  later  consider  the 
safety-appliance  act  and  show  that  U 
broadly  covers  nearly  every  point 
cpon  a  train  where  an  employe  is 
likely  to  be  injured,  and  that  it  does 
away  with  the  doctrine  of  assumed 
risk  and  frees  the  employe  from  loss 
of  his  case  because  he  knew  the  de- 
fective condition  of  machinery. 

The    employers'    liability    act    pro- 


vides that  any  contract,  rule,  regula- 
tion, or  device  whatsoever,  the  pur- 
pose or  intent  of  which  shall  be  to 
enable  any  common  carrier  to  exempt 
itself  from  any  liability  created  by  this 
act,  shall  to  that  extent  be  void. 

So  that  no  device,  no  contract,  no 
scheme  of  the  railroad  company  can 
be  prepared  or  put  through  by  which 
the  rights  of  the  employe  can  be  de- 
stroyed. 

The  amendment  of  1910  provides 
that  suit  may  be  brought  in  the 
United  States  Court  in  the  district  of 
the  residence  of  the  defendant,  or  in 
which  the  cause  of  action  arose,  or  in 
which  the  defendant  shall  be  doing 
business  at  the  time  of  commencing 
such  action.  The  jurisdiction  of  the 
courts  of  the  United  States  shall  be 
concurrent  with  that  of  the  courts  of 
the  several  States,  and  no  case  arising 
under  this  act  and  brought  in  any 
State  court  of  competent  jurisdiction 
shall  be  removed  to  any  court  of  the 
United  States. 

This  amendment  to  the  employers' 
liability  act  gives  the  right  to  the  em- 
ploye to  sue  in  his  own  State  court, 
usually  in  his  own  county  or  in  the 
place  where  the  accident  happened, 
and  the  case  canj  not  be  removed  to  a 
United  States  Court,  thus  placing  upon 
the  employe  the  additional  expense  of 
trying  his  case  at  a  distance  from  his 
home,  or  at  a  distance  from  the  point 
where  his  witnesses  live,  with  the  ex- 
pense of  bringing  his  witnesses  and 
paying  their  railroad  fare  and  paying 
in  advance  their  per  diem  witness 
fees.  This  burden  has  been  taken  oS 
the  employe. 

Again,  the  employers'  liability  act 
and  the  amendment  provide  that  the 
right  of  action  given  to  a  person  suf- 
fering injury  shall  survive  to  his  or 
her  personal  representative. 

Now,  let  us  come  to  the  safety  ap- 
pliance acts.  They  cover  and  require 
to  be  kept  in  safe  condition  driving- 
power  brakes  operated  from  the  cab, 
continuous-power  brakes,  suitable 
couplers,  grab-iron  handholds,  stan- 
dard height  of  drawbars,  boilers  of 
locomotiven  and  appurtenances,  secure 
steps  on  cars,  secure  car  ladders,  run- 
ning boards,  ash  pans  on  engines,  and 
Eo  forth. 

The  present  law  safeguards  the 
rights  of  employe  and  authorizes  re- 
covery in  every  instance  of  an  injury, 
except  one  of  pure  accident  and  due 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.   A. 


fiolely  to  the  negligence  of  the  injured 
employe. 

With  the  safety-appliance  law  and 
the  employers'  liability  act  the  de- 
fenses which  heretofore  have  stood  so 
seriously  in  the  way  of  an  injured  em- 
ploye are  gone.  But  the  employes 
have  not  yet  received  the  benefit  of 
this  law.  The  Supreme  Court  has  just 
sustained  it.  The  statistics  which  the 
gentlemen  bring  covering  past  years 
are  not  statistics  under  the  full  opera- 
tion of  the  present  Federal  law  ap- 
plicable to  employes.  Lawyers  all  over 
the  country  have  been  afraid  to  use 
the  employers'  liability  act.  They  have 
fiot  believed  tliat  the  safety-appliance 
act  would  be  construed  to  mean  what 
it  has  been  construed  to  mean,  but 
now  in  their  broadest  language  both 
have  been  unanimously  sustained  by 
the  Supremo  Court  of  the  United 
States. 

The  relations  of  an  employer  under 
existing  laws,  if  engaged  in  interstate 
commerce,  if  engaged  in  that  line  of 
work  which  Con^rress  has  power  to 
regulate,  are  practically  established. 
Witli  the  defenses  gone  that  formerly 
existed  we  may  reasonably  expect  that 
the  railroad  companies  will  settle  with 
their  men  as  never  before;  that  liti- 
gation will  not  exist  as  it  has  hereto- 
fore existed  in  matters  of  injuries  to 
employee  of  railroad  companies. 

The  complaint  has  been  made  that 
much  of  what  they  gained  in  law  suits 
heretofore  has  been  wasted  in  counsel 
fees.  Litigation  ought  not  longer  to 
take  place  in  anything  like  the  quan- 
llty  that  it  has  heretofore,  and  with 
their  claims  brought  substantially  to 
a  fixed  status,  wiUi  the  defenses  that 
made  them  so  doubtful  in  the  past 
gone,  If  they  are  compelled  to  sue, 
their. fees  will  be  contracted  for  liko 
fees  in  other  business  matters  where 
the  liability  is  practically  assured 
and  will  necessarily  be  brought  to  a 
far  smaller  per  cent  than  they  have 
been  in  the  past. 

Under  existing  laws  employes  are 
entitled  to  recover  all  of  their  finan- 
cial loss,  and  compensation  for  pain 
and  suffering  and  deformity.  The 
compensation  for  pain  and  suffering 
and  deformity  will  average  one-half 
as  much  as  the  compensation  for  finan- 
cial loss. 

If  this  bill  were  not  intended  to 
provide  an  exclusive  remedy,  I  would 
not  object  to  it.    I  object  to  it  as  an 


exclusive  remedy  because  it  is  to  wipe 
out  the  existing  rights  of  employes. 
80  admirably  preserved  by  acts  of  Con- 
gress and  completely  sustained  by  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 

First,  I  object  to  the  new  remedy 
that  is  given  as  a  substitute  for  the 
old.    Let  us  see  what  it  is: 

By  the  proposed  bill  the  right  to 
sue  in  a  State  court  is  withdrawn 
and  the  rig^t  of  trial  by  jury  is  prac- 
tically abolished.  A  new  officer  is 
created,  who  is  to  be  found  in  every 
United  States  district  throughout  the 
country  where  suits  of  this  sort  may 
originate  in  that  district  He  is 
called  an  adjuster.  Why  he  is  called 
an  adjuster  I  can  not  understand. 
The  term  is  misleading.  He  is  noth- 
ing more  nor  less  than  a  Federal 
court  master  to  sit  and  try  cases. 
The  employe  can  bring  his  case  no- 
where except  before  this  Federal  court 
master.  Those  who  have  had  any  ex- 
perience in  suits  for  employes  before 
Federal  court  masters  usually  do  not 
desire  any  more  experience  of  that 
kind.  Yet  the  only  place  that  the  em- 
ploye can  take  his  case  is  to  a  Federal 
court  master. 

This  man  called  an  adjuster  sits  as 
a  judge.  He  holds  the  court.  Wit- 
nesses are  subpcenaed  just  as  they 
would  be  subp(Bn€ied  before  any  other 
master.  They  are  to  be  examined 
just  as  they  would  be  examined  before 
any  other  master  in  a  trial  in  a  Fed- 
eral court.  If  the  witness  is  a  hun- 
dred miles  off,  he  can  be  brought  by 
subpoena,  but  the  employe  has  to  pay 
his  railroad  fare.  He  has  to  tender 
it  to  him  before  he  comes  and  tender 
him  a  day's  witness  fees  before  he  can 
get  him. 

I  find  no  provision  in  the  bill  to 
reach  a  witness  farther  than  100  miles 
from  the  special  master  called  the  ad- 
juster. The  trial  takes  place.  Excep- 
tions can  be  filed,  and  the  case  can  be 
carried  to  the  district  court. 

If  the  employe  carries  it  up,  he 
must  pay  in  advance  $5  court  costs  to 
the  clerk.  If  he  wants  a  jury,  he 
must  pay  $5  more  and  make  a 
written  demand  for  a  jury  trial. 
Either  side  can  take  the  case  up.  A 
trial  before  the  United  States  District 
Court  follows  and  that  trial  is  to  be  a 
de  novo  trial.  All  the  witnesses  mu^^t 
be  brought  again.  They  must  be  ex- 
amined again.  Two  trials  in  every 
case  can  be  forced  on  an  employe  b'v 


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618 


fore  he  can  recover  as  a  matter  of 
right  from  the  railroad  company,  and 
he  must  stand  the  burden  of  two  com- 
plete trials  before  .he  can  get  a.  Judg- 
ment Then  the  cases  can  go  up  in 
ordinary  order  by  exceptions  as  far  to 
tigher  courts  as  either  party  desires 
to  take  them. 

The  master  can  tax  the  costs  as  he 
sees  fit.  The  costs  can  be  taxed  io 
the  higher  court,  but  there  is  a  pro- 
vision that  if  the  railroad  company 
agrees  to  pay  a  certain  sum  and  the 
employe  does  DOt  recover  more,  all  the 
costs  fall  on  the  employe.  There  is 
no  provision  in  the  bill  that  if  an  em- 
ploye offers  to  take  a  certain  sum  and 
recovers  that  much  all  the  costs  muse 
fall  on  the  employer. 

«  *  «  *  4-  * 

Again,  while  the  employer  can  ob- 
tain a  trial  by  jury  on  a  written  de- 
mand in  the  United  States  Court  the 
report  of  the  master  is  prima  facie 
correct,  and  it  is  necessary  for  the  em- 
ploye  to  overcome  that  report  by 
proof,  so  that  his  trial  by  jury  comes 
to  him  in  the  Federal  Court  burdened 
by  the  judgment  of  this  Federal 
Court  master.  If  this  bill  is  to  pass 
I  would  insist  that  there  should  at 
least  be  reserved  to  the  employes  the 
privilege  of  bringing  their  suits  in  a 
jgtate  court  before  a  State  court  jury, 
and  that  thd  remedy  of  taking  their 
cases  to  a  Federal  Court  master  should 
not  be  exclusive. 

Again,  in  connection  with  the  pro- 
cedure of  eecuring  their  rights,  the 
bill  provides  that  no  contract  can  be 
made  by  them  for  counsel.  Not  only 
may  they  make  no  contract  for  coun- 
sel that  is  binding,  but  no  lien  of  any 
kind  can  be  created  and  no  judgment 
enforced  on  any  amount  allowed  to 
them.  They  must  come  to  the  Fed- 
eral Court  without  the  right  to  employ 
counsel  and  make  a  contract  with  him, 
and  without  a  right  to  bind  in  any 
way  their  recovery  for  their  counsel 
fees,  and  the  fees  are  to  be  fixed  by 
the  master,  with  no  provision  as  to 
their  collection. 

In  this  connection  I  wish  to  refer 
also  to  the  fact  that  the  compensation 
is  to  come  to  them  monthly,  and  in  no 
instance  more  than  one-half  their 
salary,  unless  their  earnings  were  less 
than  |50.  They  are  to  receive  month- 
ly for  a  total  disability  only  one-half 
.the  salary  they  earned,  and  it  is  to  be 
paid  monthly.    One  hundred  dollars  Is 


arbitrarily  fixed  as  the  largest  sum  an 
employe  of  a  railroad  company  shall 
be  considered  as  making  and  $50  a 
month  is  arbitrarily  fixed  as  the  larg- 
est sum  an  employe  can  recover  for  a 
total  disability. 

Let  us  see  what  they  call  a  total 
disability.  Both  eyes  completely  and 
permanently  out;  both  legs  cut  off; 
both  hands  cut  off.  I  think  these  dis- 
abilities can  well  be  classed  as  perma- 
nent and  total.  There  are  a  large 
number  of  injuries  that  are  not  classi- 
fied. There  are  a  number  that  are 
classified,  but  there  are  many  which 
are  not  classified. 

****** 

How  any  living  human  being  could 
have  treated  them  as  less  passes  my 
imagination.  They  are  made  the  stan- 
dards for  this  United  States  Court 
judicial  officer,  by  which  he  is  to  com- 
pare other  injuries  and  allow  an  un- 
reasonable small  recovery  to  the  em- 
ploye of  the  unreasonable  small  part 
which  under  any  circumstances  this 
bill  gives  to  an  injured  employe.  The 
amount  is  so  trifling,  the  chance  of 
litigation  so  great  before  the  adjuster 
or  master,  that  there  is  nothing  left 
from  which  to  employ  a  counsel.  In 
the  vast  number  of  cases  of  injuries, 
where  the  extent  of  the  injury  is  not 
described  in  the  bill  and  where  the 
specific  recovery  is  in  no  way  indi- 
cated, each  one  of  these  little  masters 
will  fix  the  standard,  with  the  able 
counsel  for  the  railroads  trained  and 
fed  by  the  year,  prepared  to  appeal 
their  side  and  drag  down  the  standard 
of  payment  to  employes  with  no  pro- 
vision made  for  compensation  to  a  law- 
yer representing  the  employe  and  prac- 
tically a  provision  which  prevents  the 
employe  from  having  a  lawyer. 

If  anything  like  the  reduction  per- 
mitted in  this  bill  goes  through  it  is 
excused,  as  I  understand  it,  upon  the 
theory  that  the  lawyers  in  damage 
suits  have  received  about  half  of  past 
recoveries.  If  you  take  the  half  away 
from  the  employe,  because  before  his 
lawyer  got  it,  then  certainly  you 
ought  to  provide  in  the  bill  that 
wherever  a  trial  has  to  take  place  be- 
fore one  of  these  special  masters  or 
any  where  else  the  fee  of  the  employe's 
lawyer  should  be  fixed  by  the  court 
and  made  an  additional  charge  against 
the  railroad  company. 

I  am  utterly  opposed  to  a  bill  that 
turns  these  men  over  exclusively  to 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OP   N.   A. 


the  tender  mercies  of  this  Federal 
Court  master  or  referee,  and  I  am  ut- 
terly opposed  to  a  bill  that  leaves 
them  without  a  chance  for  represen- 
tation somewhat  commensurate  to 
the  representation  which  will  be  on 
•  the  other  side. 

I  desire  to  come  now  to  the  amount 
this  bill  proposes  to  allow.  It  arbi- 
trarily declares  that  no  man  shall  be 
considered  as  making  over  $100  a 
month.  For  a  permanent  total  dis- 
ability he  can  get  a  monthly  paymenc 
of  half  the  hundred — of  $50  a  month 
— and  no  more,  even  if  he  was  earning 
$250  a  month.  Conceding  the  perma- 
nent total  disability,  his  compensation 
is  to  be  monthly  only  one-half  what 
he  was  making,  and  he  is  arbitrarily 
to  be  determined  as  not  having  beon 
making  over  $100  a  month.  What 
about  the  engineers  all  over  this  land 
who  make  $200  a  month?  Arbitrarily 
you  say  if  you  cut  off  both  of  his  legs 
or  both  of  his  hands,  if  you  injure  him 
in  the  spine  so  that  both  legs  are  per- 
manently paralyzed,  you  will  treat 
him  as  having  been  making  only  $100 
a  month,  and  you  will  allow  him  for 
that  injury  only  half  of  that  sum — 
$50  a  month. 

****** 

I  do  not  think  it  is  right  to  pass  a 
bill  that  arbitrarily  fixes  the  amount 
of  a  man's  salary  at  one-half  what  he 
was  making  when  you  are  proposing 
to  compensate  him.  Tou  call  it  the 
workmen's  compensation  bill  and  you 
shape  it  so  that  he  is  not  compensated 
at  all;  there  is  nothing  for  pain  and 
suffering,  nothing  for  deformity.  His 
salary  is  arbitrarily  reduced  at  the 
very  outset  one-half.  Tqu  treat  him 
as  making  only  $100  a  month  when  he 
was  making  $200,  and  then  you  arbi- 
trarily say  he  shall  have  only  half  of 
that  $100. 

Come  now  to  injuries  that  you  call 
permanent  partial  injuries,  cutting  an 
engineer's  leg  off  at  or  above  the  knee 
I  take  that  as  an  Illustration. 

The  loss  by  separation  of  one  leg 
at  or  above  the  knee  joint,  or  the  per- 
manent and  complete  loss  of  the  use 
of  one  leg,  66  months. 

To  the  engineer  making  $2,400  a 
year,  for  cutting  his  leg  off  above  the 
knee  the  proposed  bill  will  pay  only 
$3,300;  to  the  fireman  or  train  hand 
making  $50  a  month  it  will  pay 
$1,650;  and  the  sums  will  be  paid 
monthly  at  the  rate  of  $50  and  $25. 


The  loss  by  separation  of  one  foot  at 
or  above  the  ankle  joint,  or  the  perma- 
nent and  complete  loss  of  the  use  of 
one  foot,  48  months. 

This  will  be  $2,400  to  the  engineer, 
$1,200  to  the  man  making  $50  a 
month. 

Take  an  engineer  45  years  old.  He 
is  master  of  his  business.  He  is  too 
old  to  learn  another  occupation.  Tou 
cut  his  leg  off  just  below  the  knee. 
His  business  is  gone,  his  occupation 
is  gone.  What  can  he  do?  Yet  you 
give  him  $2,400  for  it. 

That  is  paid  monthly  at  $50  a 
month.  The  proposed  bill  does  not 
give  him  any  lump  sum  and  let  him 
start  out  and  find  something  to  make 
his  living.  It  gives  it  to  him  monthly, 
and  it  leaves  him  to  starve  at  the  end 
of  the  time — that,  too,  although  he 
was  absolutely  free  from  fault  and  in- 
jured exclusively  by  the  negligence  of 
the  railroad  company. 

Take  the  complete  loss  of  one  eye. 
This  bill  will  give  him  only  $1,500, 
payable  monthly.  Let  an  engineer  45 
years  old  lose  one  eye  and  he  is  out 
of  a  job;  he  can  not  stand  an  exami 
nation  for  an  engineer's  place  any- 
where. The  proposed  bill  will  give 
him  less  than  a  year's  pay  at  $50  a 
month,  and  leave  him,  with  his  busi- 
ness gone,  unable  to  obtain  or  fill  a 
place  or  to  stand  any  of  the  examina- 
tions prescribed  for  an  engineer. 

Take  a  young  apprentice,  20  years 
old,  making  $50  a  month.  For  the 
loss  of  his  leg  above  the  knee  this  bill 
allows  him  $1,640;  below  the  knee, 
$1,200.  No  consideration  is  given  to 
his  future  prospects.  But  that  is  not 
all.  If  his  employer  offers  him  any 
kind  of  work  and  offers  him  90  per 
cent  of  what  he  was  earning  before  he 
was  hurt,  this  bill  requires  him  to 
take  it;  and  when  he  takes  it  does 
not  get  any  other  pay,  and  if  he  de- 
clines to  take  it  he  forfeits  his  pay. 
****** 

There  is  another  feature  of  this  bill 
to  which  I  wish  now  to  call  attention. 
It  provides  for  the  re-examination  and 
re-classification  of  the  condition  of  the 
employe.  Even  if  the  special  master 
allows  him  something  and  treats  the 
disability  as  reasonably  permanent,  as 
a  partial  disability  or  a  partial  tempo- 
rary disability  for  a  certain  length  of 
time,  or  a  permanent  temporary  dis- 
ability for  a  certain  length  of  time* 
the  case  can  be  re-examined  undoubt- 


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615 


edly;  and  if  the  master  tendered  him 
employment  and  he  did  not  accept  it, 
that  would  open  up  the  case  to  G(how 
before  the  special  master  that  there 
was  something  that  he  could  do. 
*        *        *        *        *        * 

The  bill  furthermore  provides  that  a 
man  with  a  partially  permanent  dis- 
ability who  goes  back  tb  work  and  re- 
ceives another  injury,  and  the  two  to- 
gether will  produce  a  permanent  total 
disability,  shall  not  be  treated  as  hav- 
ing a  permanent  total  disability. 

The  bill  provides  that  if  the  em- 
ploye subsequently  dies  from  the  same 
Injury,  after  he  has  begun  receiving 
compensation  for  a  permanent  total 
disability,  then  the  beneficiaries  named 
in  the  bill  can  recover;  but  from 
what  originally  would  have  been  al- 
lowed to  them  if  he  had  died  at  once 
shall  be  deducted  both  wliat  the  em- 
ploye has  received  and  what  the  bene- 
ficiaries would  have  received  up  to 
the  time  of  the  death  if  the  employe 
had  died  immediately  on  receiving  his 
injury.  That  is  what  the  bill  pro- 
vides. 

Let  us  examine  Just  briefly  how 
the  beneflciaries  are  treated.  If  tho 
employe  is  killed,  the  widow  receives 
for  a  limited  length  of  time  40  per 
cent  of  her  husband's  earnings.  The 
total  which  she  would  receive  on  a 
450-a-month*  allowance  for  an  engineer 
making  $200  a  month  would  be  $3,840; 
or  if  she  has  several  children  she 
would  get  $50  a  month,  or  $4,800.  But 
the  limitation  of  the  contribution  to 
the  child  is  fixed  at  16  years  of  age, 
and  on  the  arrival  of  the  child  at  16 
the  child  part  stops.  A  child  16  year^ 
of  age  shall  draw  nothing,  unless  de- 
pendent. That  sounded  pretty  well 
until  you  read  further  along  in  the 
hill  and  found  out  what  is  termed  "de- 
pendent." If  you  go  further  over  in 
the  bill,  you  will  find  that  this  term 
"'dependent"  is  defined  as  applied  to  a 
child  16  years  of  age,  and  it  declares 
that  the  child  must  be  incapable  of 
earning  a  living  by  reason  of  "mental 
or  physical  incapacity."  So  that  the 
daughter  between  13  and  18  years  of 
age  of  the  engineer,  at  the  very  age 
that  she  needs  her  father's  help,  at  the 
very  age  that  she  needs  his  contribu- 
tion to  complete  her  education,  is  cut 
off  absolutely  by  this  bill,  that  is  called 
"'the  workmen's  compensation  bill." 
unless  she  is  "physically  or  mentally 
deficient." 


Senator,  among  our  men  working 
on  the  railroads  are  the  best  paid  la- 
boring men  in  the  country.  I  have 
seen  their  daughters  in  our  high 
schools,  in  our  business  colleges,  and 
in  our  normal  schools.  Most  of  these 
men  spend  their  Incomes  as  they  make 
them;  but,  as  a  rule,  the  fathers  care 
for  their  children  and  prepare  them 
for  life  by  giving  them  an  education. 

Among  the  best  teachers  we  have  in 
my  State,  graduates  of  high  schools 
and  normal  schools,  are  the  daughters 
of  engineers,  of  conductors,  of  fire- 
men, and  of  train  hands  of  the  rail- 
roads who  have  earned  their  money 
and  educated  their  daughters.  This 
bill  says  that  a  16  years  of  age  com- 
pensation to  children  stops,  though 
the  school  laws  all  treat  the  children 
up  to  18  years  of  age  as  of  school  ag«. 
If  there  be  no  widow  and  no  children 
under  16,  though  there  may  be  daugh- 
ters or  sons  at  school  between  16  and 
20,  there  is  nothing  allowed  by  this 
"workmen's  compensation  bill."  For 
one  child  25  per  cent  of  the  father's 
income  is  allowed,  provided,  of  course, 
that  income  must  never  be  considered 
as  over  $100  per  month.  It  is  said, 
however,  they  never  go  below  $50.  No; 
they  do  not  go  below  $50,  hut  they  say 
that  even  the  man  who  gets  $50  shall 
have  but  lialf  he  was  making,  and  if 
he  is  not  totally  disabled,  he  receives 
the  $25  for  only  a  short  time,  and  if 
he  is  making  less  than  $25,  then  he 
gets  Just  what  he  was  making. 

I  do  not  at  this  time  desire  to  dis- 
cuss the  bill  further.  I  hope  it  will 
gc  over  until  fall  and  let  the  railrofid 
men  in  the  United  States  themselves 
know  what  is  in  it.  When  they  do, 
they  will  repudiate  it.  If  it  were  not 
made  exclusive,  but  cumulative,  I 
would  vote  for  it;  but  made  exclusive, 
it  seems  to  be  inexcusable  on  account 
of  the  character  of  redress  to  which 
the  employe  is  remitted  and  on  ac- 
count of  the  meager  compensation  that 
is  accorded  to  him.  I  say  they  are  cut 
off  two-thirds  under  this  bill — more 
than  two-thirds  if  they  were  making 
over  a  hundred  dollars  a  month.  The 
engineer  making  $200  a  month,  if  to- 
tally disabled,  ought  to  be  entitled  to 
his  $200  for  his  pain  and  suffering 
and  his  deformity,  for  a  total  perma- 
nent disability,  but  he  will  receive 
only  $50  a  month.  For  partial  perma- 
nent disa'bility  that  really  amounts, 
practically,    to    total    permanent    dis- 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A. 


ability,  he  will  receive  that  sum  for  a 
few  months  or  for  two,  three,  or  four 
years,  and  then  he  is  left  with  noth- 
ing. 

But  it  is  said  some  reduction  must 
be  made  to  take  care  of  the  employe 
who  is  going  to  recover,  but  can  not 
recover  under  the  present  law.  Let  us 
see  what  that  is.  It  is  the  man  who, 
on  account  of  his  own  negligence,  is 
exclusively  responsible  for  his  injury. 
It  is  also  said  there  are  cases  of  acci- 
dent. I  do  not  believe  in  accidents 
on  railroads.  Where  nobody  is  at 
fault  accidents  do  not  often  happen. 
Injuries  are  the  result  of  some  one 
doing  something  he  ought  not  to  do  or 
failing  to  do  something  he  ought  to 
do.  The  safety-appliance  act  puts  the 
condition  of  trains  in  a  shape  where, 
if  its  provisions  are  complied  with,  the 
number  of  injured  will  be  greatly  les- 
sened, and  pure  accidents  will  scarce- 
ly ever  happen.  Now,  the  man  whose 
own  negligence  exclusively  causes  the 
accident  is  to  be  taken  care  of  under 
this  bill,  and  these  enormous  cuts  in 
the  compensation  of  everybody  else 
are  to  furnish  money  to  take  care  of 
him. 

Let  us  take  an  instance.  A  flagman 
turns  a  switch  carelessly  or  improper- 
ly, and  as  a  result  he  is  killed  and  the 
engineer  is  killed.  The  engineer  was 
absolutely  free  from  fault.  The  flag- 
man was  the  sole  and  exclusive  cause 
of  the  accident.  They  are  both  killed, 
and  their  widows  receive  precisely  the 
same  compensation. 

I  do  not  object  if  you  want  to  pay 
the  man  who  is  entitled  to  nothing, 
but  do  not  take  it  away  from  the  man 
who  has  a  legal  claim.  I  do  not  object 
if  Senators  see  flt  to  provide  under  the 
law  for  the  compensation  of  the  man 
whose  negligence  is  the  exclusive 
cause  of  the  accident,  but  I  do  protest 
aainst  a  bill  that  takes  it,  not  out  of 
the  railroad,  but  takes  it  three  times 
over  from  the  pocket  of  the  man  who 
was  not  at  fault  at  all.  I  have  given 
an  illustration.  The  Senator  asks  are 
their  needs  not  the  same?  This  is  not 
an  eleemosynary  bill;  it  is  to  provide 
compensation  for  rights.  I  am  per- 
fectly willing  to  charge  the  commerce 
of  the  country  with  the  expense,  if  the 
Senator  wishes,  of  the  negligent, 
though  I  doubt  the  wisdom  of  it.  I 
doubt  the  wisdom  of  providing  com- 
pensation to  a  man  who  is  injured 
where  his  own  negligence  is  the  sole 


cause  of  the  catastrophe;  but,  whether 
that  be  rigiit  or  wrong,  I  protest  that 
it  is  wrong  to  take  it  away  from  the 
man  who  was  in  no  sense  at  fault  and 
who  was  injured  to  give  it  to  the  man 
whose  negligence  was  the  exclusive 
cause  of  his  own  injury.  I  protest  still 
further  when  under  this  bill  so  much 
more  will  be  taken  from  the  faultless 
man  that  will  be  given  to  the  nuui 
who  is  at  fault. 

This  bill  has  only  recently  been  in- 
troduced in  the  Senate.  It  was  intro- 
duced on  February  20th  of  the  present 
year,  and  only  reported  on  April  3d  by 
the  Judiciary  Committee.  Our  pres- 
ent legislation  and  the  rights  today  of 
the  employes  of  railroad  companieR 
under  it  have  Just  been  established. 
The  Supreme  Court  at  the  present 
term  has  for  the  flrst  time  passed 
upon  the  various  acts  of  Congress  and 
flxed  the  rights  of  the  employes.  Lei 
us  wait  and  see  how  that  legislation 
works  before  we  set  it  aside. 

It  has  taken  six  years  by  successive 
acts  of  Congress  passed  upon  by  tlie 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States 
before  railroad  employes  reached  the 
place  in  the  protection  of  their  rights 
they  now  occupy.  With  the  law  estab- 
lished, construed,  and  settled,  why 
wipe  it  out?  If  your  object  is  the 
compensation  of  the  men,  let  us  allow 
the  law  to  stand  and  let  them  receive 
the  compensation  a  littfe  while,  at 
least  let  them  try  it  until  fall.  Ah, 
Senators,  the  trouble  about  it  is,  th.ac 
if  you  let  the  law  as  it  now  has  been 
established  stand  for  twelve  months, 
you  will  have  an  uprising  of  the  rail- 
road employes  all  over  the  United 
States  if  you  suggest  this  bill  as  a 
substitute  for  their  rights  under  the 
existing  law.  Their  officers  who  ap- 
proved it  would  be  turned  out  of  office 
so  fast  that  they  would  hardly  have 
time  to  know  the  power  that  turned 
them  out.  What  I  urge  is,  let  us  wait 
and  see  what  the  present  law  is  going 
to  do.  Let  us  hope  that  the  railroad 
companies  will  now  recognize  theis 
liabilities  under  the  existing  law  and 
settle  with  their  employes.  If  you  are 
disturbed  about  fees  for  lawyers  rep- 
resenting the  employes,  pass  a  bill 
amending  the  present  law  and  limit- 
ing fees  to  a  reasonable  sum.  If  a 
workingman's  compensation  bill  is  to 
be  passed,  let  us  make  the  compensa- 
tion what  the  men  lose.  The  amounts 
named  in  this  bill  ar€  not  half  enough. 


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617 


I  believe,  Mr.  President  and  Sena- 
tors, tliat  this  bill  is  a  serious  blow  at 
the  rights  now  established  of  the  large 
majority  of  the  employes  of  railroad 
companies,  and  I  am  opposed  to  its 
passage  in  its  present  shape. 


Eve. 

By  Mas.  George  Hughes. 

The  old  gray  stone  church,  the  tryst- 
ing-place  of  many  youthful  lovers, 
stood  back  in  a  deep  maple  grove.  It 
was  an  ideal  place  for  youths  and 
maidens  who  had  dreamed  their  youth- 
ful dreams  and  had  been  lost  to  all 
except  themselves.  The  sanctity  of  the 
place  and  the  sacredness  and  sweet- 
ness of  it  all  had  a  charm  which  lured 
them  there. 

Beneath  its  shadows  tonight  stood 
Eve  Hamilton  with  her  lover.  The 
cool  evening  breezes,  redolent  with  the 
scent  of  sweet  syringa  blossoms  played 
hide-and-seek  with  the  little  soft  ten- 
drils of  hair  that  caressed  her  fore- 
bead.  She  had  been  very  happy  during 
the  delicious  past  months  spent  with 
Conner  O'Hara.  But  there  were 
'thorns  among  the  roses,"  which  she 
bad  found  out  too  late.  And  tonight 
ber  heart  was  breaking,  for  the  beauti- 
ful dream  must  end. 

"Oh,  Conner,  dear  Conner,  you  are 
breaking  my  heart!  You  promise  and 
promise — alas!  only  to  fall  by  the  way- 
side. Why,  oh,  why  should  this  awful 
curse  come  between  us  to  mar  our  hap- 
piness? Conner,  can  you  not  see  the 
awful  abyss  before  you?  The  wretch- 
edness, the  misery,  the  poverty,  the  de- 
vastation caused  by  the  curse  of  liquor? 
No,  Conner,  I  dare  not  trust  my  life's 
happiness  with  you;    I  dare  not!" 

"Eve,"  her  lover  said,  in  despairing 
tones,  "Eve,  do  not  say  those  cruel 
words.  I  love  you  so  dearly.  Why, 
Eve,  life  would  be  nothing  to  me  with- 
out you.  With  you  by  my  side  to  en- 
courage, to  uplift,  to  restrain  me,  I 
could  overcome  in  time  this  madness. 
Say,  Eve,  my  sweetheart,  say  that  you 
will  give  me  one  more  chance?  Eve. 
beautiful  Eve,  thou  art  like  Eve  of  old 
— entrancing,  tempting,  delicious.  Kiss 
me,  sweetheart,  and  unsay  those  cruel 
words." 

"Conner,  we  must  part.  Even  though, 
dear  Conner,  the  sun  ceases  to  shine, 
the  roses  to  bloom,  and  life  be  a  deso- 
late waste, ,  I  must  tear  your  image 
from  my  heart." 


Conner  O'Hara  gazed  with  agonizing 
eyes  into  her  face  as  he  madly  pressed 
her  to  him,  and  in  passionate  tones  ex- 
claimed: "Eve,  you  have  taught  me  to 
love  you,  to  find  joy  in  your  presence. 
My  soul  is  aflame  with  love  for  you.  I 
live  only  in  your  presence,  in  the  light 
of  your  sweet  eyes.  You  will  not,  you 
dare  not,  cast  me  aside." 

"it  is  a  weakness,  Conner,"  she  said, 
"a  temptation  that  you  will  not  over- 
come. You  would  break  your  heart 
and  mine." 

As  Eve  uttered  these  words,  she 
slowly  turned,  and  seemed  about  to 
walk  away.  Then  she  hesitated,  turned 
once  more  to  him,  and,  with  agonized 
f^ce  and  in  a  tone  of  despair  and  in- 
tense sorrow,  she  cried:  "Oh,  Conner, 
dear  Conner,  kiss  me  once  before  we 
part, .  and  may  the  sunshine,  the  joy 
and  the  gladness  you  have  brought  into 
my  life  be  the  one  sweet,  sacred  mem- 
ory that  will  never  cease  to  live  In  my 
heart." 

He  passionately  caught  her  in  his 
arms,  strained  her  to  his  breast,  and 
with  one  long,  lingering  look  into,  her 
slumberous  eyes,  he  kissed  her. 

"Oh,  Eve,  sweet  Eve,"  he  said,  "you 
will  ever  live  in  my  heart.  Though 
blackness  and  despair  overtake  me, 
even  though  I  sink  to  the  lowest 
depths  of  degradation  and  crime,  I  will 
never  cease  to  love  you;  and  the  mem- 
ory of  you,  dear  Eve,  will  be  the  one 
bright  star  of  hope  and  redemption  in 
my  desolate  life.  Good-bye,  sweet  Eve, 
good-bye."  And  he  was  gone. 
.  Eve  stood  motionless  and  flushed 
from  her  lover's  passionate  kisses. 
Oh,  the  bliss  of  loving  and  being  loved ! 
But  the  beautiful  dream  had  ended. 
And  Eve  tried  to  stifle  the  longing  in 
her  heart.  But  love  isn't  so  easily 
thrust  out,  and  it  was  by  sheer  force 
of  her  adamant  will  that  she  restrained 
herself  from  calling  out  to  him  to  come 
back  to  her. 

Eve  Hamilton  had  assumed  the  cares 
and  responsibilities  of  her  father's 
household  ever  since  her  mother's 
death  a  few  years  previous.  Although 
only  twenty  years  of  age,  she  was  a 
sensible,  efficient  housekeeper.  With 
the  help  of  only  one  servant,  she  had 
looked  after  everything,  including  the 
care  of  two  younger  children.  She 
was  faithful  and  conscientious,  and  a 
dutiful  daughter.  She  idolized  her 
father  as  he  did  her,  and,  although  a 
woman  grown,  obedience    to    parents 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.    A. 


she  considered  sacred  and  a  bible  com- 
mand. 

So,  when  her  father  learned  of  Ck)n- 
ner's  habits,  he  called  his  daughter  to 
him  and  had  a  quiet,  sensible  talk 
with  her,  explaining  the  misery  and 
heartache  that  are  sure  to  enter  the 
home  where  the  curse  of  liquor  enters. 
He  kindly  but  firmly  told  her  that 
Conner  O'Hara  must  cease  his  visits. 

Her  love  for  Conner  was  very  great. 
But  her  fear  of  being  the  neglected 
and  unhappy  wife  of  a  drunkard  was 
greater. 

After  her  separation  from  Conner 
she  never  seemed  quite  the  same.  She 
was  more  quiet,  more  sad.  Her  girl- 
iahness  and  youth  seemed  to  have 
slipped  from  her.  For  a  long  time  she 
was  listless  and  indifferent  to  all  sorts 
of  youthful  pleasures,  and  mingled  but 
little  with  other  young  people. 

Conner  had  gone  away,  and  she  had 
heard  from  him  only  by  accident 
through  a  casual  acquaintance.  He 
was  far  away  somewhere  in  the  moun- 
tains engaged  in  mining  engineering, 
so  the  man  had  told  her,  and  had  mar- 
ried a  beautiful  but  illiterate  young 
mountain  girl.  So  he  had  forgotten 
her,  she  said  to  herself,  and  had  found 
his  happiness  in  another  love.  But 
the  pain  and  longing  ever  remained  in 
her  heart,  and  she  could  not  thrust  it 
out. 

It  was  about  five  years  after  her 
parting  with  Conner  when  she  received 
a  message  from  a  distant  and  much- 
beloved  cousin  to  spend  a  few  of  the 
mid-summer  weeks  in  her  forest  home« 
Eve  was  glad  to  go,  for  the  solitude 
and  loneliness  of  the  forest  appealed 
to  her.  She  loved  to  ramble  about  and 
commune  with  nature.  She  loved  the 
music  of  the  ripply  brook.  The  sing- 
ing birds,  the  humming  of  insects,  the 
dense  foliage,  the  wild  flowers,  and 
even  the  croaking  of  bull-frogs  was 
soothing  to  her.  All  these  were  in 
harmony    with    her   nature.     So    she 

went. 

***** 

"Don't  leave  me  alone  tonight.  Con 
— don't.  I  am  so  nervous  and  full  of 
fear.  It  is  so  lonely  and  so  wild,  so 
far  away  from  everyone.  The  very 
shriek  of  the  distant  train  as  she 
comes  raging  over  the  prairie,  seems 
like  the  wail  of  a  lost  spirit.  I  feel 
such  a  dread  I  cannot — cannot  stay 
alone." 

"Now,  Madge,  don't  you  go  to  fret- 


ting. I'll  not  be  long  away.  And  as 
he  finished  speaking,  he  took  another 
draught  from  the  black  bottle  on  the 
table. 

"Por  God's  sake.  Con,"  wildly  spoke 
the  woman,  "don't — for  God's  sake, 
don't.  You  shall  not  have  another 
drink.  You  shall  not.  Do  you  realize 
what  you  are  doing?  In  euch  a  time 
as  this!  Give  me  the  bottle,  I  say. 
Give  it  to  me."  And  as  she  spoke  she 
fiercely  tried  to  wrench  it  from  his 
grasp. 

"Just  one  more  taste,  Madge — just 
one  more.  It  warms  a  fellow  up  so. 
And  then  I  promise — not  another  drop 
tonight.  He  pushed  her  aside,  and 
took — just  another. 

He  put  on  his  cap  and  went  out  the 
door,  then  turned  and  went  back  into 
the  house  again.  As  if  some  better  im- 
pulse had  inspired  him,  he  gently  put 
his  arm  around  her  and  kissed  her. 
And  somewhat  of  the  old  tenderness 
returned  into  his  manner,  as  he  said: 

"Now,  don't  you  go  to  fretting, 
Madge.  I'll  not  be  long  away,  and  I'll 
promise — not  another  drop  tonight. 
I'll  promise  sure.  Now  kiss  me, 
Madge,  and  be  friends,  won't  you?" 

She  kissed  him,  and  a  prayer  she 
murmured  in  his  behalf.  God  help 
him,  and  keep  him  from  the  curse.  Oh, 
God,  it  is  so  terribly  lonely  and  wild. 
All  alone  so.  She  watched  him  down 
the  path  and  as  far  as  she  could  see 
him.  She  then  threw  herself  on  the 
bed,  and  as  she  did  so  a  ghastly  pallor 
came  over  her  face,  and  she  shook  as 
with  an  ague  chill. 

"Oh,  my  God,  what  is  it?"  she  cried. 
"And  all  alone.  Oh,  merciful  Father 
— not  now — ^not  now-"  But  as  if  in 
mockery  another  spasm  of  pain  dis- 
torted her  countenance,  and  she  shook 
again,  as  she  moaned,  "Oh,  Father  in 
heaven,  help  me — send  deliverance." 

***** 

Eve  Hamilton  had  been  roaming  the 
forest  all  the  afternoon.  The  beauties 
and  wildnees  of  nature  found  their 
affinity  in  her  beauty-worshipning  soul. 
And  she  was  never  haopler  than  when 
wandering  alone  in  the  depths  and 
loneliness  of  the  forest  communing 
with  nature  and  seeking  out  the  wealth 
of  hidden  wonders  ever  revealing  to 
her  the  mighty  unseen  newer,  the 
mystic  influence  all  about  her  and  In 
such  sympathy  with  her  nature.  In 
her  arms  she  carried  numberless  sneci- 
mens  of  wild  flowers  which  she  had 


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gathered  In  her  wanderings.  She  wan- 
dered on  and  on  until,  in  alarm,  she 
suddenly  stopped  and  looked  about  her. 
All  was  so  lonely  and  strange.  Could 
it  be  possible  she  had  strayed  too  far 
and  lost  her  way.  She  looked  at  her 
watch.  Seven  o'clock.  Could  it  be 
possible.  She  glanced  at  the  sky  over- 
head. Ominous  clouds  were  threaten- 
ing. It  was  getting  dark  rapidly. 
Hark!  what  was  that?  Thunder? 
What  should  she  do?  Alone  in  the 
forest  and  lost.  Her  heart  seemed  to 
stand  still.  But — no — this  would  not 
do.  She  must  keep  her  nerve.  And 
Eve  was  brave.  A  night  spent  alone  in 
the  forest  would  be  of  no  great  mo- 
ment after  all;  simply  an  adventure 
which  she  would  have  the  fun  of  re- 
lating afterward.  But  distant  thunder 
warned  her  and  she  realized  she  must 
find  shelter  without  loss  of  time.  Hur- 
riedly she  walked  forward,  looking 
here  and  there  for  something.  Pos- 
sibly some  thick  foliage  from  heavy 
timber.  Even  that  would  in  a  measure 
shelter  her  until  the  shower  was  over. 
But  she  could  find  nothing.  She  was 
becoming  rather  nervous  and  was  still 
rapidly  walking  when  she  suddenly 
emerged  into  an  opening.  She  looked 
about  with  surprise.  A  road  almost 
obliterated  with  a  rank  growth  of 
weeds  seemed  to  lead  somewhere.  Not 
a  sign  of  human  habitation  or  life 
seemed  to  exist.  But  she  sped  swiftly 
on,  feeling  sure  it  must  lead  to  some 
sort  of  shelter,  possibly  some  of  the 
old  deserted  log  huts  she  had  often 
observed  In  her  rambles.  All  at  once 
a  faint  light  seemed  to  glimmer  in 
the  rapidly  approaching  darkness 
through  a  clump  of  trees  at  her  left. 
She  crossed  the  ditch  and  climbed 
what  seemed  to  her  to  be  the  remnants 
of  an  old  rail  fence.  She  stumbled  oti 
through  the  tall  weeds  into  the  patch 
of  woods  through  which  she  could  see 
the  light.  It  grew  brighter  and 
brighter,  and  at  last  she  stood  before 
the  door  of  a  rather  unusually  neat- 
appearing  log  cabin.  The  thunder 
pealed  forth,  and  ^reat  drops  of  rain 
were  just  descending  when  the  door 
was  quickly  opened  from  within,  and 
a  pale,  frightened  young  woman  stood 
before  her  gasping  for  breath,  it 
seemed,  as  she  bade  her  enter. 

Eve  hurriedly  made  known  her  pre- 
dicament and  asked  for  shelter  for  the 
night. 


The  woman  almost  pulled  her  within, 
grasped  her  wrists  with  almost  super- 
human strength,  it  seemed,  as  she 
burst  forth: 

"Has  God  heard  me?  Has  He,  in- 
deed, answered  my  prayer  in  sending 
some  human  being  to  me.  I  am  all 
alone — all  alone — ^and,  oh,  so  ill." 

Eve  stood  transfixed.  She  looked  in 
astonishment  and  amazement  at  her. 
All  alone — ^this  woman  Jn  this  God- 
forsaken place?    And  ill? 

*'Do  you  mean  to  tell  me,"  said  Eve, 
"that  you  are  alone  and  without  help? 
Where  is  your  husband?  your  mother?" 

"Yes,  I  am  alone.  I  have  no  mother," 
she  said,  "and  my  husband — the  one 
who  should  be  with  me  now — is — oh, 
God,  how  can  I  say  it?  The  curse  of 
drink,  the  curse  of  drink.  Miss,  has 
been  his  ruination;  and  the  madden- 
ing thirst  came,  upon  him  tonight,  and 
he  went  out.  I  know  what  that 
means.  Miss.  He  will  not  be  back  to- 
night— perhaps  two  nights.  He  had 
been  drinking  all  day  at  the  bottle. 
He  always  keeps  a  bottle  in  the  house. 
Miss;  and  I  implored  him  not  to  go 
from  me  tonight.  But  he  was  not  him- 
self and  would  not  listen.  And — oh. 
I  am  so  ill." 

"The  brute,*'  said  Eve.    "How—" 

"Oh,  don't  say  those  words,  Miss, 
for  I  love  him,  and  it  hurts.  And  he 
is  not  always  this  way.  At  times  he 
goes  for  weeks  without  touching  a 
drop;  then  his  weakness  overcomes 
him,  and  I — oh,  I  wish  at  those  times 
that  I  were  dead.  And  he  promises 
and  promises.  But  it  is  of  no  use.  He 
is  weak,  so — weak.  I  persuaded  him 
to  come  here.  'Way  up  here  in  the 
mountain,  thinking  he  would  be  safer 
here — farther  away  from  temptation. 
We  used  to  live  near  the  foothills, 
where  the  rest  of  the  mining  people 
live.  But  it  is  no  better.  He  gets  the 
drink,  I  do  not  know  where,  unless  it 
be  up  still  farther  in  the  mountain, 
where  the  'stills'  are.  You  know.  Miss 
— 'moonshiners'  they  call  them." 

"But  you  cannot  be  left  in  this  con- 
dition," said  Eve.  "I  will  go  for  as- 
sistance immediately,  if  you  will  di- 
rect me  where  to  go." 

At  these  words  the  woman,  or  girl, 
rather  (for  she  seemed  nothing  but  a 
mere  child),  clung  frantically  to  her. 

"Oh,  do  not  leave  me;  oh,  do  not 
leave  me,"  she  cried.  "The  distance  is 
four  miles  to  any  living  creature — and 


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I  cannot  stay  here  alone.  You  must 
not  leave  me — you  shall  not.  I  shall 
die— i  shall  die." 

Eve  saw  that  the  girl  was  becoming 
iiysterical,  and  was  very  ill,  and  some- 
thing must  be  done.  A  silent  prayer 
for  help  and  guidance  she  sent  to 
heaven.  "I  will  stay  with  you,"  she 
.said.  Then  hung  up  her  hat.  donned 
^n  apron,  and  in  her  quiet,  efficient 
manner  went  about  swiftly  and  surely 
.arranging  everything.  She  made  a 
^re  in  the  cabin,  for  the  night  was 
chilly;  she  brought  in  wood,  plenty  of 
it,  and  piled  it  behind  the  stove,  filled 
a  bucket  with  water,  soothed  the  suf- 
fering girl  as  she  would  a  child;  then 
hung  tiny  garments  around  the  fire. 
The  rain  was  descending  in  torrents, 
and  the  thunder  pealed  and  reverber- 
ated until  it  seemed  it  would  rent  the 
-very  heavens  asunder.-  The  darkness 
ijrew,  and  the  storm  kept  on;  but 
bravely  Eve  worked  hand  in  hand  with 
mother  Nature.  At  times  it  seemed 
that  she  was  very  near  to  "the  valley 
of  the  shadow."  The  billows  of  dark- 
ness and  death  almost  submerged  the 
soul  of  the  fainting  girl  at  times,  but 
from  out  the  depths  she  would  rally 
again.  But  Eve  prayed,  and  just  as 
dawn  broke  forth  over  the  eastern 
peak  of  the  mountain  a  feeble  wail 
was  heard,  and  a  new  life  was  ushered 
into  the  world. 

>K  *  >K  *  * 

(Continued  next  month) 


rriends. 

The  dearest  thing  in  this  world  is 
-a  good,  true,  loyal  friend.  You  may  be 
a  millionaire,  yet  you  are  poor  with' 
out  friends.  Your  wealth  might 
bring  you  a  mansion  to  live  in,  serv- 
ants to  even  anticipate  your  every 
wish,  the  whole  world  at  your  com- 
mand, and  yet  without  a  single  good 
friend  you  would  be  poor  indeed.  The 
richest  man  in  this  world  today  is  he 
who  has  the  greatest  number  of  faith 
ful,  loyal,  loving  friends.  He  may  be 
the  lowliest,  but  at  the  same  time  he 
is  the  highest.  He  may  be  the  poor- 
est, yet  at  the  same  time  he  is  the 
richest.  He  may  be  the  man  without 
fame  or  fortune,  but  with  friends  to 
cheer  him  in  despondency,  to  aid  him 
in  adversity,  and  to  bless  him  at  all 
times,  he  is  the  most  powerful  and 
Tiappiest  of  us  all.     Money  doesn't  make 


friends  any  more  than  it  makes  homes. 
It  can  call  a  whole  flock  of  com- 
panions around  one,  but  they  are  not 
friends.  It  can  erect  the  lofiest  man- 
sion, but  it  is  not  home. 

Put  your  heart  into  the  search  for  a 
friend,  freely  offer  assistance  to  any 
of  the  crowd  who  needs  it,  and,  sooner 
or  later,  you  will  find  a  hand  out- 
stretched toward  yours,  and  your  soul 
will  meet  its  likeness.  Do  not  imitate 
those  who,  shut  up  in  their  indi- 
viduality as  in  a  citadel,  indifferent  to 
all  passersby,  yet  -send  forth  on  the 
four  winds  of  heaven  the  melancholy 
cry,  "There  are  no  friends!"  They  do 
exist,  be  sure  of  it,  but  only  for  those 
who  seek,  for  those  deeply  Interested 
in  the  search  and  for  those  who  do 
not  remain  content  to  spin  out  the 
thread  of  life  in  a  corner  like  a 
spider's,  intended  to  catch  happiness. 
— Baltimore  Labor  Leader. 


Before  it  is  Too  Late. 

If  you've  a  gray-haired  mother 

In  the  old  home  far  away, 
Sit  down  and  write  the  letter 

You  put  off  from  day  to  day; 
Don't  wait  until  her  tired  steps 

Reach  heaven's  pearly  gate, 
But  show  her  that  you  think  of  her 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

If  you've  a  tender  message 

Or  a  loving  word  to  say. 
Don't  wait  till  you  forget  it, 

But  whisper  it  today. 
Who  knows  what  bitter  memories 

May  haunt  you  if  you  wait? 
So  make  your  loved  ones  happy 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

We  live  but  In  the  present. 

The  future  is  unknown; 
Tomorrow  is  a  mystery. 

Today  Is  all  our  own. 
The  chances  fortune  leads  us  to 

May  vanish  while  we  wait. 
So  spend  your  life's  rich  pleasure 

Before  it  is  too  late. 

The  tender  word  unspoken, 

The  letter  never  sent. 
The  long  forgotten  messages. 

The  wealth  of  love  unspent. 
For  these  some  hearts  are  breaking. 

For  these  some  loved  ones  wait. 
So  show  them  that  you  care  for  them 

Before  it  is  too  late. 
— Mr8.  E.  Matthews,  in  The  Railway 
Conductor. 


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The  Tramps. 

Empty-bellled,  hollo wed-eyed, 
Tramp  the  homeless  sons  of  woe; 

Down  at  heel  and  reft  of  pride; 
God  has  made  them,  let  them  go. 

Aimless,  hopeless,  weary,  cold, 
Shoeless,     through    the    rain     and 
snow, 

Tramp  the  prematurely  old; 

God  has  made  them,  let  them  go. 

^•Frisco/'  "Philly,"  "Butte"  and  "C?hi,' 
Echo  with  their  paces  slow; 

Useless,  but  afraid  to  die; 
God  has  made  them,  let  them  go. 

Wealthy  with  the  niggard  dime 
Charity  and  pride  bestow. 
Wrecks  upon  the  tide  of  time; 
God  has  made  them  r  let  them  go. 

Husbands,  fathers,  sons,  they  throng. 
Hearts    where    love     and    passion 
grow; 

Outcasts  for  a  little  wrong! 
God  iias  made  them,  let  them  go. 

Sullen  pageant  of  despair. 

Souls  that  hell  and  hunger  know; 
We  may  soon  be  marching  there! 

God  has  made  them,  let  them  go. 
— William  Mountain. 


H^mittance  Roll  of  Honor  for  the  Month 
of  August,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  G.  S.  &  T.  during 
the  month  of  August: 

Aug.  1st— Lodges  5,  32.  44,  55,  88, 
120.  122,  130,  138,  142,  154,  156,  159, 
173,  203. 


Aug.  2d— Lodges  38,  73,  90.  98,  102, 
104,  106,  171,  176,  193,  194,  215. 

Aug.  3d— Lodges  13,  20.  56,  60.  74,  91. 
92,  112,  115,  141,  169,  174,  188,  214,  224. 

Aug.  5th— Lodges  1,  2,  3,  9.  10,  14, 
16,  19,  21,  22.  23,  30,  33.  34,  37,  39,  41, 
51,  52,  53,  72,  77,  78,  80,  82,  83,  84,  89, 
96,  97,  110,  114,  123,  126,  145,  146,  155. 
166,  180,  187,  189,  196,  198,  199.  200, 
201.  208,  209,  216,  217,  220. 

Aug.  6th— Lodges  24,  29,  45.  50,  54, 
61,  69,  93,  95,  10.1,  116,  119,  124,  125, 
129,  144,  147,  152.  175,  179,  181,  183, 
212,  225,  228,  229. 

Aug.  7th— Lodges  6,  11,  26,  40,  42,  43, 
48,  64,  65,  68,  79,  107,  108,  133,  134,  137. 
140,  185,  190,  192,  202.  204.  206,  213. 
218,  219. 

Aug.  8th— Lodges  15,  17,  18,  31.  71, 
75,  98,  99,  113,  117,  128,  143,  195,  210. 

Aug.  9th— Lodges  4,  8,  12,  28,  35,  36, 
47.  49,  58,  62,  63,  85,  94.  100,  105,  184, 
191.  221. 

Aug.  10th— Lodges  7,  67,  87,  103,  111, 
135,  158,  172,  177.  182,  211,  226. 

Aug.  12th— Lodges  46,  57,  36,  149, 
151.  230. 

Aug.  13th— Lodges  70,  205,  222. 

Aug.  14th— Lodge  207. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  «ee  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  HONOR  ROLL  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per  capita 
shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose 
reports  are  not  received  by  the  G.  S. 
&  T.  by  the  10th  day  of  each  month, 
and  if  received  late  for  two  or  more 
months  then  the  officers  shall  be  asked 
to  remove  the  cause  for  such  delay. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Jouenal  promptly  wid 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 


Tfame Lodge  Vo. 


Toum Btate. 


Btrttt  

HoM  moved  to 

Toum State. 


.Street 


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Statement  of  Claims  Paid  During  the  Month  of  Aug.,  1912 


No. 


NAME 


1^ 


Date 

o      oelved 


Paid 


PAID  TO 


KEBIDENCE 


Amt 


l.D.'yi  Win.  H.  Dodd  ",0  Death 

1566  H.  D.  8tnkes  4:J  Death 

1.567  Ral  ph  W .  Tal l>ott  1«2  Death 

loOs; Edith  K  Cobbs  16  Death 

15eM| Herbert  M.  Turk  ;i5Dis. 

ISTljJno.  J.  Riedy  4  Death 

1S7-JI  Nelson  L.  Labodic  UO  DIs. 

1578  Henry  Allen  146  Death 

1576;  Geo.  F.  Hchebtel  224  Death  \ 

1576  Jno.  J.  Callahan  220  Death 

1577! Robt.  W.  Spenoe  208  Death  ! 


7-lS-'12 
7-2;l-'12 
8-  7-' 12 
7-26-' 12 
7-li>-'12 
7-26-' 12 
7-27-*12 
7-:{l-'12 
7-24-' 12 
8-  5-'12 
7-27-' 12 


8-16-'12 
8-1 6-' 12 
8-16-'12 
8-16-'12 
8-lB.'12 
H-16-'12 
8-16-'12 
8-16-'12 
8-16-'l2 
8-1 6-' 12 
8-16-'12 


Funenil  Expenses 
D  Arabel,  mother 
Kate  Rambo.  sibter 
MoUie,  wife 
Hiraself 
Mary,  wife 
Himself 
Elizabeth,  wife 
8. E. Valentine,  m'tr 
John,  father 
Alice  E.,  wife 


Lo8  Angeles,  Cal.  : 
Des  Molues.  la. 
E.  St.  Lonis,  111. 
Edgemont,  S.  D. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Saginaw,  Mich. 
Indianapolis,  Ind. 
Peoria,  111. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Chicago.  111. 


$150.00 

750.00 

1,500.00 

1,500,00 

1,500.00 

75«J.0O 

I,5C0.OO 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

750.00 

1,500.00 


"PrvTiooilyraporteil tl,568,804.00 

Piad  ilnoe  iMt  report 12,900.00 

Refunded  insurance 38.50 


|12,900.0D 


ToUd 11,666,242.60 

Acknowledgment  of  Claims  Paid  In  July,  1912 

JohnO.  Hughes,  St.  Louis,  Mo $750 

J.  H.  Arnold,  Indianapolis,  Ind 1,500 

Mrs.  Julia  WlUlams,  St.  Louis,  Mo 1,500 

Ray  D.  Buckley,  Indianapolis,  Ind 1,600 

Mrs.  Anna  Cush,  Plttoburgh,  Pa 1,600 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Wren,  St.  Louis,  Mo 1,600 

Mrs.  Lena  Gardner,  ButnUo,  N.  Y 750 

Miss  Norah  Conboy,  Scranton,  Pa 1,500 

Mrs.  Sarah  Parker,  Detroit,  Mich 1,500 

W.  W.  TinneU,  Chickasha,  Okla 1,600 

Mrs.  MaudTraylor,  Ludlow,  Ky 1,200 


<^i;#34^cX 


Grand  Secreiaty  and  Treasurer 

NOTICE  TO  ALL   BEMEFICIAIIY  HIEWgllS 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  assessment  per  Section  83a,  to  be  remitted  in  October,  will  be  due  and 
owing  from  each  member  paying  Dues  and  Assessment  for  that  month 

ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 

GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BirrrAXiO,  N.  Y.,  September  1, 1112. 
BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treaaurer  or 
Financial  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  month  (see  Section  218).  Grand  does 
are  fifty  cents  (60c)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  **  B  "  certificate,  nmw 
ment  12.00;  class  ^A"  certilioate,  assessment  91.00:  class  "C"  certiflcale, 
assessment  60c  (see  section  88) .  A  failure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  m 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  rarther  notice  (see  Sections 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Oonstitntlon).  The  purpose  of  the  assessment  la  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Grand  Lodftt. 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  from,  membera,  as  above  provided,  ao4 
later  than  the  third  (3d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182) . 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  A  P., 

M.  R.  WELCH, 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


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:/;?^f-v>^^^'VV^i^sMiL^' ^"M'>':!--i-';i.ii 


PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

1st.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
— of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 

OTTNC 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  Of  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  n.  THOMPSON*  Editor  Mtf 


THOSK  WHO  BBAII  BQUAIuLV  THB  BURDBNO  OF  OOVKIINMBNT  SHOULD 
■OUALLV   PARTICIPATB  IN    ITS    ■■NiriTS  —  THOMAS    JCFFCRSON 


Umf  r*4  MS  M€9md'€lss$  msll  mmtttr  Jmnmrnry  Sl^  19it,  st  tkt  P»$t  Qfi€0  mt 

Uugmh,  V. 

r. 

.  umitr  tU  Att  •fJmlf  /(,  1994 

vol.  XIV 

OCTOBER,  1912 

Nob  10 

THE  HEDGES  CASE. 

The  State  of  Kansas  Against  Coppage,  87  Kas.  752. 


Bt  a.  a.  Obaham,  Topeka,  Kan 8. 


Statement. 

Kansas  has  a  criminal  statute  im- 
posing a  fine  or  imprisonment  on  "any 
individual  or  memi>er  of  any  firm,  or 
any  agent,  ofllcer  or  employe  of  any 
company  or  corporation/'  requiring  as 
a  condition  of  securing  or  remaining 
in  the  employment,  an  agreement  "not 
to  Join  or  become  or  remain  a  mem- 
ber of  any  labor  organization  or  asso- 
ciation." 

Hedges,  a  member  of  the  Switch- 
men's Union  of  North  America,  in  the 
employ  of  the  St.  Louis  ft  San  Fran- 
cisco Railway  Co.,  at  Fort  Scott,  Kan- 
sas, was  requested  by  Coppage,  tho 
superintendent  ot  that  company  "to 
withdraw  from  the  Switchmen's 
Union  while  in  the  service  of  the  Fris- 
co Company." 

Hedges  refused  and,  in  consequence, 
was  discharged.  Prosecution  was  then 
begun  against  Coppage,  resulting  in 
ccnvictfon;  appeal  was  then  taken 
to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Kansas, 
where  the  Judgment  was  affirmed  and 
the  statute  held  constitutional;  and, 
from  this  decision  an  appeal  has  been 
taken  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States,  where  the  case  is  now 
pending  on  the  constitutionality  of  the 
Kansas  statute. 


The  Kansas  decision  is  by  a  divided 
court,  two  of  the  seven  justices  dissent- 
ing, and  seems  to  be  much  in  conflict 
with  former  opinions  of  the  same 
court. 

Abouhent. 

The  good  lawyer  gives  correct  ad- 
vice; the  successful  lawyer,  the  ad- 
vice wanted;  but,  as  usual,  in  what 
follows,  I  shall  say  what  I  think. 

Here  is  a  case  easily  expandable  to 
require  a  review  of  all  the  history, 
the  philosophy,  the  learning  and  the 
law,  not  only  of  the  employer  and  the 
employe,  but  of  almost  all  personal 
relations,  involving  the  full  scope  of 
civil  and  criminal  responsibility  and 
individual  and  collective  rights  and 
liberties. 

Some  such  questions  were  started  in 
ancient  times  and  have  come  down  to 
our  own,  with  yet  no  determination 
in  sight.  The  genius  of  the  present 
will  not,  however,  permit  the  continu- 
ance of  the  ancient  system  and  we 
must  now  decide  current  questions, 
right  or  wrong. 

To  begin  with,  let  us  take  the 
broadest  case,  at  least  the  one  not 
thought  to  be  beyond  all  external  in- 
fluence and  the  special  prerogative  of 
every  one  to  settle  with  himself  and 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A, 


his  own  conscience,  religion;  but  one 
of  my  employes  is  a  snak&rwor&hiper, 
carrying  in  his  bosom  a  most  deadly 
cobra  to  which  he  pipes  sweet  music 
three  times  a  day.  Am  I  not  justified 
in  discharging  this  man  before  his  as- 
sociates become  poisoned  by  the  exer- 
cise of  his  religion? 

Another  of  my  employes,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  Isis,  goes  dafly  to  my  pasture 
and  worships  a  cow.  Is  not  this  so 
profoundly  disgusting  and  so  com- 
pletely demopalizing  to  my  other  em- 
ployes that  I  may  discharge  him  also? 

A  third  employe  does  his  devotion 
in  a  manner  which  popular  sentiment 
among  us  will  not  permit  to  be  men- 
tioned; but,  if  1  would  pl«ase  a 
Chinese  mandarin,  I  must  discharge 
him  also. 

Clearly,  then,  you  see  men  are  not 
immune  from  discharge  on  account  of 
their  religious  views  and  practices, 
except,  of  course,  as  among  the  devo- 
tees of  the  same  faith. 

My  dear  brother,  at  this  point, 
please  turn  your  imagination  loose  and 
you  will  run  through  very  quickly  all 
similar  human  conditions,  thus  accom- 
plishing, in  a  flash,  for  yourself  what 
the  writer  is  prevented,  by  time  and 
space,  from  doing  for  you. 

***** 

Having  now  returned  from  your 
starry  excursion,  do  you  not  see  that 
you  possess  not  even  a  secret  thought 
that  I  may  not  take  into  considera- 
tion in  passing  upon  the  question 
whether  or  not  I  shall  employ  you  at 
all  or  let  you  remain  in  my  employ? 
Tou  claim  and  unhesitatingly  exercise 
the  same  right  yourself  and  you  cer- 
tainly, in  order  to  be  fair,  must  ac- 
cede equal  rights  to  others. 

This  powerful  reasoning,  grounded 
on  ancient  and  fundamental  prin- 
ciples, can  lead  to  but  one  conclusion, 
and  I  might  as  well  anticipate,  with- 
out running  any  risk  of  being  in  con- 
tempt, the  decision  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States  in  the 
Hedges  case:  "The  statute  in  question 
is  clearly  unconstitutional  and  the 
Judgment  is,  therefore,  reversed.  All 
the  justices  concurring.*' 

But  hold,  wait!  This  opinion  is 
groundetl  on  ''ancient  and  fundamen- 
tal principles."  The  ancients  be- 
lieved, as  a  fundamental  principle, 
and  the  science  of  that  day  taught 
that  the  '^arth  rested  on  a  series  of 
animals,  the  last  being  a  tortoise,  to 


use  the  classic  exipression,  S)ut,  to 
modernize  the  idea,  we  wo^ld  say 
mudturtle.  Their  "fundamental  prin- 
ciple," however,  was  wrong.  We  now 
know  that  the  earth  swings  free  in 
space,  subject  only  to  the  law  of 
gravity,  and  that  the  "fundamental 
princit)le"  of  the  mudturtle,  while  a^ 
pealing  to  the  imagination,  has  yet  n^e 
justice  in  fact. 

So,  too,  with  our  Supreme  Court, 
the  fundamental  principles  there  so 
much  in  control  are  easily  traceable 
back  to  primeval  slime  where  a  flat 
earth  is  made  to  rest;  they  have  not 
yet  grrasped  the  law  of  gravitation 
that  makes  our  globe  whirl  in  spacfi, 
describing  many  ceaseles  motions  and 
working  out  a  destiny. 

Fie  to  all  your  theories  and  zounds 
to  all  your  arguments!  Here  is  the 
remedy,  simple  and  complete: 

Efficient  governmental  supervision 
and  control  of  all  public  utilities  con- 
cerns. 

This  is  as  far  as  you  can  go;  you 
must  leave  the  individual  still  the 
master  in  his  own  house. 


Why  Was  This  Suppressed? 

Below  is  printed  one  of  the  most 
significant  and  sensational  speeches 
ever  delivered.  Both  by  reasons  of 
the  speaker  and  the  conditions  under 
which  he  spoke  this  utterance  is  one 
of  those  great  historic  statements  that 
will  be  read  while  language  lives.  It 
is  the  speech  of  Dr.  Sun  Tat  Sen  ih 
resigning  the  position  of  provisional 
President  of  the  Chinese  Republic.  In 
it  he  announces  himself  a  Socialist  in 
his  attitude  toward  the  capitalist  class 
and  recommends  the  taxation  of  all 
land  values  as  proposed  in  the  Com- 
munist Manifesto  of  1847  and  later  by 
the  Single  Taxers. 

Only  confused  rumors  of  the  speech 
have  been  printed  in  the  capitalist 
press  of  the  world.  The  matter  printed 
below  is  a  translation  from  Berlia 
Vorwaerts,  Some  English  Socialist 
papers  have  also  printed  it  and  com- 
mented on  its  suppression  by  the  Bng- 
lish  capitalist  press. 

There  was  one  sudden  result  of  this 
speech.  At  once  the  international 
capitalist  news  agencies  turned  upon 
Dr.  Sun  Yat  Sen.  Until  he  made  this 
statement  he  was  the  idol  of  the  gaiig 
of  international  financial  pirates  who 


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625 


lu)i>ed  to  fatten  on  the  new  govern- 
ment. The  moment  this  appeared  a 
■eries  of  articles  were  syndicated 
throughout  the  world  belittling  the 
work  of  Dr.  Sen,  and  ridiculing  his 
ahilitiee,  and  predicting  his  speedy 
downfall  Then  came  the  rumor  of  his 
assassination,  fathered  all  too  evi- 
dently by  the  wish  for  that  event. 

Then  came  a  dispatch  naively  stat- 
ing that  the  reason  he  was  not  as- 
sassinated was  because  his  hold  upon 
the  people  was  so  great  as  to  maHe 
any  such  action  dangerous.  The  lat- 
est word  received  as  this  is  written 
claims  that  he  is  raising  an  army  of 
ten  million  to  accomplish  a  social 
•revolution.  The  only  thing  certain 
about  any  of  these  ''cablegrams"  is 
that  they  tell  just  what  the  interna- 
tional financiers  want  the  people  (^f 
the  western  world  to  believe. 

In  the  meantime  read  this  speech 
and  Judge  why  it  has  been  so  qarefully 
suppressed: 

"The  republic  of  China  is  now  estab- 
lished. In  resigning  my  position  as 
provisional  president  of  the  republic 
It  does  not  mean  that  I  have  ceased  to 
fight  for  our  cause.  On  the  contraix 
Ir  laying  down  the  duties  of  this  office 
I  have  gained  the  liberty  and  the 
leisure  to  apply  my  strength  to  far 
greater  tasks.  For  two  hundred  and 
seventy  years  China  has  been  beneath 
the  rule  of  the-Manchus.  During  this 
time  repeated  efforts  have  been  made 
to  obtain  independence.  The  Taiplng 
rebellion,  a  half  century  ago,  was  one 
such  an  attempt.  But  that  was  only 
a  race  war. 

'•EJven  if  that  uprising  had  been  suc- 
cessful the  country  would  still  have 
been  suffering  under  an  autocratic 
government. 

"Not  many  years  ago  a  few  of  us 
came  together  in  Japan  and  founded 
a  revolutionary  party.  This  was  based 
upon  three  great  principles: 

"(l)  The  freedom  of  the  Chinese 
race. 

"(2)  The  government  of  the  peo- 
ple by  the  people. 

-(3)  Absolute  control  by  the  peo- 
ple over  the  product  of  the  land  and 
their  labor. 

"The  first  two  principles  have  been 
realized  by  the  overthrow  of  the  Man- 
chu  dynasty.  The  economic  transfor- 
mation remains  for  us  yet  to  accom- 
plish. It  is  today  a  subject  of  uni- 
versal discussion,  but  the  majority  of 


the  Chinese  people  do  not^  as  yet 
understand  its  full  significance.  They 
take  it  for  granted  that  the  object  of 
the  political  regeneration  was  simply 
and  alone  to  create  a  mighty  nation 
that  could  take  its  place  on  an 
equality  with  the  military  states  of 
the  west.  But  that  was  not  the  goal 
of  our  efforts. 

"There  are  today  no  nations  that 
are  richer  than  England  and  America, 
and  none  are  more  highly  cultured 
than  France.  England  is  a  constitu- 
tional monarchy  and  America  and 
France  are  republics.  Nevertheless, 
In  all  these  countries  the  chasm  be- 
tween the  poor  and  the  rich  is  great 
and  the  idea  of  revolution  fiows  in  the 
veins  of  its  citizens.  If  a  social  revo- 
lution is  not  brought  about  in  these 
countries  then  the  majority  of  the 
people  must  remain  excluded  from  the 
well  being  and  joy  of  life.  Today  hap- 
piness is  confined  to  a  few  capitalists. 
The  mass  of  the  workers  suffer  bitter- 
ly and  can  look  forward  to  no  peace. 

"The  revolution  of  a  race,  or  a  polit- 
ical transformation  is  easy  to  accom- 
plish, but  the  transformation  of  a  so- 
ciety is  more  difficult.  Only  a  people 
of  great  ability  is  capable  of  carrying 
out  a  social  revolution. 

"Some  say  to  us,  *Up  to  the  present 
your  revolution  has  been  a  success, 
why  are  you  not  satisfied  now  and 
willing  to  wait?  Why  do  you  seek  to 
accomplish  what  England  and  Amer- 
ica with  all  their  wealth  and  their 
knowledge  have  not  attempted  to 
undertake?*  To  follow  the  advice  that 
these  questions  Imply  would  be  poor 
policy,  for  in  England  and  America 
civilization  and  industry  have  devel- 
oped intertwined,  and  a  social  trans- 
formation would  therefore  be  difficult. 
We,  in  China,  have  not  yet  progressed 
so  far.  A  social  revolution  Is  for  us 
comparatively  easy;  it  is  possible  for 
us  to  forfend  the  capitalist  stage. 

"In  capitalistic  countries  the  exist- 
ing interests  are  powerfully  defended 
and  it  is  difficult  to  attain  to  any 
other  foundation.  In  China  there  is 
not  up  to  the  present  either  vested  in- 
terests or  capitalists,  and  for  these 
reasons  a  social  revolution  Is  com- 
paratively easy. 

"I  am  often  asked  if  such  a  trans- 
formation must  necessarily  be  accom- 
panied with  violence.  For  America 
and  EiUgland  I  answer,  yes;  but  not 
In  China.     The  strike  of  the  British 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION  OP   N.  A. 


coal  miners  proves  my  statement  Tet 
this  was  no  revolution,  but  simply  a 
desire  expressed  by  an  oppressed  peo- 
ple, in  the  direction  of  the  possession 
of  the  natural  sources  of  wealth,  and 
it  appears  as  if  this  desire  can  be 
gratified  only  through  force.  It  may 
easily  be  possible  that  for  us  also  the 
attainment  of  a  social  revolution  will 
be  difficult,  but  we  are  at  least  in  a 
position  to  see  toward  what  the  com- 
plete process  is  tending  and  it  is  not 
necessary  for  us  to  speak  of  those 
methods  of  despair  or  of  the  dangei* 
to  the  state  which  their  realization 
might  bring. 

"If  at  the  beginning  of  the  existence 
of  the  Chinese  republic  we.  neglect  to 
place  ourselves  on  guard  against  the 
capitalism  that  is  already  at  hand  wo 
may  expect  a  new  despotism  ten  times 
more  horrible  than  that  of  the  Man- 
chus  and  streams  of  blood  will  be  ne- 
cessary to  free  us  from  it.  Certainly 
a  mournful  outlook! 

"One  question  especially  presses  it- 
self on  our  attention.  As  soon  as  our 
new  government  is  firmly  established 
it  will  become  necessary  to  deal  with 
the  question  of  real  estate.  That  is  a 
necessary  consequence  of  the  revolu- 
tion. The  interests  of  progress  will 
compel  this.  Up  to  the  present  the 
land  owners  have  paid  a  tax  on  their 
acreage  according  as  these  were  di- 
vided into  one  of  three  classes:  best, 
medium  and  common  land.  In  th;) 
future  the  basis  of  taxation  will  have 
to  be  the  value  of  a  man's  property, 
for  the  quality  of  the  soil  varies  much 
more  than  can  be  described  in  three 
classes.  It  is  very  hard  to  say  in 
what  degree  the  value  of  the  real  es- 
tate in  Nanking  varies  in  relation  lo 
that  within  the  Bund  (the  principal 
European  business  street)  at  Shang- 
hai, and  with  the  application  of  the 
previous  methods  it  would  be  im- 
possible to  secure  Justice  in  taxation. 
The  land  with  high  value  belongs  to 
the  wealthy.  To  place  a  heavier  tax 
on  this  would  be  oppressive.  The  less 
valuable  laud  belongs  to  the  poor  peo- 
ple living  In  thinly  settled  districts. 
These  should  be  taxed  as  little  as  pos- 
sible. An  equal  tax  is  laid  on  the 
land  within  tiie  Bund  and  that  owned 
by  farmers.  But  the  value  of  building 
sites  in  Shanghai  has  increased  ten 
thousand  fold  in  the  last  century. 

"China  is  on  the  verge  of  a  tremend- 
ous Industrial  revolution.     Commerce 


will  extend  in  a  gigantic  manner  and 
in  fifty  years  we  will  have  many  cities 
like  Shanghai.  We  need  only  to  have 
intelligence  to  rightly  interpret  our 
future.  We  have  now  only  to  make 
certain  that  the  increasing  value  of 
the  real  estate  goes  to  the  profit  of 
the  whole  people  who  already  have 
created  it,  instead  of  to  the  privat3 
capitalists  who  through  accident  have 
become  the  possessors  of  the  land." 
The  Coming  Nation, 


WiMl  ConslitiiUs  a  Uvins  Wage. 

A  living  wage  is  not  an  amount 
merely  sufficient  to  keep  an  individual 
alive;  it  is  not  a  sum  based  upon  the 
necessity  of  keeping  the  workman  pro- 
ductive, nor  is  it  an  amount  with 
which  the  individual  may  be  obtained 
according  to  convention,  which  is  a 
variable  condition.  The  living  wage 
is  that  which  enables  the  worker  to 
live  a  decent,  reasonable  life,  for  the 
individual  is  the  one  factor  to  be  con- 
sidered in  the  problem.  The  individual 
should  have  enough  for  food,  shelter, 
for  insurance  and  for  emergencies;  in 
fact,  enough  to  enable  him  to  live  in 
health  and  contentment  and  with  op- 
portunities for  physical,  mental,  moral 
and  spiritual  development  to  a  reason- 
able degree. 

Bvery  human  being  has  an  equal 
right  to  a  livelihood  from  the  boun- 
ties of  the  earth  on  reasonable  terms. 
How  these  bounties  shall  be  distrib- 
uted is  a  problem.  What  a  workman 
shall  receive  cannot  be  measured  by  his 
productive  powers,  for  some  are  en- 
dowed by  nature  with  more  strength 
which  enables  them  to  produce  more. 
Rather  would  a  man  be  paid  for  his 
eftorts.  Most  of  us  would  fare  slimly 
if  God  rewarded  us  for  our  deeds  in- 
stead of  for  our  efforts.  Nor  can  the 
worker's  wage  be  Justly  regulated  by 
supply  and  demitnd.  When  an  em- 
ployer says  he  will  not  pay  a  worker 
more  because  he  does  not  earn  more, 
he  really  means  because  he  got  another 
person  to  work  for  that  sum.  If  one- 
half  the  girls  who  are  getting  $5.00  a 
week  in  stores  should  suddenly  die, 
the  wages  of  the  remainding  half 
would  Immediately  go  up.  The  girls 
wouldn't  really  be  earning  more,  but 
they  would  be  getting  more. 

Tbe  claim  of  the  individual  to  have 
a  living  wage  is  as  Just  a  claim  as  tliat 
person's  right  to  walk  along  the  street 


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JOURNAL  OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION  OF   N.   A, 


697 


nnmolested  and  in  full  enjoyment  of 
personal  freedom,  and  for  one  group 
of  persons  to  deprive  another  class  of 
their  rights  is  just  as  much  a  crime  as 
to  pen  those  persons  in  a  stockade  and 
deprive  them  of  personal  liberty.  It 
takes  many  people  to  keep  the  world's 
affairs  moving.  Some  furnish  capital 
and  some,  furnish  labor,  and  both  are 
equally  valuable  in  the  sight  of  God. 
The  doctrine  of  Christianity  teaches 
that  the  worker  should  have  a  living 
wage,  but  the  trouble  is  that  many 
Christians  do  not  apply  Uie  teachings 
of  Christ  to  their  dealings  with  those 
they  hire. 

Some  students  of  economic  condi- 
tions base  the  living  wage  on  the  so- 
cial welfare,  maintaining  that  to  gtve 
an  individual  less  than  that  wage  is  a 
detriment  to  the  entire  social  struc- 
ture, which  eventually  has  to  pay  in 
its  charities,  its  philanthropies,  and 
prisons  for  the  sickness,  the  underfeed- 
ing and  the  crimes  caused  by  the  un- 
derpayment 

From  statistics  prepared  by  social 
workers  and  students  of  economics  we 
learn  that  three-fourths  of  the  male 
adults  of  this  country  receive  less  than 
$600  a  year,  and  three-fifths  of  the 
women  less  than  $6.25  a  week.  That 
is,  between  ten  and  fifteen  million 
people  in  this  country  are  existing  on 
less  than  a  living  wage.  What  consti- 
tutes a  living  wage  varies  according 
to  the  place  of  living.  In  some  smaller 
cities  $600  is  the  estimate.  Experts 
say  that  in  New  York  City  a  man,  his 
wife  and  three  children  can  get  along 
decently  on  $900.  In  Buffalo,  the 
amount  is  figured  at  about  $760. 

Some  of  the  social  workers  of  the 
Charity  Organization  Society  figured 
$560  as  the  lowest  wage  on  which  a 
family  of  the  size  mentioned  can  live 
here.  This  provided  for  rent  at  $7  a 
month  in  three  rooms.  This  amount 
is  too  low.  It  provided  for  three 
rooms  and  a  sink.  To  preserve  the 
common  decencies  there  ought  to  be 
at  least  three  sleeping  rooms  for  a 
family  where  there  are  children  of 
both  sexes,  and  in  such  limited  space 
that  would  necessitate  using  one  room 
as  kitchen  as  well  as  sleeping  room. 
The  amounts  allowed  for  food'  and 
clothing  were  altogether  too  small,  and 
the  sum  left  absolutely  no  margin  for 
saving  or  providing  in  any  manner  for 
the  future. 

In  Boston  experts  figure  that  the 


least  sum  a  girl  can  live  on  decently  is 
$10  a  week.  The  sum  is  considered 
$8  in  most  cities,  yet  the  vast  majority 
get  less  than  $6.25.  The  vice  commis- 
sion, in  placing  the  responsibility  for 
the  white  slave  traffic,  named  first  the 
lack  of  religious  and  moral  training  of 
girls,  and  secondly  the  economic  con- 
ditions. Thousands  of  girls  live  on  a 
pittance  in  small,  cheerless  rooms  in 
big  cities,  eating  frugally  and  scrimp- 
ing in  every  way  and  yet  remaining 
virtuous.  Thousands  more  learn  that 
by  selling  their  bodies  they  can  earn 
more  and  live  more  comfortably.  Many 
employers  who  would  pay  their  help 
more  are  not  able  to  because  of  the 
stress  of  competition  with  other  em- 
ployers who  have  no  scruples  and 
make  no  profit  by  underpaying  their 
employes.  Many  employers  could  pay 
better  wages  if  they  would. 

The  way  to  better  conditions  is  to  do 
it  by  legislation,  establishing  mini- 
mum wage  boards,  as  has  been  done 
with  success  in  various  parts  of  Aus- 
tralia, and  more  recently  in  industrial 
centers  in  England.  These  boards  un- 
ier  state  control,  would  fix  the  wages 
of  workers  who  would  be  helped  to  or- 
ganize for  their  own  betterment.  At 
present  the  poor  cannot  organize  be- 
cause they  are  too  poor,  and  paradox- 
ically they  are  poor  because  they  are 
not  organized. 

The  movement  for  minimum  wage 
boards  has  started  in  Wisconsin,  Min- 
neapolis, Oregon  and  Massachusetts, 
and  while  no  definite  results  have  yec 
been  attained,  they  are  arousing  public 
attention  to  the  question  of  the  living 
wage.  Legislation  is  the  only  solution 
of  the  problem,  the  only  method  by 
which  revolutionary  and  harmful 
methods  of  treatment  may  be  avoided. 
—Rev,  J.  A,  Ryan,  D.  Z>.,  in  the  Labor 
Journal, 


rtcrnal  VigBaiice. 

A  farmer  had  halted  his  conveyance 
near  a  crowded  market  place.  At  the 
curb  he  had  hitched  the  faithful  steed 
drawing  the  family  surrey.  In  the 
conveyance  were  a  number  of  valuable 
packages,  fruit  of  the  arduous  cultiva- 
tion of  the  soil,  the  object  of  envious 
glances  from  the  eyes  of  those  less  for- 
tunate, whose  possession  they  did 
envy.  But  the  staid  old  husband  of 
the  soil  left  buggy,  valuables  and  all, 
hitched  to  the    post,    secure    in    the 


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knowledge  that  his  return  would  find 
them  unmolested' 

Curled  up  in  the  front  seat  was  a 
dog,  a  harmless  creature  enough,  per- 
haps, from  a  casual  glance;  but  his 
presence  was  the  warrant  that  fur- 
nished the  common  old  agriculturist 
the  knowledge  that  his  belongings  were 
in  safe  hands.  For  those  who  coveted 
the  things  over  which  the  dog  stood 
guard  knew  full  well  that  his  position 
of  protector  of  his  master's  goods 
would  be  fulfilled  with  the  utmost  in- 
tegrtty. 

It  struck  the  writer  that  in  this 
mute  picture  of  watchfulness  was  con- 
tained a  lesson  that  labor  could  well 
heed.  That  ''eternal  vigilance  is  the 
price  of  liberty"  is  as  true  now  as  when 
the  patriotic  Patrick  Henry  first  gave 
it  utterance  in  the  days  of  revolution. 
If  the  things  that  labor  has  secured 
in  its  march  of  progress  are  to  be  re- 
tained, if  there  is  to  be  any  further 
forward  march  on  the  industrial  road, 
then  it  is  to  be  accomplished  by  the 
constant  alertness  of  the  men  who  are 
enrolled  under  the  banner  of  the  labor 
movement. 

There  is  too  much  of  indolence  on 
the  part  of  many  of  the  members  of 
labor  unions — too  little  of  the  vigil- 
ance displayed  by  the  faithful  watch- 
dog of  the  farmer — ^to  presage  the 
greatest  good  for  the  movement.  And 
this  is  not  said  in  a  spirit  of  caiptious 
criticism,  but  with  a  desire  to  awaken 
those  who  have  for  too  long  been  slum- 
bering. 

Too  many  members  of  labor  unions 
seem  impressed  with  the  idea  that  the 
payment  of  the  stated  dues  per  week 
or  month  is  all  that  is  necessary  to 
insure  the  greatest  measure  of  results 
from  the  organization.  They  feel  that 
when  they  have  paid  their  money  they 
have  fulfilled  their  total  obligation, 
and  that  the  work  of  the  organization 
will  run  smoothly  as  a  consequence. 
Either  that  or  they  are  willing  to  leave 
with  others  the  burden  of  conducting 
the  business  of  the  organization  while 
they  occupy  the  enviable  position  of 
critics. 

Which  is  all  wrong.  There  is  no  use 
for  you  to  set  up  the  cry  of  "gang 
rule"  or  that  there  are  a  certain  fa- 
vored few  that  control  the  business  of 
the  organization  while  you  remain  In 
idleness.  For  if  there  is  a  gang  in 
your  organization  It  is  because  the 
work  has   naturally  drifted  to   those 


shoulders  which  have  shown  the 
strength  and  willingness  to  bear  the 
load  while  you  have  shown  neither. 
If  there  is  a  gang  and  you  are  not  a 
member  of  it,  it  is  because  you  are  not 
willing  to  do  your  share  of  the  work. 
If  you  were,  you  would  be  in  it  up  to 
your  neck,  rejoicing  in  the  mite  you 
were  contributing  to  the  general  re- 
cord of  progress. 

All  of  the  progress  that  has  been  at- 
tained by  the  workers  of  the  country 
and  the  world  has  been  secured  by 
ceaseless,  untiring  effort.  It  Is  true 
that  this  effort* has  been  exerted  by  a 
comparatively  small  portion  of  the 
membership  of  the  trade  unions,  but 
these  few  have  occupied  on  the  indus- 
trial field  the  same  position  as  occu- 
pied by  the  dog  of  the  old  farmer — 
ever  watchful,  ever  alert  to  take  ad- 
vantage of  those  things  that  meant  in- 
dustrial progress  or  that  made  secure 
the  concessions-  already  attained. 

Have  you  been  doing  your  share? 
That  is  the  burden  of  this  screed. 
Have  you  been  one  of  those  who  have 
made  possible  the  retention  of  those 
measures  of  progress  that  have  been 
gained  through  valiant  battle  and  bit- 
ter strife  in  the  past,  and  that  require 
the  eternal  vigilance  In  their  reten- 
tion? Are  you  one  of  those  who  are 
standing  with  their  shoulders  to  the 
wheel,  striving  to  give  justice  of  la- 
bor's cause  another  lift  along  the  road? 

Or  are  you  one  of  those  fellows 
whose  only  conception  of  a  trade  union 
is  that  it  is  a  medium  for  the  payment 
of  dues,  by  this  process  to  automatic- 
ally produce,  by  some  sort  of  subtle 
witchcraft,  an  enormous  increase  in 
your  pay  envelope?  If  you  are  one  of 
these  you  had  better  forget  it  For 
while  there  is  no  enterprise  on  earth 
that  will  pay  as  great  a  dividend  for 
the  amount  invested  as  will  the  trade 
union,  it  must  be  accompanied  by  hard 
work  in  its  securing. 

If  you  are  not  contributing  your 
share  it  is  being  made  up  by  some 
fellow  who  is  not  receiving  any  more 
of  the  benefits  than  you  are.  And  not 
only  are  you  shirking  your  share  of 
the  work  and  receiving  something  for 
which  you  have  not  fully  paid,  but  you 
are  retarding  the  work  of  those  whose 
life  and  activity  are  'bound  up  in  the 
movement.  For  the  maximum  progress 
of  the  labor  movement  can  only  comt 
when  all  will  evince  a  willingness  to 
do  their  share,  when,  with  each  striv- 


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ing  to  his  utmost  for  the  securing  of 
justice  to  the  toiler,  there  can  be  no 
other  limit  to  our  progress  save  that 
where  righteousness  prevails. — Breto- 
ery  Workers*  Journal. 


Dynamited. 

'  President  Wood  of  the  American 
Woolen  Co.  was  recently  indicted  for 
planting  dynamite  to  discredit  strikers, 
so  it  was  said.  To  what  extent  they 
expected  to  go  we  have  no  knowledge. 

Did  they  intend  to  blow  up  the 
building  together  with  the  poor  lives 
of  the  strikebreakers  that  they  induced 
to  take  the  places  of  the  strikers?  An- 
other, E.  W.  Pitman,  a  wealthy  mill 
man,  after  being  called  before  the 
grand  Jury,  went  home  and  shot  him- 
self dead. 

It  can  be  safely  said  that  this  is  not 
the  first  time  employers  have  used  dy- 
namite in  strikes  and  then  charged  it 
to  the  strikers  so  as  to  turn  public 
sentiment  against  them.  However,  it 
is  the  first  time  they  have  been  caught 
and  it  is  the  opinion  of  many  that  if 
the  same  effort  was  made  to  trace  the 
dynamiters  in  the  McNamara  cases,  it 
would  lead  to  the  doors  of  strike- 
breaking employers.  What  greater 
crime  could  be  committed  than  to  em- 
ploy poor  souls,  place  them  in  a  build- 
ing, and  then  blow  their  lives  into 
eternity. 


Abolish  Medical  ExaminatiofM  of  Prospec- 
tivei 


By  Db.  p.  a.  Kane. 

In  the  histories  of  railroad  organiza- 
tions under  the  caption  of  "Ties  That 
Bind."  now  running  in  the  Railroad- 
men's Magazine,  In  the  May  issue  is 
the  history  of  the  Maintenance  of 
Ways  and  Means  Organization.  While 
reading  it  over  two  very  interesting 
and  vital  parts  attracted  my  atten- 
tion: 

"Applicants  for  membership  must 
DC  in  good  physical  condition.  A 
medical  examination  is  only  required 
in  doubtful  cases." 

The  above  condition  for  membership 
is  very  important  and  is  one  of  the 
two  interesting  parts  to  which  I  .re- 
ferred; the  other  will  be  taken  up 
further  on.  They  have  three  classes 
of  insurance  like  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
but  not  quite  as  much  in  amount.  Tet 
you  can  see  they  have  no  medical  ex- 


aminer. All  required  for  membership 
is  a  good  physical  condition.  This  evi- 
dently has  proven,  and  I  think  it 
should,  very  satisfactory  to  them. 

These  men  do  not  undergo  any  phys- 
ical test  to  obtain  their  positions;  also 
they  are  liable  to  live  to  a  very  old 
age  and  retain  said  positions.  This 
would  make  them  more  liable  to  die 
of  contagious  or  hereditary  or  sys- 
temic diseases,  all  of  which  conditions 
your  medical  examiner  is  supposed  to 
protect  your  beneficiary  department 
from. 

Switchmen  on  the  other  hand  un-' 
dergo  a  severe  physical  test  by  the 
company's  doctor  before  they  are  per- 
mitted to  go  to  work.  So  a  position  is 
proof  of  a  good  physical  condition. 
Switchmen  are  not  so  liable  to  live  to 
old  age  and  retain  that  position  for 
the  nature  of  the  work  would  compel 
them  to  resign.  These  are  two  very 
good  advantages  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
have  over  the  M.  of  W.  ft  M.  and  still 
I  have  no  doubt  but  the  M.  of  W.  ^ 
M.  have  less  frau^  practiced  upon 
tbem  than  the  switchmen's  organiza- 
tion. 

If  you  would  take  all  the  paid  and 
unpaid  claims  against  the  beneficiary 
department  you  would  find  scarcely 
ly  one  where  the  medical  examination 
on  joining  protected  you  in  the  least. 

In  my  examinations  of  three  years 
in  Chicago  two  got  by  me.  One  was 
that  of  tuberculosis,  of  which  I  have 
no  recollection.  The  other  was  of  a 
growth  in  the  brain — this  application 
should  have  been  debarred.  But  either 
through  ignorance  of  the  importance 
of  the  plainly  evident  symptom  or 
laxity  on  my  part  he  was  admitted  a 
member.  , 

The  first  one's  death  claim  was  not 
paid  and  the  latter  is  still  living,  but 
not  a  member.  You  see  these  twc 
cases  were  money  to  the  beneficiary 
department. 

On  the  other  hand  I  have  in  recollec- 
tion one  case  where  my  examination 
kept  a  man  out  of  your  labor  organiza- 
tion by  his  not  answering  questions 
relating  to  his  family  history.  I  do 
not  blame  him  for  refusing,  but  you 
lost  the  making  of  a  good  member  and 
money  to  your  beneficiary  department. 
This  young  man  is  still  living  and 
never  will  die  of  hereditary  disease. 
By  the  way  he  has  joined  the  B.  of 
R.  T. 

Do  away  with  your  medical  exam- 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEJN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A, 


inatioii  for  membersliip;  it  is  a  detri- 
ment to  your  growth  and  is  no  good 
to  your  beneficiary  department.  You 
all  know  the  hardest  thing  you  have 
to  overcome  in  soliciting  members  to 
join  is  the  examinatibn  of  the  doctor. 
After  you  obtain  prospective  members' 
promises  to  join,  it  is  impossible  in 
quite  a  few  cases,  to  get  them  before 
a  doctor  for  examination. 

Your  organization  is  endeavoring  to 
abolish  the  physical  examination  by  a 
company's  physician  before  obtaining 
employment  Show  the  company  your 
own  sincerity  by  abolishing  the  ex 
amining  physician  in  your  own  order. 
It  would  be  safe  to  say  that  if  you  cut 
cut  this  rigmarole,  this  useless  med- 
ical examination,  your  membership 
would  be  doubled  in  a  short  time. 

In  a  former  communication  I  urged 
you  to  abolish  the  company's  doctor 
and  hospital  in  case  of  injury.  Now  1 
urge  you  to  do  away  with  your  organi- 
zation medical  examiner  as  well.  He 
is  not  a  benefit,  but  an  injury  to  your 
growth. 

The  second  thing  I  want  to  call  to 
your  attention  is: 

"Members  forfeit  their  rights  to 
benefits  when  disability  is  caused  by 
engaging  in  riots,  in  violaUon  of  the 
law,  or  while  engaged  in  military  or 
naval  service  and  when  disability  is 
not  caused  by  accident." 

This  will  show  where  you,  as  a  labor 
organization,  stand  on  riots,  law-break- 
ing and  miliUrism.  I  think  the  join- 
ing of  a  military  or  a  naval  organiza- 
tion should  not  only  debar  him  from 
the  beneficiary  department,  but  of 
membership  in  your  union  as  well 

Disability  caused  by  misabuse  of  the 
body,  or  licentious  habits,  or  con- 
tagious diseases  should  not  be  a  bur- 
den upon  your  treasury. 


The  DiscontciiC  of  Our  Mcmficfv. 

It  is  said  that  when  the  Prenchman 
spoils  his  stomach  he  blames  his  gov- 
ernment. It  is  only  natural  for 
the  cloakmakers,  since  they  have  a 
union,  to  blame  the  union  for  every- 
thing that  goes  wrong  in  their  trade. 
Especially  is  this  the  case  in  the  slack 
season.  A  good  many  of  our  members 
are  under  the  imt>re88ion  that  it  is  the 
business  of  the  union  to  provide  them 
with  work.  A  union  can  only  secure 
for  the  members  better  pay  for  the 
work  the  employer  gives  him.    It  can- 


not, and  it  is  outside  of  the  function 
of  unionism  to  create  work  for  its 
members.  If  the  manufacturers  re^ 
ceive  no  orders  the  work-people  have 
no  work,  and  the  union  can  do  noth- 
ing. We  do  not  know  of  any  labor  or- 
ganization that  even  attempted  to  solve 
tihe  problem  of  the  unemployed.  What 
some  unions  have  done  in  that  direc- 
tion was  to  create  a  fund  to  r^ieve 
their  members  in  time  of  idleness. 
Such  a  fund  not  only  relieves  the  mem- 
<bers  from  distress,  but  it  also  has  the 
indirect  effect  of  maintaining  prices. 
The  hungry  man  is  generally  desper- 
ate and  he  is  then  willing  to  become 
the  tool  of  the  unscrupulous  employers 
and  work  below  the  scale  and  below 
union  standards.  The  German  unions 
have  been  largely  successful  in  this  di- 
rection. All  their  labor  unions  have 
out-of-work  benefits.  There  is  no  rea- 
son why  our  local  unions  should  not 
try  by  means  of  raising  the  dues  a  few 
cents  per  week,  to  create  such  a  fund. 
We  know  that  this  plan  is  full  of  com- 
plications and  difllculties,  but  if  other 
unions  have  been  successful  in  that  di- 
rection, there  is  no  reason  why  we 
should  not  try  it — Lcuiy  Ckirment 
Workers, 


The  UnkMi  Man's  Duly. 

Little  do  union  men,  engrossed  as 
tiiey  are  with  their  daily  toil  and  the 
necessities  of  life,  little  do  they  trouble 
themselves  about  the  interests,  the 
welfare,  and  the  progress  of  organ- 
ized labor.  They  are  content  to  fol- 
low the  same  routine  day  after  day, 
giving  no  time,  no  attention,  to  the 
momentous  labor  questions,  or  to  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  their  respec- 
tive unions.  They  leave  to  the  few  the 
government  of  the  union  and  the  man- 
agement of  its  affairs.  The  same  state 
of  things  exists  in  every  organization. 
A  handful  only  take  an  active  interest. 
The  rest  are  generally  indliferent. 
With  unionism,  however,  such  cannot 
be.  Its  interests  are  too  large,  its 
issues  are  too  important,  its  battles  are 
too  hard  to  be  handled  by  a  small 
numt)er.  It  needs  the  co-operation  and 
help  of  every  member.  It  must  have 
their  earnest  and  continual  aid. 

There  ire  many  ways  by  which 
union  men  are  able  to  promote  their 
cause.  Studying  the  laws  of  their  own 
local  union,  and  doing  their  best  to  ob- 
serve them,  is  one  way.    Another  way 


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Ib  to  gently  and  humbly  instill  into 
the  minds  of  indifferent  and  tepid 
workingmen  their  obligations  to  union- 
ism. Every  union  man  should  vote, 
and  that  is  the  third  way  of  promoting 
the  cause  of  organized  labor.  He  owes 
it  not  only  to  himself  and  to  his  coun- 
tr>',  but  also  to  his  fellow  workman 
and  to  his  union.  The  efficiency,  and 
the  power,  and  the  success  of  the 
unions  spend  in  a  large  measure  on 
the  attitude  of  the  public  officials  to- 
wards them.  If  our  city  servants  are 
hostile  to  organized  later,  there  is  one 
impediment,  one  barrier,  to  its  prog- 
ress. It  is  the  duty  of  every  union 
man  to  watch,  and  to  anticipate,  and 
to  intercept  any  such  impediment  or 
barrier,  and  only  by  voting  can  this  be 
done.  A  candidate  who  in  former 
years  may  have  espoused  the  cause  of 
the  working  classes  sometimes  fails  to 
receive  their  support,  simply  because 
their  support  is  withheld.     Now   and 


then  it  happens  that  a  person  who 
should  be  defeated  (by  the  laboring 
vote,  being  antagonistic  to  unionism, 
is  easily  elected  to  office. 

It  is  requisite  for  every  union  man 
to  vote  scrupulously,  and  this  necessi- 
tates some  investigation,  some  observa- 
tion, and  some  reflection.  He  must 
ascertain  for  himself  the  character  of 
the  candidate,  he  must  get  the  measure 
of  his  ability,  and  scrutinize  his  past 
record.  Honesty  and  sincerity,  earn- 
estness and  Intrepidity,  prudence  and 
action  are  indispensable  qualities  for 
a  candidate  who  solicits  the  working- 
man's  vote.  He  must,  of  course,  be  fa- 
vorably disposed  towards  unionism.  If 
a  person  has  these  characteristics,  his 
past  record  is  certainly  an  elucidation 
of  them.  To  his  past  record,  therefore, 
all  union  men  should  go,  and  therein 
they  will  discover  and  view  his  true 
worth. — Charles  P.  Hardeman,  in  La- 
bor Clarion. 


FROM  A.  r.  Of  L  WEEKLY  NEWS  LETTER 


CoNVENiioN  Call. 
Washington,  D.  C. — The  call  for  the 
thirty-second  annual  convention  of  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor,  to  be 
held  at  Rochester,  N.  T.,  beginning  on 
Monday,  Nov.  11,  1912,  has  just  been 
issued  at  headquarters.  The  meeting 
will  be  held  in  Convention  Hall.  A 
list  of  hotels  and  the  per  diem  charge 
at  each  is  given.  Headquarters  of  the 
Federation  will  be  at  the  Seneca  Hotel. 
Reservations  at  any  of  the  hotels  can 
be  secured  by  addressing  the  secretary 
of  the  convention  committee,  Peter 
Bohrer,  179  WiUiams  street,  Rochester, 
N.  Y. 


Stbike  Averted. 
New  Yobk. — What  portended  to  be 
the  biggest  strike  in  the  building  in- 
dustry that  this  city  has  ever  encoun- 
tered was  recently  averted  by  an  agree- 
ment to  refer  to  arbitration  the  de- 
mands of  the  Sand  and  Excavation 
Teamsters  against  the  Contractors' 
Protective  Association.  As  a  matter 
of  fact,  the  strike  was  already  in  prog- 
ress, and  work  on  the  new  subway  and 
many  buildings  throughout  the  city 
had  been  stopped,  placing  in  idleness 
between  30,000  and  40,000  building  me^ 
chanics.     The  strike  was  for  the  re- 


newal of  an  agreement  which  expired 
last  November,  including  a  alight  in- 
crease in  wages  and  changes  in  work- 
ing conditions. 


Electricians  Return. 
Hamilton,  Canada. — The  local  union 
of  the  Brotherhood  of  Electrical  Work- 
ers, which  has  been  affiliated  with  the 
Reid  or  seceding  faction  since  the  split 
in  the  international  union  some  years 
ago,  recently  took  action  to  leave  the 
seceding  organization  and  to  affiliate 
itself  with  the  organization  recognized 
by  the  American  Federation  of  Labor. 
The  Decision  of  the  local  union  to 
make  the  change  of  affiliation  was  ar- 
rived at  by  a  unanimous  vote. 

CiGARMAKERS'    UNION. 

Chicago. — ^President  George  W.  Per- 
kins states  that  Local  Union  No.  302 
of  that  organization  at  Tecumseh, 
Mich.,  has  secured  an  increase  in  the 
bill  of  prices  of  50c  on  all  jobs.  The 
securing  of  the  increctsed  wage  was  at- 
tended with  no  friction. 

Hunting  for  Men. 
Sacramento,    Cal. — It    is    reported 
here,  from  sources  deemed  authorita- 


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live,  that  the  Southern  Pacific  Rail- 
road is  having  much  difficulty  in  se- 
curing competent  shop  help  to  ke^ 
their  locomotives  in  running  order. 
Many  of  the  strike-hreakers  are  leav- 
ing for  the  east  and  many  are  coming 
out  and  making  common  cause  with 
the  strikers.  The  motive  power  on  the 
Southern  Pacific  is  in  such  bad  shape 
that  trains  are  universally  late. 


EiLECTBICAL    WOBKEBS. 

Springfield,  111. — The  secretary  of 
the  International  Brotherhood  of  Elec- 
trical Workers  states  that  the  local 
union  of  electrical  workers  of  Perth 
Amboy,  N.  J.,  has  been  successful  in 
negotiating  a  new  agreemnt,  carrying 
with  it  an  increase  in  wages  and  bet- 
ter working  conditions.  New  locals 
have  also  been  chartered  at  Roanoke, 
Va.,  Huntington,  W.  Va.,  Syracuse, 
N.  T.,  San  Jose,  Cal.,  Ottawa  and  Ham- 
ilton, Canada,  and  Richmond,  Ind.  Or- 
ganizing work  in  this  organization  is 
being  carried  on  successfully  in  all 
parts  of  the  country,  and  increases  in 
wages  and  better  working  conditions 
are  being  gained  over  a  large  scope  of 
territory. 


Irish  Laborers'  Cottages. 
Cork,  Ireland. — ^A  parliamentary  pa- 
per shows  that  on  March  31,  1912,  the 
government  had  built  in  Ireland  39,241 
laborers'  cottages,  and  that  3,439  were 
under  construction.  Loans  amounting 
to  138,465,877  have  been  sanctioned  for 
these  cottages,  of  which  $34,441,670 
has  been  received.  The  total  amount 
of  laborers*  rent  for  the  year  was  |653,- 
904.  In  Munster  province  16,122  cot- 
tages have  been  built  and  1,638  are 
under  construction.  These  cottages 
erected  by  the  government  are  located 
chiefly  in  country  districts,  with  one- 
half  acre  of  land,  rent  to  laborers  at 
24  to  36  cents  per  week,  which  is  less 
than  Uie  amount  charged  for  interest 
on  the  loans,  the  difference  being  borne 
by  the  taxpayers. 


Six  Hundred  on  Strike. 
Superior,  Wis. — ^The  Great  Northern 
docks  in  Allouez  Bay,  where  the  60O 
dockmen  struck  for  an  advance  in 
wages,  leaves  business  at  a  complete 
standstill,  and  forty  ore-train  crews 
are  also  out  of  employment. 


Hotel  Emplotes  Strike. 
Boston,  Mass. — ^Numerous  hotels  tn 
this  city  are  affected  by  a  strike  of 
cooks  and  waiters,  which  took  place 
recently.  The  demands  made  in  Bos- 
ton are  practically  the  same  as  those 
made  elsewhere,  and  are  based  upon  a 
request  of  |5  increase  to  waiters  aiid 
shorter  hours  for  all  employes.  The 
threatened  strikes  at  several  hoteli 
have  been  prevented  by  the  proprietops 
acceding  to  the  demands. 


Butcher  Shops  Closed. 
New  York.— About  3,000  Kosher 
butcher  shops  were  closed  in  this  city 
recently  as  a  result  of  a  genera]  strike 
of  the  union  butchers.  The  strikers  de- 
manded a  20  per  cent,  increase  in 
wages  and  a  twelve-hour  day. 


New  Law  Effective. 
Detroit,  Mich. — ^The  Michigan  new 
workmen's  compensation  law,  enacted 
at  the  special  session  of  the  legislature, 
went  into  effect  on  the  first  of  the 
present  montii.  The  new  law  abolishes 
the  defense  of  contributory  negligence; 
the  defense  that  the  injury  was  caused 
by  a  fellow  servant;  tlie  defense  that 
the  injured  employe  assumed  the  risk 
of  his  employment.  The  maximum 
amount  of  compensation  for  total  and 
permanent  disability  is  fixed  at  |4,000. 


Metal  Workers  Win. 
Houston,  Tex. — ^Amalgamated  sheet 
metal  workers  of  this  city  recently 
went  on  strike  for  an  increase  In 
wages.  After  being  out  one  day,  a 
compromise  agreement  was  reached 
whereby  the  metal  workers  received  a 
12%  per  cent.  Increase.  The  victory  Is 
a  splendid  one  for  the  union  and  all 
the  men  have  returned  to  work,  and  a 
good  feeling  exists  betwen  the  journey- 
men and  the  employers. 


Teamsters  Get  Increase. 
Newark,  N.  J. — ^Recently  the  teana- 
sters  in  this  city  became  involved  in 
a  reinstatement  and  wage  controversy 
with  one  of  the  large  teaming  contrac- 
tors. Unable  to  reach  a  satisfactory 
settlement.  Secretary  Hilfers,  of  the 
central  body,  took  the  matter  up  and 
was  successful  in  securing  wasre  in- 
creases of  11.60  per  week  for  all  mem 


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employed.  The  same  is  to  go  into 
effect  at  once,  together  with  an  addi- 
tional wage  increase  of  $1.50  per  week 
to  be  effective  Jan.  1,  1913. 


Gabment  Wobkebs. 
INDIA17AP0LIS,  Ind. — The  United  Gar- 
ment Workers'  national  convention,  re- 
cently held  in  this  city,  besides  trans- 
acting a  large  amount  of  business  dur- 
ing the  session,  made  provision  for 
much  activity  during  the  coming  year. 
The  salaries  of  President  Rickert  cmd 
Secretary  Larger  were  increased  by 
the  convention,  the  increase  being 
retroactive,  dating  back  to  the  last  con- 
vention. Tlie  salary  of  these  officers  is 
now  $3,000  per  year.  The  next  conven- 
tion to  be  held  by  the  garment  work- 
ers will  be  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  1914. 


Maintenance  of  Wat  Men. 
St.  Louis,  Mo. — President  A.  B. 
Lowe,  of  the  Maintenance  of  Way  Em- 
ployes, asserts  that  wherever  repre- 
sentatives of  the  maintenance  of  way 
men  have  met  the  officials  of  railroads, 
seeking  an  increase  in  wages  and  bet- 
terment of  conditions,  the  result  has 
been  the  satisfactory  adjustment  of  all 
questions  involved.  On  the  govern- 
ment railways  in  Canada  a  notice  has 
been  forwarded  to  the  officials  asking 
a  revision  of  the  schedule,  and  it  is 
expected  that  a  substantial  increase 
will  be  secured,  as  Canadian  railway 
business  is  booming  and  with  an  im- 
mense amount  of  railway  construction 
going  on,  the  opportunity  to  secure 
substantial  increases  is  good. 


Want  Labob  Temple. 
FoBT  Wayne,  Ind. — The  local  central 
body  has  just  appointed  a  committee 
of  ten  for  the  purpose  of  investigating 
the  feasibility  of  building  a  labor 
temple.  This  committee  will  secure 
data  relative  to  cost,  location,  etc. 
There  seems  to  be  a  general  feeling 
among  the  members  of  organized  labor 
that  a  temple  should  be  constructed  to 
take  care  of  the  growing  needs  of  the 
movement. 


cil  is  authority  for  the  statement  "that 
twenty-eight  of  the  churches  in  the 
city,  comprising  all  denominations,  ob- 
served the  day,  and  appropriate  labor 
discourses  were  delivered." 


Labob  Sunday  Sebmons. 
San  Fbancisco,  Cal. — The  recogni- 
tion of  Labor  Sunday  in  this  city  was 
general,  and  was  observed  to  a  greater 
extent  than  ever  before  in  the  history 
of  this  city.    The  Central  Labor  Coun- 


Ohio  State  Body. 
Cleveland,  O. — ^All  unions  attached 
to  the  Ohio  State  Federation  of  Labor 
have  received  notification  that  the  an- 
nual convention  will  convene  in  Can- 
ton, Oct.  14th.  It  is  expected  that 
after  the  valiant  and  successful  fight 
made  by  the  Ohio  State  Federation  of 
Labor  to  secure  the  adoption  of  the 
new  constitution  there  will  be  a  large 
delegate  attendance.  Many  matters  of 
importance  will  be  taken  up  and  plans 
formulated  in  an  effort  to  secure  the 
en€u;tment  into  statutory  law  the  new 
provisions  favorable  to  labor  which 
have  been  incorporated  in. the  organic 
law  of  the  State,  and  adopted  at  the 
recent  election. 


Compensation  Payment. 
Madison,  Wis. — The  State  Industrial 
Commission  of  Wisconsin,  acting 
under  the  Wisconsin  industrial  com- 
pensation act,  has  made  an  award  of 
12,400  to  Mrs.  Anna  Nycek,  whose  hus- 
band was  killed  on  the  coal  docks  at 
Ashland.  The  amount  awarded  is  four 
times  the  annual  wage  of  the  deceased. 
The  coal  company  involved  did  not  op- 
pose the  award. 


Important  Dedalon. 

The  United  States  Supreme  Court, 
in  a  recent  decision,  upheld  that  feat- 
ure of  the  employers'  liability  act 
which  prevents  an  employe  from  waiv- 
ing his  rights  in  order  to  obtain  em- 
ployment from  a  railroad  by  signing  a 
contract  for  benefits  in  a  company's 
so-called  "voluntary  relief  association." 
It  cannot  in  the  future  be  held  as  a  de- 
fense for  the  railroad  and  a  prevention 
from  the  recovery  of  damages  in  case 
of  negligence.  A  brakeman  employed 
by  the  Washington  Terminal  Company 
lost  his  arm  in  a  collision.  A  suit  for 
damages  followed.  The  District  of  Co- 
lumbia court  ruled  that  the  section  of 
the  employers'  liability  act  relied  upon 
by  the  company  was  unconstitutional. 
The  case  was  ai^ealed  and  was  re- 
versed. Another  trial  was  had,  which 
resulted  in  the  court  directing  a  ver- 
dict for  the  company,  this  time  upon 


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the  ground  that  It  was  not  a  common 
carrier.  The  Distrtct  Ck)urt  of  Appeals 
ruled  the  company  was  a  common 
carrier.  The  Supreme  Court  now 
finally  settles  both  issues  by  deciding 
in  favor  of  the  crippled  brakeman  and 
allowing  him  |7,500  damages.— Laftor 
Clarion. 


fniployes.  Be  Not  Deceived  or  Alarmed— 

The  RaHroeds  Are  faming  Enougli 

Money  to  Pay  Your  Salaries. 

Bt  a.  a.  Graham,  Topeka,  Kans. 

For  several  years  past,  by  a  sort  of 
combined  solicitation  and  threat,  the 
railroads  have  been  representing  to 
their  employes  that,  unless  they  as- 
sisted the  railroads,  by  voice  and  vote, 
to  secure  an  increase  In  freight  rates, 
the  wages  of  the  employes  would  have 
to  be  reduced,  for  the  reason  that 
otherwise  the  roads  would  not  be  able 
to  earn  eufficlent  money  to  pay  ex- 
penses. This,  as  stated,  has  been  In 
progress  several  years;  but  the  rail- 
roads are  still  earning  expenses  and 
dividends  besides.  This  long  time 
should  be  sufBcient  to  show  the  em- 
ploye the  Invalidity  of  the  claim,  al- 
though the  railroads  have  not  yet 
abandoned  their  position,  and  are  now 
more  than  ever  bringing  these  repre- 
sentations to  the  attention  of  their 
employes,  who,  in  many  Instances, 
have  become  somewhat  alarmed. 

The  •Santa  Pe,  perhaps,  more  than 
any  other  road,  has  created  a  wide- 
spread agitation  among  lits  men  on  this 
subject.  This,  therefore,  is  good 
grounds  for  using  the  financial  status 
of  that  road  as  an  illustration,  ap()Iic- 
able  alike,  however,  to  the  railroads 
of  the  country  in  general.  The  follow- 
ing  statement  will  prove  interesting: 

Common  stock 1165,000,000 

Preferred  stock  114,000,000 

Bonded  indebtedness  331,000,000 

Total  indebtedness 610,000^000 

Indebtedness  per  mile 60,000 

Making  a  most  liberal  allowance, 
this  statement  shows  that  the  Santa 
Pe  is  paying  interest  on  double  the 
value  of  its  property,  as  values  go  to- 
day, and,  on  the  basis  of  first  cost, 
more  than  three  times  the  Investment. 
If  either  of  these  should  be  taken  as 
the  basis  for  Interest-bearinsr  indebt- 
edness, how  very  rich,  indeed,  the 
Santa  Pe  would  appear  to  be!  The 
above  table,   however,  when  properly 


understood,  presents  the  same  showing. 

For  the  quarter  ending  June  30, 
1912,  the  Santa  Pe  declared  a  dividend 
of  1^  per  cent,  on  its  common  stock. 
This  seems  very  small.  Indeed,  and 
hardly  worth  bothering  with,  but  nev- 
ertheless amounts  to  6  per  oent.  a  year, 
which  is  not  bad.  If,  now,  we  take 
into  consideration  that  this  common 
stock  is  more  than  three-fourths  water, 
we  see  that  the  Investment  is  paying 
more  than  24  per  cent,  a  year,  which 
ought  to  be  quite  satisfying  to  the 
most  exacting  taste. 

As  above  stated,  the  Santa  Pe  is  here 
used  as  an  illustration  of  the  general 
condition  of  railroads  and  their  earn- 
ing capacity  throughout  the  country, 
£he  real  basic  condition  from  which  to 
figure  expenditures  and  an  income. 
We  need  not  go  into  the  scheme  of 
physical  valuation  of  railroads  by  the 
government,  and  the  scaling  down  of 
their  interest-bearing  indebtedness  to 
that  anM>unt»  however  just  and  equit- 
able this  might  seem  as  furnishing  the 
true  basis  for  taxation  and  Income; 
but,  if  this  were  done,  and  the  elements 
of  water  and  fiction  eliminated,  about 
one-half  the  present  paper  values  of 
railroads  would  disa^ear,  but,  of 
course,  the  properties  remain  with  the 
same  earning  capacity  with  half  their 
burden  removed. 

We  may  safely  leave  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  new  alignment  to  the  fu- 
ture. We  are  now  concerned  only  re- 
specting the  present  status,  and  this, 
monstrous  as  it  is,  still  allows  the 
railroads  to  pay  most  extravagant  divi- 
dends after  providing  for  all  <^>erating 
expenses,  fixed  charges  and  interest  on 
fictitious  amounts. 

It  follows,  therefore,  that  no  excuse 
whatever  exists  for  reducing  wages  to 
meet  expenses. 


PeiYietiiating  Poverty. 

By  infectious  disease,  Insanitary 
homes,  industrial  crippling  and  in- 
juries to  health,  child  labor  and  physi- 
ologically injurious  work  of  women,  we 
are  creating  year  by  year  a  large  class 
of  subnormal  people,  and  these  help- 
less, subnormal  people  we  are  exploit- 
ing for  the  profits  of  manufacturers, 
mine  owners  and  merchants  instead  of 
protecting  them  for  their  own  safety 
and  for  the  welfare  of  the  race.  The 
means  of  abolishing  all  that  poverty 
which  is  due  to  the  presence  of  handl- 


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capped  and  subnormal  people  is  to 
stop  creating  the  handicaps  and  to  stop 
increasing  the  number  of  subnormal. 
By  emplosring  little  children  for  wages 
when  they  should  be  in  the  fields  and 
woods  laying  the  foundation  for  sound 
health  and  a  normal  life;  by  working 
women  at  night,  near  the  time  of  child- 
birth and  at  the  monthly  period,  or  at 
any  time  under  physically  exhausting 
and  destructive  conditions;  by  our  in- 
adequate housing  laws  and  regulations; 
by  our  failure  to  control  infectious 
disease  and  to  prevent  industrial  in- 
juries, we  are  perpetuating  poverty. — 
Edward  T.  Devine,  in  Survey, 


''CMdrcn  Who  Labor.*^ 

In  the  film  of  the  title  that  heads 
this  story  which  Edison  has  Just  pro- 
duced in  co-operation  with  the  na- 
tional child  labor  committee  a  power- 
ful plea  for  the  child  workers  is  made 
in  the  guise  of  an  intensely  dramatic 
story.  The  story  in  tabloid  form  fol- 
lows: 

The  signs  outside  John  Hanscomb's 
mills  told  the  story  of  his  avarice.  "No 
men  wanted,"  they  read,  "only  chil- 
dren need  apply."  The  toil  of  thin 
faced,  sad-eyed  boys  and  girls  was  mak- 
ing millions  for  him. 

To  the  pleas  of  his  wife  and  his 
friends  who  saw  the  inhumanity  of  it 
all  Hanscomb  turned  a  deaf  ear.  When 
a  bill  forbidding  the  employment  of 
child  labor  was  introduced  in  the  leg- 
islature he  lent  all  his  wealth  and 
power  to  defeat  it. 

While  the  fight  against  this  bill  was 
at  its  height  fate  dealt  Hanscomb  the 
first  cruel  blow  he  had  ever  known. 
His  little  daughter  Mabel,  an  only 
child  and  the  idol  of  his  heart,  was 
lost. 

A  small  fortune  was  spent  in  a 
search  for  her,  but  no  trace  of  the 
child  could  be  found.  At  last  the 
heartbroken  parents  were  forced  to 
give  her  up  as  dead. 

But  Mabel  was  not  dead.  After  she 
strayed  from  her  mother's  side  a 
strange  combination  of  circumstances 
threw  her  into  the  hands  of  the  Tav- 
los,  a  family  living  in  Dering  Palls, 
the  town  where  some  of  Mr.  Hans- 
comb's  largest,  most  profitable  mills 
were  located.  Mabel  was  too  young 
to  explain  who  her  parents  were.  The 
Tavlps,  not  long  in  this  country,  were 


too  ignorant  of  American  ways  to  find 
them.  But  they  took  the  little  stranger 
in  and  shared  with  her  their  scanty 
fare  as  if  she  had  been  their  own. 

Neither  Luigi  Tavlo  nor  his  wife 
could  find  work.  At  the  mills  they 
were  told  that  only  children  were 
wanted.  Although  it  nearly  broke 
their  hearts  to  do  it  they  were  finally 
forced  to  sell  their  little  daughter 
Nedda  into  the  bondage  of  the  mills. 

Now,  Nedda's  wages  were  barely 
enough  to  support  the  Tavlos,  and  af- 
ter Mabel  came  things  were*  harder 
than  ever.  There  seemed  nothing  to 
do  but  send  Mabel  to  do  her  share  in 
the  noisy  stifiing  mills  with  Nedda. 
Thus  it  came  about  that  Hanscomb's 
own  daughter  was  added  to  his  child 
labor  victims. 

The  arduous  work,  the  long  hours, 
the  meager  food  quickly  stole  the 
bloom  of  health  from  Mabel's  che^s. 
Each  morning  required  a  gn*eater  efr 
fort  to  drag  her  body  to  the  mills. 
E«ach  night  left  her  more  exhausted. 

One  day  Mabel  fell  in  a  faint.  Such 
an  occurrence  was  frenquent  In  the 
Hanscomb  mills. 

A  fresh  victim  took  Mabel's  place  at 
the  machine,  and  rough  hands  bore 
her  away  on  a  stretcher.  At  this  very 
moment  Mr.  Hanscomb  was  entering 
the  mills — on  his  first  visit  there  since 
Mabel's  disappearance.  He  glanced 
carelessly  at  the  girl  and  passed  on, 
failing  to  recognize  her. 

But  Mrs.  Hanscomb,  waiting  for  her 
husband  in  her  touring  car  outside  the 
mills,  was  touched  by  the  pitiable  con- 
dition of  the  unconscious  girl.  She  told 
her  chauffeur  to  follow  the  stretcher  to 
the  Tavlo  home.  She  recognized  Mabel. 

One  thing  to  the  credit  of  John  Hans- 
comb, millionaire  mill  owner — he  was 
not  slow  to  heed  the  leseon  which  had 
so  tragically  been  brought  home  to  him. 
No  child  is  now  employed  In  Hans- 
comb's  mills. — New  York  Journal. 


Barbarism  of  Convict  Itilbor. 

Why  is  it  that  the  columns  of  the 
daily  press  contain  no  word  of  criti- 
cism as  the  result  of  the  shameful 
stories  that  are  current  in  regard  to 
the  efforts  being  made  all  over  the 
country  to  perpetuate  the  barbarism  of 
convict  labor?  Can  it  be  that  the 
cause  is  that  those  who  are  fighting  for 
that  ^rpetuation  are  men  of  money 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


and,  being  men  of  money,  are  also  men 
of  standing  in  their  respective  com- 
munities? There  does  not  seem  to  be 
any  other  explanation,  sad  to  say.  But 
we  all  have  to  thank  God  that  there  are 
organizations  of  God-fearing,  decent 
men  and  women  all  over  the  land  who 
are  worthily  discharging  that  and 
other  duties  which  a  sensational, 
money-mad  daily  press  is  everywhere 
ignoring. — International  Steam  En- 
gineer, 

Dispensiii^  the  Crumbs  of  Dives. 

Bt  a.  M.  Simmons. 

The  damning  distinction  of  charity 
is  its  hypocrisy.  It  came  into  being 
only  after  poverty  was  no  longer  neces- 
sary. When  nature's  resources  were 
open  to  all  there  could  be  no  giving  of 
alma.  There  might  be  a  sharing  of 
bounty  between  equals  or  a  common 
endurance  of  suffering  when  nature 
was  niggardly.  If  drouth,  or  flood,  or 
tempest  caused  a  famine  the  tribe 
mign,t  fade  away  as  a  whole,  but  all 
suliered  alike. 

Only  when  famines  became  artificial 
did  those  who  created  them  substitute 
charity  for  justice.  When  a  class  arose 
whose  luxury  was  due  to  the  misery 
of  others  it  became  necessary  to  de- 
ceive the  hungry  and  cold  into  a  belief 
that  their  suffering  is  due  to  their  own 
defects. 

Charity  has  increased  just  in  propor- 
tion as  poverty  has  grown  superfluous. 

The  more  labor  produces  and  the 
easier  it  becomes  to  feed  and  clothe 
and  house  the  people  of  the  world,  the 
greater  the  efforts  needed  to  conv^ice 
those  who  produce  this  wealth  that 
they  must  suffer  without  complaint. 
Charity  is  now  maintained  to  back  up 
the  lie  about  the  necessity  of  poverty. 

The  time  will  come  when  the  de- 
fenders of  Christianity  will  repudiate 
as  a  vile  slander  their  now  proud  boast 
of  having  created  and  fostered  system- 
atic charity. 

So  essential  has  this  deception  of  the 
workers  become  to  the  existence  of 
capitalism  that  a  special  trade  has  been 
created  to  carry  on  the  deceit.  **0r- 
ganized  scientific"  charity  was  bom 
with  and  of  capitalism. 

That  paupers  come  exclusively  from 
the  class  of  producers  is  a  contradic- 
tion so  rank  that  a  new  "science*^  had 
to  be  created  to  smooth  it  over.  So 
whole  libraries  of  books  were  written 


to  explain  how  to  take  care  of  the  poor 
without  abolishing  poverty.  Great  na- 
tional conferences  are  held  where 
tmined  experts  in  this  new  science  dis- 
cuss ways  and  means  by  which  to  feed 
people  while  keeping  them  hungry,  to 
clothe  them  and  house  them  without 
abolishing  their  nakedness  and  home- 
lessness,  and  above  all  how  to  keep 
them  contented  and  humble  though 
hungry,  naked  and  outcast. 

A  class  of  idle  parasites  hired  skilled 
flunkies  who  presume  to  divide  the  use- 
ful workers  into  "worthy"  and  "un- 
worthy." Spendthrifts  unable  to  throw 
away  their  unearned  booty  preach 
thrift  by  proxy  to  those  from  whom 
they  have  stolen  the  very  essentials  of 
life. 

Oily-tongued  preachers  of  class  mor- 
ality pour  unctuous  praise  upon  the 
benevolence  of  the  giver  and  the  grati- 
tude of  the  receiver  of  alms.  Praises 
are  sung  to  those  who  humbly  kneel 
and  give  thanks  for  the  crumbs  that 
are  flung  from  Dives'  door. 

There  is  no  more  sinister  portent  for 
the  future  of  the  system  of  robbery 
than  that  the  workers  are  challenging 
the  virtue  of  charity.  When  labor  re- 
fuses to  be  grateful,  charity  will  cease 
to  be  a  virtue,  and  that  time  is  close  at 
hand. 

The  aged  and  the  feeble,  the  very 
old  and  the  very  young,  may  still  kneel 
and  pour  out  praises  to  those  who  fling 
bones  and  crusts.  But  the  strong 
worker  stands  upright  and  curses  the 
hand  that  deals  out  the  bounty  that 
has  been  stolen  from  him,  while  he 
challenges  society  to  answer  why  he  is 
debarred  from  the  chance  to  use  his 
strength  and  skill  to  produce  the 
wealth  that  would  satisfy  his  needs. 

Labor  is  awakening  and  begins  to 
perceive  that  when  the  tables  of  the 
idle  are  piled  high  with  the  loot  prc»- 
duced  by  their  toil  then  humility  and 
gratitude  as  ill  become  the  workers  as 
benevolence  and  arrogance  the  idlers. 
Not  forever  will  labor  stand  outside  the 
banquet  halls  whose  bounty  it  has  pre- 
pared. 


Wc  Suffer  from  Lack  of  Pmh  Air. 

"Probably  not  more  than  one  person 
in  every  hundred,  taking  the  country 
as  a  whole,  gets  enough  fresh  air  to 
ward  off  the  ordinary  attacks  of  dan- 
gerous infectious  and  contagious  dis- 
says  Dr.  Livingston  Far  rand. 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


687 


eKecutive  secretary  of  the  National 
ABsociation  for  the  >Study  and  Preven- 
tion of  Tuberculosis,  in  a  statement 
issued  today  from  the  association's 
headquarters  in  New  York. 

-People/*  continues  Dr.  Farrand, 
"Call  to  get  enough  fresh  air  either  be- 
cause their  lungs,  or  other  respiratory 
organs  are  affected,  or,  more  generally, 
simply  because  they  do  not  open  the 
windows  and  doors.  For  the  former 
dase  a  physician  is  needed,  but  for  the 
latter,  plain  directions  on  how  to  live, 
work,  play  and  sleep  in  the  open  air 
will  do  more  than  hospitals  and  drugs. 

To  meet  the  need  of  this  latter 
group, — not  especially  those  who  are 
sick  but  those  who  are  seemingly  well, 
— ^the  National  Association  has  pre- 
pared a  handbook  on  "Fresh  Air  and 
How  to  Use  It,"  written  by  our  expert 
Dr.  Thomas  Spees  Oarrington.  This 
book  is  designed  to  prevent  tubercu- 
losis by  showing  those  people  who  have 
no  trace  of  the  disease  how  to  ward  off 
the  attack  of  consumption  by  living 
and  sleeping  in  the  open  air.  Failure 
to  get  enough  fresh  air  by  working 
and  sleeping  in  poorly  ventilated,  over- 
crowded rooms  is  one  of  the  most  pro- 
lific causes  of  tuberculosis  and  also  of 
a  host  of  other  infectious  diseases. 
This  free  gift  of  nature  is  probably  the 
world's  best  medicine  not  only  in  the 
treatment,  but  also  in  the  prevention 
of  disease. 

Our  new  handbook  on  this  subject 
tells  how  anyone  can  obtain  fresh  air 
in  the  home,  the  shop,  or  the  school- 
room at  a  cost  ranging  anywhere  from 
$1.00  to  11,000  or  more,  according  to 
the  elaborateness  of  the  equipment  de- 
sired. 

While  we  cannot  afford  to  distribute 
the  book  itself  free  of  charge,  we  will 
send  to  anyone  an  illustrated  synopsis 
©r  summary  of  it.  entitled  "Directions 
for  Living  and  Sleeping  in  the  Onen 
Air,"  on  request  at  our  ofllce,  105  East 
Twentywaecond  street.  New  York  City. 
— Press  Service  of  National  Association 
for  Study  and  Prevention  of  Tubercu- 
losis. 


SocWIy  Desirable. 

We  have  been  taught  by  political 
economists  tjiat  the  idle  Hch  are  so- 
cially desirable,  because  they  make 
work  for  and  give  employment  to 
others.  If  they  went  to  work,  or  cur- 
tailed their  needs,  they  would  be  sel- 


fish in  thus  depriving  others  of  the 
blessed  privileges  of  toil.  By  the 
same  sign  the  idle  poor  are  also  so- 
cially desirable,  and,  therefore,  we 
need  have  nothing  but  complacence 
over  the  so-called  tramp  problem. 

Tramps  give  employment  to  police- 
men, detectives,  judges,  court  attaches, 
prison  guards,  settlement  workers, 
charity  experts,  reformers  and  many 
others. 

Let  us  be  careful  how  we  denounce 
them,  lest  we  upset  the  whole  fabric 
of  criminology. — Life, 


Local  Parasitism. 


A  union  is  entitled  to  the  support  of 
its  sister  locals  when  it  calls  out  on 
strike  one  organized  mass,  as  for  in- 
stance the  furriers'  strike  now  on,  the 
Lawrence  strikers,  who  have  had  no 
opportunity  to  accumulate  a  defense 
fund,  or  when  a  union  has  met  stub- 
born opposition  on  the  part  of  the  em- 
ployers, are  engaged  in  a  protracted 
strike,  and  have  used  up  their  funds. 

A  union,  however,  which  has  been 
for  a  considerable  time  in  existence 
and  made  no  provisions  for  a  strike  or 
defense  fund,  and  which,  on  the  very 
first  week  of  the  strike,  appeals  to 
other  organization^  outside  for  sup- 
port, is  not  entitled  to  it.  It  is  the 
people  themselves  who  want  improve- 
ments, and  they  should  pay  for  them. 
You  cannot  get  something  for  nothing 
in  this  world,  and  there  is  no  excuse 
for  members  of  a  union  who  are  con- 
tent to  live  a  hand-to-mouth  existence, 
collecting  dues  just  enough  to  cover 
the  working  expenses  of  the  organiza- 
tion, and  on  the  first  day  they  strike 
immediately  appeal  to  the  interna- 
tional for  support.  W^  have  lately 
had  quite  a  number  of  locals  who,  as 
soon  as  they  decided  to  call  a  strike, 
appealed  to  the  general  oflice  to  pro- 
vide them  with  the  necessary  strike 
pay  and  strike  expenses.  If  these  peo- 
ple find  that  they  need  improvements 
in  their  conditions,  they  themselves 
must  in  the  first  instance  pay  for  them 
and  not  expect  others  to  do  it  for  them. 
Members  expect  from  their  unions  a 
good  deal — sometimes  more  than  a 
union  can  give  them — yet  these  mem- 
bers, when  called  upon  to  give  to  the 
organization,  try  to  give  as  little  as 
possible. 

Our  local  unions  pay  the  lowest  dues 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEJN'S   UNION   OF   N. 


of  any  labor  organization  of  this  coun- 
try, yet  they  are  not  backward  in  com- 
ing forward  with  radical  demands  on 
their  employers.  Especially  is  this  the 
case  with  the  smaller  locals,  who  con- 
duct their  business  in  a  happy-go-lucky 
way,  make  no  attempt  to  accumulate  a 
defense  fund,  and  believe  that  the  in- 
ternational will  provide  all  the  funds 
needed.  Until  the  international  union 
changes  its  constitution  and  the  mem- 
bers pay  a  per  capita  high  enoue^  to 
entitle  each  member  to  regular  strike 
pay,  each  local  must  see  to  it  to  have 
a  defense  fund  of  their  own,  and  if 
they  neglect  it  they  must  not  expect 
help  from  other  organizations.  As 
soon  as  our  locals  realize  this  the  better 
it  will  be  for  them. — The  Lady  Gar- 
ment Worker. 


In  Line  of  Progrcas— Cdtfomfa  Supreme 

Couft  Uphofcfe  Women's  Gflil 

Hour  Law. 

In  1911  two  American  States  enacted 
eight-'hour  laws  for  women.  In  April 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Washington 
handed  down  its  decision  upholding  the 
Washington  eight-hour  law.  Now  the 
California  law  has  been  sustained  by 
the  California  Supreme  Court. 

The  California  law  provides  that  no 
female  shall  be  employed  in  any  manu- 
facturing, mechanical  or  mercantile 
establishment,  laundry,  hotel,  restaur- 
ant, telegraph  or  telephone  establish- 
ment or  office  or  by  any  express  or 
transportation  company  for  more  than 
eight  hours  in  one  day  or  more  than 
forty-eight  hours  in  one  week.  Em- 
ployers shall  provide  seats  for  their 
female  employes  and  shall  permit  them 
to  use  them  when  not  engaged  in  active 
duties. 

The  law  came  before  the  court  on  the 
appeal  of  Frank  A.  Miller,  proprietor 
of  the  Glenwood  Hotel  at  Riverside, 
for  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus  to  release 
him  from  custody  on  the  charge  of 
having  violated  the  law  by  requiring  a 
female  employe  in  his  hotel  to  work 
nine  hours  in  one  day.  The  appeal 
was  made  on  the  ground  that  the  law 
impairs  the  freedom  of  contract  and 
that  it  is  special  in  nature. 

The  court  held  that  the  constitu- 
tional guarantee  of  freedom  of  contract 
was  subject  to  restrictions  under  the 
police  power  of  the  State.  The  appli- 
cation of  the  law  exclusively  to  women 
was  justified  on  the  ground  of  physical 


diiferences  and  that  the  public  health 
must  be  presumed  to  be  enhanced  by 
protecting  them.  Allegations  of  the 
special  nature,  non-uniform  operati<m 
and  arbitrary  discrimination  of  the  act 
were  met  by  showing  that  work  in 
hotels  is  different  from  that  in  board- 
ing and  lodging  houses  and  that  it  is  of 
a  more  exacting  nature. 

The  decision  marks  another  step  for- 
ward in  the  progress  of  labor  l^lsla- 
tion  in  California  and  seems  to  open 
the  way  for  other  commonwealths  to 
get  into  line. — Survey, 


An  Argument  Agolmt  Women  Jufors. 

He  was  a  courtly  and  learned  gentle- 
man, and  much  opposed  to  women 
serving  on  Juries.  He  contended  that 
it  was  impossible  in  the  very  nature 
of  the  case. 

He  evidently  deplored  her  lack  of 
perception,  but  proceeded  patiently  to 
explain  that  juries  had  to  be  shut  up 
together  for  hours,  frequently  over 
night.  Surely  any  lady — even  a  suf- 
fragist, he  seemed  to  imply — could  see 
the  impossibility  of  twelve  women  and 
men  spending  the  night  together — in 
one  room. 

"But,"  said  the  obtuse  lady,  "I've 
seen  it  done  again  and  again,  twelve 
men  and  women — often  more — shut  up 
for  days  and  nights  together — ^un- 
dressing and  going  to  bed  at  night  in 
the  same  room.  I've  been  one  of  such 
groups  myself!" 

"Where?"  demanded  the  courtly 
gentleman,  incredulously. 

"In  a  sleeping  car,"  replied  the  ob- 
tuse \sidy.— Chicago  Daily  Socialiat. 


I  saw  a  funeral  procession;  I  saw 
it  from  a  mountain  peak;  I  saw  it 
crawling  along  and  c^rving  here  and 
there,  serpent-like,  through  a  level  vast 
plain.  I  seemed  to  see  a  hundred 
miles  of  the  procession,  bu^  neither 
the  beginning  of  it  nor  the  end  of  it 
was  within  the  limits  of  my  vision. 
The  procession  was  in  ten  divisions, 
each  division  marked  by  a  sombre 
flag,  and  the  whole  represented  ten 
years  of  our  railway  activities  in  the 
accident  line;  each  division  was  com- 
Dosed  of  80,000  cripples,  and  was  bear- 
ing its  own  year's  10,000  mutilated 
corpses  to  the  grave;  in  the  aggregate 
800,000  cripples  and  100,000  dead, 
drenched  In  blood. — Mark  Twain. 


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The  Journal  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 

OF  NORTH  AMERICA 

Devoted  to  the  intereet  of  those  ewitching  ear$  in  particular,  and  to  the  advancement 
of  all  useful  toilers  in  general. 

PobUabed  monthly  by  the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America  at  No.  326  Brisbane  Building, 

Buflfclo,  N.  Y. 

aUBaCRIPTION  PBICB,       '  -  -        ONE  DOLLAR  PER   YEAR  IN  ADVANCE 


All  matter  Intended  for  publication  auould  be  In  not  later  than  15th  of  month  to  Insure  appearance 
In  ibllowlni^  month's  issue.  No  article  will  be  published  unless  name  of  author  accompanies  same 

Unless  ehanges  of  address  are  reoelYed  by  16th  of  month  subscribers  must  look  out  for  following 

month's  issue  at  old  address. 


LET  THE  COMPARISONS  tiO  ON. 

BUFFALO,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  10,  1912. 

To  aii  Lodges  and  Mmmhert  of  thm  5.  U.  of  N.  A.: 

Deab  SiBS  AND  Bbothebs: — 

Replying  to  Special  Circular  No.  7,  S.  U.  and  B.  of  R.  T.  comparisons, 
issued  by  W.  G.  Lee,  President  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Railway  Trainmen. 

In  comparing  eight  small  Rock  Island  yards,  I  find,  at  Leavenworth, 
Kans.,  that  Mr.  Lee  misquotes  the  Rock  Island  schedule,  quoting  a  wage  of 
three  cents  an  hour  less  than  the  scale  in  force.  As  the  Switchmen  have 
heen  misrepresented  by  the  Brotherhood  of  Railroad  Trainmen,  we  cannot 
expect  accurate  quotations. 

In  making  comparisons  between  the  Rock  Island  and  some  of  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  roads,  we  find  the  following  rates  of  pay  existing  at 

Rock  Island,  III.— 

8.  U.  BOHBDULE  B.  OF  K.  T.  SCHEDULE 

Night       Day  Night       Day  Night       Day 

Foremen    40         .38  .39         .37  .39         .37 

Helper    37         .35  .36         .34  .36         .34 

At  La  Salle,  III,  the  Rock  Island  pays  Chicago  standard  pay,  under  an 
S.  U.  agreement,  while  the  Illinois  Central  and  C,  B.  ft  Q.  are  second  class 
yards,  paying  one  cent  an  hour  less  than  the  Rock  Island. 

At  Peoria,  the  Rock  Island  pays  Chicago  standard  pay,  under  a  Switch- 
men's schedule,  and  the  "Q.,"  under  a  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule  pays  one  cent  an 
hour  less. 

At  Cedar  Rapids,  la.,  the  Rock  Island  has  been  paying  Chicago  standard, 
under  an  S.  U.  agreement,  for  years,  while  all  the  B.  of  R.  T.  yards  in  that 
city  are  second  class,  viz.,  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern,  the  Chicago,  Milwau- 
kee ft  St.  Paul,  and  the  Illinois  Central,  all  paying  one  cent  an  hour  less. 

In  1903,  the  Switchmen's  schedule  on  the  Rock  Island  had  only  four 
classes  of  pay,  and  in  that  year  it  was  reduced  to  three  classes,  but  the  Rock 
Island  ahsorbed  the  B.,  C.  R.  ft  N.  and  the  C.  O.  G.,  both  B.  of  R.  T.  roads 


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640  JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.   A. 

that  had  established  many  classes  of  pay  in  the  different  yards  on  those  lines. 
Since  1906  the  Switchmen's  Union  reclassified  a  number  of  those  yards  and 
increased  their  pay  from  nine  to  eleven  cents  an  hour,  and  that  against  pro- 
tests from  the  B.  of  R.  T.  committees  and  in  the  face  of  numerous  messages 
signed  by  the  entire  yard  force  of  a  number  of  those  smaller  yards,  declaring 
they  were  satisfied  with  their  condition  and  did  not  want  any  legislating  done 
in  their  behalf. 

The  S.  U.  schedule  on  the  Michigan  Central,  in  effect  Sept.  1,  1902,  gov- 
erned the  wages  paid  in  yards  west  of  the  Detroit  River.  According  to  that 
schedule  the  rates  paid  in 

Joliet  and  Chicago,  were: 

Night  Day 

Foremen    29  .27 

'  Helpers    27  .25 

Other  points  west  of  the  Detroit  River: 

Foremen    28  .26 

Helpers    26  .24 

The  yards  on  the  Canadian  Division  were  under  the  jurisdiction  and 
protection  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  and  were  paid  as  follows: 

Night         Day 

Conductors   21  .20 

Brakemen   17  .16 

We  find  for  a  period  of  eight  years  there  had  been  a  differential  of  from 
eight  to  ten  cents  per  hour  per  man  on  the  western  division  of  this  road  in 
favor  of  men  working  under  a  schedule  secured  by  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  in  com- 
parison to  the  wages  paid  by  this  company  for  like  services  in  its  yards  on 
the  eastern  division  under  the  protecting  care  of  a  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule.  The 
vast  saving  to  the  company  effected  through  this  cheap  pay  agreement  with 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  is  obvious  to  any  one  giving  the  matter  a  moment's  refiection. 
But  let  us  continue  the  comparisons. 

On  the  C,  B.  4b  Q.  and  the  C.  4b  N.  W.  in  Chicago,  roadmen  are  handling 
stock,  to  and  from  the  Stock  Yards,  unloading  it,  returning  with  the  empties, 
weighing  them  and  putting  them  away  at  the  rate  of  ten  miles  an  hour, 
roadmen's  pay.  This  work  was  formerly  done  by  Switchmen,  and  the  Brake- 
men  who  are  doing  this  work  now,  under  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule,  receive  ap- 
proximately $1.00  a  day,  or  ten  cents  an  hour  less  than  the  Switchmen  re- 
ceive for  the  same  service. 

The  transfer  work  on  the  Erie,  in  Chicago,  has  been  done  by  roadmen, 
for  road  pay,  for  a  number  of  years,  and  in  1909  those  men  were  receiving 
22  cents  an  hour,  while  the  lowest  paid  helpers  in  Chicago  were  receiving 
82  cents  an  hour.  From  a  wage  standpoint  this  was  of  material  advantage 
to  the  company,  but  a  great  detriment  to  Switchmen,  or  even  the  Brakemen, 
who  are  required  to  do  Switchmen's  work  for  this  low  wage. 

On  the  Cleveland  ft  Pittsburg  (Pennsylvania  Lines)  in  Cleveland,  there 
are  ten  or  twelve  trains  employed  within  the  yard  limits  elevating  tracks. 
Helpers  on  those  runs  are  getting  27  cents  an  hour  under  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
schedule,  while  on  the  Lake  Shore  and  the  Nickel  Plate  the  Switchmen's 
schedules  require  that  work-train  work  shall  be  done  by  Switchmen  and  re- 
ceive Switchmen's  wages.  The  saving  to  the  Pennsylvania  Company,  through 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule,  on  those  Brakemen  in  work-train  service,  is  seven 
•cents  an  hour,  to  the  detriment  of  the  Brotherhood  men  who  are  required 
to  work  alongside  their  fellowmen  in  the  yards  for  less  pay  than  standard 
for  yard  work. 

At  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  on  the  Pennsylvania,  there  are  a  number  of  crews 
doing  transfer  work  for  road  pay.  Members  of  the  Switchmen's  Union  pro- 
tested against  this  over  a  year  ago,  but  were  informed  by  the  superintendent 
that  this  arrangement  was  desired  by  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  as  they  claimed  a 
majority  of  the  men  working  in  that  terminal.  This  is  another  saving  from 
the  company's  standpoint. 

On  the  D.,  L.  &  W.  the  Switchmen  have  a  schedule  covering  the  yards 
tas  far  east  as,  and  including,  Port  Morris.    In  Kingston  and  Pittston  there 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL    OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A.  641 

are  B.  of  R.  T.  crews  working  inside  of  the  yard  limit  for  six  cents  less  an 
hour  for  Brakemen  than  the  Switchmen's  Union  schedule  calls  for  in  those 
yards.  They  ar^  called  mine  runs.  All  of  those  runs  that  have  been  turned 
over  to  the  Switchmen's  Union  are  receiving  regular  Switchmen's  scale  of 
pay.  In  the  Scranton  district  there  are  a  large  number  of  such  runs  and 
the  Trainmen  have  been  trying  for  a  number  of  years  to  have  them  put  into 
the  road  schedule  where  it  would  reduce  the  wages  of  each  Brakeman  on 
those  runs  seven  cents  an  hour.  This  has  been  tried,  not  only  once,  but  a 
number  of  times  during  the  last  few  years. 

I  notice  that  Mr.  Lee  mentions  in  his  circular  the  C,  H.  ft  D.  at  Toledo, 
Ohio.  He  fails,  however,  to  mention  the  fact  that  the  men  in  that  yard 
worked  for  many  years  alongside  the  members  of  the  Switchmen's  Union  in 
the  Lake  Shore  for  from  three  to  five  cents  an  hour  less  than  the  Lake  Shore 
men  received. 

In  making  further  comparisons  we  find  that,  on  Sept.  4,  1906,  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  made  a  schedule  on  the  Grand  'Trunk  that  was  good  for  one  year  from 
date  and  a  ninety  days'  notice  in  writing  thereafter  before  it  could  be 
changed,  covering  a  period  of  16  months,  setting  the  wages  at 

Bay  City  and  8(iginato,  Mich.,  as  follows: 

Day 

Foremen    26 

Helpers 22% 

while  in  November  of  the  same  year  on  the  Michigan  Central,  at  Bay  City 
and  Saginaw,  Mich.,  the  Switchmen's  Union  set  the  schedule  of  wages  for 

Foremen    34 

Helpers    32 

We  find  in  the  Grand  Trunk  contract  that  the  wages  at  Flint,  Mich,, 
were  $70.00  per  month  for  Day  Foremen,  and  $66.00  a  month  for  Day 
Helpers.  The  same  year,  on  the  Pere  Marquette,  the  Switchmen's  Union 
schedule  called  for,  in  the  same  city: 

Day 

Foremen    30 

Helpers    26 

In  South  Bend,  Day  Foremen  received  $76.00  per  month,  and  Day 
Helpers  $67.60  per  month,  as  specified  in  the  Grand  Trunk  contract  and  the 
Lake  Shore  schedule,  made  a  few  months  later,  gave 

Day  Foremen   34  cents  per  hour 

Day  Helpers   31  cents  per  hour 

in  the  same  city.  The  men  on  the  Grand  Trunk,  under  the  B.  of  R.  T.  regime, 
in  a  large  number  of  other  yards,  worked  for  from  four  to  ten  cents  per  hour 
less  than  the  S.  U.  men  received  on  the  Michigan  Central,  Pere  Marquette 
and  Lake  Shore,  in  the  same  territory. 

On  January  1,  1912,  the  B.  of  R.  T.  made  a  contract  for  the  yards  on  the 
Grand  Trunk,  specifying  twenty-eight  yards  that  should  work  with  a  Con- 
ductor and  one  Brakeman  with  an  engine.  In  this  contract  the  wage  speci- 
fied, under  a  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule,  is  two  cents  per  hour  less  at  Bay  City  and 
Saginaw,  Mich.,  than  the  Michigan  Central  pays  under  an  S.  U.  agreement. 

Mr.  Lee  takes  great  pride  in  the  large  membership  of  his  organization 
and  what  he  does  for  Switchmen.  He  claims  34,000  Switchmen  in  his  organ- 
ization. Tet  we  find  that  on  47  runs  (mixed  and  passenger)  on  the  Grand 
Trunk  the  wages  were  reduced  approximately  21  per  cent.,  effective  April  1st 
of  this  year.  Some  of  his  members  have  had  their  salary  reduced  as  much 
as  $60.00  per  month.  This  occurred  five  months  ago  and  still  the  organiza- 
tion that  would  protect  Switchmen  is  unable  to  protect  the  wages  of  its  own 
members  in  road  service. 

The  Erie  schedule,  effective  July  1,  1906,  where  the  Trainmen  have  been 
legislating  for  many  years  for  the  yards,  shows  18  classes  of  pay.  At  Black 
Rock  (Buffalo)  for  a  number  of  years  the  Erie  men  worked  for  five  cents 
per  hour  less  than  the  New  York  Central  and  the  D.,  L.  ft  W.  paid  to  Union 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


642  JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.    A. 

Switchmen  at  each  side  of  them  at  that  point.    According  to  this  document, 
at  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  the  Foremen  receive  $68.26  and  the  Helpers  I5T.50  (day 
and  night  the  same)  per  month,  without  any  overtime.    On  June  1,  1910,  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  made  an  agreement  on  the  Erie  for 
Elmira  and  Binghamton,  N.  T.,  giving 

Night  Day 

Foremen    34  .32 

Brakemen 31  .29 

On  July  1,  1910,  one  month  after  the  time  the  B.  of  R.  T.  made  the  Erie 
schedule,  the  rates  of  pay  on  the  D.,  L.  k  W.,  under  an  S.  U.  schedule,  in 

Binghamton  and  Elmira,  N.  T.,  were: 

Might  Day 

Foremen    89  .37 

Helpers    86  .34 

On  July  1,  1911,  the  B.  of  R.  T.  received  another  installment  for  working 
their  men  all  this  time  for  five  cents  per  hour  less  than  the  Union  Switchmen 
were  getting  in  these  cities,  on  the  D.,  L.  k  W.    At 

Binghamton  and  Elmira,  the  following  rates  are  paid: 


Foremen    . 
Brakemen 


ight 

Day 

.38 

.36 

.35 

.33 

still  leaving  them  one  cent  per  hour  behind  the  wages  received  in  the  D.» 
L.  k  W.  yards  in  those  cities  working  under  an  S.  U.  agreement. 

In  March,  1906,  on  the  Mon  Con  (Jones  A  Laughlin  Plant)  in  Pittsburg. 
Pa,,  the  Switchmen  struck  for  better  conditions.  Their  places  were  filled  b} 
the  B.  of  R.  T.,  which  gave  that  organization  100  per  cent.  The  Switchmen's 
Union,  up  to  the  present  time,  has  never  called  the  strike  off.  We  find  that 
the  Helpers  in  that  Plant  are  getting  two  cents  an  hour  less  days  and  four 
cents  an  hour  less  nights  than  other  yards  are  paid  in  the  city  of  Pittsburg. 
When  those  Brotherhood  men,  who  were  used  by  their  organization  to  take 
the  Switchmen's  places,  requested.  In  a  mild  way,  that  they  should  be  given 
the  same  pay  that  was  paid  for  like  service  in  the  same  cify  in  1910,  they 
were  ordered  to  withdraw  from  the  great  Brotherhood  and  lose  the  protec 
tion  of  the  insurance  to  themselves  and  their  families  which  they  had  carried 
in  that  organization  for  years.  Still  thir  deplorable  condition  is  allowed  to 
exist  Inside  of  the  stockade  of  that  Plant,  where  men  who  were  used  to  de- 
feat Union  Switchmen  are  now  denied  a  constitutional  right  to  protect  their 
families  with  insurance  in  a  mutual  admiration  society  that  annihilated  the 
Switchmen's  Union  in  that  Plant 

In  Denver,  In  November,  1901,  the  Switchmen's  Union  struck  on  the 
D.  A  R.  O.  for  better  conditions.  Mr.  Lee  came  to  Denver  and  urged  members 
of  his  organization  to  go  to  work  in  the  Switchmen's  places  for  25  cents. 
27  cents  and  29  cents  per  hour.  In  July,  1907,  the  B.  of  R.  T.  Inaugurated  a 
strike  in  the  C.  A  S.  yards  in  Denver,  Colo.,  and  the  members  of  the  Switch- 
men's Union,  to  a  man,  employed  in  that  yard,  left  the  company's  premises 
and  remained  away  from  the  yards  until  the  strike  was  called  off  by  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  The  C.  &  S.  Railroad  Company  paid  men,  furnished  by  the  Thlel 
Detective  Agency,  |1.00  per  hour,  or  $10.00  per  day,  and  board,  for  ten 
hours'  work.  Contrast  the  difference  in  helping  the  Switchmen  to  win  a 
battle  between  the  two  parties  that  were  breaking  the  strike. 

Mr.  Lee  says,  in  speaking  of  the  N.  C.  &  St.  L.  Switchmen,  that  I  have 
referred  to  "Nigger"  yards.  I  note  that  on  the  H.  &  T.  C,  In  Houston,  Texas, 
the  negroes  who  legislate  for  themselves  and  are  not  under  the  protective 
wing  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  receive  the  Chicago  standard  of  pay,  which  is  the 
standard  in  Houston,  and  which  is  a  higher  rate  of  pay  than  he  is  able  to 
find  in  the  N.  C.  &  St.  L.  schedule  for  yardmen  outside  of  the  city  of 
Memphis. 

I  note  also  that  there  has  been  a  controversy  between  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
and  18  railroads  in  the  southeast  territory,  where  changes  in  working  rules 
in  behalf  of  conductors  and  other  trainmen  and  yardmen  were  desired.    I 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


JOURNAL    OF    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP    N.   A.  643 

do  not  see  the  N.  C.  k  St.  L.  mttntioned  in  this  list  of  roads  as  according  to 
Mr.  Lee's  circular,  the  men  referred  to  are  largely  **Niggers."  We  ask  the 
question — are  these  Negroes  members  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  and  if  they  are  not, 
what  right  has  that  organization  to  sign  a  contract  for  them  at  this  low 
wage  of  121^  cents  per  hour,  when,  if  those  Negroes  should  strike,  it  would 
be  the  duty  of  the  Brotherhood  to  protect  their  contract  according  to  their 
policy,  as  demonstrated  in  the  past? 

Mr.  Lee  has  the  brazen  effrontery  to  quote  the  schedules  on  the  Northern 
Pacific  and  Great  Northern  that  they  have  recently  acquired,  and  the  wages 
on  those  systems  that  were  established  by  the  Switchmen's  Union  and  the 
wages  he  quotes  were  in  effect  on  those  systems  from  April  12,  1910,  to  April, 
1912,  when  he  took  over  the  contracts.  During  the  strike  of  1909-1910,  Vice- 
Presidents  Whitney  and  Mclntyre  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  traversed  those  systems, 
urging  the  men  to  go  to  work,  and  urging  members  of  their  organization  to 
remain  at  work,  in  order  to  break  the  strike.  The  following  is  a  clipping 
from  the  United  Press  dispatch: 

Cleveland,  O.,  Dec  23,  1909. 
"President  W.  G.  Lee  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Railway  Trainmen 
today  asked  Gov.  Harris  and  Mayor  Nevin  of  Butte,  Mont.,  to  pro- 
tect members  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  who  are  working  while  members  of 
the  Switchmen's  Union  are  on  strike. 
"Lee's  telegram  said: 

"  *Am  advised  yard  employes  at  Butte,  members  of  the  Brother- 
hood of  Railway  Trainmen,  have  been  threatened  by  representatives 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor,  claiming  to  represent  the 
Miners'  Union,  against  continuing  to  perform  their  regular  duties 
with  the  Northern  Pacific  and  Great  Northern  railways.  These  men 
have  not  taken  places  of  men  on  strike,  but  have  merely  continued 
at  work  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  their  organization.  I  haiie 
advised  them  to  continue,  and,  if  necessary,  demand  the  protection 
due  from  the  State.  A  serious  situation  exists  and  I  hope  you  will 
get  in  touch  with  it  at  once.' 

"A  telegram  from  Mayor  Nevin  today  said  immediate  steps 
would  be  taken  to  preserve  order. 

"Lee  says  miners  and  other  union  men  of  Butte  evidently  have 
been  led  to  believe  that  the  men  who  are  working  are  strike-breakers. 
The  B.  of  R.  T.  is  distinct  from  the  Switchmen's  Union  and  Lee  has 
ordered  its  workers  to  continue." 

These  schedules  that  Lee  boasts  of  were  given  at  a  price  for  breaking 
the  strike  with  cheap  help,  as  the  above  press  dispatch  signifies  that  he  asked 
for  military  protection  for  his  men  while  scabbing. 

He  mentions  the  M.,  K.  k  T.,  Santa  Fe  and  the  K.  C.  S.,  but  he  makes 
no  mention  of  the  price  of  dishonor  to  labor  that  was  paid  for  those  sched- 
ules he  took  away  from  the  Switchmen's  Union. 

These  are  only  a  few  comparisons  and  there  are  many  more  that  can  be 
made,  if  necessary.  Switchmen  who  are  in  doubt  as  to  some  of  the  things 
that  have  transpired  recently  in  regard  to  the  assistance  that  Mr.  Lee  has 
rendered  to  advance  the  cause  of  Labor  in  legislative  matters  and  otherwise, 
are  respectfully  referred  to  a  little  book,  entitled  "Railroadmen  Betrayed," 
author  A.  A.  Roe,  Wichita,  Kans.  Mr.  Roe  was  a  member  of  the  Railroad 
Trainmen  for  years,  and  was  their  national  legislative  representative  at 
Washington,  D.  C.  If  they  will  read  this  book  it  may  give  them  some  valu- 
able information,  if  they  desire  to  see  labor  progress  and  wish  to  know  the 
truthi 

Mr.  Lee  says  he  has  not  heard  of  any  S.  U.  Switchmen  on  the  C,  H.  k  D. 
in  Toledo  returning  the  extra  cent  that  the  B.  of  R.  T.  got  them  in  that 
terminal.  Neither  have  we  heard  of  any  of  the  members  of  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
returning  the  extra  cent  per  hour  added  to  all  Switchmen's  pay  in  Chicago, 
March  22,  1910,  four  days  after  the  B.  of  R.  T.  had  signed  a  contract  for  a 
cent  an  hour  less  in  13  terminals  in  that  city.  Nor  of  those  in  all  the  other 
>  ards  outside  of  the  city  of  Chicago,  where  it  was  reflected  to  B.  of  R.  T. 
*  yard  schedules  throughout  the  country.    If  the  difference  established  by  the 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


644 


JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.    A. 


Switchmen's  Union  in  this  case  alone,  and  gladly  accepted  by  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
as  the  new  standard,  instead  of  the  one  they  had  obtained,  were  each  month 
returned  to  the  Switchmen's  Union  which  secured  it  for  them,  it  would  not 
only  amount  to  enough,  as  Mr.  Lee  states  in  his  circular,  to  pay  the  Grand 
Lodge  dues  of  bur  members,  but  would  provide  a  sum  sufficient  to  much 
more  than  pay  all  the  dues  and  assessments  of  all  our  members. 

In  regard  to  "treading  on  dangerous  ground,"  we  do  not  know  what  he 
means  by  that  unless  he  is  figuring  on  a  repetition  of  the  lockout  on  the 
C.  k  N.  W.  system  that  occurred  on  the  14th  day  of  May,  ^891,  when  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  locked  out  the  S.  M.  A.  A.  men  on  that  system. 

Yours  fraternally.  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

S.  E.  HEBBRLINO, 

President, 


HABITS. 

Habits  are  aptitudes  or  characteris- 
tics due  to  repetition  of  action  until 
they  become  fixed  attributes.  Our  ten- 
dencies towards  following  any  course 
of  action  are  governed  very  largely  by 
the  acquirement  of  habits  which  very 
naturally  lead  up  to  the  governing 
features  that  enter  so  largely  into  de- 
cisions which  means  for  our  weal  or 
woe.  ki  the  formation  of  habits  we 
often  times  meet  with  things  so  repug- 
nant to  our  senses  it  would  seem  im- 
possible that  they  would  ever  be  re- 
peated sufficiently  often  to  become  a 
fixed  part  of  our  entity.  Tet  some  of 
the  most  obnoxious  things  to  our  prim- 
itive tastes  become,  after  a  course 
of  sufficient  schooling  or  repetition, 
a  fixed  feature  of  our  lives.  As  ex- 
amples of  this  truth,  we  have  only  to 
refer  to  the  nicotine,  or  tobacco  habit; 
the  habit  of  craving  for  intemperate 
drinks;  the  habit  of  opium  smoking, 
etc.,  etc.  We  feel  frank  in  making  the 
assertion  that  each  of  these  habits  is 
abhorrent  to  a  child's  taste,  and  only 
for  an  undue  impression  in  regard  to 
the  manliness  of  their  use  by  those  to 
whom  child  nature  must  look  for 
guidance  and  imitation,  such  habits 
would  never  be  acquired  by  the  child — 
because  they  are  held  in  contempt,  or 
would  be,  in  any  other  circumstances 
than  those  here  mentioned.  But  as  ob- 
noxious as  they  are,  by  sufficient  in- 
dulgence   they    become    pleasant  and 


even  sometimes  apparently  necessary 
attributes.  And  strange  as  it  may 
seem  the  acquirement  of  such  habits 
calls  for  a  greater  money  expenditure 
than  is  required  to  clothe  and  feed  us. 
How  important,  then,  should  it  be  with 
every  one,  that  first  impressions  or 
basis  for  habit  formation  are  most 
carefully  weighed  in  our  scales  of  men- 
tal discernment  when  responsible  for 
child  life  that  is  naturally  looking  to 
us  for  right  modes  of  life  and  action. 
The  ease  with  which  undesiratble  hab- 
its are  formed  and  the  great  difficulties 
to  be  encountered  in  trying  to  shake 
them  off,  when  once  they  have  posses- 
sion of  us,  form  a  contrast  of  great 
magnitude.  Any  one  questioning  the 
credibility  of  this  statement  has  only 
to  try  to  cast  off  one  that  has  been 
acquired  or  if  possessed  of  no  bad  ones, 
to  note  the  difficulties  encountered  by 
those  who  have  and  who  are  trying 
faithfully  to  eradicate  them  from  their 
anatomy.  "As  the  habits  of  the  indi- 
vidual, family,  neighborhood,  state  or 
nation,  so  their  lives,"  though  a  trite 
adage,  is  none  the  less  a  true  one,  and 
every  student  of  sociology'  realizes 
most  keenly  how  habit  formation 
count  for  thrift  and  progress  or  retro- 
gression and  decadence.  Among  the 
most  serious  things  confronting  every 
government  are  the  commercial  agen- 
cies within  their  borders  seeking 
profit  out  of  those  things  which  are  an 
injury  to  society  and  which  for  self- 


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preservation  to  the  race  should  he 
speedily  outlawed  as  nuisanoes.  Hah- 
its  of  industry,  truthfulness,  prohity, 
studiousness,  cleanliness,  proper  ipen- 
tal  and  physical  exercise,  application 
of  useful  information  for  the  better- 
ment of  society,  etc.,  should  receive 
every  encouragement  possible.  While 
habits  of  an  opposite  nature  to  those 
here  enumerated  should  be  guarded 
against  as  dangerous  to  the  welfare  of 
society,  as  they  are.  All  intergrada- 
tions  of  society  from  the  family 
hearthstone  to  the  government  itself, 
differ  in  habits  and  customs  due  to 
racial  traits  and  environments.  Tet 
if  their  habits  are  conceived  in  right 
and  nurtured  in  equity  they  are  suscep- 
tible to  blending  into  unison  and  af- 
fording a  healthy  stimulant  for  all. 
No  brotherhood,  church,  state  or  na- 
tion c|in  long  thrive  and  keep  apace 
with  the  modern  trend  of  progressive- 
ness  unless  its  component  parts — the 
individuals  composing  it  —  are  pos- 
sessed with  the  right  brand  of  habits 
and  make  proper  application  of  them. 
In  this  work  of  proper  habit  forma- 
tion, we've  each  a  duty  to  perform. 
We  can  find  a  place  to  apply  our 
efforts  at  our  homes,  where  childhood 
greets  us  and  for  which  we  are  re- 
sponsible and  which  is  susceptible  to 
proper  instruction  and  guidance  by 
those  who  should  be  most  interested 
in  its  care  and  proper  development. 


lABOR  rORCCS  KNOWN  ONLY  AS  THCY 
ARC  MADE  KNOWN. 

Members  of  labor  organizations 
should  not  only  see  that  their  own  In- 
terests are  kept  in  proper  order,  but 
should  encourage  those  with  whom 
they  associate,  who  are  members  of 
other  working  crafts,  to  also  keep 
themselves  actively  interested  in  the 
affairs  of  their  unions  lest  the  advant- 
ages gained  through  them  in  the  past 
he  lost  or  rendered  ineffective  on  ac- 


count of  inattention.  It  is  only  by 
well-arranged  co-operation  of  effort  on 
the  part  of  labor  unions  that  the  con- 
ditions of  their  members  are  better  to- 
day than  they  were  before  their  for- 
mation. The  only  hope  we  have  for  a 
continuance  of  the  conditions  enjoyed 
in  the  labor  world  today,  saying  noth- 
ing of  the  improvements  that  are  con- 
templated and  which  should  be 
brought  about,  is  by  unison  of  effort 
on  the  part  of  all  useful  toilers  to- 
wards securing  what  is  their  due  in 
return  for  labors  expended.  The  best 
standards  of  work  conditions  now  en- 
joyed are  not  the  result  of  chance  or 
inertness.  Their  acquirement  is  the  re- 
sult of  long  and  persistent  effort,  and 
each  advantage  gained  has  been  most 
strenuously  contested  by  those  who, 
for  ages,  have  held  the  fruits  of  labor's 
toil  as  theirs  to  distribute  in  the  man- 
ner deemed  most  suitable  to  the  pro- 
motion of  their  interests.  The  work- 
ers of  the  world  were  never  as  well 
known  as  they  are  today.  They  will 
be  much  better  known,  and  much  bet- 
ter respected,  too,  when  they  awaken 
to  a  full  realization  of  the  powers  they 
possess  in  the  industrial  and  political 
fields  of  action  and  make  proper  ap- 
plication of  them.  Each  year's  strug- 
gle in  the  battle  for  existence,  and 
each  year's  increment  of  knowledge  ac- 
crued by  worl^-producers,  better  equip 
them  for  becoming  masters  of  the 
means  of  production  and  distribution 
of  life's  necessities.  The  long-estab- 
lished system  of  the  producers  turning 
over  to  a  highly  privileged  class  the 
product  of  their  toil  for  about  a  fifth 
of  what  the  consumer  must  pay  for  it, 
has  about  run  its  smooth  course  of 
sailing.  Prom  now  on,  it  must  fight 
harder  than  ever  in  its  efforts  to  ex- 
ploit labor,  notwithstanding  the  sim- 
ple manner  in  which  it  has  been  done 
In  the  past.  Yet  with  all  that  has  been 
accomplished  by  the  hosts  of  labor,  so 
fiercely  are   the  capitalistic  interests 


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arrayed  against  every  attempt  at  prog- 
ress by  this  army  of  real  producers, 
advancement  has  been  slow,  and  in 
many  respects  labor  is  not  holding  its 
own  against  the  mighty  reactionary 
forces  contesting  every  attempt  at 
progress  it  is  making.  But  any  sys- 
tem that  permits  five  per  cent,  of  the 
inhabitants  to  levy  such  usurous  trib- 
utes from  the  ninety-five  per  cent,  who 
produced  it,  can't  long  continue  such 
depredations  under  even  the  masks  of 
law  or  precedent,  and  must  give  way 
to  an  equitable  form  of  distribution. 
Any  lotions  used  in  the  past  by  the 
ruling  class  in  the  attempt  to  longer 
impose  upon  those  whose  hands  pro- 
duce all  things  will  encounter,  as  they 
now  are,  much  greater  difficulty  in 
their  effort  to  pacify  or  allay  the  hun- 
gry and  ill-clad  host  it  has  so  long 
hypnotized.  While  the  industrial  and 
political  barometer  is  far  from  as 
bright  as  it  should  be  for  the  workers 
on  account  of  the  divergencies  due  to 
religious,  racial  and  other  similar  ele- 
ments with  which  their  opponents  use 
so  successfully  to  keep  its  forces  seg- 
regated and  largely  inoperative,  yet  it 
is  getting  together  as  never  before. 
The  political  activity  now  sweeping 
the  country,  and  which  of  necessity 
must  be  the  means  of  divulging  more 
or  less  the  existing  relations  between 
the  productive  and  non-productive 
classes,  as  much  as  most  of  the  party 
exponents  will  endeavor  to  avoid  ex- 
planation of  them,  affords  a  splendid 
opportunity  for  a  better  understand- 
ing of  the  relation  between  the  two 
great  world  forces,  the  producers  and 
non-producers. 


Illinois  Central  and  the  C.  B.  A  Q. 
and  a  large  number  of  switchmen  are 
employed  by  those  companies  at  that 
point.  The  Illinois  Central  has  lately 
built  a  large  **hump  yard"  Just  south 
of  the  city  and  we  hope  each  member 
of  this  new  lodge  will  "hump"  him- 
self as  much  as  possible  to  get  all  the 
switchmen  there  within  their  lodge 
— and  may  success  crown  their  efforts. 
The  following  named  brothers  were 
elected  as  their  new  officers:  Presi- 
dent, W.  H.  Jones,  839  E.  Broadway; 
Secretary,  H.  E.  Burge,  604  East  Sec- 
ond Street,  South;  Treasurer,  W.  P. 
Bryant,  123  Commercial  Street. 


NEW  LODGE  AT  CtNTRALIA,  ILL. 

Vice-President  Porter  recently  re- 
organized Lodge  No.  167  at  Centralia, 
111.,  and  has  strong  hopes  that  the  char- 
ter has  been  placed  there  for  good.  Cen- 
tralia is  an  Important  terminal  on  the 


CANAL  ZONE  CENSUS. 

According  to  press  reports,  the  re- 
sult of  the  census  taken  in  the  Panama 
canal  zone  during  the  months  of  Feb- 
ruary and  March,  this  year,  has  been 
published.  The  population  of  this 
much-commented-upon  United  States 
possession,  according  to  this  count,  was 
71,682.  But  included  in  this  number 
were  8,661  employes  of  the  canal  com- 
mission and  Panama  railroad  besides 
211  who,  while  temporarily  employed 
ill  the  zone,  are,  in  reality,  residents  of 
Panama  and  Colon.  Deducting  the  8,- 
872  thus  accounted  for,  there  remains 
a  total  of  62,810. 

According  to  the  data  gathered  from 
this  counting  of  heads,  an  array  of 
facts  is  found  to  exist  that  might  some- 
what bewilder  an  elementary,  or  even 
an  academic  mind,  and  Justify  the 
query-^who  is  the  possessor  of  this 
pivotal  gateway — even  after  Uncle 
Sam  has  purchased  and  spent  approxi- 
mately 1400,000,000  digging  a  canal 
across  it. 

From  this  census,  it  appears,  out  of 
the  total  (62,810  inhabitants),  therp 
were  19,413  whites,  31,526  blacks,  10,- 
823  mixed,  521  yellow,  378  Hindoos,  2 
Filipinos  and  648  Indians,  and  strange 
as  it  may  seen.  United  States  citizens 


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comprise  only  a  little  more  than  20  per 
cent,  of  the  population.  While  no  na- 
tion has  a  majortty  of  this  composite 
•aggregation  of  nationalities.  Great 
Britain  leads  with  30,859  persons  and 
the  United  States  is  second  with  11,- 
^59,  of  whom  9,770  were  bom  in  the 
United  States.  It  may  yet  be  necessary 
for  this  country  to  furnish  extra  in- 
ducements to  attract  United  States 
citizenship  to  the  canal  zone  as  a 
aneans  of  being  able  to  keep  possession 
of  this  much  coveted  prize. 


BUSINESS  IMPROVING  — RECRUITS 
WANTED. 

According  to  press  reports,  business 
Ms  improving  throughout  the  country 
Our  members  should  make  every  ef- 
fort possible  to  explain  the  objects  of 
^his  union  to  the  men  now  entering 
into  switching  service  and  to  encour- 
iage  them  to  become  members,  since  its 
liigh  aim  is  the  promotion  of  their 
standards  of  life,  besides  affording 
them  an  excellent  insurance  proposi- 
tion. There  are  many  worthy  young 
men  now  taking  up  switching  duties 
Xor  a  livelihood  for  the  first  time  and 
our  membership  should  not  fail  to  en- 
Hig^ten  them  as  to  where  they  belong 
iin  the  labor  movement.  They  are  sus- 
ceptiible  to  conviction  and  conversion 
^o  our  cause  if  approached  in  the 
proper  manner  and  at  the  right  time. 
They  belong  in  this  union  and  Inay 
be  brought  into  it  if  we  avail  our- 
selves of  the  opportunities  before  us. 

Let  every  member  be  a  committee 
of  one  in  regard  to  looking  after  the 
new  blood  being  brought  into  switch- 
ing terminals  and  the  organization 
will  increase  its  membership  rapidly. 
But  they  won't  come  into  this  or  any 
other  union  unless  there  is  a  spirit, 
manifested  on  the  part  of  our  member- 
ship to  get  them  interested  in  its 
merits  and  educated  as  to  where  they 
belong  in  the  labor  movement.     More 


switchmen  will  be  in  service  during 
the  winter  months  than  have  been  dur- 
ing the  summer.  Our  growth  should 
keep  apace  with  commercial  activities 
and  it  will  if  the  members  do  their 
duty  in  trying  to  get  those  who  are 
engaged  in  switching  service  into  tho^ 
union,  and  to  keep  in  good  standing 
those  who  already  belong. 

Indications  are  bright  for  our  pro* 
gress.  Are  we  sufficiently  interested 
in  our  cause  to  show  the  right  brand 
of  energy  and  pluck  and  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  opportunities  now 
available  for  onward  and  upward 
means  of  progress?  It  is  now  our 
harvest  time  and  we  should  garner  in 
a  multitude  of  new  recruits.  Will  we 
do  it?  Let  it  be  a  personal  and  con- 
tinuous effort  to  boost  the  member- 
ship and  we  will  soon  find  within  our 
ranks,  as  a  result  of  such  effort,  an  in- 
flux of  new  members  that  will  amply 
repay  us  for  the  labor  thus  performed. 
Let  us  all  give  it  a  trial! 


LErS   CO-OPERATE    WITH    RAILROADS 
AND  REDUCE  INJURIES. 

Of  late  there  seems  to  be  unusual  ac- 
tivity among  railroad  officials  relative 
to  precautionary  measures  against  any- 
thing which  results  in  personal  injury 
to  employes.  With  that  object  in  view, 
or  apparently  so,  the  officials  in  oper- 
ating departments  are  inviting  their 
trainmen  and  yardmen  to  conferences, 
or  schools  conducted  by  the  companies, 
to  discuss  such  topics.  It  would  ap- 
pear from  the  awful  life  loss  and 
maiming  borne  by  the  employes  that 
they  would  gladly  be  a  party  to  most 
anything  that  would  contribute  to- 
wards eliminating  the  causes  of  acci- 
dents. To  do  so  would  afford  a  means 
of  conserving  their  own  lives.  While 
the  companies  are  prone  to  lay  all 
blame  upon  the  employe  in  immediate 
charge  of  the  equipment,  or  at  least 
that  portion  of  it  that  can't  be  shifted 


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onto  Jehovah,  these  two  elements  are 
not  the  cause  of  all  this  sacrifice  of 
life  and  limb  or  damage  to  property 
occurring  along  railroads.     So,   how- 
ever well  the  art  of  shifting  responsi- 
bility onto  others  has  been  developed, 
there's  a  time  coming  when  the  blame 
for  it  all  will  lodge  where  it  belongs. 
Railroad  work  is  organised  and  car- 
ried on  on  a  basis  of  high  pressure 
from  the  stockholder  all  the  way  down 
to  the  lowest  paid  employe.    There's  a 
strain    to    the    nerve-breaking    point 
throughout  the   graduation   of   forces 
that  enters  into  this  work,  with  always 
a  single  object  drawing  it  all  to  one 
ultimate  accomplishment  —  dividends. 
Unfortunately,  railroad  dividends  have 
never  been  high  enough  to  satisfy  own- 
ers, nor  the  operating  officials  tempor- 
arily in  charge  whose  tenure  of  office 
and  advancement  depend   upon   their 
ability  to  drive  an  army  of  employes  to 
the  utmost  speed  limits.    Some  of  the 
companies,  after  getting  rather  severe 
criticism  from  the  public,  are  begin- 
ning to  awaken  to  the  fact  that  even 
dividend  earnings  are  not  truly  based 
on, a  mad  rushing  of  physical  forces, 
and  that  after  all  better  results  are 
obtainable  by  a  slowing  down.    So  they 
are    manifesting    a    willingness,    and 
even  an  insistency,  upon  the  exercise 
of  more  mental,  or  head  work,  and  less 
of  tbe  physical  antics  that  add  so  much 
to  the  fatalities  and  lesser   injuries. 
After  all  we  can't  get  away  from  the 
idea  that  this  change  of  base  comes 
about  from  a  mercenary  motive  or  that 
it  is  now  believed  to  be  more  econom- 
ical to  go  a  little  slower  to  prevent  so 
much  destruction  of  costly  equipment 
and    settlement    of    personal     injury 
claims.     But   whatever   their   motive, 
the  men  should  gladly  avail  themselves 
of  the  opportunity  of  adjusting  their 
movements  to  a  saner  and  safer  gait 
in  the  performance  of  their  duties.    So 
it  would  be  well  to  Join  in  any  safety 
movement.     Make  your  engineer  stop 


to  "pick  you  up."  Make  them  "shove 
you"  at  a  slower  gait  when  moving- 
cars  whenever  the  engine  is  behind 
them.  Take  it  a  little  slower  in  "kick- 
ing" cars.  When  knuckles  or  pin-lift- 
ers are  out  of  gear,  or  draw  bars  too 
far  to  one  side  to  couple,  stop  the 
"works"  to  adjust  or  manipulate  them. 
Protest  to  your  officials  against  the 
erection  of  overhead  obstructions  that 
will  not  "clear"  a  man  on  any  car 
handled.  Do  likewise  in  regard  to  the 
construction  of  any  building  or  struc- 
ture alongside  of  the  tracks;  keep  for- 
ever prodding  them  about  unguarded 
frogs  and  every  other  extra  dangerous 
thing  about  the  yard.  Let  them  know 
you're  in  dead  earnest  about  the  safetr 
problem.  Whatever  their  motive  may 
be,  let  yours  be  one  of  safety  to  your- 
selves and  the  cars  you  are  handling. 
If  you'll  do  this,  you  will  live  longer 
and  "limp  less."  More  of  you  wiW 
have  Jobs  longer  and  the  companies, 
will  get  along  well  enough.  So  by  all 
means  Join  the  companies  in  anything 
that  means  for  you  a  slowing-down  of 
physical  strain,  a  saving  of  lives  and 
the  putting  to  work  of  many  more 
Switchmen.  Let's  co-operate  with  rail- 
roads and  reduce  injuries. 


EARLY  APPLICATION  Of  THE  WORD 
--STRIKC/' 

It  is  claimed  the  earliest  use  of  the* 
word  "strike"  occurred  in  the  London 
Chronicle,  September,  1765,  at  the 
time  when  the  miners  were  instru- 
mental in  bringing  about  a  great  sus- 
pension of  business  in  the  Northum- 
berland coal  fields,  after  being  unable 
tc  satisfactorily  adjust  their  wage  and 
working  conditions. 

It  has  <long  been  the  privilege  of 
mankind  to  have,  in  small  bins  and 
huge  bunkers,  access  to  this  world- 
wide fuel,  coal.  Theirs  is  a  most  use- 
ful work;  a  work  that  calls  for  vigor- 
ous   and    sturdy    manhood.      Blazing: 


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entrances  to  subterranean  sources 
whence  the  supply  of  the  different 
grades  of  '"black  diamonds'*  or  hydro- 
carbons come,  is  not  the  work  of 
physical  or  mental  weaklings.  It  calls 
for  strong  hearts  and  we91  developed 
physiques  to  do  this  work.  But  even 
with  these  honest,  sturdy  workers  it 
has  ever  been  a  mighty  battle  to  gain 
a  decent  wage  for  their  labor.  Every 
year  tbey  are  waging  a  strenuous  bat- 
tle somewhere  similar  to  tbat  de- 
scribed in  the  records  of  the  old  pub- 
lication herein  referred  to  and,  as 
much  as  they  may  regret  to.  must 
strike  in  order  to  maintain  the  con- 
ditions already  obtained  and  to  bring 
about  better  ones. 

The  strikes  in  Great  Britain  and 
other  countries  this  year,  the  suspen- 
sion of  the  mines  for  a  month  in  this 
country  while  negotiating  terms  under 
which  mine  work  should  be  done  and 
the  courageous  fight  now  on  in  the 
West  Virginia  collieries,  clearly  indi- 
cate that  they  are  still  possessed  of 
the  same  fighting  spirit  that  actuated 
the  Northumberland  miners  in  their 
fight  for  a  higher  ^living  standard. 

But  the  miners  of  today  are  mak- 
ing known  to  their  brothers  the  world 
over  their  true  conditions,  with  the 
result  that  there  is  a  solidarity  of  in- 
terests manilfesting  itself  between  all 
and  which  portends  to  the  consumma- 
tion of  a  world  plan  to  either  avert 
strikes  or  make  them  of  such  mo- 
mentous proportions  as  will  call  for 
immediate  settlement.  In  this  world 
movement  they  are  setting  other  la- 
bor organizations  a  most  valuable  ex- 
ample. Let  us  hope  such  aggregations 
in  all  branches  of  labor  will  soon 
bring  about  a  cofidition  when  strikes 
will  be  unnecessary.  But  the  time 
must  never  come  when  they  should 
not  be  resorted  to  if  circumstances 
warrant  them. 

The     manly     spirit    that     inspired 


workers  to  resist  encroachments  upon 
their  rights  that  prevailed  at  the  time 
and  place  here  alluded  to,  must  be  cul- 
tivated or  we  wi^l  suffer  the  conse- 
quences of  such  neglect  As  much  as 
we  may  dread  to  strike,  we  can't  af- 
ford to  lose  this  right  as  a  means  of 
adjustment  of  grievances. 


IN  RCIIRCNCC  10  I^R.  LirS  CIRCULAR 

The  September  Journal  of  the  Train- 
men contains  Mr.  Lee's  recent  circular 
letter,  in  reply  to  one  by  President 
Heberling  and  Vice-President  Connors 
of  this  Union,  a  short  time  previous^ 
in  regard  to  wage  conditions  in  the 
southeast  and  the  yard-pay  along  the 
N.  C.  k  St  L.  Railway  in  particular, 
where,  according  to  the  Trainmen's 
schedule,  the  rate  of  wages  ranges 
from  $1.50  per  day  for  twelve  hours' 
work  (day  or  night),  to  $4.00  (nights) 
for  ten  hours  work.  In  justice  to  Mr. 
Lee  and  his  organization  these  figures, 
it  should  be  stated,  are  the  extreme 
low  and  high  rates  paid  yardmen  along 
that  system,  and  neither  extreme  pre- 
vails, except  in  a  single  yard,  the  |1.50 
per  twelve  hour,  or  12  Vj  cents  hourly 
rate,  in  Rome,  Ga.,  and  the  $4.00  per 
ten  hours,  or  40  cents  hourly  rate,  in 
the  Memphis  yard.  So  far  as  we  know 
(and  we  would  be  thankful  to  Mr.  Lee 
to  inform  us  if  in  error),  the  12V^-cent 
hourly  rate  of  pay  for  switching  at 
Rome,  Ga.,  is  the  lowest  paid  in  the 
country,  while  the  40-cent  night  hourly 
rate  is  the  Chicago  standard,  estab- 
lished in  1910  by  the  Switchmen's 
Union. 

According  to  Mr.  Lee's  letter,  also 
that  of  Mr.  Kimbro,  it  appears  the 
yard  at  Rome  is  a  "nigger"  yard,  and 
this  accounts  for  the  $1.50  living(?) 
wage  scale  so  generously  provided  for 
in  the  B.  of  R.  T.  schedule  for  them  so 
it  appears  their  generosity  (?)  towards 
their  low-paid  brethren  is  due  to  the 
fact   that   they  are   negroes   and   not 


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members  of  the  Brotherhood.  We 
were  unable  to  find  this  information 
in  the  N.  C.  k  St.  L.  schedule,  from 
which  the  figures  given  out  by  Presi- 
dent Heberling  and  Vice-President 
Connors  were  quoted.  Messrs.  Lee  and 
Kimbro  have  our  thanks  for  furnish- 
ing this  bit  of  information.  We  would 
also  be  thankful  to  them  for  informa- 
tion relative  to  the  predominant  com- 
plexion of  the  men  working  in  the  fol- 
lowing yards:  Marietta  and  Dalton 
yards,  where  Helpers  receive  17  cents 
per  hour;  Cartersville,  19  cents  per 
hour;  Decherd  yard.  Foremen  18  cents 
and  Helpers  17  cents;  Murfreesboro 
yard.  Foremen  17  cents  and  Helpers  15 
cents  per  hour;  Martin  yard,  Foremen 
28  cents;  Jackson  yard.  Foremen  22 
cents  and  Helpers  18  cents  per  hour; 
Paducah  yard,  Foremen  27  cents  and 
Helpers  24  cents  per  hour;  Nashville 
shop  yard.  Foremen  29  cents  and  Help- 
ers 26  cents  per  hour;  HuntsviUe, 
Foremen  22  cents  per  hour.  Are  those 
also  "nigger"  yards?  Even  though 
they  are,  they  are  under  the  protect- 
ing care  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  and  it  ill- 
becomes  this  mighty  phalanx  of  34,000 
Switchmen  it  claims  within  its  ranks, 
together  with  some  80,000  or  90,000  of 
its  members  in  other  branches  of  ser- 
vice, to  '*back  them  up,"  to  tolerate  for 
a  moment,  such  a  wage  for  the  poor 
colored  switchmen  under  the  guardian- 
ship of  that  powerful  (?)  organization. 
This  particular  schedule  appeals  to 
us  from  the  fact  that  the  members  of 
the  Brotherhood  are  forever  telling  the 
S.  U.  men  about  the  excellent  condi- 
tions they  would  be  able  to  secure  for 
yardmen  were  it  not  for  the  embar- 
rassments encountered  on  account  of 
the  Switchmen's  Union.  Fortunately, 
in  this  case,  they  had  no  embarrass- 
ments of  this  kind  to  encounter  and 
had  a  free  hand  and  the  full  power  of 
their  Brotherhood  behind  them  in 
driving  those  yard  bargain  "stunts" 
along  the  N.  C.  k  St.  L.  Ry.    However 


fortunate  it  was  for  the  Brotherhood 
that  they  were  not  embarrassed  by 
Switchmen,  it  was  not  quite  so  for- 
tunate for  the  "niggers,"  or  even  the 
members  of  the  large  Brotherhood  who 
happen  to  work  in  those  yards.  From 
the  hourly  rates  given  for  the  yards 
herein  named  and  which  were  com- 
puted from  those  given  in  their  sched- 
ule, it  would  seem  that  the  "niggers" 
could  have  gotten  a  better  rate  for 
themselves  than  their  much  experi- 
enced (?)  white  brothers  were  able  to 
provide  for  them.  We  believe  Mr.  Lee 
will  acknowledge  they  couldn't  have 
fared  much  worse  in  most  of  those 
yards  at  the  hands  of  the  company, 
without  his  assistance.  While  it  is  a 
question  in  the  minds  of  many  as  to 
whether  or  not  negroes  should  be  em- 
ployed in  switching  service,  it's  none 
the  less  a  fact  they  are  so  employed  to 
a  considerable  extent  in  southern 
states.  Moreover,  we  believe  it  is  a 
reasonable  proposition  that  as  long  as 
such  glaring  inequalities  prevail  below 
the  Chicago  standard  of  pay,  in  south- 
ern states  east  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
so  long  will  the  companies  give  pref- 
erence to  the  negro.  It*s  a  matter  of 
dollars  and  cents  with  them.  Raise 
tlie  pay  of  every  yard  to  high  stan- 
dards, based  upon  absolute  wage  equal- 
ity and  you'll  find  nearly  every  rail- 
road official  giving  preference  to  white 
men  when  employing  men  for  yard 
service.  As  it  now  is  the  negro  has  the 
advantage  of  getting  the  Job  on  ac- 
count of  inequality  of  wages.  A 
cheaper  job  is  provided  for  him,  but 
he  does  the  same  work  the  white  man 
does  for  a  higher  wage,  so  the  com- 
pany prefers  him.  As  long  as  organi- 
zations will  allow  this  discrepancy  of 
^ages  on  account  of  race  prejudice, 
just  so  long  will  the  cheapest  rated 
race  have  the  jobs.  Negroes  are  given 
the  preference  on  the  N.  C.  A  Bt  L. 
railway  from  the  fact  the  "Brother- 
hood" is  willing  to  allow  the  company 


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651 


to  establish  a  rate  of  pay  lower  than 
white  men  will  accept.  But  unfortu- 
nately, as  Mr.  Kimbro,  general  chair- 
man of  the  Grievance  Committee 
states,  he  has  "heard  no  complaint, 
nor  have  I  seen  anyone  who  has."  It 
appears  there  is  a  general  contentment 
along  that  line  and  everything  is  run- 
ning lovely,  at  very  small  rates  of  pay 
and  under  very  great  protection.  Cer- 
tainly those  "niggers"  referred  to  are 
not  "treading  on  dangerous  ground," 
as  Mr.  Lee  accuses  Brothers  Heberling 
and  Connors  of  doing. 

On  the  presumption  it  was  an  over- 
sight on  the  part  of  Mr.  Lee  and  Mr. 
Kimbro  in  not  taking  the  labor  world 
into  their  confidence,  Brothers  Heber- 
ling and  Connors  should  be  thanked, 
instead  of  "roasted,"  for  having  called 
his  attention  to  the  laurels  the  Broth- 
erhood have  fairly  won  in  the  southern 
territory. 


son  your  Joubnal  does  not  come  as  :t 
should,  write  us  a  card  stating  such 
a  fact  and  be  sure  to  have  correct  ad- 
dress stated  thereon. 


When  a  member  changes  his  address 
without  notifying  his  postmaster  or 
this  office  of  such  change,  we  soon  re- 
ceive a  notice  from  the  postmaster  to 
discontinue  sending  the  Joubnal  to 
his  former  address.  When  such  notices 
are  received  we  are  compelled  to  re- 
move the  name  from  the  mailing  list 
until  such  time  as  we  are  advised  of 
the  new  address.  Some  months  we  re 
move  100  or  more  names^  from  the 
mailing  list  on  account  of  receipt  of 
such  notices.  A  considerable  portion 
of  these  we  hear  from  in  a  short 
while  and  are  able  to  get  the  Joubnal 
t(-  them ;  others  are  careless  about  in- 
forming us  where  they  are.  with  the 
result  that  it  Is  often  several  months 
before  they  receive  their  Joubnal.  So, 
if  you  move  and  don't  inform  us  abo  it 
the  new  address,  don't  complain  if  the 
Joubnal  fails  to  come.  We  are  anxi- 
ous that  you  receive  it  and  will  do  our 
part  to  see  that  you  do,  but,  remem- 
ber, there-  is  a  duty  to  perform  at 
each  end  of  the  line.     If  for  any  rea- 


There  is  a  time  for  preparing,  seed- 
ing, cultivating  and  harvesting,  etc 
There  is  also  a  time  for  study,  recrea- 
tion and  for  organization  of  forces. 
The  harvest  from  grain  fields,  the 
movement  of  coal,  timber  and  other 
products  preparatory  for  the  winter 
that  must  be  soon  experienced,  is  mak- 
ing more  business  around  switching 
terminal  centers.  This  calls  for  more 
switchmen  and  it  should  call  for  more 
active  attention  on  the  part  of  every 
member  of  this  union  to  endeavor  to 
get  as  much  of  this  increment  of  new 
force  In  our  union  as  can  be  prevailed 
upon  to  Join  in  with  us.  Now  is  the 
opportune  time  for  gathering  in  new 
recruits.  Are  we  doing  our  part  to 
get  them? 


An  up-to-date  receipt  in  your  union 
is  the  only  evidence  you  can  produce 
that  will  carry  conviction  as  to  your 
standing.  While  unsafe  to  procrasti- 
nate in  matters  of  any  nature,  it  is 
fatal  to  do  so  with  regard  to  your 
union  In  which  you  carry  insurance 
for  the  benefit  of  your  loved  ones.  Al- 
ways remember  these  things  and  pay 
your  dues  on  pay  day  and  you  will  be 
on  the  safe  side  of  your  ledger. 


However  much  or  little  we  have 
failed  to  perform  our  duty  towards 
the  companies  for  which  we  work,  the 
organization  for  which  we  stand  spon- 
sors and  the  family  for  whom  we 
have  vowed  to  provide,  to  that  extent 
we  have  fallen  short  of  our  duties. 


After  Autumn  come  the  wintry  ele- 
ments, however  well  or  poorly  pre- 
pared we  may  be  to  meet  or  greet 
them.  The  perils  of  switchmen,  while 
at   all   times   of  the   extra  hazardous 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N. 


nature,  are  considerably  augmented 
during  the  winter  months.  In  all  the 
railroad  brotherhoods,  where  their 
members  work  out  in  the  open,  the 
winter  death  rate  is  higher  than  dur- 
ing the  summer  months.  Our  mem- 
bers should  take  advantage  at  all  sea- 
sons of  the  year  of  every  precaution- 
ary method  possible  to  guard  against 
personal  injury.  The  rolling  stock 
£ind  other  equipment  of  the  company 
can  be  rebuilt  and  repaired,  but  h 
life  lost,  or  a  limb  lost,  can  never  be 
restored. 


The  roster  of  subordinate  lodge  offi- 
cers will  appear  in  November  Joxtb- 
NAL.  If  any  names  or  addresses  in 
August  roster  are  incorrect  and  you 
have  not  already  sent  corrections  for 
them,  it  is  necessary  that  this  be  done 
in  time  to  reach  Buffalo  not  later  than 
October  13th,  to  insure  corrections 
being  made  in  November  Journal. 

The  month  of  November  affords 
every  qualified  citizen  of  this  country 
an  oa;>portunHy  to  express  his  or  her 
choice  for  president,  vice-president 
and  members  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. All  citizens  should  avail 
themselves  of  the  privilege  of  register- 
ing and  make  it  a  point  of  making 
proper  use  of  this  priceless  privilege 
and  cast  their  ballot  for  those  best 
calculated  to  conserve  the  interests  oC 
those  who  do  the  world's  useful  work. 


from  Vice-Presidefit  Porter. 

Editor  Switchmen's  JouRxNal: 

It  has  come  to  my  notice  that  switch- 
men in  various  yard  are  clamoring  for 
what  they  call  a  footboard  or  terminal 
lodge  under  the  guidance  of  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  organization.  I  sincerely  believe 
this  is  only  for  the  purpose  of  retard- 
ing the  growth  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
by  appealing  to  yard  men  that  have 
been  misused  that  if  they  are  allowed 
to  legislate  for  the  men  in  the  yards 
In  which  they  work  will  have  the  same 
effect  as  if  they  belonged  to  the  S.  U. 


of  N.  A.  and  eliminate  the  large  assess- 
ments they  have  had  to  pay  for  road 
grievances.  But  will  this  terminal  or 
footboard  lodge  have  any  strength  be- 
hind it?  My  answer  is  no.  I  consider 
that  they  will  be  in  the  same  position 
as  they  would  be  without  either  organ- 
ization, and  to  clear  my  point  I  wish 
to  place  an  illustration  of  how  I  be- 
lieve it  would  work  out.  Por  instance, 
a  terminal  or  footboard  lodge  located 
at  some  point  where  their  organization 
claimed  a  contract  covering  both  the 
road  and  yards,  this  local  at  a  meet- 
ing vote  to  instruct  the  local  grievance 
committee  to  ask  for  a  conference  with 
the  proper  officials  for  the  purpose  of 
increase  of  wages  and  better  working 
conditions,  being  dissatisfied  with  the 
conditions  now  in  effect.  The  local 
committee  would  open  negotiations 
with  the  proper  officials  for  conference. 
What  would  be  the  result  if  the  general 
manager  should  reply  to  them  by  stat- 
ing that  a  conference  is  unnecessary  as 
no  new  schedule  or  working  condition 
can  be  granted  at  this  time.  What  re- 
dress is  there  left  for  this  local  com- 
mittee but  to  report  the  same  to  their 
lodge?  Ultimately  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  system  will  have  to  be 
called  upon  to  settle  the  case,  and  road 
men  are  in  the  majority  in  the  general 
grievance  committee.  As  nothing  in 
the  grievance  appears  to  seriously  af- 
fect the  road  men  they  would  naturally 
vote  to  defer  further  action.  There- 
fore, nothing  would  be  gained  lor  you, 
except  a  large  assessment  which  you 
would  have  to  pay  as  you  were  in- 
volved. 

Now,  fellow  switchmen,  I  cannot  see 
any  benefit-in  the  terminal  lodge  under 
the  guidafice  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  organ- 
ization, and  I  don't  think  you  will  let 
the  thoughts  of  a  terminal  or  footboard 
lodge  "stall"  you  from  becoming  mem- 
bers of  the  organization  that- aims  to 
protect  you  through  all  who  identify 
themselves  with  our  union,  which  ap- 
peals to  all  good,  loyal  switchmen  on 
all  railroads  in  the  United  States  and 
Canada  to  join  hands  with  them  that 
they  may  be  better  able  through  the 
rank  and  file  to  administer  that  pro- 
tection which  is  so  necessary  through 
life. .  It  appears  to  me  that  so  long  as 
organizations  upon  railroads  are  bat- 
tling one  another.  Just  so  long  the 
large  corporations  can  laugh  with  con- 
tent, knowing  that  one  will  cut  the 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF    N.    A. 


653 


other's  throat  and  relieve  them  of  the 
painful  duty  and  at  the  same  time  as« 
surlng  them  of  success.  I  sincerely 
hope  all  brothers  will  bear  in  mind  the 
needs  of  all  switchmen  as  well  as  their 
own,  as  we  wish  to  spread  the  mantle 
of  prosperity  over  all. 

The  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  needs  no  com- 
parison.for  it  has  always  protected  the 
interestiB  of  the  switchmen  as  far  as 

ithin  its  power  to  do  so.  We  only 
hope  for  more  power  that  we  be  able 
to  spread  our  protecting  arms  every- 
where. 

I  do  not  believe  in  resorting  to  un- 
fair tactics  to  gain  membership  for 
this  organization,  nor  is  it  right 
and  }ust  for  any  other  organiza- 
tion to  resort  to  unfair  tactics  to  re- 
tard the  growth  of  our  noble  order.  I 
have  heard  during  my  visits  in  various 
yards  that  remarks  have  been  made  to 
young  and  inexperienced  men  that  it 
is  not  safe  to  Join  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
as  they  do  not  pay  their  Just  claims, 
citing  some  fictitious  names.  This  re- 
mark travels  from  one  to  another,  al- 
though without  foundation,  yet  it 
works  a  great  hardship  and  is  unfair 
to  all  connected  with  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
for  if  such  was  the  case  the  law  would 
take  care  of  it  without  mercy. 

I  wish  to  state  that  in  my  travels 
I  find  business  good  in  most  parts  of 
the  country,  and  I  look  for  a  substan- 
tial increase  in  membership  in  the 
near  future,  as  most  all  lodges  are 
active,  and  this  means  members,  and 
members  mean  numerical  strength,  and 
numerical  strength  means  agreements, 
and  agreements  mean  success,  and  suc- 
cess means  prosperity,  the  goal  to 
which  all  are  looking  forward,  and 
prosperity  will  never  be  fully  devel- 
oped until  the  worker  at  sunrise  or 
sunset  feels  that  he  has  got  eight 
hours*  work,  eight  hours*  recreation 
and  eight  hours  of  sleep  with  a  fair 
compensation  with  which  to  enable 
himself  and  family  to  enjoy  the  com- 
forts of  life. 

I  wish  further  to  say  that  life  is  too 
short  to  wait.  Now  is  the  time  to 
exert  your  strength  and  bring  about 
your  desire  by  climbing  aboard  the 
grand  old  ship  that  has  weathered  so 
many  storms  and  with  your  hearty  co- 
operation will  land  you  safely  in  the 
port  of  prosperity. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  sr*f\  ^., 

L.  H.  POBTEB. 


Hie  Switchmen's  Appeal. 

In  the  pleasant  summer  weather, 

Standmg  on  the  car-tops  high. 
He  can  view  the  changing  landscape 

As  he  swiftly  rushes  by. 
While  he  notes  the  beauteous  pictures 

Which  the  lovely  landscape  makes, 
Suddenly  across  his  dreaming 

Comes    the   quick,    shrill    cry    for 
brakes. 

But  when  winter's  icy  fingers 

Cover  earth  with  snowy  shroud, 
And  the  north-wind  like  a  madman 

Rushes  on  with  shrieking  loud. 
Then  behold  the  gallant  switchman 

Sprins  to  heed  the  engine's  call. 
Running  o'er  the  icy  car-tops, 

Gk)d  protect  hiip  should  he  fall. 

Do  not  scorn  to  treat  him  kindly. 

He  will  give  you  smile  for  smile; 
Tho'  he's  nothing  but  a  switchman. 

Do  not  d-eem  him  surely  vile. 
Speak  to  him  in  kindly  language, 

Tho*   his  clothes    are    coarse    and 
plain. 
For  in  his  breast  there  surely  beats 

A  heart  that  feels  both  Joy  and  pain. 

He  may  have  a  hopeful  mother. 

He  may  be  her  greatest  Joy, 
Perhaps  in  her  home  she's  praying 

For  the  safety  of  her  boy. 
How  he  loves  that  dear,  good  mother. 

Tolling  for  her  day  by  day. 
Always  bringing  her  some  present 

Every  time  he  draws  his  pay. 

Daily  facing  death  and  danger. 

One  misstep  or  slip  of  hand 
Sends  the  poor  unlucky  switchman 

To  dreaded  unknown  land. 
When  we  scan  our  evening  paper. 

Note  what  Its  filled  columns  say; 
One  brief  line  attracts  our  notice: 

"One  more  switchman  hurt  today." 
P.  J.  Rapfebty. 


LltUe  Boy— "What's  all  these  wo- 
men here  for?" 

Little  Girl— "They've  been  upstairs 
to  see  the  baby." 

Little  Boy— "Babies  Is  common 
enough." 

Little  Girl— *Tes,  but  this  Is  a  new 
one,  an'  I  expect  they  wants  to  see 
the  latest  fashion." 


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ComavBlcatloKs  for  th*  JOUBNAL  mvst  ba  MCtttvad  BEPOKE 
thtt  1 0th  of  ihm  moKth  to  lasuro  pvblleotloa.  All  CommvsIco- 
lloas  for  tho  JOUKNAL  M«ot  bo  oocompoalod  by  tho  ooao 
of  tho  ooodor,  oad   wHttoo  ooly   oo  ooo  oldo  of  thi 


KansasOty— No.  1. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

In  almost  every  copy  of  the  Journal 
I  see  some  suggestion  about  attending 
lodge  and  suspensions  for  non-payment 
of  dues,  and  I  cannot  keep  from  saying 
something  too.  I  feel  that  all  S.  U.  of 
X.  A.  members  have  a  share  In  the  re- 
sponsibility for  keeping  the  suspension 
list  down  until  there  are  only  a  few 
instead  of  many.  We  approach  some 
good  yardmen  who  we  think  would 
make  good  S,  U.  of  N.  A.  members 
and  invite  them  to  join  the  union.  We 
point  out  to  them  the  benefits  they 
will  derive  at  the  least  possible  cost 
and  how  we  help  one  another  after 
they  have  accepted  our  invitation  and 
joined  the  union.  We,  as  brothers, 
should  have  the  same  fight  to  keep 
them  in  good  standing  in  the  union 
and  getting  them  to  attend  lodge  after 
they  are  members  that  we  had  to  get 
them  to  join.  Do  we  look  after  their 
welfare  as  we  should  in  regard  to  such 
matters?  Do  we  ever  go  to  the  treasurer 
and  see  if  the  brothers  keep  their  dues 
paid  up  or  do  we  think  our  mission  is 
ended  when  we  bring  in  their  applica- 
tions and  they  are  accepted?  I  am 
afraid  a  great  many  believe  there  are 
many,  after  bringing  in  a  candidate,  who 
imagine  their  work  is  done  and  just 
sit  back  on  an  easy  chair  with  a  satis- 
fied conscience  from  the  fact  of  having 
brought  one  more  to  the  fold  and  never 
think  to  watch  for  the  wolf  of  non- 
payment of  dues  which  Is  ever  lurking 
around  all  lods:es  to  the  sad  detriment 
of  the  organization.  I  contend  that 
every  brother  has  as  much  of  a  duty 
to  perform  in  helping  to  keep  members 
together  and  in  good  standing  as  they 
have  to  solicit  for  membership.  So. 
brothers,  be  fair  and  don't  try  to  put 
all  the  responsibility  on  the  shoulders 
of  the  officers.    Of  course  it  is  the  duty 


of  the  treasurer  to  collect  the  dues- 
from  the  members  and  the  secretary  to 
record  the  lodge  proceedings  upon  the 
minutes,  and  so  on  down  the  line. 
While  all  this  is  very  true,  let  it  be 
understood  at  the  same  time  that  it  is 
a  very  hard  thing  to  properly  handle 
business  without  the  officers*  full  co- 
operation and  support  of  all  the 
members  of  the  union.  This  principle 
is  true  not  only  in  any  particular  lodge 
but  in  all.  Now,  brothers,  let's  get  our 
shoulders  together  against  the  spokes 
in<he  wheel  of  progress  and  get  them 
back  or  paid-up  ones  in  their  places. 
We  can  do  it,  but  it  will  take  intelli- 
gent and  painstaking  work.  But  re* 
ward  in  the  end  will  justify  our  efforts, 
so  let's  help  our  International  Presi- 
dent and  Grand  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer to  have  30,000  members  at  the 
call  of  the  next  convention. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

S.  W.  Greexe. 


Kansas  Oty.  Mo.- No.  1. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Stop!     Look!     Listen! 

Actually  something  from  No.  1.  We 
have  no  excuses  to  offer.  Business  is 
fairly  good.  Hiring  men  all  over 
town.  But  as  a  yardmaster  told  me 
they  want  switchmen  and  not  hams, 
as  he  was  forced  to  employ,  just  be- 
cause they  hold  a  stinger  receipt.  The 
day  has  come  for  the  S.  U.  man  be- 
caused  he  can  be  relied  upon  as  a  man 
of  principle  and  a  competent  switch- 
man. The  man  in  question  was  a  G. 
Y.  M.  of  a  big  system.    I  said :     "How 

are  you  making  it,  Mr.  ."    "WelU 

Randolph,"  he  said,  "I  am  doing  the 
best  I  can  with  the  cattle  I  have  to  do 
it  with." 

Now,  the   B.   of  R.  T.   organization 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


655 


holds  one  of  these  perpetual  75  per 
cent  so-called  contracts  on  that  line, 
and  on  the  other  hand  we  have  an  ex- 
member  of  No.  1  who  may  get  hold  of 
a  Grand  Lodge  office  in  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
at  their  next  convention,  who  is  a  O. 
T.  &L  on  a  local  railroad  here,  and  he 
is  a  great  organizer  for  the  stingers. 
When  a  man  strikes  him  for  a  Job  he 
swells  up,  gets  the  "bull"  in  his  neck 
and  asks  you  if  you  have  your  ''li- 
cense," and  if  not,  why  not?  But  at 
that  w^  are  progressing  rapidly  here 
in  the  Kansas  City  district. 

We  had  a  labor  day  parade  and  all 
the  S.  U.  men  who  could  get  off  were 
in  line.  But  the  stingers  had,  as  a 
rule,  spoken  weeks  ahead  of  time  to 
get  off,  and  that  accounts  for  the  S.  U. 
not  making  as  good  a  showing  as  some 
of  the  other  organizations. 

We  had  an  open  meeting  a  few 
weeks  ago,  and  Bro.  Connors,  Bro. 
Misenhelter  and  A.  A.  Roe  of  Wichita, 
Kan.,  a  member  of  the  B.  of  R.  T., 
spoke.  Bro.  Connors  ate  a  few  stingers 
alive,  without  any  pepper  or  salt.  Bro. 
Misenhelter  told  of  conditions  as  he 
found  them,  and  Mr.  Roe  told  the  B. 
of  R.  T.  men  in  the  hal]«  and  there 
were  some  35  or  40  of  them,  that  the 
S.  U.  had  never  disgraced  their  order 
and  that  was  more  than  he  could  say 
for  his  organization,  and  advised  them 
to  get  on  the  right  side  of  union  prin- 
ciple and  be  real  union  men. 

We  are  getting  new  members  as  well 
as  reinstating  others  in  Nos.  1,  42  and 
2.  Due  credit  must  be  given  to  Bro. 
Misenhelter,  who  is  actually  in  the 
yards  from  5  a.  m.  till  midnight,  and 
has  been  known  to  be  talking  unionism 
to  switchmen  at  2  in  the  morning,  try- 
ing to  induce  the  prospective  member 
to  get  right  with  his  fellow  man  and 
to  protect  himself  and  his  family. 

But  here  is  where  I  want  to  reach 
the  brother  who  is  away  from  his 
home  lodge  and  not  near  any  lodge, 
but  who  does  get  his  Journal.  There 
was  a  proposed  amendment,  which  was 
sent  to  the  last  convention,  and,  as  I 
understand,  never  left  the  committee 
to  which  it  was  referred,  because  it 
was  not  considered  the  proper  time  to 
start  this  move  to  cut  down  expenses 
and  build  a  home  for  the  old  and  dis- 
abled switchmen,  the  argument  being 
advanced  that  the  men  would  not 
stand  a  monthly  raise  of  25  cents  on 
their  dues.  I  don't  believe  in  raising 
the, dues.    It  won't  be  necessary  if  we 


cut  the  grand  dues  to  25c,  just  the 
same  figure  as  when  we  first  started, 
and  use  the  other  25  cents  per  month 
per  member  in  building  and  maintain- 
ing a  home  for  the  old  and  disabled 
switchmen. 

If  some  definite  and  equitable  plan 
could  be  decided  upon  by  our  member- 
ship that  would  establish  a  home  for 
our  aged  and  totally  crippled  members 
it  would  be  an  excellent  investment. 
Tou  will  most  likely  hear  more  from 
me  in  regard  to  this  matter. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  our  lodges,  1 
remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
B.  W.  Randolph,  Pres.  No.  1. 


Cast  Chicago,  Ind.— No.  145. 

EiDiTOB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  has  been  a  long  time  since  I 
have  seen  anything  in  the  pink  sheet 
from  No.  145  I  will  try  to  make  a  drop 
of  the  waste  basket  and  kick  in  a  few 
lines  toward  a  clear  page. 

Business  is  good  now  on  the  "Wrong 
Main,"  otherwise  called  the  B.  k  O. 
C.  T.  and  we  try  to  treat  all  comers  as 
well  as  we  would  like  to  be  treated 
ourselves  if  we  were  looking  for  an  of- 
fice, instead  of  holding  a  membership 
in  the  home  guards. 

The  brothers  of  67  report  business 
rushing  on  the  I.  H.  B.,  but  they  are 
short  of  S.  U.  men  there.  We  haven't 
as  many  on  the  Wrong  Main  as  we 
would  like,  though  we  have  an  evident 
majority  here. 

We  have  a  lot  of  no  bills.  Ouess 
we'll  have  to  get  the  goat  a  new  saddle 
and  get  him  something  to  do  to  earn 
his  feed.  Haven't  heard  his  horns 
crack  so  often  of  late  as  we  should.  I 
don't  know  of  anyone  to  blame  for  this 
inactivity  any  more  than  myself,  so 
I'll  have  to  forego  the  pleasure  of 
bawling  anyone  out  for  it,  but;  instead 
wake  up  and  get  a  few  "no  bills"  into 
the  fold. 

Well,  how  are  you  going  to  vote  this 
year?  Who  said  politics?  I'm  not  go- 
ing to  say  anything  about  politics  from 
a  partisan  point,  but  Just  going  to 
touch  on  the  economic  side  of  the  ques- 
tion. 

There  are  three  distinct  classes  of 
officeseekers:  First,  the  class  that 
slaps  you  on  the  back,  cracks  a  few 
old  stale  Jokes,  also  a  few  cold  ones, 
and  says  nothing  about  what  he  will 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N. 


try  to  get  done  for  you  or  any  one 
else.  Second,  the  class  that  promises 
all  manner  of  improvements,  but  can 
give  no  clear  or  reasonable  plan  of  how 
they  are  to  be  brought  about,  or  any- 
thing in  his  past  record  to  even  show 
his  willingness  or  ability  to  bring 
about  such  improvements.  Third,  the 
man  with  a  clean  record  and  a  clea?, 
well-defined  plan  to  procure  needed  re- 
forms and  the  ability  to  put  such  plans 
throu^  if  given  the  chance. 

Of  course  the  lines  are  not  always 
clearly  defined  between  these  three 
classes  of  men  who  come  seeking  our 
votes  to  put  them  in  positions  of 
power.  And,  of  course,  some  have 
some  of  the  vices  and  some  of  the  vir- 
tues so  intermingled  as  to  make  it 
hard  to  fit  them  in  any  of  these 
classes. 

Surely  it  is  time  for  organized  labor 
to  vote  union  rather  than  to  work  un- 
der union  conditions,  and  buy  union 
products  and  vote  a  labor-crushing 
ticket. 

If  a  man  is  not  clean-cut  and  square 
Or  if  he  is  backed  by  the  wrong  bunch 
remember  there  are  cases  of  goon  men 
going  wrong  after  election,  but  there 
is  a  vacant  chair  in  the  museum  for 
the  first  crook  to  turn  square  after  his 
election  to  office. 

If  every  union  man  in  the  country 
would  give  a  few  minutes  a  day  to  the 
matter  of  who's  who  and  who's  right 
in  the  political  field  there  is  no  reason 
why  we  can't  have  our  friends  in  most, 
if  not  all,  places  of  trust,  instead  of 
being  governed  by  a  lot  of  corporation 
tools,  who  have  no  motive  except  to 
serve  their  masters.  We  hear  much 
about  the  dignity  of  labor,  but  how 
much  do  you  feel  dignified  by  shaking 
hands  with  a  hireling  of  some  outlaw 
trust  who  is  looking  for  your  vote  and 
who  will  wash  his  hands  with  disin- 
fectant after  you  are  gone,  because  it 
has  touched  something  so  common. 

Away  with  such  pretense  and  petti- 
foggery. Get  wise  and  use  the  power 
you  stin  retain  to  sweep  the  whole  rot- 
ten festering  bunch  of  grafters  and 
tools  from  office  and  replace  them  with 
men  of  action,  men  who  are  not  afraid 
to  stand  for  you  and  me  and  our  inter- 
ests. 

You  have  a  wide  field  to  choose  from 
for  the  first  office  in  the  land.  One 
candidate,  with  a  record  of  jailing  la- 
bor officials  for  declaring  a  strike  le- 
gal;   another  who  claims  the  greatest 


peril  of  the  country  is  too  much  right 
granted  to  the  masses,  not  enough 
class  distinction;  still  another  who 
sets  the  Chinese  coolie  as  above  the 
average  American  farmer,  because  he 
is  a  more  willing  worker;  still  another 
who  defied  the  courts  with  the  state- 
ment that  he  would  rot  in  Woodstock 
Jail  before  he  would  call  off  a  strike 
against  the  vote  of  the  men  involvM. 

And  taking  the  public  life  of  the  dif- 
ferent candidates  into  consideration 
one  is  forced  to  believe  they  an  meant 
what  they  said. 

Which  one  appeals  to  you,  Mr.  Union 
Man,  as  the  most  likely  to  serve  you 
and  me?  It's  up  to  you  to  decide.  See 
that  you  do  your  part  as  conscientious- 
ly as  you  would  vote  on  a  question  of 
calling  a  strike  or  accepting  a  wage 
agreement  and,  remember,  working 
agreements  can  be  changed  many  times 
before  you  have  another  national  elec- 
tion and  you  have  not  the  power  of 
recall  if  you  are  not  satisfied  with  the 
choice  of  the  people. 

Hoping  for  the  continuation  of  busi- 
ness and  the  rapid  increase  of  our 
membership;  also  the  election  of  la- 
bor's choice,  I  remain. 

Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

C.  H.  SCHOFIELD,  145. 


NcwYoHcOly— No.56. 

Bditob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  will  come  back  again  with  a  few 
lines  for  our  little  pink  book  and  let 
the  brothers  in  the  West  know  what 
the  members  of  Lodge  No.  66  are  do- 
ing. We  initiate  a  member  now  and 
then  and  soon  hope  to  be  able  to  re- 
port better  progress  in  this  respect. 
Two  of  our  Grand  Lodge  officers. 
President  Heberling  and  Vice-Presi- 
dent Sheehan  recently  paid  a  visit  to 
our  lodge  and  gave  us  much  good  ad- 
vice and  news.  The  members  who 
failed  to  attend  this  meeting  missed 
a  rare  treat  They  informed  us  that 
everything  looks  good  for  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  all  over  the  country,  and  why 
should  it  not?  Brothers,  you  are  the 
power  and  one  and  all  should  enlist  in 
the  cause  and  be  men  among  men.  I 
long  for  the  time  when  yardmen  may 
know  the  power  they  possess  and 
which  can  be  used  to  better  the  con- 
ditions that  exist.  I  know  this  is  a 
broad  question,  but  I  believe  it  can  be 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


667 


demonstrated  to  a  majority  of  the 
switchmen,  whether  or  not  they  fully 
realize  it  that  this  union  is  a  mighty 
power  for  good  and  is  becoming  more 
so  every  day.  They  are  anxious  that 
right  should  prevail  in  all  yards  as 
well  as  in  their  lodge  councils.  The 
switchmen  are  not  organized  to  en- 
courage the  grinding  methods  with 
which  corporate  greed  now  oppresses 
them.  It  is  their  mission  to  try  to 
overcome  as  many  of  them  as  possible. 
The  yardmen  have  no  one  to  blame 
but  themselves  for  poor  conditlon^^ 
that  prevail  in  switching  terminals. 
The  right  sort  of  sentiment  does  not 
exist  between  the  two  rivals  contend- 
ing for  control  of  yard  conditions. 
ESach  seems  to  fear  the  other  and  each 
is  inspired  by  a  desire  to  get  an  ad- 
vantage over  the  other.  As  a  result 
of  all  this  suspicion  prevails  whepe 
there  should  be  mutual  confidence 
among  this  class  of  workers.  Some- 
thing must  be  done  to  relieve  exist- 
ing differences  and  clashes  among  the 
yardmen  in  this  eastern  country,  for 
they  are  very  discouraging  to  say  the 
least  and,  unless  something  is  done  to 
improve  them  there  will  be  trouble- 
some days  ahead.  If  your  house  was 
on  fire  would  you  stop  the  fireman  and 
ask  him  if  he  belonged  to  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.?  Then,  why  not  be  sensible 
in  this  matter  also?  Get  into  the 
class  and  craft  where  you  belong  and 
which  will  protect  your  interests  and 
will  try  to  better  your  conditions.  Why 
not  drop  all  other  issues  for  the  pres- 
ent  and  take  up  these  questions.  If 
there  ever  was  a  time  when  it  was 
necessary  that  yardmen  should  get 
together  that  time  is  now  and  it  ap- 
peals very  strongly  to  my  mind  that 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  is  the  medium 
through  which  this  getting  together 
should  be  brought  about.  There  wili 
always  be  miserable  conditions  in 
switching  service  until  we  can  better 
our  system  of  work  for  our  fellow 
craft  men.  Unitedly  we  can  accom- 
plish much.  Divided  by  dissension  we 
can  do  but  little.  Remember,  fellow 
switchmen,  it  costs  as  much  to  live 
for  eight  hours  as  for  ten  hours  a  day, 
so  if  you  produce  as  much  work  in 
eight  hours  as  other  yards  do  in  ten 
you  should  have  what  you  produce. 
I  am  not  a  sentimentalist,  but 
this  is  my  view  of  the  situation. 
Tardmen,  get  together  and  change 
things   to  what   they  should   be.     It 


oan  be  done  and  if  the  "No-Bills"  aad 
men  of  brains  will  only  think  this 
matter  •ver  and  be  guided  by  a  spirit 
of  fairness,  it  will  be  done.  What  is 
labor  organized  for  but  to  better  your 
condition?  When  it  becomes  the 
power  it  should  be  it  will  not  go  on 
bended  knee  and  beg  for  honorable 
work  and  wage  conditions.  It  will  de- 
mand what  is  right  and  what  jusUy 
belongs  to  it.  If  all  those  switching 
ears  had  the  manhood  to  get  into  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  we  would  soon  do  tiie 
rest  Now,  Brother  Tardmen,  I  think 
I  have  the  correct  version  of  the  mat- 
ter when  I  say  the  switchmen  should 
all  be  members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
With  best  wishes  to  all  in  the  good 
old  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  ship,  I  remain. 
Tours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


CMpofHif  Kms*    No*  33* 
Bditob  SwiTCHMnif's  Joubital: 

A  few  words  from  Lodge  No.  33; 
Vice-President  Connors  paid  us  a  visit 
on  Aug.  29th  and  initiated  three  can- 
didates for  us  and  gave  us  much  good 
advice.  Bro.  Connors  also  called  at 
the  switch  shanty  and  met  about  all 
the  brothers.  A  B.  of  R.  T.  man  made 
the  remark  that  he  had  been  working 
here  for  about  eight  years  and  he  had 
never  .seen  a  Grand  Itodge  officer  of 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  at  a  switch  shanty  or 
down  in  the  yard.  It  made  me  think 
of  the  brother's  letter  from  Lodge  No. 
56  about  the  suite  of  rooms  in  the  ho- 
tel. I  told  the  gentleman  that  the 
Grand  Lodge  officers  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  were  taken  off  of  footboards  of 
switching  engines  and  elected  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  by  men  that  worked  at 
yard  work  and  that  they  had  fought 
the  battles  for  years  with  box  cars  in 
rain  and  snow  before  entering  upon 
their  present  duties  and  were  not 
afraid  to  work  even  to  the  extent  of 
going  into  switch  shanties  and  into 
yards,  which  is  right.  Our  Grand 
Lodge  officers  are  still  fighting  and 
they  have  got  a  harder  fight  than 
when  they  were  on  the  footboards.  So 
all  members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
should  assist  them  in  every  honorable 
way  possible  to  build  up  this  grand 
and  noble  vnion  and  cut  out  all  knock- 
ing. 

Now,  in  defense  of  the  C,  R.  I.  A 
P.    I  understand  the  B.  of  R.  T.  met 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


the  general  managers  or' atbitration 
board  in  the  spring  of  1910  and  were 
granted  two  cents  an  hour  increase  of 
pay,  covering  the  Chicago  territory. 
About  one  week  later  the  S.  U.  of  N. 

A.  was  granted  three  cents  ah  hour, 
covering  not  only  Chicago  territory, 
dating  from  Feb.  10,  1910,  but  aU 
yards  on  systems  leading  out  of  Ch!- 
>cago  with  which  this  union  had  work- 
ing agreements  and  which  were  suffici- 
ent to  make  this  three  cent  hourly  in- 
crease of  pay  at  once  effective  in  eii- 
teen  states  and,  of  course,  made  it  an 
easy  matter  for  the  big  organization 
to  adjust  their  schedules  on  a  similar 
basis.  From  all  Indications  there  was 
no  time  set  as  to  when  the  raise  was 
to  take  effect  on  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
roads^  as  the  A.  T.  A  S.  F.,  a  great 

B.  of  R.  T.  road  out  of  Chicago,  did 
not  get  the  raise  until  May  and  no 
back  pay  was  forthcoming.  So  the  C. 
R.  I.  A  P.  got  about  twentynseven  dol- 
lars per  man  the  best  of  the  A.,.  T.  A 
S.  F.  This  twenty-seven  dollars  would 
have  helped  the  B.  of  R.  T.  boys  out 
considerably  in  getting  change  of 
cover  on  their  last  yard  contract 
The  M.,  K.  A  T.  was  several  months 
later  getting  their  raise.  Now,  Mr. 
B.  of  R.  T.  man,  you  claim  that  on  ac- 
count of  the  large  nun^ber  of  S.  U. 
men  working  on  roads  where  the  B. 
of  R.  T.  has  a  contract,  is  one  reason 
why  your  assessments  are.  so  high. 
It  is  an  evident  fact,  however,  that  we 
got  one  cent  an  hour  increase  the  last 
raise  of  pay  and,  by  your  holding 
contract  on  the  A.  T.  A  S.  F.  and  other 
roads,  you  caused  us  to  be  loser  of 
about  twenty-seven  dollars,  ndt  only 
to  the  S.  U.  men,  but  to  yourselves  as 
well.  Tour  Grand  Lodge  officers  claim 
about  120,000  members  and  they  claim 
that  the  S.  U.  has  only  8,000  members 
But  the  litUe  8,000  got  the  big  120,000 
one  cent  an  hour  raise,  so  it  must  be 
our  Grand  Lodge  officer  who  did  the 
business,  as  8,000  switchmen  would 
not  cut  much  ice.  If  it  is  not  the 
Grand  Lodge  officers  then  it  is  the 
members  and  with  40,000  members 
we  would  have  secured  a  15c  an  hour 
raise.  So  line  up  with  us,  Mr.  B.  of 
R.  T.  man,  and  we  will  make  it  40,- 
000.  If  I  were  a  member  of  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  I  would  write  to  Mr.  W.  G.  Lee 
and  find  out  why  it  is  that  the  S.  U. 
got  three  cents  an  hour  increase  with 
8,000  members,  and  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
with  120,000,  received  an  increase  of 


only  two  cents  on  hour.    I  would  not 
think  the  big  120,000  would  want  to 
arbitrate.    Wishing  success  to  the  S. 
U.  and  all  its  members,  I  remain, 
Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

BUB. 


0.~No.  116. 

Editor  Switchmeiv's  Joubnal: 

It  is  said  that  members  of  trades 
unions  in  this  country  spend  over  one 
billion-  five  hundred  million  dollars 
each  year  for  the  necessaries  of  life. 
It  is  reasonable  to  believe,  then,  that 
if  two  and  one-half  million  union  men 
would  insist  on  it,  they  would  soon 
find  a  union  label  on  everything  they 
or  their  families  purchased,  and  in  a 
very  short  time  we  would  see  ten  times 
as  many  workers  in  the  ranks  of  or- 
ganized labor  as  at  present,  which 
would  insure  a  happier,  higher  stand- 
ard of  life  for  the  toilers  on  account 
of  the  improved  conditions  under 
which  we  would  work  and  a  living 
wage  would  be  guaranteed  to  all. 

It  is  very  evident  that  a  great  ma- 
jority of  union  men  do  not  fully  real- 
ize the  value  of  the  union  label  as  an 
instrument  for  the  advancing  of  the 
labor  movement  They  have  not  given 
the  subject  deep  thought  and  do  not 
appreciate  the  effect  every  purchase  of 
goods  bearing  the  union  label  has  on 
the  entire  labor  movement.  No  doubt 
we  spend  several  times  as  much  to 
keep  non-union  concerns  in  the  field 
as  we  do  to  support  our  union  estab- 
lishments. 

The  possibilities  are  so  great,  and 
the  manner  of  accomplishment  so 
simple,  that  no  unionist  can  advance 
an  excuse  justifying  his  carelessness 
on  this  matter.  ''Demand  the  label." 
It  is  your  duty.  Be  one  of  the  instru- 
ments of  progress  in  the  labor  move- 
ment instead  of  putting  your  dollars 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  whose  aim 
is  chiefly  to  destroy  our  union.  Bvery 
dollar  devoted  toward  the  purchase  o' 
union  label  goods  is  a  dollar  directed 
toward  preserving  them.  It  may  be  a 
little  bit  embarrassing  occasionally, 
but  you  will  be  rewarded  in  genuine 
materia]  benefits  in  the  end. 

The  possession  of  your  union  card 
indicates  you  are  a  union  man.  This 
is  true  in  theory  only,  for  the  man  who 
purchases  non-union  goods  when  label 
goods  can  be  obtained — and  it  le  fre- 


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quently  done — is  not  fulfilling  his  ob-. 
ligation  to  bis  anion  or  he  would  cul- 
tiyate  the  habit  of  buying  only  goods 
made  by  union  men  and  under  union 
oonditions. 

Let  us  also  be  encouraged  to  do  our 
duty  at  the  poUs  this  fall.  Have  we 
not  good  reason  to  be  determined  to 
elect  more  union  men  to  our  municipal 
and  county  offices  than  ever? — men  of 
our  >cla86  who  will  legislate  for  us  and 
who  are  non-corruptible^  and  have  the 
courage  and  brains  to  defeat  the  graft- 
ers and  pass  laws  that  will  be  bene- 
ficial to  us,  and  also  enforce  them. 
Look  over  the  ticket  and  study  it  and 
let  your  conscience  direct  your  pencil. 
The  record  of  Socialists  in  our  local 
council  is  above  criticism,  and  I  hope 
all  S.  U.  men  in  this  county  won't  fail 
to  get  out  and  cast  their  ballot  fr 
Bro.  A.  J.  Grace  for  sheriff.  I  also 
challenge  any  man  to  show  why  he 
would  not  make  an  ideal  official. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Badge  No.  116. 


Tcfre  HautCy  Ind. — No.  94. 

Bditoe  Switchmen's  Joijbnal: 

Well,  brothers,  after  reading  the 
letters  from  different  brothers,  pub- 
lished in  our  little  pink  book  in  the 
September  number,  one  can  but  say  in 
truth  that  many  of  them  are  very  In- 
teresting and  contain  many  valuable 
and  instructive  points. 

Now,  Brother  Switchmen,  I  am  of 
the  opinion  of  Bro.  J.  W.  Walker  of 
Lodge  No.  89  and  admire  his  stand  as 
set  forth  in  his  letter  as  regi^rds  the 
moral  standing  of  prospective  candi- 
dates for  membership  in  our  order. 
Now  I  do  not  think  we  can  be  too  par 
ticular  as  to  the  quality  of  timber 
used  to  build  our  grand  old  ship,  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  and  we  should  take 
pride  in  doing  our  best  to  make  the 
Switchmen's  Union  shine  second  to 
none  morally  and  socially.  Well  may 
the  members  of  Trilby  Lodge  No.  8  be 
proud  of  the  fact  that  business  men 
and  patrons  of  the  different  roads  of 
which  they  are  employes  should  ap- 
preciate their  trustworthiness  and  in- 
tegrity to  the  extent  of  writing  them 
such  a  letter  as  the  one  written  by  E. 
H.  Sterly,  superintendent  of  the 
Trinity  Compress  Co.,  and  submitted 
for  our  benefit  by  Bro.  C.  G.  Glaten 
in    his    letter.      Now,    brothers,    we 


should  one  and  all  use  our  best  ef-; 
forts  to  conduct  our  actions,  both  in. 
our  work  and  fair  dealing,  that  our. 
work  would  be  an  actual  necessity  for 
the  welfare  of  our  employer. 

Now,  ^itb  reference  to  a  .part  of  the 
letter  by  Bro.  M.  A.  Gooley  of  Lodgd 
No.  38,  notably  the  prevention  of  accii 
dents.  Brothers,  we  one  and  all  know,:, 
who. have  read  the  book  of  rules  and. 
bulletins  posted  from  time  to  time 
that  it  is  the  wish  and  command  of 
t^e  man  higher  up  that  we  shall  take: 
no  hazardous  risks  while  in  the  dls-.. 
charge  of  our  duties.  Tet,  for  some 
reason  unknown  to  me  they  alone — ; 
the  understrapped  trying  to  make  a 
record  for  themselves — put  a  premium, 
on  recklessness,  oftentimes  thereby 
causing  personal  injury  and  destruc- 
tion of  property  and  this,  in  a  larger: 
majority  of  cases,  unknown  to  the. 
man  higher  up  for  the  very  reason 
that  it  is  very  seldom  brought  to  hia 
knowledge  through  the  proper  chan- 
nel. Now 'I  have  noticed  and  I  have 
no  doubt  that  many  other  brothers 
have  also  observed  the  same  thing;' 
that  those  addicted  to  stalling  are. 
the  hardest  kind  of  men  to  get  along 
with.  For  instance,  men  who,  while 
they  are  helping  in  the  yard  or  brak-. 
Ing  on  Uie  road,  seem  to  think  that  all 
that  is  necessary  or  required  of  them 
is  to  do  as  little  as  they  can  for  the 
money,  stall  around  and  delay  th» 
game  as  much  as  possible  in  order  ta 
get  in  a  nttle  overtime.  They  usually 
develop  into  an  overtime  hog  with 
bristles  on  their  back  as  stiff  as  wire. 
After  a  time  «uch  fellows,  through 
seniority  Or  some  other  hook  or  crook,. 
get  a  little  boost  up  on  the  round  up 
the  ladder  of  officialdom  toward  a  gen- 
eral managership.  When  this  is  the 
case  he,  as  a  rule,  immediately  be- 
comes all  teeth  and  toe  nails,  becomes 
a  very  much  "hurry*  up"  man  and 
wants  everybody  else,  as  well  as  the 
cars  to  get  the  "hurry-up"  fever  and 
fly  with  him,  kick  the  cars  off  the  ceun 
ter,  knock  off  all  the  doors  that  are 
not  spiked  on,  kick  the  lumber  out 
through  the  ends  of  cars,  change  the 
merchandise  from  one  end  of  the  car 
to  the  other  by  the  leap  frog  process, 
thereby  causing  more  damage  to  prop- 
erty many  times  over  in  general  than: 
his  wages  amounts  to.  Then  again, 
if  the  poor  unfortunate  helper  does 
not  get  in  between  the  cars  in  order 
to  make  a  cut,  when  the  cut-lever  or 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.    A. 


knuckle-lock  proves  inoperative  from 
the  Bide  of  the  car,  which  we  all  knom' 
very  often  occurs  (he  all  the  while 
giving  high-ball  kick  signals)  curs 38 
and  damns  the  poor  unfortunate  to  the 
deepest  pits  of  perdition  and  straight- 
way turns  him  in  as  being  no  good. 
Then  again  he  shows  his  ability  as  a 
(what  one  might  call)  mine-run 
switchman  by  taking  a  cut  of  cars 
from  one  track  and  shoving  them  all  in 
on  another.  Just  as  they  stand,  regard- 
less of  where  they  belong,  and  letting 
some  other  fellow  do  the  work.  Now, 
what  difference  does  all  this  make  to 
the  company  as  long  as  he  makes  a 
record  of  handling  more  cars  than 
some  other  fellow  who  places  the  cars 
where  they  belong  and  has  no  smash- 
up  record.  Then,  in  many  instances, 
the  man  Just  one  round  kigker  up  the 
ladder,  pats  the  "hurry-up"  man  on  the 
back  and  tells  everybody  else  that  we 
are  car-smashers  and  that  the  "hurry- 
up"  man  is  the  best  man  on  the  Job. 
I  very  often  think  that  If  the  general 
manager  could  be  close  by  when  this 
"hurry-up"  man  and  record-maker  is 
busy  with  some  of  his  antics,  there 
would  certainly  be  a  change  for  the 
betterment  of  ail  concerned.  We  all 
know,  to  some  extent  at  least,  of  the 
enormous  sums  of  money  that  are 
paid  out  from  year  to  year  by  the  dif- 
ferent railroads  of  the  country  for 
damages  to  property  while  in  transit 
in  addition  to  other  enormous  sums 
of  money  for  damages  to  their  own 
property,  and  a  very  large  percentage 
of  this  is  paid  out  through  no  other 
cause  than  allowing  these  "hurry-up" 
men  to  make  a  record  for  themselves 
or  to  demonstrate  their  ability  to 
handle  a  larger  number  of  cars  than 
some  other  more  careful  man.  Now  I 
feel  certain  there  will  be  a  time  when 
there  will  be^  a  premium  on  the 
"hurry-up"  man  and  when  it  comes 
the  managers  of  railways  will  find 
more  money  stored  in  their  strong 
boxes  and  will  be  more  willing  and 
able  to  grant  us  a  small  raise  in  pay 
at  our  request  from  time  to  time. 
Now,  brothers,  I  do  not  wish  to  be 
understood  as  finding  fault  with  any 
one  trying  to  do  an  honest  day's 
work;  far  from  it.  I  believe,  however, 
that  we  should  all  make  it  a  point,  no 
matter  whom  we  are  working  for,  u> 
use  our  best  efforts  in  an  honest  and 
fair  way  for  the  best  interests  of  our 
employer,  no  matter  who  he  may  be. 


No  place,  in  all  the  years  I  have  been 
employed  as  a  switchman,  have  I  ever 
had  it  demonstrated  to  me,  by  word 
or  action  of  any  ofBcial  higher  up, 
that  it  was  any  more  necessary  for  a 
switchman  to  run  and  Jump  while  In 
the  discharge  of  his  duties  than  any 
other  tradesman.  Well,  Lodge  No.  94 
is  still  on  the  map  and  prospering. 
Business  is  getting  on  the  boom  here 
on  all  the  roads  and  we  are  in  hqpes 
it  will  keep  so  right  along.. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Goodwin. 


CMcago  Jufictioii,  C— No.  155. 

EiOrroB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  I  have  a  few  spare  moments  I 
will  endeavor  to  write  a  few  lines  to 
our  brothers,  as  Thanksgiving  Lodge 
No.  155  is  still  wide  awake  and  glad  to 
say  on  the  level  with  our  own.  I  have 
a  word  to  say  to  our  wandering  broth- 
ers throughout  this  country.  It  is, 
that  Chicago  Junction,  which  has 
turned  out  many  railroad  men,  is  one 
of  the  worst  places  to  be  in  trouble. 
What  I  mean  by  trouble  is  not  between 
S.  U.  brothers  and  Stingers,  but  among 
the  Stingers  themselves.  They  are  al- 
ways fighting  among  themselves,  on 
the  grounds  that  this  man  is  riding 
more  cuts  than  the  other  one  is  and 
this  one  made  the  dinner  hour  and 
that  one  didn't;  I  was  the  oldest  man 
on  the  Job  and  I'm  going  to  pull  the 
book  on  this  man  because  he  has  an 
11-hour  Job  and  my  Job  only  pays  10 
hours.  And  the  Stingers  have  an 
agreement  here.  It  is  that  10  hours 
constitute  a  day's  work,  and  all  over- 
time to  be  paid  in  actual  minutes,  and 
the  engines  happen  to  make  a  few  min- 
utes every  day  for  a  week. 

Here  comes  a  Stinger  who  has  been 
here  so  long  you  can  see  "ball" 
stamped  on  the  bottom  of  his  shoes — 
or  I  could  say  his  feet  and  be  safe — 
for  if  he  works  on  the  east-bound  side 
he  can  call  himself  lucky  if  he  has  got 
time  to  put  on  his  shoes,  if  he  has  a 
change,  while  on  duty.  Anyway  he 
wants  this  Job  because  brother  so  and 
so  is  making  a  few  cents  more  than 
he.  In  the  agreement  ft  also  says  they 
must  eat  every  six  hours,  but  they  eat 
when  the  yardmaster  permits  them — 
sometimes  in  six  hours,  six  hours  and 
a  half  and  seven  hours — or  any  other 
old  time.    They  say  they  do  not  have 


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«1 


to  chain  up  cars  when  car  repair  men 
are  ayailable»  but  if  you  pull  an  old 
rusty  stinger  out  of  the  dutch  end  of 
a  car,  sound  the  alarm  you  want  a 
chain  brought  down  from  the  sharp 
end  of  the  mule,  and  you  can  see  a 
stinger  come  galloping  like  a  western 
broncho  on  the  Nevada  plains.  If  you 
come  to  Chicago  Junction,  O.,  for  a  Job 
switching  and  are  in  luck  to  land  it,  I 
will  try  and  give  you  a  bill  of  fare  of 
what  you  will  need:  One  large  basket 
(picnic  preferred)  for  your  lunch,  and 
the  very  heaviest  of  shoes,  for  you 
will  think  you  are  walking  a  Journal 
off  of  a  sulky  plow  before  six  bells 
ring  to  go  home,  and  don't  forget  your 
little  book  of  arguments,  so  you  can 
get  well  posted  on  them,  for  by  the 
time  you  have  them  committed  to 
memory  back  to  Baltimore  for  the 
"big  greaver"  going  i^ter  a  one*cent 
raise,  a  12.01  dinner  hour,  and  actual 
minutes,  and  a  long  10-hour  day,  when 
you  have  to  leave  home  at  6  a.  m.  to 
go  to  work  at  7  a.  m.,  carry  a  cold 
lunch  with  you,  and  be  relieved  at  6 
p.  m.  (home  at  7),  and  perhaps  you 
will  walk  if  you  want  to  reach  home 
in  time  to  see  Mary  and  little  Johnnie 
before  they  go  to  bed.  What  do  you 
think,  boys;  is  this  a  good  Job  on  the 
B.  &  O.  at  second  rate  pay  and  pass- 
word on  the  benches  in  switch  shan- 
ties, or  hit  the  ball  and  go  and  see 
J.  W.  H.? 

Will  close,  expecting  to  see  this  in 
the  book  that  guides  the  right  man  on 
the  right  trail. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Raw  Hn>EB, 
Always  on  the  Job. 


Gary,  Ind.— No.  47. 

BorroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Lodge  No.  47  appointed  a  Joubnal 
agent  the  first  of  the  year,  but  never 
seeing  any  of  his  contributions  in  the 
Joubnal,  I  suspected  there  must  be 
something  wrong  and  after  a  little 
quiet  sleuth  work,  satisfied  myself 
that  the  "something"  is  the  same 
thing  with  which  most  of  us  were 
aflaicted  along  in  our  early  twenties. 

But,  seriously,  if  it  is  really  a  fact 
that  "Jimmie"  is  contemplating  tak- 
ing unto  himself  a  life  partner,  his 
many  friends  will  act  as  a  unit  in  ex- 
pressing the  hope  that  he  will  never 


have  cause  to  regret  it,  and  all  we 
old  veterans  who  have  been  through 
the  "war"  can  testify  /rom  experience 
that  he  can  find  more  time  to  write 
letters  after  annexation  than  he  did 
before — ^that  is,  letters  for  publication. 

If  members  are  as  listless  about 
reading  the  Joubnal  as  they  are  in 
contributing  to  its  columns,  they  do 
not  know  what  they  are  missing,  for 
the  editorials  in  the  pink  book  are  of 
a  high  order  and  well  worth  the  time 
and  attention  of  the  busiest  men. 

Lodge  No.  47  held  its  annual  picnic 
at  Hudson  Lake  on  August  18th  and 
it  was  well  attended.  The  day  was 
an  ideal  one  and  all  enjoyed  the  out- 
ing hugely.  A  feature  of  the  program 
was  a  ball  g«une  between  the  Kirk 
Yard  and  Mill  Yard,  resulting  in  a  7 
to  8  victory  for  the  former.  The  game 
was  varied — from  the  sublime  to  the 
ridiculous.  There  were  no  half-way 
measures.  All  who  did  not  make  a 
home  run  struck  out,  and  some  fell 
on  themselves.  "Johnnie"  Senny,  who 
pitched  for  the  Kirks,* has  retired  for 
the  season  while  his  average  is  good — 
1,000  per  cent. 

Lodge  No.  47  is  in  good  shape,  both 
financially  and  numerically.  We  are 
steadily  adding  to  our  membership. 
I  think  our  roster  shows  112  members 
in  good  standing  which,  by  the  way, 
shall  entitle  us  to  two  delegates  at  the 
Houston  convention.  Our  delegates 
intend  making  an  effort  to  secure  the 
1916  convention  for  Gary.  Will  they 
be  successful?  A  little  advice  in  ad- 
vance may  not  be  amiss.  When  you 
come,  get  off  at  Broadway.  It  matters 
not  what  road  you  come  over — get  off 
at  Broadway.  The  reason  for  this  is 
that  it  is  the  only  place  there  to  get 
off,  and  when  you  leave,  start  from 
Broadway,  unless  you  walk.  In  that 
case  there  is  no  fixed  point  to  start 
from.  There  is  no  question  but  that 
Gary,  two  years  hence,  will  be  a 
city  well  worth  seeing.  But,  like  most 
places  of  rapid  growth,  it  has  its  dis- 
advantages. The  capitalists  and  con- 
tractors have  been  unable  to  keep 
pace  with  the  increasing  demand  for 
hours  and,  as  a  consequence,  rents  are 
high.  But  rent  is  not  the  only  com- 
modity that  is  high.  There  are  no 
very  high  buildings,  but  pretty  much 
everything  else  is  high.  For  instance, 
gas,  wafter,  electricity,  coal  and  ice 
and,  last  but  not  least,  yardmasters 


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are  high.     They  call  themselves  offi- 
cials. 

While  returning  from  a  recent  trip 
to  the  West  I  was  afforded  an  oppor- 
tunity of  studying  some  of  the  char- 
acteristics and  flying  powers  of  the 
fly — an  ordinary  house  fly  or,  more 
appropriately,  a  train  fly — and  if  he 
does  not  belong  to  the  stingers,  he 
ought  to,  for  I  will  tell  you  what  he 
did.  I  shall  refer  to  this  fly  as  "he" 
or  "him/'  for  no  one  would  think  of 
calling  a  footboard  stinger  "it."  He 
had  been  pestering  me  for  something 
like  an  hour  and,  trying  his  persist- 
ency in  annoying  me,  I  opened  the 
window  and  put  him  off.  The  only 
means  of  ingress  was  an  open  window 
near  the  extreme  advance  end  of  the 
car— 68  feet  distant  by  actual  meas- 
urement— and,  after  making  a  hurried 
survey  of  the  landscape  and  evidently 
deciding  that  no  self-respecting  fly 
would  settle  in  Wyoming — in  that  sec- 
tion of  it  at  least— he  made  a  bee-line 
dash  for  this  window,  which  he  at- 
tained in  exactly  48  seconds— also  by 
actual  measurement — and  came  right 
back  to  where  I  was  sitting  with  that 
satisfied  "off  again,  on  again,"  expres- 
sion on  his  face.  Now,  assuming  that 
the  train  was  running  60  miles  per 
hour,  the  );>roblem  that  we  have  beforo 
us  is,  how  fast  did  this  fly  fly  in  48 
seconds.  For  correct  answer  send 
15c  in  stamps  to 

"The  Old  Man." 


andmiati,  O.— No.  26. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  this  is  my  flrst  attempt  at  letter 
writing  to  the  Journal  I  will  say  there 
is  one  thing  I  would  like  to  let  our 
brothers  in  and  around  Cincinnati,  O., 
and  Hamilton,  O.,  know  that  we  have 
a  brother  running  on  the  Democratic 
ticket  for  state  representative.  The 
election  will  be  held  Nov.  5th.  With- 
out reserving  anything  I  feel  it  is 
every  brother's  duty  to  enlighten 
every  man  that  he  comes  in  contact 
with,  whether  he  is  in  a  railroad  yard 
or  on  the  public  streets,  to  try  and  get 
him  to  cash  his  ballots  for  Brother 
Daniel  J.  Hartigan,  for  the  simple  rea- 
son if  we  ever  intend  to  get  any  legis- 
lation for  the  benefit  of  ourselves  it 
must  come  through  legislation  by  those 
who  are  members  of  labor  organiza- 
tions.   So  now,  my  dear  brothers,  get 


out  and  hustle  from  now  until  election 
day  and  see  if  we  cannot  put  some  of 
our'  own  'kind  in  the  legislature.  In 
this  case  I  feel  sure  it  would  be  one 
great  act  in  your  life  that  you  will 
never  regret.  I  can  assure  you  that 
the  brother  is  well  qualified  for  the 
honor  he  seeks.  Furthermore  I  don't 
think  I  am  unreasonable  in  asking 
every  brother  and  his  friend,  if  pos- 
sible, to  try  and  be  off  on  election  day 
to  work  his  precinct,  ward  or  township 
to  assist  in  the  election  of  such  broth- 
ers in  every  section  of  the  country. 

Bro.  Hartigan  belongs  to  Royal  Blue 
Lodge  No.  26  and  has  been  a  member 
for  the  past  fifteen  years. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

James  Tighe,  26. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.-No.  4. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Well,  I  had  better  get  on  the  job  and 
get  something  in  the  pink  book  be- 
fore I  lose  my  job. 

Business  on  the  D.,  L.  A  W.  has 
commenced  to  pick  up  and  the  boys 
on  the  extra  list  are  doing  very  good. 

(Bro.  Jack  Hoare  of  Lodge  No.  4 
defeated  Bro.  Jack  Donohue  of  Lodge 
No.  221  in  the  Ikt  man's  race  at  the 
outing  held  by  the  District  Council 
at  Crystal  Beach  on  August  1st.  The 
race  was  for  100  yards  and  the  time 
was  one  hour  and  fifteen  minutes. 
Bro.  Donohue  received  a  dress  shirt 
size  121^,  as  his  reward.  Bro.  Hoare 
was  supposed  to  have  received  a  $9.00 
dress  suit  case,  but  at  this  time  had 
not  received  it.  He  says  it  was  a  put- 
up  job,  just  to  get  him  to  run. 

Bro.  Tony  Scannel  of  the  B.,  R.  A 
P.  has  resigned  as  the  official  umpire 
of  the  Selkirk  Baseball  Club.  Mem- 
bers of  the  clu(b  say  he  resigned  on 
account  of  his  eyes. 

It  is  reported  that  Bro.  John  Quinn, 
who  had  his  hand  injured  Aug.  Ist,  is 
improving  rapidly  and  will  soon  be 
with  us  again. 

Bro.  Mike  Cassidy  joined  us  again 
on  Thursday,  August  13th,  after  a 
two-months'  sick  spell. 

The  "Dog-eye"  says  that  every  time 
he  gets  on  the  main  track  ahead  of 
a  passenger  train  he  pulls  out  a  draw- 
head.     Hard  luck! 

Brotheis,  it  is  important  that  every 
one  of  us  attend  as  many  meetings  as 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.   A. 


possible,  as  there  are  matters  of  great 
importance  brought  before  the  lodge. 
It  is  necessaFy,  therefore,  that  all  who 
can,  attend  all  meetings.  We  meet  at 
Boyers*  Hall  on  the  first  and  third 
Friday  evenings  and  the  fourth  Sun- 
day morning. 

Before  closing,  aBow  me  to  '*put  you 
next"  to  how  some  of  our  members  are 
gifted  in  rhythm  as  well  as  other 
things:  ' 

The  hose  is  cut. 
The  air  is  bled. 
Couple  on  and  go  ahead. 

^Eddie  Duffy, 
Well,  as  this  is  about  all  I  have  to 
offer  thia  trip.    I  will  bring  my  Jetter 
to  a  close. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Gib. 


Qndnnati,  0.— No.  26. 

EorroB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  thought  I  would  write  a  few  lines 
for  the  Joubnal,  if  you  can  find  room 
for  them,  to  let  our  members  and  all 
other  union  men  in  the  State  of  Ohio 
know  that  our  worthy  brother,  Daniol 
J.  Hartigan,  a  switchman  in  the  B.  A 
O.  yard  at  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  a  mem- 
ber of  Royal  Blue  Lodge  No.  26,  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.,  is  a  candidate  for  the  Legis- 
lature from  this  district  and  I  hope 
that  all  the  union  men  in  this  district 
will  give  him  their  support.  He  has 
been  a  member  of  Lodge  No.  26  for 
a  num«ber  of  years  and  has  been  one  of 
our  hardest  workers  for  the  good  and 
welfare  of  the  workingman.  It  is  up 
to  us  and  all  union  men  in  this  coun- 
try to  put  such  men  as  Bro.  Hartigan 
in  our  Legislature,  so  as  to  protect  us 
and  our  families. 

We  held  an  open  meeting  in  Cov- 
ington, Ky.,  in  the  meeting  room  of 
Lodge  No.  15,  and  it  was  largely  at- 
tended. Bro.  Porter  gave  us  some 
good  advice  ^nd  we  wound  up  with  a 
spread  fit  for  a  king,  such  as  old  Ken- 
tucky is  famous  for. 

Business  is  pretty  good  here,  but 
Jobs  are  scarce,  as  everyone  seems  to 
be  holding  on  to  their  jobs.  This  is 
all  for  this  time. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Happy. 


He  who  has  the  truth  in  his  heart 
need  never  fear  the  want  of  persua- 
sion on  his  tongue. — Ruskin. 


The  IfNiiistrial  Crew  off  1 62. 

Many  stories  we  have  told  about  the 

iron  trail. 
We    have    written    about    locos    that 

seemed  to  have  brain; 
We   have    lauded   the   crews   sturdily 

managing  the  trains. 
But  we  have  in  our  minds  a  crew  that 

is  a  beauty, 
The   record   of  it  we  feel   it  is   our 

bounden  duty. 
To  all  honor  to  those  whom  honor  is 

due. 
The  industrial  crew  of  the  16^. 

Every  trip  around  town  they  just  keep 

kicking  those  cars  around. 
No  matter  east,  or  westward  bound. 
They   gotta  keep   kicking   those   cars 
around. 

The  eagle  eye  faithfully  stands  by  the 

plug. 
Whether  running  light  or  with  all  he 

can  lug, 
The  tallow  pot  don't  try  to  hang  a  big 

bluff, 
But  keeps  raising  her  tall  till  she's 

hot  enough. 
The    Cond.    does    his    work    without 

flouts  or  frills. 
And  often  saves  a  shift  by  shifting  his 

bills. 
We  say  honor  to  those  to  whom  honor 

is  due, 
The  industrial  crew  of  the  162. 

Every  trip  around  town  they  just  keep 

kicking  those  cars  around. 
No  matter  east  or  westward  bound. 
They   gotta   keep   kicking   those  cars 
around. 

Nor  must  we  forget  the  brave  brakie 
boys. 

Who  in  shine  or  r^aln,  have  their  doubt- 
ful joys; 

Their  work  don't  require  many  funny 
stunts. 

They  keep  plodding  along  midst 
groans  and  grunts, 

Whether  cutting  off  cars  or  decking 
the  train, 

'Tis  with  pleasure  they  sing  this  sweet 
refrain: 

Honor  those  to  whom  honor  is  due. 

The  industrial  crew  of  the  162. 

Every  trip  around  town  they  just  keep 

kicking  those  cars  around; 
No  matter  east  or  westward  bound. 
They   gotta   keep   kicking  those  cars 
around.  T.  E.„  N.  Y.  C. 


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TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


Kwms  Gtyy  Mo* 
Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  extend  to  you  all  in  the  name  of 
our  order  fraternal  greeting  and  the 
sincere  desire  for  your  prosperity  and 
success.  I  have  recently  visited  a 
number  of  our  lodges  and  find  that 
some  are  doing  splendid  work  and  I 
feel  safe  in  reporting  progress  in  all 
of  them. 

While  in  Chicago  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  meeting  with  one  of  out*  largest 
and  most  enthusiastic  lodges — Combi- 
nation Lodge  No.  45.  At  one  of  their 
meetings^ there  was  a  large  attendance 
and  the  initiatory  and  other  work  was 
exemplified  in  the  ipost  creditable 
manner.  I  also  met  in  a  social  way  a 
number  of  members  of  Calumet  Lodge 
No.  15.  I  felt,  and  I  hope  they  felt 
the  same,  that  it  was  an  afternoon 
well  spent,  as  we  spent  the  time  dis- 
cussing plans  for  the  advancement  of 
our  order. 

It  was  my  pleasure  to  install  the 
officers  of  the  new  lodge  in  Chicago 
known  as  West  Side  Lodge  No.  8.  On 
this  occasion  an  open  meeting  was 
held  and  after  adjournment,  refresh- 
ments were  served.  Those  who  de- 
sired spent  the  rest  of  the  evening  in 
dancing.  .Mr.  Clark  and  myself  wero 
very  pleasantly  entertained  during  our 
stay  in  Chicago  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  J.  B.  Conners. 

I  met  with  the  Grand  Board  in  Buf- 
falo and  also  visited  the  Grand  Lodge 
offices  of  the  Switchmen's  Union. 

We  were  entertained  while  in  In- 
dianapolis at  the  home  of  Bro.  and 
Sister  Quigley.  While  there  I  met 
with  Capitol  City  Lodge  No.  1.  I 
found  the  members  of  this  lodge  to  be 
a  very  enthusiastic  band  of  women 
and  I  hope  to  hear  of  new  additions 
to  their  lodge  this  fall. 

I  visited  Terre  Haute,  Ind.,  where 
I  succeeded  in  organizing  a  lodge 
with  21  charter  members,  known  as 
Indiana  Lodge  No.  49  From  all  ac- 
counts they  have  been  adding  to  their 
membership    roll    at    each    meeting. 


That  is  the  right  spirit,  sisters! 
Keep  right  on  until  you  have  every  wo- 
man who  is  eligible  enrolled  on  your 
books.  We  were  entertained  by  Bro. 
and  Sister  Harris  during  our  stay  at 
Terre  Haute  and  we  also  met  a  num- 
ber of  S.  U.  men  and  their  wives.  I 
enjoyed  every  hour  I  was  there,  al- 
though I  did  some  hard  work,  as  I 
canvassed  the  houses  for  members.  I 
want  to  thank  On  the  Banks  of  the 
Wabash  Lodge  No.  94  for  their  gen- 
erosity in  donating  the  charter  fee 
to  the  ladies. 

I  was  glad  to  hear  of  the  institution 
of  a  lodge  at  Conneaut  and  wish  them 
every  success.  I  am  much  pleased  to 
report  still  another  which  was  organ- 
ized in  Ludlow,  Ky.,  on  Sept.  3d  and 
is  known  as  Blue  Grass  Lodge.  Now, 
sisters*  let  me  urge  every  one  of  you 
to  take  on  new  energy  with  the  com- 
ing of  cooler  weather  and  go  to  work 
with  the  determination  of  adding  a 
new  member.  Just  stop  and  think 
what  it  would  mean  to  our  order  if 
each  member  would  add  one  more, 
and  it  can  be  done  if  we  but  try. 

I  have  written  letters  to  many  of 
the  S.  U.  lodges  to  ascertain  whether 
or  not  they  desired  an  auxiliary  to 
their  lodge  and  received  no  answer. 
I  wish  these  lodges  would  instruct 
their  secretaries  to  answer  our  letters. 
It  would  take  but  little  of  their  time 
and  we  would  be  thankful  to  know 
when  they  are  willing  to  have  an  aux- 
iliary and  when  not  We  do  want  to 
institute  a  lodge  of  this  auxiliary  In 
every  city  where  there  is  a  lodge  of 
the  S.  U.  if  they  are  in  favor  of  it 
So,  if  there  is  such  a  place  and  I  have 
failed  to  write  to  them,  I  hope  they 
will  send  me  a  card  and  I  assure  you 
that  it  will  be  attended  to  at  once.  I 
would  especially  like  to  hear  from 
the  Southern  lodges,  or  from  any  of 
the  woman  folks  who  would  like  to 
have  a  lodge  in  their  town. 

I  wish  to  thank  the  different  lodges 
and  members  individually  for  the 
kindness  and  courtesy  extended  to  me 
everywhere    and    for    the    beautiful 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


665 


flowers  and  gifts  received  and  I  want 
to  assure  all  that  it  was  a  great  pleas- 
*ure  for  me  to  visit  you  and  now,  be- 
fore closing,  I  must  appeal  to  the 
Journal  agents  to  try  and  be  more 
prompt  and  give  us  the  news  through 
the  Journal.  I  know  that  we  are  all 
prone  to  neglect  such  things  until  the 
16th  is  gone  by,  but  let  us  all  try  to 
do  better  in  the  future.  It  seems  that 
the  delegates  to  the  last  convention 
have  forgotten  about  the  promise  they 
made  to  write  letters  to  the  Journal 
every  three  months.  I  hope  to  see  the 
space  all  taken  next  month. 

We  are  adding  new  members  to  our 
roll  in  Kansas  City  and  I  have  re- 
ceived many  good  reports.  So  let  us, 
one  and  all  go  to  work  and  see 
how  many  members  we  can  add  to 
the  roll  this  fall. 

With     kindest    regards    and    best 
wiiThes  for  all,   I  remain  fraternally 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Henrietta  Clark, 

Grand  President, 


T«rreHMite»  bid. 

On  July  12th  Indiana  Lodge  No.  49 
was  organized  by  our  Grand  Presi- 
dent, Sister  Clark.  The  first  meeting 
was  held  at  the  home  of  Sister  Mar- 
garet Harris,  twenty-one  ladies  being 
present  Sister  Harris  was  elected 
president  The  charter  was  closed 
after  being  held  open  six  weeks  and 
being  successful  in  securing  thirty-five 
members. 

On  August  20th  our  lodge  gave  |in 
ice  cream  social,  which  was  very  suc- 
cessful. The  brothers  of  Lodge  No.  94, 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  have  assisted  us  In 
every  way  and  in  return  for  their 
kindness  and  hard  work  in  our  bo- 
half,  we  expect  to  serve  luncheon  for 
them  the  latter  part  of  October  and 
we  hope  they  will  appreciate  it 

Until  the  charter  was  closed  our 
meetings  were  held  at  the  homes  of 
members,  but  from  now  on  we  will 
have  a  hall,  namely,  the  Naylor-Cox 
Hall,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  lodge 
rooms  in  the  city.  Our  next  meetings 
will  be  held  on  the  second  and  fourth 
Tuesdays  at  2.30  p.  m.  The  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  will  also  meet  in  the  same  hall 
on  the  same  date  at  7.30  p.  m.  With 
this  arrangement  we  expect  some  nice 
social  times  with  our  brother  switch- 
men during  the  winter. 


Our  Journal  agent  Sister  Ander- 
son, is  on  the  sick  list  and  not  wish- 
ing to  be  left  out  in  the  dark  (though 
young)  we  have  tried  to  the  best  of 
our  ability  to  fill  her  place. 

Many  thanks  to  Kansas  City  Lodge 
No.  4  for  their  kind  greetings. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  brother  and 
sister  lodges,  we  are 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  X, 
Margaret   Harris,   President. 
Grace  Sntnsr^  Secretary. 


Detroit^  Mfek* 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

It  is  the  eleventh  hour  and  if  I  want 
this  letter  in  October  Journal  I  must 
move  quickly.  Lodge  No.  32  is  boom- 
ing, adding  new  members  all  the  time, 
and  peace  and  harmony  prevail.  It  is 
to  be  regretted  that  our  summer  is  al- 
most gone  and  those  who  "put  off  till 
tomorrow"  will  not  have  the  oppor- 
tunity to  turn  back  to  the  dear  old 
summer  time  of  1912.  'So  many  prom- 
ises that  were  not  fulfilled  will  soon 
be  forgotten;  but  to  those  who  have 
the  opportunity  to  Join  the  auxiliary, 
now  is  the  time  to  do  so;  we  welcome 
members  at  any  time. 

I  wonder  why  the  sisters  all  over 
the  jurisdiction  do  not  take  more  in- 
terest in  writing  to  the  Journal.  It 
keeps  one  very  much  alive  to  learn 
what  the  several  lodges  are  doing.  I 
am  pleased  to  see  new  lodges  added  to 
the  roster,  and  hope  to  be  instru- 
mental in  adding  one  or  more,  if  every- 
thing goes  as  I  hope  it  will.  I  have 
had  some  encouragement  along  that 
line. 

Lodge  No.  32  Is  now  making  prepar- 
ations for  the  annual  ball,  which  will 
take  place  Tuesday  evening,  Oct  22d, 
at  Riverside  Auditorium,  corner  Baker 
street  and  Hubbard  avenue.  We  ex- 
tend a  cordial  invitation  to  all.  Tick- 
ets will  be  one  dollar  per  couple,  in- 
cluding refreshments;  checking,  ten 
cents. 

We  have  several  sisters  on  the  sick 
list,  among  whom  are  Sisters  Weipert 
and  Bissell.  Sister  Karicofe  is  on  the 
mend,  and  we  hope  to  see  all  the  sis- 
ters well  in  a  short  time. 

Sister  and  Brother  Jeannette,  Sister 
and  Brother  Marschner,  also  Sister  and 
Brother  Hamilton  are  all  smiles.  The 
reason:   one  more  has  been  added  to 


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their  re^ective  families  to  help  solve 
the  high  cost  of  living. 

The  pedro  party  season  will  soon  he 
here,  and  all  those  who  like  the  game 
are  getting  anxious  to  play,  and  I  sup- 
pose we  will  resume  ahout  the  time 
this  letter  reaches  the  readers,  so 
everybody  get  your  change  ready. 

I  will  close  with  kindest  regards  to 
all  the  sisters  and  brothers. 

Yours  iu  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Ml  M.  Whiteman. 


Kansas  Qty*  Kansas. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  the  time  is  drawing  near  for  the 
Journal  to  go  to  press,  and  being  the 
new  Journal  agent,  hope  I  will  be  able 
to  do  Justice  to  the  honor  conferred 
upon  me  by  the  ladies  of  Progressive 
Lodge  No.  4,  Kansas  City,  Kans.,  for  I 
feel  It  an  honor  to  endeavor  to  espouse 
any  movement  which  has  for  its  mis- 
sion the  betterment  of  humanity,  even 
though  such  service  be  in  a  small  way. 

Sister  Hamblln  having  resigned,  the 
lodge  opened  with  the  new  president, 
Sister  Kirkiwitrick,  in  the  chair.  Sis- 
ter McAllen  having  resigned  on  ac- 
count of  bad  health.  Sister  Kirkpatrick 
was  elected.  The  new  president's  ad- 
dress is  1601  Lester  avenue,  Kansas 
City.  Mo. 

Our  secretarv,  Sister  Graham,  being 
still  in  Colorado,  Sister  Flanigan  acted 
as  secretary  pro  tem. 

Sister  Brown  of  Kansas  City,  Kans., 
gave  the  lodge  a  handsome  lunch  cloth, 
which  they  will  raffle  off  at  their  next 
meeting.  They  are  having  splendid 
luck  selling  chances. 

Our  next  meetiner  will  be  an  ouen 
meetine^.  We  would  be  pleaded  to  have 
as  much  publicity  as  possible  given 
this  meeting  and  hope  for  a  large  at- 
tendance. 

We  expect  to  give  a  ball  near  Hal- 
lowe'en, and  have  every  confidence  that 
it  will  be  a  success,  as  we  have  never 
failed  on  anything  we  have  started  yet. 
and  we  should  one  and  all  make  It  ^ 
point  to  keen  the  word  failure  out  of 
our  vocabulary  and  out  of  the  auxil- 
iary. 

Progressive  Lodge  No.  4  has  twelve 
new  members,  seven  being  Initiated  at 
our  last  meeting.  It  was  an  Inspira- 
tion to  attend  that  meeting  and  see 
how  readily  the  new  members,  as  well 
as  the  old  ones,  offered  their  services 


to  the  noble  work  we  have  each  obli- 
gated ourselves  to  defend  and  promote. 
It  was  like  a  vaudeville;    something* 
doing  all  the  time. 

Our  meeting  place  is  at  Tenth  street 
and  Central  avenue,  Kansas  City» 
Kans.,  and  the  time  of  holding  meeting 
is  the  second  Thursday  in  the  after- 
noon and  the  fourth  Tiiursday  in  the 
evening  of  each  month. 

Dame  Fortune  has  brought  us  some- 
thing substantial;  for  one  thing  we 
have  a  home  benefit. 

A  lodge  pin  was  offered  as  a  prize 
to  the  one  bringing .  in  the  largest 
number  of  members,  and  Sister  Hamb- 
lln proved  to  be  the  fortunate  winner 
of  the  prize. 

With  a  heart  pulsing  and  throbbingi 
to  do  the  work  assigned  our  lodge  as 
ever  one  must  form  her  own  raptur- 
ous phrases,  according  to  the  dictates 
of  the  little  god,  who  whispers  in  her 
ear,  it  is  my  aim  to  merely  outline  the 
work  of  new  beginners.  Let  your  aim 
be  to  become  an  active  worker  in  the 
cause  in  which  you  are  now  enlisted. 
Endeavor,  as  far  as  possible  to  attend 
all  meetings;  encourage  all  other  sis- 
ters to  be  present. 

My  duty  and  pleasure  being  done, 
permit  me  to  sign  myself, 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Pbogbessive  Lodge  No.  4. 


Chicago,  III. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

It  has  been  some  time  since  West 
Lodge  No.  8  has  been  organized  and 
as  yet  there  has  been  no  letter  from 
us  in  the  Journal,  so  I  think  it  is  up. 
to  me  to  say  a  few  things.  We  have 
taken  in  three  new  members  since  we 
organized  and  have  several  applica- 
tions for  more  members.  But  there 
are  a  few  things  ,1  wish  to  say  before 
I  forget  it  and  one  of  them  is  that 
if  we  wish  to  make  our  lodge  a  suc- 
cess we  must  take  more  interest  in 
it  than  a  great  many  of  the  sistevs 
are  doing  at  present.  T%ere  are  some 
sisters  who  have  not  attended  a  meet- 
ing since  night  of  the  installation  of 
officers.  Wake  up,  sisters,  and  take 
notice.  Just  a  few  cannot  do  all  the 
work  of  the  lodge.  With  the  advent 
of  cooler  weather  it  is  to  be  hoped 
that  the  meetings  will  be  <>etter  at- 
tended  by  more  of  Uie  members  of  the 
lodge.     Here  is  another  thing  I  wish 


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to  mention.  1^  president  and  vice- 
president  have  chosen  sides  to  see 
whose  side  will  bring  in  the  largest 
number  of  applications  before  the  last 
meeting  in  January  and  there  is  to  be 
a  prize  given  to  the  winning  side.  So 
please  get  busy. 

We  were  sorry  to  hear  of  Sister 
Pease's  sister  being  injured  and  hope 
she  has  recovered  by  now.  We  hope 
Sister  Pea^  will  be  with  us  at  our 
next  meeting.  If  all  were  as  prompt 
in  attendance  as  she  is,  there  would 
be  no  reason  why  we  would  not  make 
our  lodge  a  success.  Now,  sisters,  try 
to  make  it  a  point  to  attend  at  least 
one  meeting  a  month.  If  you  cannot 
attend  the  afternoon  meetings  you 
surely  can  the  evening  meetings,  if 
you  once  get  the  habit  it  will  grow 
on  you,  as  we  always  have  a  pleasant 
time.  Hoping  to  see  a  larger  attend- 
ance at  our  meetings  in  the  future,  1 
Will  close. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

One  of  the  Members. 


Odwein,  Iowa. 

Sditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  have  been  so  busy  all  day  canning 
fruit,  I  am  very  tired,  but  must  not 
call  a  halt  until  I  write  a  letter  for  the 
Journal,  as  the  time  for  going  to  press 
is  rapidly  approaching.  I  hope  my 
letter  will  get  there  on  time. 

Nobility  Lodge  No.  2  is  as  energetic 
as  ever.  Notwithstanding  the  summer 
months  have  been  very  warm,  we  have 
enjoyed  ourselves  in  many  ways.  We 
are  a  band  of  Jolly  ladies,  and  can 
show  the  switchmen  a  good  time.  On 
the  13th  of  August  we  planned  to  hold 
a*  picnic  in  the  woods,  but  the  heavy 
rains  spoiled  our  plans  of  going  to  the 
woods,  but  we  had  our  picnic  dinner 
and  supper  Just  the  same.  We  took  our 
baskets  of  good  things  and  went  up 
to  Brother  and  Sister  Beckers  and 
took  possession  of  their  home  for  that 
day  and  evening.  We  served  our  din- 
ner on  a  long  table  on  the  front  porch. 
The  evening  meal  was  served  on  the 
lawn.  The  table  Just  groaned  with  the 
load  of  good  things  served  at  each 
meal.  The  switchmen  never  miss 
those  treats  if  they  can  possibly  get 
there.  They  certainly  enjoyed  them- 
selves. After  dinner  a  few  of  the  la- 
dies had  an  outdoor  picture  taken.  We 
look  crazy  enough.     I  hope  some  day 


to  be  able  to  send  the  picture  of  all 
our  members. 

On  the  4th  of  September  we  had  an- 
other of  those  house  picnics  at  Sister 
Rules',  and,  oh,  such  a  good  time,  with 
about  fifty  persons  to  enjoy  her  hos- 
pitality. The  switchmen's  wives  and 
children  were  all  there.  We  also  had 
a  surprise  party  on  Mrs.  Erwin  and 
daughter,  who. are  about  to  leave  our 
city.  We  tarried  until  the  small  hours 
of  the  morning. 

We  are  still  adding  a  new  member 
to  our  roll  whenever  we  know  of  one 
who  is  eligible  to  membership. 

I  must  tell  you  of  the  good  work 
done  by  our  switchmen  for  the  one  whe 
got  his  foot  crushed  and  had  to  have 
it  taken  off.  They  gave  a  benefit  ball 
and  realized  enough  cash  to  buy  an 
artificial  limb  for  the.  unfortunate  fel- 
low, and  they  presented  a  $5  brooch  to 
a  kind  lady  who  lived  near  the  place 
of  the  accident  who  brought  sheets  to 
be  used  and  gave  such  help  as  she 
could.  I  think  they  had  a  small  sum 
left  for  their  treasury.  I  tell  you  the 
feeling  of  charity  among  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  is  so  strong  that  they  will  not 
see  a  brother  in  want  of  anything. 
They  are  the  boys  that  will  pull  to- 
gether in  doing  good. 

I  will  close  my  letter  wishing  all 
ladies'  auxiliaries  success. 

Yours  in  U..  H.  and  J.. 

Susan  McGutre. 


IN  MEMORIAM. 

On  August  28th,  at  a  regular  meet- 
ing of  Pride  of  the  West  Lodge  No. 
43,  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted: 

Whereas.  By  the  recent  death  of 
our  beloved  brother,  Leroy  L.  Fish, 
who  died  at  his  home  in  Kansas  City, 
we  are  made  to  realize  the  uncertain- 
ties of  life  and  the  certainty  of  death; 
and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  wife  has 
lost  a  good  and  loving  husband  and 
this  lodge  a  staunch  and  loyal  mem- 
ber;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  this  lodge  extend  our  sincere 
and  heartfelt  sympathjy  to  the  be- 
reaved wife  and  relatives;  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  to  the  mem- 


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ory  of  our  deceased  brother,  that  our 
charter  be  draped  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  another  copy  be  sent  to 
the  bereaved  wife  and  one  be  for- 
nvarded  to  the  editor  of  the  Joubnal 
for  publication. 

M.    MCNULTY, 

Thos.  a.  Bailey, 
O.  M.  Seaman, 
Committee, 


On  August  13th,  at  the  regular 
meeting  of  Golden  Gate  Lodge  No.  158, 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  following  resolu 
tions  were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our 
heavenly  Father  to  call  into  everlast- 
ing life  our  beloved  brother,  E.  R. 
Stockton,  who,  on  August  8th,  met  an 
untimely  death  while  in  the  perform- 
ance of  his  duties  as  switchman  on 
the  Southern  Pacific;    and 

Whebeas,  The  sudden  removal  of 
this  bright  life  from  his  beloved  wife 
leaves  a  vacant  place  and  sad  remem- 
brance in  the  hearts  of  his  family 
and  friends;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  sin- 
cere sympathy  in  her  great  affliction 
and  bereavement;   and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  if  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  family,  one  to 
the  JouBNAL  for  publication,  and  a 
copy  be  spread  on  the  minutes  of  our 
lodge,  and  our  charter  be  draped  in 
mourning  for  a  period  of  thirty  days. 
B.  C.  MEBun.T., 

J.   J.  GiSBEBT, 

J.  J.  McjCabthy, 

Committee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Combination 
Lodge  No.  45,  Thursday,  Aug.  29,  1912, 
following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  Heav- 
enly Father  to  call  unto  Himself  the 
mother  of  our  beloved  President,  Mar- 
garet Connors;    and, 

Whebeas,  We  know  that  by  her 
death  Sister  Connors  suffers  a  great 
sorrow;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Combination  Lodge  No.  45  extend  their 
sympathy  to  Sister  Connors  and  ex- 
press the  hope  that  even  so  great  a 
loss  may  be  overruled  for  good  by  Him 


Who  doeth  all  things  well;    and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  our  bereaved  sister, 
one  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this 
meeting,  and  one  sent  to  our  Joubnal 
for  publication. 

Jennie  Keegan, 
Deua  Flynn, 
Kathebinb  Langan, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of 
Peoria  Lodge  No.  72,  S.  U.  of  N.  A.: 

Whebeas,  By  the  recent  death  of 
our  beloved  brother  and  president, 
Edward  T.  Storey,  this  lodge  has  sus- 
tained a  great  loss  and  his  wife  and 
children  have  been  deprived  of  a  lov- 
ing husband  and  father;    and 

Whebeas,  We  the  members  of  Peoria 
Lodge  No.  72,  mourn  the  loss  of  a 
true  and  faithful  member  of  the 
Switchmen  Union  and  an  honest,  up- 
right and  faithful  citizen;  be  it  there 
fore 

ResQlved,  That  we  tender  to  his 
wife  and  children  our  sincere  and 
heartfelt  sympathy,  commending  them 
to  the  consolation  of  the  all-wise  and 
merciful  Providence;    be  it  also 

Resolved,  As  a  further  mark  of  re- 
spect toward  our  departed  brother 
and  president,  we  drape  our  charter 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days;  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions  b^  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved family  and  one  to  the  Switch- 
men's Joubnal  and  the  Peoria  Labor 
Gazette,  also  that  these  resolutions  be 
spread  upon  the  minutes  of  our  meet- 
ing. A.   W.   Gimbel, 

S.  A.  Chapman,     • 
A.  W.  Lewis, 

Committee. 


Detboit,  Sept.  12,  1912. 

Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Detroit  Lodge 
No.  13,  held  Friday,  Sept.  6th: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  Patrick  M.  Gore; 
and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  his  family 
and  a  host  of  friends  now  mourn  his 
loss,  and  this  lodge  a  loyal  member; 
and 

Whebeas,  We  deem  it  befitting  to 


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take  suitable  action  at  this  time  to  ex- 
press as  far  as  lies  in  our  power 
our  sympathy  to  the  bereaved  fam- 
ily and  friends  who  have  been  deprived 
of  the  support  and  companionship  of 
our  dearly  beloved  brother;  therefore, 
belt 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Detroit 
Lodge  No.  13,  in  meeting  assembled, 
that  our  sincere  sympathy  be  extended 
to  the  bereaved  family  in  this  their 
sad  hour  of  aflUction,  and  may  God 
comfort  and  cheer  them  during  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives;  and,  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved,  That  our  lodge  charter  be 
draped  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a 
mark  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  our 
deceased  brother;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved family,  and  a  copy  to  be  for- 
warded to  our  Journal  for  publication. 
W.  H.  Stanzell, 
W.  J.  Steffes, 
J.  P.  Hughes, 

Committee, 


be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family,  and  a 
copy  be  forwarded  to  the  Joubnal  for 
publication.  Jas.  G.  Wood, 

James  Keegan, 
Fred.  Feloeb, 

Committee. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  12,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Empire 
State  Lodge  No.  39  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  adopted: 

Whebeas,  The  death  of  our  late  be- 
loved brother,  J.  A.  McGlade,  which  oc- 
curred on  Aug.  2d,  from  injuries  re- 
ceived on  that  date,  while  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties,  has  removed 
from  us  a  most  worthy  brother  of  this 
union  and  a  model  son  and  brother 
from  the  home  of  bereaved  family, 
whose  welfare  and  happiness  he  was 
ever  anxious  to  promote;   and 

Whebeas,  His  death  has  also  de- 
prived this  lodge  of  a  beloved  member 
and  faithful  worker,  and  we  feel  suit- 
able action  should  be  taken  by  it  to 
bear  witness  of  those  facts;  therefore, 
belt 

Resolved,  That  our  sincere  sympa- 
thy be  conveyed  to  the  bereaved  rela- 
tives, in  this  their  time  of  deep  sor- 
row, with  the  assurance  we  mourn 
with  them,  the  sad  loss  of  this  bright 
life  so  suddenly  taken  from  them;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That,  in  respect  to  the 
esteem  held  for  our  deceased  brother, 
a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  entered 
upon  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  one 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  12,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Empire 
State  Lodge  No.  39  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  The  Angel  of  Death  has 
again  visited  our  number  and  taken 
from  us  our  beloved  brother,  J.  J. 
Green,  who  was  killed  Sept.  1,  1912; 
and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  the  lodge  has 
lost  a  true  and  tried  brother,  also  his 
family  a  most  devoted  son  and  brother; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep 
sympathy  to  the  sorrowing  family, 
with  the  hope  that  our  Heavenly  Fa- 
ther will  comfort  and  direct  them  in 
this  their  deep  hour  of  sorrow;  and, 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
our  next  meeting,  a  copy  be  sent  to 
the  bereaved  family  and  one  to  the 
Journal  for  publication,  and  that  our 
charter  be  draped  for  thirty  days. 
Jas.  G.  Wood, 
James  Keeqan, 
Fred.  Felger, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Tube  City  Lodge  No.  106 
at  a  regular  meeting  held  on  Aug.  30, 
1912: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father,  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  removed  from 
us  our  worthy  brother,  James  E. 
Bevans,  whose  death  occurred  on  Aug. 
20,  1912,  from  injuries  sustained  while 
in  the  performance  of  his  duties  as  a 
switchman  on  the  McKeesport  Con- 
necting Railroad;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  heart  of  his 
beloved  wife  and  relatives,  as  well  as 
to  the  lodge  in  which  he  was  an  hon- 
ored member,  and  to  all  whose  mem- 
bers he  was  ever  ready  to  extend  a 
helping  hand ;   therefore,  be  it 

Rosolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  relatives  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  this  their  sad  time  of  be- 


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reavement,  witli  the  hope  that  In  their 
sad  affliction  they  may  see  the  hand  of 
God,  and  in  Christian  confidence  be 
submiasive  to  His  divine  will;  and  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  of  respect  to 
our  beloved  brother,  that  our  charter 
be  draped  for  thirty  days,  and  a  copy 
of  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting,  one  be  sent 
to  the  bereaved  wife  and  one  be  for- 
warded to  our  JouBNAL  for  publication. 
A.  Graham, 
W.  B.  Jackson, 

P.  J.  DUGOAN, 

Committee. 


Cards  of  Thanks. 

Chickasha,  Okla. 
M.  R.  Wdlch,  G,  S.  and  T.: 

I  desire  to  express  to  you  my  sin- 
cere appreciation  of  your  prompt  set- 
tlement of  my  claim  resulting  from  se- 
rious personal  injury.  Your  action  in 
the  matter  was  more  prompt  than  I 
could  reasonably  have  expected  and  I 
was  very  agreeably  surprised  thereat. 
Again  thanking  you  and  hoping  that 
our  order  may  continue  to  grown  and 
prosper,  I  am. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

W.  W.  Tennill. 


Des  Moines,  la.,  Aug.  24,  1912. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  extend  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  prompt 
payment  of  the  insurance  policy  paid 
me  on  the  death  of  my  brother,  Ralph 
Talbott,  and  with  the  kindest  feelings 
to  Lodge  No.  192,  Detroit,  Mich.  I  am. 
Sincerely  yours, 

(Mrs.)  Kate  Ramrr. 


Buffalo,  Sept.  9,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  officers  and  members  of  Lodge 
No.  220,  of  which  my  son,  John  J.  Cal- 
lahan, was  a  member,  for  the  sympa- 
thy shown  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and 
the  beautiful  floral  offering. 

I  also  desire  to  thank  the  Grand 
Lodge  officers  for  the  prompt  payment 
of  the  claim  beheld. 

Sincerely  yours, 

John  Callahan. 


Cleveland,  O.,  Sept.  18,  1912. 
EiDiTOR  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  thank  the  Switchmen's 
Union,  True  Spirit  Lodge  No.  215,  for 
the  prompt  payment  of  the  amount  of 
insurance  policy  of  our  beloved  hus- 
band and  father,  Patrick  S.  Fay. 

Mrs.  p.  S.  Pay  and  Family. 
2049  West  Forty-eighth  street. 


Notice. 

Anyone  knowing  the  address  of 
Frank  Welch,  a  switchman,  will  great- 
ly oblige  his  mother,  Mrs.  Annie  Welch, 
720  Thirtieth  street,  Blue  Island,  Ill.» 
by  sending  her  notice  of  same.  His 
father,  "Jack"  Wefch,  an  ragineer  on 
the  Rock  Island  Railroad  for  twentty- 
five  years,  recently  died  and  the 
mother  is  anxious  to  locate  her  son. 
H«  is  twenty^three  years  old,  has  dark 
hair,  and  is  tall  and  slenderly  built  Is 
supposed  to  be  somewhere  in  Canada. 


Anyone  knowing  the  present  ad- 
dress of  A.  M.  Dorsey.  formerly  a  mem- 
ber of  Blue  Island  Lodge  No.  29,  will 
greatly  oblige  by  sending  same  to  Bro. 
Thomas  Earner,  331  Vermont  street. 
Blue  Island,  111.,  treasurer  of  Lodge 
No.  29. 


Anyone  knowing  tiie  whereabouts  of 
Bro.  Harry  Beeson  and  Bro.  John 
Hutchins,  will  please  send  same  to 
E.  D.'Brough,  treasurer  of  Lodge  No. 
199,  1214  B.  46th  street,  Chicago.  HL 
When  last  heard  of  they  were  at 
Needles,  Cal.  A  kind  and  loving 
mother  is  anxious  to  locate  them. 


The  Human  Side  off  Gardcninc. 

Com  has  ears. 
Potatoes  have  eyee. 
Squashes  have  necks. 
Cucumbers  have  warts. 
Cabbages  have  heads. 
Celery  has  a  heart 
Wheat  has  a  beard. 
Grapes  have  skin. — Life, 


In  this  grim  battle  of  life,  there  la  a 
lesson  to  be  learned  each  day,  but,  like 
the  children,  we  crften  try  to  learn  it 
backwards. 


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INEXORABLE  LAW  OF  BROTHERHOOD 


''A  poor  Irish  widow,  her  husband 
haWng  died  in  one  of  the  lanes  of 
Edinburgh,  went  forth  with  her  three 
children,  bare  of  all  resource,  to  solicit 
help  from  the  charitable  establish- 
ments of  that  city.  At  this  charitable 
establishment  and  then  at  that  she  was 
refused;  referred  from  one  to  th  other, 
helped  by  none,  till  she  had  exhausted 
them  all;  till  her  heart  failed  her. 
She  sank  down  in  typhus  fever,  died<, 
and  infected  her  lane  with  the  fever, 
80  that  seventeen  other  persons  died 
in  consequence.  The  humane  physician 
asks  thereupon,  with  a  heart  too  full 
for  speaking,  would  it  not  be  economy 
to  help  this  poor  widow?  She  took 
typhus  fever  and  killed  seventeen  of 
you!  Very  curious!  The  forlorn  Irish 
widow  applies  to  her  fellow  creatures 
as  if  saying:  'Behold,  I  am  sinking, 
bare  of  help;  ye  must  help  me!  I  am 
your  sister,  bone  of  your  bonia;  one 
Ood  made  us;  ye  must  help  me!' 
They  answer:  'No;  impossible;  thou 
are  no  sister  of  ours.'  But  she  proves 
her  sisterhood;  her  typhus  fever  kills 
them;  they  actually  were  her  brothers, 
though  denjring  it!  Had  man  ever  to 
go  lower  for  proof  ?"-^arlyle,  in  "Past 
and  Present." 

Thus  did  the  great  Scottisb  phil- 
osopher, seventy  years  ago.  put  in 
flaming  sentences  his  "everlasting  yea" 
of  the  brotherhood  of  man.  It  has 
held  good  in  the  pa^t,  does  now,  and 
ever  will  while  mankind  remain  social 
beings,  which  they  must  if  the  race  is 
to  survive.  And  though  his  proof  In 
this  instance  is  based  upon  the  denial 
of  charity,  the  denial  of  Justice  also 
brings  ever  the  same  results.  Those 
who  deny  Justice  to  their  fellows, 
themselves  suffer  in  consequence.  It 
is  the  inexorable  law. 

And  we  have  a  clear  illustration  of 
its  workings  in  the  present  strike  of 


the  waiters,  to  which  yesterday's 
issue  Qt  this  paper  was  devoted. 

Yeai's  ago,  when  the  horrible  condi- 
tions  of  the  Chicago  stockyards  were 
exposed  in  Sinclair's  "Jungle,"  the 
nauseating  details  compelled  the  public 
to  give  the  matter  some  attenion.  It 
was  impossible  to  reach  their  hearts 
with  tules  of  the  insupportable  misery 
and  wretchedness  of  their  enslaved  fel* 
lows  whose  toil  prepared  the  product 
on  which  they  feasted.  For  these 
matters  thy  cared  n^hing.  But  when 
the  author  showed  that  such  callous- 
ness was  inexorably  punished  in  the 
character  of  the  output,  the  diseased 
meats,  the  filthy  surroundings  and 
other  abominations  until  then  hidd^i, 
he  touched  the  most  sensitive  chord 
in  their  being,  the  real  seat  of  their 
feelings  and  center  of  their  affections 
— their  stomachs.  But  they  had  al- 
ready paid  the  price,  and  it  is  beyond 
the  shadow  of  a  doubt  that  that  price 
in  disease  and  death  was  thousands  of 
times  greater  than  the  vengeance  of 
the  poor  Irish  widow  whose  typhus 
fever  slew  "seventeen  others,"  who 
with  thousands  of  their  kind  had  re- 
mained deaf  to  her  appeal. 

And  the  feasters  at  the  gorgeous 
hotels  of  this  city  who  have  remained 
deaf  and  blind  to  the  appeals  of  the 
waiters,  the  hotel  workers  and  others 
who  seive  them,  they,  too,  have  paid 
the  price.  The  abominations  heaped 
upon  those  who  served,  returned  upon 
those  who  were  served,  in  the  form  of 
disease-bearing  food  from  the  insani- 
tary basement  "kitchen-middens"  of 
these  pretentious  banqueting  halls, 
food  disguised  by  the  artful  aid  of  out- 
ward show  and  ornamentation,  but 
reeking  with  filth  and  disease  germs 
and  served  by  wretched,  poverty- 
stricken  slaves  suffering  from  the  same 
evil  and  insanitary  environment.    The 


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outside  of  the  cup  and  platter  was 
made  clean,  but  inside  was  rottenness 
and  corruption  unspeakable.  They 
hare  paid  the,  price.  It  may  be  that 
the  stockyards  "Jungle'  has  slain  its 
tens  of  thousands,  and  the  hotel  kitch- 
ens only  their  thousands,  but  the  price 
was  paid  in  both  cases.  It  is  the  in^ 
exoraole  law. 

Whdn  food  is  produced  in  a  stock- 
yards or  served  in  a  hotel  dining-room 
without  regard  to  the  i^elfare,  com- 
fort or  lives  of  those  who  produce  or 
serve,  and  with  a  single  eye  to  the 
profit  that  can  be  extracted,  the  "con- 
umer"  will  pay  the  penalty  in  being 
served  with  disguised  carrion,  nau- 
seous and  semi-poisonous  refuse  as  a 
consequence  of  his  indifference.  He 
can  harden  his  heart  only  at  the  ex- 
pense of  that  much  more  sensitive 
organ,  the  stomach. 

This  paper,  in  the  interests  of  public 
health  and  cleanliness,  has  cham- 
l)ioned  the  cause  of  the  waiters  and 
hotel  servants.  It  is  the  only  paper 
that  has  made  a  special  ^fort  to  do  so. 
The  others — the  remainder  of  the  So- 
cialist press  excepted-r-invarlably 
stand  for  conditions  as  they  are — ^for 
dirt,  disease  and  individual  profit- 
making.  Too  callous  to  feel,  appar- 
ently 100  ignorant  to  know,  or  too 
cowardly  to  expose  existing  conditions, 
they  one  and  all  declare  that  the  pub- 
lic is  solidly  against  the  waiters,  and 
shut  their  eyes  to  the  actual  condi- 
tions or  denounce  those  who  expose 
them  as  malicious  mischief  makers. 

But  the  public  who  patronize  the 
hotels  will  pay  the  price.  It  has  al- 
ready paid  some  of  it,  and  it  will  con- 
tinue to  pay  it,  not  in  money  alone 
but  in  health  and  life.  Its  indifference 
may  break  the  strike,  but  It  wins 
nothing.  The  defeat  of  the  waiters  Is 
not  Its  victory.  Cleanliness,  health, 
ftnd  wholesome  food  properly  served 
•under  tbe  most  perfect  hygienic  and 
«anita;y  conditions  is  impossible, 
while  those  who  serve  it  do  so  in  the 
•surroundings,  environment  and  gen- 
eral conditions  which  have  been  not 
only  xposed  but  actually  demonstrated 
by  sworn  testimony  in  this  journal. 
And  the  defeat  of  the  strike  means 
the  continuation  of  these  conditions. 
•The  poisonous  "Jungle"  remains. 

The  "seventeen  others"  in  Edin- 
burgh paid  the  price  with  their  lives 
t>ecauso  charity  was  denied  to  the  poor 


Irish  vidow.  She  infected  them  with 
her  typhus  fever — and  they  died. 

And  those  who,  through  indifter- 
ence,  neglect  or  contempt,  deny  jus- 
tice to  the  waiters  and  hotel  servants 
and  who  by  so  doing  deny  to  them- 
selves cleanly  and  wholesome  food 
will  par  the  price  Just  as  surely  as 
the  "se'-enteen  others"  who  died  in 
Edinburgh.  The  abused  waiter  will 
demonstrate  his  brotherhood  to  them 
just  as  clearly,  and  they  will  bear  the 
costs  of  the  demonstration. 

It  is  the  inexorable  law  of  brother- 
hood, an<?  none  may  escape.  We  are 
our  brother's  keeper,  deny  it  as^  we 
may.  As  we  serve  him,  so  wilf  he 
serve  ub.  He  cannot  do  otherwise,  nor 
may  we  expect  it.  It  is  the  inexor- 
able  law.  With  what  meter  we  meas- 
ure, so  shall  it  be  measured  unto  us. 
It  is  nor  only  brotherhood  but  justice 
fdso.  And  we  can  only  deny  it  at  pern 
of  our  lives. — New  York  Call. 


Eve*    , 

By  Mbs.  Geobge  Hughes. 
(Continued  from  last  month) 

Conner  O'Hara,  haggard  and  pale, 
stood  before  the  door  of  the  cabin,  hesi- 
tating. He  at  last  grasped  the  door- 
knob, then  as  quickly  withdrew  it 
How  could  he  face  her,  Madge,  his 
young  wife?  How  could  he  explain 
his  absence,  except  by  telling  her  the 
truth?  How  he  had  again  fallen  by 
the  wayside.  How  the  taste  of  the 
fiery  stuff  had  maddened  him  beyond 
all  control.  Lost  to  all  sense  of  rea- 
soning, obligation,  he  knew  but  one 
idol — alcohol.  He  deserved  her  scorn, 
her  reproaches.  He  had  been  a  brute. 
But  he  must  go  in,  and  would,  and  he 
would  tr>'  so  hard  this  time. 

He  opened  the  door  into  the  little 
kitchen,  where  he  expected  to  see 
Madge  making  some  preparations  as 
usual  for  their  breakfast.  But  she  was 
not  there.  Something  like  fear  struck 
him  as  he  opened  the  door  leading  to 
the  next  room.  Evidently  she  had  not 
arisen  yet.  But  hark — voices.  Yes, 
surely  there  was  someone  talking  in 
the  little  bedroom  beyond.  A  peculiar 
wail  struck  terror  to  his  heart.  He 
hesitated  no  longer,  but  swiftly  and 
with  a  couple  of  strides,  he  stood  trans- 
fixed, within  the  room,  where  he  saw 
— good  God — Madge,  lying  ghastly  and 


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with  scarcely  a  flutter  of  an  eyelid. 
His  heart  seemed  to  die  within  him  as 
he  gazed  in  terror  upon  her.  He  had 
not  noticed  the  other  woman  sitting 
near  with  a  bundle  of  something  in  her 
lap,  but  sprang  to  the  bedside  and 
dropped  upon  his  knees  beside  her, 
Madge — his  wife. 

''Madge,  Madge,  speak  to  me,"  he 
cried,  and  reinforced  his  words  by 
shaking  her,  as  if  that  would  bring 
her  back  to  life. 

But  two  strong,  firm  hands  quickly 
grasped  his  wrists  and  drew  him  back. 

"Man,  what  are  you  doing?  Would 
you  kill  her?"  a  voice  said.  "Be  quiet. 
Can't  you  see  that  she  is  alive?  She 
has  hovered  close  to  the  portals  of 
death,  but  the  heavenly  Father  is  not 
quite  ready  for  her  yet.  Arise.  Arise, 
and  do  what  you  can  before  it  is  ever- 
lastingly too  late." 

Eve  shook  him  fiercely  and  succeed- 
ed in  drawing  him  to  his  feet.  "Go 
for  assistance  at  once.  Bring  a  doctor. 
Bring  a  woman,  two  of  them,  from 
somewhere,  some  place — someone  ex- 
perienced. Go,  do  you  hear,  instantly! 
I  will  remain  until  you  return." 

Conner  staggered,  and  seemed  for  a 
moment  to  be  in  a  trance,  as  he  recog- 
nized a  strangely-familiar  voice  that 
seemed  to  fascinate  him.  He  stood 
transfixed  as  he  gazed  into  the  stem 
eyes  of — ^Eve  Hamilton,  standing  erect, 
and  still  holding  the  bundle  in  her 
arms. 

"Eve — Eve  Hamilton,  you  here?"  he 
cried.  "Is  it  some  horrible  dream,  or 
Is  it  reality  that  I  behold  you — you — " 

"It  is  no  dream,  Conner  O'Hara.  It 
is  I,  Eve  Hamilton;  and  but  for  the 
merciful  goodness  of  an  all-wise  Father 
in  directing  me  here  last  night,  today 
you  would  stand  there — a — murderer." 

He  trembled  from  head  to  foot  as 
guiltily  and  shamefaced  he  turned 
from  her. 

"Yes.  Eve  Hamilton,"  he  said,  "but 
for  you  I  would  stand  here  today  a 
murderer." 

He  again  bent  over  his  wife.  "Poor 
girl,"  he  said,  "poor  Madge,  your  life 
has  not  been  one  of  the  happiest,  has 
it?  But,  God  helping  me,  from  now 
on  I  will  try,  oh,  so  hard,  to  down  this 
cursed  demon,  and  to  make  up  in  part 
to  you,  poor  girl,  for  all  the  blasted 
hopes,  tears,  heartaches  and  sorrows 
that  I  have  brought  into  your  innocent 
and  guileless  young  life."  He  tender- 
ly and  silently  kissed  her  white  brow, 


where  scarce  the  fluttering  of  an  eye- 
lid gave  evidence  that  life  existed. 
But,  as  if  recalled  from  a  sweet  dream, 
she  seemed  to  realize  who  he  was,  and 
a  faint  smile  overspread  her  counten- 
ance as  she  murmured,  "Dear,  dear 
Con." 

He  was  gone.  And  Eve,  sinking 
faintly  into  the  chair,  seemed  for  a 
molnent  powerless.  Conner — Conner 
CHara— ^the  man  she  had  loved  and 
wept  over.  More  than  all  the  world 
to  her  yet,  though  wicked  and  sinful 
the  thought.  Conner,  the  husband  of 
another  woman,  lying  so  pale  and  still 
there.  And  the  babe — Conner's  babe- 
she  had  ushered  into  the  world  herself. 
She  kissed  the  tiny  face,  aixd  breathed 
a  prayer  over  it — Conner's  child. 

*  •  •  •  * 

Eve  Hamilton,  ensconced  in  the  soft 
depths  of  a  morris  chair,  sat  idly 
thinking  one  early  winter  evening.  As 
the  flickering  firelight  cast  its  shad- 
ows across  her  face,  it  seemed  to  lend 
to  her  a  glory  or  halo  as  a  faint  smile 
illumined  her  countenance.  She  was 
thinking  of  the  past  few  months. 
Pleasant  thoughts  they  were.  Thoughts 
of  the  tiny  maiden  next  door  who  had 
cultivated  her  acquaintance  over  the 
china-aster  bed  on  just  this  side  of  the 
line  between  the  two  houses.  A  tiny 
morsel  of  humanity,  she  was  scarcely 
four  years  old.  She  had  persisted  in 
calling  her  mamma,  though  Eve  had 
told  her  she  was  not  her  mother.  But 
it  made  no  difference  to  little  Iva.  It 
was  always  mamma,  "fairy"  mamma. 
Eve  had  asked  her  whose  little  girl 
she  was,  and  the  answer  was  always 
the  same,  "Papa's  'dirlie'."  She  had 
also  told  her  that  her  "truly  mamma 
was  'way  off  in  heaven."  So  Eve  had 
taken  the  motherless  little  girl  into 
her  heart  and  loved  her,  and  gave  her 
of  her  love  and  sympathy.  She  had 
never  met  the  father  or  seen  him,  ex- 
cept at  a  distance,  and  then  only  twice. 
He  seemed  to  be  very  busy  and  was 
gone  much  of  the  time.  So  she  was 
happy  in  cultivating  the  acquaintance 
of  the  little  daughter.  A  bond  of  sjrm- 
pathy  existed  between  them,  for  Eve 
was  motherless,  too,  and  she  remem- 
bered her  own  lonesomeness  and  her 
longing  and  need  for  the  mother-love, 
which  none  but  a  mother  can  fill. 

Somehow  the  thoughts  of  Iva  always 
brought  her  back  to  that  terrible  ex- 
perience in  the  forest,  that  summer  she 
had   spent   the  three    weeks    at    her 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


cousin's  summer  residence,  far  away 
from  noisy  humanity,  in  the  wilds  of 
the  mountains.  Eve  looked  back  upon 
that  time  with  horror  and  tried  to  for- 
get But  that  terrible  night  and  Con- 
ner rose  before  her  many  times.  She 
wondered  where  he  was,  and  if  the 
wife  and  child  had  lived.  She  tried 
to  think  of  Conner  as  a  pleasant  dream 
— far  away.  That  she  still  loved  him 
she  knew.  But  she  tried  to  overcome 
it,  to  thrust  him  out  of  her  heart.  But 
love  does  not  go  at  our  bidding.  And 
she  loved  Conner  stllL 

She  was  still  thinking  of  these 
thiifgs  when  the  sharp  ringing  of  the 
doorbell  startled  her.  Her  father  had 
gone  out,  80  had  Katie,  the  one  ser- 
vant they  kept.  So  she  hurriedly  went 
to  the  door  herself.  As  she  opened  it 
there  stood  the  housekeeper  from  next 
door — Iva's  home.  She  seemed  nerv- 
ous and  frightened  as  she  rather  inco- 
herently tried  to  make  herself  under- 
stood. 

"Oh,  Miss — I  don't  know  your 
name — " 

''Hamilton,"  said  Eve. 

"Miss  Hamilton,  I  hate  to  trouble 
you,  but  would  you  please  to  come 
over  quick.  Miss  Iva's  ill,  and  her 
father  is  out  of  town — I  don't  know 
where.  I  don't  know  what  to  do.  Miss 
Iva  keeps  calling  for  you  and  her  papa. 
Oh,  Miss,  please  come  over  quick,  I  am 
so  frightened  and  her  father  would  go 
wild  if  anything  happened  to  her." 

Eve  waited  to  hear  no  more,  but 
hastily  slij^ped  a  wrap  over  her  shoul- 
ders. She  went  with  the  housekeeper, 
who  ushered  her  into  the  room  where 
the  child  was.  Eve  bent  over  the  crib. 
The  little  face  was  flushed  and  the 
pulse  very  rapid.  She  was  tossing  and 
moaning  and  seemed  only  partly  con- 
scious. She  seemed  to  recognize  Eve, 
however,  and  put  up  her  little  arms 
for  her  to  take  her. 

Eve  very  tenderly  lifted  the  little 
form  from  the  crib.  She  held  her  in 
her  arms  as  she  bathed  her  face  and 
neck  with  cool  water  and  tried  to 
soothe  her. 

"Send  for  a  physician  immediately." 
said  Eve  to  the  housekeeper;  "the  child 
is  very  ill." 

The  doctor  came,  examined  her. 
Malignant  scarlet  fever  was  his  ver- 
dict. The  house  must  be  quarantined. 
Not  a  soul  must  enter. 

"But  her  father — we  must  surely 
send  for  him?"  Eve  said. 


"Not  even  the  father,"  he  said. 
"Whatever  is  needed  will  be  arranged 
for  in  the  usual  way  of  quarantine." 

So  Eve  stayed.  She  watched  over 
the  motherless  child.  Not  a  breath  or 
move  escaped  her.  Night  and  day  she 
kept  guard  over  her,  scarcely  taking 
any  rest  for  herself.  The  little  form 
hovered  between  life  and  death,  some- 
times hovering  close  to  the  borders  of 
the  shadow-land,  then  again  rousing 
up.  Still  Eve  kept  guard  over  her,  al- 
ways praying  silently  for  the  little  suf- 
ferer and  for  her  recovery.  And  her 
prayers  were  answered.  On  the  day 
of  the  crisis  she  never  left  her  crib 
for  forty-eight  ntraight  hours.  She 
stayed  there  with  abated  breath  watch- 
ing every  movement  and  rigidly  carry- 
ing out  the  doctor's  every  order. 

The  doctor  came.  "She  will  live," 
he  said. 

They  had  telegraphed,  sent  messages 
everywhere,  but  could  find  no  trace  of 
her  father,  until  one  day  when  the 
child  was  well  on  the  road  to  recov- 
ery and  the  quarantine  had  been  lifted 
from  the  house  a  telegram  was  re- 
ceived saying  that  the  father  would  be 
home  at  midnight  Eve  had  gone 
home  the  day  before,  as  she  was  en- 
tirely worn  out  A  nurse  had  been 
installed  to  care  for  the  child,  and 
everything  that  could  be  done  for  her 
comfort  was  done.  Eve  had  seen  to 
that 

The  father  came.  As  he  saw  the 
Pfile  face  of  the  little  convalescent  who 
reached  out  her  arms  to  him  and  piti- 
fully put  up  the  little  lips  for  a  kiss, 
he  lifted  her  from  the  couch  on  which 
she  had  been  resting,  took  her  in  his 
great,  strong  arms,  clasped  his  precious 
treasure  to  his  breast.  A  haven  of  rest 
and  contentment  it  was,  Indeed,  to  the 
child. 

As  the  father  sat  gently  rocking  her. 
and  stroking  the  soft  silky  curls,  he 
realized  how  near  to  death  his  angel 
had  been,  and  how  dreary  and  solitary 
life  would  be  to  him  without  the  baby 
prattle  and  the  pattering  of  the  little 
feet.  Life  would  be  a  dreary  waste, 
indeed.  But  God  had  been  good.  .He 
had  given  his  treasure  back  to  him. 
He  thought  of  the  kind  woman  who 
had  given  of  her  strength  and  endur- 
ance; who  had  so  faithfully  watched 
over  his  babe  night  and  day.  One  of 
God's  own  women,  indeed ;  "Miss  Ham- 
ilton." the  housekeeoer  had  called  her 
— a  singular  coincidence.    He  thought 


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^ 


of  Eve  Hamilton  and  that  awful  night 
in  the  forest,  and  of  the  two  wo- 
men 80  singularly  connected,  and  of 
the  same  name,  who  had  given 
unto  him  the  priceless  treasure  who 
had  come  into  his  life  to  be  a  source 
of  comfort  and  consolation  to  him, 
something  to  bring  a  portion  of  glad- 
ness and  brightness  into  his  life — 
something  to  live  for.  He  thought  of 
Madge,  the  beautiful  young  mountain 
,  girl  he  had  married.  The  few  brief 
years  he  had  spent  with  her.  Her 
death  when  Iva  was  but  a  year  old. 
She  had  never  quite  recoverod  from 
that  terrible  experience  in  the  forest 
But  he  was  glad  to  know  that  the  vow 
taken  at  the  bedside,  at  the  birth  of 
Iva,  had  never  been  broken.  The  last 
few  months  of  her  life  had  been  com- 
plete faith  and  happiness  in  him.  He 
had  never  quite  loved  her  as  he  would 
have  loved  Eve,  he  knew.  And  her 
brief  life  with  him  previous  to  Iva's 
birth  had  not  been  one  of  unalloyed 
happiness.  He  had  brought  much  of 
misery  and  sorrow  into  her  life.  But 
she  had  borne  her  lot  bravely.  Borne 
patiently  with  his  weakness  for  drink; 
had  loved  him  with  the  whole  force  of 
her  nature.  And  at  last  she  had  died 
with  a  smile  on  her  lips  and  a  prayer 
for  him. 

After  Eve  returned  to  her  home,  re- 
action set  in.  The  peculiar  strain 
under  whfch  she  had  labored  had  told 
on  her  nervous  sjrstem.  She  seemed 
inanimate,  limp.  She  took  daily  walks 
out  in  the  fresh  air.  She  received 
daily  bulletins  from  the  nurse  as  to 
iva's  condition.  But  she  did  not  go 
over.  She  seemed  to  have  a  peculiar 
shsmess,  or  aversion,  to  meeting  Iva's 
father.  Why,  she  could  not  tell.  After 
a  few  days'  rest  her  nervousness  wore 
ofP,  and  she  seemed  more  like  herself. 
Shd  went  about  the  household  duties 
as  usual  and  began  to  engage  in  her 
former  social  obligations.  So  her  time 
was  well  filled.  She  had  learned  the 
name  of  Iva's  father — ©"Hara,  the 
housekeeper  had  said.  She  never  once 
thought  of  its  having  any  connection 
with  that  of  Conner  O'Hara.  When 
she  thought  of  Conner,  she  thought  of 
him  as  something  very  far  away.  Far 
away  in  his  mountain  cabin  with  his 
sweet  wife  Madge,  and  the  little  mite 
of  humanity  who  had  grown  into  quite 
a  child  by  now. 

Iva;  in  her  baby  way.  had  tried  to 
tell  her  father  about  the  fairy  mamma 


she  loved  so  well.  The  father  had 
listened,  and  wondered  why  she  had 
never  been  over  to  see  her  little  pa- 
tient He  marveled  much  over  the 
matter.  Iva  was  gaining  strength 
daily,  but  was  still  not  quite  able  to 
go  out  into  the  open.  One  evening  the 
child  seemed  unusually  nervous  and 
fretful,  and  had  asked  incessantly  for 
the  fairy  mamma.  So  the  father  de- 
termined to  send  for  her.  Making 
known  his  wishes  to  the  housekeeper, 
she  very  kindly  volunteered  to  go  for 
her. 

*The  pretty  lady  is  coming,  little 
daughter,"  he  said,  and  Iva  seemed  in- 
stantly appeased,  and  cuddled  her 
curly  head  under  her  father's  arm,  as 
he  sat  rocking  her.  Iva  was  weary, 
and  the  little  eyelids  drooped,  and  she 
soon  was  in  the  land  of  dreams — 
dreaming,  perhaps,  of  the  pretty  fairy 
mamma. 

"Poor  little  girl,  she  is  completely 
tired  out,"  her  father  said  to  himself 
as  he  tenderly  carried  her  into  the  ad- 
Joining  room,  and,  as  softly  and  deftly 
as  a  woman,  laid  her  in  her  little  crib. 
''God  bless  you,  little  daughter,"  he 
said,  and  silently  imprinted  a  kiss 
upon  her  brow. 

The  housekeeper  had  been  detained, 
for  Eve  was  not  in,  and  she  had 
waited.  When  she  at  last  arrived,  she 
made  known  her  errand.  Eve  had 
rather  reluctantly  consented  at  first. 
But  at  last  she  put  all  scruples  aside, 
and,  for  the  child's  sake,  she  deter- 
mined to  go,  for  she  had  grown  to  love 
little  Iva,  and  wished  much  to  see  her. 

*  *  *  *  • 

Eve  stood  before  him — Conner — 
Conner  O'Hara.  Was  she  dreaming? 
Dazed — stupefied — she  stood  there  like 
a  statue.  The  housekeeper  had  re- 
treated from  the  room  and  gently 
closed  the  door  behind  her.  They  were 
alone — and  face  to  face.  Conner  had 
arisen  as  she  entered,  but  drew  back, 
startled,  amazed  at  the  vision  before 
him.  Eve  Hamilton,  in  all  her  regal 
beauty,  stood  there.  Eve— the  one 
woman  in  all  the  world  he  longed  to 
see.  Eve — the  woman  he  loved.  He 
saw  her  move  her  lips  as  if  about  to 
speak;  reach  out  her  hand  aa  if  for 
support,  waver  a  little,  and — ^he  caught 
her  just  as  she  was  about  to  fall. 

She  was  faint  for  an  instant,  but 
rallied  and  lay  supported  in  his  arms, 
looking  into  his  eyes. 

"Conner — dear  Conner."  she  said,  in 


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a  voice  80  low  it  was  scarcely  more 
than  a  whisper. 

As  one  in  a  dream,  he  instinctively 
drew  her  closer  to  him,  resting  her 
head  upon  his  breast.  **Eve — dearest 
Eve/'  he  murmured;  'lias  God  sent 
you  to  me  this  night?  Come  into  my 
heart.  Eve — and  dwell  there.  I  am  so 
lonely,  and  I  want  you,  precious  Eve," 
he  said.  "You  are  my  one  bright  star 
in  this  oasis  of  desolation.  Do  not 
deny  me  this  gift,  sweet  Eve — for  God 
has  sent  you  to  me  in  my  direst  need. 
Let  me  look  into  the  depths  of  your 
sweet  brown  eyes,  into  your  soul,  Eve 
— my  Eve, — and  let  me  read  there  that 
you  have  not  ceased  to  love  me." 

"Conner,  dear  Conner,"  she  mur- 
mured, "I  have  never  ceased  to  love 
you.  Life  without  you,  Conner,  is  but 
a  barren  waste.  I  love  you  so  well, 
Conner,  that  not  even  the  demon  Drink 
shall  stand  between  us  again.  If  you 
fall  by  the  wayside,  I  will  help  you  up. 
For  better,  for  worse,  we  will  live  our 
lives  together.  The  thorns  of  life  are 
but  a  trifle- compared  with  the  scent 
and  beauty  of  the  roses  eternal/' 

Resting  against  his  heart,  her  up- 
turned face  to  his,  he  kissed  her  again, 
and  again — her  lips,  her  hair,  her 
brow. 

"My  Eve,"  he  murmured,  "my  Eve — 
most  precious  and  glorious  of  all 
gifts." 


Names  of  Rigs. 

Dr.  Johnson's  dictionaries,  published 
in  1773,  Just  before  the  dawn  of  the 
American  Revolution,  define  a  ship 
as  "a  large,  hollow  building  made  to 
pass  over  the  sea  with  sail."  The  root 
of  the  n^ord  is  unknown,  though  it  is 
derived  from  the  old  English  "schlp," 
which  in  turn  is  derived  from  the 
Anglo^axon  *'scip,"  or  "scyp."  In 
Gothic  ,Icelandic,  and  Old  Frisian  it  is 
"skip,"  in  Dutch  "schip,"  Danish 
"skib,"  Swedish  "skepp,"  and  German 
"schiff."  The  German  word,  though 
pronounced  "shlff,"  supplies  us  with 
our  word  skiff,  a  small,  light  boat.  All 
of  which  proves  the  close  kinship  be- 
tween the  peoples  of  Northern  Europe, 
from  whom  Americans  are  mainly  de- 
scended. The  word  "bark"  is  also  so 
spelled  in  Dutch.  Its  other  English 
form,  "barque,"  is  also  the  French 
form.  In  Danish  it  is  "barck,"  and 
German    "barke."      The    Italian    and 


Spanish  form  is  "barca/'  which  meant 
any  small  craft  The  source  of  the 
word  is  "bari/'  which  dates  back  to 
Egypt  and  the  Nile.  It  is  the  vessel 
most  favored  of  the  poets,  who,  how- 
ever, probably  used  the  word  in  a  com- 
prehensive sense  concerning  any  ves- 
sel. Milton,  in  his  poem  "Lycidas/' 
written  to  commemorate  a  friend 
drowned  at  sea,  refers  to  "that  per- 
fidious bark,  built  In  the  eclipse  and 
rigged  with  curses  dark."  Lovers  of^ 
Tom/  Moore  will  readily  recall  his  lines. 
"Oh,  steer  my  bark  for  Erin's  Isle." 
"Barge,"  which  now  has  an  entirely 
different  meaning  from  "bark,"  is  de- 
rived from  the  same  source.  It  for- 
merly meant  a  sailing  vessel  of  any 
sort  The  Dutch  word  is  "bargie"  and 
Low  Latin  "barga."  In  his  "Canter- 
bury Tales"  Chaucer  says  of  the  ship 
man:  "His  barge  yclept  was  the 
'Maudeleyne.'"  In  our  day  a  barge 
has  at  least  half  a  dozen  meanings,  but 
does  not  now  mean  a  deep-sea  vessel. 
It  is  used  to  convey  coal,  and  it  is 
used  to  convey  royalty — being  then 
styled  a  "State  Barge."  "Brigantine- 
conjures  up  the  sea  brigands  of  the 
Mediterranean  who  originated  this 
type  of  vessel,  which  was  formerly 
called  "brigandine,"  "a  light  vessel 
such  as  has  been  formerly  used  by 
corsairs  or  pirates."  The  German 
name  for  brlgantine  is  the  same  as 
ours,  the  Dutch  "brigantijn,"  Swedish 
and  French  "brigantin,"  and  Italian 
*T>rigantino."  Spenser  and  Milton 
both  used  the  older  form  of  "brigan- 
dine," while  Otway.  a  young  poet,  con- 
temporary with  Milton,  writes  In 
"Venice  Preserved":  "In  your  brlgan- 
tine you  sailed  to  see  the  Adriatic 
wedded."  "Brig"  is,  of  course,  a  con- 
traction of  brlgantine.  In  Danish  it  Is 
the  same  as  in  English,  whilef  4n  Dutch 
and  Arabic  it  is  "brfk."  in  French 
"brick,"  and  in  German  and  Swedish 
"brigg."  "Schooner"  is  distinctively 
American.  It  is  an  old  story,  oft  re- 
peated, that  the  first  schooner  was 
launched  at  Gloucester,  Mass..  in  17*13. 
"See  how  she  scoons."  exclaimed  a  by- 
stander. "A  schooner  let  her  be,"  re- 
plied her  builder,  Capt.  Andrew  Robin- 
son; and  that  settled  It.  The  word 
"scoon"  is  of  Scottish  origin  and 
means  to  skim,  or  skip.  In  Dmtch. 
German,  and  French  the  word  is  the 
same  as  the  English;    In  Swedish  It  is 


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**8konert/'  Danish  ''skonnert/'  Spanish 
and  Portuguese  *'escuna/'  Russian 
"shkuna,"  and  in  Turkish  "uskuna." 
The  yacht  waa  first  introduced'  into 
England  in  1661  when,  according  to 
Evelyn,  the  Dutch  East  India  Com- 
pany presented  a  yacht  to  Charles  II. 
In  Dutch  it  is  spelled  "jagt,"  pro- 
nounced "yart,"  and  French  "yacht," 
pronounced  "yatt."  •'Sloop"  is  from 
the  Dutch  "sleep,"  and  is  pronounced 
the  same.  Our  American  word  "stoop" 
is  also  derived  from  the  Dutch  "stoep," 
and  similarly  retains  the  Dutch  pro- 
nunciation. Another  type  of  craft  is 
the  "pram,"  Dutch  "praam,"  French 
"praham,"  a  flat  bottomed  boat  used 
on  the  coast  of  Holland  and  in  the 
Baltic  Sea.  "Shallop"  is  said  to  be 
either  American  or  East  Indian  in 
origin.  The  French  cal»l  it  "chaloupe," 
the  Germans  "schaluppe,"  while  in 
Spanish  and  Portuguese  it  is  "chal- 
opa,"  and  Italian  "scialuppa." 
"Smack,"  uncommon  on  this  side  of 
the  Atlantic,  is  familiar  enough  on  the 
coasts  of  the  British  Isles  and  Europe, 
and  is  the  name  given  to  a  small  coast- 
ing vesBel  used  largely  in  fishing.  Its 
Dutch  name  is  "smak,"  Low  German 
"smack,"  Danish  "smakke,"  German 
"schmacke,"  and  French  "semaque." 
The  "pinnace,"  now  obsolete  as  a  ves- 
sel of  commerce,  is  still  in  naval  use. 
The  French  word  is  "pinasse,"  Spanish 
"pinazza,"  Italian  "pinassa,"  all  de- 
rived from  the  Latin  "pinus,"  a  pine, 
from  which  timber  it  was  constructed. 
In  his  ballad,  "The  Revenge,"  Tenny- 
son mentions  how  "the  pinnace,  like 
a  fluttered  bird,  came  fliring  from  far 
away,"  to  report  the  approach  of  the 
Spanish  fleet.  In  his  history  of  New 
England  Wlnthrop  writes:  "There 
caeme  from  Virginia  into  Salem  a  pin- 
nace of  18  tons,  laden  with  corn  and 
tobacco."  As  an  English  word  it  dates 
back  to  Saxon  times.  "Packet,"  ap- 
plied to  vessels  carrying  passengers 
and  mails  under  government  control, 
has,  since  the  Introduction  of  steam, 
become  almost  obsolete,  although  there 
are  yet  several  "steam  packet  com- 
panies." The  word  originated  with 
tlie  famous  packet  service  established 
In  1688  at  Falmouth,  Cornwall,  having 
stage-coach  connection  with  London. 
At  one  time  there  were  fifty  vessels  In 
this  line,  which  served  among  other 
places  New  York,  Charleston  and  Sa- 


vannah. During  the  war  of  1812  one 
of  these  packets,  the  "Townshend,"  sur- 
rendered, ofP  Barbadoes,  to  two  Ameri* 
can  privateers,  after  a  desperate  re- 
sistance. When  steam  superseded  sail 
and  stage  coach,  Falmouth  lost  his 
trade,  which  was  diverted  to  Liverpool 
and  Southampton.  The  word  "frigate" 
has,  in  our  own  day,  become  obsolete. 
The  French  word  is  "fregate,"  Spanish 
"fragata,"  Italian  "fregata."  A  vessel 
of  Mediterranean  origin,  it  is  traced 
back  to  the  Latin  word  "fabricata."  It 
was  first  used  in  England  in  Queen 
Elizabeth's  reign,  and  in  the 
eighteenth  century  was  applied  exclu- 
sively to  vessels  of  war.  In  naval  par- 
lance a  frigate  was  rated  as  such  when 
she  carried  from  20  to  50  guns,  and 
was  a  swift  sailer.  Our  modern  cru- 
iser is  the  immediate  successor  of  the 
frigate,  which,  both  under  sail  and 
steam,  has  played  a  prominent  part  in 
the  history  of  the  American  Navy. 
The  corvette,  also  obsolete,'  was  the 
name  applied  to  war  vessels  next  in 
size  to  the  frigal;e. — The  Nautical  Oa- 
zette. 


rirst  Convention  of  the  Spanish  Rilway- 
nien*8  Society. 

The  first  convention  of  "La  Union 
Ferroviaria  Espanola"  convened  In 
Madrid  from  June  24th  to  2dth  in- 
clusive. Nine  meetings  have  been 
held — five  in  the  hall  of  the  People's 
House  and  four  at  the  Toatro  Espanol 
— which  the  lord  mayor  had  placed  at 
our  disposal  upon  the  demand  of  the 
social  democratic  city  counselor,  Vi- 
cente Barrio,  who  is  the  president  of 
our  union.  The  interest,  which  all 
of  Spain  and  also  foreign  countries 
have  taken  in  this  convention  is 
proved  by  the  detailed  reports  in  the 
Spanish  and  also  in  some  foreign 
newspapers.  Although  everything  that 
was  discussed  at  this  convention  was 
of  importance,  yet  we  believe  that 
especially  two  points  received  the  at- 
tention of  the  delegates  and  of  the 
auditors. 

The  first  point  was  the  constitution, 
that  is  to  say  the  preparation  of  the 
statutes.  The  convention  was  fortun- 
ate enough  to  appoint  for  this  task 
two  fellow-workers  who  are  absolutely 
familiar  with  the  labor  movement, 
viz.,  Daniel  Anguiano  and  Toodomiro 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


MonondeK,  who,  in  my  opinion,  have 
been  very  successful  in  preparing  the 
following  constitution  for  the  organi- 
zation: 

A  federation  will  be  established 
which  will  adopt  the  name  of  "Na- 
tional Federation  of  Spanish  Railway- 
men."  This  federation  will  be  con- 
ducted by  a  committee,  for  which  the 
convention  has  to  elect  the  president 
and  the  secretary.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  (i.  e.,  the  vice- 
president,  the  vice-secretary,  the  gen- 
eral treasurer  and  six  assessors)  are 
elected  by  a  referendum. 

Boards  are  to  be  appointed,  one  for 
each  company,  who  have  to  arrange 
for  local  groups  and  divisions,  which 
are  to  be  placed  under  the  respective 
boards,  the  latter  to  be  in  permanent 
contact  with  the  National  Committee. 
All  these  bodies  are  to  have  absolute 
autonomy.  The  convention  agreed 
that  the  committee  (that  is  to  say  the 
National  .  Committee)  should  havs 
their  headquarters  in  Madrid,  electing 
Bro.  Vicente  Barrio  president  and  the 
writer  of  this  report*  secretary  of  the 
committee.  The  second  important 
point  was  the  foundation,  on  which 
petitions  to  government  and  to  the 
companies  are  to  be  prepared.  The 
most  important  points  are  as  follows: 

1.  Increase  in  the  present  wages 
by  30  per  cent. 

2.  Reduction  of  the  hours  of  la- 
bor, for  which  purpose  a  list  of  gradu 
ated  scales  was  prepared. 

3.  Old  age  pensions,  same  to 
amount  to  60  or  80  per  cent,  accord- 
ing to  the  years  of  service  accom- 
plished by  the  railwaymen  and  to 
come  in  operation  at  the  latest  with 
the  69th  year  of  age. 

4.  Introduction  of  promotion  lists 
by  companies  and  by  the  kinds  of 
work. 

5.  The  promotion  to  take  place 
every  two  years. 

Several  other  points  of  minor  im- 
portance were  also  still  discussed. 

These  petitions  were  submitted  to 
government  and  to  the  companies  on 
July  20th  and  were  accompanied  by  a 
letter,  wherein  a  careful  considera- 
tion of  the  demands  was  requested, 
asking  at  the  same  time  for  a  state- 
ment of  the  reasons  in  case  the  em- 
ployers could  not  approve  of  one  point 
or  the  other. 

The  convention  was  attended  by  120 
delegates,     who     represented     50,000 


members.  During  the  sessions  the 
greatest  enthusiasm  and  the  best  of 
order  reigned  everywhere.  Bro.  Vi- 
cente Barrio  was  elected  chairman  of 
the  convention  and  everybody  was 
pleased  with  the  impartiality  and 
ability  with  which  he  conducted  the 
discussions  which  were  absolutely 
business-like  and  free  from  any  nar- 
row-mindedness. The  last  session 
adopted  a  solemnity,  which  moved 
every  member  present.  The  theater 
was  simply  crowded  and  all  the  audi- 
tors listened  attentively  to  the  beau- 
tiful words  of  the  speakers  who  had 
been  invited  to  speak  to  the  members 
of  the  convention.  The  final  address 
was  delivered  by  Bro.  Barrio,  who  re- 
ceived a  great  and  most  hearty  ap- 
plause for  his  untiring  work  for  the 
railwaymen.  A  festival  took  place 
afterwards,  a  lunch  in  the  open  air, 
which  united  all  the  delegates  in  the 
greatest  harmony.  Proofs  of  sym- 
pathy and  of  friendship  were  ex- 
changed and  the  desire  was  expressed 
that  this  be  the  commencement  of  our 
emancipation.  They  all  promised  to 
work  for  the  development  oi  our  so- 
ciety so  that  our  untiring  efforts 
might  be  crowned  with  succe8& — 
Weekly  Report  International  Trans- 
portworkers'  Federation. 


Gincerniflig  LMc  Frogs  and  Big  Frogs. 

By  H.  B.  Moteb. 

Under  certain  conditions,  the  higher 
up  one  gets  the  easier  it  is  to  climb. 
That  is  to  say,  that  further  away  from 
the  earth,  the  force  of  gravitation  is 
less  than  right  close  to  it.  Any  husky 
bridgie  who  has  ever  taken  a  tumUe 
and  lives  to  tell  the  tale  will  bear  wit- 
ness at  least  that  the  nearer  one  comes 
to  the  ground,  when  he  is  falling,  the 
faster  he  travels. 

Quite  recently  I  had  occasion  to  visit 
the  rear  of  a  theatrical  stage  while  a 
rehearsal  was  going  on,  and  the  thing 
that  struck  me  most  forcibly  in  connec- 
tion with  my  visit  was  that  while  the 
leading  characters  and  the  second 
raters  in  the  show  were  comfortably 
located  in  dressing-rooms  Just  off  the 
stage,  or  at  the  worst,  one  floor  above 
it,  the  poor  chorus,  which  did  the  bulk 
of  the  heavy  work,  dancing,  etc,  and 
had  the  most  changes  of  costume  to 
make,  had  to  be  content  with  the  top 
row  of  dressing  rooms,  four  floors  up 


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:a  dark,  narrow,  winding  stairway.  The 
4iverage  chorus  girl  or  man  is  paid 
;about  $25,  the  others  from  $800  a  week 
<down. 

After  all,  though,  one  doesn't  have  to 
-go  to  the  make-believe  life  of  the  stage 
^o  find  abundant  examples  of  that  sort 
^f  unfair  dealing.  Look  about  you  on 
■the  street,  in  the  factory,  in  the  office, 
anywQiere,  and  you'll  see  lots  of  it. 

The  Massey-Harris  Company,  with 
headquarters  in  Toronto,  Can.,  have  a 
monopoly  in  the  manufacture  and  sale 
of  agricultural  implements  in  Canada, 
and  their  wage  scale  is  so  ridiculously 
low  that  they  even  manage  to  compete 
^ith  many  American  concerns  in  the 
States  after  paying  the  heavy  duties. 
-A  few  weeks  ago,  a  new  publication 
called  Jack  Canuck — and  having,  by 
the  way,  nothing  to  do  with  organized 
labor — took  occasion  to  print  an  article 
in  which  the  Massey  plant  was  de- 
nounced as  a  sweat-shop,  and  the  em- 
ployes pictured  as  being  brow-beaten 
^nd  half  starved.  The  following  week 
•every  employe  in  the  place  had  his 
wages  raised,  and  again  we  have  a  pic- 
ture of  the  little  frog  and  the  big  froe 
The  head  men,  that  is,  some  of  the 
heads  of  departments  were  raised 
$1,000  a  year;  the  employes,  or  rather 
the  workers,  were  granted  an  increase 
of  from  1  to  2  cents  an  hour.  Inas- 
much as  the  majority  of  the  real  work- 
ers were  receiving  an  average  of  $10  a 
week,  they  are  now  enloyingthe  orlnce* 
ly  income  of  either  $10.60  or  $1'1.20; 
-and  yet  there  are  people  who,  in  the 
face  of  the  Incontrovertible  fact  that 
living  has  advanced  in  cost  from  30  to 
50  per  cent,  in  the  past  few  years, 
argue  against  organized  labor.  The 
big  frog  is  always  looked  after.  If  you 
by  any  chance  have  any  doubts  on  the 
subject.  Just  scan  over  the  Constitution 
of  the  United  States,  or,  better  still, 
watch  how  it  works  out,  and  observe 
how  much  protection  is  afforded  the 
working  classes  as  compared  with  that 
provided  the  wealthy  classes.  And  the 
l)igger  a  frog  one  is,  the  better  his  in- 
terests are  looked  after.  John  D. 
Rockefeller  has  stolen  millions  of  dol- 
lars in  his  time  and  he  hasn't  even 
seen  the  inside  of  a  Jail  yet.  Mean- 
while John  Doe.  who  stole  a  loaf  of 
bread  when  the  last  big  panic  was  on, 
still  recalls  with  bitterness  the  two 
Tears  he  served  in  stripes. 

John  D.  Rockefeller  has  made  fools 


out  of  Judge,  Jury  and  counsel  on  the 
several  occasions  in  which  he  has  been 
called  as  a  witness  in  the  famous  (or 
infamous)  Standard  Oil  case,  and  he 
has  never  even  been  censured.  Sam 
Gompers,  a  labor  leader,  is  made  a 
goat  of,  because  he  cannot  see  through 
the  same  spectacles  as  a  biased  arbiter 
of  the  law.  Man  to  man,  of  course, 
Gompers  morally  is  high  above  Rocke- 
feller, but  here's  the  same  old  rub — 
he  isn't  a  big  frog  financially,  although 
he  could  be  if  he  tried  real  hard,  at 
that,  and  give  up  his  labor  work.  On 
the  other  hand,  contradictory  as  it  may 
sound,  he  is  persecuted  because  he  is 
too  big  a  frog  in  the  labor  field  to  suit 
certain  people  who  would  prefer  to  see 
nothing  bigger  than  tadpoles  among 
the  working  people. 

The  United  States  Steel  Corporation 
is  protected  by  the  United  States  gov- 
ernment  in  many  ways,  one  of  these 
wa3rs  being  by  means  of  excessive  du- 
ties on  foreign  metal.  Have  you  ever 
read  of  the  lowly  worker  in  turn  being 
nrotected  by  the  government  from  the 
maws  of  this  mighty  octopus,  which 
bars  out  cheap  foreign  metal  and  wel- 
comes cheap  foreign  labor? 

Any  time  you  hear  of  a  motion  bein'er 
brought  up  at  Washington — that  is,  of 
course,  outside  of  A.  P.  of  L.  or  other 
union  headquarters — favorable  to  the 
workine  classes,  you  c^n  out  it  down 
that  the  people  behind  it  are  either 
worklne  people  who  have  been  elected 
to  political  , office  or  people  who  are 
looking  for  labor  votes,  and  ninety- 
nine  times  out  of  every  century,  you 
can  gamble  that  the  aforesaid  legisla- 
tion will  get  the  hook  before  it  gets  to 
its  feet,  in  any  event. 

The  old  Drescrintlon  for  all  indus- 
trial ills — that  of  rising  above  the 
masses — is  all  right  in  its  way,  the 
chief  drawbacks  to  its  successful  gen- 
eral practice  being  that  everybody 
hasn't  the  natural  ability  or  the  oppor^ 
tunity  for  so  doing  and  that,  if  they 
could,  there  would  be  no  one  left  to 
do  the  manual  labor. 

When  one  thinks  of  it,  what  a  really 
fine  chance  the  working  man  has  to  get 
as  good  as  an  even  break— that  is,  the 
individual  workingman.  Take  the 
veriest  out-of-the-way  hamlet,  for  ex- 
ample. Who  makes  and  dispenses  the 
laws  which  govern  the  place?  Bill 
Jones,  the  factory  hand?  No.  it  is 
Squire  Dudelsack,  who  owns  the  mill 


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Bill  Jones  works  in.  If  Bill  doesn't 
like  the  conditions  the  squire  as  em- 
ployer metes  out  to  him,  he  can  leave 
town,  and  the  fellow  after  him  can  do 
the  same  thing.  And  supposing  Bill 
does  pack  up  his  kit  and  moves  to  the 
city,  what  does  he  find?  Why,  that  the 
governing  bodies  in  the  bigger  place 
are  made  up  of  the  board  of  trade — 
composed  entirely  of  capitalists  and 
would-be  capitalists — men  entirely  out 
of  sympathy  with  the  fellows  who  have 
to  bend  their  backs  for  a  living— and 
perchance  the  Manufacturers'  Associa- 
tion, which  loves  the  workingman  like 
a  tramp  loves  a  policeman,  not  to  men- 
tion a  machine-made  group  of  alder- 
men working  under  orders  from  the 
big  machine  built  up  by  a  big  cam- 
paign barrel. 

Who  has  bossed  the  Senate  for  the 
past  ten  years  or  so?  None  but 
Brother  Aldrich,  millionaire,  and  a 
lover  of  the  big  interests.  And  who 
but  Uncle  Joe  Cannon — dear  old  Uncle 
Joseph — has  tenderly  looked  after  Big 
Interests*  welfare  In  Qongress? 

The  workingman  has  never  been 
properly  appreciated — he  never  will  be 
until  he  learns  to  properly  appreciate 
himself.  The  more  he  (and  organized 
labor)  does  for  himself,  the  more  he 
win  respect  himself  and  be  respected. 
The  less  he  does  for  himself,  the  least 
liable  he  is  to  maintain  even  his  own 
self-respect. 
"This  mournful   truth   is   everywhere 

confessed: 
Slow    rises    worth    by    poverty    de- 
pressed." 

Employers  in  general  are  found  of 
Joking  in  one  way  and  another  about 
"labor's  mournful  howl."  Some  day, 
when  the  working  classes  are  united  in 
one  vast  body,  perhaps  the  present-day 
employers  (or  their  descendants)  will 
be  employes.  Then  you'll  hear  a  howl' 
"as  is  a  howl." — The  BridgemerCs 
Magazine, 


BuVd»  Dof^'t  Destroy. 

Honest,  constructive  divergence  of 
opinions  make  for  progress  in  the 
councils  of  labor  unions  as  in  every 
constitutional  body  whose  object  is  the 
advancement  of  any  given  program  for 
the  amelioration  of  conditions  that  de- 
mand adjustment.  Prom  these  inter- 
changes of  opinions  will  generally 
emerge  a  policy  that  meets  with  the 


approval  of  the  majority.  And,  in  al- 
most every  case,  the  policy  so  adopted 
will  prove  to  be  the  best,  or  at  least 
the  nearest  solution  possible  at  the 
time,  of  any  problem  that  is  before  us. 

All  honor  to  the  man  who,  while  he 
may  appear  to  most  of  us  mistaken  in 
his  premises  or  in  his  deductions, 
makes  an  honest,  straightforward 
fight  for  his  opinions.  Especially,  if 
he  advances  some  constructive  policy 
in  lieu  of  the  one  that  is  favored  by 
the  majority  present.  All  honor  to 
him,  if  defeated,  he  accepts  the  verdict 
of  his  co-workers  for  that  time,  while 
he  continues  to  advocate  what  he  con- 
siders better  methods  to  advance  the 
cause  we  are  all  giving  the  best  there 
is  in  us  to  further.  The  ultra-radical- 
ism of  today  Is  often  the  conservative 
policy  of  tomorrow  and  the  man  who 
fights  with  the  minority  is  generally 
the  real  leader.  But,  if  he  cannot  con- 
vince the  majority  of  the  advantage  of 
adopting  his  policy,  why  then  the  time 
is  not  yot  ripe  for  its  adoption.  He 
must  be  patient  while  he  continues  his 
work  of  education. 

In  contra-dlstinction  to  this  class  of 
honest,  constructive,  healthy  kickers 
we  have  to  deal  with  another  set,  often 
consisting  of  men  who  only  joined  the 
union  when  they  found  it  necessary  in 
order  to  hold  a  job.  These  are  the  fel- 
lows who  never  advanced  a  construc- 
tive idea  in  their  lives,  but  no  matter 
what  policy  may  be  adopted,  you  may 
find  them  on  the  street  comers  swing- 
ing their  little  hammer.  If  a  fighting 
policy  is  adopted  you  will  find  them 
lending  comfort  to  the  enemy  by  whin- 
ing about  "how  easily  trouble  might 
have  been  averted."  If  a  policy  of 
conciliation  is  adopted  you  will  find 
the  same  gentry  crying  about  "what 
they  have  lost  by  the  weakness  of  their 
leaders."  And  if  you  pin  them  down 
by  asking  "what  it  is  that  we  have 
lost?"  it  will  generally  resolve  itself 
into  something  we  never  had. 

If  you  will  listen  to  these  "union 
wreckers"  (and  that  is  what  they  are, 
intentionally  so  or  through  ignorance) 
you  will  learn  of  the  awful  grafts  per- 
petrated by  their  leaders,  when  the 
fact  is  we  have  lost  some  of  our  most 
able  men  simply  because  the  other  fel- 
low is  always  ready  to  pay  for  brains, 
while  the  best  you  can  expect  in  the 
labor  movement  is  a  chance  t6  work 
twenty-four  hours  a  day  for  a  bare  liv- 
ing and  a  relegation  to  the  scrap  heap 


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as  soon  as  age  overtakes  you,  if  not 
far  sooner;  for,  no  matter  what  ser- 
▼ice  you  may  have  rendered,  if  among 
the  many  positions  you  have  to  take  in 
your  oflQcial  capacity  you  make  one 
mistake,  or  what  may  appear  to  your 
constituents  to  be  a  mistake,  your  past 
years  of  service  count  for  nothing.  The 
destructive  knocker  at  once  realizes 
his  opportunity,  and  you  are  reviled 
and  discredited  by  the  people  you  have 
given  your  best  thoughts  to  serve. 

If  ever  this  great  organization  comes 
to  grief  it  Yill  not  be  caused  by  the 
employers  alone.  The  great  disinte- 
grating force  will  be  within  the  or- 
ganization, in  the  work  of  these  de- 
structive, character  assailing,  person- 
ally incompetent  knockers.  —  Mine 
Workers'  Journal. 


The  Boomer  and  the  Boss. 

Last  night  there  was  a  switchman  who 

walked  through  the  yard. 
Into  the  shanty,  and  handed  me  his 

card. 
I   pointed   him   to   a   restaurant — "go 

there  and  eat  your  fill — 
No  matter  the  cost,  the  S.  U.  '11  foot 

the  bilL" 

Next  morning,  bright  and  early,  the 

G.  T.  M.  he  met, 
Looking  for  a  situation,  or  something 

for  to  get. 
Said  he:    "I  have  students  who  cannot 

do  the  work; 
I  want  experienced  men  that  naught 

will  shirk!" 

"Experience  I've  a-plenty,  and  for 
reference  here's  my  card; 

I  can  switch  as  many  cars  as  any  'old 
rail'  in  the  yard. 

I've  switched  for  the  Cotton  Bek,  rode 
cars  for  the  Soo, 

'Hit  the  ball'  on  the  Big  U,  and  handled 
bills  for  the  *Q.' 

I've  worked  upon  the  I.  C,  the  M.  C, 
U.  P.  and  the  'Pan/ 

And  the  B.  ft  O.  is  the  only  road  where 
I  ever  'got  the  can'." 

"Fill  out  this  application  and  bring  it 
back  to  me — 

State  the  place  where  you  haven't 
worked  and  I'll  find  your  pedi- 
gree." 

N.  A.  Meyebs, 
Lodge  No.  212,  Braddock,  Pa. 


The  American  Flag  Abroad. 

C(^.  Epes  Randolph  of  Tucson,  Ariz., 
president  of  the  Southern  Pacific  Rail- 
road of  Mexico,  which  has  suffered  se- 
verely on  account  of  revolutionary 
troubles  in  Mexico,  declared  in  an  in- 
terview in  Los  Angeles  Saturday  that 
conditions  could  not  be  much  worse 
than  they  now  are  on  the  West  Coast 
of  Mexico.  'Two  thousand  Americans 
have  left  their  farms,  mines,  planta- 
tions and  other  property  interests  in 
Mexico,"  he  said.  Asked  if  it  were  pos- 
sible for  the  American  government  to 
do  anything  to  better  conditions,  he 
replied:  "My  experience  is  that  the 
American  flag  means  little  abroad." 

And  there  is  a  whole  lot  in  the  sug- 
gestion that  Col.  Randolph  makes  con- 
cerning the  American  flag  and  what  it 
means  abroad.  There  is  that  in  it 
which  brings  the  blush  of  shame  to 
every  honest  American  brcT,  and 
causes  the  swelling  of  every  patriotic 
American  breast  with  an  indignation 
that  is  as  righteous  as  it  is  profound. 
The  American  flag  under  the  Taft 
administration  typifies  nothing  but  a 
desire  to  arbitrate  and  avoid  any  direct 
issue.  The  diplomacy  of  Philander  C. 
Knox  of  the  state  department  at  Wash- 
ington, is  to  go  around  every  obstruc- 
tion instead  of  meeting  the  issue  in  a 
bold  and  manly  way — to  stave  off  com- 
plications until  the  mellowing  influ- 
ence of  time  melts  them  away,  and  in 
this  way  the  entire  American  nation 
has  been  made  the  laughing  stock  of 
the  civilized  nations  of  the  earth. 

In  the  troubles  that  have  beset 
Americans  in  Mexico  there  has  been  no 
disposition  manifested  by  the  Ameri- 
can government  to  discharge  its  plain 
duty.  On  the  contrary  that  duty  has 
been  avoided  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
render  the  government  pusilanlmous 
in  its  indicated  appearance  of  coward- 
ice, and  outrages  have  continued  tbat 
would  have  been  stopped  summarily 
with  one  evidence  of  determination  on 
the  part  of  the  government,  to  stop 
them.  Americans  have  been  killed, 
robbed,  outraged  and  driven  from 
their  possessions  in  Mexico,  and  noth- 
ing has  been  done  by  the  diplomatic 
Mr.  Knox  to  extend  the  protection  of 
his  country's  flag  to  them.  Instead, 
they  have  been  advised  to  hot-foot  it 
across    the   border    and    leave    their 


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earthly  posBessians  completely  at  the 
mercy  of  the  bandits  that  have  over- 
run portions  of  Mexico. 

And  while  these  things  are  transpir- 
ing just  across  the  Rio  Grande  and 
American  interests  have  been  often 
shamefully  neglected,  a  few  negroes 
on  the  warpath  in  Cuba  have  proven 
sufficient  to  cause  the  assemblage  of 
the  Atlantic  fleet  in  Cuban  soil — all 
before  possibly  one  American  has  been 
killed  or  one  dollar's  worth  of  Ameri- 
can property  has  been  destroyed. 
Why  the  difference?  Is  the  American 
in  Cuba  any  more  entitled  to  the  pro- 
tection of  the  American  flag  than  the 
American  in  Mexico?  Have  we  one 
line  of  foreign  policy  for  Cuba  and  an- 
other for  Mexico? 

A  possible  race  war  in  Cuba,  with 
the  probability  of  injury  to  American 
interests  has  been  sufficient  to  warrant 
immediate  intervention,  while  the 
actual  murder  of  many  Americans,  the 
destruction  of  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  dollars  worth  of  American  property 
and  the  driving  of  thousands  of  Amer- 
icans from  Mexico,  is  only  considered 
sufficient  to  cause  a  warning  to  be 
given  all  Americans  to  get  out  of  Mex- 
ico. All  of  which  evidences  the  fact 
that  the  American  flag  stands  for  al- 
most nothing  in  the  republic  of  Mex- 
ico.— El  Paso  Morning  Times, 


Taldng  Through  Water. 

Talking  through  water  from  one 
ship  to  another  has  become  possible  by 
means  of  an  improved  wireless  tele- 
phone, invented  by  A.  W.  Sharman. 
with  which  he  expects  to  be  able  to 
replace  the  ordinary  submarine  bell 
signals. 

Bells  sounded  under  the  sea  are  at 
present  In  use  on  all  large  liners,  the 
sounds  being  picked  up  on  other  ves- 
sels by  means  of  a  special  form  of  tele- 
phone. 

The  wireless  telephone  with  which 
people  will  talk  through  the  sea  is 
quite  different  from  the  ordinary  wire- 
less telegraph,  which  transmits  signals 
through  the  water. 

Far  simpler  and  less  costly,  and  re- 
quiring no  skill  to  operate,  Mr.  Shar- 
Bxan's  telephone  can  be  fltted  up  in  any 
vessel,  however  small,  at  a  cost  of  a 
few  pounds,  and  provides  a  means  of 
conversation  by  wireless. 


In  a  fog  a  ship  fitted  with  the  Shar- 
man wireless  telephone  could  hear  the 
approach  of  other  vessels,  as  the  sound 
given  out  by  a  small  electric  bell  or 
other  signaling  device  on  one  ship 
would  be  detected  in  the  telei^one  on 
the  other. 

After  flashing  a  signal  back  through 
the  water,  conversation  could  at  onoe 
be  established  between  the  two  vessels. 

A  ship  could  speak  with  a  port,  or 
lightship,  or  lighthouse,  in  Just  the 
same  way,  and  submarines  could  keep 
up  a  continuous  convei'sation  with 
each  other  and  the  battleship  to  which 
they  were  attached. 

Asked  over  what  distance  he  could 
talk  with  the  wireless  telephone,  Mr. 
Sharman  told  the  Daily  Mirror  that  he 
was  at  present  limited  to  a  few  mUee, 
but,  with  the  aid  of  a  new  microphone 
for  talking  into,  he  hoped  to  be  able 
to  speak  through  the  sea  for  twenty 
miles. — London  Daily  Mirror. 


In  Mother's 

Do  y6u  remember  how  your  mother 
used  to  take  you  on  her  knee  at  twi- 
light, and,  sitting  before  the  red  gleam- 
ing fire,  tell  you  wonderful  tales?  With 
"Jack  the  Giant  Killer"  we  climl>ed  the 
tall,  swaying  bean  pole;  we  wept  with 
Cinderella  midst  the  dust  and  grime 
of  her  ashes — ^with  bated  breath  we 
leaped  from  the  window  to  land — safe 
in  mother's  arms. 

Ah,  mother's  arms!  Close,  warm, 
sheltering,  if  they  could  only  be  about 
us  always  what  a  wonderful  charm  we 
would  possess  to  ward  off  evil.  But 
they  must  loosen  sometime,  and  then 
we  stand  looking  back  at  the  glowing 
crimson  firelight  memories  and  how  we 
long  for  fairy  tales  and  mother  for 
Just  one  evening  more. 

We  cannot  remember  when  first  we 
knew  there  were  no  fairies.  That 
came  gradually.  Little  by  little  we 
learned— knew  that  the  fragrant  blos- 
soms hid  in  their  velvet  depths  no 
white-winged  fairies — knew  that  the 
laugh  of  the  brook,  the  wild,  sweet 
echoing  songs  of  the  birds  were  not 
gifts  of  the  good  fairy,  but  Just  nature, 
and  behind  nature,  that  higher  power 
that  made  the  world  and  the  glory 
thereof. 

We  know  there  are  no  fairies  and 
yet  deep  in  our  own  hearts  we  dream 
our  own   fairy   tales   of  gold-streeted 


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cities,  of  far-stretching  woodlands,  of 
l^eauteous  lowlands,  still  plains,  won- 
derful people.  O,  we  love  the  dreams 
and  the  fairy  tales,  else  at  evening  the 
little  one  with  the  tangled  curls  and 
warm,  moist  hands  would  not  be  so 
welcome  to  our  arms. 

And  we  sit  in  the  firelight  and  tell 
the  same  old  tales  and  lean  our  heads 
on  the  soft  curls  of  the  child  and  think 
— ^not  of  the  tales,  but  of  the  one  so 
dear  who  used  to  tell  them  to  us  many, 
many  years  ago. — Women's  World. 

I  am  not  ashamed  to  confess  that 
twenty-five  years  ago  I  was  a  hired  la- 
borer.— Ahraf^m  Lincoln. 


Miking  GoM  Pens. 

The  tiny  tip  of  white  metal  seen  on 
the  under  side  of  the  ipoint  of  a  gold 
pen  may  be  platinum,  but  it  is  more 
likely  to  be  iridium.  Iridium  is  a  very 
hard  metal,  and  it  is  expensive.  It 
costs  about  four  times  as  much  as  gC>ldi. 
The  punpose  of  the  iridium  tip  is,  of 
course,  to  give  the  pen  a  more  durable 
point. 

The  gold  pen  maker  buys  his  gold  at 
the  assay  office  in  bars  of  pure  24  carat 
gold,  which  he  melts  and  alloys  with 
silver  and  cofpper  to  the  degree  of  fine- 
ness required.  Gk>Id  of  14  carats  is 
used  in  the  manufacture  of  the  best 
American  gold  pens,  that  being  the  de- 
gree of  fineness  deemed  most  suitable 
for  pen  use,  but  good  pens  made  in 
this  country  for  sale  in  Prance  are 
made  of  18  carats,  the  French  govern- 
ment requiring  that  all  articles  ex- 
posed for  sale  in  that  country  as  made 
of  gold  shall  be  of  not  less  than  18 
carats. 

The  gold^rom  which  the  pens  are  to 
be  made  is  rolled  and  rerolled  until 
what  was  originally  a  thick,  heavy  bar 
of  gold  has  been  rolled  into  a  thin  gold 
ribbon  about  three  feet  in  lengrth  by 
four  inches  wide.  Then  this  gold  rib- 
bon is  put  Into  a  machine  which 
stamps  out  of  it  pen  shapes,  all  still 
flat.  Then  on  the  top  of  each  of  these 
pen  shapes  is  fused  the  iridium  point, 
and  then  the  shapes  go  to  a  slitting 
machine,  which  cuts  the  slit  in  the 
pen.  From  the  slitting  machine  the 
pens  go  through  another,  which  gives 
them  their  rounded,  familiar  pen  form, 
and  then  the  pens  are  ground  and  pol- 
ished and  finished  ready  for  use. 

American  gold  pens  In  fountain  pens 


or  as  dip  pens  are  sold  in  every  coun- 
try in  Burod;>e  in  competition  with 
pens  of  British  or  of  German  manufac- 
ture, and  under  the  same  competition 
they  are  sold  throughout  the  world  in 
South  America,  Africa,  Japan,  China, 
wherever  pens  are  used. — New  York 
Sun. 


By  W.  M.  Maupkn. 

The  visitors  who  knocked  at  the  door 
of  the  brownstone  mansion  on  Gold 
avenue  were  dressed  in  rags  and  gave 
every  visible  evidence  of  having  come 
from  the  slum  districts. 

The  liveried  servant  who  opened  the 
door  tried  hastily  to  shut  it,  but  the 
foremost  visitor  in  line  thrust  his  foot 
between  the  door  and  the  Jamb,  then 
pushed  the  door  open  with  an  exhibi- 
tion of  masculine  force  that  made  the 
servant  gasp  with  astonishment. 

"What's  the  meaning  of  that  noise. 
Jobson?"  queried  a  woman  at  the  head 
of  the  marble  stairway. 

**H1  don't  know,  mum." 

"Say,  youse,"  said  the  spokesman  of 
the  visiting  party,  "we'se  out  seein' 
how  de  rich  live.  An'  we's  comin'  in, 
too,  see!  -An'  we*s  goin'  to  pike  our 
bloomin'  noses  into  everythin',  an'  we's 
goin'  t'  ask  all  de  imperdent  questions 
we  like,  see!" 

'This  is  an  unwarranted  intrusion 
and  if  you  do  not  immediately  leave 
I  shall  call  the  police,"  exclaimed  the 
lady  of  the  house,  appearing  upon  the 
scene,  clad  in  a  silk  kimona  and  other 
articles. 

'*Nope-;  nixey  on  de  bulls,"  said  the 
spokesman.  "Dis  ain't  no  intrusion, 
mum.  We's  Jus'  retumin'  a  friendly 
call,  see!  A  few  days  ago  youse  an'  a 
bunch  o'  nobs  comes  over  t'  where  we 
live,  investigatin'  conditions  o'  de 
poor,  'slummin','  I  believe  youse  called 
it  Said  youse  was  interested  in  de 
amelyrishun  o'  de  conditions  o'  de 
workin'  classes,  or  some  such  dope,  an' 
had  t*  study  condishuns  at  first  hand. 
Well,  we's  formed  a  class  fer  t'  study 
de  condishuns  o'  de  rich,  an'  we's  get- 
ter have  It  first  hand,  see!  We's 
picked  out  fer  our  first  visits  dems 
what's  butted  Inter  our  tenements 
without  invitation  an'  made  derselves 
at  home.  So,  mum,  jus'  send  dis  brass 
buttoned  gazabo  ter  de  scrap  pile  an' 
pilot  us  aroun'  de  dump." 


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684 


JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMBNS   UNION   OP   N.    A. 


An  Old  Maid's  Prayer. 

A  maiden  once  of  certain  age. 
To  catcli  a  husband  did  engage; 
And  having  passed  the  prime  of  life 
In  striving  to  become  a  wife. 
With  all  her  might,  this  ancient  maid 
'Neath  an  oak  tree  knelt  and  prayed, 
Unconscious  that  a  grave  old  owl 
Above  was  perched — a  mourning  towl. 
"•'Oh  give  a  husband!    Give-"  she  cried. 
"'While  yet  I  may  become  a  bride; 
My  day  of  grace  will  soon  be  o'er, 
And  then,  like  many  maids  before, 
1*11  die  without  an  early  love — 
With  none  to  meet  me  there  above/' 
Just  then  the  owl,  up  in  the  tree. 
Cried:    "Who — ^who  w-h-o!" 
-*Who,    Lord?"      Why    dost   thou    ask 

who? 
Just  any  one,  good  Lord,  will  do!" 
— Exchange. 


You*UBcaM«i,  MySofi! 

If  you  can  keep  your  head  when  all 
about  you  ^ 

And  losing  theirs  and  blaming  it  on 
you; 
If  you  can  U'ust  yourself  when  all  men 
doubt  you, 
But  make  allowance  for  their  doubt 
ing,  too; 
If  you  can  wait  and  not  be  tired  of 
waiting. 
Of  being   lied  about  don't  deal   in 
lies. 
Or    being    hated    don*t   give    way    to 
hating. 
And  yet  don't  look  too  good,  nor  talk 
too  wise; 

If    you    can    dream — and    not    make 
dreams  your  master; 
If   you    can    think — and    not   make 
thought  your  aim; 
If  you  can  meet   with   Triumph   and 
Disaster 
And  treat  these  two  imposters  just 
the  same; 
If  you   can    bear   to   hear   the   truth 
you've  spoken 
Twisted  by  knaves  to  make  a  trap 
for  fools, 
Or  watch  the  things  you've  given  you: 
life  to,  broken, 
And   stop   and    build   'em   up   with 
worn-out  tools; 

If  you  can  make  one  heap  of  all  your 
winnings 
And  risk  It  on  one  turn  of  pltch-and- 
toss. 


And  lose  and  start  again  at  your  be- 
ginnings, 
And   never   breathe   a   word   about 
your  loss; 
If  you  can  force  your  heart  and  nerve 
and  sinew 
To  serve  your  turn  long  after  they 
are  gone. 
And  so  nold  on  when  there  is  nothing 
in  you 
Except  the  will  which  says  to  them : 
"Hold  on!" 

Ii  you  can  talk  with  crowds  and  keep 
your  virtue. 
Or  walk  with   kings — nor  lose  the 
common  touch; 
If  neither  foes  nor  cooing  friends  can 
hurt  you; 
If  all  men  count  with  you,  but  none 
too  much; 
If  you  can  fill  the  unforgiving  minute 
With   sixty  seconds'   worth   of  dis- 
tance run. 
Yours    is    the    earth    and   everything 
tiiat's  in  it. 
And — ^which    is    more — ^you'll    be    a 
man,  my  son! 

— Milwaukee  Leadei'. 


The  CxplanatkNi. 

The  wife  of  a  young  business  man 
got  a  wire  from  her  husband  the  other 
evening  that  said: 

'^Shall  dine  with  Milly  Brown,  an  old 
gal  of  mine.  Will  be  late.  Don't  wail 
for  me." 

When  the  business  man  reached 
home  at  midnight  his  wife  met  him  in 
the  hall. 

"Wail  for  you!"  she  sneered. 
"Why,  I  wouldn't  wail  for  the  best 
man  that  ever  lived,  let  alone  you!" 

"Why,  my  dear "  he  stammered. 

Bursting  into  tears,  she  handed  him 
the  telegram.  Then  he  explained  that 
what  he  had  really  wired  was: 

"Shall  dine  with  Billy  Brown,  an  old 
pal  of  mine.  Will  be  late.  Don't  wait 
for  me." 


Remittance  RoN  of  Honor  for  the  Mont 
off  September*  1 91 2. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  num- 
bers) of  the  lodges  whose  remittances 
have  been  received  by  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer  during  the 
month  of  September: 

Sept.  3d--Lodges  5,  13,  32,  44,  55. 
91,  92,  102,  106,  113,  120.  122,  130.  141. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A. 


x-i2,  154,   171,  173,   183,  188,  190.   194, 
195,  196,  199,  213,  215,  217. 

Sept.  4th— Lodges  11,  21,  22,  23,  29. 
38,  41,  51,  52,  56,  60,  72,  73,  74,  78,  80. 
83,  88.  104,  112,  115,  116.  123,  144,  176, 
177,  179.  189,  212,  214,  216. 

Sept.  5th— Lodges  6,  9,  10,  14.  15,  19, 
20.  28,  33,  37,  64,  95,  96,  97,  98,  99. 
101,  114,  117,  126,  146,  174,  175,  187, 
193.  200.  201,  203,  205,  218. 

Sept.  6th— Lodges  1,  3,  24,  30,  39. 
40,  50,  53.  61.  69,  77.  79.  89,  90,  100, 
107,  110,  125,  129,  155,  156,  166,  180, 
208,  209,  224,  228. 

Sept.  7th— Lodges  2.  8,  16,  31,  43,  46, 
47.  48,  54,  65,  82,  84.  85,  105.  108,  119, 
124,  134,  137,  152,  181.  202,  219. 

Sept.  9th— Lodges  4,  7.  12,  17,  35,  36. 
42.  49.  58,  62,  68,  71,  75.  94,  113,  128, 
133,  138.  140,  145,  147.  158,  159,  182, 
185,  192,  204,  220^  225. 

Sept.  10th— Lodges  18,  26.  45,  87,  93 
135,  184,  191,  210.  221,  226,  229. 

Sept  11th— Lodges  57,  63,  67,  111, 
149.  169.  206,  211.  230. 

Sept.  12th— Lodge  70. 

Sept.  14th— Lodge  151. 

Sept.  16th— Lodges  143,  172, 198,  207. 

Up  to  Sept  18th  the  reports  of 
Lodges  34.  103  and  222  had  not  heen 
received  in  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Memhers  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their 
lodges  are  on  the  honor  roll  every 
month. 

Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per 
capita  shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges 
whose  reports  are  not  received  by  the 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer  by  the 
tenth  day  of  each  month,  and  if  re- 
ceived late  for  two  or  more  month.s, 
then  the  officers  shall  be  asked  to  r3- 
move  the  cause  for  such  delay. 


INTERNATIONAL  Off ORS 

S.  E.  Heberling.  326  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buf- 
falo, S.  Y. 

Grand  Secretary  and  Trbasurbr. 

M.  R.  Welch,  326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buffalo. 

N.  y. 

Journal  Edftor. 
W.    H.    Thompson.    826    Brisbane    Bldg.. 

Buffalo. 

Grand  Board  op  Dirbctors. 

F.  C.  Janes,  1261  Metropolitan  Ave..  Kan- 
sas City,  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cunimlngs.  250  Whitesboro  St. 
Utlca.  N.  Y. 

W.  A,  Titds,  1378  E.  92d  St.  Cleveland.  O. 

Intrknational  Vicr-Presidbnts. 

J.  B.  Connors.   707  E.   40th  St.  Chicago, 

111. 
Li.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 
T   Clohessv.  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago.  III. 

F.  J.  Sheehan.  22  Oakdale  Place.  Buffalo. 
N.  Y. 

T.  J.  Mlsenhelter.  507  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale.  Kan. 

Protbcxive  Board. 

R  W.  Flynn,  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton. 
Pa. 

G.  C.  Hess.  579  18th  St.  Detroit  Mich. 

T.  H.  Stone.  9140  Buffalo  Ave..  Chicago. 
HL 

Pan  Smith.  5547  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 
111. 

A  .1.  Peterson,  25  Johnson  Ave..  Port  Ar- 
thur, Ont.  Canada. 

Grand  Mkdtoal  Examiner. 

M.  A.  Sullivan  M.  D.,  326  Brisbane  Bld^. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  bis  Joubnai.  promptly  and 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 

Name Lodge  No 

Btreet  Town State 

Hai  moved  to Street 

Town State 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


686  JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 

Statmmmnt  of  Cialms  Paid  During  thm  Month  of  Sopt,  1912" 


No.! 


MAMS 


Proof 


PAID  TO 


RBBIDBNOS 


Amt. 


1578 
1579 
1581 
1588 
1584 
1585 
1586 
1587 
1589 
1591 


D.  D.  Raosburg 
J.A.MoGlade 
P.  S.  Bander 
Door  Young 
C.  F.  Taylor 
8.  U.  Weaver 
Jas.  Patlon 
O.  M.  Calter 
C.  F.  PennlngtoD 
P.  8.  Fay 


296  Death 

3»' Death 
174  Death 

58,  Death 
210|  Death 

62  Death 
210  Death 

87;  Death 
216,  Death 
2151  Death 


8-26.»12 
8-12-»12 
8-19-»li 
I  8.22->12 
8.23-12 
9-4-»12 
8-22-'12 
8.38-'12 
8-27-U2 
8-2B-»12 


».17-'12] 
».17-»12 
9-l7-'12| 
9-l7-'12' 
9.17-»12 
9-17-'12 
9-17-»l2 
9-17-'12 
9-17-»i2 
9-17-*12 


;Eamastlne,wife 
Bfary,  mother 
Uattle  L.,  mother 
Kate  R.,  wii^ 
Parents 
Mary,  willB 
Bfary,  wife 
OalHe,  wife 
C.  SUniion,  mother 
Mary  B.,  wife 


BuAdo,  N.  Y. 
|BnllaIo»  N.  Y. 
iDeeMolnes.  la. 
I  Chicago,  111. 
iPittirt>nrgh,Pa. 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
I  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Portland,  Ore. 
Oklahoma,  Okla. 
'Cleyeland,  O. 


$1,500.0C>> 
1,500.<X> 


1,500.00 
1,600.00 
1,500.00 
1,600.00 
1,500.00 
1,500.00 
750XM> 


Previously  reported 81,566,242.50 

pyd  sinoe  last  report  ^ 14,250.00 

Total. 11,580,492.50 

Acknowledgment  of  Claims  Paid  In  August,  1912 

Mrs.  D.  Arabel,  stokes,  Los  Angeles,  Cal rSO 

Miss  Kate  Rambo,DesMolnea.  la 1,500 

Mrs.  Mollie  Cobbs,  E.  8t.  Lonis,  111 1,600 

Herliert  M.  Turk,  Edgmont,  8.  D 1,500 

Mrs.  Biary  Riedy,  Buffblo,  N.  Y 760 

Nelson  L.  Labodie,  Saginaw,  Mich 1,500 

Mrs.  Elisabeth  Allen,  1  ndlanapolis,  Ind 1,500 

Mrs.  8.  E.  Valentine,  Peoria,  111 1^ 

John  OaDahan,  Bufialo,  N.  Y 750 

Mrs.  Alice  E.  bpence,  Chicago,  111 1,500 


fl4,26aO» 


^i^a^^^e^ 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 

HOTICl  TO  ALL   ■IMgriCIAItY  MglWmS 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  assessment  per  Section  88a,  to  be  remitted  in  Octobw,  will  be  due  and 
owing  from  each  member  paying  Dues  and  Assessment  for  that  month 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


aRAND    LODGE    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BUFFALO,  N.  Y.,  October  1,  ItU. 
BROTHERS: 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treasnier  or 
Financial  Beoretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  month  (see  Section  218).     Orand  due» 
are  fifty  cents  (50o)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  **  B  **  certlflcate,  nairi 
ment  82.00;  class  ^A"  oertiflcate^  assessment  $1.00;  class  **C"  oertUlcate, 


assessment  50o  (see  section  88).  A  ikilure  on  your  peal  to  comply  therewtth  la 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  rorther  notice  (see  SeotloDa 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Oonstitatlon).  The  purpose  of  the  assessment  is  to* 
pay  beneficiaiy  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  TreasurerB  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Qrand  LodgiL. 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  flnom  membere,  as  above  provided,  not 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182) . 
YoursinB.,  H.  AP., 

M.  R.  WELCH, 

Orand  Secretary  and  Treamrer. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


THE     AUXILIARY 


GRAND  LODGE  OFFICERS. 

Gband  President. 

Mrs.  Henrietta  Clark,  1214  West  41ftt 
St.,  Kansas  City,  Mo. 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Sara  T.  Jackson,  304  9mlth  St.,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y. 

Grand  Vice-Presidents. 

Mrs.  Mary  Stewart,  824  Wilson  Ave., 

Toungstown,  O. 
Mrs.  Mary  Whiteman,  497  Solvay  St., 

Detroit,  Mich. 
Mrs.  Mary  Corridan,  2928  Bloomlngton 

Ave.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Grand  Board  of  Direotors. 
Mrs.  Anna  Welch,  Hamburg,  N.  Y. 
Mrs.   Margaret  McComsey,   2757   East 

70th  St.,  Chicago,  111. 
Mrs.  Mary  Comerford,  17  Parsons  St., 

Ashtabula,  O. 

CAPITAL  CITY  LODGE  NO.  1,  In- 
dianapolis, Ind.  Meets  second  and 
fourth  Thursday  afternoon  at  29  S. 
DeL.  St 

President— Mrs.  Florence  Foley,  2828 
Cornell  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — Mrs.  Lottie  Akers, 
1112  Hoyt  Ave. 

NOBILITY  LODGE  NO.  2,  Oelwein, 
la.  M'oets  first  and  third  Tuesday 
evenings  at  Temple  Hall. 

Presidenft— Mrs.  Millie  Scoles,  815 
First  Ave.,  E. 

Sec— Mrs.  Maud  Becker,  134  Third 
Ave.,  N. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Alice  Rule,  446  S.  Fred- 
erick St 

HIAWATHA  LODGE  NO.  3,  Council 
Bluffs,  la.  Meets  fourth  Thursday  in 
each  month  at  Knights  of  Pythias  Hall. 

President — ^Mrs.  Martha  Barada, 
1©09  S.  Seventh  St. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Lulu  Payne,  613  Fifteenth 
Ave. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Mamie  M.  Lee,  193  Fif- 
teenth Ave. 


PROGRESSIVE  LODGE  NO.  4,  Kan- 
sas City,  Kans. 

President — Mrs.  Sophrofeonla  Kirk- 
patrick,  160  Lister  St. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Catherine  Graham,  4407 
Prospect  St. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Jennie  Paul,  936  Cen- 
tral Ave. 

PRIDE  OF  NORTHWEST  LODGE 
NO.  5.  St.  Paul,  Minn.  Meets  at  mem- 
bers* homes  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days. 

President— Mrs.  Grace  Smith,  1907 
St.  Anthony  Ave. 

Sec. — Mts.  Dorcas  M.  Dosh,  1837  8t. 
Anthony  Ave. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Ellen  Birch,  456  Wav- 
erly  PI. 

QUEEN  CITY  LODGE  NO.  6,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.  Meets  first  and  third  Wed- 
nesday evening  In  Boyer's  Hall,  Swan 
and  Emslie  Sts. 

President — Sara  T.  Jackson.  304 
Smith  St. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Emma  Griffin,  S.  Division 
and  Emslie  Sts. 

Treas. — Alice  K.  Rycm,  808  Eagle  St. 

LAKE  ERIE  LODGE  NO.  7,  Ashta- 
bnla,  O. 

President — Mrs.  Maria  Madden,. 
Wells  St. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Mary  Comerford,  13  Par- 
sons St. 

Treas. — ^Mrs.  Emma  McCarthy,  35 
Eames  St. 

WEST  SIDE  LODGE  NO.  8,  Chicago. 

m. 

President-— Mrs.  Carrie  Pease,  2926 
Fulton  St. 

Sec— Mrs.  Margaret  Hartly,  4219 
Adams  St. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Hattle  Waseon,  154  N. 
Forty-second  St. 

DULUTH  LODGE  NO.  9,  Duluth, 
Minn.    Meets  at  members'  homes. 

President — Mrs.  Anna  Murphy,  New 
Duluth,  Minn. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^Mrs.  Bessie  Whit- 
sitt  2002  W.  Second  St. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL    OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF   N.    A. 


M.  J.  XAUGHTON  LODGE  NO.  10, 
Cleveland,  O. 

President — Mrs.  Carrie  Byrnes,  1454 
E.  Sixty-sixth  St. 

Sec.— Mrs.  Julie  Gearity,  W.  Ninety- 
sixth  €t. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Elmma  Crawford,  1900 
W.  Fiftieth  St. 

WHITE  CARNATION  LODGE  NO. 
11,  Hammond,  Ind. 

President — Mrs.  Pearl  Holden,  Logan. 
St. 

Sec.  and  Treas.— Mrs.  Mary  Deveney, 
305  Chicago  St. 


FURNITURE  CITY  LODGE  NO.  12, 
Grand  Rapids,  M4ch. 

President — lyirs.  Margaret  Danen* 
berg,  263  Twelfth  Ave. 

Sec.— Mrs.  Parizade  Weedan,  391 
Terrsxie  Ave. 

Treas.- Mrs.  Catherine  Woods,  123 
Putnam  St. 


TWENTIETH  CENTURY  LODGE 
NO.  14,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Meets  flrat  and 
third  Kridays  of  each  month  at  Reiss 
Hall,  N.  E.  cor.  Blair  Ave.  and  Salis- 
bury St. 

President— Mrs.  Mary  Calhoun,  2140 
Salisbury  St. 

Secretary— Miss  Alice  McCarthy, 
2248  Geraldine  Ave. 

Trees. — Miss  Margaret  McCarthy, 
2248  Geraldine  Ave. 


CALUMET  LODGE  NO.  15,  Chicago. 
111.  Meets  first  and  third  Thursday 
afternoon  of  each  month  at  Calumet 
Hall,  9206  S.  Chicago  Ave. 

President — Mrs.  Margaret  Barrett, 
9930  Ave.  M. 

gee— Mrs.  Jennie  Sine,  3312  E. 
Nineity-flrst  St. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Anna  Olson,  9132  S. 
Chicago  Ave. 

GOLDEN  RULE  LODGE  NO.  17, 
Kansas  City,  Mo. 

President— Mrs.  Lida  Morgan,  2712 
Summitt  St. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Anna  Porta. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Nellie  Slaughter,  2629 
Belle  view  Ave. 


SOUTH  SIDE  LODGE  NO.  18,  Pitts- 
burg, Pa. 

President — Mrs.  Margaret  Fester, 
2405  Wrights  Al.,  S.  S. 

Sec.  and  Trees.— Miss  Olive  Hecht. 
2400  Wrights  Al.,  S.  S. 


SUNSHINE  LODGE  NO.  19,  Toledo. 
Ohio. 

President— ^rs.  Clara  Dean,  South 
St. 

Sec. — ^Mrs.  Mary  Lockard,  216  Avon- 
dale  Ave. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Made  Bradford,  731 
Vinton  St 

SEGO  LILY  LODGE  NO.  20,  Salt 
Lake  City,  Utah.  Meets  first  and  third 
Thursday  of  each  month  at  47  N.  First 
St 

President — ^Mrs.  Josephine  Bayes, 
467  N.  First  St 

Sec.— Mrs.  Sarah  B.  Dailey,  448  S. 
Fourth  St,  E. 

AMETHYST  LODGE  NO.  21,  Oak- 
land, Cal.    Meets  at  Sunset  Hall. 

President— Mrs.  Clair  Scott,  1315  D. 
Stiener  St,  San  Francisco. 

Sec— Mrs.  EJthel  Fuller,  1421  Thirty- 
ninth  Ave. 

Treas. — ^l^rs.  Jennie  Tracy,  1666 
Chase  St. 

JACKSON  LODGE  NO.  23,  Jackson. 
Mich.  Meets  first  Sunday  evening  and 
third  Tuesday  afternoon  of  each  month 
at  I.  O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

President — ^Mrs.  Cora  Brown,  Page 
Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^Mrs.  May  Has- 
brouck,  816  Detroit  St. 

GOOD  WILL  LODGE  NO.  24,  St. 
Paul,  Minn. 

Sec.  and  Trees. — ^Miss  Mary  Cavan- 
augh,  522  Gaultier  St 

POPPY  LODGE  NO.  25,  Los  Angeles. 
Cal. 

President — Mrs.  Mary  Curley,  337 
Solano  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — Mrs.  Lulu  Meyhugh, 
1329  W.  Eleventh  St. 

WHITE  ROSE  LODGE  NO.  27,  East 
St.  Louis,  111.  Meets  first  and  third 
Wednesday  afternoon  of  each  month  at 
309  Collinsville  Ave. 

President— Mrs.  Lizzie  White,  812 
N.  Eighth  St 

Sec.— Mrs.  Jessie  F.  Eames,  1325  N. 
Fifteenth  St. 

Trees. — ^Mrs.  Deborah  Hughes,  163 
Cleveland  Ave. 

FERN  LODGE  NO.  29,  Minneapolis, 
Minn. 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    N.    A. 


Sec. — ^Mrs.  Ida  Nash,  1870  E.  Twenty- 
sixth  St. 

Treas. — (Mrs.  Anna  McClement,  2939 
Eigbteenith  Ave. 

LAKE  SHORE  LODGE  NO.  31,  Not- 
tingham, O.  Meets  first  and  ,  third 
Wednesday  evening  of  each  month  in 
the  King  Block,  St.  Clair  Ave. 

President — Mrs.  Mary  Neal. 

Sec.— ^Mdae  Theresa  C.  Weisbarth. 

Trees. — Mrs.  Rose  C.  Forsyth. 

DETROIT  LODGE  NO.  32,  Detroit. 
Mich.  Meets  first  and  third  Thursday 
evening  in  each  month  at  Riverside 
Temple,  Hubbard  and  Baker  Sts. 

President — Mrs.  Mary  M.  Whiteman, 
497  Solvay  Ave. 

Secretary — Mrs.  Clara  H.  Burrows, 
57  Blackstone  Ave. 

Treasurer — Mrs.  Flora  Stubbs,  670 
Ferdinand  Ave. 

IOWA  LODGE  NO.  33,  Valley  Junc- 
tion, la. 
President — ^Mrs.  Mary  Sammon. 
Secretary — Mrs.  Josie  Edmundeon. 
Treas. — Mrs.  Lyla  Bowers. 

ROYAL  VIOLET  LODGE  NO.  34, 
Cincinnati,  O. 

President — ^Mrs.  Ida  Rogers,  Oak  and 
Park  Aves.,  Ludlow.  Ky. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — Mrs.  Carrie  Quick, 
Beech  and  I^atliam  Aves. 

COLUMBINE  LODGE  NO.  35,  Den- 
ver, Col. 

President — ^Mrs.  Hilda  Carpenter, 
3774  Gilpin  St. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^Mrs.  Agatha  T. 
Camp,  3510  William  St. 

SUCCESS  LODGE  NO.  37,  Peoria, 
111.  Meets  first  and  third  Wednesday 
afternoon  at  2:30,  sixth  floor  Observa- 
tory Bldg. 

President— ^Mrs.  Julia  Smith,  700 
Bryan  St. 

Sec.— Mrs.  Irene  Price,  213  Morton 
St. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Myrtle  Brown,  316  Mor- 
ton St.  

TRINITY  LODGE  NO.  38,  Fort 
Worth.  Tex.  Meets  second  and  fourth 
Wednesday  of  each  month  at  Ben  Hur 
Hall,  607%  Throkmorton  St. 

President— Mra  Theadosha  McPher- 
son.  659  North  Hampton  St. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^Mrs.  Vashtl  Glan- 
ton,  1008  E.  Daggett  St. 


CREAM  CITY  LODGE  NO.  39,  Mil- 
waukee, Wis. 

President — Mrs.  Margaret  Bertrand, 
743  Second  St. 

Sec.— Mrs.  Grace  McGinnis,  1812 
Coldspring  Ave. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Myrtle  Fuller,  403 
Twenty-eighth  Ave. 

PRIDE  OF  PEORIA  LODGE  NO.  40, 
Peoria,  111.  Meets  second  and  founth 
Thursday  of  each  month  at  Schmitt 
Hall. 

President— Mrs.  Maittie  Winn,  25ll 
S.  Adams  St. 

'Sec.— Mrs.  Carrie  E.  Johnson,  227 
Proctor  St. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Fannie  Craig.  3007  N. 
Adams  St. 

PRIDE  OF  BAY  STATE  LODGE  NO. 
41,  Springfield,  Mass.  Meets  second 
and  fourth  Wednesday  afternoon  at 
2:30  at  Harmony  Hall,  Woithington 
St. 

President — Mrs.  Alice  Elkins,  118 
Plainfield  St. 

Sec.  and  Treas.— Mrs.  Ida  L.  Clark, 
118  Plainfield  St. 

HELPING  HAND  LODGE  NO.  43, 
Gary,  Ind. 

President— Mrs.  Emma  Scott,.  360 
Harrison  St. 

Sec. — ^Mrs.  Anna  McCullough,  116 
W.  Fifth  Ave. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Mary  Comerford.  360 
Tyler  St. 

VIOLET  LODGE  NO.  44,  Omaha, 
Neb.  Meets  first  Wednesday  of  each 
month  at  members'  homes. 

President — ^Mrs.  Frances  Domgren, 
2027  Ohio  St. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — ^Mrs.  Mabel  Finch, 
2820  Capital  Ave. 

COMBINATION  LODGE  NO.  45,  Chi- 
cago, 111.  Meets  second  Thursday  after- 
noon and  last  night  of  each  month  at 
5444  Wentworth  Ave.,  Garfield  Hall. 

President — Mrs.  Margaret  Conners, 
707  E.  Forty.first  St. 

Sec.— Mrs.  Mary  Sample,  1220  S.  Lin- 
coln St. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Alice  Wagar,  4553  Oken- 
wald  Ave. 

DAISY  LODGE  No.  46,  Topeka, 
Kans.    Meets  122  E.  Sixth  St. 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.    A. 


President — Mrs.  Bessie  Morgan,  722 
Jefferson  St. 

Sec. — ^Mrs.  Blanche  Summers,  634 
Brooks  St. 

Treas.— Mrs.  Stella  A.  Fleming,  419 
Madison  St. 

FRIENDSHIP  LODGE  NO.  48,  Con- 
neaut,  O.  Meets  second  and  fourth 
Tuesday  evening  of  each  month  at  G. 
A.  R.  Hall,  Stanley  Block  and  Main  St. 

President — Mrs.  Orpha  C.  Schmidt, 
471  Harbor  St. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Alta  Kremer,  Bast  Con- 
neaut,  O. 

Treas.— ^Mrs.  Susie  P.  Fields,  620 
Buffalo  St. 


INDIANA  LODGE  NO.  49,  Terre 
Haute,  Ind.  Meets  second  and  fourth 
Tuesday  afternoon  at  Naylor  Cox  Hall, 
cor.  Fourth  St.  and  Wabash  Ave. 

President — ^Mrs.  Margaret  Harris, 
680  Third  Ave. 

Sec.--Mrs.  Grace  Snyder,  642  N. 
Sixth  dt. 

Treas. — Mrs.  Narcissus  McGrew,  34 
N.  Eleventh  St. 

BLUE  GRASS  LODGE  NO.  50,  Lud- 
low, Ky. 

Sec. — Mrs.  Mary  Neubaum,  Elm  and 
Kenner  Sts. 

Treas. — ^Mrs,  Mary  Gantz,  8  Mt.  Clare 
fit,  West  Covington,  Ky. 


Oxygen  Intoxication. 

It  was  recently  asked  if  the  authori- 
ties in  charge  of  the  Olympian  Games 
this  year,  to  be  held  in  Stockholm, 
would  permit  the  competitors  to  carry 
oxygen  bags  to  take  whiffs  from  while 
they  run ;  it  was  contended — and  this 
by  so  eminent  a  scientist  as  Sir  Ed- 
win Ray  Lankester — that  "as  oxygen 
gas  Is  not  a  drug,  but  as  natural  an 
article  of  consumption  as  water,  there 
seems  to  be  no  reason  why  the  runner 
should  be  disqualified  from  refreshing 
himself  with  It,  as  he  may  with  water 
or  soup."  Oxygen  gas  is  a  drug  in  the 
sense  that  It  has  value  In  cases  of  im- 
paired respiration,  such  as  comas  and 
lobar  pneumonia.  Otherwise  pure  oxy- 
gen is  as  harmful  as  any  stimulant, 
for  the  stimulation  is  followed  by  de- 
pression. Frequent  intoxication  by 
this  means  must  Inevitably  exhaust 
the  vitality  and  shorten  life.  Nor  is  it 
true  that  "pure  oxygen  is  as  natural 
an  article  of  consumption  as  water." 
Oxygen  is  safe  for  those  in  health  only 
in  its  mixture  as  atmospheric  air,  with 
several  parts  of  nitrogen.  This  is  the 
only  suitable  form  of  oxygen  inhala- 
tion for  normal  individuals — the  form 
to  which  human  and  all  other  life  has 
during  the  ages  become  adapted.  Med- 
dling with  nature  is  bound  to  be  dis- 
astrous in  the  long  run.  Athletes  have 
before  this  been  given  "Jags"  of  un- 
diluted oxygen  to  stimulate  them  to 
outdistance  their  opponents.  But  The 
Journal  of  the  American  Medical  As- 
aociation  thinks  that  such  oxygen- 
made  records  will  not  for  a  moment 
stand  in  the  estimation  of  a  true 
sportsman,  because  they  are  not  made 
under  the  conditions  with  which  hu- 


man life  must  ordinarily  cope.  Be- 
sides, such  "sport"  must  inevitably  in- 
vite collapse,  ruined  heart  muscle  and 
premature  death. — The  Journal  of  the 
American  Medical  Association. 


it  Pays  to  iOcfc. 

There  lived  two  frogs,  so  I  am  told, 

In  a  quiet  wayside  pool. 
And  one  of  these  frogs  was  a  blamed 
bright  frog. 

But  the  other  frog  was  a  fool. 

Now  a  farmer  man  with  a  big  milk  can 
Was  wont  to  pass  that  way, 

And  he  used  to  stop  and  add  a  drop 
Of  the  aqua  pura,  they  say. 

And  it  chanced  one  mom,  in  the  early 
dawn. 
When  the  farmer's  sight  was  dim. 
He  scooped  those  frogs  in  the  water 
he  dipped. 
Which  same  was  a  Joke  on  him. 

The  fool  frog  sank  in  the  swashing 
tank 
As  the  farmer  bumped  to  towi^. 
But  the  smart  frog  flew  like  a  tug- 
boat screw. 
And  he  swore  he*d  not  go  down. 

So     he     kicked     and     splashed     and 
slammed  and  thrashed. 
And  he  kept  on  top  through  all. 
And   he   churned   that  milk   in   first- 
class  shape 
Into  a  great  big  butter  ball. 

Now,  when  the  milkman  got  to  town 

And  opened  the  can,  there  lay 
The  fool  frog  drowned,  but  hale  and 
sound. 
The  kicker,  he  hopped  away. 

— B.  G.  Anderson. 


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TT^i'Tr-H  )i\^uuiur-^MWrr'^r'Y\irt^tt'''^i^  •^' 


••*..---  ».rt...     :    .-  1   .   .       -.    :    ■*'.;.^  ■• 


PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

1st.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
—of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 

or  THE 

SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


W.  H.  THOMPSON.  Editor  aad  ItoMg^r 


THOSK  WHO  BKAII  SQUALLY  THB  BUIIDBNS  OP  OOVBRNMBNT  SHOULD 
SQUALLY    PARTieiPATB    IN     ITS    BSNSPITS -^  THOMAS    JKFFKRSON 


Emttrtd  m$  iMmdrtUss  mmil  mmtur  Jmmmmry  31^  1912^  mt  th«  Ftt  00*$  mt  BmfmU^  N.  T.,  umd^r  tk*  jta  •f  Jmlf  ^6. 1"< 


VOL.  XIV 


NOVEMBER*  ltl2 


Ntt.  11 


d^itoe  Ci)anft0 


By  Chablotte  Pebbt. 

For  sweet  hopes  born  and  for  sorrows  dead; 
For  true  songs  sung  and  for  fond  words  said; 
For  the  ready  cup,  for  the  daily  bread; 

For  the  race  the  faithful  feet  have  run; 

For  the  bitter  strife,  for  the  battle  won; 

For  brave  deeds  planned  and  for  brave  deeds  done; 

For  the  truth  that  liveth  forever; 
For  mercy's  graciously  open  door; 
For  the  light  that  shines  from  the  other  shore; 

Give  thanks,  give  thanks!    Lo,  the  Spirit  saith; 
Let  every  thing  that  hath  voice  or  breath 
Give  thanks  for  life — for  life  and  death. 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF    N.    A. 


THE  EVOLUTION  OF  THE  IDEA. 


(By  C.  H.  Chapman,  ex-President  Oregon  University.) 


Tlie  Boy  Scout  movement  in  the 
United  States  had  a  double  origin. 
Part  of  it  is  good  and  part  bad.  The 
bad  part  comes  from  England  and  was 
devised  by  General  Baden-Powell.  The 
good  part,  with  a  little  that  is  unwise, 
comes  from  Ernest  Thompson  Seton» 
the  American  writer  on  wild  nature. 
Mr.  Seton  with  a  real  regard  for  the 
welfare  of  boys  founded  a  society 
which  he  at  first  called  Seton  Indians. 
Its  purpose  was  to  teach  boys  wood- 
craft and  the  m^ny  useful  arts  which 
require  skill  of  hand,  strength  and 
hardihood.  This  society  was  almost 
free  from  the  curse  of  militarism  and 
it  did  not  teach  that  slavish  subser- 
vience to  wealth  and  power  which  is 
inherent  In  the  Boy  Scout  movement 
as  it  now  exists.  A  society  for  boys 
which  aims  only  to  make  them  familiar 
with  nature  and  inculcate  good  habits 
of  mind  and  body  would  be  approved 
by  everybody.  Unhappily  the  BOy 
Scouts'  organization  has  a  very  differ- 
ent Object. 

The  bad  part  of  the  movement,  as 
we  have  said  above,  comes  from  Eng- 
land and  Gen.  Baden-Powell  is  respon- 
sible for  it.  He  was  a  commander  in 
the  Boer  war  and  could  not  help  see- 
ing how  much  inferior  to  the  Boers  the 
British  soldiers  were.  He  accounted 
for  their  inferiority  on  the  ground 
that  the  Boers  lived  a  free,  outdoor 
life,  while  the  British  troops  came 
from  all  sorts  of  dark  holes  and  cor- 
ners in  the  cities.  The  Boers  were 
freemen  while  the  British  were  the  de- 
based products  of  capitalist  slavery. 
Gen.  Baden-Powell  set  his  mind  at 
work  to  think  out  a  scheme  which 
should  give  to  British  soldiers  the 
physical  stamina  of  the  Boers  and  at 
the  same  time  hold  them  in  slavery  to 
their  masters.  He  wanted  a  race  of 
men  which  should  be  strong  and  full 
of  endurance  while  it  was  satisfied 
with  slavery.  The  result  of  his  think- 
ing was  the  Boy  Scouts.  Of  course  he 
must  begin  with  the  young  in  order  to 
work  out  his  scheme.  It  'would  never 
have  done  to  say  openly  that  he 
wanted  to  become  the  drillmaster  of 
the  boys  of  Great  Britain  and  train 


them  all  up  to  delight  in  bloodshed  and 
murder.  The  open  avowal  of  such  a 
hideous  purpose  would  have  shocked 
the  nation.  Hence  he  concealed  it 
under  the  delusive  aspect  of  philan- 
thropy. He  pretended  that  he  wanted 
only  to  improve  the  condition  of  the 
boys  and  kept  the  military  part  of  his 
plan  out  of  flight  as  much  as  he 
could. 

To  carry  out  this  deceptive  purpose 
Gen.  Baden-Powell  combined  Mr. 
Thompson  Seton's  Indian  society  with 
his  own  military  teaching.  The  Seton 
idea  was  carefully  pushed  to  the  front. 
The  military  object  was  kept  in  the 
background  and  in  both  America  and 
England  the  Boy  Scout  movement  was 
heralded  as  a  great  philanthropic 
effort.  Ministers,  who  are  always 
easily  deceived  by  quacks,  took  hold  of 
it  greedily.  It  was  caught  up  by  some 
school  teachers  and  others  who  ought 
to  have  known  better.  But  the  real 
promoters  of  the  Boy  Scout  movement 
are  the  enemies  of  progress  and  the 
frieneds  of  capitalist  tyranny.  Their 
purpose  is  to  break  the  will  of  the 
young  and  prepare  them  for  lifelong 
industrial  slavery  by  destroying  the 
capacity  for  thought.  Men  who  have 
thus  been  deprived  of  all  individual 
initiative  will  of  course  make  good 
soldiers.  The  "Scout  Book"  compares 
this  devilish  scheme  to  catching  fish. 
"You  bait  your  hook  with  the  food  the 
fish  likes,"  is  one  of  its  precepts.  The 
fish  is  the  young  boy.  The  bait  is  the 
woodcraft,  the  attractive  games  and 
exercises  invented  by  Mr.  Seton.  SThe 
good  part  is  used  to  conceal  and 
sweeten  the  evil.  Everybody  would 
like  to  see  his  boys  taught  outdoor 
plays  and  healthy  sports,  but  if  the 
price  of  these  benefits  is  to  be  mili- 
tarism and  industrial  slavery  many 
believe  that  they  come  too  dear.  We 
can  develop  healthy  bodies  without 
sacrificing  our  mental  independence. 

The  evil  of  the  Boy  Scout  movement 
is  of  two  varieties.  In  the  first  place 
it  prepares  the  mind  for  slavery  by  a 
false  economic  doctrine  which  is  taught 
from  the  very  beginning.  The  boy  is 
told  that  social  misery  such  as  prosti- 


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tutlon,  lack  of  employment,  poverty 
and  crime  arises  from  tlie  bad  habits 
of  the  working  class.  The  real  cause 
of  these  evils  is  the  exploitation  of  the 
working  class,  but  this  truth  is  care- 
fully concealed.  The  Scout  Book  tells 
us  that  the  unemployed  "allow  them- 
selves to  become  slaves  by  the  persua- 
sive power  of  a  few  professional  agi- 
tators." Again  we  are  told  that  "there 
is  work  for  all  and  money  for  all  in 
this  country."  In  connection  with  this 
false  economic  teaching  boys  are  made 
to  swear  that  they  will  be  faithful  to 
their  employer,  that  they  will  not  take 
part  in  political  agitation  against 
things  as  they  are  and  in  particular 
they  are  drilled  in  obedience  to  their 
officers.  The  evident  purpose  of  this 
is  to  make  them  docile  industrial  serfs 
and  unthinking  soldiers  when  their 
masters  require  them  to  fight 

Again,  the  whole  Boy  Scout  move- 
ment reeks  with  militarism  from  be- 
ginning to  end.  Even  in  the  Seton  In- 
dian society  there  was  too  much  war 
spirit.  The  boys  were  taught  war 
songs  and  war  dances.  The  whole 
affair  was  conducted  in  imitation  of 
the  old  Indian  wars  as  if  no  peaceable 
games  could  interest  boys.  But  that 
was  nothing  compared  with  the  "im- 
provements" which  Gen.  Baden-Powell 
has  made.  From  the  very  beginning 
his  system  makes  the  boy  a  soldier. 
The  oaths,  the  scheme  of  discipline,  the 
insistence  upon  rigorous  obedience  to 
officers,  the  assiduous  salutes,  all 
smack  of  army  life.  In  this  country 
the  military  purpose  of  the  Boy  Scouts 
has  been  openly  proclaimed  by  some 
indiscreet  commanders.  In  one  case 
little  boys  were  promised  Krag-Jorgen- 
son  rifles  as  soon  as  they  learned  to 
drill  with  their  wooden  guns.  These 
boys  had  a  guard  house,  military  drill 
and  all  the  usual  performances  of  an 
army.  The  physical  exercise  blind  had 
sunk  entirely  out  of  sight.  The  truth 
of  the  matter  is  that  the  Boy  Scout 
movement  is  a  treasonable  attack  on 
modern  civilization.  It  uses  a  good 
outer  Durpose  to  conceal  an  evil  de- 
sign. Some  who  join  in  its  propaganda 
may  be  free  from  bad  intent  but  that 
can  only  be  the  case  when  they  are 
simpletons  of  ignoramuses.  Gen. 
Baden-Powell's  organization  is  a  sort 
of  modem  militarism  which  aims  to 
conquer  the  world  by  perverting  the 
minds  of  the  young. 


Discontent  Means  Gro%vtli. 

It  has  been  truly  said  that  if  dis- 
content were  to  be  removed  from  the 
make-up  of  the  human  species  no  pro- 
gress could  be  made  and  the  race 
would  retrograde  and  return  to  our 
original  more  or  less  savage  state. 

On  investigation  it  will  be  found 
that  every  step  forward  has  been 
based  upon  dissatisfaction  or  discon- 
tent of  some  kind,  which  found  ex- 
pression in  ever-increasing  numbers 
until  enough  of  the  people  had  become 
imbued  with  this  feeling  to  warrant 
them  in  removing  the  cause  of  their 
discontent 

Every  revolution  of  the  people, 
whether  it  be  accompanied  by  a  re- 
sort to  forcible  methods  or  the  desired 
change  Is  achieved  by  peaceful  means, 
is  but  a  form  of  discontent  among  the 
many  which  has  been  crystallized  to 
the  point  of  overthrowing  the  recog- 
nized authority. 

From  discontent  was  born  the  great 
and  world-wide  labor  movement  of  to- 
day, and  be  it  said  to  the  everlasting 
credit  of  its  founders  that  they  builded 
well,  as  the  great  structure  which  has 
arisen  upon  the  foundation  laid  by 
them  bears  ample  testimony. 

But  it  is  not  of  this  kind  of  discon- 
tent that  we  have  in  mind  for  this  ar 
tide,  but  rather  of  the  discontent 
which  is  confined  to  selfishness  and 
Jealousy  of  man  to  his  fellow-man 
which  we  meet  on  every  hand,  and 
very  often  to  our  discredit  and  shame 
it  is  found  in  our  meeting  halls. 

We  all  know  the  man  who  says  that 
the  organization  never  did  him  any 
good;  that  it  is  only  Tom.  Dick  or 
Harry  who  gets  the  good  jobs  from 
the  chairman  or  the  Executive  Board 
when  vacancies  happen  to  occur  in  a 
trade  which  come  to  their  knowledge: 
the  man  who  is  never  satisfied  except 
he  can  be  in  the  foreground  of  any 
movement,  whether  or  not  he  has  the 
required  ability;  who  is  continually 
finding  fault  because  the  organization 
does  not  go  into  his  particular  shop 
or  factory  and  remove  conditions 
which  were  created  and  are  being  con- 
tinued by  him  simply  because  he  has 
not  the  manhood  to  assert  his  inde- 
pendence. Tes,  and  we  find  this  sort 
of  man  ready  and  eager  to  arise  from 
his  seat  in  the  meeting  hall  and  at- 
tempt to  besmirch  the  character  of 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF   N.   A. 


his  fellows  by  insinuation  and  inuendo 
this  being  especially  true  if  his  ora- 
torical ability  is  greater  than  the  man 
or  men  whom  he  attacks. 

Yes,  the  great  labor  movement  was 
founded  upon  discontent,  but  it  was 
not  of  the  selfish  kind,  where  one 
man  was  satisfied  to  climb  over  his 
fellow  in  order  to  achieve  his  object, 
but  it  was  rather  the  discontent  that 
was  aroused  by  feelings  of  humanity 
over  the  abuses  heaped  upon  those 
least  able  to  bear  them  that  caused 
the  pioneers  of  the  labor  movement  to 
combine,  and  it  is  this  feeling  which 
should  actuate  every  man  who  is  for- 
tunate enough  to  have  the  opportunity 
of  joining  a  labor  union  and  to  keep 
ever  before  him  the  promise  of  true 
brotherly  love  he  made  when  he  cast 
his  lot  with  the  other  men  in  his 
trade,  for  by  doing  this  he  will  soon 
grow  out  of  the  narrow  confines  of 
self  and  be  what  his  Creator  really 
intended  him  to  be — a  real  man. — 
Weekly  Bulletin, 


There  is  Something  Wrong  Somewhere* 

(By  Chas.  F.  Hohmann,  Editor  The 
Bakers*  Journal,) 

During  our  recent  Investigation 
into  the  conditions  existing  in  the 
cities  and  towns  where  the  Bread 
Trust  already  has  gained  a  foothold, 
some  very  peculiar  things  came  to  our 
notice  indicating  that  there  is  some- 
thing radically  wrong  somewhere  as 
far  as  the  support  of  our  union  label 
is  concerned.  While  our  own  members 
are  being  continuously  taught  to  pur- 
chase no  other  goods  but  those  bear- 
ing the  union  label,  while  many  of  our 
local  union  even  fine  their  members 
if  they  are  being  caught  using  or  pur- 
chasing a  non-union  aricle,  we  find 
that  among  some  of  the  other  trades, 
that  are  receiving  the  stanchest  sup- 
port from  us,  there  prevails  a  regret- 
table disregard  and  lack  of  interest  as 
far  as  our  own  union  label  products  are 
concerned. 

More  outspoken  than  anywhere  else 
we  find  this  lack  of  support  in  the 
city  of  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  which  boasts  of 
an  army  of  over  80,000  organized 
workers.  ESstimating  the  number  of 
the  members  of  the  families  of  these 
workers  at  the  very  lowest — let  us  say 
a  quarter  of  a  million — and  assuming 
that  each  member  of  a  worker's  family 


consumes  but  half  of  a  loaf  of  bread — 
about  a  half  of  a  pound — every  day, 
the  daily  use  of  union  labels  in  Pitts- 
burg should  figure  up  to  over  one  hun- ' 
dred  thousand  per  day. 

But  what  do  we  find?  From  the 
books  of  our  Pittsburg  local  we 
gleaned  the  discouraging  fact  that 
during  the  first  six  months  of  the  cur- 
rent year  the  local  barely  used  350,000 
labels  all  in  all.  That  would  leave 
about  60,000  labels  for  each  month  and 
barely  2,000  labels  per  day.  Are  we 
not  justified  in  maintaining  that  there 
is  something  totally  wrong  right  here? 

Pittsburg  is  the  hot-bed  of  the  Bread 
Trust.  Large  bakeries  are  dominant 
there.  True,  there  are  but  a  few,  but 
they  control  the  bread  market  We  are 
told  that  there  are  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  small  bakeries  left  and  the 
danger  of  ruin  hovers  over  them  every 
day.  But  a  very  few  of  them  are 
unionized  in  spite  of  the  fact  that 
Pittsburg  has  over  80,000  organized 
workers.  Where  do  they  buy  their 
bread?  How  are  they  living  up  to 
their  duties  toward  the  organized  bak- 
ery workers?  How  do  they  reciprocate 
the  efforts  of  the  bakery  workers  to 
support  the  union  labels  of  their 
trades? 

Let  us  see.  We  did  not  intend  to 
select  or  criticize  any  one  of  the 
organized  trades,  but  there  are  a  few 
standing  out  so  prominently  in  the 
lack  of  support  of  our  label  that  we 
cannot  avoid  pointing  out  some  of 
them. 

There  are,  for  instance,  the  districts 
of  Bloomfield  and  Lawrenceville. 
which  are  thickly  inhabited  by  work- 
ers. There  is  not  a  single  union  bak- 
ery in  either  one  of  these  two  dis- 
tricts and  this  in  spite  of  the  fact  that 
over  600  organized  brewery  working- 
men  are  living  there.  Could  not  the 
families  of  these  600  organized  work- 
ers support  a  few  union  bakeries  at 
least? 

Upon  inquiry,  we  were  told  that 
most  of  the  wives  of  the  Pittsburg 
workers  bake  their  own  bread  at 
home.  That  may  be  true  to  some  ex- 
tent, but  we  are  not  very  much  in- 
clined to  believe  that  they  were  over- 
anxious to  do  their  own  baking  at 
home  during  the  awful  hot  periods 
which  prevail  in  Pittsburg  during  the 
summer  months.  We  should  think 
that    especially    during    such    times. 


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696 


when  everybody  suffers  immensely 
from  the  oppressive  and  suffocating 
heat,  the  women  would  gladly  lighten 
their  burden  somewhat  by  staying 
away  from  their  hot  stoves  and  buying 
their  bread.  And  so  far  aB  that  goes, 
we  are  convinced  that  they  do. 

But  they  are  not  buying  or  demand- 
ing bread  which  bears  the  union  label. 
If  they  did  Pittsburg  would  be  able  to 
show  more  encouraging  figures;  there 
would  be  more  labels  used. 

The  insistent,  consistent  and  per- 
manent demand  of  our  union  label  on 
the  part  of  Pittsburg's  80,000  organized 
workers  and  their  families  would  work 
wonders  in  that  city.  It  would  lead  to 
a  surprising  increase  in  the  number  of 
union  bakeries;  it  would  strengthen 
the  ranks  of  our  local  unions  there; 
it  would  give  employment  to  such  men, 
who  are  in  accord  with  the  principles 
of  organized  labor;  union-earned  dol- 
lars would  then  be  spent  for  union- 
made  products. 

But  above  all  such  a  demand  for 
union  label  bread  would  be  the  means 
of  curbing  the  practices  of  the  Bread 
Trust.  The  latter  would  no  longer 
have  full  sway  in  forcing  to  the  wall 
the  bakery  workers  and  crush  out  their 
lives.  The  Bread  Trust,  which  today 
controls  in  that  city  an  output  of  scab 
bread  of  nearly  1,000,000  loaves  per 
day  and  which  seeks  to  double  that 
amount  by  the  contemplated  merger 
with  another  large  concern,  would  be 
made  to  feel  the  power  of  organized 
labor,  if  they  would  spend  their  nickels 
for  union-made  bread.  There  is  no 
other  force  that  can  bring  the  Bread 
Trust  to  terms  but  that  of  our  own 
power  combined  with  the  power  of  all 
organized  workers.  That  combined 
power  exerted  and  utilized  in  the  right 
direction  would  easily  bring  the  Bread 
Trust  to  terms,  not  alone  in  Pittsburg, 
but  evenrwhere. 

But  as  long  as  that  power  is  prac- 
tically misused,  as  long  as  it  is  used  to 
the  detriment  of  our  fellow-workers, 
we  shall  have  cause  to  complain  that 
there  is  something  wrong  with  the 
working  class  and  especially  so  with 
the  organized  workers. 

It  is  to  the  latter  that  we  again  ad- 
dress our  urgent  plea:  Support  us  in 
our  struggle  against  the  Bread  Trust, 
against  all  non-union  and  unfair  bak- 
ing establishments.  We  do  not  ask 
you  to  sacrifice  anything.    We  do  not 


ask  you  to  pay  more  for  bread  than 
you  are  paying  today.  We  are  simply 
asking  for  the  one  and  only  favor  that 
the  workers  demand  and  consume 
union  bread  only  and  keep  on  asking 
for  it  until  they  get  it. 

Our  request  is  reasonable  and  easily 
to  be  complied  with  and  the  bakery 
workers  are  ready  at  all  times  to  do  as 
much  and  more  for  any  trade  or  organ- 
ization, when  they  need  us.  But  we 
hope  that  no  other  labor  organization 
will  ever  be  compelled  to  go  through 
the  same  life  and  death  struggle  as  the 
one  which  the  Bread  Trust  has  forced 
upon  us  and  from  which  we  can  only 
emerge  victorious  if  organized  labor 
stands  by  us  and  realizes  its  moral 
obligations  and  duties  toward  an  or- 
ganization that  has  nobly  fought  for 
over  a  quarter  century,  not  alone  for 
itself  but  for  all  that  is  good  and 
noble,  for  labor's  cause. 


Poverty  and  Crime  and  Bloodshed. 

With  the  disappearance  of  our  pres- 
ent system  of  struggling  for  material 
wealth,  selfishness  would  be  unknown, 
and  war  would  be  a  barbarism  of  the 
past.  Above  all,  poverty  and  crime 
would  disappear,  and  their  attending 
satellites — ignorance,  sickness  and 
misery — ^would  be  known  no  more;  and 
the  latent  germ  of  reason  and  truth 
would  rise,  like  Phoenix,  from  the 
ruins  of  decaying  superstition. 

With  all  the  progress  that  has  been 
made  in  science,  art  and  invention  and 
development  of  labor-saving  machin- 
ery, no  advantage  has  accrued  to  the 
laboring  classes.  They  are  in  a  worse 
position  today  than  twenty  yeartf  ago; 
more  people  are  out  of  employment 
and  poverty  is  more  general;  and  never 
in  the  world's  history  has  crime  been 
so  prolific  or  widespread  as  in  the 
United  States  today.  The  subject  mat- 
ter of  our  daily  papers  is  more  than 
half  a  record  of  crime,  and  thousands 
of  courts  are  kept  busy  trying  crim- 
inal cases.  This  criminal  class  is  not 
confined  to  the  lower  strata,  but  has 
invaded  the  precincts  of  education  and 
refinement,  and  includes  men  who  hold 
positions  of  trust  in  banks,  insurance 
companies,  large  corporations  and 
houses.  Bank  wrecking,  forgery,  de- 
falcation and  many  minor  cringes  are 
almost  of  daily  occurrence  among  this 
class.    No  man  is  trusted,  honesty  is 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMBN'S   UNION   OP  N. 


at  a  discount  and  bonds  are  demanded 
to  Insure  against  dlslionesty;  and  it 
only  needs  incentive  and  opportunity 
for  the  average  individual  to  develop 
into  a  first-claSB  criminal.  Is  this  not 
a  terrible  state  of  affairs,  when  hon- 
esty has  grown  so  cold  and  decrepit 
that  bonds  are  demanded  to  insure 
against  its  downfall?  Is  there  not 
something  radically  wrong  in  a  system 
which  breeds  dishonesty? 

Crime  is  an  effect,  the  cause  of  which 
must  be  removed  before  we  can  hope 
to  rid  society  of  its  presence.  Punish- 
ment from  crime  is  only  local  in  effect, 
and  does  not  in  any  sense  reach  or  re- 
move the  cause;  and  laws  might  be 
made  from  now  to  eternity  for  the  pur- 
pose of  restricting  crime;  but  as  long 
as  competition  for  material  wealth 
existed  crime  would  flourish. 

In  the  distorted  features  of  human- 
ity you  can  see  the  results  of  cen- 
turies of  competition.  Avarice,  greed, 
brutality,  cunning,  and  all  the  other 
hideous  deformities  of  the  mind  are 
mirrored  on  the  face  of  man,  and  de- 
pict with  unfailing  accuracy  the  mind 
within.  Under  the  state  of  equal  op- 
portunity to  work  and  full  remunera- 
tion for  value  created,  as  would  be  the 
case  under  Socialism,  every  individual 
would  put  on  a  look  of  intelligence, 
genius  and  beauty.  The  distorted  feat- 
ures of  crime  and  poverty  with  their 
furrows  of  anxiety  and  care  would 
fade  away  before  the  brilliant  light  of 
a  new-found  happiness  and  freedom. 
The  mind  within  would  spring  upward 
with  a  bound  when  relieved  of  its  load 
and  oppression  and  the  chains  of  slav- 
ery which  have  bound  it  down  to  a  life 
of  toil  and  drudgery.  Then,  in  its  free 
and  natural  condition,  it  would  expand 
and  blossom  into  inconceivable  beauty 
and  power,  and  earth  would  become  a 
heaven  beyond  the  ideal  imagination. 

The  mind  is  naturally  virtuous,  am- 
bitious and  progressive.  It  is  not  made 
of  material  that  turns  backward.  But. 
under  a  present  business  and  social 
system,  it  is  hemmed  in  by  circum- 
stances over  which  it  has  no  individual 
control;  and  there  being  no  unity  of 
action  the  result  is  a  chaotic  system, 
which  necessitates  an  endless  sytem  of 
laws.  The  only  remedy  is  such  a 
change  as  will  recognize  the  rights  of 
the  community  as  a  whole,  anterior  to 
the  rights  of  individuals  which  would 
remove    the    possibility    of    poverty. 


Without  this  change  all  the  power  of 
the  law  and  all  the  preaching  and 
charity  in  the  world  can  make  no  head- 
way against  the  constantly  increasing 
tendency  to  crime.  Criminal  acts  are 
but  symptoms  of  the  diseased  condition 
of  our  system;  and  it  is  a  long  road  to 
travel  for  moralists  who  wish  to  eradi- 
cate disease,  to  try  to  do  so  by  curing 
symptoms,  when  the  cause  itself  is  con- 
tinually bre.eding  its  pestilential  germs 
—Adapted  from  K,  C.  Oillette's  ''The 
Human  Drifts 


Begimiiflig  of  Old-age  Pensions. 

By  Theodore  Johnson. 

No  American  State  this  far  has 
established  any  general  system  of  old- 
age  pensions  or  insurance.  There  are 
in  operation  in  several  States  special 
pension  schemes  for  certain  classes  of 
public  employes,  chiefly  .policemen, 
firemen  and  school  teachers.  There  is 
no  scheme  now  in  existence,  or  in 
prospect,  making  general  provision  for 
old-age  pensions  or  insurance.  Massa- 
chusetts is  the  first  State  to  authorize 
a  comprehensive  inquiry  into  the  pen- 
sion and  insurance  question  through  a 
State  commission.  In  1905,  to  be  sure, 
the  legislature  of  Illinois  created  a 
commission  to  investigate  and  report 
to  the  governor  the  draft  of  a  bill  pro- 
viding a  plan  for  industrial  insurance 
and  worklngmen's  old-age  pensions. 
This  commission,  however,  limited  its 
investigation  to  the  subject  of  accident 
insurance  of  employes,  leaving  the 
question  of  old-age  pensions  untouched. 
The  Massachusetts  commission  ren- 
dered a  very  comprehensive  report  in 
1910.  (It  is  from  this  report  that  the 
material  for  this  series  of  articles  on 
the  subject  Is  taken.)  Otherwise  in 
the  United  States  the  question  has 
hardly  as  yet  received  any  serious  at- 
tention from  legislatures,  while  in 
Europe  it  has  been  a  subject  of  re- 
peated investigation  and  extensive 
legislation. 

National  pension  legislation  in  the 
United  States  is  confined  entirely  to 
provisions  for  military  pensions,  with 
the  exception  of  the  retirement  pen- 
sions for  United  States  Justices.  Dur- 
ing recent  years  a  movement  in  favor 
of  the  establishment  of  civil  pensions 
for  employes  of  the  national  govern- 
ment   has    gathered    headway.      The 


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697 


United  States  is  the  only  one  of  the 
leading  nations  that  has  not  adopted 
some  retirement  pension  system  for  Its 
employes.  The  Institution  of  such  a 
system  has  heen  urged  in  the  Interest 
of  efficiency  and  economy  in  the  civil 
service,  and  was  recommended  in  1909 
by  the  President  in  his  message  to  Con- 
gress. Numerous  bills  on  the  subject 
have  been  Introduced,  but  so  far  none 
has  been  enacted  into  law. 

The  policy  of  military  pensions  was 
adopted  early  in  the  history  of  the  na- 
tion by  legislation  pensioning  soldiers 
of  the  Revolutionary  War.  Later  pen- 
sion acts  have  provided  successively 
for  veterans  of  the  War  of  1812,  the 
Mexican  War  and  the  Spanish  War. 
The  national  government  has  also  pro- 
vided retirement  pensions  for  officers 
and  enlisted  men  in  the  regular  army 
and  navy. 

American  railroad  and  industrial 
corporations  have  also  established  re- 
tirement systems  for  their  own  em- 
ployes. This  movement  began  in  1884, 
when  the  Baltimore  6  Ohio  Railroad 
established  its  pension  system,  and 
during  the  last  ten  years  it  has  spread 
rapidly.  In  addition  street  railroad 
companies,  banks  and  mercantile 
establishments  have  instituted  retire- 
ment systems  for  their  employes. 

At  the  same  time  there  has  been  a 
steady  development  of  industrial  in- 
surance. The  fraternal  organizations 
and  the  trade  unions  have  contributed 
also  some  share  toward  the  solution  of 
this  problem. 


CHnging  to  the  Mudu 

We  love  old  shoes,  old  customs,  old 
habits  and  old  abuses.  Familiarity  as 
often  breeds  adoration  as  contempt, 
and  makes  us  embrace  the  sins  of  cus- 
tom. 

We  love  the  conventions  that  bind 
our  minds  as  we  do  fashions  that 
cripple  our  bodies,  because  it  takes  an 
effort  to  change  a  mind  or  a  habit,  and 
the  weaker  the  mind  the  greater  the 
effort. 

We  are  Protestants,  Mohammedans 
or  Hindoos  because  of  the  latitude  and 
longtitude  of  our  birth.  Modem  stu- 
dents of  the  brain,  who  have  burrowed 
deep  into  its  workings  with  passion- 
less machines,  have  discovered  that 
nothing  ever  comes  out  of  the  mind 
that  did  not  first  go  into  it    When  the 


eyes  and  ears  and  other  sense  organs 
have  stuffed  the  brain  with  womout 
rubbish,  then  no  new  ideas  can  come 
out  to  move  the  muscles  to  unfettered 
action.  A  brain  cluttered  up  with  tra- 
ditions and  prejudices  has  neither 
room  for  the  creation  of  a  new  idea, 
nor  matter  from  which  to  construct  it 

Men  and  women  with  such  minds 
settle  down  in  Jthe  mire  of  convention, 
proud  of  the  mud  that  disfigures  their 
body,  and  that  clogs  their  brain  ma- 
chinery. They  swell  with  pride  be- 
cause they  have  never  gotten  out  of 
the  muck.  They  thank  God  that  they 
are  not  as  those  others  who  have  for- 
saken the  ways  of  the  mudhole  and 
climbed  on  the  heights  c^  pure,  pro- 
gressive thought  and  action. 

We  think  that  the  mud  of  ignorance 
and  prejudice  and  convention  clings  to 
us.  It  is  we  who  are  really  clinging 
to  it 

The  African  is  as  proud  of  his  nose 
ring  and  his  tattoo  marks  as  the  aver- 
age American  citizen  is  of  his  mental 
bonds  that  make  him  acceptable  to  his 
conventional  neighbors. 

It  is  easy  to  argue  for  the  muck.  It 
is  not  fashionable  to  get  out  of  the 
mud.  None  of  our  set  ever  gets  out  of 
the  mud.  To  get  out  of  the  mud  would 
destroy  incentive,  and  there  would  not 
be  as  much  dirty  work  to  do.  The  fam- 
ily would  be  disrupted  if  we  were  not 
all  choked  and  smeared  in  the  same 
filth. 

Those  who  have  no  mud  on  them 
look  naked  and  immodest.  They  ought 
to  be  ashamed  of  themselves.  Why, 
the  very  foundations  of  our  institu- 
tions are  laid  in  the  mud  and  it  stands 
to  reason  that  any  one  that  gets  out 
of  the  mud  is  attacking  these  founda- 
tions. 

Why,  some  people,  if  they  stopped 
living  in  the  mud,  might  want  to  drain 
the  mudhole  itself  and  then  think  how 
we  would  look. 

So  we  go  on  arguing  ourselves  into 
contentment  with  things  as  they  are. 

Most  fetters  are  wished  on.  We  are 
slaves  because  we  like  our  servitude, 
and  because  those  who  profit  by  that 
servitude  do  our  thinking  for  us.  Liv- 
ing in  blissful  ignorance  of  our  chains 
we  think  it  folly  to  be  free. 

We  fight  those  who  would  take  away 
our  chains  more  vigorously  than  those 
who  would  deprive  us  of  our  rights. 

For  ages  mankind  has  stoned  the 
prophets   and   sneered   at   those   who 


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brought  deliverance.  Yet  progress 
comes.  Chains  are  riven.  A  few  climb 
out  of  the  mudhole.  Some  are  dragged 
out. 

Little  by  little  humanity  lifts  itself 
to  higher  ground  only,  to  be  sure,  to 
build  new  mudholes  on  each  new  planes 
of  existence,  to  create  new  conventions 
and  bind  new  chains.  But  every  time 
the  ground  is  higher,  every  time  the 
mud  less  tenacious,  eafh  particular 
mudhole  more  quickly  deserted.  So 
humanity  moves  onward  in  spite  of 
those  who  rejoice  in  the  mud  about 
them,  who  decorate  their  own  fetters 
and  sing  the  praises  of  their  own  deg- 
radation.— A.  M,  Simons,  in  The  Com- 
ing Nation, 


'iJarr  or  Comrade? 

"You  lie!"  shouts  Theodore. 

**You  bribed  my  delegates!"  yells 
Taft. 

"Both  tarred  with  the  same  stick,*' 
chorus  the  Democrats. 

*'How  about  your  Tammany  and 
your  Roger  Sullivan  and  all  the  rest 
of  your  corruption  and  bossism?"  is 
hurled  back  at  the  party  of  Wood- 
row. 

Fine  mess,  isn't  it? 

Does  everybody  lie? 

Is  all  this  talk  of  corruption  and 
bribery  and  general  crookedness  Just 
drivel  for  political  effect? 

Or,  is  it  true? 

Look  at  the  Penrose^tandard  011- 
Teddiac  scandal! 

Look  at  the  Democratic  convention, 
where  the  immaculate  Woodrow  was 
nominated  because  Big  Business  de- 
cided he  was  harmless. 

Look  at  the  Republican  convention, 
where  shouts  of  fraud  burdened  every 
sentence  and  smirched  every  action. 

Look  at  the  squirmy  mess! 

Can  you  stand  for  it? 

Can  you  trust  any  of  them? 

Do  you  want  any  of  them  in  power' 

But  that  isn't  all.  All  this  corrup- 
tion is  not  the  only  reason  for  turn- 
ing down  the  whole  old  party  aggre- 
gation. 

Look  at  the  records! 

A  Democratic  House  has  just  ad- 
journed. 

Insurgency  has  run  riot  and  ram- 
pant and  generally  rambunctious 
through  both  House  and  Senate. 

But   do   you   feel   any   different   in 


your  fgeneral  happiness  and  wealthi- 
ness  and  joyousness  than  you  did  be- 
fore? 

Bills  any  lower? 

Fun  any  greater? 

Worldly  goods  any  bulkier? 

Nothing  doing,  eh? 

Just  so.  Insurgency  for  the  fun  of 
it  is  a  poor  investment,  isn't  it? 

Insurgency  for  campaign  purposes 
never  comes  back  to  you  in  the  form 
of  better  living,  better  working  condi- 
tions, better  houses,  more  education, 
more  leisure  and  pleasure.  Not  so  it 
bothers  you  any. 

Then  why  not  line  up  on  the  real 
issue  on  the  right  side  of  that  issue? 

Here's  the  issue: 

Things  collectively  used  must  be 
collectively  owned  and  operated.  That 
means  no  private  ownership  of  jobs 
and  blood  sucking  extortion  of  you 
and  your  pals  in  the  shop  or  factory. 

Here's  the  idea  put  easy:  Your  hat 
your  clothes,  your  home,  your  furni- 
ture— those  you  use  and  nobody  else 
uses.     Private  ownership  for  those! 

The  factory  where  your  job  is,  the 
big  railroads  that  haul  your  products 
to  all  the  other  workers  that  need 
them  and  that  bring  their  products  to 
you,  the  car  lines,  the  light  plants,  all 
public  utilities — everybody  uses  them. 
Common  ownership  for  those. 

We  have  ,got  to  the  point  where  the 
fat  gentleman  who  clips  coupons  and 
tells  "Jeems"  to  fetch  his  cane  and 
call  his  touring  car  is  useless. 

That's  the  idea!  That's  all  there  is 
to  it.  It's  not  complicated  or  mussed 
up  with  impossibilities.  It's  right  and 
just  and  true,  and  square  and  fair. 

Doesn't  it  look  better  than  a  sys- 
tem that  sets  men  at  each  other's 
throats  and  makes  them  yell  "liar," 
**thlef/'  "murderer,"  at  one  another, 
a  system  that  breeds  crime  and  crimi- 
nals and  that  starves  and  kills  and 
tortures? 

Oil  up  a  bit  and  run  it  over  in  your 
mind. — Chester  M,  Wright  in  New 
York  Call. 


Coopers'  Union,  Local  No.  30. 

Milwaukee,  Wis.,  Sept  27,  1912. 
To  All  Organized  Labor — Greeting: 

Herewith  Coopers'  Union  Local  No. 
30  takes  the  pleasure  of  notifying  all 
organized  labor  as  well  as  the  public 
in  general  that  the  strike  which  has 


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been  on  in  the  JSdilwaukee  breweries 
for  the  past  sixteen  weeks  is  settled 
and  the  members  back  at  their  old 
positions. 

Whereas  Coopers*  Union  Local  No. 
30  again  declares  the  Milwaukee  brew- 
eries fair  to  organized  labor  as  far  as 
the  cooper  shops  are  concerned. 

Thanking  each  and  every  organiza- 
tion for  their  moral  support  as  well  as 
for  their  financial  contributions,  we 
remain,        Yours  fraternally, 

CooPEBS*  Union  No.  30. 
Emil  Wingeb, 
Otto  Zacharias. 
P.  P.  Altpeter,  Cor.  8ec*y., 
Committee. 


The  Neskcted  Factor— Woiiumi. 

By  Cabbie  W.  Allen. 

Said  a  man  to  a  woman  textile 
worker  with  whom  he  was  discussing 
the  question  of  suffrage  for  women: 
"Tou  shouldn't  mix  up  with  politics. 
Your  place  is  at  home." 

The  weaver  measured  the  man  with 
steady  eyes,  and  replied:  "Then  why 
doesn't  the  Harmony  Mills  pay  my 
husband  enough  to  keep  me  there?" 

There  was  no  answer.  The  man 
walked  away. 

A  host  of  women  are  today  asking 
the  question  the  little  weaver  asked. 
From  mills,  stores,  foundries  and  fac- 
tories the  question  comes:  "If  woman's 
place  is  in  the  home,  why  in  the  name 
of  conscience  haven't  we  been  kept 
there?" 

Woman  didn't  elect  to  leave  the 
home.  She  didn't  just  lay  down  her 
tools  and  walk  out.  Every  woman 
loves  a  home.  Glad,  indeed,  would  mil- 
lions of  women  be  if  they  could  stay 
there. 

Industrial  evolution  has  driven  wo- 
man out.  It  has  compelled  her  to  stifle 
her  instinctive  love  for  home  and 
motherhood.  Modern  conditions  of  in- 
dustry have  compelled  woman  to  take 
her  place  by  the  side  of  man  as  part 
of  the  gn*eat  industrial  machine. 

"Woman's  place  is  in  the  home." 

With  every  industry  open  to  women, 
and  six  millions  of  them  fighting  life's 
battle  as  wage-earners,  it  is  curious 
that  men  cling  so  tenaciously  to  this 
antiquated  old  tradition  and  trot  it 
out  to  do  service  on  every  possible 
occasion. 

Whenever  we  hear  this  time-honored 


objection  to  suffrage  for  women,  we 
are  carried  in  fancy  back  to  the  long 
ago,  back  to  the  days  of  our  grand- 
mothers, to  the  days  of  the  tallow  dip 
and  spinning  wheel,  the  days  when  it 
might  have  been  said  with  some  de- 
gree of  reason  that  woman's  place  was 
in  the  home,  because  she  found  her 
work  there. 

Within  the  confines  of  the  home  wo- 
man functioned  as  a  producer,  and 
there  was  an  economic  value  to  her 
work.  Everything  necessary  for  the 
family  Was  manufactured  there. 

With  the  coming  of  modern  ma- 
chines woman's  work  has  been  taken 
out  of  the  home,  out  into  the  great 
world  of  industry.  The  cloth  making, 
garment  and  bread  making  have  been 
transferred  to  factory,  sweat-shop  and 
mill. 

Her  means  of  livelihood  taken  from 
her,  woman  has  naturally  gone  out 
from  the  home,  and  an  army  of  ma- 
chine-driven women  and  girls  take  up 
their  daily  march  to  factory,  sweat- 
shop and  mill. 

Dally  these  women  are  confronted 
by  laws  which  they  had  no  part  in 
making,  and  are  compelled  to  submit 
to  conditions  which  they  have  no 
power  to  control.  They  literally  have 
no  weapon  with  which  to  fight. 

Under  these  conditions,  the  ballot  is 
not  a  question  of  right.  It  is  not  a 
question  of  justice.  It  is  a  crying  need 
— something  that  women  must  have 
here  and  now  in  order  to  protect  them- 
selves against  the  iniquitous  industrial 
laws  made  for  them  by  man. 

"They  wouldn't  have  enough  intelli- 
gence to  do  this,"  says  some  men. 
Perhaps  not.  Men  haven't  displayed 
an  alarming  amount  of  intelligence  in 
the  use  of  the  ballot.  When  we  look 
about  us,  it  strikes  us  that  women 
couldn't  do  worse.  The  chances  are 
all  in  favor  of  their  doing  better. 

In  any  case,  the  suffrage  question  is 
an  economic  question,  and  as  such 
should  enlist  the  serious  attention  of 
every  working  man  and  woman. 

The  grreat  army  of  women  who  have 
been  forced  to  leave  the  home  and  go 
into  industry  are  lowering  wages, 
crowding  men  out  of  positions,  and 
creating  fiercer  and  ever  fiercer  com- 
petition for  Jobs. 

Women  are  mo re^ tractable  than  men. 
They  are  much  less  apt  to  organize 
and  strike  for  better  conditions.  The 
crowning  virtue  of  women  In  industry, 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN  S    UNION   OF   N.    A. 


however,  is  that  they  are  cheaper  than  . 
men  and  more  profit  may  be  made  from 
their  labor. 

Manufacturers  have  been  quick  to 
realize  all  this,  and  wherever  possible 
women  have  been  put  at  the  machine 
in  preference  to  men. 

Quite  recently  Prof.  Scott  Nearing 
has  given  us  some  astounding  figures 
in  regard  to  wages  in  the  United 
States,  the  most  significant  of  which 
are  perhaps  those  relating  to  the  wages 
of  women. 

According  to  Prof.  Nearing's  care- 
fully prepared  tables  three-fifths  of  the 
working  women  in  the  United  States 
earn  less  than  $325.00  a  year,  and  nine- 
tenths  earn  less  than  $500.00  a  year. 

Men  must  compete  for  jobs  with  this 
army  of  underpaid  women,  and  this 
competition  grows  more  tense  with 
each  passing  year. 

This  competition  is  unquestionably 
one  of  the  contributing  causes  to  the 
fact  brought  before  us  by  Prof.  Near- 
ing, that  one-half  of  the  adult  males 
in  the  United  States  are  earning  less 
than  $500.00  a  year. 

With  these  facts  staring  them  in 
the  face,  how  can  workingmen  go  stu- 
pidly on,  saying  "Women  ehouldnU 
mix  up  with  politics.  Their  place  is 
at  home!" 

The  long  neglected  .factor,  woman,  is 
making  her  presence  felt.  She  is 
making  demands.  Workingmen  will 
do  well  to  heed  those  demands. 

The    ballot    for    women    will   be   a 
means  of  education.    Through  it  work- 
-4ng    women    will    learn    that    which . 
workingmen    are    slow    in    learning, 
their  class  interests. 

Propertied  women  instinctively 
know  their  class  interests.  Given  an 
opportunity,  workine:  women  will  know 
theirs. — Brewery   Workers*  Journal. 


The  CapMafbt  Press  Not  Entitled  to  the 
G>nffideiice  of  ttie  Woclcing  Class. 

The  American  people  are  not  fools — 
the  trouble  with  them  is  that  they 
know  a  lot  of  things  that  are  not  so. 

Right  now  the  most  important  work 
to  do  is  to  destroy  confidence  in  the 
capitalist  press. 

The  capitalist  press  hajs  already 
started  the  job  in  good  shape.  There 
are  hundreds  of  thousands  of  people 
who  no  longer  believe  what  they  see 
"writ,"  just  because  it  is  "writ." 


But  there  are  still  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands, aye  millions,  who  believe  every 
blessed  thing  they  read  in  the  capital- 
ist papers,  even  though  the  falsity  of 
the  statement  is  so  glaring  that  the 
slightest  knowledge  of  the  real  facts 
would  prove  them  so. 

The  trouble  is  that  so  many  people 
take  only  one  paper^  or  one  "kind"  of 
papers,  and  have  little  opportunity  to 
get  the  "other  side"  of  the  contro- 
versy, or  even  to  know  that  there  is  a 
controversy. 

The  working  class  must  be  weaned 
from  the  capitalist  press! 

Millions  of  working  men  are  still 
"listening  to  their  master's  voice** 
through  these  mouthpieces  of  the  wage 
system,  and  they  are  kept  constantly 
misinformed  on  all  the  questions  of 
vita]  importance  to  the  working  class. 

I  do  not  say  that  the  working  class 
should  cease  to  read  the  capitalist 
papers — it  is,  perhaps,  wise  that  we 
continue  to  read  them  in  order  to  un- 
derstand what  they  are  up  to,  with 
regard  to  the  labor  movement.  But— 1 
do  say  that  we  should  no  longer  be- 
lieve them,  when  it  comes  to  questions 
of  importance  to  the  working  class,  for 
If  we  do  we  are  sure  to  be  trapped  into 
believing  what  is  not  so,  and  again  I 
reiterate  that  this  is  just  the  trouble 
with  the  masses  of  the  people  today. 

Here  is  another  point  worth  careful 
consideration:  I  have  said  that  the 
American  people  are  not  fools — that 
they  know  a  lot  of  things  that  are  not 
so.  I  wish  to  add  to  this  that  they 
know  a  lot  of  things  that  are  so,  but 
are  unimportant  And,  having  their 
minds  full  of  unimportant  things,  it 
keeps  them  from  filling  their  minds 
with  the  really  important  things  that 
pertain  to  their  economic  welfare. 

Nine  workingmen  out  of  ten  today 
can  tell  you  more  about  baseball  than 
they  can  about  economics.  Some  of 
them  know  by  heart  the  batting  aver- 
ages of  all  the  so-called  great  players, 
while  others  can  give  you  the  complete 
history  of  all  the  prize  fighters  on  the 
mat,  while  still  others  are  up  on  the 
"ponies,"  and  not  a  few  are  posted  on 
the  stars  and  satellites  of  the  theatrical 
world. 

These  things  are  all  right  for  recrea- 
tion, but  when  a  workingman  fills  his 
mind  with  such  dope,  to  the  exclusion 
of  an  actual  and  positive  knowledge  of 
the    fundamental  '^economic    situation 

\ 


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that  effects  himself,  his  family  and  his 
class,  then  they  become  vicious  and 
dangerous. 

The  crying  need  of  the  hour  is  that 
the  working  people  shall  study  and  un- 
derstand the  great  economic  problem 
of  the  class  struggle.  To  do  this  much 
time  must  be  given  to  the  subject,  not 
reading  the  capitalist  press  with  its 
half  truths  and  untruths,  but  reading 
the  books,  magazines  and  papers  of  the 
working  class  movement,  the  most  re- 
markable literature  of  any  world  move- 
ment.— From  **The  Prophet  and  the 
Ass." 


QoMT  Afffffiation  of  Unions. 

(By  President  J,  F,  Hart  of  the  Amal- 
gamated Association  of  Meat  Cut- 
ters and  Butcher  Workmen,) 
"It  is  for  the  best  interest  of  the 
labor  movement  that  there  be  a  closer 
affiliation  between  the  workers  of  the 
East  and  the  West." 

That  there  is  a  world  of  truth  in  the 
assertion  there  can  be  no  doubt,  and 
that  the  butchers  of  this  city  believe 
in  it,  is  evidenced  by  the  unanimous 
vote  of  the  executive  board  of  the  local 
organization  to  recommend  that  the 
California  Pederation  of  Butchers  affil- 
iate with  the  national  organization. 

There  is  need  for  closer  affiliation  all 
through  the  labor  movement,  not  only 
between  the  East  and  the  West,  but 
between  the  separate  organizations. 
This  closer  affiliation,  however,  must 
be  entered  into  in  a  spirit  of  justice 
and  fairness  and  not  with  the  selfish 
desire  of  benefiting  at  the  expense  of 
other  organizations. 

Nor  can  this  closer  affiliation  come, 
with  any  benefit  to  the  movement  along 
the  lines  suggested  by  the  Industrial 
Workers  of  the  World.  Craft  lines 
must  of  necessity  be  preserved,  be- 
cause no  conglomerate  mass  of  men  of 
different  trades  assembled  in  one  body 
can  properly  legislate  for  the  different 
crafts.  Each  craft  has  its  own  pecu- 
liar problems  to  solve,  and  no  one  not 
actually  familiar  with  these  peculiari- 
ties can  have  a  proper  conception  of 
their  importance  to  the  men  and  wo- 
men who  are  brought  face  to  face  with 
them.  Por  instance,  it  would  be  fool- 
ish to  expect  a  boilermaker  to  be  able 
to  understand  the  conditions  under 
which  a  watchmaker  should  work,  ex- 
cept in  a  general  way,  nor  could  tiie 


watchmaker  have  a  very  definite  idea 
of  the  needs  and  requirements  of  the 
boilermaker.  Therefore  it  is  essential 
that  each  must  legislate  for  himself 
and  work  out  solutions  for  his  own 
problems,  in  his  own  way,  unhampered 
by  the  outside  interference  which  must 
result  from  the  destruction  of  the  craft 
union  and  the  formation  of  the  one 
big  industrial  union. 

The  American  Pederation  of  Labor 
is  organized  along  the  right  lines  and 
only  needs  to  keep  step  with  progress 
by  bringing  the  craft  organizations 
into  closer  and  more  amicable  relations 
in  order  to  carry  out  the  purposes  of 
unionism  and  produce  the  results  de- 
sired. 

That  this  is  not  going  to  be  an  easy 
task  is  apparent  to  every  thinking  man 
and  woman  who  has  given  any  atten- 
tion to  the  subject.  There  are  preju- 
dices to  be  overcome,  as  well  as  fixed 
and  differing  opinions  as  to  methods 
and  purposes  to  be  brought  into  har- 
mony. The  small  organizations  desire 
powers  out  of  all  proportion  to  their 
membership  and  strength,  and  the 
larger  unions  insist  upon  being  abso- 
lute masters  because  of  the  power  and 
influence  they  can  wield.  Before  any 
effective  closer  affiliation  can  be 
brought  about  these  differences  must 
be  adjusted.  There  must  be  a  willing- 
ness and  a  desire  on  the  part  of  each 
to  bear  its  full  share  of  the  burdens 
of  organization  in  the  shape  of  dues 
and  assessments  and  sacrifices  which 
emergencies  call  for.  There  must  be 
plans  drawn  up  so  that  the  reckless, 
extravagant  organization  cannot  ruth- 
lessly and  carelessly  dissipate  the 
treasury  of  the  careful,  frugal  and  con- 
servative organization  which  has  hus- 
banded its  resources  in  anticipation  of 
a  rainy  day,  for  there  are  careless, 
shiftless  and  extravagant  organizations 
just  as  among  individuals.  No  one 
would  expect  the  frugal  individual  to 
share  his  savings  with  the  wild,  reck- 
less dissipator,  or  to  put  himself  in  a 
position  where  the  shiftless  man  could 
compel  him  so  to  do,  nor  can  trade 
unionism  countenance  anjrthing  of  that 
nature.  It  would  not  be  sound  judg- 
ment and  would  weaken  rather  than 
strengthen  the  movement,  and  there- 
fore be  detrimental  rather  than  benefi- 
cial to  the  tollers  as  a  whole.  It  would 
not  even  benefit  the  reckless  and  lag- 
gard unions,  any  more  than  a  fulsome 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A, 


supply  of  money  with  which  to  supply 
his  wants  would  cure  the  victim  of 
drugs.    It  would  only  hasten  the  end. 

It  is  going  to  be  a  hard  task  to  bring 
the  men  and  women  of  differing  ideas 
and  opinion  together  into  a  compact, 
closely  ai&liated  mass,  but  it  must  be 
done,  and  it  will  eventually  be  done. 
We  are  not  so  pessimistic  as  to  believe 
that  it  will  be  found  impossible  of  ac- 
complishment, even  though  we  appre- 
ciate the  fact  that  there  is  going  to  be 
much  war,  much  strife,  much  unpleas- 
antness before  it  comes  to  pass.  We 
are  also  optimistic  enough  to  believe 
that  when  it  does  come  it  will  be  upon 
a  fair,  honest  and  equitable  adjust- 
ment, giving  to  each  the  consideration 
its  manner  of  doing  business  warrants 
and  no  more;  that  there  will  then  be 
a  greater  degree  of  progress  in  the 
movement  and  a  higher  plane  of  hap- 
piness and  contentment  in  the  chan- 
nels of  its  membership. 

In  order  to  accomplish  the  desired 
results  it  will  be  necessary  for  all  to 
make  concessions  in  the  way  of  giving 
up  some  of  the  autonomy  now  enjoyed, 
but  if  a  spirit  of  fairness  and  justice 
is  displayed  by  all  there  should  be  no 
long  delay  in  arriving  at  definite  con- 
clusions and  beneficial  understands. 
Fairness,  justice,  sanity  are  the  quali- 
ties needed. 

Hasten  the  day  of  its  accomplish- 
ment! 


The  Detractor. 

He  works  in  the  dark.  God's  sun- 
shine never  penetrates  the  atmos- 
phere of  his  machinations.  He  shuns 
the  light  with  as  much  aversion  as  a 
white  slaver  shuns  publicity. 

He  feeds  prejudice,  nurtures  jeal- 
ousy and  breathes  poison  into  the  ears 
of  the  '  unthinking  and  gullible. 
From  his  depraved  mind  emanates  the 
slander  that  slurs  motive  and  sears 
the  soul  of  those  who  are  endeavoring 
to  make  the  world  better.  His  warped 
mental  apparatus  precludes  broadness 
and  makes  him  measure  others  by  his 
own  standard.  Suspicion  hatches  in 
his  cerebral  cavity  like  flies  on  a  scav- 
enger  dump. 

He  rends  the  home,  obliterates  af- 
fection and  robs  the  child  of  parental 
love,  its  natural  heritage.  Through 
his  treacherous  slander  impulsive 
men   take   the   gun   route   and   weak 


women  find  solace  in  carbolic.  He 
resurrects  the  corpse  of  yesterday 
and  hurls  it  into  the  path  of  tomor- 
row. Devoid  of  conscience,  he  assails 
character  as  ruthlessly  as  a  hold-up 
man  robs  his  victim. 

He  infests  every  group  in  society. 
Honor  and  truth  are  words  foreign  to 
his  vocabulary.  No  woman  is  true  to 
her  trust  or  man  decent,  according  to 
his  distorted  imagination.  In  a  gar- 
den of  roses  he  sees  only  the  thorns 
and  transforms  it  into  a  thistle  path. 

In  a  labor  union  his  prey  is  the 
earnest  men  who  are  active  in  the 
cause.  No  officer  is  honest  in  the 
mind  of  the  detractor;  no  motive 
good.  Graft  is  his  whisper  to  the  in- 
experienced and  graft  is  re-echoed 
with  mechanical  precision  from  mouths 
governed   by   phonographic  craniums. 

He  is  the  morbid  creature  who 
stays  away  from  meetings  and  ex- 
plains a  delayed  contract  by  the  in- 
ference that  the  committee  was 
"fixed." 

He  is  the  loud  shouter  at  the  wet 
goods  counter  on  so-and  so  "getting 
his";  he  doesn't  blame  him  so  long 
as  there  are  suckers  who  stand  for  it. 

He  is  the  snake  who  sneaks  to  the 
gallery  of  a  meeting  hall,  secretes 
himself  from  the  view  of  honest  men, 
and  hisses  insult  at  on  olficer  who  has 
given  his  life  to  the  uplift  of  his  fel- 
low-man. 

He  cowers  at  exposure  and  slinks 
like  a  cur  when  truth  corners  him 
with  his  perfidy.  He  is  the  last  word 
on  cowardice,  and  all  that  was  ever 
said  on  treachery  he  is — and  more. 
Fortunately  he  is  few  among  the 
numbers  that  make  for  the  world's  ad- 
vancement. 

He  has  no  place  among  red-blooded 
men.  The  day  of  tolerance  of  rotten 
timber  in  Amalgamated  ranks  is  wan- 
ing. The  purging  process  cannot  be 
applied  too  soon  in  our  local  divisions. 
— The  Union  Leader. 


It  is  the  habitual  thought  that 
frames  itself  into  our  lives.  Our  con- 
fidential friends  have  not  as  much  to 
do  in  shaping  our  lives  as  the  thoughts 
which  we  harbor. 

Our  thoughts  will  produce  pythons 
or  fiowers.  We  can  take  our  choice 
between  the  occupation  of  snake- 
charmer  or  gardener. 


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INTERNATIONAL  OPPICERS 

S.  E.  Heberllng.  326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buf- 
falo. M.  T. 

Grand  Sbcrbtart  and  Trsasurbr. 

M.  R.  Welch,  326  Brisbane  Bldg..  Buffalo. 

N.  Y. 

Journal  Editor. 
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Buffalo. 


Grand  Board  of  Directors. 


Kan- 
St, 


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sas  City,  Kan. 
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Utlca,  N.  Y. 
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I.VTERNATIONAL    VICJB-PRESIDBNTS. 

J.   B.  Connors,  707  E.   40th  St,  Chicago, 

m. 

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T   Clohessy,  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago,  111. 

F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdaie  Place,  Buffalo. 
N.  Y. 

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dale,  Kan. 

Protbctivk  Board. 

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Pa 

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T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago, 
HL 

Dan  Smith.  5547  Princeton  Ave.,  Chica«o, 
IlL 

A  .1.  Peterson.  25  Johnson  Ave.,  Port  Ar- 
thur, Ont,  Canada. 

Grand  Medical  Examiner. 

M.  A.  Sullivan  M.  D.,  326  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna.  N.  Y. 


ATTEMPT  UPON   ROOSCVCirS  LIPC  IS 
DEPLORCD  BY  ALL. 

We  are  sure  all  our  readers  will  join 
us  in  condemning  the  dastardly  act  of 
John  Schrank  in  attempting  to  take 
the  life  of  ex-President  Roosevelt  in 
the  city  of  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  on  Oct. 
14th,  and  where  Mr.  Roosevelt  had 
been  scheduled  to  make  an  address  in 
the  interests  of  the  Bull  Moose  party 
and  his  own  candidacy  for  president. 
We  deplore  this  occurrence  in  just  the 
same  manner  we  would  such  an  un- 
called for  attempt  upon  the  life  of  any 
other  person.  At  the  time  of  this 
writing  there  is  nothing  to  indicate 
this  madman's  acted  was  actuated  or 
carried  into  execution  by  any  agency 
or  influence  exterior  to  his  own  ana 
tomy.  He  acknowledges  the  deed  of 
his  own  designing  and  the  cause  for  it 
his  opposition  to  anyone  aspiring  to 
the  office  of  presidency  for  a  third 
term.  We  join  with  all  citizenship  of 
the  land  in  being  thankful  for  a  deflec- 
tion of  the  bullet  from  the  course  the 
marksmanship  displayed  would  have 
naturally  directed  it  and  hope  for  Mr. 


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JOURNAL    OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.    A. 


Roosevelt  a  speedy  restoration  to  his 
normal  physique.  While  there  are  mil- 
lions of  people  who  are  opposed  to  any- 
one being  allowed  to  serve  more  than 
two  terms  as  President  of  the  United 
States,  and  who  are  sincere  in  the 
opinion  that  there  was  no  occasion  for 
the  birth  of  the  Progressive  party,  yet 
it  must  be  conceded  by  all  fair-minded 
people  that  all  are  entitled  to  their 
own  opinions  upon  such  issues  and  all 
should  be  exempt  from  being  targets 
for  bullets  when  expounding  them. 
This  sad  incident  affords  another  il- 
lustration of  the  uselessness  of  pocket 
firearms  and  of  the  easy  manner  in 
which  they  may  be  carried  and  appro- 
priated to  the  grave  danger  of  those 
carrying  them,  as  well  as  the  innocent 
public  who  usually  suffer  the  results 
of  the  bullets.  Our  sincere  wish  is 
that  Mr.  Roosevelt  will  speedily  re- 
cover from  the  effects  of  his  wound 
and,  if  defeated  for  the  presidency, 
will  stump  the  entire  country  advocat- 
ing laws  prohibiting  the  disuse  of  fire- 
arms by  our  government  or  any  citizen 
owing  allegiance  thereto. 


f  ORMCR  GRAND  MASTER  D.  D.  SWEENEY 
IS  DEAD. 

We  have  just  (at  time  of  going  to 
press)  received  from  the  ofBcers  of 
Lodge  No.  56  the  sad  intelligence  of 
the  death  of  Bro.  D.  D.  Sweeney,  for- 
merly Grand  Master  of  this  union,  a 
veteran  in  yard  service  and  loved  by 
all  who  knew  him.  His  death  occurred 
at  6.15  a.  m.,  Oct.  15th,  as  the  result 
of  bullet  wound  received  at  the  corner 
of  Doyers  and  Bowery,  Oct.  14th,  at 
3.30  p.  m.  The  shot  which  caused  his 
death  supposedly  catne  from  a  Chinese 
battle  going  on  in  that  vicinity,  Bro. 
Sweeney,  passing  by  at  the  time,  re- 
ceiving a  bullet  Intended  for  another. 
This  is  another  sample  of  the  evil  of 
innocent  victims  losing  their  lives 
from  those  illegally  in  possession  of 


deadly  weapons,  and  another  sad  illus- . 
tration  of  neglect  of  proper  enforce- 
ment of  laws  in  regard  to  the  posses- 
sion and  use  of  guns  and  revolvers. 
The  bereaved  relatives  have  the  sin- 
cere sympathy  of  the  entire  organiza- 
tion and  its  assurance  that  he  has  left 
imprints  for  good  upon  a  cause  so  near 
to  his  heart  for  many  years. 


SELF-CONTROL. 

The  power  of  self-control  is  an  at- 
tribute that  enables  a  person  to  adjust 
his  acts  and  demeanor  in  a  manner 
suitable  to  counteract  and  fairly  meet 
contingencies  that  are  to  be  con- 
fronted during  life.  This  human  trait 
'is  susceptible  to  culture  and  develop 
ment,  the  same  as  other  character- 
istics, and  the  happy  possessors  of 
well  balanced  mental  aptitudes  that 
enable  people  to  guard  well  their  de- 
cisions and  acts,  are  indeed  children 
of  fortune. 

Surrounded  by  a  world  of  environ- 
ments of  such  divergencies,  the  mind 
of  mortal  man  finds  itself  engulfed  in 
a  world  of  difficulty  in  directing 
proper  courses  of  action.  Primitive 
conscience,  our  most  accurate  guide  in 
directing  proper  courses  of  action, 
oftentimes  finds  itself  sadly  perplexed 
and  taxed  in  arriving  at  conclusions. 
The  nearest  approach  to  right  de- 
cisions is  when  our  mental  equipoise 
is  under  such  self-control  that,  how 
ever  impulsive  and  erratic  our  inher- 
ent aptitude  inclines  ua  to  be,  we 
weigh  well  every  side  of  a  question 
with  which  we  are  confronted  before 
making  our  decision.  The  culture  of 
such  mental  process  is  a  schooling  of 
inestimable  value  to  any  one.  The 
want  of  it  permits  the  world's  most 
serious  blunders.  It  matters  not  how 
well  people  are  gifted  by  nature  or  cul- 
ture in  other  respects,  unless  they  are 
possessed  with  an  abundance  of  self- 
control  they  are  unable  to  properly 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.    A. 


706 


contend  with  life's  battles,  either  in 
their  associations  with  the  animate  or 
inanimate  kingdom.  The  master 
minds  of  the  world  are  those  men  and 
women  who  are  In  the  possession  and 
control  of  an  adequate  supply  of  this 
prize — self-control.  The  loss  of  tem- 
per or  yielding  of  self-control  Is  the 
sacrificing  of  the  most  effective  weapon 
to  the  one  being  contented  with  or 
<M)nfronted.  Our  first  impulses  often- 
times tell  us  to  fly  to  pieces  at  provo- 
cations appearing  before  us,  but  our 
self-control  dictates  another  course 
and  we  are  losers  if  we  fail  to  give 
heed  thereto. 


STRENGTH  IN  UNITY. 

"In  unity  there  is  strength,"  though 
an  old  adage,  carries  the  same  sublime 
truth  as  when  first  uttered.  In  all 
works  of  men  the  concentration  or 
uniting  of  energy  makes  possible  re- 
sults not  possible  of  attainment 
through  means  of  individual  effort 
While  every  one  is  posesed  of  a  dis- 
tinct  personality  yet,  unaided,  it  is  im- 
possible to  accomplish  any  very  sub- 
stantial progress.  From  our  very  na- 
ture we  realize  the  necessity  of  corre- 
lation and  mutuality  of  effort  in  the 
development  of  anything  useful.  All 
forms  of  society,  from  the  savage  to 
the  most  refined,  recognize  this  truth 
and  base  their  means  of  securing  pro- 
Tision  for  life  sustenance  and  advance 
ment  upon  it.  It  matters  not  if  any- 
one's ability  to  ferret  out  plans  where- 
by the  world's  work  and  burdens  may 
be  lightened  as  the  result  of  a  prin- 
ciple mastered,  unless  others  take  up 
the  thought,  develop  the  mechanism 
and  make  its  benefits  applicable  and 
available.  Otherwise  it  would  be  of 
no  benefit.  So,  as  much  as  we  may 
try  to  think  we  can  get  along  without 
the  assistance  of  others,  we  can  not. 
All  life  is  dependant  upon  others,  or 
14  interdependant   Society  realizes  its 


highest  types  o^  development  result 
from  a  unionizing  of  effort  of  all  citi- 
zenship toward  working  for  a  common 
end.  Some  individuals  are  credited 
with  having  accomplished  much,  but 
little  indeed  has  any  one  ever  attained 
unsupported  by  others. 

World  chieftains  in  science,  war  or 
politics  succeed  just  as  the  people  take 
up  their  theories  and  support  or  reject 
them.  We  must  not  only  master  prin- 
ciples, but  we  must  have  them  become 
of  general  use  before  the  merit  or 
strength  is  apparent  to  any  appreci- 
able extent.  What  is  true  in  this  re- 
spect in  science,  art  or  war,  is  equally 
true  in  the  work  of  organized  forcef> 
of  labor.  The  old  individual  effort 
method  of  driving  labor  bargains  has 
long  ago  been  demonstrated  as  anti- 
quated and  ineffective  in  the  secure- 
ing  of  best  results.  But  unified  ef- 
forts toward  a  common  purpose  by 
large  classes  of  workers,  carry  an  in- 
estimable power  which  cannot  be  over- 
come, short  of  giving  them,  what  their 
demands  call  for.  But  so  far  in 
world  progress  master  business  minds 
have  been  more  successful  in  keeping 
the  minds  of  world  workers  dis- 
tracted and  distorted  from  working 
for  a  common  purpose  of  advancement 
than  have  the  master  minds  of  the  la- 
bor leaders  in  getting  them  united 
and  working  together  for  their,  com- 
mon betterment. 


CAMPAIGN  CCHOCS. 

There  are  many  makeshift  political 
groups  originated  and  named  accord- 
ing to  the  purposes  for  which  they  are 
launched,  and  which  in  most  instances 
are  for  the  purpose  of  deluding  unwary 
minds  away  from  the  main  points  at 
issue. 

In  their  finality,  there  are  usually 
but  just  two  parties  in  any  country — 
that  of  the  producers  and  the  non-pro- 
ducers.   All  other  distinctions  are  de- 


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'     JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMBN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A, 


lusions,  under  whatever  name  or  form 
they  appear.  One  had  but  to  observe 
the  campaign  Just  closed  to  see  the  cor- 
rectness of  this  assertion.  Every  great 
party,  except  one,  was  financed  and 
controlled  by  the  rich  non-producing 
class,  and  it  mattered  not  to  the  chief 
spirits  of  Wall  Street  which  of  the 
three  contestants  for  the  Presidency 
was  elected,  as  all  were  considered 
safe  and  docile,  and  all  were  financed 
by  the  Wall  Street  kings.  Labor  had 
had  some  mighty  battles  with  those 
chieftains  of  industry  since  the  last 
national  campaign,  in  its  struggle  for 
an  opportunity  to  get  provisions  neces- 
sary to  clothe  and  feed  those  keeping 
in  operation  the  railroads,  mills  and 
factories.  Many  of  their  adherents 
had  felt  the  pangs  of  hunger  and  heard 
of  the  reassuring  love  which  their 
masters  had  for  them,  as  the  blood 
coursed  its  way  down  their  bodies,  the 
results  of  police  clubs  and  bayonets 
applied  to  them  by  the  servants  of  the 
masters  to  teach  them  where  they  be- 
longed and  to  be  good.  But  they  evi- 
dently enjoyed  it,  many  of  those  sons 
of  toil,  for  they  marched  loyally  to 
the  music  of  Wall  Street  gold,  in  all 
the  processions  given  in  honor  of  capi- 
talistic candidates.  True,  when  swell 
functions  were  pulled  off  at  clubs  and 
before  other  similar  covenants  for  the 
elite,  these  sturdy  sons  of  toil  were  not 
there,  but  when  "rooters"  were  in 
order  around  great  public  sentiment 
making  points,  a  glad  hand  was  always 
extended  to  them  and  assurances  prof- 
fered, that  if  they  remained  loyal  to 
the  orders  that  be,  all  would  be  well 
and  prosperity  in  abundance  would  be 
their  reward  for  such  fealty.  They  re- 
mained loyal.  The  recent  privations 
and  other  assurances  of  equal  oppor- 
tunity before  the  law  in  our  glorious 
country  for  the  rich  and  poor  alike, 
and  that  there  were  no  class  distinc- 
tions have  been  duly  exemplified  with- 


in the  last  twelve  months  at  San  Diego^ 
Cal.,  Lawrence,  Mass.,  in  West  Vir- 
ginia, Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  other  points^ 
and  by  manner  of  expression,  convinc- 
ing beyond  perad venture  (?)  that  all 
is  needed  of  the  voters  and  workers 
is  to  vote  and  work  for  those  in  power^ 
and  great  Joy  will  be  their  reward — 
when  they  reach  the  other  shore.  Mas- 
ter minds  are  so  enthused  and  ardent 
in  regard  to  the  welfare  of  those  who 
have  toiled  so  long  and  faithfully  for 
them  that  they  extended  open  hands 
with  large  purses  of  lucre  to  convince 
highly  protected  ( ?)  workmen  of  their 
interest  in  them,  and  how  it  behooves 
them  to  still  receive  this  providential 
(?)  guidance  from  phirlanthropic  mas- 
ters who  work  so  faithfully  to  promote 
highly  protected  standards  of  oppor- 
tunity for  them.  'Twas  a  well-pre- 
pared lesson  master  minds  arranged. 
Let's  hope  'twas  well  learned  by  the 
students. 


JAMCS  KEIR  HARDIE. 

James  Keir  Hardie,  the  great  labor 
leader  of  England  and  Socialist  mem- 
ber of  the  British  Parliament,  has  re- 
cently visited  many  of  the  commercial 
centers  in  this  country  in  the  inter- 
ests of  organized  labor  and  Socialism. 
He  has  devoted  most  of  his  life  to 
these  subjects  and  is  respected  the 
world  over  for  his  manly  fight  in  be- 
half of  labor.  He  is  an  able  states- 
man and  devotes  his  entire  time  to 
the  cause  of  those  who  toil. 

For  several  yeans  he  has  been  a  mem- 
ber of  Parliament,  having  been  first 
elected  to  that  body  in  1892.  This  is 
not  his  first  American  visit  in  the  in- 
terests of  union  labor  and  Socialism. 
Twenty  years  ago  he  visited  many  of 
the  same  cities  that  have  had  the 
honor  of  his  presence  and  counsel  dur- 
ing this  visit.  M  that  time  he  foun^ 
the  Socialist  party  and  American  Ped- 
eration  of  Labor  extending  from  coast 


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to  coast  with  small  membership  In 
comparison  to  what  he  found  them  to 
be  on  this  trip,  the  Socialist  due-pay- 
ing membership  having  expanded  from 
2,50a  or  3,000  members  to  one  of  ap- 
proximately 150,000  at  the  present 
time,  and  the  American  Federation  of 
.Labor  from  226,000  to  2,000,000  mem- 
bers. Verily  he  has  lived  to  see  and 
been  permitted  to  see  this  mighty 
transformation  during  the  interim  of 
his  visits.  It  has  been  this  noted 
man's  privilege  to  have  visited  many 
other  lands  in  the  interests  of  labor 
and  to  see  similar  manifestations  on 
the  part  of  the  world  workers  coming 
to  a  realization  of  the  powers  they 
possess  and  the  concentrating  of  it 
into  aggressive  political  and  labor 
unions.  Large  audiences  have  greeted 
this  honored  veteran  in  all  the  cities 
which  have  been  fortunate  enough  to 
receive  a  visit  from  him,  and  those 
who  have  failed  to  hear  him  discuss 
topics  relative  to  the  world  labor 
movement,  have  missed  a  rare  treat 
But  few,  if  any  living  labor  leaders 
have  impressed  the  workers  of  the 
world  for  good  to  a  greater  extent 
than  has  J.  Keir  Hardie.  May  he  be 
spared  many  years  to  devote  his  ef- 
forts toward  making  the  world  a  hap- 
pier and  better  place  for  those  who 
do  the  useful  work  to  live. 


STUDENTS  DCCRCASING— SUIGDCS 
INCREASING. 

According  to  the  folowing  excerpts 
from  the  Journal  of  the  American 
Medical  Association  it  appears  our 
medical  colleges  are  on  the  wane: 

The  number  of  persons  studying 
medicine  in  the  medical  colleges  in 
the  United  States  has  decreased 
steadily  since  1M3,  according  to  the 
annual  report  of  the  Council  on  Medi- 
cal Education,  which  appears  in  a  re- 
cent number  of  The  Journal  of  the 
American  Medical  Association.  In 
1S80   there   were   11,826   medical   stu- 


dents in  the  United  States,  in  1890 
there  were  15,404,  in  1900  there  were 
25,171,  in  1904  there  were  28,142,  In 
ldl>2  there  were  18,412.  This  is  the 
smallest  number  of  medical  students 
in  the  last  twenty  years.  Of  these, 
17,277  are  in  "regular"  schools,  827 
in  homeopathic,  and  308  in  eclectic 
schools.  The  total  number  of  gradu- 
ates in  medicine  in  1912  was  4,483, 
an  increase  of  210  over  1911,  of  forty- 
three  over  1910,  but  a  decrease  of 
thirty-two  when  compared  with  1909 
and  of  1,264  when  compared  with 
1904.  Of  these  graduates,  4,206  were 
from  regular  schools,  185  from  homeo- 
pathic schools  and  ninety-two  from 
eclectic  schools. 

This  decrease  seems  to  have  also 
been  true  with  regard  to  the  number 
of  ladies  who  are  taking  such  courses 
of  study,  for  we  also  find  discourag- 
ing statistics  relative  to  them: 

The  number  of  women  studying 
medicine  is  decreasing,  according  to 
the  annual  report  on  medical  educa- 
tion in  a  recent  number  of  The  Jour- 
nal of  the  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion. During  the  past  year  there  were 
679  women  studying  medicine.  This 
Is  one  less  than  last  year,  228.  less 
than  in  1910,  and  242  less  than  in 
1909.  One  hundred  and  forty-two  wo- 
men were  graduated  this  year  from 
medical  schools.  In  1910  there  were 
157  women  graduated,  and  in  1909, 
162  graduated,  while  in  1904  there 
were  244  women  graduated  from  med- 
ical schools,  and  1,129  women  studying 
medicine. 

From  the  same  source  is  fpund  in- 
structive data  relative  to  the  practise 
of  self-destruction: 

In  1911,  for  the  first  time,  the  sui- 
cide rate  of  small  cities  in  the  United 
States  exceeded  the  rate  for  cities  of 
over  250,000  population.  The  rate  in 
our  small  cities  last  year  was  19.8  per 
hundred  thousand,  whereas  the  rate> 
of  suicide  in  twenty-one  cities  witl^ 
250,000  or  over  was  19.5  per  hundred 
thousand  population.  In  seventy-nine 
small  cities  out  of  100  cities  of  all 
sizes,  1,395  persons  killed  themselves 
during  1911. 

In  100  American  cities  (seventy-nine 
under  250,000  and  twenty-one  over 
that  population)  the  rate  of  suicide 
has  grown  steadily  from  12.8  per  hun- 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


dred  thousand  twenty  years  ago,  to 
20^  in  the  five-year  period  ending 
with  1911.  In  1910  the  rate  through- 
out our  registration  area  was  sixteen 
per  hundred  thousand,  so  that  there 
must  have  been  15,000  suicides  in  the 
United  States  last  year. 

These  figures  are  taken  from  the 
tables  of  Dr.  HofTman,  actuary  for  the 
Prudential  Life  Insurance  Company, 
and  are  commented  on  in  a  recent 
issue  of  The  Journal  of  the  American 
Medical  Association,  Comparing  these 
figures  with  Prussia's  record,  Dr.  Hoff- 
man shows  that  the  Prussian  suicide 
rate  during  1910  was  twenty-one  per 
100,000,  about  that  of  American  cities. 
There  were  thirty-two  male  suicides 
as  against  ten  female  suicides.  The 
suicide  mortality  under  15  years  is 
0.68,  rising  to  16.61  between  the  fif- 
teenth and  nineteenth  years,  and'  to 
26.84  betwen  the  ages  of  20  and  24; 
during  the  latter  period  defective  edu- 
cation, mental,  moral  and  economic, 
seems  responsible  for  the  very  high 
suicide  frequency.  But  the  highest 
rates  are  from  34.89  at  40  years  to 
58.71  at  the  seventy-ninth  year — the 
period  when  those  given  to  mental 
depression  manifest  decadance  of 
mind  and  body. 

For  all  ages  the  principal  cause  of 
suicide  in  Prussia  was  unfioundness 
of  mind  (22.8  per  cent,  of  the  male 
and  40.6  per  cent,  of  the  female  sui- 
cides); next  came  bodily  disease  (10 
per  cent,  males  and  9.3  per  cent,  fe- 
males). Nervous  diseases  accounted 
for  4.3  and  7,4  per  cent,  respectively. 
Alcoholism  was  blamed  for  10.1  per 
cent,  male,  and  but  1.5  per  cent,  fe- 
male suicides.  Sorrow  and  distress 
accounted  for  12.2  male  and  7.7  per 
cent,  female  suicides. 

While  these  statistics  convey  no 
causes  as  to  the  decrease  in  number 
of  students  preparatory  to  a  life  sav- 
ing profession — ^medicine  and  surgery 
— they  emphasize  none  the  less  that 
there  is  a  deficit  and  that  in  the  face 
of  the  fact  of  a  rapidly  increasing 
population  during  the  period  of  time 
for  which  the  medical  association  has 
made  its  comparisons.  They  also 
bring  out  the  fact  that  the  tendency 
towards  and  the  actual  amount  of 
suicides  has  increased  during  the  last 


few  years,  and  especially  so  in  our 
smaller  sized  cities.  We  believe  it  is 
not  the  desire  of  the  parentage  in  this 
or  any  other  nation  that  there  be  a 
diminution  of  care  for  life  conserva- 
tion, either  sf  to  the  profession  seek- 
ing to  safeguard  us  when  amicted  or 
injured,  or  from  self-destruction.  We 
also  believe  the  natural  desire  of  our 
young  men  and  women  is  no  less  keen 
now  to  enter  this  profession  than  it 
was  ten  years  ago,  nor  that  the  nor- 
mal mind  at  any  stage  of  life  is  any 
more  anxious  for  self-destruction  than 
it  formerly  was.  So  we  feel  safe  in 
the  assumption  that  the  unfavorable 
figures  above  given  are  due  to  ab- 
normal rather  than  normal  causes. 
The  only  excuses  we  are  able  to 
ascribe  for  them  are  those  that  are 
making  it  harder  for  the  average  citi- 
zen to  provide  the  funds  necessary 
to  complete  collegiate  courses  re- 
quired of  those  seeking  a  livelihood 
in  professional  life.  Nor  can  we  con- 
ceive of  a  normal  mind  directing  Its 
possessor  to  acts  of  self-destruction 
as  long  as  it  can  find  a  proper  means 
of  existence.  Possibly,  though,  there 
could  be  a  small  percentage  attri- 
butable to  despondency  due  to  marital 
troubles,  etc.  So  the  only  feasible  ex- 
cuse, if  one  be  admissible  for  suicides, 
would  be  those  of  this  nature.  But 
the  realization  of  the  fact  that  during 
any  stage  of  life  the  battle  for  exist- 
ence is  becoming  more  and  more  fierce 
as  the  years  go  by,  is  self-evident  to 
those  making  the  struggle  for  it,  and 
this,  too,  when  the  national  wealth  is 
becoming  greater  each  year.  But  this 
great  wealth,  while  its  per  capita  is 
greater  than  ever  before,  does  not 
reach  the  average  citizen  in  as  great 
a  volume  as  formerly.  Only  the  fa- 
vored ones  find  a  benefit  in  this  added 
increment  of  wealth.  The  masses  of 
the  people,  or  working  people  from 
which    comes    the    best    strains    of 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A, 


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physical  and  mental  manhood,  are 
simply  unable  to  provide  the  funds 
with  which  to  keep  their  sons  and 
daughters  In  schools  and  colleges  and 
prepare  them  for  professional  life.  So, 
as  lamentable  as  the  fact  may  be,  it  Is 
simply  one  of  poverty  and  when  the 
proper  opportunities  for  a  decent  ex- 
istence are  afforded  our  children  there 
will  soon  be  a  dearth  of  room  for 
students  in  our  leading  dispensaries 
of  higher  learning.  But  the  question 
of  poverty  must  first  be  solved. 


MAINTENANCE  Of  WAY  EMPLOYES' 
CONVENTION. 

The  ninth  biennial  convention  of 
the  International  Brotherhood  of 
Maintenance  of  Way  Employes  will 
convene  at  Planters'  Hotel,  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  Nov.  11th,,  in  accordance  with  the 
result  of  a  referendum  vote  of  Its 
members  recently  taken  upon  the 
question.  That  organization  has  ex- 
perienced a  rapid  growth  during  the 
last  few  years  and  now  ranks  well 
among  the  strongest  of  the  railroad 
brotherhoods.  There  are  no  more  self- 
sacrificing,  industrious  or  painstaking 
employes  in  railroad  service  today 
than  the  trackmen.  There  are  perhaps 
no  other  railroad  brotherhoods  that 
experience  such  handicaps  as  this 
one  does  on  account  of  the  diversity 
of  nationalities  the  railroads  make  it 
a  point  to  employ  for  the  purpose  of 
confusing  the  efforts  of  its  struggle 
for  a  higher  wage  and  a  higher  stan- 
dard of  living  for  those  who  do  this 
useful  work.  But,  regardless  of  the 
companies'  attempts  to  confuse  and 
bewilder  matters  with  a  Babel  of 
tongues  and  trying  to  keep  them  in 
ignorance  relative  t6  the  true  char- 
acteristics and  value  of  their  duties, 
they  have  failed  to  do  so  and  have 
also  failed  to  keep  these  industrious 
workers  from  seeing  the  advantages 
to  be  derived  from  becoming  a  part  of 


the  great  brotherhood  that  represents 
them.  So  they  are  fiocklng  to  it  by 
the  thousands  from  every  nationality, 
creed  and  dialect,  as  it  behooves  them 
to  do.  The  various  wage  and  working 
agreements  recorded  from  month  to 
month  in  their  official  publication.  The 
Advance  Advocate,  tells  the  story  of 
sacrifices  made  and  victories  won  bet- 
ter than  could  be  told  in  any  other 
manner  and  it  makes  a  record  that 
should  win  the  admiration  of  every 
sister  labor  organization.  Inere  is  no 
place  for  weaklings  in  the  trackmen's 
organization.  The  work  done  by  its 
members  calls  for  strong,  resolute 
men,  and  only  those  of  vim  and  cour- 
age have  any  business  taking  up  that 
vocation  for  a  livelihood.  Our  best 
wish  to  the  delegates  at  the  St.  Louis 
convention  is  that  they  meet  their  du- 
ties frankly  and  courageously  for  the 
best  interests  of  their  progressive 
union,  as  they  do  their  duties  along 
the  road  beds  of  our  great  railroad 
systems,  and  we  feel  sure  they  will. 


AU  WORKERS  SHOULD  VOTE  EOR 
WORKERS  NOVEMBER  5th. 

On  the  fifth  of  this  month  the  citi- 
zenship of  this  country  have  the  op- 
portunity of  expressing  their  con- 
victions relative  to  the  merits  of 
the  different  party  platforms,  the  ad- 
vocates for  which  have  been  for  some 
time  flooding  the  country  with  litera- 
ture and  eloquence.  Whatever  may  be 
our  implied  or  expressed  sentiments 
on  all  other  days,  unless  we  are 
clothed  with  the  full  power  of  citizen- 
ship and  go  to  the  polls  and  cast  our 
ballot  for  the  party  representing  our 
convictions,  our  expressions  in  regard 
to  what  we  advocate  and  pretend  to 
desire,  count  for  naught,  for  the  real 
test  of  such  convictions  that  really 
count  and  give  the  power  to  carry 
them  out  is  expressed  at  the  ballot 
box.     The  right  to  exercise  and  the 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A, 


acquirement  of  such  a  priyilege  has 
required  centuries  of  agitation  and 
many  bloody  wars.  Everyone  now  en- 
titled to  an  expression  in  the  only 
form  that  actually  counts  in  the  selec- 
tion of  those  who  are  to  make  our 
laws  and  carry  out  the  policies  of  gov- 
ernment we  desire,  whether  in  muni- 
cipal, county,  state  or  national  legis- 
lative aftairs,  and  who  fails  to  perform 
the  duty  of  going  to  the  ballot  booth 
and  expressing  it,  is  derelict  in  the 
performance  of  a  most  precious  duty. 
This  truth  should  especially  appeal  to 
the  laborers  in  this  country,  since  the 
right  use  of  this  power  would  afford 
them  an  excellent  means  of  overcom- 
ing many  of  their  diflkculties.  The 
great  aggregations  of  capital,  with 
which  labor  must  ever  contend  for  its 
right  to  live,  makes  a  specialty  at  all 
times  of  marshalling  its  forces  on  elec- 
tion day,  well  realizing  the  advantages 
possessed  when  able  to  elect  public  offi- 
cials susceptible  to  its  influence  and 
control.  It  never  misses  an  oppor- 
tunity to  avail  itself  at  the  polls,  nor 
in  legislative  halls  of  making  its  in- 
fluence felt  for  its  own  advantage.  La- 
bor's vote  elects  all  officials,  but,  un- 
fortunately, the  laborers  are  forever 
electing  into  power  those  who  are 
ready  to  smite  them  with  bayonet  and 
club,  instead  of  affording  it  the  same 
consideration  that  capitalists  receive. 
Whenever  the  workers  elect  to 
power  their  own  forces  there  will  be 
no  further  use  for  the  gorgeous  state 
armories  and  other  similar  life  de- 
stroying agencies  where  people  are 
educated  by  the  people  to  thirst  for 
blood.  But,  thank  fortune,  the  people 
who  do  the  world's  useful  work  are 
awakening  more  and  more  each  year 
to  a  better  understanding  of  the  pow- 
ers they  possess  in  the  political  field. 
Each  succeeding  election  will  give 
them  more  of  their  own  numbers 
chosen  to  positions  of  trust  and  in- 


sure them  a  better  and  more  equitable 
opportunity  to  secure  Justice  before 
the  law,  as  well  as  a  better  oppor- 
tunity to  barter  more  advantageously 
with  the  captains  of  industry,  with 
whom  they  have  so  long  been  battling 
for  a  fair  chance  to  live.  Union  labor, 
that  strives  364  or  365  days  in  the 
year  to  overcome  its  difficulties  with 
captains  of  industry  and  becomes  non- 
union on  election  day  and  surrender? 
the  political  powers  it  possesses,  can 
never  hope  to  find  proper  protection 
from  those  who  make  and  execute  the 
laws.  There  must  be  unison,  both  on 
the  industrial  line  and  at  the  ballot 
booth.  How  much  of  real  unionism 
will  be  manifested  on  the  fifth  of  this 
month  will  become  manifest  when  the 
results  of  the  vote  cast  has  been  tabu- 
lated and  made  public.  But  every 
worker  who  is  a  citizen  should  make 
It  a  point  to  cast  his  ballot  on  that 
day  for  those  who  have  devoted  their 
lives  for  the  advancement  of  labor. 


BUrPALO  LODGES  TO  GIVE  UNION  BALL 
AT  CONVENTION  HAU,  NOV.  20th. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  Nov.  20th. 
a  union  baM  will  be  given  by  the  Buf- 
falo lodges  of  this  organization.  The 
Joint  committees  in  charge  have  the 
affair  well  under  way,  with  excellent 
indications  of  making  it  a  splendid 
success.  The  members'  families  as 
well  as  visitors  who  are  fortunate 
enough  to  attend  this  ball  will  be  ex- 
tended a  hearty  welcome  and  assured 
of  a  royal  good  time.  Convention  Hall, 
comer  of  Elm  wood  avenue  and  Vir- 
ginia street  (Elmwood  and  Hoyt  cars 
unload  you  at  the  door),  has  been  se- 
cured for  this  event.  With  a  seating 
capacity  of  3,000  to  4,000  people,  there 
will  be  ample  floor  space  for  all  who 
attend.  Tickets,  admitting  gentleman 
and  lady,  are  one  dollar  each.  Good 
musical  talent  has  been  secured  for  the 
occasion,  good  order  and  a  good  time 


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711 


generally  la  promised  to  all.  The  com- 
mittees in  charge  urgently  request 
every  member  of  the  union  in  Buffalo 
to  purchase  a  ticket  and  use  it  him- 
self, if  not  compelled  to  work,  and  to 
try  to  sell  all  the  tickets  possible  for 
the  occasion,  since  the  proceeds  go  to 
the  subordinate  lodges  Just  in  propor- 
tion to  the  tickets  sold  by  each  lodge. 


CHARITY  SHOULD  BEGIN  AT  HOME. 

According  to  Mrs.  Carrie  Chapman 
Catt  there  are  in  New  York  City  50,- 
000  women  who  support  their  hus- 
bands. Among  other  things  this 
means  that  in  New  York  City  there 
are  at  least  50,000  men  who  do  not 
look  upon  marriage  as  a  failure. — 
Buffalo  Courier, 

No  sophistry  on  the  part  of  capital- 
istic owned  sheets  will  allay  or  long 
appease  the  large  and  respectable  list 
of  husbands  who  are  ready  and  will- 
ing to  work,  but  for  whom  there  are 
no  Jobs  on  account  of  their  displace- 
ment by  women,  children,  etc.  The 
old  story  of  glorious  prosperity  is 
thread-bare  and  worn  out.  There  are 
several  million  of  our  inhabitants  out 
of  employment  and  dependent  or  par- 
tially dependent  upon  public  charity 
or  the  charity  of  relatives  and  friends 
for  the  bare  necessities  of  life.  But 
the  owner  of  the  Courier  does  not  hap- 
pen to  be  in  this  class  of  unfortunates. 
This  army  of  husbands  who  must  look 
to  their  wives  for  support  in  New 
York  City  and  other  ten  thousands 
of  husbands  in  similar  condition 
throughout  our  glorious  (?)  country, 
as  the  above  report  indicates,  does  not 
cause  those  despondent  husbands  thus 
situated  to  consider  marriage  a  failure. 
But  it  does  tend  to  lead  them  to  the 
fact  that  our  system  of  government, 
based  upon  a  policy  of  profit  and  busi- 
ness exploitation  is  the  rankest  kind 
of  a  failure,  as  far  as  affording  indus- 
trious, law-abiding  men  a  decent  op- 
portunity   to    earn    a    livelihood    for 


their  loved  ones  is  concerned.  The  re- 
cent strike  of  the  dock  men  in  Buffalo 
clearly  indicated  this  and  the  owner 
of  the  Courier  appeared  to  be  able, 
with  an  army  of  detectives  and  strike- 
breakers, to  prevent  several  hundred 
husbands  and  prospective  husbands, 
from  being  able  to  secure  a  little  in- 
crement in  wages  that  would  have 
afforded  them  a  means  of  taking  some 
of  the  burdens  off  the  shoulders  of 
wives  who  are  always  doing  their 
share  toward  supporting  families.  We 
are  not  questioning  Mrs.  Catfs 
figures,  but  it  seems  the  owner  of  the 
Courier  has  an  opportunity  to  do 
much  in  Buffalo  to  prevent  marriage 
being  a  failure  and  we  are  certain 
that  all  his  "dock  hands"  will  bear  us 
out  in  the  assertion.  It  is  not  always 
best  to  get  too  far  away  from  home 
in  talking  about  failures,  for  often  we 
do  not  have  to  go  far  to  find  many 
causes  for  such  failures,  and  those 
talking  most  about  them  contribute 
most  largely  to  their  causes.  Let  us 
clear  up  home  troubles  equitably  be- 
fore philosophizing  too  extensively 
about  success  or  failures  elsewhere. 
Charity  should  begin  at  home. 


TIME  rOR  ELECTION  Of  SUBORDINATE 
LODGE  Of  riCERS  NEAR  AT  HAND. 

It  is  but  a  few  days  now  until  all 
subordinate  lodges  will  be  confronted 
with  the  important  duty  of  election  of 
officers  for  1913.  It  should  be  the  duty 
of  all  lodges  to  keep  this  subject  well 
in  mind  and  make  a  painstaking  ef- 
fort to  select  the  best  timber  available 
when  electing  officers  to  whom  are 
to  be  entrusted  the  active  management 
of  affairs.  The  progress  of  any  lodge 
Is  largely  based  upon  the  efficiency  of 
those  chosen  to  administer  its  business. 
It  is,  however,  an  unfortunate  truth 
that,  in  too  many  instances,  the  offi- 
cers fail  to  have  the  proper  support  of 
those  who  have,  by  their  votes,  placed 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A, 


^tbem  In  office  and,  while  the  success 
of  lodge  work  depends  largely  upon 
those  elected  to  serve  In  office,  they  are 
many  times  woefully  handicapped  for 
want  of  co-operation  of  all  the  mem- 
bership. 

With  the  privilege  of  voting  for  offi- 
cers, there  is  also  an  implied  obliga- 
tion to  aid  those  chosen  in  the  per- 
formance of  their  duties,  whether  or 
not  they  were  their  individual  choices. 
Bvery  member  has  the  same  right  as 
any  other  to  participate  in  their  choice 
and  all  should  cheerfully  support  them 
when  the  elections  are  over.  It  is  al- 
ways well  to  give  due  consideration  to 
the  qualifications  of  those  seeking 
those  offices,  as  well  as  of  those  who 
are  not  and  then  make  the  selections 
according  to  best  judgment  as  to  their 
qualifications  to  best  promote  the  in- 
terests of  the  union.  The  time  for 
their  selection  is  near  and  lodges 
should  be  giving  due  thought  to  the 
subject.  Come  out  and  register  your 
preference  as  to  their  selection  and 
then  join  in  most  heartily  and  make 
their  duties  as  pleasant  and  progres- 
sive as  possible.  Sections  155  and  155a 
in  our  constitution  govern  tne  time 
and  manner  in  which  subordinate 
lodge  elections  are  to  be  conducted. 
All  members  should  familiarize  them- 
selves with  them  and  faithfully  en- 
deavor to  perform  their  duties  relative 
to  them  consistently  and  intelligently. 


RIGHT  AND  WRONG  WAYS -GET  THE 
RIGHT  ONE. 

There  are  but  few  of  your  labor  ills, 
Mr.  Union  Man,  that  are  susceptible  to 
treatment  and  cure,  but  what  a  most 
excellent  antidote  can  be  found  for 
them  if  you  will  come  out  to  your  lodge 
meetings  and  fully  discuss  them  with 
your  co-workers.  They  may  not  agree 
with  you  in  all  you  feel  aggrieved 
about,  and  perhaps  they  shouldn't,  for 
it*s  more  than  likely  if  you're  fair  and 


frank  about  it,  you  may  be  convinced 
you  are  wrong  in  some  respects,  after 
you  hear  other  members'  opinions  ex- 
pressed in  regard  to  them.  There  are 
two  sides  to  most  all  questions  arising 
in  our  minds,  or  with  which  we  are 
continuadly  confronted. 

Turning  the  light  of  fair  and  earnest 
discussion  upon  them  will  usually  get 
facts  and  principles  in  connection  with 
them  pretty  well  sifted  down  to  about 
the  correct  course.  It's  always  better  to 
arrive  at  proper  conclusions  before  do- 
ing an  improper  or  wrongful  act,  than 
to  pursue  the  opposite  course  and 
be  compelled  in  the  end  to  cause 
injury  to  yourself  and  others  and  be 
compelled  to  also  acknowledge  the 
thing  was  Vrong  after  it  was  done. 
•Preventives  are  usually  the  best  cure 
for  labor  ills,  the  same  as  they  are 
for  all  others,  and  labor  union  men 
should  come  out  to  their  reguiar  meet- 
ings and  talk  about  the  things  they 
believe  are  right  and  wrong  and  pre- 
vent as  many  of  the  wrongs  as  pos- 
sible. Entirely  too  many  members  of 
this  organization  remain  away  from 
the  meetings  of  their  lodge,  until  they 
are  confronted  with  a  serious  personal 
grievance,  when  they  make  haste  to 
their  lodge  hall  in  order  to  have  it 
straightened  out.  If  all  members  of 
•labor  unions  attended  their  meetings, 
as  they  should,  and  were  frank  and 
honest  in  the  discussions  of  right 
courses  of  action  to  pursue,  there 
would  be  much  fewer  grievances  on 
account  of  anticipating  them.  Besides 
there  would  be  a  much  better  means 
for  overcoming  those  to  contend  with 
from  the  fact  of  familiarizing  them- 
selves with  the  right  courses  of  action 
when  they  did  occur.  Empty  labor 
halls  indicate  a  want  of  interest, 
which  in  turn  indicate  to  employers 
suggestions  and  courses  of  unjust  rules 
of  discipline  and  afford  them  excellent 
opportunities  of  carrying  them  out. 
Those  for  whom  we  work  have  Just 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N. 


713 


the  amount  of  respect  for  ua  we  are 
able  to  command.  The  amount  we  are 
capable  of  securing  depends  entirely 
upon  the  amount  of  interest  taken  in 
our  working  affairs.  If  we  are  inter- 
ested in  such  matters  and  force  the  fact 
upon  employers,  they  will  give  us  re- 
spectful hearings  when  aggrieved.  But 
otherwise  they  will  not.  Don't  neglect 
to  interest  yourself  in  the  affairs  of 
your  union  and  to  also  interest  as 
many  of  your  co-workers  as  possible. 


LABOR  SHOULD   UPHOLD  ITS  REPRC- 

SCNTATIVCS  UNTIL  FAIRLY  CON- 

VICTCD  or  WRONGFUL  ACTS. 

The  exciting  campaign.  Just  gone 
through,  should  not  be  allowed  to  de- 
tract our  minds  from  the  trials  against 
labor  and  labor  leaders  now  going  on 
at  Lawrence,  Mass.,  Indianapolis,  Ind., 
in  Louisiana,  Kansas  or  elsewhere.  It 
requires  a  high  grade  of  fortitude  to 
champion  the  cause  of  those  who  toil 
in  our  glorious  (?)  land  of  the  free. 
While  the  great  corporate  concerns 
publicly  proclaim  they  realize  the 
need  of  labor  unions  and  the  benefit 
to  the  public  of  the  reforms  they  seek 
to  establish  they,  none  the  less,  fight 
every  attempt  made  by  unionists  to 
effect  such  reforms.  It  matters  not 
whether  labor  seeks  reforms  in  the 
manner  of  living:  wages,  decent  sani- 
tary or  safety  conditions,  the  fight  by 
corporate  influences  may  always  be 
counted  upon  to  be  against  them.  The 
more  enthusiastic  those  chosen  by  la- 
bor are  in  behalf  of  the  reforms  they 
are  delegated  by  the  workers  to 
espouse,  the  fiercer  is  the  onslaught 
against  them  by  employers  of  labor. 
All  union  men  should  therefore  be 
more  painstaking  than  ever  to 
take  up  the  defense  of  those  now 
being  prosecuted  and  persecuted 
in  every  embarrassing  manner 
known  to  the  highly  skilled  trouble 
makers  of  those  in  the  service  of  em- 


ploying corporations.  Unless  every  con- 
tention of  corporate  influence  against 
those  seeking  to  make  brighter  the 
lot  of  those  doing  the  work  in  manu- 
facturing plants  is  made  an  issue  of 
and  fought  to  the  end,  the  endurance 
of  greater  hardships  than  yet  imposed 
by  captains  of  industry  will  be  their 
lot.  So,  whatever  guilt  or  innocence 
may  develop  at  these  trials,  those  ac- 
cused men  should  be  given  our  full 
support  until  such  time  as  they  are 
proven  guilty  of  the  offences  charged 
against  them.  A  lack  of  proper  sup- 
port is  oftentimes  the  cause  of  wrong  - 
ful  charges  being  sustained  in  court 
trials  and  the  establishment  of  false 
guilt  being  fastened  upon  those  inno- 
cent of  the  charges  accused  of.  It  mat- 
ters but  little  to  the  big  concerns 
prosecuting  Ettor  and  Givionnati  at 
Lawrence,  Mass.,  the  leading  spirits  of 
the  Structural  Iron  Workers  at  Indian- 
apolis, Ind.,  the  lumber  workers  in  the 
South,  those  believing  in  freedom  of 
speech  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  San  Diego,  Cal., 
or  Warren  in  his  fight  for  a  constitu- 
tional right  to  freedom,  of  a  free  press 
at  Girard,  Kans.,  or  elsewhere,  Just  so 
they  are  able  to  establish  in  court  con- 
victing evidence.  It  matters  not  how 
contemptible  the  source  or  the  manner 
employed  in  getting  evidence,  nor  its 
quality  after  secured,  nor  the  fact  that 
such  evidence  and  the  sources  of  it 
would  be  ruled  out  of  court  were  It 
being  applied  against  them  instead  of 
those  they  are  prosecuting.  They  are 
always  bent  on  its  full  application 
being  applied  to  those  who  challenge 
them  for  a  fair  wage  and  decent  con- 
ditions under  which  to  live,  or  to  let 
the  world  hear  their  story  through" 
their  publications.  Union  laborers  are 
the  recipients  of  whatever  is  obtained 
through  the  efforts  of  their  committee- 
men, business  agents,  true  legislative 
friends,  organizers,  local  and  Grand 
Lodge '  officers  and  their  publications, 
and    can    ill    afford    to    allow    any 


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714 


JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


charge  against  them  by  big  busi- 
ness to  be  pulled  off,  whether  within 
or  without  the  Jurisdictions  of  courts 
to  handle,  without  a  genuine  challenge 
as  to  the  validity  of  such  accusations. 
Much  greater  Joy  would  be  In  store 
for  the  captains  of  corporate  affairs  to 
know  that  the  workers  were  indlifer 
ent  to  the  extent  of  fears  and  non-eup 
port  of  their  representatives  when 
called  upon  to  answer  court  charges, 
than  there  would  be  were  their  repre- 
sentatives all  convicted  with  the 
knowledge  that  all  the  workers  were 
standing  loyally  by  them  to  a  man. 
But  if  the  workers  stand  by  their  rep- 
resentatives to  a  man  as  they  should, 
they  will  not  be  convicted  of  crimes 
unless  they  are  guilty.  But  they  will 
be  if  they  fail  to  give  them  loyal  sup- 
port. Be  a  unit  in  supporting  ques- 
tions of  right  principles  and  always  be 
"from  Miasourl"  to  the  extent  of  com- 
pelling corporate  Influence  "to  show" 
you  beyond  question  of  doubt  that 
their  accusations  against  labor  are 
true,  whether  In  or  out  of  court. 


IMPORTANCe  or  TIMELY  PAYMENT  OP 
YOUR  DUES. 

What  a  painful  thing  It  often  is  to 
be  compelled  to  suspend  a  large  list 
of  our  members  from  our  membership 
rolls  who  are,  perhaps,  allowing  the 
only  protection  they  have  for  their  loved 
ones  to  lapse  and  become  InefTective  In 
the  event  of  their  death  or  the  sustain 
ing  of  injuries  of  such  a  character  that 
would  entitle  them  to  the  amount  of 
insurance  to  which  they  would  be  en- 
titled if  in  good  standing  at  the 
time  such  misfortune  overtook  them. 
And  to  think  so  much  of  this  sort  of 
thing  happens  when  members  have 
regular  jolSs.  True,  a  good  per  cent, 
of  them  reinstate  themselves  sooner 
or  later,  but  many  never  do  and  al- 
most criminally  throw  their  loved  ones 
upon  the  charity  of  the  world  when 
they    die.     We   cannot   conceive    the 


channel  of  thou«;ht  that  permeates  the 
mind  of  a  member  who  will  take  such 
an  awful  chance,  when  in  the  major 
portion  of  Instances  it  is  all  uncalled 
for.  Brothers,  think  seriously  and  well 
before  allowing  your  insurance  to 
lapse,  for  you  know  not  what  ill-for 
tune  will  visit  you  a  moment  after  you 
are  suspended.  The  writer  has  had 
his  attention  called  to  several  who 
were  burled  within  a  week  after  their 
suspensions.  We  should  strive  faith- 
fully to  prevent  such  misfortune  fall* 
ing  to  the  lot  of  our  families.  The  in- 
exorable rules  governing  the  insur- 
ance laws,  as  laid  down  In  our  con- 
stitution, apply  to  all  alike,  and  only 
those  who  pay  their  dues  and  assess- 
ments in  advance  may  participate  in 
the  benefit  of  our  insurance  fund.  We 
can  not  afford  to  neglect  these  import- 
ant truths.  Their  provisions  as  to 
amount  of  expense,  times  when  to  be 
paid  are  fully  explained  in  our  consti- 
tution and  by-laws,  and  our  member- 
ship should  make  it  a  point  to  fa- 
miliarize themselves  with  those  laws 
and  also  to  attend  to  payment  of  their 
dues  in  such  manner  as  will  insure 
them  of  their  full  protection.  Rail- 
roads are  conducting  class  meetings 
for  the  purpose  of  Instructing  employ- 
ers in  regard  to  precautions  which 
will  eliminate  many  of  the  personal 
injuries  and  damages  to  property  if 
carried  out.  Our  lodge  halls  should  be 
utilized  for  similar  purposes  in  study- 
ing our  constitution  and  becoming  bet- 
ter acquainted  with  the  conditions,  on 
their  own  part,  that  must  be  con- 
formed with  if  they  expect  to  partici- 
pate in  the  benefits  of  the  insurance 
features  of  their  unions.  These  benefits 
are  only  paid  to  beneficiaries  of  those 
who  are  in  good  standing  at  the  time 
of  their  death  or  total  disability.  How 
very  Important  then  is  the  question  of 
always  keeping  in  good  standing.  We 
are  sorry  we  cannot  make  it  more 
strikingly  plain  to  all  our  members. 


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716 


THIRTY^CCOND  ANNUAL  CONVENTION 
AMfRKAN  rEDERATION,Or  LABOR. 

The  thirty-second  annual  convention 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor 
will  open  in  the  city  of  Rochester, 
N.  Y.,  Monday,  November  11th. 

This  convention  represents  a  mighty 
phalanx  of  approximately  2,000,000 
union  labor  men  and  women;  a  mo- 
mentous force  of  Intellectual  and  phys- 
ical power,  whose  Influence  is  being 
exerted  for  a  higher  standard  of  life 
for  those  who  do  the  world's  useful 
work  and  which  permeates  through 
every  city  in  this  country.  But  mighty 
as  it  is,  it  must  become  more  so  until 
within  the  ranks  of  those  it  represents 
are  found  all  the  workers  of  the  land, 
else  it  will  fail  to  fully  represent  those 
it  seeks  to  and  those  it  should. 

It  does  not  represent  a  perfect  fed- 
eration of  properly  organized  workers. 
Neither  did  any  other  similar  body 
ever  perfectly  represent  them. 

But  it  is  the  only  convention  held  in 
the  United  States  where  all  the  dele- 
gates in  attendance  are  union  labor 
men  and  women  and  who  are  selected 
by  2,000,000  union  men  and  women. 

So  whatever  the  defects  or  ills  that 
crop  out  among  the  committees  or  the 
delegates  upon  the  floor  during  its  ses- 
sion, this  gathering  will  come  nearer 
representing  union  labor  than  will  that 
of  any  other  convention  ever  convened 
in  this  country.  How  fortunate  will  it 
be,  if  from  this  great  throng  of  dele- 
gates, is  disseminated  a  new  message 
of  hope  and  light  for  the  union  labor 
movement  when  they  return  to  their 
respective  home  cities,  as  the  result  of 
commingling  and  co-operation  in  the 
councils  of  this  great  labor  convention. 

Two  million  men  and  women  se- 
lected from  the  best  paid  workers  of 
their  respective  working  classes  in  this 
country  represent  a  mighty  power  for 
any  purpose  in  which  it  Is  unitedly  en- 
listed and  directed.  They  have  noth- 
ing to  fear  from  a  progressive  course 


of  action,  either  in  the  individual  or 
political  fleld. 

If  they  will  utilize  their  full  power 
of  influence  in  both,  they  can  cure 
many  of  the  ills  now  seriously  afflict-* 
ing  a  great  portion  of  our  population. 
The  oflicials  of  this  federation  claim  a 
representation  of  fourteen  labor  union 
card  men  in  congress  who  are  inter- 
ested in  behalf  of  legislation  favorable 
to  the  interests  of  the  toilers.  But  are 
fourteen  congressmen  a. fair  represen- 
tation for  2,000,000  workers,  the  larg- 
est portion  of  whom  are  voting  citizens 
who  represent  and  are  bread-earners 
for  several  other  millions  of  our  popu- 
lation? There  are  still  other  millions 
of  workers  whose  rate  of  wages  depend 
almost  directly  upon  these  2,000,000 
union  workmen  to  be  represented  by 
the  coming  to  this  convention.  So  by 
the  most  optimistic  view  possible  to 
take  of  the  political  aspect  of  it,  they 
appear  to  be  very  much  misrepre- 
sented in  congress.  While  they  have 
some  power  there,  it  is  insignificant  in 
comparison  to  what  it  should  be.  Let 
us  hope  this  convention  will  realize 
this  and  take  steps  to  carry  its  battles 
to  the  voting  booths  with  the  same 
persistent  force  it  handles  its  griev- 
ances at  the  mills  and  factories.  The 
employes  in  some  of  the  largest  indus- 
tries in  the  country,  such  as  the  cotton 
and  woollen  mills  and  steel  plants,  for 
instance,  are  unorganized  and  are  suf- 
fering great  impositions  on  account  of 
this  fact.  Proper  influence  exerted  on 
the  part  of  2,000,000  labor  union  work- 
ers would  be  a  mighty  impetus  to- 
wards organizing  this  large  aggrega- 
tion of  unorganized  forces  that  'cap- 
tains of  industry  are  exploiting  beyond 
endurance.  This  convention  should 
give  more  attention  to  this  large  un- 
organized force  than  any  past  one  has 
done.  The  progress  of  organizations 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Federar 
tion  have  been  more  or  less  impeded 
by    contentions    relative    to    jurisdic- 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


tional  rights,  etc.,  in  the  past,  especial- 
ly so  in  relation  to  railroad  car  work- 
*ers,  the  electrical  workers  and  the  car- 
penters and  a  special  effort  should  be 
'exerted  at  this  convention  to  overcome 
whatever,  if  any  such  differences,  that 
still  exist  and  endeavor  to  obviate  the 
necessity  or  possibility  of  their  re- 
currences or  new  ones  arising.  What- 
ever defects  existing  in  the  strong  de- 
partments under  the  federation  there 
should  be  given  to  all  all  possible  en- 
couragement, that  they  may  become 
stronger  arms  to  the  parent  body. 

Eispecially  are  we  interested  in  the 
further  development  of  its  railroad  de- 
partment and  hope  every  delegate  con- 
nected with  the  brotherhoods  repre- 
senting those  unions,  will  make  special 
efforts  to  create  a  closer  relationship 
among  the  organizations  they  repre- 
sent, in  order  that  their  efforts  may 
be  more  effective  in  the  prevention  of 
strikes  and  the  assurance  of  greater 
solidarity  of  interests  and  making 
them  more  successful  if  compelled  to 
resort  to  them  in  effort  to  adjust  griev- 
ances. 

Labor  unionists,  the  world  over,  yea, 
the  manufacturers  and  other  corporate 
concerns,  the  world  over  also,  will 
watch  with  keen  interest  the  move- 
ments and  actions  of  that  great  con- 
vention which  convenes  in  Rochester 
November  11th,  in  response  to  the  of- 
ficial notice  calling  its  delegates  to- 
gether. 

INITIAL  CffECTS  Of  NCW  rirTY-rOUR 
HOUR  LAW  IN  NCW  YORK  STATE. 

A  new  minimum  of  hour-service 
law  for  ifi^omen  and  children  became 
effective  In  the  State  of  New  York 
Oct.  1st.  According  to  this  statute  it 
is  unlawful  to  work  women  or  chil- 
dren over  fifty-four  hours  per  week, 
with  a  few  exceptions,  such  as  in  can- 
ning factories,  etc.,  where  the  working 
season  is  very  short.  The  shortening 
of  working  hours  in  conformity  to  this 


law,  and  the  attempts  by  the  factories 
to  pay  the  (prmerly  hour  wage,  the 
result  of  which  means  a  reduction  of 
from  60  cents  to  $1.10  per  week  on 
the  weekly  pay  envelope  of  each  em- 
ploye from  their  already  poverty  rates 
of  pay  is  already  causing  considerable 
trouble.  As  happened  in  the  State  of 
Massachusetts  in  January,  when  a  sim- 
ilar law  became  effective,  the  workers 
are  rebelling  against  any  reductions  in 
amount  of  their  weekly  pay,  regardless 
of  length  of  working  hours  arranged 
for  under  the  provisions  of  this  act. 
Several  strikes  against  such  reductions 
have  already  been  declared,  and  others 
will  doubtless  follow,  unless  the  own- 
ers assume  the  discrepancy  of  loss 
brought  about  by  the  reduction  of 
working  hours  forced  upon  them.  Re- 
gardless of  whether  or  not  they  do  so. 
the  employes  realize  they  were  unable 
to  exist  in  any  decent  manner  upon 
their  former  weekly  wage,  ranging  as 
a  rule  from  |6  to  $9.50  per  week,  and 
the  hopelessness  of  now  attempting  to 
make  both  ends  meet  when  weekly  pay 
envelopes  are  minus  10  per  cent,  of 
former  earnings.  These  factories  are 
beneficiaries  of  our  high  wall  protec- 
tive tariff,  so  much  discussed  in  the 
campaign  just  closed,  which  is  levied 
to  enable  manufacturers  to  pay  a  high 
(?)  standard  of  wages  to  American 
workmen. 

Well — the  above  figures  are  the  high 
weekly  standards  of  pay  for  thousands 
of  wage-earners  in  the  Empire  State 
with  which  to  support  a  family.  Can 
an  American  family  be  respectably 
supported  on  such  a  weekly  stipend? 
Try  it  and  see. 

Those  workers  have  tried  it  and 
know  it  can't  be  done,  and  not  being 
able  to  coax  a  few  more  cents  per 
week  out  of  the  dividends  of  factory 
owners,  are  now  endeavoring  to  do  so 
by  persuasion,  are  trying  the  method 
of  striking  for  them.  As  usually 
occurs,  all  the  machinery  of  govern- 


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ment  is  brought  into  effect  for  the  pro- 
tection of  benefiting  the  factories  and 
for  the  oppression  of  the  strilcers. 
There  need  be  no  surprises  if  those 
strikers  are  goaded  to  points  beyond 
human  endurance  by  city  and  State 
officers,  until  our  college  bayonet  boys, 
and  Buffalo  and  other  cities  armory 
boys,  will  vie  with  each  other  for  the 
opportunity  of  proceeding  hither  to 
earn  new  laurels  by  bayonet  or  bullet 
processes  resorted  to  by  our  philan- 
thropic guiding  spirits  for  whose  pro- 
tection every  man,  woman  and  child 
must  pay  a  war  tax  of  |5  each  year, 
when  men  and  women  are  naughty 
enough  to  demand  a  better  wage  and 
opportunity  to  live.  Yet  we  all  are 
created  equal  and  are  endowed  by  the 
Creator  with  certain  inalienable  rights, 
among  which  are  life,  liberty  and  the 
pursuit  of  happiness,  etc.  For  'twas 
so  our  sentiments  were  expressed  by 
the  immortal  sage  of  Monticello  in  our 
great  Declaration  of  Independence. 
But,  of  course,  such  expressions  and 
the  present-day  questions  of  providing 
suitable  provender,  in  the  way  of  food, 
clothing  and  shelter  for  workers  and 
their  families,  are  different  subjects. 


Organization  is  visible  in  everything 
we  must  contend  with  in  life  for  an 
existence.  Since  the  workers  have  to 
vie  with  all  contending  forms  of  or- 
ganization their  strength  is  pitted 
against,  how  important  it  should  be 
that  they  should  be  thoroughly  organ- 
ized aind  work  unitedly  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  the  best  procurable  there 
i?  in  life.  Organization  and  proper 
(effort  are  prime  factors  to  success. 


Business  is  improving  in  most  of  the 
terminals  throughout  the  country,  and 
we  are  in  hopes  to  receive  quite  a  sub- 
stantial increase  in  membership  as  the 
result,  and  we  feel  sure  we  will  if  our 
members  generally  will  make  use  of 


their  opportunities  and  impress  upon 
those  with  whom  they  work  the  im- 
portance of  "lining  up"  in  the  union 
that  best  represents  their  interests. 


If  you  have  paid  for  and  secured  ad- 
vance  receipts,  it  indicates  your  name 
is  on  the  correct  side  of  your  lodge 
ledger.  Unfortunately,  it  does  not 
guarantee  that  you  are  an  active 
unionist.  To  be  so,  we  mudt  work 
faithfully  in  every  honorable  manner 
available  to  promote  labor's  cause. 


It  does  not  require  much  time  to 
become  affiliated  with  a  labor  union, 
but  it  takes  much  study  and  much 
painstaking  effort  to  become  a  live 
trade  unionist  after  you  are  a  member, 
and  that  is  an  essential  feature  of  the 
labor  movement  so  many  members  of 
unions  lose  out  on. 


If  you  are  not  a  member  of  a  labor 
union  and  are  receiving  an  extra  rate 
of  pay  due  to  the  efforts  of  one,  you 
are  an  ingrate,  however,  much  you 
may  try  to  be  a  good  fellow.  Union 
men  and  women  have  sacrificed  much 
of  their  time  and  means  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  this  old  world  a  more 
habitable  place  to  dwell  in.  Those  who 
try  to  get  all  the  benefit  of  this  self- 
sacrifice  on  the  part  of  loyal  unionists 
without  Joining  in  such  movements, 
are  mere  parasites  and  there  should  be 
no  "beating  around  the  bush"  in  ap- 
praising them  of  such  fact. 


Bro.  J.  E.  Wilson,  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  Gateway  Lodge  No.  22^ 
La  Crosse,  Wis.,  sends  in  the  sad 
news  of  the  death  of  his  wife.  She 
was  buried  at  La  Crosse  on  September 
25th.  Bro.  Wilson  has  the  sympathy 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  the  entire 
membership  of  the  organization  in 
this  his  time  of  bereavement     Bro. 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


Wilson  is  well  and  favorably  known 
to  all  delegates  who  have  attended 
conventions  of  this  union  during  the 
last  ten  years,  also  to  many  of  the 
old  members  of  the  S.  M.  A.  A.,  from 
the  fact  of  his  having  been  Grand  Mas- 
ter of  that  organization. 


rrom  President  Hcberlkig. 

To  THE  Officers  and  MEifSEBS  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union: 

I  desire  to  call  your  attention  to  sec- 
tion 304a  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge 
Constitution,  which  reads  as  follows: 

"Any  lodge  giving  an  entertainment 
of  any  kind,  ball,  picnic,  outing  or  re- 
union, with  a  view  of  raising  money 
for  the  benefit  of  its  local  funds,  and 
soliciting  patronage  from  the  general 
public,  the  railroads,  manufacturing 
companies,  or  business  concerns  of  any 
nature  whatsoever,  through  the  me- 
dium of  an  advertising  system  of  any 
kind,  shall  be  permitted  to  do  so  only 
through  the  affirmative  action  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodge.  No  contract  can 
be  entered  into  with  any  publishing 
house,  or  company,  or  business  concern 
of  any  kind,  or  Individual  for  such  pur- 
pose, and  no  letter  issued  by  the  lodge 
or  any  officer  or  member  thereof,  for 
such  purpose,  with  or  without  lodge 
seal  attached,  will  be  furnished  to  or 
handled  by  any  person  except  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Union  in  good  standing, 
acting  under  and  with  the  approval  of 
the  International  President  and  Grand 
Board  of  Directors.  Such  member,  or 
members,  designated  by  the  lodge  be- 
fore contract  is  furnished,  shall  give  a 
bond  in  a  reliable  surety  company,  ac- 
ceptable to  the  International  President 
and  Grand  Board  of  Directors,  in  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  dollars,  for  an  ac- 
curate report  of  all  benefits  to  be  de- 
rived per  such  contract  issued;  copy 
of  said  contract  to  be  forwarded  to, 
and  retained  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  Treasurer,  together  with  the  bond. 
Violations  of  this  section  will  be  pun- 
ishable by  forfeiture  of  lodge  charter, 
or  expulsion  of  officers  or  members 
guilty  of  this  violation.  The  Interna- 
tional President,  with  the  approval  of 
the  Grand  Board  of  Directors,  will 
have  full  power  to  decide  upon  any 
violations  of  this  section,  and  their  de- 
cision shall  be  final,  unless  reversed  by 
the  Grand  Lodge." 


There  are  a  great  many  complaints 
coming  in  from  different  cities  of  the 
United  States  on  account  of  men  so- 
liciting advertisements  in  the  name  of 
the  Switchmen's  Union  in  violation  of 
this  section  of  the  Constitution.  Some 
of  these  men  claim  to  represent  the 
International  Tardmasters'  Associa- 
tion, as  well  as  the  Switchmen. 

About  three  years  ago,  instructions 
were  issued  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  to  the  Chief  of  Po- 
lice of  every  city  and  town  In  the 
United  States  instructing  them  to  ar- 
rest and  prosecute  anyone  that  was  so- 
liciting unlawfully  in  the  name  of  this 
Union  and  stating  that  the  Switch- 
men's Union  would  pay  the  expenses 
of  the  prosecution.  It  is  the  duty  of 
every  member  of  this  organization  to 
protect  the  good  name  of  this  Union 
and  if  they  find  that  men  are  imposing 
upon  the  business  men  at  the  expense 
of  the  Union,  they  should  interest 
themselves  and  see  that  they  are  prose- 
cuted according  to  the  laws  of  the  city 
or  state,  as  the  case  may  be.  It  is  a 
detriment  to  the  organization  for  graft- 
ers to  misrepresent  the  Union  to  the 
public,  and  when  ybur  organization 
gives  a  ball  or  an  entertainment  to 
raise  funds  for  your  local  treasury  or 
to  assist  a  worthy  member  who  may 
be  in  need  on  account  of  sickness  or 
injury,  you  find  that  your  friends  had 
given  sums  of  money  to  parties  who 
misrepresented  your  organization  and 
in  many  cases  failed  to  even  deliver  a 
souvenir  book  to  the  business  man. 
This  has  left  a  very  bad  impression  on 
him  regarding  the  methods  of  this  or- 
ganization. 

Section  304a  was  put  into  the  Con- 
stitution to  protect  this  organization 
from  imposition  by  grafters  and  any 
man,  regardless  of  whether  he  is  a 
member  of  this  union  or  not  who  has 
not  a  bona  fide  contract  according 
to  that  section,  protected  by  a  bond  of 
$1000  in  a  reliable  surety  company, 
should  be  immediately  arrested  and 
punished  according  to  the  laws  of  that 
section  of  the  country.  Any  officer  of 
a  local  lodge  who  violates  this  section 
of  the  Constitution  will  be  punished 
according  to  the  provisions  of  the  Con- 
stitution. 

Hoping  every  member  will  assist  in 
protecting  the  good  name  of  this  union, 
I  remain,  fraternally. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

S.  E.  Hebebling, 


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617 


rrom  Vke-PitsMcfit  ConnorB. 

Chicago,  III. 
Bditob  Switchm£N*s  Journal: 

After  a  silence  of  two  months  I  will 
again  contribute  to  the  Joubnal  in  an 
effort  to  smoke  the  rats  out  of  their 
holes.  Have  any  of  you  seen  Circular 
No.  7,  by  his  highness  Mr.  Lee?  In  it 
he  claims  that  his  members  in  the  low- 
paid  yards,  on  the  good-conditions  (N., 
C.  4  St  L.)  route,  are  negroes.  I  must 
confess  this  is  news  to  me,  as  I  was 
always  of  the  impression  that  negroes 
were  not  eligible  to  membership  in  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  It  looks  suspicious,  for  I 
can't  imagine  that  Mr.  Lee  would 
assume  to  legislate  for  negroes,  or  any 
other  body  of  men  not  members  of  his 
organization.  According  to  his  own 
statements,  and  according  to  his  con- 
tract with  the  N.,  C.  &  St.  L.  Ry..  he 
has  degraded  the  negro  by  forcing  him 
to  submit  to  unjust  conditions  without 
his  consent  For  under  the  agreement 
the  negro  is  bound  to  work  for  the 
starvation  wages  fixed  for  him  by  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  committee.  Should  he  at- 
tempt to  better  his  condition  and  pre- 
cipitate a  strike,  according  to  the  long- 
eatablished  rule  of  the  contract  pro- 
tectors, Mr.  Lee  or  some  of  his  emis- 
saries would  have  to  go  to  Rome  and 
scab  the  negro's  Job  to  protect  their 
contract  with  the  company,  and  this 
"would  be  pie"  for  him— Just  like 
"taking  bird  seed  from  a  cuckoo."  As 
a  matter  of  fact,  I  have  been  over  the 
entire  system  of  the  N.,  C.  &  St.  L., 
and  all  the  switchmen  I  met  were 
white  men,  so  intensely  white,  they 
were  considering  the  proposition  of 
quitting  the  B.  of  R.  T.  and  Joining  a 
labor  union. 

In  Circular  No.  7,  Mr.  Lee  draws  a 
comparison  of  wages  being  paid  by 
the  Rock  Island  under  S.  U.  condi- 
tlouB,  and  those  being  paid  in  the 
same  towns  by  the  A.,  T.  it  S.  F.,  Bur- 
lington, 'Frisco,  and  the  Missouri  Pa- 
cific, but  he  did  not  tell  you  that  the 
standard  of  wages  for  switchmen  on 
the  roads  he  claims  to  control  was 
fixed  years  ago,  some  by  the  S.  M.  A. 
A.,  and  some  by  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
later,  and  that  the  increases  obtained 
by  this  union  since  1902  have  refiected 
to  all  switchmen  working  on  those 
systems,  and  in  this  way  the  switch- 
men's standard  has  been  maintained. 
He  claims  the  S.  XT.  has  only  one  sys- 


tem schedule  west  of  Mississippi  river, 
and  this  is  true,  but  it  was  obtained 
by  honest  effort,  while  on  the  other 
hand  every  schedule  controlled  by  Mr. 
Lee  west  of  the  river  was  given  to  him 
as  a  reward  for  his  treachery  in  scab- 
bing on  the  switchmen.  Why  should 
he  feel  especially  proud  of  his  sched- 
ule on  the  D.  ft  R.  G.,  K.  C.  S.,  G.  N., 
N.  P.,  and  the  terminals  in  the  Twin  , 
Cities? 

He  speaks  of  the  differential  in  the 
Denver  district  and  claims  that  it  was 
obtained  by  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  while  the 
truth  is  that  agitation  was  started  for 
the  differential  in  that  district  In  1907, 
which  brought  on  a  strike  in  Denver 
on  the  C.  ft  S.,  and  every  member  of 
this  union  working  for  that  company 
was  ordered  out  on  strike,  and  after  a 
short  struggle  the  men  were  ordered 
back  to  work  by  Mr.  Morrlssey,  at  that 
time  president  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  for 
the  same  rate  of  pay  received  before 
the  strike  took  place.  The  company 
voluntarily  gave  an  Increase  of  one 
cent  per  hour,  and  the  balance  was 
submitted  to  arbitration.  E.  E.  Clark, 
formerly  Chief  Conductor  of  the  O.  R. 
C,  but  at  that  time  a  member  of  the 
Interstate  Commerce  Commission,  was 
selected  as  arbitrator  and  decided  that 
the  other  ce^t  be  given,  making  a  dif- 
ferential of  two  cents  per  hour.  Thus 
you  can  see  that  the  S.  U.  men,  the 
O.  R.  C.  men,  and  the  non-member  had 
as  much  to  do  with  getting  the  differ- 
ential as  did  the  B.  of  R.  T. 

Mr.  Lee  seems  to  be  interested  in  the 
switchmen  on  the  Rock  Island.  I  have 
a  proposition  to  make.  If  Lee  will 
sign  an  agreement  that  he  will  keep 
his' hands  off  and  not  interfere;  if  he 
will  furnish  a  suitable  bond  as  a  guar- 
antee that  he  will  not  scab  on  the 
switchmen,  we  will  get  standard  pay 
for  every  yard  on  the  Rock  Island.  I 
will  go  further  and  promise  to  get 
living  wages  for  the  switchmen  on  the 
N.,  C.  ft  St  L.,  whom  Mr.  Lee  claims 
are  negroes. 

He  warns  Bro.  Heberling  and  me  that 
we  are  treading  on  dangerous  ground, 
and  I  presume  that  Mr.  Lee  Imagined 
he  was  presiding  over  a  B.  of  R.  T. 
convention  when  he  wrote  that  circu- 
lar, and  was  warning  a  couple  of  dele- 
gates to  be  good,  otherwise  they  would 
be  sent  home,  and  when  they  got  home 
it  would  be  a  question  whether  or  not 
they  would  have  a  Job.    But  I  have  no 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


fear  of  him,  and  I  will  wager  that  Bro. 
Heberllng  can  take  care  of  himself. 
Mr.  Lee  and  his  emissaries  have  tried 
in  every  way  to  keep  the  switchmen 
from  getting  justice.  Whenever  this 
union  has  taken  up  the  question  of  bet- 
ter wages  and  working  conditions,  he 
and  his  "bunch"  have  tried  to  prevent 
us  from  receiving  a  fair  compensation 
for  our  labors,  and  whenever  he  does 
this,  he  is  injuring  every  switchman. 
For  the  rule  has  been  that,  whenever 
we  have  got  increases,  ail  switchmen 
have  profited  by  our  efforts.  In  the 
last  wage  movement  Mr.  Lee  did  his 
best  to  prevent  us  from  being  success- 
ful. On  the  30th  day  of  November, 
1909,  he  was  at  the  Great  Northern 
Hotel,  Chicago,  and  when  he  heard  the 
switchmen  had  struck  in  the  North- 
west, rubbed  his  hands  in  glee,  and  67- 
claimed,  "Good!  This  means  the  end 
of  the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North 
America";  and,  turning  to  A.  F.  Whit- 
ney, one  of  the  vice-presidents  of  the  B. 
of  R.  T.,  who  was  present,  said,  "You 
go  to  Duluth  and  order  those  66  men 
back  to  work."  Another  member  of 
his  organization,  who  was  present, 
called  the  attention  of  Lee  and  Whit- 
ney to  the  fact  that  such  conduct 
could  only  have  the  effect  of  making 
scabs  of  the  56  members  of  the  B.  of 
R.  T.,  as  the  strike  was  a  legally  au- 
thorized S.  U.  strike,  whereupon  Lee 
flew  into  a  rage  and  proclaimed  that 
he  was  shaping  the  policy  of  the  B.  of 
R.  T.,  and  would  not  be  dictated  to  by 
anybody. 

On  Dec.  3d,  after  a  conference  with 
his  committee,  he  notified  Mr.  Rawn 
that,  owing  to  unsettled  conditions  in 
yard  service,  he  would  not  press  for 
an  immediate  conference.  He  then 
telegraphed  President  Taft  that  there 
would  be  no  strike. 

From  that  time  until  the  end  of  our 
negotiations,  the  B.  of  R.  T.  was  not 
considered  in  the  movement.  Mr.  Lee 
had  shown  his  hand,  and  the  ofllcials 
knew  that  as  far  as  he  was  concerned 
he  dared  not  strike.  They  did  not 
know  what  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  was 
•going  to  do,  but  they  did  know,  how- 
ever, that  if  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  called 
a  strike  every  true,  loyal  switchman 
In  Chicago  would  go  out  regardless  of 
organization.  They  knew  positively 
the  switchmen  wanted  more  money, 
and  further  knew  they  would  be  with 
the  organization  that  could  get  it.  Our 


committee  went  into  session  with  the 
general  managers'  committee,  in  the 
Railway  Exchange  Building,  on  Dec. 
13th.  We  held  seventeen  sessions  that 
lasted  until  Jan.  5th,  and  during  this 
time  we  never  heard  from  the  mighty 
Lee.  But  all  of  a  sudden  he  came  to 
life,  after  he  was  advised  that  we  were 
going  to  arbitrate.  He  saw  that  he 
had  gone  to  sleep  at  the  switch,  and 
we  had  run  around  him,  so  he  immedi- 
ately set  about  to  frustrate  our  plans, 
and  prevent  the  switciimen  from  get- 
ting Justice.  On  the  11th  of  January, 
the  day  before  the  switchmen's  com- 
mittee was  to  meet  the  officials  at 
Washington,  Lee  sent  the  following 
message  to  Messrs.  Knapp  and  Neal, 
chairman  of  the  Interstate  Commerce 
Commission,  and  United  States  Com- 
missioner of  Labor,  respectively: 

"Press  reports  proposed  mediation 
at  Washington  of  wages  and  working 
conditions  of  Chicago  yardmen  with 
agreement  to  arbitrate  under  Erdman 
Act  should  mediation  fail.  This  agree- 
ment has  been  made  by  representatives 
of  minority  of  roads  and  representa- 
tives of  minority  of  employes  affected. 
The  majority  of  employes  in  the  dis- 
trict are  represented  by  the  Brother- 
hood of  Railroad  Trainmen,  and  we 
submit  that  any  settlement  of  the  ques- 
tion by  methods  proposed  is  without 
regard  for  the  rights  of  the  majority 
and  prejudicial  to  their  interests.  The 
requests  of  the  majority  for  the  dis- 
trict were  filed  with  the  management 
prior  to  those  of  the  minority  now  be- 
ing considered.  The  Brotherhood  of 
Railroad  Trainmen  therefore  PRO- 
TESTS against  the  proposed  proceed- 
ings as  impracticable  because  disre- 
gardful  of  the  rights  of  the  major- 
ity, would  be  unrepresentative,  and 
WOULD  NOT  BE  ACCEPTED  AS  A 
SETTLEMENT  OR  PRECEDENT  BY 
THOSE  WHO  BY  RULE,  CUSTOM 
AND  FAIRNESS  HAVE  THE  UN- 
QUESTIONED RIGHT  TO  FIX  THE 
WAGES  AND  WORKING  CONDI- 
TIONS FOR  THE  DISTRICT.  Will 
confirm  by  letter." 

On  the  16th  of  January,  five  days 
later,  neither  Mr.  Knapp  nor  Mr.  Neal 
had  acknowledged  receipt  of  this  tele- 
gram. 

On  the  14th  of  January  Mr.  Lee 
called  up  I.  G.  Rawn,  chairman  of  gen- 
eral managers'  conference  to  handle 
adjustment  of  wages,  from  Cleveland 


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on  long-distance  telephone,  but  was  ad- 
vised by  his  office  that  he  was  out  of 
the  city  and  would  not  return  until 
Monday,  the  17th.  Mr.  Lee  then  wrote 
Rawn,  Insisting  upon  negotiations  be- 
ing broken  off  with  the  Switchmen's 
Union  committee,  and  he  be  given  an 
early  meeting  with  the  managers.  On 
the  same  date  Lee  wired  F.  O.  Melcher 
at  Washington,  D.  C,  who  was  chair- 
man of  the  managers*  committee  in 
conference  with  the  Switchmen's  Union 
committee  at  Washington,  demanding 
an  early,  POSITIVE  DATE,  for  his 
committee  for  the  consideration  of 
questions  of  wages  and  working  con- 
ditions filed  prior  to  those  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union,  to  which  Mr. 
Melcher  replied  on  the  15th  inst.,  as 
follows: 

"Your  wire  14th  received.  In  ac- 
cordance with  Rawn's  letter,  Dec.  18th, 
you  will  be  promptly  notified  UPON 
CONCLUSION  OF  PRESENT  NEGO- 
TIATIONS." 

Mr.  Lee  was  in  a  rage  at  the  snub 
received  from  Mr.  Melcher,  so  he  sent 
him  the  following  telegram: 

"Your  wire  unsatisfactory.  Unless 
€arly  positive  date  fixed  shall  with- 
draw consideration  Chicago  proposi- 
tion from  managers'  committee  and 
proceed  at  once  with  managers'  indi- 
vidual properties,  whose  employes  are 
unquestionably  represented  by  the 
Brotherhood.  OUR  DEMANDS  FILED 
AT  CHICAGO  PRIOR  TO  THOSE 
NOW  BEING  CONSIDERED,  AND  I 
THINK  WE  HAVE  BEEN  MORE 
THAN  PATIENT.  Here  today  and 
Sunday.  Great  Northern,  Chicago, 
Monday." 

Even  this  from  the  mighty  Lee  did 
not  scare  the  managers.  A  long  time 
afterwards  I  said  to  a  manager  that  I 
was  surprised  that  the  managers  did 
not  drop  dead  when  they  received  that 
telegram.  He  answered  that  the  man- 
ngers  knew  that  Lee's  gun  was  made 
•of  wood  and  would  not  shoot  very  far. 

However,  the  managers  stayed  in 
Washington  until  they  finished  with 
the  Switchmen's  Union  committee. 
Then  they  came  back  to  Chicago,  and 
on  Jan.  22d  met  Lee's  committee,  and 
the  result  of  that  conference  is  known 
to  every  switchman  in  this  country. 
The  B.  of  R.  T.  accepted  arbitration 
under  the  provisions  of  the  Illinois 
:arbitration  law.     They  then  got  very 


busy  so  they  might  get  a  decision  be- 
fore the  Switchmen.  The  companies 
were  fearful  that  the  Federal  board 
would  grant  the  Switchmen  the  full 
measure  of  their  demands,  and  it  is 
generally  supposed  they  knew  what 
the  Illinois  board  would  do.  However, 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  committee  got  a  de- 
cision on  March  18,  1910,  granting 
them  an  increase  of  two  cents  per 
hour,  and  which  applied  to  thirteen 
Chicago  yards  only.  On  March  22d 
the  Federal  board  awarded  the  Switch- 
men's Union  three  cents  an  hour  in  all 
the  yards  on  the  eight  systems  repre- 
sented in  our  conference  that  pene- 
trated into  the  yards  in  sixteen  differ- 
ent States,  and  a  horizontal  increase  of 
five  dollars  a  month  for  all  switch- 
tenders  and  towermen.  The  other  cent 
an  hour  was  afterwards  granted  to  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  two-cent  yards  after  Bro. 
Heberling  and  myself  pleaded  with  the 
managers'  committee  to  do  so,  but  they 
compelled  Whitney  to  give  away  every 
rule  agreed  to  that  was  worth  the 
paper  it  was  written  on. 

And  now  we  come  to  the  case  of  Mr. 
Kimbro.  He  gives  me  a  boost  in  the 
September  issue  of  The  Railroad  Train- 
men's Jourma  by  tacitly  admitting 
that  I  am  smoking  the  rats  out  of 
their  holes.  I  have  been  taught  to  look 
upon  people  in  Mr.  Kimbro'e  mental 
condition  with  pity,  realizing  that  he 
is  not  to  blame  for  his  shortcomings. 
I  have  not  the  heart  to  hold  any  malice 
toward  him  in  his  delusions.  He 
wants  to  make  it  appear  that  I  have 
made  an  attack  upon  him  and  that  I 
am  trying  to  injure  the  B.  of  R.  T., 
all  of  which  is  the  product  of  a  dis- 
eased brain;  that  I  am  jealous  of  the 
B.  of  R.  T.,  which  is  all  a  delusion.  I 
am  trying  to  make  it  plain  to  the 
switchmen  who  are  members  of  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  that  they  are  being  be- 
trayed into  the  hands  of  their  masters 
by  crooked  leaders.  I  do  not  want 
brakemen  in  the  Switchmen's  Union. 
They  belong  in  the  B.  of  R.  T.  Mr. 
Kimbro  claims  that  I  have  made 
charges  that  he  made  misstatements. 
Let  us  see  about  this  charge.  In  the 
March  issue  of  our  Journal  I  ex- 
plained the  true  conditions  in  the  ma- 
jority of  yards  on  the  N.,  C.  ft  St.  L. 
route  as  I  found  them,  and  held  up  as 
an  example  the  Rome,  Ga..  yard,  where 
helpers  were  working  twelve  hours 
for  11.50  per  day.    Mr.  Kimbro  has  a 


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722 


JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N. 


letter  in  our  May  issue,  in  which  he 
says  that  my  statement  is  erroneous. 
Let  me  quote  from  his  letter  to  the 
Switchmen's  Journal: 

"In  the  first  place  the  N.,  C.  ft  St.  L. 
operates  no  yard  in  Rome,  Oa.,  nor  is 
any  yard  at  that  place  specified  in  the 
Trainmen's  contract" 

In  our  July  Journal  I  answered  Mr. 
Kimhro,  and  in  addition  I  sent  to  our 
editor  a  copy  of  the  Trainmen's  con- 
tract with  the  N.,  C.  &  St.  L.,  which, 
on  page  nine,  showed  there  was  a  yard 
at  that  place  specified  in  the  Train- 
men's contract,  and  that  it  was  ver- 
hatim  as  I  had  stated,  showing  that  I 
had  told  the  absolute  truth.  In  his  let- 
ter to  the  September  issue  of  The 
Railroad  Trainmen  he  makes  a  liar  of 
himself  by  acknowledging  that  there 
is  a  yard  at  Rome,  but  says  there  is 
only  one  engine  working  there,  and  it 
is  operated  by  negroes  and  goes  out 
upon  the  road  part  of  the  time.  Then 
Mr.  Kimbro  has  made  an  agreement 
with  the  N.,  C.  &  St.  L.  Company  to 
compel  the  negro  to  work  twelve  hours 
for  11.60  and  agrees  to  protect  the  con- 
tract if  the  negro  strikes.  This  is 
good  stuff.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  I  do 
not  believe  the  negro  story. 

Mr.  Kimbro  becomes  quite  fatherly 
and  proceeds  to  advise  the  switchmen 
that  if  they  wish  to  progress  and  do 
some  real  good  for  their  organization, 
they  must  first  change  their  officers. 
This  is  really  kind  of  Mr.  Kimbro,  and 
shows  an  interest  in  the  members  of 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  But  might  it  not 
be  a  gift  borne  to  the  Romans  by  the 
Greeks?  After  what  the  officials  of  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  have  attempted  to  do  to  our 
members  every  time  they  had  a  chance, 
it  is  only  caution  on  our  part  to  look 
for  the  poison  in  every  piece  of  candy 
they  offer,  or  the  wasp  in  every  bou- 
quet they  throw  at  us.  Contrast  the 
conduct  of  the  officers  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  with  the  conduct  of  the  officials 
of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  when  the  interests 
of  the  rank  and  file  were  at  stake. 
Who  ever  saw  or  heard  of  an  S.  U. 
official  scabbing  or  advising  others  to 
scab  on  brother  workers?  But  what 
has  been  your  record,  Mr.  Officer  of 
the  B.  of  R.  T.?  Is  not  the  page  black 
with  your  perfidy,  and  are  not  the 
members  of  your  organization  the  vic- 
tims? Let  us  quote  O'Shea's  estima- 
tion of  P.  H.  Morrissey: 

Article  taken  from  Trainmen's  Jour- 


nal, Vol.  VII,  June  issue,  1890,  pp.  351 
to  355,  inclusive,  written  by  Ed.  F. 
O'Shea,  Grand  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  from  Feb.  10,. 
1885,  resigned  1890,  and  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  (now  dead). 

O'Shea's  Estimation  of«Mobbi88et. 

"Let  us  look  back  and  see  who  have- 
retarded  the  good  work,  and  what  has 
become  of  them.  I  will  begin  witb 
P.  H.  Morrissey,  because  he  ranks 
highest  and  is  the  most  rank  specimen 
of  his  class.  In  November,  1885,  I 
gave  him  a  position  as  clerk  in  the 
Grand  Lodge  office,  taught  him  the 
business,  took  him  to  every  conven* 
tion  while  he  was  thus  employed,  se- 
cured him  an  increase  in  salary,  be- 
sides bestowing  upon  him  numerous 
personal  favors.  Confiding  in  his. 
fidelity  and  Judgment,  I  gave  him  per- 
mission to  answer  correspondence  of 
a  general  nature  and  sign  my  name 
thereto.  This  privilege  he  abused  hy 
writing  sarcastic  and  ofttimes  insult- 
ing letters  to  members  over  my  signa- 
ture, entirely  without  my  knowledge 
or  consent,  for  the  purpose  of  creating^ 
enemies  for  me.  He  kept  up  this  prac- 
tice for  a  long  time,  always  proclaim- 
ing himself  my  staunch  and  steadf^t 
friend.  He  even  went  so  far  as  to 
enter  a  plot  with  other  schemers  to 
poison  the  minds  of  the  delegates 
a'gainst  me,  and  he  was  an  aspirant 
for  my  office  at  the  Columbus,  O.,  con- 
vention in  October,  1888.  He  failed, 
however,  and  after  playing  the  part  of 
a  cowardly  hypocrite  he  had  the  im- 
pudence to  profess  contrition  and 
pleaded  tearfully  for  his  retention  as 
a  clerk  in  the  office,  which  I,  of 
course,  refused,  and  he  was  discharged 
in  disgrace.  He  then  traveled  about 
the  country  visiting  lodges  and  union 
meetings,  and  by  his  misrepresenta- 
tion and  falsehoods  endeavored  to- 
make  trouble  for  me.  He  only  suc- 
ceeded in  enlisting  the  co-operation  of 
a  few  other  soreheads  who  will  be 
mentioned  later  on,  because  the  great 
majority  of  the  members  were  con- 
vinced that  he  was  only  sincere  as  an 
office-hunter.  He  repaid  my  friend- 
ship by  the  basest  ingratitude,  turned* 
traitor  to  those  who  befriended  him, 
and,  like  the  serpent,  he  turned  and 
stung  the  hand  that  fed  him.  The 
delegates  at  the  St  Paul  convention 
will  remember  that  he  represented 
himself  as  a  conductor  on  a  certain 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


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railroad,  when  in  fact  he  was  travel- 
ing for  an  insurance  company  and  was 
not  employed  hy  any  railroad  company 
as  a  conductor.  Judas  Iscariot  was  the 
P.  H.  Morrissey  of  his  time.  The  most 
leprous  scab  or  lying  spotter  that  ever 
beat  an  honest  man  out  of  his  job  is 
to  my  mind  not  so  vile  or  depraved  a 
wretch  as  he  who  would  betray  a 
friend. 

"He  is  now  your  First  Vice-Grand 
Master,  a  position  he  has  gained  by 
falsehood  and  trickery.  He  is  a  dan- 
gerous person,  and  it  will  be  well  for 
the  brotherhood  to  watch  him  closely 
and  see  that  he  is  retired  to  private 
life  at  the  earliest  opportunity." 

I  have  been  advised  that  one  Val 
Fitzpatrick  haa,  through  the  Railway 
Trainmen,  invited  me  to  debate  with 
him  away  down  in  Georgia.  I  am 
anxious  to  know  this  Mr.  Fitzpatrick. 
Where  does  he  hail  from?  How  long 
has  he  been  in  the  labor  movement? 
What  evil  influence  prompts  him  to 
ask  that  I  give  him  a  reputation  by 
lending  the  use  of  my  name  for  a 
Georgia  exhtbition?  Why  does  not  Mr. 
Fitzpatrick  get  by  hard  labor  for  his 
fellow-workers  a  reputation  of  his 
own?  What  obligation  am  I  under  to 
lift  him  from  obscurity?  I  am  willing 
to  help  all  men  in  a  fair  and  legiti- 
mate way,  but  this  spirit  does  not 
prompt  me  to  place  on  the  wings  of 
f^me  such  an  adventurous  creature  as 
Mr.  Val  Fitzpatrick.  Dame  Rumor 
brings  me  the  story  that  his  brand  of 
unionism  cannot,  even  with  the  aid  of 
a  microscope,  be  distinguished  from 
that  worn  by  Kirby.  strike-breaker 
Farley,  and  C.  W.  Post,  and  if  this  be 
true,  I  am  obligated  to  myself  and  fel- 
low-workers tor  shrink  from  the  con- 
tamination. 

Yours  in  B..  H.  and  P., 

James  B.  Connors. 


Whipping  the  Baby. 

If  there  is  one  of  you  here  that  ever 
expects  to  wliip  your  child  again,  let 
me  ask  you  something.  Have  your 
photograph  taken  at  the  time  and  let  it 
show  your  face  red  with  vulgar  anger, 
and  the  face  of  the  little  one  with  eyes 
swimming  in  tears,  and  the  little  chin 
dimpled  with  fear,  looking  like  a  piece 
of  water  struck  by  a  sudden  cold  wind. 
If  that  little  child  should  die,  I  cannot 


think  of  a  sweeter  way  to  spend  an 
autumn  afternoon  than  to  take  that 
photograph  and  go  to  the  cemetery, 
when  the  mapdes  are  clad  in  tender 
gold,  and  when  the  little  scarlet  run- 
ners are  coming  from  the  sad  heart  of 
the  earth,  sit  down  upon  that  mound, 
and  look  upon  that  photograph,  and 
think  of  the  flesh,  now  dust,  that  you 
beat.  Just  think  of  it!  I  could  not 
bear  to  die  in  the  arms  of  a  child  that 
I  had  whipped.  I  could  not  bear  to 
feel  upon  my  lips,  when  they  were 
withered  with  the  touch  of  death,  the 
kiss  of  one  that  I  had  Btrack.— Robert 
O.  Ingersolh 


To  My  Master. 

My  master,  don't  you  hear  the  sounds 
That  emanate  from  everywhere? 

Most  certain,  master,  do  you  hear. 
But  still  you  take  no  care. 

They    come    from    far    down    in    the 
ground. 
From   roaring  factories,   shops  and 
mills. 
They  rise  in  concord  deep  and  long 
From  off  the  rural  hills. 

From  Sitka's  cold  and  icy  spires 
To  Argentina,  lo,  they  roll; 

And     starting     westward      in      their 
course 
Make  starting  point  their  goal. 

They  come  from  lips  of  faded  bloom. 
From  fallen  women,  virtue  gone; 

They  come  from  children  chained  to 
toil 
When  life  should  be  a  song. 

They  come,  regardless  of  all  clime. 
From    Gentile,    Moslem    and    from 
Jew; 

The  black,  the  white,  yee,  every  man. 
Send  forth  these  words  to  you: 

"We've  labored,  master,  labored  hard 
For  you  from  happy  youth  to  age, 

And  for  the  wealth  our  labor  yields 
We  get  one  paltry  wage. 

7ou  take  the  rest  and  live  at  ease, 
Tou    make   our   homes   a   wretched 
haU; 
We're  tired  of  this,  my  master,  tired; 
We  must  and  will  have  all." 

—Wilbur  Sheron. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


GommmlcatioM  for  Ik*  JOUKNAL  mast  be  rM«tv«d  BEPOIE 
tha  lOth  of  tko  aioatb  to  lM«ro  pvbUcotloa.  All  Commvaloo- 
Uoas  for  tko  JOUINAL  aivst  bo  aooooipaBlod  by  tho  oaoio 
of  tbo  somdor*  oad   wrtttom  oaljr  oo  ooo  sldo  of  tbo   popor. 


STATEMENT. 

Statement  of  the  ownership,  man- 
agement, circulation,  etc.,  of  The  Jour- 
nal OF  THE  Switchmen's  Union  op 
NoBTH  Amebica,  published  monthly  at 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  required  by  the  Act 
of.Aug.  24,  1912: 
Editor— W.  H.  Thompson,  326  Brisbane 

Bldg.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Managing  Editor— W.    H.    Thompson, 

326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Owners — The    Switchmen's    Union    of 

North  America.  No  stockholders. 
Known  bondholders,  mortgages,  and 
other  security  holders,  holding  1  per 
cent,  or  more  of  total  amount  of 
bonds,  mortgages,  or  other  securi- 
ties— None. 

W.  H.  Thompson, 
Editor. 


San  Bcrnardine,  Cal.— No.  43. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal  : 

I  have  Just  been  reading  the  com- 
munications of  different  brothers  and 
Bisters.  I  will  try  to  write  a  few  lines 
myself  that  possibly  will  interest 
someone.  Now,  I  consider  the  most 
important  question  before  us  today  is 
the  economic  question,  because  it  con- 
trols our  very  lives.  The  only  way 
we  can  get  at  it  is  through  organiza- 
tion, both  industrially  and  politically 
— use  our  union  for  our  industrial 
arm  and  a  political  organization  for 
our  political  arm. 

Speaking  of  unions  as  our  industrial 
arm,  I  have  been  a  member  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  and  6.  M.  A.  A. 
since  1888.  I  think  there  is  no  better 
labor  union  than  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

The  way  a  union  can  help  us  is  to 
get  an  increase  of  pay  and  better 
working  conditions,  which  Is  all  right 
as  far  as  they  go,  but  every  time  our 


wages  are  increased  10  per  cent.,  the 
cost  of  living  goes  up  about  20  per 
cent.,  so  really  our  wages  have  been 
cut.  But  how  about  the  poor  fellow 
that  has  not  had  an  increase  of 
wages.  He  has  to  pay  the  increase  of 
living  just  the  same.  You  see  we 
really  do  no  good  to  ourselves,  but 
benefit  the  man  with  money  every 
time  we  get  an  increase  in  pay. 

I  was  just  reading  an  editorial  that 
in  Kansas  the  union  workers  had 
formulated  a  code  of  questions  to  be 
submitted  to  each  candiate  and  were 
going  to  work  for  those  candidates 
that  were  most  favorable  to  labor 
legislation.  Now  that  is  all  right,  but 
we  surely  know  that  a  man  who  wants 
your  vote  is  going  to  be  favorable  to 
anything  you  want,  but  when  he  gets 
to  the  legislature  he  is  up  against  the 
biggest  graft  system  the  world  ever 
knew  and  he  is  just  exactly  like  ever>' 
one  else;  he  needs  the  money  and  is 
going  to  get  it.  The  only  way  he  can 
get  it  is  from  the  man  that  has  it  and 
if  he  does  not  work  for  the  monied 
man,  he  is  dead  politically.  So  I  say 
it  is  a  shame  to  put  an  honest  man  up 
against  such  a  rotten  crafting  system 
as  we  are  working  under.  Let  us  get 
together  politically  and  change  the 
system.  That  will  be  the  laboring 
man's  political  arm. 

I  was  also  reading  a  letter  by  Bro 
W.  A.  Titus.  He  said,  as  planned  by 
the  convention,  an  effort  was  made  to 
have  the  several  recommendations  In- 
corporated in  the  platforms  of  the 
Democratic  and  Republican  parties, 
but  was  not  successful.  He  further 
says  that  a  new  party  was  born  in 
the  city  of  Chicago,  a  party  with 
sufficient  courage  to  write  a  platform, 
etc.  Now,  who  composed  the  dele- 
gates of  these  several  conventions? 
Were  they  laboring  men?  No;  they 
were  millionaires,  corporation  lawyers. 


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725 


political  grafters  and  all  the  rif-rafl 
of  aristocracy,  who  needed  several 
hundred  policemen  to  keep  them  with- 
in the  bounds  of  the  law.  But  Bro. 
Titus  said  nothing  about  the  conven- 
tion held  in  Indianapolis  that  was 
composed  of  laboring  men  of  nearly 
every  vocation  and  a  great  many  of 
them  union  men,  who  got  up  a  labor- 
ing man's  platform  that,  if  adopted  by 
the  people  of  this  country,  would  really 
emancipate  the  labor  slaves  and  they 
did  not  need  a  cordon  of  blue  coats  to 
keep  order.  Bro.  Titus  sayd  that  it  is 
not  a  question  of  Roosevelt  and  John- 
son, but  principle.  We  have  had  two 
administrations  of  Rooseveltism  and 
wtiat  did  he  ever  do  for  the  men  and 
women  who  produce  all  the  wealth  of 
this  country?  Only  call  them  undesir- 
able citizens,  etc.  I  think  a  laboring 
man  that  is  fooled  to  vote  for  the  Bull 
Moosers,  surely  needs  a  guardian. 

Now,  brothers  do  not  be  fooled,  use 
your  brains  for  yourself.  Your  head 
was  put  on  your  shoulders  to  be  used 
by  yourself.  So  why  be  fooled  by  big 
noises.  Let  us  get  together  and  vote 
the  labor  ticket  and  change  the  system 
whereby  one  person  lives  off  another. 
Why  be  a  slave?  Why  have  a  master? 
Let  us  wake  up;  put  the  babies  and 
children  in  the  schools  and  the  women 
in  the  homes  and  fix  things  so  that 
every  one  can  work,  not  have  some 
riding  in  palace  cars,  automobiles, 
yachts,  etc.,  and  some  trampling  with 
packs  on  their  backs  when  they  are 
willing  and  anxious  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  work  and  earn  an  honorable 
living.  Let  us  all  work  and  get  all 
the  benefit  of  our  own  work  and  all 
be  able  to  have  the  pleasures  and  good 
things  of  this  world.  Think  of  this 
country  full  of  both  rich  and  poor — 
one  having  all  the  opportunities  &nd 
the  other  denied  the  opportunity  of 
getting  a  fair  share  of  them. 

Now,  brothers,  do  not  get  scared  at 
Socialism  or  any  other  "isms,"  but 
investigate  and  find  out  what  it  is. 
Go  to  the  poles  and  vote  for  yourself 
and  family,  not  for  your  masters  to 
continue  to  be  your  masters.  Let  us 
have  things  so  men  can  work,  not 
tramp  the  country  while  their  wife 
and  children  wear  their  lives  away  in 
the  mills  and  factories.  Think  what 
this  world  is  coming  to.  Wake  up  and 
change  things  while  we  have  the  bal- 
lot, as  we  are  being  disfranchised  as 
fast  as  it  can  be  done  with  safety.  Tou 


are  unable  to  vote  unless  you  have 
been  in  the  State  one  year,  county  six 
months  and  three  months  in  the  pre- 
cinct, and  in  some  States  other  things 
bar  you.  Already  in  Oklahoma  they 
have  taken  the  ballot  from  the  negro. 
If  they  can  take  it  from  the  negro, 
they  can  also  take  it  from  the  white 
man.  Let  us  avoid  the  fate  of  Mexico 
—denied  the  ballot  they  resorted  to 
the  bullet.  So  I  say,  brothers,  let  us 
get  together  and  keep  this  world  for 
the  benefit  of  all  the  people. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

R.  K.  Shaffeb. 


Chicago,  M.— No.  68. 

Editor  Switchmeit's  Joubnal: 

As  it  is  time  for  contributions  for  No- 
vember Joubnal,  I'll  bestir  myself  for 
a  few  moments  and  try  to  fulfill  my 
obligation  as  Joubnal  agent  and  give 
the  brothers  a  brief  outline  of  condi- 
tions as  they  appear  around  the.  hub 
of  the  world's  butcher  shops,  the  Chi- 
cago Stockyards,  or  rather  pertaining 
to  the  men  who  do  the  switching  of 
cars  around  those  great  plants. 
Whether  the  cause  be  political  or 
otherwise,  business  is  very  good 
around  Chicago.  So,  if  any  brothers 
are  looking  for  jobs  and  are  able  to 
pass  physical  examinations,  etc.,  there 
would  be  but  little  trouble  in  finding 
employment  if  here  at  this  time.  It  is 
to  be  hoped  business  will  keep  good  all 
winter  and  even  longer,  and  if  so  there 
will  be  employment  for  many  more 
people  and  more  opportunities  for  pre- 
vention of  suffering  on  account  of  no 
work,  which  even  in  our  most  prosper- 
ous times  is  a  serious  problem  in  this 
great  commercial  city,  as  it  is  in  all 
others.  The  placing  of  so  many  new 
faces  in.  the  yards  where  we  work 
should  awaken  each  member  of  this 
organization  here  to  the  importance  of 
his  duty  of  getting  acquainted  with 
them  and  letting  them  know  you  are 
interested  in  their  welfare  and  that 
our  union  is  in  existence  for  their  spe 
cial  benefit,  and  that  it  is  our  desire 
as  well  as  their  duty  to  co-operate  with 
us  and  become  members  with  us  in  the 
fighting  of  their  battles  for  a  better 
and  higher  standard  of  living.  Let 
every  member  of  every  lodge  here 
manifest  a  proper  regard  towards  them 
and  we  will  get  a  harvest  of  new  mem- 
bers that  will  well  repay  us  for  the 


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efforts  thus  expended.  Our  failure  to 
take  such  interest  in  those  coming  into 
yards  to  work  with  us  would  be  an  act 
of  ingratitude  to  the  organization  we 
are  trying  to  support  and  upbuild  and 
to  which  we  are  so  deeply  indebted  for 
the  wages  and  conditions  now  enjoyed 
and  the  improvement  it  still  seeks  to 
and  will  secure  for  us  if  we  but  do  our 
duty.  Let  no  member  try  to  get  away 
from  the  fact  he  is  a  part  of  it,  that 
paying  his  dues  is  not  all  of  his  duties 
te  the  union,  and  that  it's  "up  to  him" 
as  much  as  to  anyone  else,  to  get  out 
and  hustle  for  members  and  perform 
any  other  duty  for  the  benefit  of  the 
union. 

Such  sentiments  must  control  our 
membership  we  should  have  in  this 
and  other  cities.  It's  right  up  to  all  of 
us  to  be  boosters  or  shirkers;  none  of 
us  can  pass  our  responsibilities  along 
to  anybody  else,  for  they'll  fit  no  one 
but  ourselves.  So  all  members  should 
get  very  busy  in  regard  to  affairs  per- 
taining to  our  organization  and  gather 
in  members  while  business  is  good. 

At  our  last  meeting  we  had  the 
pleasure  to  have  with  us  our  newly- 
appointed  organizer,  Bro.  Ed  Brough, 
treasurer  of  Lodge  No.  199.  While 
very  glad  to  have  him  present,  we  were 
sorry  we  didn't  have  a  better  attend- 
ance. He  gave  us  a  good  talk  and  in- 
formed us  he  had  secured  quite  a  num- 
ber of  applications  as  the  result  of  his 
canvass  in  the  different  yards  here, 
and  is  hopeful  of  getting  a  great  many 
more.  He  is  well  and 'favorably  known 
to  the  switchmen  of  this  city  and  was 
the  choice  of  the  delegates  at  the  dis- 
trict council  for  organizer,  and  now 
that  the  International  President  has 
appointed  him,  let's  give  him  our 
hearty  support  in  making  the  member- 
ship grow  in  all  the  yards  here.  Give 
him  all  the  information  you  can  as  to 
suspended  members  of  your  own  lodge, 
or  other  lodges,  who  are  working  in 
the  city  and  of  new  men  who  have 
never  belonged  and  get  him  in  touch 
with  them  and  we  will  profit  by  it. 

Generally  speaking,  we  feel  encour- 
aged at  the  outlook  here,  and  Lodge 
No.  68  is  taking  one  or  more  members 
at  nearly  every  meeting  held.  We  are 
anxious  to  keep  this  up  and  if  possible 
prevent  any  suspensions.  If  we  can  do 
this  we  will  have  strong  hopes  of  soon 
getting  within  our  membership  all  who 
work  in  this  important  terminal.    We 


are  glad  to  read  the  letters  from  broth- 
ers and  sisters  In  the  Journal  from 
different  parts  of  the  country,  and  hope 
all  are  trying  faithfully  to  promote  the 
interests  of  their  union  wherever  they 
are  located. 

With   best   wishes   to   all   in    their 
efforts  to  do  so,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

John  Cole. 


NcwYoH(,N.Y.~No.56. 

EonoB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  my  last  letter  escajped  the  waste- 
basket,  I'll  try  again  and  give  the 
brothers  throughout  the  country  my 
views  on  a  few  things,  especially  those 
who  are  not  members  of  this  union. 
We  naturally  presume  the  reason 
many  are  not  in  this  organization 
is  from  the  fact  that  they  feel  satisfied 
in  some  other  or  satisfied  outside  the 
fold  of  any.  To  such  satisfied  souls  I 
would  like  to  impress  upon  their 
minds,  if  possible,  the  fact  that  satis- 
faction is  a  dangerous  element  In  the 
life  of  any  individual  and  as  long  as 
any  one  is  satisfied  there  is  but  little 
hope  of  him  taking  an  active  part  in 
anything  that  has  for  its  purpose  the 
advancement  of  mankind.  When  the 
physical  man  craves  food  he  Is  very 
much  inclined  to  hustle  around  until 
he  finds  it,  and  in  some  manner  gets 
hold  of  it.  Once  filled  up  with  food  he 
feels  no  more  anxiety  for  things  to  eat 
for  the  present,  from  the  fact  he  Is 
satisfied. 

This  commonplace  Illustration  has  a 
wide  application,  and  is  just  as  true 
pertaining  to  other  things  as  It  is  in 
regard  to  food.  If  we  are  satisfied 
with  our  clothes,  the  house  in  which 
we. live,  the  provisions  we  are  able  to 
afford  for  our  families,  they'll  remain 
just  as  they  are  or  become  worse.  But 
if  dissatisfied  with  them  we  will  en- 
deavor for  better  environments  in 
which  to  live,  and  the  pages  of  history 
are  filled  with  illustrations  demon- 
strating that  whenever  and  wherever 
the  people  become  aroused  properly 
and  made  a  united  endeavor  to  cast 
off  unjust  burdens  they  had  formerly 
been  satisfied  with,  they  found  they 
were  able  to  do  so. 

It's  a  safe  bet  if  we're  satisfied  with 
the  house  we  live  in,  we'll  never  get  a 
better  one.  If  we  are  satisfied  with  the 
job  we  now  have  and  the  conditions 


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727 


under  which  it  is  governed,  we  may 
possibly  be  able  to  hold  it,  but  we're 
not  likely  to  get  a  better  one.  As  long 
as  the  Prodigal  Son  was  satisfied  with 
the  husks  of  feed  for  the  swine  he  had 
husks  for  food,  but  when  he  became 
dissatisfied  with  such  rations  he  made 
haste  to  his  father's  place  of  abode  for 
something  better  in  the  way  of  proven- 
der. 

Now,  brother  switchmen,  you  don't 
want  the  husks  nor  the  skimmed  milk. 
The  com  and  the  cream  are  just  as 
much  for  you  as  for  anyone  else,  and 
you'll  get  your  share  of  them  if  you 
are  dissatisfied  to  the  extent  of 
hammering  away  for  it  until  you  do 
get  it.  There's  a  plenty  of  it  in  stock 
for  all  and  you'll  get  your  share  only 
as  you  strive  for  it.  No  satisfied  look 
or  abject  subserviency  to  the  powers 
that  be  bring  it  to  you.  You  must  go 
after  it  continually  and  unitedly.  This 
union  afTords  those  anxious  for  better 
conditions  in  the  railroad  yards  in 
North  America  an  excellent  opportun- 
ity and  an  unerring  course  toward  the 
securing  of  that  which  is  their  due 
from  the  corporations  and  for  which 
they  work.  Aleardy  enough  has  been 
accomplished  by  it  to  demonstrate  this 
truth  to  any  one  fair  enough  to  give 
an  audience  for  a  few  moments  to  any 
of  our  members  to  explain  the  subject 
to  him.  Brothers  all,  it  is  our  duty  to 
explain  these  things  with  those  with 
whom  we  work  and  associate  and  get 
them  interested  in  them.  If  we  do  our 
duty  about  it,  they'll  become  Interested 
and  become  a  part  of  the  movement  to 
the  great  advantage  of  themselves  as 
well  as  to  that  of  the  S.  U.  It  is  neces- 
sary for  men  in  one  great  class  of  labor 
to  become  affiliated  with  the  organiza- 
tion that  represents  their  work.  This 
is  just  the  thing  we  now  need  to  do  in 
regard  to  the  switchmen  in  this  coun- 
try. 

Brother  Connors'  write-up  of  condi- 
tions on  the  N.  C.  &  St.  L.  railway  in 
the  yards  along  that  system  illustrates 
nicely  how  everybody  attends  to  every- 
boy's  business,  as  long  as  they  are  sat- 
isfied to  allow  them  to  do  so.  It  also 
affords  another  illustration  of  the  love 
roadmen  have  for  the  yardmen,  when 
they  have  the  consent  of  yardmen  to 
legislate  for  them.  Yardmen  must  do 
their  own  negotiating  if  they  ever  ex- 
pect to  get  justice.  No  one  else  will 
think  enough  of  them  to  hand  it  to 
them.     We  have  several  applications 


for  next  meeting  and  have  a  candidate 
at  nearly  every  meeting  for  some  time. 
Altogether  we  feel  encouraged  at  the 
outlook  in  No.  66,  and  feel  sure  a  bet- 
ter day's  coming  for  the  switchmen  in 
this  great  eastern  gateway,  if  all  will 
do  their  full  duty  as  some  are  now  do- 
ing it. 

We  are  glad  to  note  the  increased  In- 
terest being  taken  in  regard  to  matters 
pertaining  to  the  union  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  different  lodges,  and  our 
best  wish  is  that  each  one  may  succeed 
abundantly  in  his  efforts  to  upbuild 
the  organization  that  represents  the 
switchmen  of  this  country. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


East  St.  Louis,  II.— No.  16. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Not  having  seen  anything  from  this 
section  of  the  country  in  the  Journal 
for  some  time,  I'll  endeavor  to  write  a 
few  Items.  Business  is  fairly  good  in 
the  yards  in  this  place,  as  also  appears 
to  be  the  case  in  terminal  points 
throughout  the  Central  West.  Good 
business  means  more  switchmen  em- 
ployed, which  in  turn  means  more  op- 
portunity for  us  to  increase  the  mem- 
bership of  the  union.  Are  we  attempt- 
ing to  do  this?  If  not  we  are  losing  a 
golden  advantage,  one  that  doesn't  pre- 
sent itself  every  month  in  the  year. 
With  the  incoming  of  new  faces, 
whether  of  old-time  switchmen  getting 
newly  established,  or  new  faces  of 
those  who  are  for  the  first  time  taking 
up  switching  duties  for  a  livelihood, 
it  behooves  us  to  become  familiar  with 
their  Inclinatons  and  feelings  in  re- 
gard to  the  organization  that  has  made 
it  possible  for  them  to  get  the  rate  of 
wage  they  now  enjoy,  besides  the  other 
improved  conditions  enjoyed  over  those 
which  prevailed  but  a  few  years  ago. 
They  owe  allegiance  to  this  union,  and 
we  should  make  it  a  point  to  interest 
them  in  its  teachings  and  purposes, 
and  do  everirthing  consistently  within 
our  means  to  prevail  upon  them  to  be- 
come a  part  of  it.  There  will  be  an 
entirely  different  feeling  on  the  part 
of  this  new  blood  coming  into  yards 
towards  us  If  we  show  them  the  merits 
of  our  union  and  our  interest  in  their 
welfare,  as  compared  to  what  there 
will  be  if  we  fail  to  show  a  proper  de- 
gree of  interest  In  them.    Many  of  the 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N. 


old-time  men  appearing  before  you  in 
your  yards  for  the  first  time  believe 
this  Is  the  logical  union  to  look  after 
switchmen's  aftairs,  and  will  take 
kindly  to  it  and  become  members  if  we 
but  do  our  duty  in  the  premises.  Prac- 
tically all  of  those  doing  their  first 
yard  work  should  be  secured  if  prop- 
erly looked  after  by  our  members. 
Brothers,  we  should  allow  no  oppor- 
tunity to  escape  us  in  regard  to 
these  matters,  as  we  need  this  new 
force  within  our  ranks,  and  they  need 
our  co-operation  as  well.  As  reported 
some  time  ago,  we  were  burned  out  of 
our  old  home  and  compelled  to  rent 
another  hall  for  a  while,  but  the  old 
has  been  made  new  again  and  so  we're 
back  again  in  Music  Hall,  309  Collins- 
ville  avenue,  and  hold  our  meetings  on 
the  second  and  fourth  Thursday  nights 
of  the  month.  We  are  sure  we  have 
one  of  the  nicest  meeting  halls  in  the 
country,  and  now  as  the  weather  is 
ideal  for  spending  a  few  hours  pleas- 
antly in  behalf  of  our  interests,  it  is 
our  earnest  hope  the  brothers  will 
make  it  a  point  to  come  out  to  meet- 
ings and  fill  up  the  chairs  provided  for 
them.  You  owe  this  much  to  your  or- 
ganization, and  your  officers  will  feel 
greatly  encouraged  and  feel  that  you 
appreciate  their  efforts  if  you  come 
out  twice  a  month  and  help  fill  the 
hall  and  assist  in  the  management  of 
lodee  affairs. 

Victory  Lodge  has  again  been  called 
upon  to  sacrifice  one  of  Its  old  and 
highly-respected  members.  After  a  lin- 
gering illness  of  nine  months,  Bro. 
Harry  Burke  passed  away  Sept.  29th. 
He  had  worked  for  several  years  in 
Illinois  Central  yard  in  this  city  and 
was  well  known  and  respected  by  all 
who  knew  him.  Among  the  testi- 
monials of  esteem  which  found  their 
way  to  the  bereaved  home  were  befit- 
ting tribues  from  Victory  Lodcre  No. 
116,  White  Rose  Lodge  No.  27  Ladies' 
Auxiliary  to  the  Switchmen's  Union, 
and  from  the  employes  of  the  UlinolR 
Central  Railway.  He  leaves  a  wife  and 
two  children,  who  have  the  sincere 
sympathy  and  good  wishes  of  all  their 
friends  in  their  efforts  to  overcome 
their  great  loss.  The  funeral  was  well 
attended,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thearearen  offi- 
ciating. At  the  request  of  deceased 
brother,  the  pallbearers  were  selected 
from  the  emiiloyes  in  the  I.  C.  yard. 

The  Ladies*  Auxiliary  are  manifest- 


ing considerable  interest  in  their 
work.  Many  of  our  brothers  could 
learn  good,  wholesome  lessons  from 
their  management  of  affairs.  They 
Join  heartily  in  the  co-operation  of  any- 
thing that  means  progress  for  either 
union,  and  our  members  should  give 
them  every  encouragement  possible  in 
their  honorable  efforts  to  increase  their 
memibership.  Their  rates  for  death 
benefits  are  reasonable,  and  it  is  an 
unfortunate  truth  that  many  of  our 
brothers  carry  no  protection  whatever 
upon  their  wives  and  in  the  event  of 
their  death,  besides  the  great  burden 
of  sorrow  placed  upon  them,  they  find 
a  new  financial  burden  also  upon 
them,  which  they  find  most  difficult  to 
meet.  What  a  wise  plan  it  would  be 
for  the  brothers  to  anticipate  this  by 
encouraging  their  wives  to  became  a 
member  of  the  auxiliary.  Besides  such 
protection  afforded  by  the  auxiliary, 
they  are  doing  a  most  excellent  work 
in  ministering  to  the  comforts  and 
wants  x>f  our  families  when  sickness 
and  other  misfortune  overcome  them. 
Surely  such  Interest  in  our  families  by 
this  noble' band  of  women  Is  most  com- 
mendable and  worthy  of  our  encour- 
agement and  we  should  do  all  we  can 
to  aid  them  In  their  good  work,  as  it 
is  to  be  hoped  we  will. 

We  are  pleased  to  read  the  letters 
from  different  sections  of  the  country, 
and  hope  every  brother  in  the  union 
is  doing  all  he  can  to  aid  in  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  cause,  and  whatever 
they  do  along  such  lines  is  labor  snent 
for  a  most  honorable  purpose.  With 
best  wishes  to  all  brothers,  I  remain, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

C.  E.  Eames. 


Port  Wayne,  Ind.— No.  78. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal:^ 

A  word  or  two  from  Lodge  No.  78 
and  this  part  of  the  system  probably 
will  be  appreciated.  I  was  very  agree- 
ably surprised  on  receiving  my  Jour- 
nal for  September  to  find  my  letter 
mixed  up  with  the  ladies'  correspond- 
ence. Who  in  the  world  put  you  next? 
Was  it  "Old  Reliable"?  Has  he  been 
telling  tales  out  of  school?  Do  not 
think  that  I  am  in  the  least  put  out 
about  it;  on  the  contrary,  I  think  we 
can  not  give  too  much  praise  or  aid  to 
the  auxiliary  of  our  order;    In    fact. 


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they  are  the  backbone  of  all  organ- 
izations, God  bless  them,  for  of  such 
were  our  mothers.  ^ 

We  are  moving  along,  gaining  in 
numbers,  and  our  good  order's  prin- 
ciples are  being  better  understood, 
practiced  and  being  accepted  by  those 
whom  they  were  intended  to  benefit. 

Rumor  has  it  that  soon  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  will  he  it  in  all  yards.  We  are 
working  zealously  to  attain  this,  and 
we  feel  as  though  our  eftorts  will  be 
rewarded.  We  feel  as  though  such  is 
the  casQ  all  along  the  lines,  and  if  such 
be  no  reason  why  we  should  not  suc- 
ceed. The  spirit  of  success  seemingly 
has  taken  root  efTectively  in  Lodge  No. 
78,  the  brothers  are  coming  out  to  the 
meetings  in  good  numbers,  and  they 
take  good  interest  in  the  meetings.  At 
our  last  one,  after  a  lengthy  talk  as  to 
the  constitutionality  it  was  agreed  that 
each  one  of  the  brothers  would  resolve 
to  carry  his  constitution  in  his  pocket, 
read  and  study  it  at  every  opportunity, 
and  at  our  lodge  meetings  have  a 
school  of  Instruction  on  our  book  that 
instructs  us.  This  I  deem  a  good  idea, 
which  will  be  of  much  benefit  to  all. 

In  the  September  0.  R.  C,  Journal 
you  will  find  a  report  of  speech  made 
by  Senator  Reed  of  Missouri,  made  in 
the  Senate,  on  what  is  known  as  Em- 
ployers* Liability  and  Workmen's  Com- 
pensation bill,  this  taken  from  Con- 
gressional Record.  The  article  is  good, 
and  continued  in  October  Journat. 
Why  can  we  not  have  this  law  printed 
in  our  Journal,  and  have  some  of 
these  arguments  as  made  in  Congress 
printed,  then  we  may  all  read  and 
ponder  upon,  for  there  seems  to  be  a 
great  many  opinions  upon  this  law  as 
now  being  discussed;  will  it  benefit  our 
membership,  that  is  the  question;  and 
we  should  have  this  bill  before  us  in 
our  pink  book,  then  at  our  meetings 
could  thoroughly  discuss,  select  the 
truly  beneficial  parts,  and  eliminate 
those  that  are  of  no  material  benefit 

Judging  from  the  many  expressions 
delivered  in  the  different  orders  and 
as  published  in  their  respective  jour- 
nals, we  find  that  the  large  corpora- 
tions have  had  their  brightest  and 
sharpest  ones  to  meet  and  draft 
articles  for  this  bill,  and  we  assume 
that  they  are  not  going  to  put  in  any- 
thing that  will  be  of  a  great  advan- 
tage to  you.  my  brother.  So  let  us 
have  this  bill,  and   some  of  the   re- 


ports of  Congress  ae  to  why  it  should 
not  become  a  law.  It  might,  probably, 
be  a  good  idea  for  o.ur  brother  Grand 
Lodge  officers  to  give  us  versions  of 
this  act,  for  they  are  in  a  position  to 
know  what  is  good  or  bad  for  our 
membership. 

We  are  working  to  have  a  great 
awakening  here  at  this  point  amongst 
the  men  who  are  engaged  in  switch- 
ing. Judging  from  reports  along  the 
lines  of  the  different  roads  entering 
here  there  has  been  a  reviving  of  the 
principles  and  precepts  of  our  organ- 
ization, and  the  brothers  have  put  their 
heads  and  hearts  together,  lodges  have 
been  organized,  good  working  condi- 
tions and  schedules  have  been  granted, 
and  the  benefits  to  be  derived  from 
such  have  been  passed  along  the  line, 
and  hence  the  feeling  that  it  certainly 
will  be  of  much  good  to  us — and  those 
who  are  not — ^members  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  to  get  in  line.  We  hope  to  have 
open  meetings  and  have  all  the  whys 
and  wherefores  fully  explained  to  the 
uninitiated.  The  membership  of 
Lodge  No.  78  as  well  as  our  officers 
are  all  working  to  attain  the  advance- 
ment of  the  principles  of  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.;  we  want  it  to  be  recognized  as 
the  best  and  only  order  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  interests  and  welfare 
of  those  engaged  in  the  most  hazard- 
ous of  occupations — switching  cars. 

In  conclusion,  would  remark  that 
perhaps  ere  this  is  read  we  will  have 
passed  through  a  memorable  campaign, 
and  whomsoever  may  be  the  choice 
they  will  have  been  so  selected  by  the 
majority  of  our  people  and  we  must 
submit  cheerfully  and  help  make  a 
success.  Look  to  it,  brothers.  A  word 
to  our  Grand  officers  in  regard  to  let- 
ters oftener  as  to  what  is  goine:  on 
along  the  line,  what's  doing,  etc.  I  am 
sorry  to  say  their  letters  are  as  few 
as  my  own.  Success  and  well  wishes 
to  all  brothers  and  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Bo. 

Cfianute,  Kan.— No.  77. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  a  couple  of  months  have  gone  by 
without  anjrthing  in  the  Journal  from 
No.  77,  we  will  try  and  let  the  brothers 
hear  from  us  again.  Since  we  last 
wrote  the  Journal  we  have  read  W.  G. 
Lee's  circular  No.  7,  in  which  he  took 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


exceptions  to  our  statement  about  the 
B.  of  R.  T.  big  assessment  here  on  the 
Santa  Fe.  Now,  Mr.  Lee,  we  do  not 
take  anything  back.  Tou  know  only 
too  well  that  was  about  all  you  and 
your  order  accomplished,  the  schedule 
that  was  signed  up  was  the  same  held 
by  the  S.  U.  with  ,the  same  company 
before  the  B.  of  R.  T.  stole  it,  under 
the  leadership  of  P.  H.  Morrissey,  like 
a  thief  in  the  night,  with  a  few  slight 
changes.  If  we  had  gotten  anything 
the  way  the  B.  of  R.  T.  got  their  yard 
contract  here,  we  would  hang  our 
head  in  shame  and  not  brag  about  it, 
we  assure  you.  That  is  not  all,  we 
would  like  to  ask  you  who  have  been 
the  first  to  start  those  movements  for 
better  wages  and  better  working  con- 
ditions? Tou  know  it  was  the  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  From  1894  up  to  1902  your 
boasted  order  never  did  one  thing  for 
the  roadmen,  or  yardmen  either,  until 
the  S.  U.  began  to  get  busy  and  started 
things.  Then  you  knew  you  had  to  do 
something  or  give  up  the  yard  con- 
tracts. Another  thing  we  would  like 
to  ask  you  about  the  contract  on  the 
K.  C.  S,  to  which  you  referred:  How 
would  it  sound  if  you  had  stated  that 
you  obtained  that  contract  five  days 
after  the  S.  U.  men  were  out  on  a 
strike  on  that  system?  You  are  very 
careful  not  to  put  those  things  in  your 
circular.  We  have  no  personal  fight 
with  the  members  of  the  B.  of  R.  T., 
but  when  a  labor  leader,  with  the  posi- 
tion W.  G.  Lee  holds  and  the  good  he 
could  do  in  this  old  world  of  ours,  and 
instead  knocks  on  other  labor,  we  can- 
not refrain  from  taking  up  the  cudgel 
in  defense  of  labor,  and  if  we  had  it  in 
our  power  he  would  certainly  be  seated 
on  the  other  side  of  the  table.  Enough 
of  that  for  the  present. 

We  had  a  visit  from  Bro.  Connors 
some  time  ago  and  we  will  have  to  con- 
fess the  reception  he  received  was  very 
cold  in  regard  to  the  number  of  mem- 
bers to  come  out  and  see  him.  Broth- 
ers that  is  something  we  all  ought  to 
do  when  a  Grand  Lodge  officer  comes 
around,  make  every  effort  we  can  to 
encourage  him  in  his  work,  for  it  is 
hard  enough  when  he  has  the  support 
of  every  member.  What  is  the  matter 
with  our  Grand  Lodge  officers  writing 
something  for  the  Joubnal  once  in 
awhile;  they  surely  can  find  time 
enough  to  write  every  two  or  three 
months. 

Thanking  the  brother  from  old  Ken- 


tucky for  his  reference  to  our  poor  ef- 
forts in  the  past  we  will  close  with 
well  wishes  and  success  to  all  labor 
unions. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

No.  77. 


Buffalo,  N.Y.— No.  4. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Well,  here  are  a  few  lines  for  the 
pink  book,  Just  to  show  that  we  are 
still  on  the  job.  There  is  not  much 
to  offer  this  trip  as  we  are  still  hitting 
the  ball  good  and  hard  and  go  home 
from  our  day  or  night's  work  tired  and 
hungry,  get  a  little  sleep  and  get  up 
and  go  at  it  again,  and  the  weather 
makes  no  difference.  That  is  the  life 
of  a  switchman.  Hit  the  ball,  boys! 
That's  all  you  get  nowadays. 

Several  of  our  boys  have  met  with 
accidents  this  last  month  and,  al- 
though painful,  I  am  told  are  not  seri- 
ous, for  which  we  all  feel  thankful. 
Bro.  Billy  Parker  had  the  misfortune 
to  slightly  injure  one  of  his  legs  in 
attempting  to  step  on  a  moving  car 
and  missed  the  foot  steps,  scraping  his 
shin  quite  badly.  Bro.  George  Wright 
was  injured  in  nearly  the  same  man- 
ner, with  the  exception  that  his  foot 
went  under  the  wheel,  crushing  the 
big  toe.  I  do  not  know  at  this  writing 
v/hether  anything  serious  will  de- 
velop from  his  injury  or  not,  but  we 
all  sincerely  hope  not.  Bro.  Feathers 
Finnegan  was  knocked  off  a  box  car  in 
the  lower  eastbound  yard  and, 
though  his  injuries  were  painful,  are 
not  serious.  Bro.  Parker  has  returned 
to  work  and  we  hope  it  will  only  be 
a  matter  of  a  short  time  before  the 
other  two  brothers  are  with  us  again. 
Brothers,  a  short  time  ago  the  D., 
L.  &  W.  Safety  Committee  held  a  lec- 
ture and  stereopticon  views  at  Visi- 
tation Hall,  Lovejoy  and  Green 
streets,  which  was  very  interesting. 
The  lecture  was  given  by  a  member  of 
the  Claim  Department.  In  his  lecture, 
accompanied  by  views,  the  gentleman 
pointed  out  how  easy  and  simple  it 
is  for  a  man  to  get  hurt  by  his  own 
carelessness,  and  a  picture  was 
thrown  on  the  curtain  to  illustrate  it. 
Now,  brothers,  according  to  this  gen- 
tleman's statement,  the  company  does 
not  want  us  to  take  any  chances,  such 
as  stepping  on  footboards*  when  the 
engine  is  in  motion  and  coming  to 


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781 


you.  It  is  their  desire  that  the  en- 
gineer stop  for  you.  Running  across 
the  track  in  front  of  an  engine  or  car 
to  throw  a  switch  and  then  run  back 
again  was  also  illustrated.  Brothers, 
if  the  practice  of  stepping  on  foot- 
boards while  the  engine  is  in  motion 
was  abolished,  It  would  be  a  mighty 
good  thing  for  us.  The  gentleman  in 
his  lecture  said  the  company  does  not 
want  us  to  take  any  chance  whatso- 
ever.   Then,  why  should  we? 

Brothers,  let  us  not  forget  the 
grand  union  ball  at  Convention  Hall« 
Xov.  24th.  Tickets  are  $1.00,  includ- 
ing lady  and  gentleman.  Eiach  ticket 
holder  is  entitled  to  a  chance  on  a 
suit  of  clothes  or  an  overcoat,  valued 
at  twenty-five  dollars,  donated  by 
one  of  our  popular  tailors  in  the 
city.  Let  us  all  get  on  the  job,  broth- 
ers, and  fill  the  hall,  have  a  good  time 
and  make  it  a  financial' as  well  as  a 
social  success.  Leib's  Union  Orchestra 
has  been  engaged  to  furnish  music 
for  the  occasion. 

Well,  I  guess  I  have  said  enough 
for  this  time  and  if  this  does  not  find 
its  way  to  the  wastebasket,  I  will  try 
again.      Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

OlB. 


Rock  bland*  IN.-^o.  133. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  it  has  been  some  time  since  Lodge 
No.  133  has  been  heard  from  in  the 
columns  of  the  Joubnal,  I  will  en- 
deavor to  write  a  few  items  for  No- 
vember issue.  We  are  holding  up  very 
well  in  membership,  but  business  has 
been  so  heavy  of  late  in  our  terminals 
the  brothers  could  hardly  find  time  to 
attend  to  our  lodge  business  as  they 
should.  But  if  we  are  to  prosper  as 
we  should,  and  as  we  must  if  we  ever 
expect  to  advance  our  standing  as 
unionists  and  workers,  we  must  give  a 
portion  of  our  time  to  the  welfare  of 
the  union.  If  we  fail  to  do  so,  we  will 
fail  to  even  hold  what  advantages  we 
now  have  in  the  way  of  working  and 
living  conditions.  But  it  should  be  the 
purpose  to  aid  all  we  can  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  better  opportunities  for 
those  who  perform  the  useful  duties 
our  members  do  in  the  railroad  service. 
Now,  brothers,  you  can't  expect  the 
same  old  bunch  of  members  to  be  doing 
the  work  in  connection  with  our  union 
and  the  rest  to  take  no  interest  in  the 


movement.  It  is  unfair  to  any  one  to 
get  the  belief  he  is  not  needed  in  the 
work  of  this  union  and  that  others  can 
take  care  of  the  active  duties  of  its 
affairs.  Brothers,  always  remember 
that  those  entrusted  with  the  duties 
you  have  elected  them  to  perform 
think  just  as  much  of  the  comforts  of 
life  as  you  do.  Remember  also,  that 
they  love  to  be  with  their  families 
just  as  you  do,  and  it's  unfair  to  ex- 
pect them  to  sacrifice  their  time  com- 
ing out  to  do  the  necessary  work  in 
connection  with  the  affairs  of  the  lodge 
and  you  remain  at  home  while  they  are 
doing  so.  While  they  are  manly  and 
courageous  enough,  and  willing  to  do 
these  duties,  yet  there  are  many  things  • 
which  come  up  for  consideration  and 
which  affect  the  welfare  of  all  the 
members,  which  should  have  the  con- 
sideration, approval  or  rejection  of  all 
the  brothers,  instead  of  leaving  all 
the  responsibility  for  the  few  who 
attend  meetings  and  have  to  decide 
upon  such  questions.  So,  brothers,  if 
you  will  give  the  question  a  little 
thought  you  can't  help  but  see  the  in- 
justice you  are  doing  your  oflftcers  by 
remaining  away  on  meeting  nights, 
when  you  should  be  present  and  assum- 
ing your  share  of  the  responsibilities 
of  all  lodge  transactions.  Come  out 
and  do  this  and  you'll  be  better  off  by 
such  course  of  action;  besides  you'll 
be  showing  appreciation  In  the  efforts 
of  the  organization  in  your  behalf. 

Tri-City  Lodge  has  been  called  upon 
to  sacrifice  one  of  its  true  and  tried 
members,  Bro.  John  B.  Coates,  who  was 
ever  ready  and  willing  to  do  what  he 
could  towards  meeting  his  duties  to- 
wards his  fellow-men,  as  well  as  his 
obligations  towards  this  organization. 
We  shall  greatly  miss  his  friendly 
counsel  and  brotherly  fellowship.  He 
was  buried  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Benevolent  Order  of  Eagles,  with  the 
assistance  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  A 
large  number  of  friends  from  both  or- 
ganizations attended  the  funeral  ser- 
vices. He  left  no  relatives  to  mourn 
his  loss,  but  a  host  of  friends  will  long 
remember  him  on  account  of  his  manly 
attributes.  The  life  of  our  deceased 
brother  suggests  this  closing  sentence: 
that  whether  or  not  you  have  relatives 
to  look  after  you  when  sickness  and 
misfortune  overtakes  you,  as  it  will, 
it  is  a  mighty  good  Investment  to  be- 
long to  a  labor  union  to  protect  your- 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


self  against  such  emergencies. 

With  best  wishes  to  all  lodges  and 
the    hope    that    all    are    trying    to 
strengthen  their  forces,  I  remain, 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Ben  Jacobson. 


Ludlow,  Ky.~No.  214. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Seeing  the  letters  in  October  issue 
reminds  me  that  some  of  the  brothers 
in  this  territory  are  becoming  progres- 
sive. Now,  I  have  been  trying  for 
years  to  find  a  solution  for  a  shorter 
work-day  in  switching  districts,  and 
the  other  day  I  had  a  short  talk  with 
Bro.  Dan  Hardigan,  a  candidate  for 
the  legislature  in  Ohio,  and  Bro.  Nolan, 
one  of  our  past  Grand  Board  of  Di- 
rectors, and  we  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  we  should  try  this  winter  to  get 
a  bill  through  In  Ohio  for  an  eight- 
hour  day  and  the  semi-monthly  pay 
day  in  Ohio,  and,  if  possible,  to  get 
such  a  bill  through  Congress  and  the 
Senate.  We  could  try  this  way:  First, 
let  us  poll  each  and  every  yard  in  the 
United  States,  take  the  question  up  at 
the  regular  meetings  and  appoint  com- 
mittees to  poll  the  yards  and  find  out 
how  many  switchmen  are  in  favor  of 
sending  a  representative  to  Washing- 
ton when  Congress  convenes  for  the 
purpose  of  getting  such  a  bill  enacted 
into  law  and  see  how  many  switchmen 
are  willing  to  pay  one  or  two  dollars 
each  to  maintain  a  representative  in 
Washington  to  work  for  passage  of 
such  bill.  Now,  just  as  sure  as  you 
are  one  foot  high,  switchmen  may 
come  and  switchmen  may  go,  but  an 
eight-hour  day  we  will  never  know 
until  we  make  some  kind  of  a  progres- 
sive move  and  we  all  know  that  as 
long  as  the  railroad  organizations  are 
at  each  other's  throats  we  can  never, 
never  gain  anything  through  threats. 
Threaten  a  child  and  you  spoil  it. 
Abuse  it  and  you  make  it  hate  you. 
Use  brains  and  diplomacy  and  some 
good  system  and  you  can  control  and 
govern.  If  the  brothers  in  the  United 
States  will  answer  this  letter  I  will  be 
glad  to  read  their  answers  in  the  little 
pink  book.  I  received  a  letter  a  few 
days  ago  from  Congressman  Martin  of 
Colorado  stating  that  he  will  work 
hard  for  passage  of  any  good  bill  in 
the   interest  of  the  switchmen,  espe- 


cially an  eight-hour  bill  for  the  men 
switching  cars  in  this  country.  Now, 
brothers,  my  heart  is  set  on  getting 
an  eight-hour  day  for  every  switch- 
man in  this  country  and  a  semi- 
monthly pay  day,  and  we  will  never 
get  it  if  we  do  not  ask  for  it.  This 
move  as  I  have  outlined  it,  if  it  does 
not  meet  with  your  approval,  just 
voice  your  sentiments  in  the  little  pink 
book. 

Now,  just  a  few  words  anent  Old 
Kentucky  Lodge  No.  214.  We  are 
going  to  have  one  of  our  largest  meet- 
ings on  Oct  24th,  to  initiate  a  class  of 
some  eighteen  or  twenty  candidates. 

Last  month  Blue  Grass  No.  50,  La- 
dies' Auxiliary  to  Lodge  No.  214,  was 
organized  here  in  Ludlow,  and  I  want 
to  state  that  anyone  who  thought  that 
Old  Kentucky  Lodge  No.  214  couldn't 
make  a  success  with  an  auxiliary  has 
another  think'  coming. 

On  Oct.  2d,  Bro.  J.  B.  Smith's  be- 
loved wife,  Sister  Emma  Smith,  be- 
loved by  all  sisters  and  brothers  alike, 
passed  to  the  Great  Beyond.  Bro. 
Smith  has  our  deepest  sympathies  in 
his  saddest  and  darkest  hour.  As 
soon  as  the  sisters  received  the  sad 
news  they  showed  their  true  spirit  of 
sisterhood  by  calling  a  special  meeting 
and  proceeding  to  the  home  of  Bro. 
Smith's  family  in  a  body  and  giving 
every  aid  possible. 

On  Nov.  27th  (Thanksgiving  eve). 
Old  Kentucky  Lodge  No.  214  and  Blue 
Grass  Auxiliary  No.  50  will  give  a 
grand  ball  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  in 
Ludlow,  Ky.,  which  we  hope,  with  the 
aid  of  our  noble  sisters,  to  make  a 
grand  success.  Bros.  Nlebaum,  Cart- 
wright  and  Big  Mike  Miller,  our  ball 
committee,  also  Sisters  Miller,  Can- 
field  and  Cartwright  will  assist  as  a 
committee  from  Blue  Grass  Lodge  No. 
50.  All  brothers  and  sisters  cordially 
invited.  Tickets,  25  cents.  Good  night 
dancing  until  2  a.  m. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

A.  L.  Gantz. 


Buffab,  N.Y.— No.201. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

It  is  some  time  since  Lodge  No.  201 

has   had  an   article  in  our   Journal. 
Well,    brothers,    we    have    another 

name  missing  from  our  ledger,  Bro. 

John  J.  Buckley,  who  was  buried  Fri- 


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788 


day,  Oct  4th»  in  Holy  Cross  ceme- 
tery Ji>eBide  his  dear  wife  who  died 
some  seyen  years  ago,  leaving  three 
children  behind,  who,  fortunately,  will 
be  taken  care  of  by  their  aunt,  Miss 
BdBsie  Buckley.  In  parting  from  this 
life  Bro.  Buckley  will  be  missed  by  his 
children  on  account  of  his  kind  dispo- 
sition and  a  pleasing  way.  Everybody 
who  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaint- 
ance was  his  friend,  and  the  members 
of  the  Switchmen's  Union  throughout 
the  city  will  miss  a  good  worker  for 
our  order.  The  brothers  throughout 
the  country  who  attended  the  first  In- 
dianapolis convention  will  remember 
Bro.  Buckley,  who  represented  Happy 
Day  Lodge  No.  201.  The  funeral  was 
largely  attended  by  friends  and  rela- 
tives, and  the  pallbearers  were  mem- 
bers of  our  union  who  had  worked  side 
by  side  with  him  for  the  past  twenty 
years  in  the  Lake  Shore  yards.  He 
had  been  sick  for  the  past  three 
months,  still  he  was  always  in  good 
spirits  and  his  death  was  not  looked 
for  so  soon. 

Brothers,  the  hall  is  in  the  same 
place  and  the  meeting  days  have  not 
been  changed,  the  weather  is  fine  and 
the  meetings  are  not  kept  late.  The 
officers  are  always  on  time  at  8.30  in 
the  evening,  and  if  the  brothers  will 
attend  we  promise  to  get  through  our 
business  by  10  o'clock.  Without  your 
attendance  and  assistance  it  is  not  very 
pleasant  for  the  officers.  I  remain. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

James  J.  O'Connell. 


Blue  Island,  M.-No.  29. 

Edftob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  it  has  been  some  time  now  since 
our  lodge  has  been  heard  from  in  the 
JoxTBNAL,  I  will  try  to  let  the  mem- 
bers know  how  things  are  progressing 
at  Blue  Island  pertaining  to  our  union. 
At  our  regular  meeting  on  Oct.  14th 
we  had  the  pleasure  of  having  with  us 
President  Heberling,  Vice-President 
Connors  and  our  newly-appointed  or- 
ganizer for  this  district,  Bro.  Ed. 
Brough.  We  were,  indeed,  pleased  to 
have  them  with  us.  Bros.  Heberling 
and  Connors  made  interesting  and 
timely  addresses  to  those  present 
which  we  are  sure  were  much  appreci- 
ated by  all  those  having  the  oppor- 
tunity of  listening  to  them.    We  are 


also  sure  they  were  pleased  at  the  at- 
tendance present  and  the  attention 
given  by  the  brothers  to  their  remarks. 
Bro.  Brough  didn't  have  so  much  to 
say,  but  he  came  up  to  our  treasurer's 
desk  with  a  nice  bunch  of  seven  ap- 
plications for  us.  Pretty  eloquent 
speaking  for  us  after  all.  From  all 
accounts  he  is  doing  similar  work  in 
the  other  yards  in  which  he  has  had 
an  opportunity  of  canvassing  for  mem 
bership.  We  feel  sure  there  was  no 
mistake  made  in  the  selection  of  Bro. 
Brough  for  the  duties  he  is  now  per- 
forming, and  I  want  to  impress  upon 
the  minds  of  our  members  whom  he 
calls  upon  the  importance  of  giving 
him  all  the  assistance  possible  in  get- 
ting in  touch  with  the  switchihen  in 
the  yards  of  this  city.  If  this  is  done 
I  feel  confident  there  will  be  a  substan- 
tial increase  in  membership  in  every 
yard  here.  But  we  must  co-operate 
with  him.  He  made  a  splendid  report 
to  the  District  Council  at  its  last 
meeting.  And,  by  the  way,  these  Dis- 
trict Council  meetlD^s  are  well  worth 
your  while  attending.  Members  can. 
during  a  single  evening,  get  a  good 
line  on  the  work  being  done  in  all  the 
yards  in  the  city.  The  secret  of  Bro. 
Brough's  success  seems  to  be  largely 
due  to  his  -going  through  the  yards 
and  making  a  man  to  man  canvas  and 
in  hammering  away  constantly  on  those 
not  familiar  with  the  aims  of  our 
union,  as  well  on  the  doubting 
Thomases,  until  he  has  them  convinced 
and  captured.  We  should  all  adopt  his 
method  in  regard  to  soliciting  for  new 
members.  Give  him  a  show  and  I  am 
sure  he  will  make  good. 

As  a  rule  our  meetings  are  very  well 
attended  and  we  are  now  one  of  the 
largest  lodges  on  the  Hock  Island  sys- 
tem. If  everyone  does  his  full  duty 
we  will  be  still  larger. 

Our  fourteenth  annual  ball  will  be 
given  on  Thursday  night,  Nov.  28th,  in 
Sanger's  Hall.  The  committee  in 
charge  of  this  event  are  making  strong 
efforts  to  make  it  a  grand  success  and 
ask  the  co-operation  of  all  the  brothers 
tc  insure  its  being  nothing  short  of 
their  expectations.  So  we  ask  all  to 
become  hustlers  in  regard  to  every 
duty  connected  with  this  affair  and 
help  make  it  the  best  ever. 

Several  of  our  former  bachelors  have 
become  tired  of  their  single  struggles 
in  life  and  have  become  converts  to  the 
co-partnership  plan.    Bro.  John  Ernst 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.   A. 


recently  sneaked  off  to  Denver  and 
to(rtc  a  couple  week's  vacation.  Ask 
him  about  it  and  he  will  explain  his 
reason  for  It 

Bro.  James  Withers  recently  had 
the  misfortune  to  break  his  leg  in  the 
I.  H.  B.  yards,  but  is  now  able  to  be 
around  again  and  we  sincerely  trust 
may  soon  be  able  to  perform  his  usual 
duties.  We  should  all  remember  our 
duty  in  regard  to  visiting  our  sick  and 
disabled  members  and  make  it  a  point 
to  attend  to  such  part  of  our  obliga- 
tion to  those  suffering  from  such  mis- 
fortunes. 

From  all  reports  business  seems  to 
be  good  In  most  sections  of  the  coun- 
try and  we  should  all  try  and  take 
advantage  of  this  fact  to  increase  our 
membership,  which  we  can  do  if  wo 
''Make  hay  while  the  sun  shines." 

With  best  regards  to  all  lodges  In 
their  efforts  to  make  progress,  I  re- 
main,       Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thomas  Earner. 


Des  Moines,  Iowa— No.  1 74. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

If  you  will  kindly  give  me  space  in 
the  pink  book  I  will  go  on  and  try  to 
tell  the  readers  how  we  are  progress- 
ing at  this  point.  We  are  increasing 
our  membership  every  meeting.  At  the 
last  on  Oct.  6th,  we  added  seven  mem- 
bers, one  reinstatement  and  six  initia- 
tions, and  balloted  favorably  on  four 
more  for  our  next  regular  meeting. 
Our  local  medical  examiner,  Dr. 
Schurer,  thought  to  himself  these  boys 
in  174  always  have  their  shoulder  to 
the  wheel  and  I  will  help  all  I  can. 
He  did  help  us  by  sending  to  our  hall 
a  box  of  union-made  cigars,  and  I  must 
say  for  the  doctor  his  kindness  will 
never  be  forgotten  by  the  members  of 
174.  After  all  the  heavy  work  was 
over  and  all  the  newly-made  brothers 
saw  they  were  still  in  the  ring,  but 
had  little  to  say,  we  turned  the  re- 
mainder of  the  evening  into  a  smoker, 
which  all  enjoyed  until  it  was  time  to 
retire. 

On  the  11th  and  12th  of  October  we 
had  with  us  Brother  Mlsenhelter,  our 
Fifth  Vice-International  President.  On 
his  arrival  he  was  entertained  by  Bro. 
A.  L.  Shearer,  president  of  174.  To- 
gether they  made  the  rounds  of  the 
yards  at  Valley  Junction,  from  one 
crew  to  another,  until  they  had  found 
them  all.     It  rained  the  most  of  the 


day,  which  made  it  disagreeable,  but 
the  journey  was  continued  until  they 
met  every  switchmen  in  the  yard. 
About  5.30  all  the  night  men  were  met 
and  Introduced  to  Bro.  Mlsenhelter.  I 
must  say  he  certainly  entertained 
them  well.  On  Oct.  12th,  Bro.  Mlsen- 
helter and  Bro.  Shearer  continued  the 
trip  to  Des  Moines,  which  is  four 
miles  from  Valley  Junction.  There 
they  also  visited  every  yard,  as  fol- 
lows: C.  G.  W.,  C.  B.  &  Q.,  the  D.  M. 
U.,  the  K.  C.  Short  Line.  Not  only 
that  but  they  met  every  engine  and 
every  switchman  in  the  above  yards. 
On  returning  to  Valley  Junction  it  was 
decided  to  hold  an  open  union  meet- 
ing, which  was  done,  and  I  must  say 
it  was  the  most  successful  and  the 
best  attended  meeting  that  I  ever  at- 
tended in  Valley  Junction  or  Des 
Moines.  Nearly  every  organization 
was  represented  at  this  meeting,  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  the  B.  of  L.  E.,  B.  of 
L.  F.,  the  O.  R.  C,  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  the 
I.  C.  M.,  the  plumbers,  the  electrical 
workers,  and  many  others  whom  I  did 
not  get  in  touch  with  on  account  of 
such  a  large  crowd.  Our  big  hall  was 
filled  to  its  capacity,  and  after  Bro. 
Mlsenhelter  finished  his  remarks  he 
was  made  a  target  for  some  of  the 
other  organizations  —  answering  ques- 
tions, which  he  did  to  the  entire  satis- 
faction of  all.  The  only  regret  was 
that  switchmen  of  Bro.  Mlsenhelter's 
stamp  do  not  visit  towns  like  this  of- 
ten enough.  If  they  came  oftener  it 
would  make  things  much  better  and 
instill  a  warmer  feeling  among  those 
of  different  organizations — judging  by 
the  effect  his  presence  had  on  this 
meeting. 

All  wish  Bro.  Mlsenhelter  the  best 
of  success.    I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  F.  Sammon, 
Journal  Agent. 


Ludlow,  Ky.— No.  214. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Not  seeing  anything  from  Lodge  No. 
214  in  the  Journal  I  will  endeavor  to 
write  a  few  lines  to  our  brothers  and 
let  them  know  that  Lodge  No.  214  Is 
wideawake  and  taking  in  new  mem- 
bers each  meeting.  We  expect  to  initi- 
ate six  or  eight  new  members  on  the 
next  meeting  night. 
We    would    like    to    have    all    the 


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785 


switchmen  and  their  wives  and  sisters 
attend  the  third  annual  ball  given  by 
Old  Kentucky  Lodge  No.  214,  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.  and  Blue  Grass  Lodge  No.  50, 
Ladies'  Auxiliary,  at  Odd  Fellows  Hall, 
Ludlow,  Ky.,  .on  Thanksgiving  Eve. 
No.  27th.  Come  on  snakes  and  bring 
your  folks  and  have  a  good  time.  Bros. 
Miller,  Hethom,  Gantz  and  Traylor 
will  see  that  you  keep  moving. 

Old  Kentucky  Lodge  No.  214  is  hold- 
ing good  meeting  with  splendid  attend- 
ance and  everybody  is  stirring  up  the 
"no-bills." 

Our  ladies  organized  an  auxiliary 
on  Sept.  1st  and  are  doing  nicely.  Now 
this  is  a  move  that  all  brothers  should 
become  interested  in  and  have  some 
member  of  their  family  join  the  aux- 
iliary. 

Hoping  to  see  you  all  at  our  ball,  I 
remain,      Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Journal  Agent. 


home  to  take  care  of  your  little  ones 
so  that  you  can  have  your  wife  put  on 
her  best  clothes  and  accompany  you 
to  Convention  Hall.    I  remain. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
C.  Barker, 
Journal  Agent. 


Buffalo.  N.  Y«— No.  209. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

At  the  open  meeting  held  Sept.  20th 
at  Beyer's  Hall,  in  this  city.  Interna- 
tional President  Heberling  delivered 
an  interesting  address,  describing 
working  conditions  as  they  exist 
throughout  the  country  from  the 
switchmen's  standpoint,  and,  after 
giving  some  good  advice  for  our  future 
guidance,  opened  the  meeting  to  those 
present  for  their  opinions. 

The  consensus  of  the  opinions  ex- 
pressed seems  to  be  a  shorter  work 
day  and  higher  wages.  When  the  ma- 
jority of  the  switchmen  of  this  coun- 
try come  to  that  conclusion  and  join 
the  order  organized  to  care  for  their 
interests  we  shall  have  made  a  great 
stride  toward  achieving,  peaceably,  bet- 
ter working  conditions. 

Lodge  No.  209  reports  progress.  We 
have  most  of  the  available  timber  at 
this  terminal  of  the  Lehigh  Valley  en- 
rolled in  our  membership  book. 

Business  has  been  good  this  fall,  and 
we  hope  the  captains  of  the  industrial 
world  will  allow  these  conditions  to 
'  prevail. 

The  switchmen  of  Buffalo  at  present 
are  hustling  to  sell  tickets  for  our 
grand  ball  to  be  held  on  Nov.  20th.  We 
expect  to  have  a  big  crowd  and  a  good 
time,  so  all  you  S.  U.  men  make 
arrangements    to    have    someone    at 


Grand  Rapids*  Mich.->No.  80 

EorroR  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Not  seeing  any  word  from  Lodge 
No.  SO  in  our  Journal  for  some  time 
I  will  drop  a  few  lines. 

Now  that  the  winter  months  are 
coming  on  again  it  should  insure  large 
meetings  and  more  interest  shown  by 
the  membership  in  the  general  welfare 
of  our  union.  There  are  a  great  many 
ways  in  which  we  can  heip  our  pre- 
siding officer,  but  the  best  way  is  to 
have  a  large  attendance  at  meetings. 

Early  in  the  summer,  through  the 
efforts  of  members  in  this  city,  the 
City  Council  passed  an  ordinance  stat- 
ing the  number  of  men  to  be  called  a 
full  crew  on  switch  engines.  Since 
then  Saginaw  passed  a  like  ordinance 
and  Lansing,  Ludington  and  several 
other  cities  in  this  state  are  working 
for  the  same  or  a  similar  law  to  be 
passed.  At  the  State  Federation  of 
Labor  convention,  held  here  in  Sep- 
tember, the  Sherwood  Bill,  as  pre- 
sented at  Washington,  was  endorsed 
and  the  various  delegates  promised  us 
their  earnest  support  to  have  a  state 
law  enacted  at  the  next  session  of  the 
legislature,  also  to  do  what  they  can 
to  have  city  ordinances  passed  in  the 
principal  cities  of  the  state.  Let  us 
all  get  busy  and  push  the  full  crew 
bill,  local  as  well  as  national. 

It  is  again  nearing  the  time  for  elec- 
tion of  officers  and  remember  you  can 
not  get  too  good  a  man  to  fill  each 
office,  also  on  Nov.  5th  is  election  of 
national,  state  and  county  officers.  You 
know  how  you  have  been  voting  in 
the  past.  Stop  and  think,  have  you 
voted  for  the  best  interests  of  the 
workingman  or  not?  There  is  a 
larger  variety  in  the  field  this  fal! 
than  ever  before.  Why  is  it?  Just  to 
pull  the  wool  over  the  workingman's 
eyes.  They  want  your  vote  and,  if 
elected,  they  forget  about  you  until 
next  election.  We  have  had  pros- 
perity, so-called,  in  the  past.  Did  you 
ever  stop  to  figure  how  far  your  day's 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N. 


wages  went  ten  years  ago  and  how 
far  It  goes  now?  You  have  received 
20  or  25  per  cent,  increase  in  wages 
and  the  cost  of  the  necessities  of  life 
have  increased  50  to  200  per  cent. 
Result,  you  have  received  25  to  100 
per  cent,  decrease  in  wages.  Is  that 
the  prosperity  you  voted  for?  Did 
you  get  enough  of  it,  or  are  you  going 
to  put  the  capitalist  class  into  office 
for  another  four  years?  Better  con- 
sider the  proposition  of  how  you 
should  vote  this  fall. 

We  have  an  employes  compensation 
law  in  this  state.  It  sure  is  an  em- 
ployers law.  While  some  classes  of 
labor  will  profit  to  some  extent  by  it, 
as  a  general  proposition  it  is  a  fake 
to  the  labor  world  and  only  another 
way  of  trying  to  get  the  labor  vote  by 
telling  men  it  is  a  good  law  passed 
in  favor  of  and  for  the  workingmen 
We  have  beat  around  the  bush  long 
enough.  Let  us  get  busy  this  fall  and 
vote  for  something  we  want,  even 
though  we  can  not  elect  our  man 
There  is  more  satisfaction  in  it  than 
voting  for  something  we  do  not  want 
and  get  too  much  of. 

Business  is  good  on  the  several 
roads  in  Michigan  and  the  companies 
are  putting  more  work  on  each  engine 
from  day  to  day.  Yet  they  claim  they 
are  not  making  expenses.  When  I 
first  went  switching,  if  I  did  as  much 
work  in  two  days  as  I  do  in  one  now, 
I  would  think  I  was  being  imposed 
upon.  You  must  also  remember  that 
cars  now  hold  from  two  to  three  times 
as  much  freight  as  they  used  to  and 
you  are  handling  that  many  more 
cars.  Have  your  wages  increased  in 
proportion?  You  did  not  formerly 
hear  of  railroad  companies  always 
complaining  about  expenses,  they  Just 
kept  growing  and  building  until  they 
seemed  to  have  gone  mad  for  want  of 
larger  dividends.  The  old  saying  is 
true,  "The  more  you  get  the  more  you 
want,"  and  is  applied  very  forcibly 
upon  the  various  railroad  men 
throughout  this  glorious  monarchy  of 
ours,  called  the  land  of  the  free. 
Brother  worker,  get  radical,  you  have 
nothing  to  lose  but  your  chains  and 
everything  to  gain. 

Wishing  you  all  more  real  pros- 
perity, after  you  have  voted  right, 
than  you  have  enjoyed  in  the  past,  I 
remain.     Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

W.  H.  Woods. 


The  Woridnsman. 

He  makes  everything. 
He  makes  butter  and  eats  oleo. 
He  makes  overcoats  and  freezes. 
He    builds    palaces  -and    lives    in 
shacks. 

He   raises  the   corn   and   eats    the 
husks. 

He   builds   automobiles    and    walks 
home. 

He  makes  kid  gloves  and  wears  mit- 
tens. 

He  makes  fine  tobacco  and   chews 
scrap. 

He  make  fine  flour  and  eats  stale 
bread. 

He  makes  fine  clothing  and  wears 
shoddy. 

He  makes  silk  socks  and  wears  cot- 
ton ones. 

He  makes  good  cigars  and  smokes 
two-fers. 

He  builds  electric  light  plants  and 
burns  oil. 

He  makes  dress  suit  shirts  and 
wears  flannel. 

He  produces  fine  beef  and  eats  the 
soupbone. 

He  makes  carriages  and  pushes  a 
wheelbarrow. 

He  makes  broadcloth  pants  and 
wears  overalls. 

He  makes  meerschaum  pipes  and 
smokes  clay. 

He  makes  stovepipe  hats  and  wears 
cheap  derbys. 

He  digs  the  gold  and  has  his  teeth 
filled  with  cement. 

He  builds  fine  cafes  and  eats  at  the 
lunch  counter. 

He  makes  patent  leather  shoes  and 
wears  brogans. 

He  builds  baseball  grandstands  and 
sits  In  the  bleachers. 

He  makes  the  palace  car  and  rides 
In  the  side-door  sleeper. 

He  builds  grand  opera  houses  and 
goes  to  the  nickel  shows. 

He  makes  silk  suspenders  and  holds 
his  pants  up  with  nails. 

He  makes  fine  furniture  and  uses 
cheap  Instalment  stuff. 

He  makes  the  shrouds,  the  coffins 
and  tombs,  and  when  he  dies  he' sleeps 
In  potter's  field. 

Workers,  wake  up!  You  have  noth 
Ing  to  lose  but  your  chains,  and  a 
world  to  gainl ^Emancipator, 


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THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


ToMoyO. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

If  anybody  had  been  around  Broer's 
Hall  on  the  evening  of  Sept.  12th  and 
observed  the  ladies  going  to  the  lodge 
meeting,  he  would  have  thought  some 
great  bargain  sale  or  some  of  an  un- 
usual nature  was  going  on.  Let  me 
tell  -you  why  such  a  great  crowd 
turned  out.  Sister  Hughes  was  chair- 
man of  the  entertainment  committee 
and  the  sisters  knew  it  and  they  also 
knew  that  they  would  have  a  good 
time,  hence  they  came  in  such  great 
numbers.  Sister  Hughes  entertained 
UR  with  a  novel  game  of  marbles  and 
you  should  have  seen  the  sisters 
"shoot  'em."  We  received  some  nice 
prizes.  A  lady  named  Smith  carried 
off  the  booby  prize,  much  to  the  envy 
of  all  of  us.  We  were  aching  to  see 
her  try  them  on,  but  she  said  "No.* 
I  didn't  blame  her.  With  the  assist- 
ance of  the  committee,  Sister  Hughes 
served  a  nice  lunch,  after  which  we 
all  went  home  with  happy  hearts  won- 
dering what  we  could  do  when  it  came 
our  turn. 

Sisters,  you  do  not  know  how  much 
it  pleases  our  worthy  president  to  see 
you  all  come  to  lodge.  It  is  discour- 
aging to  talk  to  empty  chairs  and  T 
can  say  for  one  that  I  am  a  regular  at- 
tendant at  lodge  meetings.  The 
weather  is  cooler  now  and  everything 
is  in  your  favor.  So  try  and  attend 
at  least  one  meeting  a  month. 

The  brothers  of  Lodge  No.  14  gave 
a  moonlight  excursion  on  the  15th  of 
August  The  sisters  assisted  in  sell- 
ing tickets,  receiving  fifty  per  cent,  of 
the  receipts,  which  helped  to  fill  the 
treasury. 

We  have  been  organized  six  years 
and  never  had  a  wedding  until  this 
year  when,  in  the  month  of  Septem- 
ber, Sister  Landwher,  one  of  our  char- 
ter members,  changed  her  name  to 
Mrs.  Reek.  Her  hubby  is  a  switch- 
man and  belon^^  to  Lodge  No.  14. 
I  am  sure  they  have  the  heartiest 
congratulations  of  both  lodges. 


We  welcomed  Sister  Oorrigan  to 
the  ranks  at  the  last  evening  meeting. 
Each  new  member  helps  to  increase 
our  membership  and  brings  a  larger 
death  benefit  in  the  future. 

I  don't  want  our  Journal  agent  to 
think  that  I  am  trying  to  steal  her 
job,  but  I  just  simply  had  to  write  and 
tell  how  royally  she  entertained  us. 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

"Hke-Haw." 


Detroit,  Mich. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  am  not  favorable  to  introductory 
speeches,  neither  am  I  in  favor  of  yard 
subscriptions;  they  should  be  opposed 
r  until  they  are  abolished.  On  Oct.  5th 
a  non-union  switchman  left  here  on  his 
vacation;  he  landed  in  Kansas  City, 
Mo.,  and  at  midnight  met  his  death 
by  a  bullet.  No  one  seems  to  know 
the  cause,  but  we  here  in  Detroit, 
Mich.,  know  that  he  carried  no  insur- 
ance, hence  the  subscription  list.  He 
was  asked  many  times  to  join  the  S.  U., 
but  always  had  some  excuse.  Now  it 
is  up  to  all  the  railroad  men  to  bury 
him.  I  do  not  think  it  is  a  square 
deal.  We  are  all  willing  to  do  our 
duty,  but  it  is  an  imposition  for  any 
man  or  his  family  to  expect  unions 
to  take  care  of  all  the  men  who  work 
with  them  who  meet  death  and  are  not 
provided  for  to  some  extent  with  in- 
surance when  they  have  such  a  good 
opportunity  of  having  it.  If  the  men 
are  careless,  the  women  should  remind 
them  that  they  must  carry  some  kind 
of  insurance,  and  those  who  switch 
cars  should  belong  to  the  8.  U.  of  N.  A. 
We  are  still  busy.  The  annual  ball 
was  a  decided  success.  We  gave  a 
house  pedro  party  at  the  home  of 
Sister  Wagner,  which,  like  all  the 
"banner  lodge"  does,  was  a  success 
socially  and  financially.  Now,  you 
"ladies"  who  have  made  rash  prom- 
ises, send  in  your  applications  and  we 
will  do  the  rest. 
Sister   and   Brother   Brock  are   re- 


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Joicing;  another  young  switchman.  All 
doing  well. 

Sister  Bissell  is  looking  fine  after 
her  lon^  siege  of  illness. 

Sister  Welpert,  who  underwent  a 
serious  operation,  is  slowly  recovering. 
We  are  all  pleased  to  hear  the  good 
hews. 

The  time  for  election  of  officers  is 
close  at  hand  and  all  the  sisters  should 
make  it  their  business  to  attend  the 
meetings  and  do  all  they  can  to  select 
a  good  set  of  officers  for  1913.  It  is 
also  election  for  delegate  to  the  con- 
vention at  Houston,  Tex. 

I  wonder  what  has  happened  to  the 
several  writers?  Surely  they  are  not 
on  their  vacation.  Sisters,  you  better 
get  busy  or  the  editor  will  think  we  do 
not  need  the  space  and  he  may  cut  us 
off  entirely. 

With  best  wishes  to  all,  I  am, 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
M.  M.  Whiteman, 
Second  Orand  Vice-President. 


Grand  Rapidf,  Mich. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

So  the  sister  from  Detroit  said,  "It 
is  the  eleventh  hour,"  and  if  Pumiture 
City  No.  12  has  a  communication  in 
the  November  Journal  it  must  get 
busy. 

We  have  had  a  fair  attendance  at  all 
our  meetings  the  past  summer,  but 
hope  for  better  turnouts  in  the  future. 
Our  meeting  dates  were  changed  so  as 
to  have  one  day  and  one  night  meeting 
in  each  month  and  the  change  was 
very  satisfactory  to  most  of  our  mem- 
bers, at  least. 

We  are  losing  two  of  our  members 
by  their  removal  from  our  city — Sister 
Lateer  going  to  Milwaukee,  and  Sister 
Bedoin  to  Detroit.  We  are  sorry  to 
see  them  M:ive  and  bespeak  a  "glad 
hand"  for  them  from  our  sisters  In 
these,  their  new  homes. 

The  L.  A.  of  the  B.  of  R.  T.  invited 
us  to  meet  with  them  in  their  hall  on 
Wednesday  evening,  Oct.  9th.  A  goodly 
number  attended  and  those  who  did 
not  go  may  well  be  sorry,  as  we  cer- 
tainly had  a  good  time|  A  most  de- 
licious banquet  was  served,  to  which 
we  did  justice  in  a  very  creditable 
manner. 

We  have  had  two  pedro  parties  this 
fall,  which  were  well  attended.  More 
in  sight. 


A  hallowe'en  party  will  be  given  at 
Sister  Dannenberg's  and  a  dance  at 
our  hall  Thursday  evening,  Nov.  21st. 
All  visiting  sisters  and  brothers  most 
heartily  welcome. 

Best  wishes  from  No.  12  for  the  pros- 
perity of  our  sister  and  brother  lodges. 
Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Naomi  Parks. 


Toledo,  O. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Sunshine  Lodge  is  still  alert  and  in- 
terested in  whatever  pertains  to  the 
good  and  welfare  of  the  order.  We 
are  taking  in  new  members  st^dily 
and  living  in  peace  and  harmony  with 
each  other.  But  then  Sunshine  -Lodge 
is  the  ideal  lodge  for  that  I  wonder 
how  many  lodges  can  say  with  us  that 
there  has  not  been  any  difference 
or  arguments  at  our  meetings  for 
over  a  year.  It  sounds  rather  extra- 
ordinary, does  it  not  for  a  woman's 
lodge,  but  it  is  true  nevertheless  and 
the  secret  lies  in  the  fact  that  we  trust 
each  other  to  do  their  duty  to  the 
best  of  their  ability  and  never  criti> 
cize.  We  have  formed  the  habit  of 
living  up  to  the  Golden  Kule.  It  is 
"dead  easy"  and  pleasanter  than  the 
other  way.     Try  it. 

There  has  been  hovering  over  our 
meetings  for  some  time  past  the  little 
goddess  Love  and  he  nestled  in  the 
hearts  of  Miss  Alice  Landwher  and 
Mr.  Martin  Reik,  one  of  our  brother 
switchmen.  A  few  days  ago  the  wed- 
ding bells  chimed  merrily  and  they 
are  now  "two  souls  with  but  a  single 
thought."  We  all  extend  congratula- 
tions and  hope  for  them  a  long  and 
happy  life  replete  with  life's  choicest 
blessings. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Mrs.  George  Hughes, 
Journal  Agent, 


Couflidi  Bkiffs,  Iowa. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  thought  I  would  let  the  Journal 
readers  know  that  Hiawatha  Lodge 
No.  3  L.  A.  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  is 
going  to  celebrate  the  12th  of  this 
month,  it  being  one  year  since  we 
organized.  We  are  going  to  have  a 
.  card  party,  and  we  do  hope  that  every 
one  who  comes  will  have  a  good  time. 


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Brother  and  Sister  Shott  are  rejoic- 
ing over  the  arrival  of  a  son  at  their 
house.  I  suppose  that  means  another 
switchman. 

Bro.  Clemenson,  who  was  badly  hurt 
some  time  ago,  is  out  walking  around, 
but  does  not  feel  very  good  as  yet. 

We  are  sorry  to  say  that  Bro.  Hol- 
lingsworth's  father  is  in  the  hospital 
suffering  with  an  arm  broken  in  two 
places  and  his  back  badly  bruised, 
caused  by  a  fall. 

We  are  sorry  to  say  that  Bro.  James 
Deveny  lost  his  mother  Sept.  16th,  and 
we  extend  our  sympathy  to  the  family 
for  we  know  they  will  miss  her.  The 
home  wtll  never  be  the  same  again. 

In  memory  of  Mary    Deveny,    who 
died  Sept  16,  1912: 
You  have  gone  from  the  hearts  that 

loved  you. 
Prom  the  friends  that  knew  you  here; 
And  your  empty  chair  and  your  vacant 

place 
So  sadly  greet  us  here. 
When  the  golden  glow  of  autumn 
Was  flooding  the  western  sky. 
And  all  the  earth  was  fair  and  bright 
It  was  hard  to  see  you  die. 
They  tried  to  keep  you  with  us. 
But  God  had  called  you  home, 
And  you  turned  from  the  clasp  of  their 

willing  hands 
And  answered,  "Lord,  I  come." 
We  hope  you  are  safe  in  his  kingdom 
For  all  the  eternal  years, 
But  we  cannot  see  your  glory. 
For  our  eyes  are  blind  with  tears; 
And  their  hearts  are  sick  with  griev- 
ing. 
As  in  memory  they  recall 
Tour  kindly  voice  and  pleasant  smile 
And  your  loving  thought  for  all. 
And,  oh,  from  your  place  in  heaven 
Ajsk  God  in  His  grace  to  flnd 
A  message  of  peace  for  the  saddened 

hearts 
In  the  home  you  left  behind. 

With  best  wishes  to  the  L.  A.  to  S. 
U.  of  N.  A.  and  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  I 
remain.     Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
Sister  Barada, 
President. 


dead,  if  it  has  had  one  long  sleep.  It 
has  had  a  sudden  awakening  at  last; 
everyone  is  now  awake.  We  are  hav- 
ing a  card  party  and  drawing  on  the 
17th  of  October,  and  Sister  Grace  Buns 
has  opened  her  home  for  the  sisters' 
party.  Sister  Carrie  Byrnes  has  given 
her  home  for  a  card  party  on  the  14th 
of  November,  so  you  can  see  there  are 
several  things  doing. 

Most  of  our' sisters  have  been  out  of 
the  city  on  vacations,  the  greater  part 
of  the  season,  and  that  is  why  you 
have  not  heard  from  us  regularly. 

One  of  our  sisters  has  lost  her  dear- 
est friend,  her  husband,  and  by  his 
death  No.  11  has  lost  a  most  faithful 
worker.  All  extend  heartfelt  sympa- 
thy in  her  loneliness  and  sadness. 

Now,  sisters,  all  keep  awake  and 
turn  out  to  our  meetings. 

My  duty  and  pleasure  being  done,  I 
will  close,  with  kindest  regards  to  all 
sisters  and  brothers. 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

E.  Crawford. 


QevclMMltO. 

EnrroB  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  it  is  the  eleventh  hour,  and  if  I 
want  this  letter  in  the  November  Jour- 
nal, I  must  move  quickly. 
M.  J.  Naughton  Lodge  No.  10  is  not 


CItyJ 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  the  poet  has  said  so  truthfully: 
'*The  moves  on  life's  checkerboard  are 
fast."  So  we  find  it  with  Progressive 
Lodge  No.  4. 

The  lawyer  may  see  no  deeper  than 
bis  law  books  and  the  chemist  see  no 
further  than  the  windows  of  his  la- 
boratory and  they  may  do  their  work 
well.  But  the  woman  who  does  wo- 
man's work  needs  a  many-sided,  multi- 
form culture.  The  height  and  depth  of 
human  life  must  not  be  beyond  the 
reach  of  her  vision.  To  be  truly  happy 
is  a  question  of  how  we  begin  and  not 
how  we  end;  of  what  we  want  and 
not  of  what  we  have.  An  aspiration  is 
a  joy  forever — a  possession  as  solid  as 
a  landed  estate — a  fortune  which  we 
can  never  exhaust  and  which  gives  us 
year  by  year  a  revenue  of  pleasurable 
activity.  To  have  many  of  these  is  to 
be  spiritually  rich.  Life  is  only  a 
very  dull  and  ill-directed  theatre  un- 
les  we  have  some  interest  in  the  piece. 
In  our  lodge  we  have  so  many  re- 
sourceful women  that  we  are  never  at 
a  loss  for  interest.  At  our  open  meet- 
ing we  had  the  rafBe  for  the  luncb 
cloth,  which  was  drawn  by  Sister  Buf- 
flngton.  We  also  sold  ice  cream  and 
cake  and  had  a  very  pleasant  evening. 

Our  ball  was  held  on  Hallowe'en.  AV 


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worked  hard  to  make  it  a  success  for. 
as  Ruskln  said.  "If  you  want  knowl- 
edge you  must  toil  for  it;  and  if  pleas- 
ure you  must  toil  for  it.  Toil  is  the 
law.  Pleasure  comes  through  toil  and 
not  by  self-indulgence  and  indolence. 
When  one  gets  to  love  work,  his  life  is 
a  happy  one." 

Sister  Graham,  not  being  able  to  at- 
tend lodge  meetings  on  account  of  other 
duties,  resigned.  Sister  Flanigan  was 
elected  secretary  in  her  place. 

On  Thursday,  Oct.  10th,  we  intiated 
two  new  members. 

By  a  vote  of  the  lodge  it  was  de- 
cided that  Progressive  Lod^e  No.  4 
will  give  a  card  party  every  second 
and  fourth  Tuesday  of  each  month,  to 
take  place  at  the  homes  of  the  mem- 
bers. 

Wishing  all  sister  lodges  success,  I 
remain,  respectfully 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mas.  A.  T.  Pebsingeb. 


Buffalo,  N.Y. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

How  the  time  flies,  here  it  is  time  to 
send  in  any  matter  that  is  intended  for 
the  pink  book,  and  the  month  seems 
very  short,  but  the  time  goes  by  so 
swiftly  and  I  want  to  get  a  word  to 
the  sisters  before  time  for  election  of 
officers,  so  it  must  appear  in  this  issue. 
Some  of  the  letters  written  for  the 
Joubnal  stated  that  some  of  the  mem- 
bers think  we  have  too  frequent  con- 
ventions; that  is  for  the  members  to 
decide  at  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  But  unless  the  switch- 
men lengthen  the  time  between  their 
conventions,  it  is  hardly  feasible  for 
us  to  try  to  make  a  change,  for  it 
seems  better  in  every  way  to  hold  con- 
ventions at  the  same  time  and  place 
that  the  union  holds  theirs. 

Now  a  word  about  the  election  of 
your  delegates.  All  lodges  should  en- 
deavor to  elect  a  sister  that  can  secure 
transportation  to  the  place  of  conven- 
tion, and  it  is  an  easy  matter  for  any 
sister  looking  for  this  important  office 
to  find  out  before  she  enters  the  field  if 
she  can  procure  transportation  to 
Houston.  Some  of  the  delegates,  only 
a  few,  though,  were  unable  to  last 
time,  and  when  the  report  was  sent  to 
the  lodges  there  was  criticism  from 
the  lodges  whose  delegates  did  secure 


transportation,  and  naturally  it  was  re- 
ported to  headquarters,  and  we  wish  to 
avoid  a  repetition  of  this  next  year. 
We  endeavor  at  all  times  to  keep  ex- 
penses of  all  kinds  as  low  as  possible, 
and  we  wish  to  do  the  same  in  regard 
to  the  convention  expenses. 

It  is  gratifying  to  see  new  members 
added  by  so  many  of  the  lodges,  but 
still  there  are  suspensions  which  oft- 
set  the  result  somewhat,  but  it  is  to 
be  hoped  that  the  good  work  of  getting 
new  members  will  continue. 

The  families  of  the  brothers  here  in 
Buffalo  need  not  be  surprised  to  re- 
ceive a  call  from  the  writer  any  day, 
and  I  hope  to  have  the  satisfaction  of 
seeing  a  large  increase  in  the  mem- 
bership of  Lodge  No.  6  in  the  near  fu- 
ture. We  need  the  members,  there  are 
hundreds  of  women  in  our  city  eligible 
to  join  and  we  want  them  with  us. 

I  am  sorry  to  report  considerable 
sickness  among  the  members  of  Lodge 
No.  6.  Sister  Dunphy  has  been  laid  up 
several  weeks  with  pleuro-pneumonia, 
but  we  are  glad  to  say  she  is  gradually 
recovering,  and  we  hope  in  the  near 
future  to  se  her  with  us  at  the  meet- 
ings as  she  has  been  missed. 

Brother  and  Sister  Flynn  are  receiv- 
ing congratulations  on  the  addition  of 
a  little  switcher  boy  to  their  family. 

Sister  Kruger  is  also  on  the  sick  list, 
but  we  hope  to  see  her  at  our  next 
meeting. 

Lodge  No.  220  held  its  annual  ball 
the  16th,  and  it  was,  as  usual,  a  suc- 
cess. But  the  topic  of  conversation  in 
switching  circles  now  is  the  grand  ball, 
Nov.  20th,  and  shortly  after  that  Lodge 
No.  6  will  hold  its  annual  dance,  prob- 
ably around  New  Year's. 

The  order  has  been  fortunate  for 
some  months  past  regarding  deaths,  as 
there  has  been  but  one  claim  to  pay 
since  March  1st,  and  we  hope  our  good 
luck  in  that  line  will  continue,  for 
then  our  treasury  grows  and  it  is  gn^t- 
ifying  when  sendl^ng  out  the  report  to 
be  able  to  show  an  increase  in  our 
bank  account 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Saba  T.  Jackson. 


Tem  Haute,  Ind. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

The  ladies  were  kind  enough  to 
write  for  me  last  month,  as  I  was  on 
the  sick  list.    I  will  endeavor  to  write 


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a  few  words  this  month  to  tell  how 
our  new  lodge  is  progressing. 

The  ladies  expect  to  have  a  call 
meeting  next  Friday,  Oct.  18th,  at  the 
home  of  Sister  McGraw  to  complete 
the  arrangements  for  the  banquet  to 
the  brothers  of  Lodge  No.  94  to  show 
our  appreciation  for  their  kindness 
to  US.  From  what  I  hear  of  the  menu 
they  will  surely  enjoy  it.  They  say 
the  way  to  a  man's  heart  is  through 
his  stomach,  so  I  guess  this  will  hold 
good  two  ways.  Fried  chicken  is  on 
the  menu,  and  they  say  the  preachers 
always  make  the  chicken  suffer.  I  will 
tell  you  in  the  next  letter  how  the 
snakes  treated  the  chicken  roost. 

We  certainly  have  a  nice  lodge  for  a 
new  one,  and  we  are  proud  of  Indiana 
Lodge,  and  the  prospects  for  the  future 
look  very  bright,  as  it  gives  us  a 
chance  to  get  acquainted.  We  surely 
have  some  jolly  members,  and  I  would 
tell  their  names  if  I  was  not  afraid. 

Well,  this  is  my  first  attempt  at  any 
thing  like  this,  and  I  hope  I  have  not 
written  too  much  nonsense.  I  will 
close  for  this  time. 

Yours  truly  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mrs.  J.  G.  Anderson. 

P.  S. — These  initials  are  Greek  to 
me.  but  I  guess  they  mean  all  right, 
as  I  see  the  rest  are  signed  that  way. 


IN  MEMORIAM. 


D.  D.  Sweeney 

Our  hearts  have  been  saddened  by 
the  loss  of  Brother  Sweeney,  who  was 
killed  while  walking  the  streets  in 
New  York  City.  Brother  D.  D.  Swee- 
ney was  one  of  the  old-time  members 
of  the  S.  M.  A.  A.,  and  also  a  member 
of  Lodge  56.  He  was  formerly  a  great 
man  of  the  union,  was  a  distinguished 
citizen  of  Jersey  City,  and  in  the 
zenith  of  his  fame  and  power  was 
called  away.  The  brothers  of  Lodge 
56  met  and  paid  a  tribute  to  his  worth 
and  work.  He  stood  for  Independence, 
for  courage,  and  above  all  for  absolute 
integrity.  His  name  was  known  and 
honored  by  his  fellow-switchmen  all 
over  the  country.  In  the  presence  of 
death  a  good  man  is  judged  by  his 
works  and  worth.  Men  are  only  frag- 
ments that  the  greatest  of  us  walk  In 
the  shadow,  and  the  faults  and  failings 
mingled  with  the  lives  of  all,  and  In 


the  grave  should  be  buried  prejudice, 
passions  born  of  conflict,  and  charity 
should  hold  the  scale  in  which  are 
weighed  the  deeds  of  all  men  and  pe- 
culiar traits  born  of  locality  and  sur- 
roundings. This  is  but  the  dust  of  the 
race;  this  is  but  accident.  The  dra- 
pery, the  clothes  have  nothing  to  do 
with  man  except  to  hide  his  character. 
They  are  the  clouds  that  cling  to  the 
mountains.  Time  gives  us  a  clear 
vision;  that  which  was  merely  local 
fades  away  and  words  of  envy  are  for- 
gotten and  all  there  is  of  sterling 
worth  remains.  Fortunate  it  is  the 
switchmen  are  great  enough  to  know 
the  great  and  how  poor  would  this 
world  be  without  its  graves — it's  the 
voiceless  that  speak  forever. 


Sunshine  Lodge  extends  its  sympathy 
to  Sister  Melsman  on  the  death  of  her 
father  and  brother,  both  occurring 
within  a  short  period  of  each  other 
The  Lord  giveth  and  the  Lord  taketh 
away.  Although  it  is  hard  for  us  to 
part  from  our  loved  ones,  still  we  hope 
in  the  assurance  of  meeting  them  on 
the  other  side  again,  never  more  to 
part.  Mary  Lockhart, 

Maud  Bradford,   / 
Ida  M.  Hughes, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Pride  of  Peoria  Lodge  No. 
40,  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  at  a  regular 
meeting  held  September  26th: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father  has 
called  unto  Himself  the  beloved  hus- 
band and  father  of  our  esteemed  sis- 
ter, Mrs.  E.  Storey;   therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
our  bereaved  sister  and  family  their 
heartfelt  sympathy;   be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved family  and  one  be  forwarded  to 
the  Journal  for  publication. 
Fannie  Abbet, 
Lena  Gunzenheiser, 
Anna  Heid, 

Committee. 


Lodge  No.  14  is  grieving  over  the 
loss  of  one  of  their  brothers,  an  old- 
time  and  faithful  switchman,  Samuel 


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Smith,  who,  for  over  forty  years,  in 
summer's  sultry  heat,  and  winter's 
chilling  cold  and  blizzards,  has  con- 
scientiously performed  the  arduous 
and  dangerous  duties  of  his  calling, 
and  it  was  in  the  performance  of  such 
the  call  came. 

"Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful 
servant,"  the  Master  said,  "come  with 
Me,  Thou  hast  done  nobly  and  well; 
rest  from  thy  labors."  And  it  was  but 
a  moment  that  the  spirit  went  forth 
Into  that  beautiful  land  of  which  we 
are  assured. 

Bro.  Smith  leaves  a  stricken  wife 
and  three  daughters,  whom  he  loved 
devotedly.  But  his  life  was  so  lived 
that  he  leaves  a  sweet  memory  in  the 
hearts  of  his  family,  of  a  gentle,  kind 
and  devoted  father  and  husband.  How 
sweet  it  is  to  know  at  the  last  moment 
that  we  may  leave  this  beautiful  heri- 
tage behind  us;  that  we  are  truly 
loved,  and  we  are  truly  missed.  The 
dear  wife  and  daughters  have  the  deep- 
est sympathy  of  Sunshine  Lodge  No. 
19,  L.  A.  to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Ida  M.  Hughes, 
Mary  Lockard, 
Maude  Bradford, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Bur- 
lington Lodge  No.  19: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
the  beloved  son  of  Bro.  Burns;  there- 
fore be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  Bro. 
Burns  and  his  family  our  sincere  sym- 
pathy in  his  hour  of  sorrow  and  be- 
reavement;   and  be  It  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  our  bereaved  brother 
and  family,  one  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  our  meeting  and  a  copy 
sent  to  the  Journal  for  publication. 

J.  J.  COWHEY, 
S.   C.   WiNKLEY, 

A.  J.  Thyfault, 

Comm4ttee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Pride  of  Peoria  Lodge  No 
40,  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  at  their 
regular  meeting,  held  Sept.  26th: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  the  cares  of 


this  life  the  father  of  our  esteemed 
sister,  Mrs.  J.  B.  MacGulre;    and 

Whereas,  We  trust  and  pray  our 
heavenly  Father,  in  His  infinite  wis- 
dom, will  give  her  grace  and  strength 
to  bear  the  great  burden  sustained  on 
account  of  her  sad  lose;  be  it  there- 
fore 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge  extend  to  Sister  MacGulre  their 
sincere  sympathy  in  this  her  time  of 
great  sorrow;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  sister, 
one  spread  upon  the  minutes  of  this 
meeting  and  one  be  forwarded  to  the 
Journal  for  publication. 

Fannie  Abbey, 

Lena  Gunzenheiser,    ■ 

Anna  Heid, 

Committee. 


Whereas,  On  Sept.  24th  our  Eternal 
Father  called  from  our  midst  Bro. 
Thomas  McMahon,  who,  while  on  his 
way  to  work,  was  run  over  by  the 
coach  which  was  taking  him  to  his 
daily  toil;  and 

Whereas,  He  leaves  behind  loving 
relatives  and  brother  switchmen  who 
mourn  his  loss;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  We  wish  to  express  to 
those  he  leaves  behind  our  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  their  sorrow. 

Bro.  Slattery, 
Bro.  FtYNN, 
Bro.  Barker, 
Committee  representing  Evening  Star 

Lodge  No.  209. 


The  following  resolutions  wer» 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Bur- 
lington Lodge  No.  19: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly  Father,  in  His  infinite  wisdom,  to- 
remove  from  our  midst  the  beloved 
mother  of  Bro.  James  E.  Hayes;    and 

Whereas,  By  her  death  great  sor- 
row has  come  to  our  brother's  home 
and  we  deeply  deplore  and  are  like- 
wise grieved  at  her  death;   and 

Whereas,  We  feel  it  our  duty  to 
take  action  in  this  meeting  expressive 
of  the  member's  respect  and  sorrow 
for  the  surviving  relatives;  therefore 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  to  Bro. 
Hayes  our  sincere  sympathy  In  thlt. 


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his  sad  time  of  bereavement;    and  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  our  bereaved 
brother,  one  be  spread  upon  the  min- 
utes of  this  meeting,  and  one  be  furn- 
ished the  JouBNAL  for  publication. 
A.  J.  Thyfault, 

J.  J.  COWHEY, 
S.  C.    WiNKLEY, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  the  last  meeting  of  Blue 
Grass  Lodge  No.  50  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.: 

Whebeas,  God  has  seen  fit  to  send 
the  Angel  of  Death  into  the  home  of 
Bro.  J.  B.  Smith,  a  lovable  husband, 
and  call  to  her  eternal  home  of  peace 
and  happiness  his  beloved  and  patient 
suffering  wife,  Emma  Smith;  and 

Whereas,  By  her  death  a  devoted 
husband  is  left  to  mourn  the  loss  of 
one  he  loved  but  could  not  save;  and 

Whereas,  The  members  of  Blue 
Grass  Lodge  No.  50  extend  to  this  be- 
reaved husband  their  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy during  his  sad  trials,  and  may 
Almighty  God  give  him  consolation 
throughout  his  life;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  hus- 
band and  one  to  our  Journal,  out  of 
respect  for  a  worthy  husband. 
The  moon  and  stars  are  shining 

Across  a  lonely  grave; 
A  sleep  without  a  dreaming. 
For  one  he  loved  but  could  not  save. 
Mrs.  Ida  Rogers, 
Mrs.  Dina  Miller, 
Mrs.  Lizzie  Grady, 
Committee. 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Old  Ken- 
tucky Lodge  No.  214  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  call  unto  Himself  the  be- 
loved wife  of  Bro.  J.  B.  Smith;  and 

Whereas,  We  know  that  by  her 
death  Bro.  Smith  suffers  a  great  loss; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  and 
their  families  of  Old  Kentucky  Lodge 
No.  214  extend  Bro.  Smith  and  family 
their  sympathy  and  express  the  hope 
that  even  so  great  a  loss  may  be  over- 


ruled for  good  by  Him  who  doeth  all 
things  well;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  on  the  minutes  of  our 
meeting,  one  sent  to  our  bereaved 
brother,  and  one  to  our  Journal  for 
publication.        M.  M.  Miller, 

Frank  Kiebaum, 
J.  K.  Cabtwright, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Tri- 
City  Lodge  No.  133,  held  Oct.  7th: 

Whereas,  By  the  death  of  our  be- 
loved brother,  John  B.  C6ats,  which  oc- 
curred on  Oct  2d,  this  lodge  has  lost 
one  of  its  tried  and  true  members  &nd 
the  community  an  upright  citizen. 

Wh^eas,  We  believe  we  should 
make  mention  of  the  high  esteem  ih 
which  he  was  held  by  the  members  of 
this  lodge  and  that  the  same  should 
find  expression  by  suitable  resolutions 
of  condolence;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Tri- 
City  Lodge,  in  meeting  assembled, 
that  we  greatly  deplore  the  death  of 
our  brother  who  has  been  called  from 
us;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  mark  of  respect  to 
our  deceased  brother,  our  lodge  char 
ter  be  draped  for  a  period  of  thirty 
days;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  records  of 
this  meeting  and  one  be  forwarded  to 
the  Journal  for  publication. 
Ben.   Jacobson, 
J.  J.  McNamara, 
Robert  MoGloskey, 

Committee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Calumet 
Lodge  No.  16,  L.  A.  to  the  S.  U.,  held 
Oct.  3d,  the  following  resolutions  were 
adopted: 

Whereas,  Our  Heavenly  Father  has 
deemed  it  wise  to  send  His  messenger 
Death  to  summon  our  sister.  Alma 
Stone,  to  her  eternal  home;   and 

Whereas,  We  have  lost  a  charter 
member  and  sister  who  was  generous 
and  ever  ready  to  help  those  less  for- 
tunate than  herself;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of 
Calumet  Lodge,  in  meeting  assembled, 
extend  to  the  bereaved  husband,  chil- 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


dren   ad   relatives   our    deepest   ssnn- 
pathy;    and  be  it 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  Bro.  Stone,  one  to 
the  JouBNAL  for  publication  and  one 
spread  on  our  minutes  and  our  char- 
ter be  draped  for  thirty  days. 

Maboabet    MoComset, 

Isabella  Meno, 

Nellie  Lawbence, 

Committee, 


Union  Lodge  No.  80,  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
at  Its  regular  meeting,  held  Sept  26th, 
adopted  the  following  resolutions: 

Whebeab,  It  has  pleased  our 
Heavenly  Father  to  remove  from  our 
midst  our  beloved  brother,  F.  P.  Stod- 
dard, who  was  injured  while  in 
the  performance  of  his  duty  as  a 
switchman  at  8.00  a.  m.,  Sept.  23d, 
causing  his  death  six  hours  later. 

Whebeab,  By  his  death  his  family 
and  friends  mourn  his  loss,  as  he  was 
ever  ready  to  extend  a  helping  hand 
to  all;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  family  and  relatives  our 
heartfelt  sympathy  and  that  they  be 
submissive  to  the  call  our  Heavenly 
Father;    be-  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  of  respect  to 
our  departed  brother,  that  our  charter 
be  draped  in  mourning  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days,  a  copy  of  these  resolu- 
tions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  a  copy  be  sent  to  the 
family  and  a  copy  be  sent  to  our  Joub- 
NAL  for  publication. 

A.  H.  Woods, 
Secretary. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  M.  J.  Naugh- 
ton  Lodge  No.  10  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of 
N.  A.: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  the  Al- 
mighty Father  to  take  from  our  midst 
Bro.  Patrick  Pay,  beloved  husband  of 
Sister  Mary  Fay;   be  it,  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  sisters  of  this 
lodge  extend  to  Sister  Fay  and  her  fam- 
ily our  heartfelt  sympathy  in  this  their 
most  trying  hour  of  sorrow,  with  the 
prayer  that  the  Almighty  Father,  who 
has  seen  fit  to  place  the  affliction  upon 
them  will  give  them  strength  to  bear 
it;    and,  be  it  further, 


Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  sent  to  Sister  Pay, 
and  one  forwarded  to  the  Joubnal  for 
publication. 

Cabbie  Btbnes. 
Emma  Cbawfobd, 
Edith  Gbaft, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
by  Kansas  City  Lodge  No.  1: 

Whebeas,  The  Angel  of  Death  has 
again  visited  our  number  and  taken 
from  us  our  beloved  brother,  Clarence 
Mullins;    and, 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  the  lodge 
has  lost  a  true  and  tried  brother;  also 
his  wife  a  most  devoted  husband; 
therefore,  be  it, 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep 
sympathy  to  the  sorrowing  wife,  with 
the  hope  that  our  Heavenly  Father 
will  comfort  and  direct  her  in  this  her 
deep  hour  of  sorrow;  and,  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
our  next  meeting,  a  copy  be  sent  to  the 
bereaved  wife  and  one  to  the  Joubnal 
for  publication,  and  that  our  charter 
be  draped  for  thirty  days. 

T.  J.  Condon, 
W.  J.  Roach, 
H.  A.  Davis, 

Committee. 


On  Oct.  11th,  at  a  regular  meeting 
of  Happy  Day  Lodge  No.  201  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  were  adopted: 

WhebeaSi  By  the  death  of  our  be- 
loved brother,  John  J.  Buckley,  who 
died  at  his  home  in  Buffalo,  we  are 
made  to  realize  the  uncertainty  of  life 
and  the  certainty  of  death;  and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  his  sisters 
and  brother  have  lost  a  kind  and  loving 
brother  and  his  children  a  fond  father 
who  always  had  in  mind  the  welfare 
of  those  little  ones;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  this  lodge  extend  our  sincere 
sympathy  to  the  bereaved  children  and 
relatives;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  in  memory  of  our  de- 
ceased brother  our  charter  be  draped 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days,  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting,  and  one  be 


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sent  to  his  family  and  a  copy  be  for- 
warded to  the  Journal  for  publication. 
James  J.  O'Connell, 
Fbank  J.  Campbell, 
Joseph  Mitchell, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Lima  Lodge  No.  96  at  a 
regular  meeting  held  Oct.  6,  1912: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  call  Into  everlasting 
life  our  beloved  brother,  John  P.  Kane, 
who,  on  Sept.  29th,  met  an  untimely 
death  while  In  the  performance  of  his 
duty  as  a  switchman  on  the  B.  ft  O. 
Railway  at  Chicago  Junction;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  hearts  of 
his  beloved  family  and  relatives  as 
well  as  to  the  lodge  of  which  he  was 
an  honored  member;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  In  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  family  and  relatives  their 
heartfelt  sympathy  in  this  their  sad 
time  of  bereavement,  with  the  hope 
that  in  their  sad  affliction  they  may  see 
the  hand  of  God,  and  In  Christian  con- 
fidence be  submissive  to  His  divine 
will;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  of  respect  to 
our  beloved  brother,  our    charter    be 
draped  for  thirty  days,  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  minutes 
of  this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved family,  and  one  be  forwarded  to 
our  Journal  for  publication. 
S.  G.  Irwin, 
J.  G.  Stegeman, 
M.  C.  Clancy, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Lodge  56,  held 
Oct.  17th: 

Whereas,  The  angel  of  death  has  en- 
tered our  midst  and  taken  from  us  our 
esteemed  brother,  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  dear  wife 
and  children  have  been  deprived  of  a 
loving  father  and  husband  and  the  city 
of  an  honored  citizen,  and  this  lodge 
of  a  beloved  member;    therefore,  bo  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Lodge  56  extend  sympathy  to  the  be- 
reaved parents  in  this  their  hour  of 
sadness;  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  we  bow  our  heads  in 


humble  submission  to  the  will  of  our 
Divine  Creator  with  those  words,  O 
Lord,  Thy  will  be  done;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Lodge  56  extend  to  the  bereaved  par- 
ents in  this  their  sad  hour  of  affliction 
sincere  sympathy  and  condolence;  and* 
be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be 
spread  on  the  minutes  of  the  meeting, 
and  aiso  a  copy  be  forwarded  to  his 
family,  and  one  to  the  Journal  for 
publication. 

J.  J.  Cordl^l, 
George  McMichaels, 

A.   CUTF, 

Committee. 


Cards  of  Ttianks. 

Portland,  Ore.,  Sept  28,  1912. 
Mr.  M.  R.  Welch,  G.  S.  ft  T.,  S.  U 
OF  N.  A.: 
Dear  Sir — Please  accept  sincere 
thanks  for  your  promptness  in  settle- 
ment of  the  benefit  claim  held  in  your 
union  by  my  beloved  husband,  Ches- 
ter M.  Culter.  I  shall  always  be 
thankful  for  the  fact  that  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Switchmen's  Union  of 
North  America  and  also  for  the  kind- 
ness and  good  will  so  freely  extended 
to  me  by  its  members.  My  best  wish 
toward  this  noble  union  is  that  God 
may  abundantly  bless  its  efforts  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  its  members 
and  their  families. 

Sincerely, 

Mrs.  C.  Culter. 


Lima,  O.,  Oct.  4,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish  to  express  our  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Thanksgiv- 
ing Lodge  No.  155  and  Lima  Lodge  No. 
96  through  the  columns  of  the  Journal 
for  their  kindness  and  sympathy  ex- 
tended to  us  in  our  hours  of  sorrow  at 
time  of  the  death  of  our  beloved  hus- 
band and  father,  John  P.  O'Kane, 
which  occurred  on  Sept.  29th;  also  for 
their  attendance  at  the  home  and  in- 
terment at  the  cemetery  on  Oct.  1st. 
We  shall  ever  .remember  the  kind 
brothers  and  sisters  for  this  expres- 
sion of  kindness  at  the  most  sorrowful 
time  in  our  life.  The  floral  design  was 
a    most    appropriate    offering.      With 


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sincere  thanks  to  all  who  endeavored 
to  lighten  our  burden  of  sorrow,  and 
with  best  wishes  for  the  success  of 
those  who  are  striving  to  uphold  an 
organization  In  which  such  noble  traits 
of  brotherly  love  actuate  its  member- 
ship to  such  action  and  duty  towards 
Its  membership,  we  wish  to  remain 
as  always, 

Mbs.  John  P.  Kane  and  Family. 
271  South  Pine  street. 


Dkb  Moinkb,  la.,  Oct.  7,  1912. 
M,  R,  Welch,  a.  8,  d  T.,  8.  U,  of  N,  A., 
Buffalo,  N.  Y,: 
Mt  Deab  Sir— I  wish  to  thank  you 
most  slncerdy  for  your  promptness  in 
paying  the  claim  caused  by  the  death 
of  my  son,  Fred  E.  Bauder.  It  came  at 
a  time  when  moat  needed  and  conse- 
quently is  the  more  appreciated.  I  de- 
sire also  to  extend  my  heartfelt  grati- 
tude to  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  Lodge  No.  174, 
and  also  Lodge  No.  33  Ladles'  Auxil- 
iary, for  beautiful  flowers  and  other 
kindnesses  extended  at  the  time  of  our 
bereavement.    Very  sincerely, 

Habbibt  L.  Baudeb. 


Chicago,  111..  Oct.  15,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

While  deeply  burdened  with  grief 
over  the  death  of  my  dear  wife,  I  feel 
I  should  be  ungrateful  to  a  host  of 
kind  brothers  and  sisters  did  I  not  en- 
deavor to  convey  some  expression  of 
my  deep  gratitude  to  them  for  their 
manifestations  of  love  at  a  time  such 
assurances  of  it  afforded  a  mighty  com- 
fort and  was  most  needed.  While  real- 
izing inability  to  give  full  expression 
of  my  gratitude  to  them  for  the  respect 
shown  and  the  able  manner  in  which 
every  detail  of  my  wife's  funeral  and 
burial  was  conducted,  I  wish  to  assure 
all  of  my  heartiest  appreciations  for 
such  kind  attention.  Especially  would 
I  feel  ungrateful  did  I  fail  to  make 
mention  of  assistance  received  from 
the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  and  the  manner 
in  which  they  exemplify  in  deed  their 
principles  embodied  in  their  watch- 
word—Unity, Honor  and  Justice.  Their 
kind  attention  convinces  me  they  are 
living  up  to  the  noble  precepts  of  the 
union,  and  their  kind  acts  have  indel- 
ibly impressed  those  words  in  my  mem- 
ory. I  shall  ever  feel  grateful  for  the 
fact  my  wife  was  a  member  of  that 


honorable  band  of  sisterhood  which 
seeks  to  make  more  cheerful  our 
homes.  I  also  take  this  opportunity  to 
express  my  thanks  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  Ladies'  Auxiliary  for  very 
prompt  payment  of  death  benefit,  $300, 
held  by  my  wife;  also  to  Calumet 
Lodge  No.  15  L.  A.  to  S.  U.  of  N.  A., 
$50  local  death  benefit,  which  were  re- 
ceived five  days  after  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Stone.  Again  assuring  all  of  my  deep 
gratitude,  and  wishing  the  members  af 
both  organizations  the  richest  bless- 
ings in  their  efforts  to  promote  the 
noble  principles  they  are  teaching,  I 
remain, 
Yours  fraternally  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
T.  H.  Stone, 
Treasurer  Lodge  No.  17. 


Oklahoma  City,  Okla.,  Oct.  4, 1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  wish,  through  the  Joxtrnal,  to 
extend  our  thanks  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  prompt,  payment  of  our  claim  in 
full;  also  for  the  heartfelt  sympathy, 
extreme  kindness  and  beautiful  fioral 
offering  received  from  members  of 
Lodge  No.  216  at  the  time  of  the  death 
of  our  beloved  son,  Clarence  F.  Pen- 
nington, who  lost  his  life  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duty  as  switchman  in 
the  Oklahoma  City  yards,  Aug.  4th. 
Wishing  the  union  great  success  In  fu- 
ture, we  remain. 

Sincerely  yours, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  M.  Stinson. 


Notice. 

Anyone  knowing  the  address  of 
Arthur  E.  Dolph,  formerly  a  member 
of  Lodges  61  and  72,  will  confer  a 
favor  by  sending  same  to  Miss  Rosa 
Sheldon,  142  South  Burdick  street, 
Kalamazoo,  Mich.  His  wife  is  very 
sick  and  is  anxious  to  hear  from  him. 


Anyone  knowing  the  address  of  Bro. 
J.  A.  O'Neil,  member  of  Lodge  No.  115, 
will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  same  to 
J.  J.  Carroll,  203  Fifth  street,  Jersey 
City,  N.  J.  When  last  heard  from  was 
at  Superior,  Wis. 


Anyone  knowing  the  whereabouts  of 
George  Lockwood,  member  of  Lodge 
No.  36,  will  confer  a  great  favor  by 
sending  his  address  to  his  wife  at  3546 
Maplewood  avenue,  Chicago,  ni. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


THE  ARMY  OF  DEATH. 


It  was  formerly  the  custom,  when 
a  woman  "went  wrong,"  to  drive  her 
from  all  companionship  with  "respect- 
able people/'  to  speak  of  her  tearfully 
and  regretfully  and  to  deplore  the 
weakness  that  had  been  responsible 
for  her  downfall.  That  she  must  have 
"'gone  wrong"  with  a  male  was,  of 
course,  understood.  But  the  man  re- 
mained within  the  charmed  circle  of 
"decent  society"  and  continued  to  go 
wrong  whenever  he  felt  like  it.  We 
could  not  get  away  from  the  idea  that 
this  was  a  matter  of  individual  re- 
sponsibility, and  no  matter  how  many 
buckets  of  tears  we  shed  for  the  fate 
of  our  fallen  sister,  we  gave  them 
only  once  in  a  while  a  hand  to  lift 
them  from  the  mire. 

Of  late  there  has  developed  a  new 
understanding.  The  matter  of  prosti- 
tution is  not  an  individual  but  a  so- 
cial problem,  and  its  full  extent  and 
the  appalling  horror  of  it  can  be 
understood  by  the  figures  given  out 
at  the  American  Federation  of  Sex 
Hygiene  exhibition  being  held  in 
Washington.  The  assertion  is  made 
that  there  are  300,000  admitted  and 
1,000,000  secret  prostitutes  in  this 
country.  The  traffic  costs  $3,000,- 
000,000  or  thereabouts.  The  monetary 
figures  count  for  little.  There  may  be 
exaggeration  in  the  estimated  number 
of  prostitutes.  There  may  be  all  sorts 
of  attempts  made  to  minimize  the  ex- 
tent of  the  evil.  But  the  evil  is  here 
and  there  is  the  most  disastrous  army 
of  conquest  and  devastation  engaged 
in  it  the  world  has  ever  seen. 

So  far  the  attempts  to  remedy  it 
have  been  on  par  with  the  attempts 
to  explain  it.  Where  there  was  once 
the  belief  that  this  was  a  matter  of 
human  frailty,  of  human  proneness  to 
err,  of  inborn  perverseness  and  orig- 
inal sin,  there  is  now  an  attempt  made 
to  cure  or  render  uninfectious  the  in- 


dividual sinner.  Everything  possible 
is  being  done  to  lessen  the  effects  of 
the  evil.  Nothing  is  being  done,  ex- 
cept by  the  Socialists,  to  get  at  the 
causes  of  the  eviL    * 

If  the  old  ideas  of  individual  respon- 
sibility were  rigorously  carried  out, 
there  would  be  nothing  left  for  us  to 
do  except  seize  the  300,000  acknowl- 
edged and  the  1,000,000  surreptitious 
prostitutes  and  jail  them.  There,  be- 
hind the  prison  bars,  they  could  be 
adequately  "restrained*  and  taught 
the  errors  of  their  way.  Presumably, 
following  out  the  trend  of  the  repres- 
sive idea,  society  would  be  safe  until 
the  term  of  the  prostitutes  expired 
and  they  were  reluctantly  turned  loose 
again. 

The  fact  that  a  woman  is  arrested 
only  now  and  then,  that  there  has 
been  a  steady  decrease  in  the  number 
of  arrests,  that  "raids"  have  fallen  off 
and  that  no  attempt  is  made  to  search 
for  the  secret  practitioners,  is  posi- 
tive proof  that  we  no  longer  believe 
in  the  efficiency  of  the  repressive  idea. 
We  pretend  that  we  do.  Yet  in  so  far 
as  possible  we  avoid  it. 

The  gathering  at  Washington  has 
been  timid  in  making  suggestions.  It 
has  not  dared  anything  that  was  of 
real  worth  in  handling  this  matter. 
But  it  has  given  out  facts  and  figures 
and  set  forth  an  exhibition  that  show 
the  alarming  nature  and  the  tremend-> 
ous  extent  of  this  traffic. 

There  are  very  few  women  who  en- 
ter on  such  a  life  because  they  are 
depraved. 

There  are  very  few  men  who  be 
come  criminals  because  they  are  de- 
praved. 

•Society  as  a  whole  teaches  men  anl 
women  that  the  one  thing  most  neces- 
sary is  to  attain  economic  efficiency. 
Then  every  possible  obstacle  is  placed 
ii\  the  way  of  the  man  or  woman  who 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


748 


JOURNAL    OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP    N.   A. 


wishes  to  work  for  a  living.  The 
old  virtues  of  industry  are  at  a  dis- 
count. They  are  sneered  at  and  ren- 
dered  .almost  impossible  of  accom- 
plishment. On  the  other  hand,  the 
middle  class  idea  of  individual  inde- 
pendence has  been  carried  over  into 
capitalism  and  is  actually  the  moat 
baneful  one  with  which  the  non-rich 
have  to  struggle. 

Prostitution  and  other  criminal 
methods  of  making  a  living  are  the 
logical  outcome  of  bourgeois  philoso- 
phy. 

Nothing  could  more  emphatically  il- 
lustrate it  than  the  1,000,000  secret 
prostitutes.  While  some  of  these  may 
be  working  girls  who  patch  out  their 
miserable  salary  through  such  meas- 
ures, while  some  may  be  married  wo- 
men whose  desire  for  more  money 
leads  them  to  sell  themselves,  the  ma- 
jority of  them  are  "respectable"  wo- 
men who  enter  upon  this  course  In 
order  to  sustain  the  dignity  of  the 
family. 

In  every  city,  in  every  residential 
town,  there  are  families  apparently 
comfortably  situated,  in  which  the 
wife,  with  or  without  the  knowledge 
of  the  husband,  adds  to  the  family  in- 
come through  secret  prostitution.  It 
is  usually  with  the  knowledge,  the  un- 
expressed knowledge,  of  the  husband. 
He  may  be  a  clerk,  or  a  small  busi- 
ness man,  or  a  government  employe, 
or  a  professional '  man  whose  income 
la  restricted,  or  he  may  be  a  teacher. 
The  social  position  which  he  thinks  is 
or  should  be  his  cannot  be  maintained 
on  what  he  is  able  to  earn.  The  wife 
therefore  earns  it  and  helps  uphold 
the  dignity  and  social  position  of  the 
family. 

This  course  is  notorious,  and  it  is 
especially  notorious  in  the  residential 
towns  around  the  large  cities.  It  has 
become  the  destructive,  corroding  ele- 
ment in  the  life  of  the  middle  class, 
and  its  devastations  are  becoming 
greater  every  day. 

Those  wives  who  can  earn  money 
in  other  ways  do  so.  Most  of  them 
have  no  other  way  of  earning  money, 
of  adding  to  the  family  Income,  so 
they  sell  themselves.  And  everybody 
knows  it.  Everybody  winks  at  it.  For 
everybody  respects  the  good,  old 
bourgeois  virtue  of  thrift  and  enter- 
prise, especially  if  these  virtues  bring 
in   money.     "V^at  can   be   earned   in 


this  manner  more  than  compensates 
for  the  moral  shame  that  may  be  at- 
tached to  it 

There  has  of  late  years  been  a  tre- 
mendous pile  of  preaching  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  sanctity  of  the  family. 
Here  in  this  country  are  some  hun- 
dreds of  thousands  of  families  that 
are  held  together  by  this  means. 
What  are  the  authorities,  the  experts, 
going  to  do  about  it?  The  effect  of 
such  a  course  of  life  are  eloquently 
shown  in  the  police  courts,  the  morgue 
and  the  insane  asylums.  Any  doctor's 
office  can  add  details. 

But  as  the  women  do  not  go  into 
the  business — and  it  is  a  business — 
because  of  innate  depravity,  there 
must  be  another  reason.  If  the  ques- 
tion is  carefully  considered  it  will  be 
found  that  the  reason  is  purely  eco- 
nomic. They  enter  it  because  of  sheer 
necessity,  or  in  order  to  uphold  their 
social  position.  It  is  a  question  of 
money,  and  as  the  easiest  and  quick- 
est way  of  getting  money,  they  adopt 
it 

This,  also,  is  the  following  out  of 
the  good  old  bourgeois  ideas.  Marry 
for  property,  or  don't  marry  for  prop- 
erty, but  go  where  property  is.  Get 
money,  acquire  money,  prey  upon 
your  fellow  beings. 

The  picture  shown  is  complete. 
Capitalism  has  shattered  the  old  fam- 
ily. Bourgeois  ideas  of  individual  in- 
dependence have  resulted  in  a  tre- 
mendous increase  in  prostitution,  de- 
falcation, stealing,  swindling,  burglary 
and  other  forms  of  crime  which  have 
for  their  sole  purpose  the  acquisition 
of  property.  These  can  never  be 
treated  as  individual  cases.  It  is  a  so- 
cial problem  and  one  that  can  be 
treated  only  by  social  remedies.  If 
all  the  1,300,000  prostitutes  were 
jailed  today,  within  a  short  time  they 
would  be  replaced  by  others,  for  capi- 
talism automatically  forces  such  a 
life  upon  women,  and  the  only  way  to 
stop  it  is  to  abolish  capitalism  itself. 
—New  York  Call, 


It  is  reported  from  New  York  that 
so  far  this  year  Standard  Oil  has  paid 
$5,782,523  more  in  dividends  than  dur- 
ing the  same  period  last  year,  when 
the  octopus  was  "busted." 

In  exact  figures,  Standard  Oil  stock- 
holders have  received  this  year  to  date 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


749 


$35,284,037  in  cash,  compared  with 
$29,510,514  for  the  corresponding 
period  in  1911.  In  addition  to  these 
cash  dividends  paid,  stockholders  have 
been  given  valuable  rights  and  stock 
dividends. 

Furthermore,  the  $35,284,037  cash 
dividends  paid  out  have  been  contrib- 
uted by  only  twenty-two  companies, 
and  these  do  not  include  some  of  the 
largest  earners,  so  there  is  still  more 
"velvet"  coming  to  the  gran^d  high 
moguls  before  the  year  ends. 

That's  how  much  the  trust-busting 
amounts  to  that  political  demagogues 
have  been  howling  about  during  the 
last  dozen  years. — Cleveland  Citizen. 


The  Jawbone  of  an  Ass. 

Once  in  a  far  off  cotntry,  son,  I've 

heard  the  old  folks  say. 
Lived  a  man  named  Samuel  Samson, 

unforgotten  to  this  day. 
And  Sammy  loved  a  maiden — Delilah 

was  the  lass, 
And    Sammy    slaughtered    thousands 

with  the  jawbone  of  an  ass. 

Now  Sammy  tore  up  lions  and  lugged 
off  city  gates, 

And  Sammy  tore  down  temples,  so  his- 
tory relates; 

And  Sammy  was  the  strongest  man 
that  ever  trod  the  grass. 

He's  the  boy  that  killed  his  thousands 
with  the  jawbone  of  an  ass. 

But  all  this  happened  long  ago  and  the 

world  moves  on  apace, 
We've  now  another  wonder  who  has 

taken  Sammy's  place. 
He's    Big    Stick,    the    trust    buster — 

there's  no  other  in  his  class. 
He  can  fake  ten  million  people  with 

the  jawbone  of  an  ass. 

He  knows  how  to  kill  a  kitten,  choke 

a  chicken,  bait  a  bear; 
He    can    slaughter    any    old    thing, 

whether  feathered  or  in  hair. 
He  can  stab  a  man  in  prison,  shoot 

another   in   the  back. 
Upon   undesirable  citizens   bring   his 

stick  down  with  a  whack. 
All  hail  to  our  trust  buster,  breaking 

trusts  like  window  glass. 
While  roaring,  ranting,  rattling  with 

his  jawbone  of  an  ass. 

— W,  A.  Cuddy, 


Remittance  Roll  of  Honor  for  the  Month 
of  October,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  G.  S.  &  T.  during 
the  month  of  October: 

Oct  Ist— Lodges  5,  73,  102,  130,  142, 
183. 

Oct.  2d— Lodges  28,  32,  55.  60,  88, 
1B6,  173,  203,  214. 

Oct.  3d— Lodges  13,  30,  38,  74,  92, 
106,  107,  112,  116.  120,  141,  182,  187, 
188,  193,  194,  201,  212,  215. 

Oct.   4th— Lodges   2,   14,   20,   34,   40, 

41,  44,  52,  53,  78,  91,  95,  97,  110,  115, 
123,  124,  125,  147,  171,  177,  189,  192, 
199,  208,  217,  228. 

Oct.  5th— Lodges  1,  3,  10,  19,  23,  33, 
39,  43,  50,  56,  77,  80,  82,  83,  84.  89,  90, 
98,  99,  104,  129,  144,  146.  174,  176,  179, 
216,  220. 

Oct.  7th— Lodges  6,  9,  24,  29,  31,  37, 

42,  47,  51,  54,  64,  65,  69.  79,  85,  93,  96, 
101,  108,  114,  117,  119,  122,  133,  137, 
151,  154.  166.  169,  175.  180,  181,  185, 
190,  196,  200,  213,  219,  224. 

Oct.  8th— Lodge  8,  11,  21,  49,  61.  62, 
68,  71,  72.  140,  152,  158,  202,  209,  225. 

Oct.  9th— Lodges  4,  12.  15,  16,  17,  22, 
36,  45,  48,  58,  75.  87,  94,  105,  113,  128, 
134.  138,  149,  191,  218,  229. 

Oct.  10th— Lodges  7,  26,  35,  63,  100, 
111,  135,  156,  159,  172,  195,  204.  210. 
221.  226. 

Oct.  11th— Lodges  18,  46,  57.  145.  205. 
207. 

Oct.  12th— Lodges  184.  206.  211,  230. 

Oct.  14th— Lodges  143,  198. 

Up  to  date  of  going  to  press  the  re- 
ports of  Lodges  67,  70,  103,  155,  167 
and  222  have  not  arrived. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  HONOR  ROLL  every  month. 

Section  41  of  the  Constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per  cap- 
ita shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges 
whose  reports  are  not  received  by  the 
G.  S.  &  T.  by  the  10th  day  of  each 
month,  and  if  received  late  for  two  or 
more  months  then  the  officers  shall  be 
asked  to  remove  Uie  cause  for  such 
delay. 


The  essential   thing   is  not  knowl- 
edge, but  character. — Joseph  Le  Conte. 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


760 


JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


Jtatmmmnt  of  Claims  Paid  During  thm  Month  of  Ociobor,  1912 


NAJCm 


i 


Proof 


FaOd 


PAID  TO 


RBSIDKMOB 


1974 
1682 
1590 
1502 
1508 
1004 
1505 
1506 
1507 
1508 
1500 

leoo 

1601 
1602 
1608 


Edgar  James 
OtMsar  C.  Webb 
Obaa.  Harmon 
E.  R.  Stockton 
T.  B.  Hoalihan 
Anthony  Tarskey 
Edw  N.  Ungers 

C.  Mallina 

M.  B.  YoangB 
Jas.  S.  Bevans 
Geo.  Ratel 

D.  O.  Murray 
Jas.  J.  Green 
Wm.  O.  Slocum 
Edw.  T.  Story 


Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

DU. 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Death 

Dls. 

Death 


8-10-»12 
9.6-'12 
9-12-'i2 

10.2-'J2 
9-28-'12 
0-10-'12 
8-20-*12 
9-12-'12 
9-21->12 
«-  3-»12 
9-18->12 

10-  6-'12 
0-2O>'12 
9.16-'I2 
9.12-'12 


10-16-'12 
lO-iO-'U 
10-16-'12 
10-16^12 
10*16-'i2 
10-16-'12 
i0>16-*12 
10-16-'12 
10-16-'l2 
10-16-'12 
10>16-'12 
10-16-' 12 
10-16-'12 
10-16-'12 
10-16-U2 


Mand,  sister 
Richard,  Ikther 
Myrtle,  wlte 
Ruth,  wife 
MUdred,  wife 
Hlmaelf 
Edna,  wife 
Kate,  mother 
Ruby,  wlliB 
Annie,  wife 
Marr,  wife 
Louise,  wife 
Mary  A.,  mother 
Himself 
Irene,  wife 


ElUnwoodiKan. 
iSnperior,  wis. 
'Chicago,  Ul. 
Oakland,  Oal. 
Denlson,  Texas 
Detroit,  Mich. 
Cleveland,  O. 
Kansas  City,  Mo. 
Toledo,  O. 
McKeesporLFa. 
Green  Bay,  wis. 
Muskegon,  Mich. 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Fort  Worth,  Tex. 
Peoria,  111. 


$1,600.00 
1,500.00 

875.00 
1,500.00 

876.00 
1,500.00 

875.00 

760.00 

75aoo 

1,500.00 
750.00 
1,500.00 
1,600.00 
1,500.00 
750.00 


PrsTloiisly  reported 11,560,492.60 

Paid  slnoe  last  report •..      16,126.00 

TolaL 11,506,617.50 


fl6,U6.00 


Acknowledgmont  of  Claims  Paid  In  Septomber,  1912 

Mrs.  Earnestlne  Ransburg,  Buflhlo,  N.  Y 61,500 

Mrs.  Mary  McG lade,  Buffalo,  N.  Y^. 1,500 

Mrs.  HutUe  L.  Bauder.  DesMolnea,  la 1,600 

Mrs.  Kate  R.  Younsr,  Chicago,  III 1,500 

Parents  of  C.  F.  Taylor,  Pltteburgh,  Pa 1,600 

Mrs.  Mary  Weaver,  Pit reburgh.  Pa 1,500 

Mrs.  Mary  Patton,  Pittsburgh,  Pa '. 1,600 

Mrs.  GilUeCu Iter,  Portland,  Ore ."..  .              1,600 

Mrs.  C.  StlDson,  Oklahoma  nty,  Okla               ""    1,500 

Mrs.  M  a ry  B.  Fay,  Cleveland,  O. '.'.'.'.V.V. 750 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 

MOTICK  TO  ALL   BKMKFICIAWY  WKIIIBKIW 

Yon  are  hereby  notified  that  assessment  per  Section  88a,  to  be  remitted  in  October,  will  be  due  and 
owing  ftrom  each  member  paying  Dues  and  Assessment  for  that  month 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BUFFAiiO,  N.  T.,  November  1,  UU. 
BROTHERS: 

Yon  are  hereby  notified  that  dnes  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treasnrer  or 
Financial  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  month  (see  Section  218).  Grand  does 
are  fifty  cents  (50o)  per  month ;  members  holdiiig  class  **  B'*  oertlflcate,  assess- 
ment 62.00;  class  ^A"  certificate,  assessment  $1.00:  dass  "C"  certificate, 
assessment  50o  (see  section  88).  A  failure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewith  Is 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  mrther  notice  (see  Sections 
214-347  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  asseannent  is  to 
pay  beneficiary  claims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  OrandLodg^ 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  ftom  memtwrs,  as  above  provided,  no4 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  <lay  of  the  month  (see  section  182) . 
ToaninB.,H.AP., 

M.R.  WELCH. 

Grand  Seorelaiy  and  TMasnnr. 


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THE       ROSTER 


INTERNATIONAL  OFnCERS 

INTBRNATIONAL   PBB8IDSNT. 

8  E.  Heberlins.  826  Brisbane  Bldir..  Buf- 
falo. N.  Y. 

Grand  Sbgrbtart  and  TRSAStntsR. 
M.  R.  Welch,  826  Brisbane  B\6g„  Buffalo. 
N.  Y. 

Journal  Editor. 
W.  H.  Thompson.  826  Brisbane  Bids..  Bmf- 
f  alo,  N.  Y. 

Grand  Board  of  Dirsctors. 

r.  C.  Janes.  1261  Metropolitan  Ave..  Kan- 
sas City,  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cummings,  R,  F.  D.  No.  72,  May- 
nard,  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Titus.  1878  B.  92d  St.  aeveland.  O. 

International  Vicb-Prbbidents. 

J.  B.  Connors.  707  E.  40th  St.,  Chicago, 
111. 

L.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 

T.  Clohessy,  7207  Peoria  St,  Chicago,  IlL 

P.  J.  Bheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Buf&ao,  N.  Y. 

T.  J.  Mlsenhelter.  507  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale,  Kan. 

pROTBCTiVB  Board. 

R.  W.  Flynn.  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton, 
Pa. 

Q.  C.  Hess,  679  18th  St,  Detroit,  Mich. 

T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago. 
lU. 

Dan  Smith,  6647  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 
DL 

A.  J.  Peterson,  25  Johnson  Ave.,  Port  Ar- 
thur, Ont,  Canada. 

Grand  Mbdical  E2xai£inbr. 
M.  A.  SulUvan,  M.  D.,  826  Brisbane  Bids. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave..  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


SUBORDINATE  LODGES 

KANSAS  CITY  LODGE  No.  1,  Kansas 
City.  Mo.,  meets  second  Sunday  and  fourth 
Saturday  at  7.80  p.  m..  at  702  Southwest 
Boulevard. 

President — E.  W.  Randolph,  5209  Lyons 
Ave. 

Sec. — ^T.  J.  Condon,  2110  Madison  Ave. 

Treaa — S,.  W.  Greene.  1439  Jefferson. 

RIVERVIEW  LODGE  No.  2,  Kansas 
City,  Kan.,  meets  on  second  and  fourth 
Thursdays.  8  p.  m.,  in  Motter's  Hall,  cor- 
ner Tenth  St  and  Central  Ave.,  third  floor. 

President— Edward  Monez,  831  N.  20th 
St 

Sec.  and  Treaa — ^A.  A.  Faus.  28  South 
Ferree  St 

Journal — S.  R  Stlnson,  1016  Hasbrook 
St 

JOLIET  LODGE  No.  8.  Joliet  Ill- 
meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  3  p.  m..  of  each 
month,  in  Connor's  Hall,  cor.  Joliet  and 
Jefferson  Sts. 

President—- Nick  Welch,  400  S.  Ottawa 
St 


Sec.  and  Journal — F.  P.  Lumley,  802 
Glenwood  Ave. 

Treaa — J.  W  Austin,  104  Gardner  St 

BUFFALO  LODGE  No.  4.  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.,  meets  every  first  and  third  Friday  at 
8. SO  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday.  9.30  a.  m... 
in  Boyer's  Hall,  cor.  Swan  and  Emslle  Sta 

President — M.  J.  Colgan,  56  South  St, 

Sec.^— Joseph  M.  Kelly.  101  Peabody  St. 

Treaa — Geo.  Hamilton,  234  W.  Delavan 
Ave. :    phone  North  187  3-R. 

Journal — A.  W.  Glbney.  18  Prospect  Av. 

OVERLAND  LODGE  No.  5.  Omaha,. 
Neb.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays. 
8.30  p.  m.,  1257  South  16th  St 

President— H.  G.  Stalder.  1257  S.  16th 
St 

Sea — J.  L.  P'inch,  2820  Capitol  Ave. 

Treaa — A.  L.  Short  4210  North  25th 
Ave. 

COUNCIL  BLUFFS  LODGE  No.  6. 
Council  Bluffs,  la.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Thursday  evenings  at  8.30  in  K.  P. 
Hall,  First  National  Bank  Building,  Maliv 
and  Broadway. 

President — C.  Lee,  1711  Sixth  Ave. 

Rec  Sec. — A.  H.  Granshaw,  9th  St  and 
16th  Ave. 

Treas. — Frank  Colburn,  164  Graham. 
Ave. 

FLOUR  CITY  LODGE  No.  7,  Mlnne- 
apolis.  Minn.,  meets  at  Mozar  Hall.  1417 
Washington  Ave.  South,  on  the  first  Sim- 
day  of  the  month  at  2.30  p.  m.,  and  orv 
the  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  G.  Kelley,  3185  22d  Ave. 
South. 

Sec— T.  J.  Kelley,  3240  23d  Ave.  South. 

Treaa— D.  E.  Clifford.  1863  25  1-2  St 

Journal — J.  L.  Holscher.  Albert  Lea,. 
Minn. 

TRILBY  LODGE  No.  8.  Fort  Worth. 
Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  at 
8.30  p.  m..  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  Fourtlv 
and  Main  Sta 

President— D.  L.  Martin,  1516  E.  Bel- 
knap St 

Sec.-Treas. — L.  C.  Woods,  1100  Jose- 
phine St 

Journal — G.  W.  Weir,  1312  B.  Bluff  St 

ST.  JOSEPH  LODGE  No.  9.  St  Joseph, 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  S 
p.  m..  Putter's  Hall.  King  Hill  and  Mis- 
souri Ave. 

President— Theo.  Miller,  104  W.  Elk  St 
Sec  and  Jour. — H.  T.  Ellis,  917  Mitchell 

Treas.- E.  Prlne,  1416  S.  19th  St 

MILWAUKEE  LODGE  No.  10.  Mllwau- 
kee,  Wia.  meets  second  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoons  of  eex^  month  at  2.80  o'clock 
at  Third  and  National  Avea.  Witt's  Hall. 
President — Maurice  Collins,  246  Wash* 
Ington  St 

Sec — ^Wm.  S.  Herie.  460  B.  Pierce  St 
Treaa — ^Fred  Glese.  691  Scott  St 
Joumal--Charles  Collins.  249  Washing- 
ton  St 


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IL  J.  NAUGHTON  LODGE  No.  11. 
Cleveland,  O.,  meets  in  Letter  Carrlerr 
Hall,  Beokman  Bldg.,  409  Superior  Ave., 
N.  W.,  first  Sunday  at  8.80  a.  m.,  and 
third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m. 

President— S.   M.   Ryan,   10530   Dupont 

Sec.-— B.  E  Weir,  2092  W.  85th  St 
Treaa — ^W.  J.  Keegan,  789  E  105th  St, 
N.  E 

Journal— W.  A.  Titus,  1878  E  92d  St 

TOPEKA  LODGE  No.  12.  Topeka,  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Thursday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8.80  o'clock,  comer  6th 
Ave.  and  Quincy  St,  K.  of  P.  HalL 

President— J.  E  Strain,  118  W.  6th  St. 
Room  8. 

Sec. — G.  E  Durbhi,  1580  N.  Harrison 
St 

Treas.— Geo.  A  Fitzgibbons.  201  Polk 
St 

Journal — P.  H  Morgan,  722  Jefferson 
St 

DETROIT  LODGE  No.  18,  Detroit 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at  8 
p.  m.,  and  second  Sunday  at  9  a.  m..  In 
I.  O.  O.  F.  Hall,  comer  Hubbard  Ave.  and 
Baker  St 

President— J.  G.  McMurchy,  80  High  St 
West 

Sec. — Cory  Derouale,  220  18th  St 
Treaa — James  Trant  106  20th  St 
Journal — Geo.  C.  Hess,  579  18th  St 

TOLEDO  LODGE  No.  14,  Toledo,  Ohio, 
meets  third  Thursday  at  8  a.  m.,  and 
fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Broer's 
Hall,  626  So.  St  Clair  St 

President — Thomas  Dean,  218  South  St. 

Sec. — Joseph  Keegan,  1617  Indiana  Ave. 

Treas. — Henry  Gale,  1010  Junction  Ave. 

Journal — D.  J.  Dorcy,  1671  Western  Av. 

BLUE  GRASS  LODGE  No.  15,  Coving- 
ton, Ky.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2.80 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Wednesday  at  7.30  p.  m., 
Howe  Kemp's  Hall,  cor.  16th  and  Greenup 
Sts. 

President— C.  W.  Richter,  815  W.  19th 
St 

Sec.— Thos.  McGafl,  1612  Banklick  St 

Treaa — H.  E.  Jameson,  1710  Banklick 
St 

Journal — Geo.  Davis,  18th  and  Kellogg 
Sts. 

VICTORY  LODGE  No.  16,  East  Saint 
Louis.  111.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Thurs- 
day nights  at  8  o'clock,  in  Music  Hall,  809 
Collinsville  Ave. 

President— J.  E  White.  812  N.  8th  St 
Sec.    and    TreaA — Clayton    E    Eamea, 
1325  N.  15th  St 

JAMES  MILLS  LODGE  No.  17,  South 
Chicago,  111,,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.  of  each 
month  at  Union  Bank  Hall,  cor.  92d  St 
and  Erie  Ave.,  E!rie  Ave.  side. 

President — J.  M.  Fisher,  7718  Coles  Ave. 

Sec. — Qeo.  H.  Hoos,  7847  Sherman  Ave. 

Treaa — ^T.  H.  Stone,  9140  Buffalo  Ave. 

Journal — R.  J.  Manley,  1518  E  65th  PL 

STAR  OF  HOPE  LODGE  No.  18,  Coal 
City,  111.,  meets  third  Sunday,  2.80  p.  m., 
and  last  Sunday  of  each  month  at  7.89 
p.  m.,  at  Forester's  HalL 

President  and  Jour. — ^M.  J.  Horan. 

Sec-Treaa — ^A-  P.  Ayersman. 


BURLINGTON  LODGE  No.  19,  Chi- 
cago, HL,  meets  second  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.80  p.  m.,  in  Duf- 
fek's  Hall,  cor.  21st  and  California  Avt 

President — James  E  Hayes,  3072  Colo- 
rado Ave. 

Sea — ^W.  J.  Aheam,  1418  B.  Western 
Ave. 

Treas. — ^E.  R.'  Rutter,  2225  Park  Ave. 

SEDALIA  LODGE  No.  20,  Sedalla,  Mo., 
meets  first  and  third  Wednesdays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Labor  Temple  HalL 
818-815  South  Lamine  St 

President — J.  M.  Egao,  1012  E  4th  St 

Sec-Treas. — G.  E  Wilson,  629  E  11th 
St 

Journal — ^M.  M.  Crane,  817  Saline  St 

CAPITAL  CITY  LODGE  No.  21.  Co- 
lumbus, O.,  meets  second  Monday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8  p.  m.,  at 
Engineer's  HaU,  South  Fourth  St 

President — Im  J.  O'Rourke,  409  W.  Rich 
St 

Sec — C.  W.  Teal,  81  W.  Eighth  Ave. 

Tre-aa  and  Jour. — ^E.  J.  Hexter,  651 
KUbourae  St 

GATEWAY  CITY  LODGE  No.  22,  La 
Crosse,  Wia,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  7.30  p.  m.,  in  K.  of  P.  HaU,  Rose 
St 

President — Jno.  F.  Downs,  226  Mill  St. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — John  E  Wilson.  222  S. 
8th  St 

Joumal — Archy  Berry,  1015  Berlhi  St 

LICKING  LODGE  No.  23,  Newark,  O., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays  at 
7.30  p.  m.,  in  Newark  Trades  and  Labor 
Council  Hall,  W.  Park  PL 

President — G.  W.  Hughes,  276  S.  Webb 
St 

Sec. — S.  B.  Smith,  5  Spencer  St 
Treas. — J.  H  DiaL  5  Mechanic  St 
Joumal — G.  W.  Hughes,  275  Sumner  St 

THE  SWITCHMEN'S  HOME  LODGE 
No.  24.  Mandan,  N.  D.,  meets  Biaccabee 
Hall  last  Sunday  of  month. 

President — Peter  Wagner,  108  1-2  Fourth 
Ave.  N.  W. 

Sec — B.  L.  Anderson,  507  Sixth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

TreasL — Martin  Larson,  106  Fourth  Ave. 
N.  W. 

Joumal — Dennis  Tobin,  206  Second  Ave. 
N.  W. 

ROYAL.  BLUE  LODGE  No.  26.  Cincin- 
nati, O..  meets  first  Sunday  morning  at  9 
o'clock,  and  third  Friday  evening  at  8.80, 
in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Fourth  and  Home 
Sta 

President — G.  Hattersly,  618  Evans  St 

Treaa — R.  E.  McKenna,  489  Elberon 
Ave. 

Joumal — ^T.  Murphy.  154  W.  Linden  St, 
Ludlow,  Ky. 

ZENITH  LODGE  No.  28,  Duluth,  Ifins., 
meets  first  and  third  Sundays  of  each 
month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Sloan  HUL  20th  Ats. 
West 

President — G.  F.  Brennlson,  811  E  6th 
St 

Sec.-Treaa-^C.  H.  Stang,  2S08  West  Sd 
St 


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BLUE  ISLAND  LODGE  No.  29,  Blue 
Island,  111.,  meets  second  Monday  and 
fourth  Sunday  evenings  of  each  month,  at 
8  o'clock.  Jewel  Hall,  821  Western  Ave. 

President — ^Wm.  J.  Roach,  856  Grove  St 

Sec — ^H.  N.  Allen,  726  Western  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — ^Thoa  Earner,  331 
Vermont  St 

MINNEAPOLIS  LODGE  No.  80,  Min- 
neapolis,  Minn.,  meets  second  Sunday 
evening  at  8  o'clock  and  fourth  Sunday 
afternoon  at  2  o'clock,  each  month,  in' 
Richmond  Hall,  5th  St  and  3rd  Ave.  S. 

President — Henry  Swark,  618  Hennepin 

Sec — Morris  Full,  801  Plymouth  Av.  N. 
Treaa— A  A.  Wilson.  816  4th  Ave.  N. 

ST.  PAUL  LODGE  No.  81,  St  Paul, 
Minn.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays 
at  2  p.  m..  In  Central  Hall,  comer  W.  7th 
and  6th  Sta 

President — James  O'Gara,  566  Bradley 
St 

Sec. — A.  P.  Pabst  643  Lafayette  Ave. 

Treaa — J.  H  Griffin,  81  E.  Isabelle  St 

Journal — Geo.  W.  Smith,  335  R  Winne- 
f ray  St 

FRISCO  LODGE  No.  32,  Monett  Mo., 
meets  each  Thursday  at  7.30  p.  m.,  521 
Scott  St 

President,  Sec.  and  Treas. — C.  C.  Wil- 
liams, 521  Scott  St 

Journal — A,  G.  Long,  Sapulpa,  Okla. 

SUNFLOWER  LODGE  No.  33,  Em- 
poria, Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday 
mornings  at  9  o'clock,  in  Labor  Hall,  cor. 
4th  and  Commercial  Sta 

President — C.  M.  Young,  202  State  St 

Sec. — Robt  O.  Griffltha  14  S.  Neosho 
St 

Treas. — J.  E    McDonald,  15  Neosho  St 

WATERLOO  LODGE  No.  34,  Waterloo, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Thursdays  of 
each  month,  at  8  p.  m.,  Kurth's  Hall. 

President — B.  C.  Page.  116  Irving  St 

Sec.  and  Treas.— D.  W.  Daoey,  728  Commer- 
cial St 

Journal — F.  Dahl,  320  Argyle  St 

CENTENNIAL  LODGE  No.  35,  Denver, 
Col.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednesdays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Club  Building,  Room  415, 
1749  Arapahoe  St 

President — J.    H.   Clark,    3563   Downing 

Sec.  and  Jour. — J.  D.  Peery,  P.  O.  Box 
447. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Reardon,  3963  Larimer  St 

JOHN  W.  DRURY  LODGE  No.  36,  Chi- 
cago,  HI.,  meets  at  Carry's  Hall,  5444 
Wentworth  Ave.,  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  afternoon  at  2.80 
o'clock. 

President — Joseph  T.  Murphy,  929  W. 
68rd  PI. 

Sec—WiUlam  J.  Giroux,  460  W.  46th 
St 

Treaa — ^W.  H.  Langan,  1044  W.  55th 
St 

Journal — ^W.  Hickey,  4610  Wentworth 
Ave. 

ST.  LOUIS  LODGE  No.  37,  St  Louis. 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Sunday  nights 
of  each  month  at  8  o'clock  in  Druid's  Hall, 
cor.  Ninth  and  Market  Sta 

President— Thoa  Nester,  2106  N.  9th  St 


Sec.  and  Jour. — F.  J.  Cotter,  2229  Clar- 
ence St 

lYeaa — J.  P.  Sheridan.  2217  Robins  Av. 

PRESQUE  ISLE  LODGE  No.  38,  Erie, 
Pa.,  meets  the  first  and  third  Thursday 
evenings  of  each  month  at  SCSO  o'clock,  at 
Zuck's  Hall,  cor.  16  th  and  State  Sta 

President — T.  M.  Dundon,  2001  Sassa- 
fras St 

Sec — Michael  A  Gooley,  212  Holland 
St 

Treaa  and  Jour. — ^K  Fleming,  1611 
Chectnut  St. 

EMPIRE  STATE  LODGE  No.  89,  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Thursdays,  8  p.  nL,  and  third  Tuesday,  9 
a.  m.,  in  O'Grady's  Hall,  cor.  Broadway 
and  N.  Central  Ave. 

Presldent—W.  S.  Young.  423  Ideal  St 

Sec — Julius  Schultss,  986  Fillmore  Ave. 

Treaa — ^Fred  Gackle,  192  Oneida  St 

PARK  CITY  LODGE  No.  40,  Bridge- 
port Conn.,  meets  first  and  second  Sun- 
day at  1.30  p.  m.,  in  Emmett  Hall,  100 
State  St 

President  Sec  and  Journal — la.  A  Hem- 
mingway,  Stratford,  Conn. 

Treaa— D.  E.  Griffith,  129  Clifford. 

HARD  STRUGGLE  LODGE  No.  41. 
Elyrta,  O,  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
at  8  p.  m.,  at  Elks'  Hall. 

President — N.  J.  Gerhart,  911  East  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — J.  Francis,  415  15th  St 
Lorain,  O. 

Journal — ^A.  Forbes,  114  Highland  Ave. 

SILVER  CITY  LODGE  No.  42,  Argen- 
tlne,  Kan.,  meets  every  third  Wednesday 
at  8  p.  m.,  each  month,  in  Pokes'  Hall. 

President — F.  C.  Janes,  1261  Metropoli- 
tan Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — Thos.  Monohan,  3704 
Strong  Ave. 

PRIDE  OF  THE  WEST  LODGE  No. 
43,  Los  Angeles,  C^l.,  meets  second  and 
fourth  Friday  evenings,  8  o'clock,  in  Labor 
Temple,  517  South  Broadway. 

President — J.  F.  Seymour,  2521  East  3d 
St 

Sec — M.  F.  Pontius,  Station  V. 

Treas.— W.  B.  Tilley,  2670  N.  SIchel  St. 

Journal — T.  A  Bailey,  213  So.  Ave.  21. 

UTICA  LODGE  No.  44,  Utica,  N.  Y.. 
meets  second  and  fourth  Friday  evenings 
at  8  o'clock,  at  651  Whitesboro  St 

President — J.  Mahar,  108  Taylor  Ave. 

Sec. — Edward  King,  2  Thomas  Lane. 

Treas. — C.  B.  Cummings,  R.  F.  D.  No. 
72,  Maynard,  N.  Y. 

Journal — H.  Zemmeng,  638  Lincoln  Ave. 

GAS  BELT  LODGE  No.  45,  Muncde, 
Ind.,  meets  in  Anthony  Bile,  third  floor. 
Room  11,  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
7.80  p.  m..  Labor  Hall. 

President-— Chaa  F.  ^Thorpe,  1575  W. 
7th  St 

Sec-Treaa  and  Jour. — Chaa  Lawrence, 
2205  S.  Madison  St 

HAPPY  THOUGHT  LODGE  No.  46. 
Colorado  City,  Col.,  meets  first  and  third 
Sunday  at  9.80  a.  m.,  each  month,  in  K. 
of  P.  HalL 

President — ^M.  M.  Sonnichaen,  225  Mon- 
TOP'  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — J.  J.  Elliott,  120  Mon- 
roe Ave. 


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GARY  LODGE  No.  47.  Gary,  Ind.  meets 
at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Sixth  and  Massa- 
chusetts Sts.,  first  Sunday  at  1.30  p.  m., 
and  third  Sunday  at  7.30  p.  m. 

President — J.   B.   Farrell.   559   Harrison 
Sec. — J.  P.  McDonald,  406  Harrison  St 
Treas. — W.   R.   Brown,   ToUeston,   Ind,, 
Box  181. 

Journal — Jaa   Atchinson,    556   Harrison 

COPPER  CITY  LODGE  No.  48,  Butte, 
Mont,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
eveningrs  at  8  o'clock,  at  Old  Masonic  Hall, 
35  West  Park  St 

President — Harry  Miller,  832  N.  Mon- 
tana St 

Sec  and  Treas. — P.  O'Shea,  837  S.  Main. 

Journal — E.  F.  Vincent  Rocker,  Mont 

THRKifi  RAIL  LODGE  No.  49,  Pueblo, 
CoL,  meets  first  Tuesday,  7.80  p.  m.,  and 
third  Tuesday  at  2  p.  m. 

President — ^A.  B.  Hamilton,  Box  1080, 
Sta.  D. 

Sec— Wm.  R.  Wilson,  COS  W.  8th  St 

Treas.  and  Journal — E.  N.  Haling,  1708 
Orman  Ave. 

PARSONS  LODGE  No.  50,  Parsons, 
Kan.,  meets  first  and  last  Saturday  even- 
ings of  each  month,  at  8  p.  m.,  at  200  1-2 
N.  Central  Ave. 

President — Laurence  Smith,  706  N.  Cen- 
tral  A.V6 

Treas.-^— John  Schlldgen,  1603  Washlng- 
ton  Ave. 

JUNCTION  LODGE  No.  61,  West  Bay 
City.  Mich.,  meets  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall 
second  and  fourth  Sundays  at  7.30  p.  m. 

President — James  O'Brien,  1114  N.  Van 
Buren  St 

Sec.  and  Jour. — ^F.  J.  Roach,  1012  N. 
Line  St 

Treaa — A.  Strachan,  210  Raymond  Ave. 

EXCELSIOR  LODGE  No.  52,  Port  Jer- 
vis,  N.  Y.,  meets  in  H.  H.  Fumum's  Hall, 
Pike  St,  first  Sunday,  1.80  p.  m.,  second 
Thursday,  8.15  p.  m.  • 

President  and  Treaa — J.  A.  Boyle,  184 
W.  Main  St. 

Sec  and  Journal — ^Wm.  Walz,  181  W. 
Main  St. 

WELCOME  LODGE  No.  58,  Decatur, 
111.,  meets  first  Thursday)  8  p.  m.,  in  B. 
of  L.  E  Hall. 

President— -W.  W.  Albright,  423  N.  Mor- 
gan St 

Sec — ^Walter  Grant  200  N.  Calhoun  St 
Treas. — J.  Bamett  938  N.  Edward  St 
Journal— T.  A  Nolan,  1694  E.  North  St 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN  LODGE  No.  54, 
St- Louis,  Mo.,  meets  in  Dewey  Hall,  2801 
South  Broadway,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days, 8.80  p.  m. 

President — L.  Roberts,  1810  a  Broad- 
way. 

Sec  and  Treaa — J.  J.  Rueslng,  3147-a 
Neosho. ^ 

LAKE  SHORE  LODGE  No.  55,  Not- 
tingham, O.,  meets  first  Thursday  at  8  a. 
m.,  and  third  Thursday,  8  p.  m.,  of  each 
month,  in  King's  Hall,  Nottingham,  O. 

President — Fred  KrunL 

Sec — J.  E.  White,  351  S.  Eklwards  St 

Treas.^— Thoa  W.  Baldwin. 

Toumal — C.  W.  Hammond,  881  E  157th 
St,  Cleveland,  O. 

HARLEM  RIVER  LODGE  No.  56,  New 
York  City,  meets  first  Monday  at  10  a.  m.. 


and  third  Thursday  at  10  a.  m.,  in  Aurora 
Maennerchor  Hall,  444  Willis  Ave. 

President — Jas.  Wendllng.  724  B.  IS 4th 
Sec— H.  Qebhard.  446  137th  St 
Treaa — George  McMlchael,  249  EL  126th 
St 

LAKE  ERIE  LODGE  No.  57.  Sandusky, 
Ohio,  meets  second  and  fourth  Monday 
evenings,  at  7.S0  p.  m.,  in  Trades  and 
Labor  Assembly  Hall. 

President — Q.  Schiller,  536  Osbom  St 
Sec. — ^A.  J.  Diedrich,  112  Van  Buren  St 
Treaa — E.  A.  Roth,  311  Pearl  St 

PROGRESS  LODGE  No.  58,  Chicago, 
Hi.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  8 
p.  m.,  at  Marquette  Hall.  1910  W.  12th  St 

President — ^T.  T.  Sample,  1220  S.  Lin- 
coln St. 

Sec — ^W.  J.  Sweeney,  2522  Lexington 
St 

Treaa — ^W.  A.  Welsh.  2081  Washburn 
Ave. ;    phone  Canal  4646. 

MONROE  LODGE  No.  60,  Rochester, 
N.  Y..  meets  every  fourth  Wednesday  In 
Painters'  Hall.  Exchange  St. 

President — J.  P.  Crosson,  140  Frost  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Jour. — ^Bert  Elbrldge,  76  Sher- 
wood St 

Treas. — F.  E.  Hall,  49  Gardner  Ave. 


JACKSON  LODGE  No.  61.  Jackson. 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.30  p.  m..  \n  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  140 
Oourtland  St 

President — D.  J.  CKeefe,  1512  E.  Main 
St 

Sec. — H  S.  Hashbrouck,  816  Detroit  St. 

Treaa — ^E.  Blgalke,  219  Chapln  St 

GILT  EDGE  LODGE  No.  62.  Pitts- 
burgh, Pa.,  meets  second  Simday  at  7.46 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.45  p.  m.,  in 
union  Labor  Temple,  cor.  Washington  and 
Webster  Ave. 

President — ^D.  A.  Harshbarger,  686 
Bqggs  Ave. 

Sec — James  Earley,  5144  Carnegie  Ave. 

Treas. — F.  W.  Brown,  5262  Holmes  St 

NORTH  STAR  LODGE  No.  68,  Winni- 
peg, MaTi..  meets  first  Sunday  at  2.80  p. 
m.  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  at  Labor 
Temple,  cor.  Louise  and  James  Sta 

President — ^W.  A.  Walden,  468  Jessie 
Ave. 

Sec — A  J.  Young,  469  Rosser  Ave. 

Treaa — J.  B.  Lee,  469  Rosser  Ave. 

Journal — ^W.  J.  Finch,  848  William  Ave. 

LITTLB  FORT  LODGE  No.  64,  Wan- 
kegan,  HI.,  meets  in  G.  A.  R.  Hall,  North 
Genesee  St,  second  and  fourth  Tuesdays 
at  8  D.  m. 

President— W.  F.  Ward,  328  N.  Utlca 
St 

Sec^C.  S.  Hanford,  S.  St  James  St 

Treaa — ^Davld  L.  Donohue,  429  N.  TJtlcik 
St 

Journal — ^F.  B.  Hoff,  W.  Washington  St 

FORT  SCOTT  LODGE  No.  65,  Fort 
Scott  Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  2.30  p.  m..  in  K  of  P.  Hall. 

President — Qeo.  E.  DeJean,  716  B.  Wall 
St 

Sec  and  Treas. — J.  H.  Huffman,  215  S. 
Broadway. 

Journal — ^H.  P.  Hopklna  208  S.  Broad- 
way. 


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MARTHA  LODGE  No.  67,  Hammond, 
Ind.,  meets  first  Monday  afternoon  and 
night  and  third  Monday  afternoon  and 
night  in  Eagles*  Hall.  171  Homan  St 

President — H.  W.  Stewart,  513  Huffman 
St 

Sec. — O.  A  Lietson,  426  Michigan  Ave. 

'J'reaa — E.  Scott  423  Summer  Ave. 

UNION    STOCK   YARDS   LODGE   No. 

68,   Chicago,   111.,   meets  first  Sunday  at 

7.30  p.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  in 

McNally's  New  Hall,  47th  and  Halsted  St& 

President — Ed.  Lyons,  6919  Justine  St 

Sec-Treas. — F.  E.  Pratt  6920  Laflln  St 

Journal — John  Cole,  6416  Bishop  St 

HOUSTON  LODGE  No.  69,  Houston. 
Tex.,  meets  on  the  first  Tuesday  at  8.30 
a.  m.,  and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  in  K. 
of  P.  Hall.  McKee  and  Liberty  Ave. 

President — Chas.  Lease,  1709  Elyslan  St 

8ec.-Trea& — H.  R  Brandt  1907  Gentry 
St 

Journal — ^H.  R  Christian,  2308  Wash- 
ington Ave 

OLEANDER  LODGE  No.  70,  Galveston. 
Tex.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
3  r*-  m.,  in  Cook  A  Waiters'  Hall. 

President— V.  V.  Cooper,  83d  St  and 
Ave.  A. 

Sec-i-W.  J.  Hardy,  3Sd  St  and  Ave.  A. 

Treaa — W.  H.  Forbes,  8621  Ave.  I. 

Journal — A.  D.  Crow,  88d  St  and  Av.  A 

QUEEN  CITY  I^DGE  No.  71,  SeatUe. 
Wash.,  meets  in  Hall  No.  2,  Labor  Temple, 
Sixth  Ave.  and  University  St,  second  Sun- 
day at  2  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Monday  at  8 

^  ft«sidcnt— J.   H.   Arbuthnot    1847    17th 
Ave.  S. 

Pec — C.  B.  Lindsey.  Station  S,  Box  67. 

Treaa— T.  A.  Hayden,  1420  N.  48th  St. 


PEORIA  LODGE  No.  72,  Peorta,  111., 
meets  first  Sunday,  8  p.  m.,  and  third  Sun- 
day at  2.80  p.  m.,  in  Schmidt's  H^l,  2901 
S.  Adama 

President — Bdw.  Storejr,  1117  Ann  St 
Sec— F.  M.  Piatt  518  Blaine  St 
Treas. — ^W.  S.  Dimon,  127  Lincoln  Park 
PL  

BAY  STATE  LODGE  No.  78,  Sprtng- 
fleld,  Mass.,  meets  at  Harmony  Hall,  sec- 
ond Saturday  of  exich  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  N.  Clark.  38  Bradford  St. 

Sec-Treas. — E.  T.  Clark,  IIJT  Plalnfleld 
St 

Journal — ^H.  D.  Marsh,  93  Marengo  Pk. 


Fr 


CLIPPER  LODGE  No.  74,  Michigan 
City.  Ind.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.30 
>.  m.  and  fourth  Thursday  at  2.80  p.  m., 
n  Condon's  Hall   206  1-2  N.  Franklin  St 

President — John  Hutton,  416  Michigan 
St 

Sec — Q.  H.  Muse.  511  Washington  St 

Treas. — ^W.  H.  H.  Ruggles.  620  E.  2nd 

Journal — ^R  L.  Mattex.  117  Earl  Road. 


STEARNES  LODGE  No.  75,  Ludlngton, 
Mich.,  meetfe  in  K.  C.  Hall  first  and  sec- 
ond Tuesdays  of  rnch  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President — S.  W.  Conkling,  408  E.  Me- 
llndy  St 

Sec— Irvin  Clark,  215  E.  Melindy  Ave. 


Treaa — Chaa  D  Morarity,  608  S.  James 
St 
Journal — ^E.  T.  Eamond,  610  N.  Row  St 

SOUTHERN  KANSAS  LODGE  No.  77, 
Chanute,  Kan.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Wednesdays  of  each  month  at  7.80  p.  m., 
in  Carpenters'  HalL 

President — K.  Hendrlckson,  60S  8.  Ever- 
green Ave. 

Sec— C.  D.  Coulter,  618  S.  Central 

Treas. — G.  G.  Basler,  1112  S  EiVergreen. 

Journal — ^A  Gross,  408  W.  1st  St 

FORT  WAYNE  LODGE  No.  78,  Fort 
Wajme,  Ind.,  meets  at  Harmony  HaJl,  120 
W.  Berry  St,  fourth  Tuesday  evening  at  8 
o'clock. 

President — Emil  Florent  2828  S.  Hoag- 
land  Ave. 

Sec. — G.  T.  Sunley,  606  Holman  St 
Treas.— G.  W.  Thiebolt  952  Erie  St 
Journal — Charles  Taylor,   1108  N.  Case 
St 

JACKSON  PARK  LODGE  No.  79,  Chi- 
cago, nt,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m., 
and  fourth  Sunday  at  S  p.  m.,  G.  A.  R 
Hall,  6236  Princeton  Ave. 

President — J.  G.  Riordan,  5518  Indiana 

Sec  and  Journal— J.  H.  Landers^  708 
W.  60th  St 

Treas. — E.  G.  Wilson,  8280  Princeton 
Ave. ;    phone  Yards  2684. 

UNION  LODGE  No.  80,  Grand  Rapids. 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  at 
7.80  p.  m.,  Simmons'  Hall,  S.  Division  St. 
and  Fifth  Ave. 

President — P.  E.  Crandall,  575  Sheldon 
St 

Sec — ^W.  H.  Woods,  128  11th  Ave 

Treas. — G.  M  Johnson,  1306  Cass  Ave., 
S.  E. 

Journal — N.  B.  Dannenbery,  49  Canton 
St,  S.  W. 

PARK  LODGE  No.  82,  Herlngton,  Kan., 
meets  second  and  fourth  Mondays,  8  p.  m., 
L  O.  O.  F.  HaJl. 

President — ^W.  H.  Bonner,  Box  862. 

Sec-Treaa — P.  G.  Towey,  Box  445. 


ILLINOIS  CENTRAL  LODGE  No.  88, 
Chicago,  HI.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2.30 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  at 
Calumet  Hall,   68d  St  and   Stony   Island 

President — F.  C.  Lockwood,  718  E.  90th 

St 

Treaa— R  W.  Fisher,  1433  E.  64th  St 
Sec.   and  Journal — F.   W.   Day.   831   E. 

90th  PI. 

MAPLE  LEAF  LODGE  No.  84,  Oelwein. 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  of 
each  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Temple  Block. 

President — A  E.  Swem,  110  8rd  Ave.  N. 

Sec-Treas. — C.  S.  Scoles,  816  1st  Av.  E. 

Journal — Geo.  D.  Gibbons,  19  1-2  South 
Frederick  St 

WICHITA  LODGE  No.  85,  Wichita. 
Kan.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday 
evening  In  Labor  Hall,  607  E.  Douglas  Av. 

President — J.  B.  Ceurvorst,  836  North 
Wafthlngton  St 

Sec— w.  J.  Gould. 

Sec  and  Treaa — ^A.  W.  Bums,  612 
Cleveland  Ave. 


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JOURNAL    OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.    A. 


COLUMBIA  LODGE  No.  87,  PorUand. 
Ore.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  and 


last  Sunday  at  8  p.  m..  at  614  Delay  St 
President — ^T.  J.  ..,_—.« 

lay  St 


McCambridge,  61i  De- 


Sec.  and  Treas. — A.  F.  Schuman,  445  1-2 
Klrby  St 

Journal — ^B.  F.  Smith,  623  Miss.  Ave. 

BNTBRPRISB  LODGE  No.  88,  Green 
Bay,  Wis.,  meeto  last  Sunday  of  month  at 
P.  M.  in  Maoabees  Hall,  in  Funk  Block,  oor. 
Main  and  Adams. 

President — ^Truman  Cuish,  1110  Division 
St 

See. — ^M.  H.  Thompson,  508  Ashland 
Ave. 

Tre&s. — ^H.  E.  Janson,  926  8.  Jackson 
St 

Journal — A,  Lewis,  1248  Broadway. 

OTTUMWA  LODGE  No.  89,  Ottumwa, 
la.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays  at  8  p. 
m.,  in  Labor  Hall,  cor.  Main  and  Court 
Sts. 

President  and  Treaa — O.  C.  Kenney. 
706  W.  4th  St 

Sec — G.  B.  Zellers,  609  W.  Main  St 

Journal — S.  H.  Loring,  116  Falnrlew 
Ave. 

DENISON  LODGE  No.  90,  Denison, 
Tex.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday 
evenings  at  8  o'clock,  in  O.  R.  0.  New 
Hall,  Main  St  ' 

President— B,  S.  Clark,  R.  P.  D.  No.  4. 

Sec  and  Treas. — M.  J.  Leabo,  1319  W. 
Gandy  St 

IRONDALE  LODGE  No.  91,  Chicago, 
111.,  meets  Duffy's  Hall,  cor.  106th  St.  and 
Torrance  Ave.,  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days at  8  p.  m. 

President— W.  IClldufF,  6834  Adams  A  v. 

Sec  and  Journal — ^H.  A.  Flynn,  9041 
Commercial  Ave. 

Treaa — ^T.  L.  Roderick,  10440  Calhoun 
Ave.,  South  Chicago,  HI. 

STANDARD  LODGE  No.  92,  Cedar 
Rapids,  la.,  meets  In  Acema  Bldg.,  be- 
tween 5th  and  6th  Sta  E.,  second  Monday 
and  fourth  Tuesday,  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  P.  Holmes,  R  F.  D.  No.  6. 

Sec — H.  J.  Manchester,  Beaver  St 

Treas.— J.  H.  McKinley.  Ill  N.  2d  St  W. 

Journal — O.  H.  Black,  1002  A  AvcE. 

TRUE  BLUE  LODGE  No.  93,  Oska- 
loosa,  la.,  meets  flrst  and  third  Sundays, 
8.30  p.  m.  at  610  High  Ave.  West 

President— R.   H.    Fuller,    1913    S.    10th 
St,  St  Joe,  Mo. 
*Sec-Treas. — J.  Brown,  802  1st  Ave.  W. 

Journal — ^Harry  McSpadden,  510  N.  C 
St 

ON  THE  BANKS  OF  THE  WABASH 
LODGE  No.  94,  Terre  Haute,  Ind,,  meets 
every  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  at  8  p. 
m..  hi  C.  L.  U.  Hall,  426  1-2  Main  St 
President-^J.  Snyder,  642  N.  6th  St 
Sec— Dustin  Crawford,  418  N.  18th  St 
Treaa— H.  H.  Bylngton,  318  N.  16th  St 
Journal — ^F.  D.  Ball,  1628  2nd  Ave. 

ASHTABULA  LODGE  No.  95,  Ashta- 
bula, O.,  meets  second  Sunday  at  7.30  p. 
m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  2.30  p.  m.,  in 
O.  R.  C.  Hall,  Main  St 


President — A.  T.  Hartnell,  33  Camp  St 
Sec— C.  J.  McKenzle.  19  Stark  St 
Treas. — Cha&  L.  Kaln,  68  FisAc  St 

LIMA  LODGE  No.  96,  Lima.  O..  meets 
first  Sunday  at  2  p>  m.  and  third  Sunday 
at  7  p.  m..  Machinists'  Hall,  Fisk  Block. 

President  and  Treas. — John  G.  Stege- 
inan,  657  N.  Jackson  St 

FREEBORN  LODGE  No.  97,  Albert 
Lea,  Minn.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  5  p.  m.. 
and  third  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Red  Men's 
Hall,  cor.  William  and  Broadway. 

President — G.  C.  Riley,  315  Court  St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — J.  P.  Woods,  810 
Water  St 

Journal — A.  L  Hove,  258  S.  Pearl. 

CADILLAC  LODGE  No  98.  Cadillac 
Mich.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays  in 
Trades  and  Labor  Council  Hall,  at  8  p.  m. 

President  and  Treaa — ^Thos.  Long.  1049 
Harlng  St 

Sec — Bernard  Long,  406  E.  Pine. 

Journal — A.  Craig,  Wright  St 

ELK  LODGE  No.   99,   Buffalo,   N.   Y., 

meets  in  Nagel's  Hall,  cor.  Hajrward  and 

Elk  Sta,  flrst  and  third  Tuesdays  at  OO 

p.  m.,  and  last  Wednesday,  at  8  a.  m. 

President — ^W.  F.  Schleua  67  Monroe  St 

Sec-Treaa— C.  Souter,  52  Gorham  St 

LITTLE  GIANT  LODGE  No.  100  Mc- 
Kees  Rocks,  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  ac 
7.30  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  1.30  p. 
m.,  in  Christian  Hall,  219  Chartiers  Ave 

President — ^W.   A.   Ganan,   222   Munson 

Sec — ^E.  T.  Brown,  227  Munson  Ave, 
Treaa — ^Robt  McCarthy,  400  Woodward 
Ave. 

Journal — ^W.  'Eyster,  110  Margaret  St 

ALUM  ROCK  LODGE  No.  101,  San 
Jose,  Cal..  meets  in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall. 

President — ^Frank  E.  Webber,  B,  P. 
Yard  Office. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — P.  J.  McKay,  126  N. , 
4th  St 


LEHIGH  LODGE  No.  108,  Lehighton. 
Pa.,  meets  in  Reber's  Hall,  second  and 
fourth  Sundays^  at  8  p.  m. 

President — G.  Mertz,  Packerton.  Pa* 

Treas. — M  A.  Cochran,  R  F.  D.  No.  1, 
Box  91,  Weissport,  Pa. 

Sec — ^E.  Sillers,  R  F.  D.  No.  1,  Mauch 
Chunk.  Pa. 

Journal — Geo.  Dolan,  Lehlgfaton,  Pa. 

SHREVEPORT  LODGE  No.  108,Shreve- 
port  Leu,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  in  Frank  Ryan's  resi- 
dence. 

President — ^Frank  Ryan,  Bossier  City, 
La. 

Sec -Treas. — TL  E.  Jones.  546  Davis  St 

Journal — S.  P.  Moore,  Gary  St 

SWEET  CLOVER  LODGE  No.  104,  Ar- 
kansas City,  Kan. 

President— J.  A.  Kanuth.  1022  Mississippi 
Ave.,  St  Loulg.  Mo.  * 

Sec. — L.  F.  Dodson,  Conway,  Kan. 

Treaa — Greo.  B.  Hammond,  511  S.  C  St 

Journal — R  E.  Collins,  Muskogee,  Okla. 


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767 


OZARK  LODGE  No.  106,  JSpiingfleld. 
Mo.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesdays,  at 
8.S0j;>.  m.:  each  months  hi  Workmen's  Hall, 
328  BooDVllle  St. 

President — ^W.  R  Stewart,  W.  Walnut 
St 

Sec  and  Treas. — ^Bk  F.  Cole,  Campbell 
and  Carney  Sts. 

Journal— O.  B.  Smith,  1080  W.  AtlanUc 
St. 

TUBE  CITY  LODGE  No.  106,  McKees- 
pcrt  Pa.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  7.30  p.  m.,  in  First  National  Banlc 
BldflT. 

President — P.  J  Brennan,  1101  5th  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treaa — C.  E.  Mhmlck,  822 
Scott  St 

Journal — D.  P.  Costello,  172  Duquesne, 
Duquesne,  Pa. 

HEAD  OF  THE  LAKE  LODGE  No. 
107,  Superior,  W1&,  meets  first  Sunday  at 
2.S0  p.  m.  and  third  S\mday  at  8  p.  m.,  in 
Union  Labor  Hall,  1423  Belknap  St 

President — O.  F.  Ells,  1028  Banks  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Journal — J.  C.  O'Connell,  1124 
Grand  Ave. 

TreasL — W.  Whearatt  1623  Banks  Ave. 

ROUGH  RIDER  LODGE  No.  108,  Hor- 
nell,  N.  Y.,  meets  first  and  third  Friday 
eveninjss  of  each  month  at  8.16  o'clock, 
and  sedond  and  fourth  Fridays  at  4  p.  m., 
tai  Engineers'  Hall,  108  Mahi  St 

President — ^P.  L  Cullinan,  91  River  St    . 
Sec. — ^W.  R  Burke,  100  Maple  St 
Treas. — Jaa  Colbert  68  Pine  St 
Journal — J.  H.  Baldwin,  11  Pleasant  St 

SAGINAW  LODGE  No.  110,  Saginaw, 
E.  S.,  Michigan,  meets  at  9.80  a.  nL  on 
the  first  and  third  Sundays  of  each  month, 
at  Myrtle  HalL  502  Potter  St 

President — Seth  Bark,  218  Wadsworth 
St 

Sec.— James  H.  Hickey.  1027  N.  7th  St 

Treaa— H.  S.  Gay,  1028  N.  6th  Ave. 

Journal — J.  G.  Ladebauche,  703  Farwell, 
E.  S 

INDIAN  CREEK  LODGE  No.  Ill, 
Marion,  la.,  meets  second  Saturday  after- 
noon and  fourth  Saturday  evening,  at  L 
O.  O.  P.  Hall. 

President — E.  P.  Reid. 

Sea  and  Treas. — ^John  Leming,  482  18th 
St 

Journal — ^T.  J.  Ryan,  7th  Ave. 

NETCONG  LODGE  No.  112,  Netcong. 
N.  J.,  meets  in  Clark's  Hall,  on  second 
Wednesday  at  7.30  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sun- 
day at  2.80  p.  m. 

President— C.  Bird,  Dell  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Jour.^— Burtis  Bird,  Allen  St 

Treas. — James  O'Neil,  Mechanic  St. 

BAST  END  LODGE  No.  118.  Cincin- 
nati, O.,  meets  in  Vulcan  Hall,  Martin  St. 
third  Friday  of  each  month,  at  8.30  p.  m. 

President,  Treas.  and  Journal — ^A.  T. 
Carius,  848  Overton  St,  Newport  Ky. 

Sec — ^F.  E.  Alwin,  2708  Hoflt  Ave. 


BROOME  LODGE  No.  114.  Binghamton, 
N.   Y.,   meets  second  and  fourth  Monday 


evenings  at  8  o'clock  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall, 
299  Chenango. 

President — John  McMahon,  43  Griswold 
St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — Geo.  Martin,  41  Men- 
delssohn 

Journal — Michael  Sheehan,  38  Fayette. 


JERSEY  CITY  LODGE  No.  116.  Jersey 
City,  N.  J.,  meeU  at  Fisher's  HaU,  126 
Hudson  St,  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  third  Simday 
at  8  p.  nu 

President — J.  Londregon,  724  Monastery 
St,  W.  Hoboken.  N.  J. 

Sec. — J.  J.  Devine,  286  St  Paul  Ave. 

Treaa — Martin  Keating,  225  Highwood 
Ave.,  Weehawken,  N.  J. 

BUCKEYE  LODGE  No.  116,  Conneaut 
O..  meets  first  Sunday  at  8  p.  to,,  and 
third  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  each  month,  in 
G.  A.  R  Hall,  Stanley  Block,  Main  St 

President— P.  J.  Kelley,  287  Adams  St 

Sec.  and  Jour. — H.  D.  Badger,  827  Har- 
bor St  ^^ 

Treaa — E.  C  McCloskey,  698  Broad  St 

\ 

HARMONY  LODGE  No.  117,  Chicago, 
111.,  meets  In  Colonial  Hall,  cor.  Chicago 
and  Western  Avea,  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  2  p.  m. 

President — J.  H  Dodgion,  1626  Tripp 
Ave. 

Sec. — ^D.  E.  Burke,  4125  W.  North  Ave. 

Treaa — S.  B.  Goveia,  1506  Warren  Ave. 

Journal — ^^.  C.  Tousey,  1648  Fairfield 
Ave. 

SALT  LAKE  LODGE  No.  llj).  Salt 
Lake  City,  Utah,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Tuesdays  at  8.80  p.  m.,  at  Labor  Temple, 
2d  St  East  between  1st  and  2d  South. 

President — John  Bayes,  469  N.  1st  W. 

Sec.— J.  E.  McLaughlhi,  263  W^.  N. 
Temple. 

Trea&— H.  &  Smith.  644  West  4th  N. 

Journal — ^E.  A.  Fullerton,  628  W.  1st 
North  St 

LINCOLN  LODGE  No.  120,  Ldncohi, 
Neb.,  meets  first  Sunday,  8  p.  m.,  and 
third  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  in  Labor  Temple, 
215  N.  11th  St 

President — J.  H.  Francisco,  520  N.  19th 
St 

Sec— P.  J.  Helser,  716  C  St 
Treaa — A.  G.  Strouse,  821  H  St 
Journal — Fred  Manchester,  2586  H  St 

MISSOULA  LODGE  No.  122,  Missoula, 
Mont,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  of 
each  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  L  O.  O.  F.  Hall. 

President — Robt  Sheehan,  121  E.  Main 
St 

8ec-Treaa-^C.  A.  Maloney,  General  De- 
livery, Deer  Lodge.  Mont 

Journal — ^Bruce  Maokey,  626  Sherwood 
St 

IVORYDALE  LODGE  No.  128,  Blm- 
wood  Place,  O.,  meets  in  Keller's  Hall.  800 
Main  Ave.,  second  and  fourth  Fridays  at 
8  p.  m. 

President  and  Jour. — ^Bt  J.  Alexander, 
100  Park  Ave.,  Hartwell.  O. 

Sec. — ^W.  De  Weese,  415  Walnut  St 

Treas. — Anthony  Ash,  800  Blmwood  Ay. 


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Eli  RBNO  LODGE  No.  124.  El  Reno. 
Okla..  meets  in  Red  Men'8  Hall,  second 
and  fourth  Tuesdays,  8  p.  m. 

President — H.  Sievers,  620  a  Choctaw 
St. 

Sec. — ^Ted  Torpey,  410  S.  McComb  St 

Treaa — ^Harry  Morris.  811  N.  Evans  St. 

Journal — Dacy  Hovenden,  803  S.  Rob- 
erUSt 

NECHES  LODGE  No.  125.  Beaumont. 
Tex.,  meets  at  K.  of  P.  Hall  on  the  second 
and  fourth  Sundays  of  each  month  at  8 

^  President— L.  C.  Kelly.  1547  Laurel  Av. 
Sec. — ^A.  T.  Wood,  1194  Liberty  Ave. 
Treas.— B.  C.  Kirk.  1168  South  St 
Journal — ^W.  &.  Graves.  1806  Liberty. 

HAWKEYE  LODGE  Na  126.  Marshall- 
town,  la.,  meets  third  Sunday  each  month 
at  8  p.  m..  Y.  M.  C.  A  HalL 

President — J.  N.  Walker,  207  W.  Boone 
St 

Sec.  Treas.  and  Journal — J.  G.  Lynch, 
602  S.  3rd  St 

ST.  ANTHONY  LODGE  No.  128.  Min- 
neapolis. Minn.,  meets  in  Odd  Fellows' 
Hisai,  Fourth  St  and  Central  Ave.,  first 
Sunday  8  p.  m..  third  Sunday  at  2.30  p.  m. 

Sec  and  Journal — A.  L  Maeby,  242» 
7th  St  a 

Treas. — J.  K  La  France,  110  4  th  St. 
B.  E. 

ELECTRIC  CITY  LODGE  No.  129, 
Scrsnton,  Pa.,  meets  at  G.  A.  R.  Hall. 
Pennsylvania  and  Linden  Sta.  second  Sun- 
day at  8.45  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at 
7.30  p.  m.  _    . 

President— Robert  W.  Flynn.  437  Rail- 
road Ave. 

Sec— Patrick  Ryan.  424  Railroad  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Jour. — J.  P.  Crowley,  274 
Railroad  Ave. 

FORT  HAMILTON  LODGE  No.  130. 
Hamilton,  O.,  meets  in  Trades  Council 
Hall,  Second  and  Court  Sts..  seoond  and 
fourth  Thursdays  at  8.30  p.  m. 

President— John  H.  Connell,  621  S.  4th 
St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — W.  J.  Welch,  524  S. 
4th  St 

TRI-CITY  LODGE  No.  188,  Rock  Isl- 
and, III,  meets  first  Monday  night  at  8 
o'clock,  and  third  Sunday  morning  at  9.80 
o'clock.  Industrial  Home  Hall,  21st  St 
and  8rd  Ave. 

President—^.    B.    Pritchett    3016    10th 

^Sec— H.  W.  Olson,  2630  5  1-2  Ave. 
Treas.— W.  Meilke.  510  89th  St 
Journal — ^Ben  Jaoobson,  602  89th  St 

SUCCESS  LODGE  No.  134,  St  Louis, 
Mo.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays,  8  p.  m., 
Bremen  Hall.  3605  N.  11th  St 

President— J.  H.  Wllley,  3916a  Penrose 
St 

Sec — Frank  Calhoun,  2140  Salisbury  St 

Treas. — J.  J.  McCarthy,  2248  Geraldine. 


PUGET  SOUND  LODGE  No.  136,  Ta- 
coma.  Wash.,  meets  in  Milwaukee  Hall, 
cor.  23rd  and  Jefferson  Sts..  second  and 
fourth  Mondays  of  each  month  at  2.30 
p.*m. 


President— F.  J.  Maxfield,  3858  E.  H  St 
Sec— a  M.  Griffin,  2520  a  L  St 
Treas.— C.  E.  Whitman.  2716  A  St 
Journal — J.  W.  Vail,  Spanaway,  Wash. 


SPOKANE  LODGE  No.  137.  Spokane. 
Wash.,  meets  in  Banenders'  Hall,  612  1-2 
Riverside  Ave.,  second  Tuesday,  at  2.30 
p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday,  at  7.30  p.  m. 

President — H.  H.  Chapman.  10  W.   8rd 

Sec — R  D.  Buckley,  717  E.  Ermina  St 
Treaa — A.  J.  Welton,  R  2429  1st  Ave. 
Journal — F.  A  Guentz,  1019  1st  Ave. 


ALAMO  LODGE  No.  138.  San  Antonio. 
Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Tuesday  even- 
ings at  8.30  o'clock,  at  Murries*  Hall.  Aus- 
tin and  10th  Sta 

President  Sec  and  Treaa — J.  R.  Webb, 
500  Lamar. 

Journal — E.  M.  Eason,  828  Carson  St 


SECOND  CITY  LODGE  No.  140.  Nas- 
hua, N.  H.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  noon,  in  Barker's  HalL 

President — H.  E.  Page.  3  AUds  St 
Sec. — J.  Enright  10  Foundry  St 
Treas. — John  Brennan.  104  Vine  St 
Journal — ^Wm.   J.   Howard,   90  1-2   Pine 
St 


SUSQUEHANNA  LODGE  No.  141.  Sua- 
quehanna.  Pa.,  meets  every  Wednesday  at 
.  8  p.  m..  at  84  High  St,  Oakland. 

President  and  Sec-Treaa — ^D.  H.  Gris- 
wold,  84  High  St,  Oakland. 


OPEN  PORT  CITY  LODGE  No.  142. 
Muskegon,  Mich.,  meets  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  10  a.  m..  at  North  Yard's  Of- 
fice, Ottawa  St 

President — P.  J.  Hawkins.  56  Ramson 
St 

Sec.  and  Journal — ^R.  W.  Ferris,  66 
Franklin  St 

Treaa — L.  A.  Knapp,  62  Ottawa  St 


LAFAYETTE  LODGE  No.  143,  Lafay- 
ette, Ind..  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  1.30  p.  m.,  in  Leaohe's  Hall.  cor.  3rd 
and  Chestnut  Sta 

President — ^R  J.  Stevens,  1103  Queen 
St 

Sec — E.  G.  Hannagan,  255  Green  St 

Treas. — J.  C.  Kennedy.  240  Green  St 


TELEGRAM  LODGE  No.  144,  Elmira. 

N.  Y..  meets  the  first  Monday  at  8  p.  m.. 

and   third   Sunday   at   8   p.    m..   of   each 

month,  at  St  James*  Hall,  Park  pL  and 

Clinton  St 

President — M.  W.  Powers,  766  a  Main 

St 
Sec— Wm.  Murphv,  818  W.  7th  St 
Treaa — T.  J.  Hurley,  962  Main  St 
Journal — J.  W.  Bowes,  448  W.  6th  Bt 


CALUMET  LODGE  No.  145,  East  Chi- 
cago.  Ind..  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Moss*  HalL 

President  and  Journal — ^Daniel  Sterling. 
4912  Northcote  St 

Sec — T.  A  Crc'gan,  4854  Lagoon  Ave. 

TreaA — ^Martin  M.  McGregor.  4808  For- 
sythe  Ave. 


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INDIANAPOLIS  LODGE  No.  14$.  In- 
dianapolis, Ind.,  meets  first  and  third  Mon- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  at  Morrison's  Hall,  52  1-2 
Monument  PI. 

President— P.   O'Shea,  128  S.  Noble  St. 

Sec. — C.  A.  Akers,  1012  Hoyt  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — H.  L.  Hicks,  2528 
Central  Ave. _      _ 

GATE   CITY  LODGE  No.    147;  Texar- 
kana,  Tex.,  meets  on  second  and  fourth 
Tuesday  evenings  at  1820  Maple  St 
President — J.  T.  Smith,  308  Ash  St 
Sec -Treas. — ^Wm.  Kelley,  1820  Magpie  St 
Journal — F.  J.  Bumb,  112  State  St 

FREEPORT  LODGE  No.  149.  Preeport 
IlL,   meets  at  Odd  Fellows'   Hall,   second 
Sunday  at  2.80  p.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  . 
at  7  p.  m. 

President— Wm.  H.  O'Malia.  17  Kicka- 
poo  St 

Sec.  and  Treas. — F.  R.  Dunlap,  Room  7, 
146  Stevenson  St ; 

ELKHART  LODGE  No.  151,  Elkhart 
Ind.,  meets  first  Tuesday  at  2.30  p.  m., 
and  third  Tuesday  at  7.30  p.  m.,  in  So-, 
cialist  Hall.  413  South  Main  St. 

President — L.  H.  Martin,  428  Sherman 
St 

Sec. — a  C.  Wa«ner,  1418  Prairie  St 

Treaa— G   D.  Elliott  2021  Marlln  Ave. 

Journal — Earl  D.  Parker,  1009  Garfield 
Ave. ^. 

SYRACUSE  LODGE  No.  152,  Syracuse, 
N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Wednes- 
days of  every  month  at  8  p.  m.,  in  Kear- 
ney's Hall,  cor.  S.  Geddes  and  Gifford  Sts. 

Pwsidcnt— W.  A  Ryan.  104  Willis  Ave. 

Sec.— T.  W.  ReiUy,  307  Whlttier  Ave. 

TreasL — ^A  H.  Richardson,  732  Otesco 
St 

TRIANGLE  LODGE  No.  164,  Staples. 
Minn. 

Treas. — ^W.  A,  Cummings,  Box  628._ 

THANKSGIVING  LODGE  No.  165,  Chi- 
cago. O..  meets  in  K.  of  C.  Hall  first  Fri- 
day in  month  at  7.30  p.  m.,  and  third 
B*riday  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  W.  Heckman,  Box  586. 

Sec. — J.  F.  Cooley. 

Treas. — J.  S.  Swartx. 

FRONTIER  LODGE  No.  156,  Cheyenne, 
Wyo. 

President— J.  L.  Fairchild,  306  E.  10th 
St 

Treas.— L.  F.  Price,  309  R  20th  St 

GOLDEN  GATE  LODGE  No.  158,  Oak- 
land, Cal.,  meets  in  Fidelity  Hall,  comer 
Seventh  and  Peralta  Sts.,  second  and 
fourth  Tuesday  evenings  at  8  o'clock. 

President — Ira  Tracy,  1666  Chase  St. 

Sec— O.  J.  McCarthy,  120  26th  St. 

Treas.  and  Journal — ^J.  Robson,  864 
Campbell  St. 

FORKED  DEER  LODGE  No.  159.  Jack- 
son,  Tenn.,  meets  first  and  third  Saturdays 
at  7.80  p.  m.,  in  B.  of  L.  F.  &  R  Hall, 
cor.  Market  and  Main  Sts. 

President— Edward  J.  Phillips,  146  Mo- 
bile Ave. 

Sec. — Robert  B.  Curry,  524  E.  Chestnut 
St. 

Treas. — C.  I.  Goodman.  108  Lee  St 

BIENVILLE  LODGE  No.  166,  Mobile. 
Ala.,  meets  at  402  Bloodgood  St,  first  and 
third  Tuesdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — J.  Connors,  260  Beauregard 


Sec. — H.  I)  Meadows.  316  N.  Conception 

Treas. — C.  W.  Rairfield.  857  Earl  St 
Journal — ^W.  C.  Burton.  S.  E.  cor.  Con- 
ception and  Beauregard  St& 

NEW  HOPE  LODGE  No.  167.  Centra- 
lia.  111. 

lYesident — W.  H.  Jones,  839  B.  Broad- 
way. 

Treaa — ^Wm.  P.  Bryant,  123  Commer- 
cial St 

GOOD  HOPE  LODGE  No.  169,  Youngs- 
town,  O..  meets  third  Tuesday  at  243-245 
Federal  St 

President — J.  F.  Owens,  724  Wilson  Ave. 

Sec. — ^E.  J.  Korman,  1552  MiUlcent  Ave. 

Treas.  and  Journal — ^F.  Owens^  724  Wll- 
son  Ave. 

PRIDE  OF  THE  HILLS  LODGE  No. 
171,  Holloway,  Ohio,  meets  second  Thurs- 
•day  at  2  p.  m.  and  fourth  Thursday  at  8 
p.  m.,  in  iC.  of  P.  Hall. 

President- -r».  O.  Rea 

Sec. — C.   Cleary. 

Treaa — ^W.  S.  Berry. 

Journal — S.  N.  Marshall. 

VALLEY  LODGE  No.  172,  Sayre.  Pa., 
meeU  in  P.  O.  S.  of  A.  Hall,  Lockhart  St. 
second  and  fourth  Tuesdays  at  8.80  p.  m. 

President— M.  J.  Harding,  10  William 
St.  Waver ly,  N.  Y. 

Sec. — ^John  Goodall,  Fallott  Bldg.,  Sayre. 
Pa. 

Treas. — Robert  FiUgerald,  5  Ulster  St, 
Waverly,  N.  Y. 

Journal — ^Thomas  F.  Frost  Broad  St, 
Waverly,  N.  Y. 

TWIN  CITY  LODGE  No.  173,  La  Salle. 
HI.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at  10 
a.  m..  Eagles'  Hall,  comer  1st  and  Good- 
ing Sts. 

President — ^A.  J.  Kerwick.  85  6th  St 

Sec.  and  Journal — J.  E.  Bowers,  808  4th 
St 

Treaa — P.  B.  Davis,  134  Gooding. 

DES  MOINES  LODGE  No.  174*.  VaUey 
Jimction,  la..  meeU  first  Sunday  at  8  p. 
m..  and  fourth  Monday  at  2  p.  m..  in  Fra^ 
temal  Hall.  Valley  Junction,  la. 

President — A.  L.  Shearer. 

Sec. — Cliarles  F.  Shuey. 

Treaa — A.  L.  Ketter. 

Journal — John  F.  Sammon. 

DANVILLE  LODGE  No.  175.  Danville. 
HI.,  meets  at  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall,  first  and 
third  Mondaya  at  8  p.  m. 

President — C.  J.  McGlinchy.  17  Robin- 
son St 

Sec. — L.  J.  Hagerman.  1000  Myers  St 
Treaa — John  King.  1210  Tennessee  St 
Journal — J.  H.  Smith,  527  Porter  St 

SALAMANCA  LODGE  No.  176,  Sala- 
manca,  N.  Y.,  meets  at  Royal  Arcanum 
Hall,  second  Sunday  at  2  p.  m..  and  fourth 
Sunday  at  8.30  p.  m.,  Salamanca,  N.  Y. 

President — J.  Murphy,  Sycamore  Ave. 

Sec.  and  Treas. — J.  J.  Connelly,  4  Plm- 
lico  Ave. 

WHIRLPOOL  LODGE  No.  177.  Nlag- 
ara  Falls,  N.  Y..  meets  the  second  and 
fourth  Sundays  at  3  p.  m.,  at  Carpenters' 
Hall.  2207  Main  St 

President — S.  Caldwell,  8  Bath  Ave. 

Sec. — N.  F.  Walrod.  2232  Lockport  St 

Treas. — J.  L.  Hanlon.  2921  McCoon  Av. 

Journal — Geo.  B.  Hall,  842  2nd  St 


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BLACK  DIAMOND  LODGE  No.  179. 
Plttston,  Pa.,  meets  first  ajid  third  Mon- 
days at  8  p.  m.,  at  St  Aloysius*  Hall.  S. 
Main  St 

President — Pat  Kelly.  12  Center  St 
Sec  and  Treaa — G.  Soharar.  80  Wash- 
ington St,  West  Plttston. 


FARGO  LODGE  No.  180.  Fargo.  N.  D.. 
meets  at  Assembly  Hall  second  |Lnd  fourth 
Saturdays  at  8  p.  m. 

President — C.  Simons.  707  Second  N. 

Troas.— G.  Weissert.  718  6th  Ut,  N. 


BIG  FIVE  LODGE  No.  181.  Dallas, 
Tex.,  meets  at  W.  O.  W.  Hall.  846  Main 
St.  last  Sunday  in  month  at  8  p.  m. 

President — ^Frank    Mackin,     321    Swiss 

Sec.  and  Treaa — Thomas  J.  Peters.  2708 
Birmingliam  St 

Journal — W.  P.  Hocker.  132  Nusbaumer  ' 
St 


KAL.I-INLA  LODGE  No.  182.  BaUey- 
vllle,  Okla.,  meets  first  and  third  Fridays 
at  8  p.  ra..  in  Mesenia  Hall. 

President — J.  Yockstick. 

Sec-Treas. — B.  W.  Edwards,  Box  1S7. 

Journal — C.  T.  Norman. 


CALGARY  LODGE  No.  183,  Calgary. 
Alberta,  Canada,  meets  first  and  third 
Thursday  at  3  p.  m.,  at  Labor  Hall. 

President — P.  J.  McCourt,  1117  Second 
St    "Ej 

Sec*. — ^W.  J.  Spillane. 

Treaa— W.  W.  Harding.  1821  11th  Ave. 
E 


WINDSOR  LODGE  No.  184,  Windsor. 
Ont.  meets  first  and  third  Tuesdays  at  8 
p.  m..  at  Foresters'  HalL 

President — ^Thomas  Barrows.  88  Curry 
Ave. 

Sec— J.  W.  AUdritt,  Box  406. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Lonnee.  Box  406. 

MOOSE  JAW  LODGE  No.  186.  Moose 
.Taw,  Sask.,  Canada,  meets  first  Saturday 
afternoon,  and  third  Saturday  night.  8.80 
o  clock,  at  Trades  and  Labor  Assembly 
Hall. 

President — E.  L  Barrett,  Yip  Foo  Blk. 

Sec  and  Jour. — ^W.  B.  Garvin,  22  Pal- 
ace Apartmenta 

Trcas. — J.  W.  Garwell,  150  O'Minica 
St  E. 


BEND  CITY  LODGE  No.  187,  Musca- 
tine, la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays  at 
7.:{0  p.  m.,  in  Trades  Labor  Assembly 
Hall. 

President — James  H.  Young.  215  Rose- 
lawn  Ave. 

Sec. — Geo.  E.  Law,  1706  Oregon  St 

Treas.  and  Journal — ^F.  A.  Timm,  1000 
East  8th  St 

MAD  RIVER  LODGE  No.  188,  Dayton. 
O.,  meets  first  and  fourth  Mondays  at 
7.80  p.  m.,  in  Hollencamp  Hall.  Market 
and  Jefferson  Sts. 

President — ^William  M.  Thompson.  887 
Huffman  Ave. 

Sec — M.  J.  0*Connor,  484  E.  2nd  St 

Treas.— Wm.  A  Miller.  184  Baker  St 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON  LODGE  No. 
189.  Dolton,  HI.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,  at  A  O.  U.  W.  HaU. 

President — J.  O'Brien.  227  Lincoln  Ave. 

Sec — ^D.  J.  Gallagher.  13748  Leyden 
Ave.,  Chicago.  IlL 

Treaa — J7  A  Headley. 

Journal — ^P.  H.  Sexton. 

GREENVILLE  LODGE  No.  190,  Green- 
ville. Tex.,  meets  first  and  third  Thursday* 
at  8  p.  m. 

President,  Sec  and  Trees. — H,  C.  Al- 
len. 1818  N.  King  St 

LYONS  LODGE  Na  191.  Lyons.  N.  Y. 

•  President — Jas.  McDermott.  Geneva  8t 
Sec-Treas.— James  Harrigan. 

TIGER  LODGE  No.  192.  Detroit,  Mich., 
meets  in  Schiller's  Hall.  cor.  St  Aubm 
and  Gratiot  Ave.,  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  m. 

President — C.  F.  Goff.  488  Toledo  Ave. 

Sec — Edw.  Wagner.  983  Meldnim  Ave. 

Treas. — J.  J.  Kenyon,  128  Chestnut  St 

Journal — ^Frank  D.  Conway.  67  Allco  Av. 

FRANKLIN  PARK  LODGE  No.  198. 
Franklin    Park.    HI.,    meets    second    and 

•  fourth  Sundays  at  8  p.  m..  in  Switchmen's 
HalL 

President — George  W.  Clssna. 
Sec — ^Albert  H  Barton. 
Treaa — Frank  Brinkerhoff. 
Journal — John  J.  Breen. 

KEYSTONE  LODGE  No.  194.  HaU- 
stead.  Pa.,  meets  first  Wednesday  at  7.80 
p.  m.,  and  third  Wednesday  at  7.30  a.  m.. 
at  Clime's  HaJL  Main  St 

President — Wm.  Squires,  164  Murray 
St,  Binghamton.  N.  Y. 

Sec — ^Thomas  Casey. 

Treas. — ^Fred  Decker,  242  Main  St 

Journal — ^Daniel  Downey. 

THUNDER  BAY  LODGE  No.  195.  Fort 
William,  Ontario,  meets  third  Sunday  af- 
ternoons. Carpenters'  HalL 

President — ^A.  G    McGregor.  828  Ogden 

Sec. — J.  G.  Schram.  222  Cameron  St 
Treas.  and  Jour. — ^A.  J.  Tomlinson.  124 
Dease  St 


ENID  LODGE  No.  196.  Enid.  Okla.. 
meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays.  2  p.  m., 
at  Labor  Temple. 

President — A  L  Johnson,  908  West 
Maple  St 

Sec  and  Treaa — C.  T.  Moxley.  1017  N. 
Jefferson  St 

Journal — L  A  Starbuck.  Antler's  Ho- 
tel. 

TERMINAL  LODGE  No.  198,  LitUo 
Rock.  Ark,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Mathews'  Hall.  Mathews 
Block. 

President — C.  D.  Page,  801  Locust  St. 
Argenta,  Ark, 

Sec — J.  F.  Harria  601  Cypress  St.  Ar- 
genta.  Ark. 

Treas. — J.  Cannack.  523  Cypress  St, 
Argenta.  Arlc 

Journal — Harry  Kurts,  Twin  City  Ho- 
tel, Argenta,  Ark. 


Digitized  by  CjOOQIC 


JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


761 


CHICAGO  LODGE  No.  19f,  Cnlcago, 
IlL,  meets  second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and 
fourth  Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  each  month,  at 
Hannah  Hogg's  Hall,  128  W.  Randolph  St 

President — ^John  J.  Clyne.  262S  Prince- 
ton Ave. 

Sec — J.  W.  Hemen,  8819  Lowe  Ave. 

Treaa— E.  D.  Brough.  1214  E.  4«th  St 

Journal — S.  A  Fogarty,  1186  Richmond 
St 

CONSTITUTION  LODGE  No.  200, 
South  Boston,  Mass.,  meets  first  and  third 
Sundays  at  8  p.  m.,  150  1-2  M  St,  South 
Boston,  Mass. 

President— Geo.  Wise,  160  1-2  M  St 

Sec.  and  Treaa — ^T.  C.  Lamb,  84  Cres- 
cent St,  E.  Somerville.  Mass. 

Journal — ^B.  B.  Rice,  752  Main  St, 
Greenwood,  Masa 

HAPPY  DAY  LODGE  No.  201,  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Friday 
evenlgs  at  8.80  o'clock,  third  Thursday  at 
9  a.  nL.  at  Boyer's  Hall,  cor.  Emslie  and 
Swan  Sts. 

President — J.  J.  O'Connell,  40  Bolton  PI. 

Sec.  and  Journal — G.  C.  Roth,  169  High 
St. 

Treaa — ^Wm.  Kfleger,  28  French  St 

PASCO  LODGE  No.  202,  Pasco,  Wash., 
meets  last  Saturday  of  month  at  8  p.  m., 
at  EagleiT  HcdL 

President — F.  R  Lee,  Box  716. 

Sec. — G.  Sanderson,  Box  716. 

Treaa — J.  J.  Kolinsky,  Box  716. 

Journal — L.  M.  Rmery.  Box  716. 

FORT  DODGE  LODGE  No.  2011,  Fort 
Dodge,  la.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
of  each  month  at  8  p.  m..  in  G.  A  R  Hall, 
Central  Ave. 

President — ^M.  D.  Kane,  1407  Eleventh 
Ave.  a 

Sec.  and  Jour. — S.  E.  Huffman,  1027  S. 
11th  St 

Treaa— F.  L  Barker.  607^.  17th^t 

ELY  LODGE  No.  204,  East  Ely,  Nev. 
President — N.  McGovem. 
Treaa — ^W.  E.  Rice. 

DELTA  LODGE  No.  206.  Cairo,  111., 
meets  in  Day's  Hall,  12th  and  Washington 
Sts.,  second  and  fourth  Friday  evenings 
at  8  o'clock. 

President— A.  Cella,  618  37th  St 
Sec — ^Alonso  F.  Kellis,  806  Jefferson  Av. 
Treaa — G*o.  J.  Gilmore,  610  Walnut  St 
Journal— -Frank  N.  Ireland,  218  12th  St 

BflDWAY  LODGE  No.  206,  St  Paul, 
Minn.,  meets  first  and  third  Wednesday. 
8  p.  m.,  in  Columbia  Hall,  cor.  Prior  and 
University. 

President  and  Treaa — ^E.  L.  Matheny, 
202  4th  Ave.  S.  E.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

SASKATOON  LODGE  No.  207,  Saska- 
toon.  Sask..  Canada. 

President — P.  Duling. 

Treaa — A.  R.  McDonald,  224  Ave.  D 
South. 

AUBURN  PARK  LODGE  No.  208,  Chi- 
cago, HI.,  meets  first  and  third  Mondays 
at  8  p.  m.,  in  Auburn  Hall,  cor.  79th  St 
and  Lowe  Ave. 

President — ^Jas.  Robertson,  535  Garfield 
Boulevard. 

Sec — M.  R  Glover,  6946  Marshfield  Av. 

Treaa — ^Louis  Boyce.  444  W.  80th  St 

EVENING  STAR  LODGE  No.  209.  Buf- 
falo,  N.   Y.,   meets  in  Boyer's  Hall,   cor. 


Emslie  and  Swan  Sta,  first  and  third 
Thursdays  at  8.80  p.  m.,  and  third  Wednes- 
day at  8.80  a.  m. 

President — J.  W.  Slattery,  28  Oakdale 
PL 

Sec — Thomss  Davis,  886  Elk  St 

Treaa — ^W  J.  McGregor,  543  S.  Division 
St 

Journal — C.  Barker,  67  Greene  St 

MONONGAHELA  LODGE  No.  210. 
Pittsburg.  Pa.,  meets  second  Sunday  at 
10.45  a.  m.,  and  fourth  Sunday  at  7.46 
p.  m.,  in  A.  O.  H.  Hall,  2816  Sarah  St  S.  S. 

President — L.  J.  Sauers,  2902  Carey  Al- 
loy. 

Sec— E.  Wilkins.  2514  Buelah  St 

TrecuB. — ^W.  J.  Mangan,  99  S.  11th  St 

PRIDE  OF  THE  VALLEY  LODGE  No. 
211,  Elrama,  Pa.,  meets  second  and  fourth 
Sundays  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  at  2  p.  m. 

President — ^W.  R  Prout 

Sec. — la.  F.  Lynch. 

Treaa — J.  H  Golllck,  Box  188. 

Journal — ^P.  J.  Gavaghan. 

BRADDOCK  LODGE  No.  212,  Brad- 
dock,  Pa.,  meets  at  East  Pittsburg,  Pa., 
second  Sunday  at  8  p.  m.,  and  fourth 
Sunday  at  2  p.  m.,  in  Rubenstlne  Hall, 
1032  Washington  St 

President  —  E.  W.  Wonderley,  200 
Crosby  St,  North  Braddock.  Pa. 

Sec— R  E.  Stell,  444  Bell  Ave.,  North 
Braddock,  Pa. 

Treas. — J.  J.  McCormlck,  233  Bell  Ave., 
North  Braddock,  Pa, 

REGINA  LODGE  No.  213,  Regina. 
Sask.,  Canada,  meets  third  Sunday  at  2 
p.  m.,  at  Trades  and  Labor  Half,  1505 
10th  Ave. 

President — Ernest  Weston,  1321  Robin- 
son St. 

Sec. — John  J.  McFadden,  1812  Osier  St 
Treas. — J.  J.  Madden,  1802  Osier  St 
Journal — C.  P.  Relley,  Box  456. 

OLD  KENTUCKY  LODGE  No.  214, 
Ludlow,  Ky.,  meets  second  Simday  at  2 
p  m.,  and  fourth  Thursday  at  8  p.  m.,  in 
Odd  Follows*  Hall,  Elm  and  Butler  Sta 

President— M.  M.  Miller,  2  Euclid  Ave. 

Sec— W.  J.  Schachleiter,  949  W.  8th  St, 
Cincinnati,  O. 

Treas. — J.  K  Cartwrlght,  50  Linden  St. 

Journal — F.  W.  Niebaum.  Elm  and  Ken- 
ner  Sta 

TRUE  SPIRIT  LODGE  No.  216,  Cleve- 
land, O. 

President- -J.  Dalley,  3131  W.  90th  St 

Sec. — R  Packwood,  Llndale,  Gresham, 
Ohio. 

Treaa-r-P.  J.  Goldrlck,  7203  Hague  Ave. 

OKLAHOMA  CITY  LODGE  No.  216, 
Oklahoma  City,  Okla. 

President — Chaa  Noble,  420  E.   5th  St 
Treaa — R  S.  Oldham,  10  E.  3rd  St 

CHICKASHA  LODGE  No.  217,  Chick- 
asha,  Okla. 

President — ^R.  Y.  Estes,  410  Choctaw  Av. 

Treas. — L.  R  Russell,  218  Penn  Ave. 

Journal — Ray  McCormlck,  car©  R  R 
Yards  OflTce. 

NORTH  McALISTER  LODGE  No.  218, 
North  McAllster,  Okla, 

President — W.  C.  Tlpplt  24  Townsend 
Ave. 

Sec  and  Treaa — A.  C.  Drumb,  Jr.,  65 
Bolen  Ave. 

Journal — C.  E.  Powers,  3  Springer  Ave. 


Digitized  by  VjiJUS^lt: 


762 


JOURNAL    OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF  ^N.   A. 


HULBERT  LODGE  No.  219,  Hulbert, 
Ark.,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays. 

President— J.  W.  Jackson,  288  N.  Third 
St,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

Sec. — A.  W.  Sanders,  594  Washington 
Ave.,  Memphis.  Tenn. 

Treaa — A.  A.  Hewett. 

NICKEL  PLATE  LODGE  No.  220,  Buf- 
falo. N.  T.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Tues- 
days at  8. SO  p.  m.,  and  third  Tuesday  at 
8.80  a.  m..  at  McCarthy's  Hall,  Seneca  and 
Walter  Sts. 

President — Homer  Dewett,  20  Weyand 
St. 

Sec-Treas. — J.  J.  Smith,  61  Imson  St 

Journal— F.  M.  McFarland,  1060  Elk  St 

LACKAWANNA  LODGE  No.  221,  Lack- 
awanna, N.  Y.,  meets  second'  and  fourth 
Fridays  of  each  month  at  8.80  p.  m..  and 
fourth  Friday  at  8.80  a,  m.,  at  McCarthy's 
HalU  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sts.,  BufCalo. 

President — ^J.  G.  Bvoy,  815  Smith  St, 
Buffalo.  N.  T. 

Sec — Jas  Garvey,  760  S.  Division  St, 
Buffalo.  N.  T. 

Trieaa — H.  Turner,  725  Abbott  Road, 
Buffalo,  N.  Y 

Journal — Wm.  Fljoin.  1759  South  Park 
Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 

EVANSVILLE  LODGE  No.  222,  Bvans- 
vllle,  Ind.,  meets  In  C.  L.  U.  Hall,  Third 
smd  Division  Sts.,  second  and  fourth  Sun- 
days at  8  p.  m.  _. 

President — J.  B.  La  Mell,  1600  walnut 
St 

Sec-Treas. — ^W.  W^  Harris,  1600  East 
Michigan  St 

Journal — J.  P.  Glass,  28  William  St 


STILL  CITY  LODGE  No.  224,  Peorta, 
m.,  meets  second  and  fourth  Sundays  at 
8  p.  m.,  in  Room  400,  sixth  floor.  Obser- 
vatory Bldg. 

President — D.  F.  Clancy,  1321  N.  Wash- 
ington St 

^ec  and  Jour. — J.  H.  Brown,  316  Mor- 
ton St 

Treaa— W.  J.  Deady,  711  Hurlbert  St 

PONTCHARTRAIN  LODGE  No.  225, 
New  Orleans.  La.,  meets  first  Sunday  at  8 
p.  m..  and  24th  of  each  month  at  Mrs. 
Locper's  Hall,  Annunciation  and  Erato,  at 
8  p.  m. 


President— H.  J.  Scott  1916  Vllbre  St 
Sec-Treas. — ^W.  A  Heatherlngton,  12S4 
8.  Claiborne  St  

ERIE  LODGE  No.  226,  Buffalo.  N.  T., 
meets  in  McCarthy's  Hall.  cor.  Seneca  and 
Walter  Sts.,  sepond  emd  fourth  Thursdays 
at  8.30  p.  m.,  and  third  Simday  at  7.S0 
a    m. 

President — F.  A.  Clench.  44  Lester  St. 

Sec. — Jaa  Hasset  2836  Seneca  St 

Treaa  and  Jour. — ^B.  D.  Southard,  71 
Sage  Ave. 

MANCHESTER  LODGE  No.  228.  Shorts- 
vine,  N.  Y..  meets  first  Wednesday  at  8.80 
a.  m.,  and  third  Wednesday  at  8  p.  m.,  of 
each  month,  at  Odd  Fellowi!^  HalL 

President — Tt,  B.  Lorlng,  Manchester, 
N.  Y. 

Sec. — Geo.  Parish,  Shortsvllle.  N.  Y. 

Treas. — M.  F.  Bolan,  Shortsvllle.  N.  Y. 

Journal — E.  R  Quinter,  Shortsvllle,  N.  Y. 

ANTHRACITE  LODGE  No.  229,  Wllkes- 
barre,  Pa,  meets  first  and  third  Sundays 
at  2  p.  m.,  in  Ovals'  Hall,  ESast  Market  St 

President— W.  A.  McCall.  148  S.  Meade. 

Sec  and  Treas. — W.  R  Graver,  20  Wyo- 
ming St.  * 

Journal — ^Howard  Ricketts.  84  Wyoming 
St . 

KENSINGTON  LODGE  No.  280,  Chi- 
cago, 111.,  meets  third  Monday  at  8  p.  m., 
in  Bock's  Hall.  11628  Michigan  Ave. 

President— J.  B.  Mcllvaln.  11828  State 
St. 

Sec — P.  J.  Salter,  11936  Yale  Ave. 

Treaa  and  Jour. — ^Hugh  Dean.  401  B. 
113th  St 

CHICAGO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL.  Chl- 
rago.  111.,  meets  first  Saturday  of  eadi 
month  at  8  p.  m..  In  Western  Hall,  Ran- 
dolph and  Michigan  Ave. 

President — L    Lasear,  639  W.  47th  St 
Sec — ^E.  D.  Brough,  1214  E.  46th  St 
Treas.— E.  O.  Wilson,  8280  Princeton  Ave., 
phone  Yds.  2534. 

BUFFALO  DISTRICT  COUNCIL.  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y..  meets  second  Wednesday  of 
each  month,  at  8.30  p.  m..  in  McCarthy's 
Hall,  cor.  Seneca  and  Walter  Sts. 

President — ^Thomas  G.  Meaney,  175  Biay 
St 

Sec-Joseph  M.  Kelly,  101  Peabody  St 

Treas. — W.  F.  Schieus,  67  Monroe  St 


iwronrxoE:s 

Anj  member  who  chail^es  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  reoeive  his  Joxtbnal  promptly  and 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 

Tfame Lodge  No 

Btreet  Town State 

Ha$  moved  to Btreet 

Town state 


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mmir^-<^Wi!iiU:'-^,'-^^,^l2yS'.^rr^^^^'^i^  :  ^■^.■■■^l:Lj-i:.'.:;i 


Harvard  College  Library 
July  6,  1916 
Gift  of 
Maeeaohueette  State  Library. 


PREAMBLE 


The  Objects  of  the  Switchmen's  Union — 

ist.  BENEVOLENCE.  To  unite  and  promote  the  general 
welfare  and  advance  the  interests — social,  moral  and  intellectual 
—of  its  members;  benevolence,  very  needful  in  a  calling  as 
hazardous  as  ours,  has  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Union. 

2d.  HOPE.  Believing  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests,  both 
of  our  members  and  their  employers,  that  a  good  understanding 
should  at  all  times  exist  between  them,  it  will  be  the  constant 
endeavor  of  this  Union  to  establish  mutual  confidence  and  create 
and  maintain  harmonious  relations  between  employer  and 
employe. 

3d.  PROTECTION.  By  kindly  bearing  with  each  others' 
weaknesses,  aiding  with  our  counsel  distressed  or  erring  brothers, 
and  to  exercise,  at  all  times,  its  beneficial  influence,  in  the  interests 
of  right  and  justice.  Such  are  the  aims  and  purposes  of  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America. 

4th.  OUR  WATCHWORD.  What  grander  precept  can  be 
laid  down  than  the  beautiful  language  of  our  watchword,  "The 
injury  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all,"  for  if  these  simple  words 
were  lived  up  to  (and  we  trust  they  may  be),  then  would  Labor 
be  able  to  lift  her  proud  head,  and  control  the  destiny  of  the 
world. 


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THE    JOURNAL 


or  THE 


SWITCHMEN'S  UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 

W.  N.  THOMPSON.  Editor  and  MaiMger 


TH08B  WHO  BBAR  SQUALLY  THB  BUIIDBN8  OF  OOVBRNMBNT  SHOULD 
SQUALLY    FARTICIFATS    IN^    ITS     BSNSFITS -~  THOMAS    JEFFERSON 


EuUfd  MS  suomeHUtt  mmil  mmtttr  Jmnumry  Ji,  1911^  mt  th*  Pott  0§€«  mt  Bugsh,  N.  T.,  umdtr  tht  Att  of  July  26, 1894 


VOL.  XIV 


DECEMBER,  1912 


No.  12 


SCHOOL  or  UNIONISM. 


The  school  of  unionism  teaches  the 
worker  not  only  the  power  of  conibi- 
inatlon,  the  value  of  his  lahor,  the  best 
methods  of  marketing  his  labor,  and 
the  necessity  of  making  a  collective 
bargain  therefor,  but  it  also  teaches 
him  hig  duty  to  his  fellow-men — hi« 
duty  to  his  family — his  children  and 
to  himself. 

It  teaches  him  the  necessity  of  safe- 
guarding general  health,  by  establish- 
ing sanitary  conditions  in  homes  and 
factories,  by  prohibiting  the  adultera 
tion  of  foods,  and  by  the  establishment 
of  reasonable  working  hours  and  rea- 
sonafble  workizig  conditions,  so  that  he 
may  not  be  wasteful  in  his  expenditure 
of  physical  strength,  and  thus  shorten 
his  period  of  usefulness  in  life. 

It  teaches  him  the  value  of  his  vari- 
ous powers,  in  addition  to  his  power  to 
labor,  among  which  is  the  power  to 
protest,  the  power  to  withhold  his  la- 
bor as  well  as  to  give  it,  the  power  of 
public  sentiment,  the  power  of  legisla- 
tion, and,  through  combined  effort,  the 
securing  of  enactment  of  laws  favor 
able  to  the  interests  of  those  who  la- 
bor. 

It  also  teaches  him  that  the  wages  he 
earns  should  be  expended  in  the  pur- 
chase of  goods  bearing  the  union  la- 
bel, that  he  may  thus  reward  those  em- 
ployers who  deal  fairly  with  their 
help,  and  at  the   same   time   punish 


those  employers  who  do  not.  All  these 
lessons,  and  many  more,  which  space 
forbids  the  attempt  to  enumerate  here 
are  taught  in  the  school  of  unionism 
to  those  workers  who  will  become  en- 
rolled as  students,  and  who  will  seek 
this  knowledge  in  their  every-day  life 
and  apply  it  earnestly  and  honestly. 

But,  perhaps,  greatest  of  all  the  les- 
sons taught  in  the  school  of  unionism 
is  that  of  mental  progress  and  ad- 
vancement of  the  scholars,  meaning:  by 
this  that  in  the  discussions  or  debates 
that  occur  where  large  numbers  of 
men  are  reasoning  together  seeking 
their  mutual  improvement  and  benefit, 
the  mental  development  of  all  must  ba 
in  proportion  to  the  ablest  of  them, 
and  their  standard  of  intelligence 
naturally  rises,  through  this  evolution- 
ary force,  until  they  are  able  intelli- 
gently to  weigh  and  measure  otiier 
forces  and  to  accurately  Judge  the  mo- 
tives and  purposes  of  other  men. 

In  the  public  schools  the  child  re- 
ceives the  rudiments  of  education.  He 
IS  taught  to  read,  to  spell,  to  write, 
and  to  figure,  and  nowadays  is  given 
the  elements  of  some  accomplishment; 
but  he  is  quite  likely  to  leave  the  pub- 
lic schools  and  enter  upon  the  field  of 
industrial  effort  with  very  distorted 
individual  ideas. 

It  is  the  mission  of  the  school  of 
unionism   to   complete   his   education 


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and  to  teach  him  knowledge  of  real 
life  and  its  struggles. 

But  the  school  of  unionism  has  no 
age  limit  It  is  open  to  workers  of  all 
ages.  Its  lessons  and  its  benefits  are 
open  to  all,  and  it  gives  to  every  mem- 
ber the  opportunity,  through  associa- 
tion or  mental  competition  with  his 
fellow  members,  to  develop  his  own  in 
tellectual  powers  to  the  fullest  extent. 

It  teaches  the  lesson  of  unity,  which 
is  the  ultimate  expression  of  the  power 
of  combination,  and  in  proportion  as 
the  wage  workers  individually  and 
collectively  learn,  heed  and  practice 
the  lessons  taught  in  the  school  of 
unionism,  in  just  that  proportion  will 
their  present  conditions  improve  and 
in  just  that  proportion  will  their  op- 
portunities for  future  advancement  hr>i 
enhanced. — Shoe  Workers*  Journal. 


Lead  Poisoning  in   Potteries,  Tie  WoHts 

and  Porcelain  Enameled  Sanitary 

Ware  Factories. 

In  a  study  'of  lead  poisoning  in  pot- 
teries, tile  works,  and  porcelain 
enameled  sanitary  ware  factories,  re 
cently  made  for  the  Federal  Bureau  of 
Labor,  Dr.  Alice  Hamilton  found  that, 
compared  with  British  potteries,  Amer- 
ican potteries,  with  less  than  one-half 
the  workpeople,  show  almost  twice  as 
many  cases  of  lead  poisoning.  Even 
these  figures,  unfavorable  as  they  are 
to  American  establishments,  do  not 
tell  the  whole  truth,  for  in  the  absence 
of  legal  requirements  for  the  record- 
ing or  reporting  of  cases  of  lead  poi- 
soning at  the  time  of  the  investigation, 
it  was  impossible  to  make  a  complete 
census  of  the  cases  which  had  oc- 
curred during  the  last  two  years. 

For  the  purposes  of  the  investigation 
Dr.  Hamilton  visited  68  establish- 
ments, located  in  nine  States,  in  which 
over  2,100  men  and  nearly  400  womer. 
were  engaged  in  processes  involving 
exposure  to  risk  of  lead  poisoning.  All 
these  industries  and  establishments 
have  one  important  feature  in  common, 
that  of  using  glazes  containing  one  or 
more  poisonous  compounds  of  lead. 
Factories  were  also  visited  in  Great 
Britain,  Germany  and  Austria.  The 
results  of  Dr.  Hamilton's  investiga- 
tion are  given  in  Bulletin  No.  104, 
about  to  be  issued  by  Commissioner 
Charles  P.  Neill,  of  the  Bureau  of  La- 


bor, Department  of  Commerce  and  La- 
bor. 

The  principal  centers  of  the  white 
ware  pottery  industry  in  the  United 
States  are  Trenton,  N.  J.,  and  Bast 
Liverpool,  Ohio.  The  manufacture  of 
yellow  ware  and  Rockingham  is  cai- 
ried  on  in  East  Liverpool  and  in  the 
district  of  Ohio,  of  which  Zanesville  is 
the  center.  Art  and  utility  ware  ar« 
made  chiefiy  in  the  Zanesville  district. 
The  eleven  tile  factories  visited  were 
iu  Trenton,  N.  J.,  Newell,  W.  Va.,  Cov- 
ington and  (Newport,  Ky.,  Indianapolis. 
Ind.,  Chicago,  111.,  and  Zanesville,  O. 
Porcelain  enameled  sanitary  ware  is 
made  chiefly  in  and  around  Pittsburg, 
Pa.,  Chicago,  111.,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Chat- 
tanooga, Tenn.,  Sheyboygan,  Wis.,  sev- 
eral small  towns  in  Ohio,  and  in  Tren- 
ton N.  J. 

Extent  of  Lead  Poisoxino. 

Among  the  1,100  men  employed  in 
the  potteries  and  tile  workers  investi- 
gated, Dr.  Hamilton  found  87  cases  of 
lead  poisoning  occurring  in  1911,  or 
one  for  every  12  or  13  employed,  and 
among  the  393  women  57  cases,  or  one 
for  every  7  employed.  Among  the 
1,012  men  engaged  in  the  porcelain 
enameling  of  iron  sanitary  ware,  187 
cases  of  lead  poisoning  were  found  in 
1911,  or  one  for  every  6  employed. 

Amount  of  Lead  Used. 

The  degree  of  danger  involved  in  the 
various  processes  depends  partly  on 
the  amount  of  lead  used  in  the  glazes 
and  partly  on  the  use  or  neglect  of 
methods  and  devices  for  protecting 
the  workers.  In  the  40  white  ware 
potteries  visited  the  glazes  used  con- 
tained from  1.75  to  33.3  per  cent,  of 
raw  white  lead.  In  the  seven  potteries 
making  art  and  utility  ware  and  in  the 
eleven  tile  factories  the  glazes  con- 
tained from  five  to  sixty  per  cent  of 
white  lead.  In  the  ten  porcelain 
enameled  sanitary-ware  factories  en- 
amels are  in  use  containing  from  two 
to  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  lead. 

Prevention  of  Lead  Poisoning. 

The  precautions  which  should  be 
used  in  establishments  using  these 
lead  glazes  are  indicated  by  the  nature 
of  the  danger.  Lead  is  a  slowly  c|imu- 
lative  poison  which  enters  the  human 
system  chiefly  through  the  digestive 
tract..    The  mucous  membrane  of  the 


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rMpiratory  tract  may  absorb  lead,  and 
lead  has  also  been  found  to  penetrate 
the  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs  and  s) 
to  reach  the  general  circulation.  The 
greater  part  of  the  lead  which  is 
breathed  in  as  dust  is  swallowed  with 
the  saliva,  thus  reaching  the  stomach, 
and  this  is  the  most  frequent  mode  or 
poisoning  by  lead.  Next  in  importance 
comes  poisoning  by  lead  which  is  car- 
ried  into  the  mouth  with  food  or  chew- 
ing tobaoco  which  has  been  handled 
with  lead-covered  fingers,  or  left  ex- 
posed in  a  room  where  there  was  lead- 
dust,  or  carried  in  the  pockets  of  dusty 
clothes.  Absorption  of  lead  through 
the  unbroken  skin  is  probably  so  little 
as  to  be  negligible. 

The  prevention  of  lead  poisoning  in 
a  factory  in  which  lead  glazes  are 
used  depends  upon  measures  to  pre- 
vent dust  so  that  the  workmen  need 
not  breathe  in  lead,  and  measures  to 
provide  for  personal  cleanliness  so 
that  he  will  not  convey  lead  into  his 
mouth  from  his  fingers  or  carry  it 
home  on  his  body  or  clothes. 

Absence  of  Pbotective  Measures. 

Preventive  measures  of  both  these 
kinds  were  conspicuously  absent  in  th^- 
factories  investigated.  Generally 
speaking,  no  effort  was  made  to  ke3p 
down  the  amount  of  dust,  and  no  pro- 
vision was  made  for  carrying  it  off 
by  exhausts  or  other  mechanical  de- 
vices. Processes  which  involve  no  dust 
were  carried  on  in  the  same  rooms 
with  dusty  ones,  exposing  workers  in 
thefirstto  a  wholly  unnecessary  danger 
The  construction  of  the  floors  and  the 
methods  of  cleaning  added  to  the  risk 
Hot  water,  an  absolute  necessity  for 
removing  the  lead  from  the  hands  be- 
fore eating,  was  furni^ed  in  but  r 
fefw  instances,  and  soap  and  towels 
not  at  alL  Lunch  rooms  were  not 
provided,  and  in  many  instances  work- 
ers ate  wherever  they  could  find  a 
place,  regardless  of  whether  or  not 
lead  dust  was  thick  about  them.  No 
medical  care  was  given  the  employes 
except  when  one  of  them  was  taken 
violently  ill  while  at  work  in  the  fac- 
tory. 
Betteb  Hygiene  of  Foreign  Factories 

If  the  hygiene  of  the  foreign  potteries 
and  tile  workers  is  compared  wiUi 
that  of  those  in  the  United  States,  one 
is  immediately  struck  with  the  recog- 
nition on  the  part  of  the  foreign  em- 


ployer that  the  handling  of  lead  glaze 
is  a  dangerouA  trade  and  that  the 
workman  engaged  in  it  needs  prote> 
tion.  The  means  generally  adopted  to 
protect  him,  which  are  not  found  in 
American  factories,  include  efforts  to 
lessen  the  amounts  of  soluble  lead  in 
th«  glaze  by  careful  fritting;  con- 
structing the  mixing,  grinding,  dip- 
ping, cleaning,  and  placing  room  with 
hard,  smooth  floors,  easily  kept  clean; 
prevention  of  splashing  from  the  dip- 
ping tubs  by  properly  constructed 
screens,  catching  the  heavy  glaze 
scraped  off  by  the  cleaners  in  water 
and  carrying  off  the  lighter  particles 
by  means  of  air  exhaust;  providing 
and  requiring  the  use  of  clean,  wash- 
able work  clothes  and  caps,  and  of 
properly  equipped  washrooms;  forbid- 
ding the  workmen  to  keep  or  eat  food 
in  any  room  except  the  lunch  room; 
subjecting  all  glaze  workers  and  deco- 
rators to  a  monthly  medical  examina 
tion. 

All  these  reforms  could  be  intro- 
duced into  potteries  and  tile  work  in 
the  United  States  without  necessitat- 
ing any  change  in  methods  of  manu- 
facture. 

In  the  making  of  porcelain  enameled 
sanitary  ware  in  Great  Britain  and 
Germany  leadless  enamels  are  generally 
used  and  are  there  regarded  as  even 
superior  in  durability  to  the  enamels 
in  which  lead  is  used.  The  result  is 
that  in  neither  Great  Britain  nor  Ger- 
many is  this  industry  looked  upon  as 
a  dangerous  one,  while  in  the  United 
States  it  ranks  as  the  most  dangerous 
of  those  covered  in  this  investigation; 
dangerous  because  of  the  character  of 
the  materials  used  and  the  almost  to- 
tal absence  of  measures  to  protect  the 
workmen. 


Never  Give  Up. 
By  Frank  Duffy. 

A  keen,  energetic,  reliable,  steady 
and  stanch  worker  in  labor's  cause  has 
written  us  recently  that  he  has  become 
''discouraged"  in  the  movement  and 
feels  like  "giving  up."  The  question 
naturally  arises:  What  is  it  that  dis- 
couraged him?  What  dampened  his 
ardor,  stayed  his  energies  and  de- 
pressed hU  zeal?  It  cannot  be  the 
power  of  the  enemy  or  the  magnitude 
of  his  task. 

On  inquiry  We  flnd  it  is  the  "careless- 


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ness  and  indifference,"  "the  Jealousy 
and  apathy/'  and  "knocking  and  fault- 
finding" that  exists  in  the  ranks  of 
labor  itself,  and  so  after  standing  the 
**gBSt"  as  long  as  he  could  he  Is  com- 
pelled to  acknowledge  that  he  is  weary 
and  sick  at  heart  of  the  work  and  is 
ready  to  resign  his  "thankless  Job" 
and  take  a  "back  seat" 

There  are  few  in  any  walk  of  life 
who  are  fortunate  enough  to  escape 
such  moments  of  "depression."  It  Is 
easy  to  be  contented  with  one's  self 
and  the  world  as  we  find  it,  if  our  only 
object  in  life  is  to  secure  a  good  posi- 
tion, appear  well  dressed,  gain  the  ap- 
plause of  the  crowd  and  be  a  "good 
fellow"  out  for  a  "good  time,"  but  set 
yourself  to  do  any  really  great  and 
noble  work  and  you  will  Inevitably 
meet  with  opposition,  derision,  fault- 
finding and  defeat.  This  in  itself  is 
enough  to  discourage  anyone,  even 
those  of  bulldog  dispositions. 

Every  time  your  friend  betrays  you, 
every  time  your  fellow  man  goes  back 
on  you,  every  time  you  are  left  to 
"paddle  your  own  canoe,"  every  time 
support,  assistance,  encouragement  and 
advice  are  denied  you,  you  will  be 
tempted  to  become  discouraged  and 
disheartened  in  the  work  and  to  com- 
mit the  Bin  of  turning  your  back  on 
the  thorny  pa^,  that  path  that  you 
know  is  the  right  one,  to  shut  your 
eyes  to  everything  around  you,  and  in 
your  cowardice  give  up.  In  the  labor 
movement  there  is  no  giving  up,  no 
standing  still,  no  going  backward;  v^ 
must  go  forward,  onward  and  upward: 
we  must  fight  for  Justice  and  right  and 
better  things. 

If  we  know  our  friend,  and  we  think 
we  do,  whose  letter  caused  us  to  write 
this  article,  he  is  not  made  of  the  stuff 
that  easily  gives  up,  that  succumbs  at 
the  first  trial  or  goes  down  at  the  first 
defeat.  Feeling  as  he  does  is  the  best 
proof  that  he  is  fitted  to  do  the  work 
before  him,  which  he  knows  must  be 
done  by  someone.  He  must  remember 
that  for  almost  every  blessing  the 
world  now  enjoys  we  have  to  thank 
men  who  felt  as  he  feels  scores  and 
scores  of  times  before  success  crowned 
their  efforts;  he  must  remember  that 
hundreds  of  men  spent  their  "all"  in 
the  struggle  and  went  down  to  unre- 
membered,  unmarked  and  unknown 
graves,  thinking  that  their  whole  life 
was  a  failure  and  cheered  only  by  the 
thought  that  they  did  their  best,  and 


no  man  can  do  more.  So  our  friend 
will  find  consolation  and  satisfaction 
in  knowing  that  this  discouragement 
is  a  sure  sign  that  he,  too,  has  a  chance 
of  making  himself  worthy  of  a  place 
among  the  brave,  among  those  who 
were  just  and  fair  in  all  things  at  all 
times,  whose  steadfastness  in  the  stand 
they  took  could  not  be  shaken  by 
frowns  or  threats  or  sneers. 

Be  brave  of  heart,  your  work  in  the 
labor  movement  is  a  noble  work.  Set 
yourself  to  accomplish  the  task  before 
you  and  you  will  succeed.  Remember, 
you  are  not  only  bettering  your  own 
conditions,  but  you  are  paving  the  way 
for  the  future  generations  to  have  and 
enjoy  better  things.  Why,  then,  should 
you  be  downcast  and  discouraged  — 
The  Commercial  Telegraphers*  Journal. 


The  Bees  and  the  Hornets. 

By  Ellis  C.  Jones. 

Once  upon  a  time  a  swarm  of  busy 
Bees  made  and  stored  a  large  quantity 
of  honey  in  order  to  provide  for  their 
wants  during  the  long  winter.  But  it 
so  happened  one  day,  when  the  Bees 
were  not  watching,  a  swarm  of  Hor- 
nets came  along,  pre-empted  the  honey 
and  claimed  it  as  their  own  by  right 
of  discovery. 

Then  ensued  a  great  dispute  lasting 
for  a  long  time.  Lawyers  were  called 
in,  and  the  more  they  talked  the  more 
confused  grew  the  issue,  until  even 
some  of  the  Bees  thought  the  Hornets 
had  the  best  claim  to  the  honey. 

At  length  they  decided  to  leave  the 
question  to  the  Wasp  as  judge.  The 
Wasp  stayed  awake  as  well  as  he  could 
and  listened  while  contesting  parties 
presented  their  respective  arguments. 

When  they  had  finished,  the  Wasp 
said  he  would  take  the  question  under 
advisement  and  render  his  decision  as 
soon  as  compatible  with  a  careful  ex- 
amination of  the  law  and  the  facts. 

Several  years  later  the  Wasp  handed 
down  his  decision  in  favor  of  the  Hor- 
nets. He  said  that  it  had  been  an  ex- 
ceptionally difficult  case  to  decide,  be- 
cause common  sense  seemed  to  favor 
the  Bees.  On  the  other  hand,  he  de- 
clared, everything  else,  such  as  the 
constitution,  the  statutes,  and  the  wel- 
fare of  business,  was  on  the  side  of  the 
Hornets.  He  explained  that,  while  the 
Bees  may  once  have  had  rights,  they 
had  slept  on  them  so  long  that  they 


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had  them  no  longer.  Furthermore, 
inasmuch  as  the  Hornets  had  been  in 
possession  of  the  honey  for  so  long  a 
period  of  time  amply  covered  by  the 
statute  of  limitations,  the  honey  must 
be  viewed,  not  in  the  light  of  stolen 
goods,  but  rather  as  unearned  incre- 
ment, to  deprive  them  of  the  veriest 
title  of  which,  even  for  purposes  of 
taxation,  would  be  nothing  less  than 
confiscation,  a  process  which  is  espe- 
cially abhorrent  to  people  who  have 
things  to  which  they  are  not  entitled. 
The  Hornets  were  so  pleased  with 
this  decision  that  a  year  or  two  later 
they  had  Wasp  appointed  chief  justice 
of  the  Supreme  Court. — PUck, 


Voting  for  Principle. 

By  a.  a.  Gbaham,  Topeka,  Kans. 

Government  requires,  and  the  law 
permits,  many  things  to  be  done  as 
matter  of  public  policy;  and,  indeed, 
we  have  a  branch  of  the  law,  covered 
by  both  texts  and  decisions,  called 
"Public  Policy,**  but  none  on  "Public 
Principle." 

A  principal,  in  the  proper  sense,  is 
akin  to  a  mathematical  fact,  often  im- 
properly designated  a  truth;  but,  in 
the  loose'  s^nse,  as  ordinarily  em- 
ployed, means  a  deliberate,  settled 
opinion,  although  falling  short  of  a 
prejudice.  In  order  of  Intensity,  we 
have  opinion,  principle,  prejudice. 
What  the  difference  now,  whether  we 
vote  for  opinion,  principle  or  preju- 
dice? None,  I  imagine,  so  far  as  the 
result  is  concerned.  A  vote  for  opin- 
ion, we  treat  as  light;  one  for  prin- 
ciple, as  deliberate;  one  for  prejudice, 
as  fanatical.  Opinion,  principle,  preju- 
dice are  but  degrees  of  a  mental  im- 
pression; as,  cool  warm,  hot.  We  are 
cool  with  an  opinion;  with  a  prin- 
ciple in  lAind,  we  become  warm;  and 
prejudice  makes  us  hot.  As  cool, 
warm,  hot  are  always  relative,  no 
marks  on  the  thermometer  can  be 
made  to  designate  the  dividing  lines, 
nor,  as  to  opinion,  principle,  prejudice, 
can  we  find  beginning,  middle  or  end, 
but  only  a  progressing  scale.  From 
opinion  arises  thought;  from  principle, 
sentiment;  from  prejudice,  fanaticism. 
Judgment  comes  at  the  end  of  all  these, 
and  fact  lies  still  beyond. 

This  little  study  on  words  should,  I 
think,  teach  us  to  avoid  fine  distinc- 
tions or  classifications  of  feeling,  and 


go,  as  quickly  as  possible,  to  the  con- 
clusion, the  judgment. 

If  you  vote  for  principle,  as  you  see, 
you  are  not  in  the  exercise  of  judg- 
ment at  all,  but  are  acting  upon  senti- 
ment merely.  Better,  far  better,  that 
you  should  exercise  your  judgment,  if 
you  have  any,  and  let  go  opinion,  prin- 
ciple, prejudice. 

Now,  as  to  the  practical  application 
of  what  I  have  said:  Some  people 
waste  their  lives  in  devotion  to  a  prin- 
ciple, not  knowing,  and  never  once  sus- 
pecting, that  they  are  only  playing  to 
a  caprice  until  they  have  become 
actually  insane,  but  still  fortunate 
enough  to  keep  outside  the  walls  of  an 
asylum,  although  very  annoying  to 
their  family  and  friends. 

As  customs,  laws,  governments  can 
have  no  other  or  higher  source  than  in 
opinion,  we  make  a  great  mistake 
when  we  single  out  a  tenet,  and  there 
devote  our  efforts  and  our  lives  in  a 
sort  of  worship,  believing  that  we  have 
found  the  absolute. 

Look  out,  brother,  I  am  going  to 
throw  a  curve,  and  you  may  get  hit! 
Some  men  have  always  voted,  and 
seem  inclined  always  to  vote  for  a 
party  that  always  has  lost,  and,  in  all 
probability  always  will  continue  to 
lose,  thus  throwing  away  their  lives 
and  their  efforts,  to  the  great  advan- 
tage and  extreme  satisfaction  of  oppos- 
ing interests.  Losing  sight  of  benefits 
to  be  attained,  they  adhere  to  a  "prin- 
ciple," a  confirmed  opinion  merely,  and 
more  likely  to  be  erroneous  than  one  of 
first  impression,  imagining  that  hon- 
esty of  purpose  requires  them  to  do  as 
matter  of  form  what  expediency  should 
dictate  as  matter  of  policy,  and  thus 
die  martyr  to  a  sentiment,  with  death 
as  their  only  glory. 

Nursing,  at  the  same  time  they  are 
cursing,  the  fate  that  made  them  a 
drudge,  men  still  elect  to  be  a  drudge! 


The  Trades  Union  PfcHosopliy. 

Trades  unionism  is  the  philosophy  of 
human  justice  in  the  world  of  industry. 
Its  creed  is  the  golden  rule  and  its  doc- 
trine finds  millions  of  adherents  be- 
cause it  begins  with  elementary  prin- 
ciples by  pointing  the  way  to  material 
salvation. 

Wherever  the  wheels  of  industry  are 
in  motion  there  the  beneficent  Infiuence 
of  trades  unlpnism  Is  a  potent  factor. 


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It  enfolds  the  masses  of  toil,  oblivious 
to  disparities  of  color,  sex,  nationality, 
or  creed.  Its  ideal  is  the  brotherhood 
of  man,  toward  which  it  attains  the 
betterment  of  society  as  a  whole.  Be- 
cause its  methods  strike  most  directly 
at  the  eyils  of  our  time,  it  is  pre- 
eminently the  greatest  renoyating 
force  in  our  political  and  industrial 
structure  today. 

Unionism  teaches  toilers  to  search 
themselves  for  the  light  that  leads  out 
of  bondage.  It  offers  no  apology  for 
honorable  toil,  but  inspires  the  toiling 
masses  to  demand  Xheir  birthright  as 
equal  heirs  to  the  bounty  of  their 
Creator. 

The  philosophy  of  trades  union- 
ism is  disseminated  most  effectively 
through  the  educational  campaign  so 
relentlessly  waged  by  the  untram- 
meled  labor  press  and  its  march  is  on- 
ward, and  forward,  by  the  irresistible 
force  of  enlightened  conscience. 

This  noble  philosophy  has,  through 
its  unswerving  purpose,  permanently 
established  its  boundaries  and  it  can 
not,  and  will  not,  be  appropriated  by 
any  political  party  or  platform.  The 
doctrine  that  has  given  a  newer  and 
brighter  outlook  of  life  to  millions  of 
toilers  shall  not  be  distorted  by  am- 
bitious seekers  after  self-glorification. 

The  people  of  labor  will  assert  their 
might  at  the  polls  Just  as  soon  as  they 
realize  that  the  responsibility  for 
honest,  efficient  administration  rests, 
not  with  parties,  but  on  men.  Then 
they  will  elect  men  who  shall  recognize 
their  responsibility  to  their  conscience 
and  their  God. 

When  that  time  comes,  we  will  cease 
to  gloat  over  the  men  who  "also  ran," 
for  party  victory  will  not  be  the  great 
desideratum.  But  when  that  time 
comes,  public  offices  will  be  graced 
with  true,  honest,  responsible  men  and 
all  the  people  will  receive  a  square 
deal  in  the  administration  of  human 
Justice. — The  Printing  Trades  Maga- 
zine, 


No  Humbug  Needed. 

No  man  ever  added  a  cubit  to  his 
stature  by  his  dress. 

No  robe  ever  enlarged  a  man's 
brain,  ripened  his  wisdom,  cleared  his 
Judgment,  strengthened  his  purpose, 
or  fortified  his  honesty. 

If  he  is  a  little  man  without  a  robe, 
he  is  contemptible  in  a  robe. 


If  a  man  is  large  without  a  robe,  he 
is  simply  ludicrous  in  one. 

A  robe  used  as  an  insignia  of  office 
is  a  relic  of  barbarism,  a  relic  of  the 
age  when  tinsel,  glitter  and  flummery 
were  thought  to  be  necessary  to  over- 
awe the  common  people. 

And  the  robe  can  now  perform  no 
other  function  than  that  of  humbug- 
ging the  people. 

A  court  which  is  worthy  of  the 
name  needs  no  such  flimsy  and  ridicu- 
lous assistance  in  order  to  command 
the  confidence  and  respect  of  Uie  com- 
munity, and  a  court  which  cannot 
command  the  respect  and  confidence 
of  the./ people  without  resorting  to 
shams  of  this  kind,  is  incapable  of 
doing  any  good,  is  incapable  of  pro- 
tecting the  weak  from  being  trampled 
down  by  the  strong,  and  should  be 
wiped  out  of  existence. 

This  age  and  the  American  people 
do  not  want  mediaeval  shams.  They 
want  light;  daylight,  electric  light, 
sunlight.  They  want  realities;  they 
want  character;  they  want  learning; 
they  want  good  Judgment;  they  want 
independence,  and  they  want  these 
free  from  both  barbaric  and  aristo- 
cratic subterfuges.  It  is  only  weak 
minds  that  lean  upon  this  kind  of  bol- 
stering. 

Our  age  is  superior  to  the  middle 
ages  only  in  so  far  as  it  has  pro- 
gressed beyond  sham  and  formasism, 
lofty  pomp  and  hollow  and  dull  dig- 
nity, and  asks  now  to  be  shown  things 
just  as  they  are. 

A  free  people  is  opposed  to  pretense 
and  humbug,  no  matter  whether 
found  in  high  stations  or  low. 

If  the  American  people  ever  reach  a 
point  where  they  must  put  robes  upon 
their  Judges  or  any  other  officers  -in 
order  to  have  the  highest  respect  for 
them,  then  republican  Institutions  will 
be  at  an  end  in  this  country;  for  men 
who  can  be  inspired  by  a  gown  are 
but  little  removed  from  those  who  can 
draw  inspiration  from  a  wooden  god, 
and  neither  are  fit  either  to  enjoy  or 
to  defend  true  political  liberty. 

The  strong,  masculine  and  liberty- 
loving  element  of  the  bar  does  not 
favor  these  handmaids  of  fraud  In  a 
temple  of  Justice.  It  Is  the  frowning 
and  the  hanglng-on  element  which 
fiatters  and  seeks  a  rear  door  entrance 
to  the  Judge,  that  favors  them. 

Instead  of  adding  dlgni^  to  a  court. 


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it  expoBes  its  weakness;  for  every 
time  a  Judge  puts  on  a  gown  he  con- 
fesses tliat  he  needs  this  extraneous 
help;  he  confesses  that  he  must  resort 
to  humbug  in  order  to  make  an  im- 
pression. 

In  the  past  gowns  have  not  pre- 
vented Judicial  murders,  nor  wrongs 
and  outrages  whose  infamy  reaches 
low  as  hell. 

So  long  as  we  tolerate  in  this  coun- 
try any  tribunals  that  find  it  necessary 
to  wear  this  insignia  of  mediaeval 
conditions,  Just  so  long  must  we  con- 
fess that  we  have  reached  a  high  state 
of  neither  moral  nor  intellectual  de- 
velopment—JoTin  P.  AltgeJd,  in  The 
Citizen. 


Mistakes  and  Merit. 

Organized  labor  makes  no  claim 
that  it  is  perfect.  It  is  a  human  insti- 
tution, and  as  such  it  is  liable  to  make 
mistakes. 

Washington  Gladden  has  well  said 
of  organized  workers:  "They  may 
make  mistakes  in  choosing  their  rep- 
resentatives, and  mistakes  in  urging 
their  demands.  Very  well;  they  have 
a  right  to  make  mistakes;  that  Is  one 
of  the  inalienable  rights  of  a  freeman. 
What  would  our  condition  be  as  citi- 
zens if  our  political  liberties  were 
taken  away  from  us  whenever  we  made 
mistakes?  We  have  learned  most  of 
what  we  know  by  making  mistakes, 
and  having  to  suffer  for  them." 

If  a  member  or  official  of  a  labor 
union  goes  wrong  or  commits  an  overt 
act  against  society  the  anti-unionist 
throws  up  his  hands  in  mock  horror 
at  the  iniquity  of  organized  labor,  but 
he  does  not  hold  his  church  respon- 
sible for  the  wrong-doing  of  some 
pastor  or  member. 

Several  Los  Angeles  lawyers  are 
now  in  jail  for  crimes  committed 
against  society.  But  there  is  no  sug- 
gestion that  the  profession  be  removed 
from  the  city  because  of  the  failure  of 
these  members. 

Let  organized  labor  be  Judged  like 
any  other  institution.  Let  its  merits 
be  noted,  rather  than  its  mistakes. 

Organized  labor  has  increased  wages, 
has  shortened  the  work-day  of  mil- 
lions of  men  and  women.  It  has 
changed  the  toilers  from  service  crea- 
tures to  independent  and  self-respect- 
ing citizens.     It  is  responsible  for  all 


the  laws  enacted  in  the  interest  of 
workingmen,  women  and  children.  It 
has  fought  for  years  and  is  still  fight- 
ing for  the  emancipation  of  child  la- 
borers. It  is  fighting  for  a  decent  wage 
and  decent  treatment  of  the  millions 
of  women  forced  to  work  for  a  liveli- 
hood. 

For  practical  charity  organized  la- 
bor has  a  record  second  to  no  other 
human  institution.  Bvery  year  it  dis- 
burses millions  of  dollars  in  death, 
sick,  out-of-work  and  old-age  benefits. 
One  labor  organization,  the  Interna- 
tional Typographical  Union,  maintains 
a  home  for  its  aged  and  indigent  mem- 
bers and  a  sanitarium  for  its  sick.  The 
International  Congress  for  the  Cure 
and  Prevention  of  Tuberculosis,  held' 
in  Washington,  D.  C,  declared  the 
Union  Printers'  sanitarium  at  Color- 
ado Springs  the  very  best  in  the  world. 

If  proof  is  needed  that  organized  la- 
bor stands  for  good  citizenship  study 
its  history.  On  the  side  of  all  practical 
reforms,  on  the  side  of  decency  and 
Justice  it  is  always  found. 

The  well-paid  worker,  surrounded 
with  respectable  conditions  of  labor,  is 
a  valuable  asset  to  a  community.  In 
upholding  wages  and  working  condi- 
tions, organized  labor  is  a  social  factor 
greatly  to  be  coveted. 

Organized  labor  makes  every  effort 
to  increase  the  skill  and  efficiency  of 
its  members.  In  many  organizations 
a  portion  of  the  time  of  each  meeting 
is  set  aside  for  technical  instruction. 
All  statements  to  the  contrary,  the 
union  workers  as  a  whole  are  conceded 
by  employers  to  be  better  mechanics 
than  their  non-union  brothers. 

In  teaching  the  worker  that  he  is  a 
man  and  a  citizen  and  that  he  should 
stand  for  the  things  that  make  for 
manhood  and  citizenship,  organized  la- 
bor is  proving  an  educational  institu- 
tion of  the  highest  quality. 

"Labor  unions,"  says  one  of  the 
leading  editorial  writers  of  the  coun- 
try, "are  performing  an  important 
educational  function  when  they  drive 
into  the  heads  of  these  would-be  su- 
periors the  fact  that  this  nation  is  be- 
coming actually  a  republic  in  which 
the  workingmen  shall  decide  for  them- 
selves questions  affecting  themselves, 
and  in  which  they  shall  no  longer  be 
guided  by  the  whims  or  financial  in- 
terests of  would-be  "superiors." — L08 
Angeles  Citizen. 


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A  FORCEFUL  ARGUMENT. 


Trade  union  organizations,  composed 
exclusively  of  workmen  engaged  in  use- 
ful labor,  arose  as  the  result  of  oner- 
ous conditions  imposed  by  employers 
and  accentuated  by  the  ever-increasing 
desire  to  make  still  further  profit  upon 
the  product  of  the  toil  of  workmen. 
The  struggle  to  raise  the  skilled  and 
unskilled  laborer  above  the  absolute- 
necessity  line  has  been  intense,  and 
the  history  of  all  working  people  has 
been  one  replete  with  the  sacrifice  and 
self-abnegation  of  the  blazers  of  the 
'  trail  which  has  led  to  improved  indus- 
trial conditions. 

The  nineteenth  century  witnessed 
the  firm  establishment  in  every  coun- 
try of  the  world  of  economic  move- 
ments by  the  working  people.  Arrayed 
against  the  organized  effort  of  work- 
men stands  a  minority  of  the  total 
population,  but  lying  between  the  two 
sections  mentioned  is  that  great  strata 
of  society,  the  unorganized  and  pa- 
thetic, called  the  public.  Environment, 
previous  and  present  conditions  of  life, 
workmen  inured  to  deprivation,  ignor- 
ance of  the  rights  to  which  man  is 
justly  entitled,  cautiousness  impreg- 
nating the  minds  of  unorganized  work- 
ers owing  to  the  thin  partition  between 
penurious  living  and  actual  want, 
hereditary  helplessness  and  an  in- 
ability to  conceive  the  possibility  of 
at  least  a  partial  control  of  ini^lustrial 
conditions,  present  in  a  meager  way 
the  problem  which  confronts  the 
apostles  of  the  trade-union  creed. 

The  scheme  of  nature  does  not  in- 
clude in  its  curriculum  a  state  of  per- 
fection. That  state  is  but  the  myth- 
ical standard  toward  which  indefati- 
gable effort  is  directed  for  the  purpose 
of  enthusing  the  latent  qualities  of  in- 
dividuals into  an  active  and  impelling 
force  against  the  wrongs  which  exist. 

The  trade  union  is  constructed  of  un- 
polished material  and  squares  to  the 
needs  of  every  workman.  Fretwork 
and  other  embellishments  are  conspic- 
uous by  their  absence.  In  the  pro- 
gram of  the  trade  union  there  is  no 
mysterious  legendry.  Practicability  is 
the  chief  characteristic.  The  owner- 
ship of  man  in  himself  constitutes  the 
groundwork  upon  which  the  philosophy 
of  associated  effort  is  founded.  The 
right  to  sell  labor  at  the  highest  price 


is  a  business  proposition,  and  not  senti- 
mental. There  is  no  sentimentality  on 
the  part  of  the  butcher  in  selling  a 
beefsteak  et  thirty  cents  per  pound. 
Organization  and  combinations  in  va- 
rious forms  envelop  the  entire  c<Hn- 
mercial  world,  with  but  the  single  end 
in  view — to  obtain  for  the  product  of 
labor  the  highest  attainable  price  and 
to  reduce  the  labor  cost  to  the  very 
lowest  minimum.  The  difference  be- 
tween the  combined  cost  added  and 
the  selling  price  of  the  finished 
product,  constitutes  the  manufactur- 
ers' profit.  The  organizations  of  com- 
merce are  continually  seeking  to  make 
this  margin  larger.  Commerce  today 
is  in  a  high  state  of  organization,  and 
it  is  this  fact  alone  that  makes  pos- 
sible Uie  tremendous  profits  reaped  by 
organized  business. 

If  this  condition  obtains  in  the  busi- 
ness world,  it  alone  is  sufficient  reason 
why  workmen  should  follow  the  same 
course  and  organize.  The  individual 
in  industry  today  is  but  an  atom,  in- 
capable of  accomplishing  anything  in 
behalf  of  himself.  Complete  and  effec- 
tive organization  is  essential  in  deal- 
ing with  any  economic  question.  The 
workman  of  today  is  rarely  known  by 
name  by  his  employer.  He  is  but  a 
segment  in  the  great  cog  of  industry, 
and  his  weak  cry  of  distress  Is  un- 
heard by  the  great  captains  of  indus- 
try, and,  if  heard,  he  is  quietly  dropped 
from  the  pay-roll. 

In  dealing  with  an  adversary  in  the 
industrial  field  it  is  good  business  pol- 
icy to  adopt  the  same  weapons  for  de- 
fense as  does  the  employer.  If  the  em- 
ployer by  organization  and  other  em- 
ployers, or  if  a  combination  of  men 
can  fix  and  control  the  price  of  vari- 
ous commodities,  so  also  can  the  work- 
men by  a  similar  combination  among 
themselves  fix  the  price  and  conditions 
of  labor.  Students  of  human  activity, 
as  well  as  the  public  generally,  realize 
that  in  this  age  of  constantly-changing 
methods  in  industry,  with  the  rapid 
advance  of  labor-saving  devices, 
coupled  with  the  tightening  of  the 
lines  which  bind  vast  commercial  en- 
terprises, that  workmen,  in  self- 
defense,  must  combine  to  meet  this 
growing  power  and  that  they  may  meet 
the   employer   on   more  equal   terms. 


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With  strong  organizations  of  laborers 
they  will  be  able  to  traffic  with  their 
employ  rs  and  have  a  voice  in  the 
establishment  of  wage  scales  and  con- 
ditions of  labor. 

•  The  Steel  Trust  today  is  the  mon- 
arch of  the  industrial  field  in  the  iron 
trade  of  commerce.  Its  employes  are 
unorganized,  and  the  steel  organiza- 
tion, the  most  perfect  yet  devised,  is 
absolute  master  of  the  labor  market. 
The  price  paid  to  labor  is  that  which 
the  Steel  Trust  determines,  while  the 
workmen  must  accept  what  it  offers 
or  seek  other  employment. 

Employes  of  the  trust  work  long 
hours  and  receive  low  wages.  But  this 
condition  only  exists  because  the  work- 
men themselves  do  not  pursue  the  same 
methods  as  does  the  Steel  Trust.  If 
the  woi^men  employed  by  the  steel 
concern  were  to  organize  unions  to  fix 
the  price  of  labor,  the  wages  of  work- 
men would  rise,  hours  would  be  less- 
ened, and  the  conditions  of  labor  would 
be  improved. 

There  is  today  a  shortage  of  steel 
workers.  The  Steel  Trust  wants  more 
men,  but  it  does  not  want  to  pay  any 
more  wages  than  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary. 

That's  in  accordance  with  modem 
business  methods.  Then,  Mr.  Work- 
man, why  don't  you  adopt  modern 
business  methods?  Why  don't  you  or- 
ganize and  fix  the  price  of  the  labor 
you  have  to  sell? 

The  history  of  the  steel  combine  is 
one  long  story  of  injustice  to  its  work- 
men. It  seeks  to  retain  in  its  employ 
the  tongues  of  the  earth.  The  Hun- 
garians, Slavonian,  Lithuanian,  Polish, 
Italian,  Austrian,  Portuguese,  Greek, 
Belgians,  and  many  other  nationalities 
are  intermingled  in  the  purpose  in 
view.  The  trust  is  no  respecter  of  na- 
tionalities, but  it  does  know  that  every 
race  has  its  radical  characteristics, 
and  upon  this  it  depends  to  keep  its 
workmen  from  making  common  cause 
with  one  another.  These  employes 
have  come  from  lands  where  oppres- 
sion reigns,  and  until  the  oppressed 
foreign  workmen  become  awakened 
and  learn  that  they  have  rights  which 
can  be  protected  by  their  own  efforts 
in  this  country  the  steel  organization 
will  continue  its  oppression.  The 
workmen  in  this  country  have  a  sover- 
eign right  to  unite  for  their  mutual 
protection  and  defense  on  the  indus- 
trial field.    And  there  is  only  one  way 


in  which  this  protection  can  be  se- 
cured. 

The  trade-union  method  is  the  only 
sure  one  for  the  workmen. 

The  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
the  greatest  and  most  effective  federa- 
tion of  laboring  men  the  world  has 
ever  seen,  cares  not  what  may  be  the 
tongue  spoken  by  workmen;  it  extends 
the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to  them 
and  asks  that  they  make  common  cause 
with  all  other  workmen  in  the  great 
cause  of  humanity.  America  is  the 
asylum  for  the  oppressed  of  the  Old 
World;  those  who  come  here  to  secure 
relief  must  assume  their  share  of  the 
responsibility.  That  responsibility  in- 
cludes the  organization  of  trade  unions 
to  successfully  resent  the  encroach- 
ments of  greed.  The  backbone  of  this 
country  is  composed  of  citizens  whose 
ancestry  were  tiie  hewers  of  wood  and 
the  drawers  of  water  in  foreign  climes. 
The  progeny  of  the  newly-arrived  for- 
eigner will  be  the  mainstay  of  this 
country  in  the  next  generation. 

The  trade  unions  have  made  history. 
They  have  demonstrated  that  the 
wages  of  workmen  can  be  increased — 
they  have  done  it  times  without  num- 
ber. This  is  not  theory,  but  actual  re- 
sults. 

During  the  year  just  past  the  United 
Brotherhood  of  Carpenters  and  Join- 
ers, with  a  membership  of  200,000,  se- 
cured increases  in  wages  for  its  mem- 
bers averaging  over  thirty-eight  cents 
per  day  for  one  year.  The  entire  cost 
to  the  man  who  received  this  increase 
was,  approximately,  three  cents  per 
day. 

If  there  is  any  other  evidence  need- 
ed, the  inquiring  workman,  indeed, 
must  be  a  confirmed  skeptic.  The  his- 
tory of  the  entire  trade-union  move- 
ment is  similar  to  that  of  the  carpen- 
ters. It  is  one  long  and  continued 
story  of  achievements,  and  with  this 
splendid  record  to  their  credit,  the 
trade  unions  are  still  more  vigorously 
than  ever  before  endeavoring  to  spread 
the  gospel  of  their  creed  to  the  yet  un- 
organized, urging  the  wage-earner  to 
assume  his  part  in  the  great  army 
marching  toward  industrial  emancipa- 
tion.—Oranf  Hamilton, 


At  the  foundation  of  good  manners 
there  are  always  three  things — self- 
sacrifice,  self-control,  self-respect. — 
Frederick  Temple. 


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A.  f .  or  L  WHKLY  NEWS  LCnER. 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C 


Washington,  D.  C. — That  the  influ- 
ence, attitude  and  remonstrances  of 
the  American  Federation  of  Labor 
against  the  abuse  by  the  Federal 
judges  of  the  injunctive  writ  in  labor 
disputes  has  finally  had  its  effect  upon 
the  highest  legal  tribunal  of  the 
United  States  is  evident.  For  many 
months  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States  have  been 
at  work  upon  a  new  set  of  rules  gov- 
erning practice  before  the  courts  of 
equity  of  the  United  States.  On  No- 
vember 4.th  the  result  of  the  conclu- 
sions of  the  Judges  was  promulgatei 
in  a  public  document  While  the  rule 
put  forth  by  the  United  States  Su- 
preme Court  in  preliminary  injunc- 
tions and  temporary  restraining  or- 
ders does  not  meet  with  the  approval 
of  the  American  Federation  of  Labor, 
yet  the  action  taken  in  prescribing  the 
practice  relative  to  these  writs  is  a 
step  in  the  right  direction.  Under  the 
heading  of  '^Preliminary  Injunctions 
and  Temporary  Restraining  Orders," 
the  practice,  as  laid  down  for  the  fu- 
ture by  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court  is  as  follows: 

"No  preliminary  injunction  shall  be 
granted  without  notice  to  the  opposite 
party.  Nor  shall  any  temporary  re- 
straining order  be  granted  without  no- 
tice to  the  opposite  party,  unless  it 
shall  clearly  appear  from  specific  facts 
shown  by  affidavit  or  by  the  verified 
bill,  that  immediate  and  irreparable 
loss  or  damage  will  result  to  the  ap 
plicant  before  the  matter  can  be  heard 
on  notice.  In  case  a  temporary  re- 
straining .order  shall  be  granted  witn- 
out  notice,  in  the  contingency  speci- 
fied, the  matter  shall  be  made  retura 
able  at  the  earliest  possible  time,  ani 
in  no  event  later  than  ten  days  from 
the  date  of  the  order,  and  shall  take 
precedence  of  all  matters,  except  older 
matters  of  the  same  character.  When 
the  matter  comes  up  for  hearing  the 
party  who  obtained  the  temporary  re- 
straining order  shall  proceed  with  his 
application  for  a  preliminary  injunc- 
tion, and  if  he  does  not  do  so  the  court 
shall  dissolve  his  temporary  restrain- 
ing order.    Upon  two  days'  notice  to 


the  party  obtaining  such  temporary  re 
the  party  obtaining  such  temporary 
restraining  order,  the  opposite  party 
may  appear  and  move  the  disso- 
lution or  modification  of  the  order, 
and  in  that  event  the  court  or  Judge 
shall  proceed  to  hear  and  determiu'^ 
the  motion  as  expeditiously  as  the 
ends  of  Justice  may  require.  Every 
temporary  restraining  order  shall  be 
forthwith  filed  in  the  clerk's  office." 

Under  the  heading,  ''Injunction 
Pending  Appeal,"  the  rule  of  practicv^ 
is  to  be  as  follows:  "When  an  appeal 
from  a  final  decree  in  an  equity  suit, 
granting  or  dissolving  an  injunctioc, 
is  allowed  by  a  Justice  or  a  Judge  who 
took  part  in  the  decision  of  the  cause, 
he  may,  in  his  discretion,  at  the  time 
of  such  allowance,  make  an  order  sus- 
pending, modifying,  or  restoring  the 
injunction  during  the  pendency  of  th3 
appeal,  upon  such  terms,  as  to  bond  or 
otherwise,  as  he  may  consider  proper 
for  the  security  of  the  rights  of  the  op- 
posite party." 


Maintenance  of  Way. 

St.  Louis,  Mo.— The  International 
Brotherhood  of  Maintenance  of  Way 
Employes  have  Just  secured  a  substan- 
tial increase  in  wages  and  an  improve- 
ment in  working  conditions  from  tho 
Central  of  Georgia.  The  schedule  so- 
cured  is  the  same  as  the  award  made 
by  the  arbitrators  on  the  Southern 
Railway.  The  rates  on  branch  lines 
were  also  increased  to  the  standard 
maintained  by  the  main  line.  The 
practice  of  paying  less  on  branch  lines 
has  been  in  vogue,  but  the  Mainten- 
ance of  Way  men  are  being  universally 
successful  in  increasing  branch  line 
rates  to  a  figure  equal  to  that  of  the 
wages  paid  on  the  main  lines.  Nego- 
tiations are  in  progress  with  the  Flor- 
ida Eiast  Coast  Railway  for  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  an  increase  in  wages 
and  betterment  of  working  conditions. 


The  Oldest  Tbade  Union. 
Established    in    l!812,    the    London 
West  End  Upholsterers*  Trade  Society 
claims  to  be  the  oldest  trade  union  in 


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existence.  It  was  inaugurated  at  the 
Upholsterers'  Arms,  Poland  Street 
West,  on  October  1,  1812,  with  twelve 
members,  and  recently  held  its  cen- 
tenary dinner  at  the  Drill  Hall, 
Chenies  Street,  West  In  1895  it  Joined 
the  Amalgamated  Union,  but  in  1905 
resumed  its  separate  existence. 


began  on  Nov.  4th.  The  strike  is 
being  conducted  by  the  Canadian 
Brotherhood  of  Railway  Employes. 


Acquitted  of  Ciiabge. 

Lake  Chables,  La.— ^During  the 
summer  a  number  of  men  who  were 
conducting  a  strike  of  the  Timber 
Workers  in  this  State  were  arrested 
charged  with  murder,  as  a  result  of  a 
riot  which  occurred.  Over  fifty  Indict- 
ments were  returned  and  nine  of  the 
defendants  have  Just  been  tried,  anl 
the  Jury  in  the  case  returned  a  verdict 
of  not  guilty.  The  indictments  against 
the  balance  have  been  abandoned  and 
all  the  defendants  set  at  liberty. 


White  Slaves  and  Wobk  Slaves. 

There  is  one  phase  of  the  white 
slave  traffic  which  seldom  attracts  the 
attention  it  deserves.  We  hear  a  good 
deal  of  the  huckstering  of  girls'  bodies, 
but  little  of  the  trade  In  the  labor 
which  so  often  forces  them  to  sell 
themselves  because  the  price  of  their 
labor  is  not  high  enough  to  keep  the'.r 
bodies  alive.  There  is  the  cap  making 
industry,  for  instance.  A  press  repre- 
sentative who  investigated  the  matter 
lust  week  was  informed  that  out  of  the 
30s  the  retailer  receives  for  a  dozen 
half-crown  caps,  only  Is  11  %d  goes  to 
the  people  who  make  them.  For  a 
seven-day  week>  women  employed  In 
the  industry  have  frequently  been  un- 
able to  make  above  half  a  crown  fo*' 
the  week's  work.  How  on  earth  can 
women  keep  themselves  physically  fit 
on  such  sums?  White  slaves,  indeed! 
We  do  need  regulations,  but  they 
should  be  extended  to  the  dens  where- 
in women  and  girls  are  enslaved  at 
soul-searing  tasks  for  ridiculously  in- 
adequate payment,  and  so  driven  on  to 
the  streets.  Procurers  and  keepers 
are  not  the  only  people  we  would  like 
to  see  proceeded  against. 


Railboad  Olebks  Strike. 

Ottawa,  Ont. — ^A  strike  which  will 
affect  5,000  clerks  and  stenographers 
employed  in  the  various  stations  and 
offices  of  the  Canadian  Pacific  Railroad 


San  Diego  Unions  Gbowing. 

San  Diego,  Cal.— T'rom  present  indl 
cations  this  city  will  become  one  of 
the  best  organized  towns  in  the  State 
Every  union  reports  an  increase  of 
membership,  greater  harmony,  and  un- 
usual activity.  Three  new  unions  have 
been  formed,  and  a  revival  of  interest 
has  taken  place  in  the  unions  that 
were  small  in  point  of  numbers.  At 
the  present  time  the  unions  are  all 
holding  large  and  representative  meet- 
ings, and  the  organization  spirit  is  ac- 
complishing definite  results. 


Crippliflig  lli€  Food  and  Drugs  AcL 

The  Journal  of  the  American  Medi- 
cal Association,  discussing  the  MbCabe- 
Wilson-Dunlap  conspiracy  to  oust  Dr. 
Wiley  from  the  Bureau  of  Chemistry, 
says  that  the  Food  and  Drugs  Act  was 
seriously  crippled  both  by  the  inade- 
quacy of  the  punishment  meted  out  to 
its  violators  and  by  the  interminable 
delay  in  bringing  cases  to  trial.  Good 
examples  of  the  law's  delay  are  found 
in  two  notices  of  Judgment  recently 
published.  One  of  these  records  a  case 
in  which  an  offense  committed  in  Janu- 
ary, 1910,  finally  came  to  trial  in  April, 
1912.  The  public  document  giving  in- 
formation about  this  case  was  not 
issued  until  Sept.  27,  1912.  The  other 
case  described  was  one  of  misbranding 
committed  in  August,  1910,  and  brought 
to  trial  in  April,  1912.  The  public 
was  given  information  about  this  case 
Sept.  27,  1912.  Both  of  these  were 
clear-cut  cases  of  misbranding.  In  one, 
the  defendant  declined  to  contest  the 
charge,  and  was  let  off  with  the  mere 
payment  of  costs;  in  the  other,  a  plea 
of  guilty  was  entered  and  a  fine  of  five 
dollars  was  imposed.  How  much  of  a 
deterrent  is  a  law  which  is  so  enforced 
that  it  may  take  two  years  or  more  for 
a  given  case  to  come  to  trial  and  when 
finally  brought  to  trial  results  in  a 
mere  nominal  fine?  One  of  the  best 
preventives  against  law  violation  is 
newspaper  publicity.  Many  firms  of 
the  "large  and  respected"  type  which, 
under  present  conditions,  do  not  hesi- 
tate to  misbrand  or  adulterate  foods 
and  drugs,  would  think   twice  about 


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doing  80  if  they  found  that  the  news- 
papers of  the  country  would  give  wide 
publicity  to  their  trial  and  conviction 
for  such  misdemeanors.  But  the  aver- 
age live  newspaper  does  not  want  to 
deal  with  facts  that  have  become  an- 
cient history  before  they  reach  the 
public.  "There  are  more  ways  of  kill- 
ing a  cat  than  by  drowning  it";  and 
there  are  more  ways  of  killing  a  law 
than  by  failing  to  enforce  it. 


To  Meet  Upon  Ihe  Level. 

By  Mrs.  Hattie  Hollowat. 
To  meet  a  brother  on  the  level  is  an 

easy  thing  to  say, 
But  Harry  put  it  into  practice  every 

day. 
He  would  meet  a  brother  on  the  level, 

and  if  his  clothes  chanced  to  be 
Just   a   little   out   at   the   elbow,    or 

bagged  at  the  knee, 
On  the  street  or  in  the  yards  he  would 

greet  him  with  a  grip 
As  firm  as  does  a  candidate  a  voter  on 

a  campaign  trip. 
H€  met  a  brother  on  the  level  and  gave 

him  the  same  chance 
That    he    did    the    well-dressed    with 

creases  in  his  pants. 
If  fortune  smiled  not  on  a  brother,  in 

sunshine  or  repose, 
He  just  met  him  on  the  level  in  his 

hand-me-down  clothes. 
He  just  brought  him  to  his  home  if  he 

was  down  and  out  and  blue, 
And    took    him    by    the    hand,    as    a 

brother  ought  to  do. 
Yes,  he  met  him  on  the  level,  on  th*? 

broad  S.  U.  plan, 
When  he  knew  him  to  be  a  switchman 

and  a  man. 
He  met  him  on  the  level  and  parted  on 

the  square. 
And  you  sure  will  get  a  welcome  when 

you  meet  him  over  there. 


Stamping  Out  Plague  in  Havana. 

Bubonic  plague  (black  death)  broke 
out  last  summer  in  Havana,  several 
cases  developing  before  its  presence 
was  knoWn.  Three  hundred  years  ago, 
such  an  occurrence  would  have  been 
followed  by  a  fearful  outburst  of 
plague,  which  would  have  killed  from 
one-quarter  to  one-third  of  the  people, 
the  only  remedy  for  which  would  have 
been  charms  and  incantations.  If  this 
had  occurred  any  time  before  the  Span- 


ish-American War,  when  Havana  was 
under  Spanish  rule,  an  epidemic  of 
months'  duration  would  probably  have 
followed.  But  it  is  known  now  that 
plague  is  carried  by  the  rat  and  the 
flea.  Havana  is  now  a  modem  city 
with  paved  streets  and  an  adequate 
sewer  system.  Best  of  all,  the  health 
officer,  Dr.  Juan  Guiteras,  is  a  well- 
known  scientific  authority  on  tropical 
diseases.  No  time  was  wasted  in  pro- 
cessions, charms  or  relics.  Havana 
was  cleaned  up  and  the  rats  were  ex- 
terminated. In  a  recent  issue  of  the 
Journal  of  the  American  Medical  Asso- 
ciation, Dr.  Guiteras  tells  how  the  epi- 
demic was  checked.  He  says  that  a 
general  order  was  given  to  clear  all 
premises  of  rubbish,  refuse  and  4ised- 
up  material.  For  many  days  the 
amount  of  such  stufF,  including  street 
sweepings  and  garbage,  carried  out  to 
sea  in  lighters,  was  increased  from  the 
normal  daily  output  of  450  to  2,000 
tons  a  day,  with  an  average  of  1,500 
tons. 

The  orders  to  wash  out  the  floors 
daily  with  carbolic  solutions  for  the 
destruction  of  fleas  were  cheerfully 
obeyed,  not  only  in  the  infected  dis- 
trict, but  throughout  the  city.  In  the 
more  exposed  localities  they  were 
carried  out  by  the  disinfection  brig- 
ades, whose  work  cannot  be  too  highly 
praised. 

A  deratization  service  and  rat  brig- 
ades for  the  poisoning  and  trapping  of 
rodents  were  created.  A  premium  of 
five  cents  was  paid  for  each  rat.  Up  to 
Sept.  3d  17,974  rats  were  killed.  Thfe 
result  was  that  the  plague  was  quickly 
stamped  out  with  only  the  loss  of  a  few 
lives. 


A  Prayer  for  al  Working  Women 

O  God,  we  pray  thee  for  our  sisters 
v/ho  are  leaving  the  ancient  shelter  of 
the  home  to  earn  their  wage  in  the 
store  and  shop  amid  the  press  of  mod- 
ern life.  Grant  them  strength  of  body 
to  bear  the  strain  of  unremitting  toi^, 
and  may  no  present  pressure  unfit 
them  for  the  holy  duties  of  home  and 
motherhood  which  the  future  may  lay 
upon  them.  Give  them  grace  to  cher- 
ish under  the  new  surroundings  the 
old  sweetness  and  gentleness  of  wo- 
manhood, and  in  the  rough  mingling 
of  life  to  keep  the  purity  of  the'r 
hearts  and  lives  untarnished.  Save 
them  from  the  terrors  of  utter  want. 


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Teach  them  to  stand  by  their  sisterB 
loyally,  that  by  united  action  they  may 
better  their  common  lot.  And  to  us 
all  do  Thou  grant  wisdom  and  firm  de- 
termination that  we  may  not  sufTer  the 
women  of  our  nation  to  be  drained  of 
strength  and  hope  for  the  enrichment 
of  a  few,  lest  our  homes  grow  poor  in 
the  wifely  sweetness  and  motherly  love 
which  have  been  the  saving  strength 
and  glory  of  our  country.  If  it  must 
be  so  that  our  women  toil  like  men, 
help  us  still  to  reverence  in  them  the 
mothers  of  the  future.  If  they  yearn 
for  love  and  the  sovereign  freedom  of 
their  own  home,  give  them  in  due  time 
the  fulfillment  of  their  sweet  desires. 
By  Mary,  the  beloved,  who  bore  the 
world's  redemption  in  her  bosom;  by 
the  memory  of  our  own  dear  mothers, 
who  kissed  our  souls  awake;  by  the 
little  daughters,  who  must  soon  go  out 
Into  that  world  which  we  are  now 
fashioning  for  others,  we  beseech  Thee 
that  we  may  deal  aright  by  all  wo- 
men.— American  Magazine. 


Laughter  and  Tears. 

What  is  laughter  and  why  do  tears 
so  often  accompany  it? 

On  each  side  of  the  throat  is  an  ar- 
tery called  the  carotid.  At  the  level  of 
the  larynx  this  divides,  one  branch 
which  carries  blood  to  the  brain,  being 
called  the  internal,  the  other,  which 
distributes  blood  to  the  face,  being 
called  the  external.  These  two  branches 
are  joined  about  the  level  of  the  eyes 
by  the  ophthalmic  artery,  which  forms 
a  canal  between  them.  This  communi- 
cation is  the  cause  of  the  close  connec- 
tion between  the  brain  and  the  tear 
glands,  between  laughter  and  grief, 
both  of  which  are  generators  of  tears. 

Physiologically,  a  burst  of  laughte** 
is  nothing  but  a  strenuous  effort,  like 
lifting  a  heavy  weight.  In  ooth  cases 
the  muscles  of  the  throat  and  stomacii 
contract 

When  laughter  is  excessive  the 
whole  body  Is  convulsed ;  every  muscle 
is  contracted.  In  the  place  of  normal 
respiration  come  short  intermittent  re- 
spirations, insufficient  to  free  the 
lungs  from  the  semi-asphyxia  pro- 
duced by  the  contraction  of  the  throat 
muscles.  The  face  shows  the  conges- 
tion of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  head. 
Apoplexy  may  in  rare  cases  result. 
These  muscular  contractions  compress 


the  external  carotid,  which  can  no 
longer  suply  the  brain  with  blood.  In 
consequence  this  rushes  up  the  in- 
ternal carotid,  which  becomes  choked 
and  dilated.  It  can  stand  the  pressure 
only  because  the  ophthalmic  artery  re- 
lieves it.  Taking  this  route  the  blood 
congests  the  tear  glands,  which  over- 
flow. 

Tears  are  exactly  the  same  as  the 
liquid  part  of  the  blood.  So  it  is  a  fair 
deduction  that  the  action  of  crying  is 
equivalent  to  a  certain  loss  of  blood, 
which  relieves  the  congestion  of  the 
brain.  This  is  why  women  feel  so 
much  better  after  a  good  cry. 

The  facial  contortions  of  weeping 
persons  are  caused  by  the  automatic 
contraction  of  such  muscles  as  are 
needed  to  compress  the  tear  glands  and 
30  help  to  squeeze  out  the  tears. 
New  York  World. 


Sabotage. 

"Sabotage"  is  a  word  of  French 
origin.  In  English,  as  favored  by  its 
friends,  it  means,  "force — ^anything  to 
win."  It  was  practically  unknown  in 
this  country  until  W.  D.  Haywood  dis- 
covered it  on  his  recent  European  trip. 
Since  then  it  has  been  urged  by  both 
he  and  the  Chicago  wing  of  the  Indus- 
trial Workers  of  the  World,  who  de- 
clare against  political  action,  and  who 
are  called  "the  bummery"  by  the  De- 
troit faction  of  the  same  organization. 

Under  the  "sabotage"  plan  of  strik- 
ing, men  don't  walk  out  They  stay  on 
the  job  and  whenever  they  find  oppor- 
tunity, they  destroy  property.  In  the 
coal  region,  they  would  ruin  the  mine 
by  flooding  it  with  water,  by  putting 
pumps  Vaccidentally"  out  of  commis- 
sion. In  a  machine  shop,  emery  dust 
would  be  mysteriously  placed  in  the 
machinery.  In  France  it  has  been  said 
that  waiters  "accidentally"  put  castor 
oil  in  the  vinegar  bottles. 

The  scheme  appeals  to  the  ignorant 
and  base  among  workers.  It  is  defend- 
ed by  "revolutionary**  editors,  inter- 
ested in  booming  their  circulation;  al- 
leged intellectuals,  who  are  Ignorant 
of  unionism  or  even  work  shops;  and 
platform  orators  who  see  in  this  theory 
good  advertising  material,  because  it 
stamps  them  as  "revolutionists." 

It  doesn't  take  a  brave  man  to  advo- 
cate "sabotage."  In  fact  it's  a  coward's 
doctrine.     It  palls  for  no  intelligence 


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in  it8  application,  and  results  in  a  ter- 
rorism that  the  Nihilist  of  Russia,  who 
risks  his  life,  would  scorn.  The  doc- 
trine of  "sabotage"  grows  where  intel- 
ligence is  at  a  low  ebb.  Its  public  de- 
fenders are  aware  of  this  psychology, 
and  appeal  to  the  victims  of  repression 
and  force,  who  have  been  dumped  on 
our  shores  by  brutal  capitalists,  now 
called  upon  to  pay  the  cost  by  facing  a 
doctrine  f  oreis^  to  our  institutions  and 
beUef. 

The  cause  of  "sabotage"  is  the  em- 
ployers. Men  like  Haywood  could  not 
successfully  defend  ''sabotage"  if  the 
cause  did  not  exist.  "Sabotage"  will 
never  solve  anything — it  is  destruction. 
It  is  not  constructive.  It  does  not  de- 
mand brains,  reason  or  logic.  It  rests 
on  force  that  strikes  in  the  dark,  and 
will  therefore  never  win— any  more 
than  the  present  practices  of  capital- 
ists can  continue  without  interruption 
and  without  check. 

If  "sabotage"  is  right,  so  is  war. 
And  so  is  brute  force  in  any  other 
form,  regardless  of  who  it  is  favored 
by. — Toledo  Union  Leader. 


You'll  have  hostility  to  face  in  every 
place  and  at  every  pace. 

Go  straight  on  to  your  goal. 

So  long  as  your  conscience  isn't 
ashamed  to  acknowledge  you  as  a 
friend,  don't  you  give  a  rap  for  your 
enemies. — Herbert  Kaufman. 


Dofli*t  Give  a  Rap  AbcNit  Your  Cncmies. 

Tou  can't  make  real  success  without 
making  real  enemies. 

Tou  can't  hold  a  strong  position 
without  strong  opposition. 

Tou  won't  seem  right  to  any  If  you 
don't  seem  wrong  to  many. 

A. useful  life  can't  be  entirely  peace- 
ful and  carefree. 

Tou  must  do  your  duty  as  you  see 
it. 

Every  earnest  man  in  every  genera- 
tion has  paid  the  price  of  individual 
ity. 

You  can't  dodge. 

The  greater  you  are,  the  greater  the 
penalty  of  your  progress.  The  farther 
you  go,  the  wider  you  range,  the  more 
you  increase  the  points  of  contact  with 
which  you  must  reckon,  and,  there- 
fore, you  multiply  your  battles  against 
misconception  and  slander  and  envy 
and  malice. 

Tou  can't  avoid  or  evade  your  al- 
lotted destiny — ^you  can  only  hold  your 
share  of  trouble  by  holding  back. 

In  every  sphere  men  gibe  and  sneer 
— even  the  peace  of  the  ditch-digger  is 
threatened  by  the  unemployed  laborer 
who  covets  his  Job. 

So  long  as  you  aspire,  others  will 
conspire. 


To  the  JokcfB. 

Say,  brother,  'fess  up  now,  honest 
Injun  like,  and  tell  us  you  Joke  when 
you  talk  about  TOUR  unionism. 

Tou — who  haven't  reached  that  point 
where  you  will  cease  handing  union- 
made  dollars  to  your  "open-shop" 
enemy. 

Tou — who  haven't  enough  ability  to 
even  organize  your  purchasing  power. 

Tou— who  work  beside  a  non-union- 
ist, day  in  and  day  out,  and  never  tell 
him  what  organized  labor  means. 

Tou — who  haven't  ability  enough  to 
demand  an  eight-hour  day,  which  will 
give  you  time  for  leisure  and  time  to 
think. 

Tou — who  won't  even  spend  five 
cents  a  month  to  support  your  labor 
press. 

Tou — ^who  imagine  you  are  working 
wonders  when  you  attend  one  meeting 
a  month. 

Tou — who  think  you  have  "done 
your  part"  because  you  probably 
served  one  term  as  sergeant-at-arms. 
or  in  some  other  office  of  your  local 
union,  several  years  ago. 

Tou — ^who  look  on  your  union  as  a 
THING  that  wiU  automatically  im- 
prove conditions,  instead  of  realizing 
that  TOU  and  men  like  you  ARE  the 
union. 

Tou — who  sulk,  and  growl,  and  fume, 
and  worry,  and  fret,  instead  of  Jtimp- 
ing  into  the  flght—AND  STATING 
THERE— instead  of  putting  your 
shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  saying  a 
good  word  for  the  fellow  beside  you, 
who  is  also  lending  a  helping  hand. 

Don't  fool  yourself,  brother.  Begin 
now  to  LIVE  the  life  of  a  UNION  man. 
Of  course,  it's  tough  sledding — the 
knocks  are  hard  and  many.  But  God 
Almighty  has  no  use  for  a  quitter. 
Neither  has  this  old  world  of  ours. 
The  quickest  way  we  can  come  into 
our  own  is  for  every  one  to  do  his  or 
her  part. 

Tou  may  say,  "Oh,  it  will  come  out 
all  right."    That's  only  a  gueas. 

But  even  if  it's  true,  you  must  re- 
member that  some  one  else  is  doing 


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YOUR  SHARE  to  make  this  possible. 
Some  one  is  doing  double  duty  because 
of  your  inaction.  If  you  will  only  do 
your  part,  "things  will  come  out  all 
right"  Just  that  much  quicker. 

Quit  Jokin',  brother.  Get  into  the 
fight— AND  STAY  THERE. 

Be  a  UNION  man,  and  not  merely  a 
member  of  some  labor  organization. — 
Toledo  Union  Leader, 


Hie  Square  l>eal. 

If  I  boost  your  union  label 

You  should  do  as  much  for  mine. 
This  Is  simply  reciprocity, 

A  never  failing  sign 
That  the  spirit  of  true  brotherhood 

Among  us  ranks  supreme. 
To  promote  the  union  label 

All  the  time  should  be  our  theme. 

In  the  field  of  union  labor 

This  should  be  our  Golden  Rule: 
Work  and  strive  to  win  diplomas 

In  the  union  labor  school. 
Always  do  unto  each  other 

As  you'd  wish  to  be  done  by. 
Have  the  label  of  your  brother, 

Union  man,  on  what  you  buy. 

Act  together  as  a  unit 

In  this  most  important  move. 
The  results  will  be  astounding, 

Raise     yourselves     from     out    the 
groove 
Of  inaction,  for,  remember. 

On  one  point  you  should  agree—- 
If  I  demand  your  label 

Tou  should  do  as  much  for  me. 
— Thomas  H.   West,   in  Kansas    City 
Labor  Herald. 


BuiMhN?  SkM  of  the  Cgyptiaiis 

The  monoliths  of  Egypt  were  as  a 
rule  of  comparatively  moderate  size, 
and  most  of  the  building  blocks  were 
such  as  would  generally  be  used  today, 
but  the  pillars  of  the  temple  of  the 
Sphinx  are  16  feet  in  height  by  4% 
feet  in  width,  and  some  others  are  20 
to  26  feet  in  height.  Most  of  the  great 
columns  are  built  up  in  courses,  and 
those  of  Luxor  are  not  solid,  two-thirds 
of  the  diameter  being  filled  in  with  a 
yellow  concrete  or  cement  which  has 
now  lost  its  adhesiveness.  These,  how- 
ever, are  of  immense  proportions,  with 
shafts  of  49  feet,  capitals  of  11%  feet, 
and  a  diameter  at  the  base  of  11^  feet. 
At  Kamak  the  columns  of  the  main 


hall  measure  55  feet  in  the  shaft,  with 
lotus  fiower  capitals  of  10  feet  addi-  ^ 
tional;  their  largest  diameter  is  11  feet 
8  inches.  Other  temples  were  sup- 
ported by  columns  scarcely  less  lofty 
and  impressive.  Upon  these  columns 
immense  blocks  of  hewn  stone  formed 
massive  architraves,  on  which  the 
thick  flagging  of  the  stone  roofs  was 
supported. 

The  monoliths  of  Egypt  were  charac- 
teristic of  the  Egyptians,  but  for  some 
reason  were  seldom  used  in  the  great 
temples.  By  what  means  these  im- 
mense pillars  were  carried  up  and  the 
superstructure  added  is  something  of 
a  puzzle  to  modem  artisans,  who  ap- 
preciate the  difliculties  to  be  met. — 
Charles  TT.  Hall,  in  the  National  Maga- 
zine. 


Needed  National  Legisfation  of  Interest  to 
Everybody. 

Bt  A.  A.  Gbaham,  Topkka,  Kan. 

1.  The  election  of  president  and 
vice-president  of  the  United  StiUbes^ 
United  States  senators  and  all  United 
States  judges  for  limited  terms  by  di- 
rect vote  of  the  people,  and  none  of 
said  officers  eligible  for  a  second  term 
or  to  any  other  office  during  the  terms 
for  which  they  were  elected. 

2.  Limiting  presidential  and  vice- 
presidential  campaign  expenses,  as 
United  States  senators  and  representa- 
tives are  now  restricted,  prohibiting 
corporations  from  donating  thereto, 
and  limiting  individual  subscriptions. 

3.  Curtailing  the  powers  of  the 
president  of  the  United  States,  and  ele- 
vating the  cabinet  to  the  dignity  of  a 
ministry,  and  making  it  subject  to  a 
vote  of  confidence  by  congress. 

4.  Requiring  the  concurrence  of 
eight  of  the  nine  judges  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  of  the  United  States  to 
declare  a  statute  unconstitutional,  and 
the  concurrence  of  seven  to  reverse  a 
judgment. 

6.  Federal  ownership  and  operation 
of  all  telegraph  and  telephone  lines  in 
connection  with  the  postal  service. 

6.  The  establishment  of  a  loan  sys- 
tem in  connection  with  the  postal  sav- 
ings bank  in  small  amounts  locally  on 
proper  security. 

7.  A  non-partisan  tariff  commission 
to  fix  rates  of  duty  on  imports,  as  oc- 
casion and  necessity  arise. 

8.  Puting    trust-made    goods    and 


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tliose  selling  abroad  for  less  than  at 
'  home  on  the  free  list. 

9.  Imprisonment,  not  fines,  for  vio- 
lators of  the  tariff,  reyenue  and  anti- 
trust laws. 

10.  The  settlement  of  international 
questions  by  arbitration  and  a  reduc- 
tion in  our  army  and  nayy  expendi- 
tures. 

11.  The  further  restriction  of  for- 
eign emigration. 

12.  A  credit  circulating  medium  on 
a  bullion  basis. 

13.  The  admission  of  Alaska  as  a 
state  and  local  self-government,  as  far 
and  as  fast  as  conditions  permit,  for 
all  our  insular  posessions,  looking  to 
their  eventual  independence  under  in- 
ternational protection. 


Can  We  Live  WHIioMt  Microbes? 

By  Pbof.  L.  Coutubat,  in  Biologica. 

Thia  question  was  proposed  by  Pas- 
teur in  1885,  and  he  confessed  that  his 
preconception  was  that  without  mi- 
crobes life  was  impossible.  We  know 
that  many  species  of  microbes  normal- 
ly inhabit  the  digestive  tube,  and  we 
may  therefore  infer  that  they  are  use- 
ful and  even  necessary  to  digestion. 

Some  experimenters  had  already  at- 
tempted to  bring  up  chickens  in  an 
antiseptic  environment,  but  had  not 
succeeded;  they  became  debilitated  and 
died  (Schottliue).  It  seemed,  there- 
fore, that  the  aseptic  life  was  Impos- 
sible. But  Cohendy  recently  made 
more  perfect  experiments  which  prove 
the  contrary.  He  also  took  chickens 
as  the  object  of  his  experiments  which 
continued  for  three  years.  He  steril- 
ized the  eggs  and  brought  up  the 
chickens  in  an  apparatus  totally  ster- 
ilized in  which  the  chickens  were  bom. 
All  their  food,  the  air,  the  water,  were 
alike  sterilized  before  entering  the  ap- 
paratus. A  special  arrangement  was 
made  by  which  accidental  contamina- 
tion would  be  discovered;  a  perfect 
aseptic  condition  of  the  beasts  was 
maintained  to  the  end  of  the  experi- 
ment. Under  such  conditions,  the 
author  proved  that  chickens  so  brought 
up  developed  at  least  as  well  as  chick- 
ens raised  under  ordinary  conditions, 
that  is,  with  many  microbes  inside  and 
outside.  Furthermore,  what  Is  also 
worthy  of  notice  is  that  the  chickens 
so  raised  did  not  suffer  by  sudden  in- 
vasion of  microbes  (which  took  place 


in  less  than  twenty-four  hours),  when 
going  from  their  coop  they  were  ex- 
posed to  ordinary  life  conditions. 
Finally,  they  reproduced  themselves  in 
a  normal  manner. 

This  experiment  is  a  true  verifica- 
tion, atr  least  for  vertebrates;  but  one 
may  question  whether  a  like  conclu- 
sion is  also  justified  for  the  inverte- 
brates. Now  the  same  proof  has  been 
recently  furnished  by  Delcourt  and 
Guyenot  for  flies  of  the  genus  Dros- 
ophila.  Long  and  painstaking  efforts 
were  made  to  obtain  flies  which  would 
be  wholly  aseptic;  they  gradually  ster- 
ilized them  through  different  mediums 
in  order  to  successively  kill  the  differ- 
ent kinds  of  microbes,  and  extraordin- 
ary pains  were  taken  to  transport 
them  aseptically  from  one  tube  to  an- 
other. Many  thousand  of  aseptic  flies 
were  thus  brought  up,  representing 
many  generations.  They  grew  and  re- 
produced themselves  just  as  well  as 
they  would  have  done  naturally,  and 
their  mortality  was  even  less.  There- 
fore, the  possibility  of  the  aseptic  life 
is  proven,  at  least  for  vertebrate  ani- 
mals and  insects.  We  conclude  from 
this  that  man  also  does  not  need  mi- 
crobes in  order  to  live;  he  should  not. 
therefore,  be  indulgent  toward  the 
small  parasites  with  which  his  organ- 
ism is  fllled,  nor  respect  them  as  provi- 
dential benefactors  and  helpers. — 
Translated  from  the  Ido  Journal  Pro- 
greso. 


A  WofiUMi  Waited  Somcwficfc 

When  Jesus  the  Christ  was  betrayed 
by  men. 

And  left  in  his  grave  to  fate. 
An  angel  watched,  and  a  woman  came 

With  the  earliest  dawn,  to  wait. 

A  woman  bathed   with  her  hair   his 
feet; 
Men  pierced  his  brow  with  a  thorny 
crown, 
And   raised   him   high  on  a   traitor's 
cross; 
But  women  watched  till  they  took 
him  down. 

Many    have    borne    here    crosses    and 
thorns. 
And  a  traitor's  kiss  they  wear; 
But   an    angel    watched   through    the 
darkened  hours. 
And  a  woman  waited  somewhere. 
—Josephine  C.  Kaneko,  in   The  Pro- 
gressive Woman. 


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The  Journal  of  the  Switchmen's  Union 


OF  NORTH  AMERICA 


Devoted  to  the  interest  of  those  switching  cars  in  particular,  and  to  the  advancement 
of  all  useful  toilers  in  general. 


Pabllahed  montbly  by  the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America  at  Ko.  826  Brisbane  BuUdlnc, 

Bufl&lo,  N.  Y. 


aUBaCRIPTION  PRICE, 


ONE  DOLLAR  PER   YEAR  IN  ADyANCE 


All  matter  Intended  for  publication  suoold  be  In  not  later  than  15th  of  month  to  Insure  appt^ranoe 
In  following  month's  Issue.  No  article  will  be  published  unless  name  of  author  accompanlt«  same 

Unless  changes  of  address  are  received  by  15th  of  month  subscribers  must  look  out  for  following 

month's  Issue  at  old  address. 


INTERNATIONAL  OFFICERS 

S.  G.  Heberllng.  326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buf- 
falo, M.  Y. 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

M.  R.  Welch,  326  Brisbane  Bldg.,  Buffalo. 

N.  Y. 

Journal  Editor. 
W.    H.    Thompson,    326    Brisbane    Bldg.. 

Buffalo. 

Grand  Board  op  Directors. 

"P.  C.  Janes,  1261  Metropolitan  Ave.,  Kan- 
sas City,  Kan. 

C.  B.  Cunimings,  250  Whltesboro  St., 
Utica.  N.  Y. 

W.  A.  Tltas.  1378  E.  92d  St.,  Cleveland,  O. 

International  Vicr-Presidbntb. 

J.  B.   Connors,   707  E.   40th  St.,  Chicago, 

HI. 
Li.  H.  Porter,  Nottingham,  O. 
T    Clohessv,  7207  Peoria  St.,  Chicago,  III. 

F.  J.  Sheehan,  22  Oakdale  Place,  Buffalo, 
N.  Y. 

T.  J.  Mlsenhelter,  607  College  Ave.,  Rose- 
dale,  Kan. 

Protective  Board. 
R  W.  Flynn,  437  Railroad  Ave.,  Scranton, 
Pa. 

G.  C.  Hess,  ^79  18th  St,  Detroit.  Mich. 

T.  PL  Stone,   9140  Buffalo  Ave.,  Chicago, 

HL 

Dan  Smith.  5547  Princeton  Ave.,  Chicago, 
IlL 

A  J.  Peterson,  26  Johnson  Ave.,  Port  Ar- 
thur, Ont,  Canada. 

Grand  Medical  Examiner. 

M.  A.  Sullivan  M.  D.,  326  Brisbane  Bldg. 
Residence,  cor.  Ridge  Road  and  South 
Park  Ave.,  Lackawanna,  N.  Y. 


We  wish  for  all  our  members, 
their  families,  and  all  Journal 
readers,  a  Merry  Christmas  and 
Happy  New  Year. — Ed. 


LABOR   CAN    CONQUER    AU  -  WHEN 

ORGANIZED  POLITICALLY  AND 

INDUSTRIALLY. 

The  labor  unions  of  tnts  country 
constitute  a  great  factor  In  the  pro- 
gressive forces  which  are  crystalizing 
thought  and  energy  into  channels  that 
will  greatly  aid  in  the  emancipation  of 
the  toiling  masses  and  their  secure- 
ment  of  real  democracy.  While,  as  yet. 
their  membership  does  not  constitute 
a  majority  of  the  workers  of  the  na- 
tion, it  does  represent  in  a  practical 
way  the  best  Illustrations  of  advanta- 
geous results  so  far  obtained  for  work- 
ers, as  well  as  future  possibilities  of 
securing  many  others  through  their 
concerted  efforts  to  educate  the  work- 
ing world  to  a  realization  of  the  power 
11  possesses  when  it  once  becomes 
aware  of  it  and  cares  to  exercise  it  for 
its  own  good.     All  the  sinews  of  su- 


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premacy,  whether  in  the  industrial  or 
political  field,  finds  its  derivation,  driv- 
ing vitality  and  powers  of  development 
in  the  efforts  put  forth  by  the  workers 
who  display  their  best  concrete  expres- 
sions of  thln«:s  thought  and  material 
things  accomplished  through  the  medi- 
um of  their  labor  unions.  The  union 
labor  movement  affords  us  the  best  ex- 
emplification of  concrete  economic  re- 
sults sought  and  obtained  for  the 
workers  of  this  country  through  con- 
certed action  that  exists.  While  the 
combined  membership  of  labor  unions 
in  this  country  form  but  a  small  per 
cent,  of  the  total  army  of  workers,  it 
none  the  less  furnishes  the  brain  yeast 
that  is  fermenting  the  human  mass  of 
dough  into  a  far  better  digestible  form 
for  the  absorption  of  thought  and  ac- 
tion that  will  bring  to  them  a  higher 
standard  of  life,  than  can  be  found  in 
the  larger  per  cent,  of  the  unorganized 
mass.  Corporate  bodies  throughout 
the  world  realize  this  instantly.  Un- 
fortunately twenty  million  workers  fn 
this  country  do  not.  As  proof  of  these 
assertions,  one  has  but  to  observe  the 
time  and  attention  in  capitalistic  pa- 
pers and  especially  those  of  them  pub- 
lished by  commercial  bodies  devoted  to 
the  denunciation  of  the  small  part  of 
the  laborers  who  are  allied  with  labor 
unions  and  the  ignoring  of  the  vastly 
larger  percentage  of  those  who  are  not 
so  allied.  For  the  small  groups  of  or- 
ganized forces  you  will  find  pages  of 
studied  effort  deprecating  their  ''en- 
deavor to  make  brighter  the  conditions 
of  life  for  those  who  do  useful  work, 
while  for  the  great  majority  of  half- 
starving  workers,  too  timid  or  too  Ig 
nomnt  to  awaken  to  the  importance  of 
the  powers  they  possess  and  make  us{» 
of  them,  they  have  scarcely  a  passing 
notice.  Labor  unions  afford  the  best 
opportunity  for  the  collection  of  data 
relative  to  things  that  work  to  the 
advantage  or  detriment  of  those  em- 
ployed in  the  different  crafts  of  work- 


manship and  even  our  government  de- 
partments seeking  information  and  ad- 
vice relative  to  such  informa.tion,  look 
to  this  union  minority  for  it,  rather 
than  to  the  unorganized  majority.  How 
much  more  both  the  capitalistic  pow- 
ers and  the  governmental  servants  (7) 
would  look  to  it,  and  respect  it  too,  if 
the  unorganized  majority  were  trans- 
formed into  an  organized  majority,  cam 
never  be  told  until  such  transforma- 
tion has  been  consummated  and  i^s 
forces  properly  applied.  To  make  such 
transformation  and  do  such  educational 
work  is  the  mission  of  the  present  or- 
ganized forces  in  the  union  labor 
movement.  It  has  required  years  of 
ceaseless  toil  to  develop  the  movement 
to  its  present  proportions  and  some 
time  will  yet  be  required  to  convert 
the  minority  of  union  workers  into  a 
majority '  of  all  the  workers,  but  it 
must  be  done  or  its  true  mission  will 
have  failed  of  its  purpose.  But  union 
labor  must  give  attention  to  political, 
as  well  as  industrial  matters,  since  ai! 
industrial  concerns  must  get  their 
license  or  other  form  of  right  to  exist 
and  transact  business  through  the 
sanction  of  the  city.  State  or  Federal 
Government,  and  each  of  which  can 
perform  such  functions  only  in  the 
manner  as  authorized  by  the  suffrages 
of  the  sovereign  citizenship  of  such 
political  aggregation  under  which  it 
is  located.  Since  the  conditions  under 
which  our  supplies  of  life  and  com- 
forts are  produced  and  distributed  are 
of  such  vital  importance  to  the  welfare 
of  the  workers,  and  since  they  have 
the  constituted  power  to  regulate  the 
conditions  tuvder  which  they  may  ex- 
ist, it  becomes  evident  to  those  giving 
any  serious  thought  to  the  question, 
how  very  important  it  becomes  for  the 
workers,  and  especially  the  unioa 
labor  part  of  it,  to  become  vitally  in- 
terested in  getting  control  of  the  legis- 
lative, judicial,  military  and  execu- 
tive functions  of  our  government  and 


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eperale  them  for  tlieir  own  advantage, 
instead  of  turning  them  over  to  others 
as  they  have  heen  doing  since  the 
creation  of  the  government.  Every  la- 
bor controversy  adds  another  demon- 
stration to  the  fallacy  of  the  purpose 
of  those  in  power  to  do  the  fair  thing 
by  union  labor,  or  any  other  kind  'f 
labor  that  seeks  for  an  honorable 
standard  of  opportunity.  When  the 
hosts  of  labor  get  control  of  the  police 
and  other  armed  forces,  their  clubs 
will  not  mutilate  their  skulls,  army 
bayonets  and  bullets  will  not  saturate 
with  blood  the  garments  of  workers 
when  their  only  offense  is  a  demand 
for  proper  sustenance.  Labor  is  be- 
ginning to  realize  these  truths,  even 
though  feebly  as  yet,  and  after  a  few 
more  years  of  police  practice  on  their 
heads,  their  thinkers  will  take  on  a 
more  active  and  aggressive  form  and 
they  will  then  take  possession  of  the 
olubB  and  guns  and  either  appropriate 
them  to  their  own  protection  or  dis- 
card them  altogether  and  relegate 
th«m  to  the  storehouse  of  oblivion 
along  with  other  barbaric  worthless 
things.  There  must  be  a  combination 
of  labor  power  in  both  the  industrial 
and  political  field  before  labor  can  ever 
hope  to  attain  for  the  hosts  of  which 
it  is  composed,  that  which  is  their 
due — the  product  of  their  toil.  The 
progress  already  made  by  the  various 
organizations  of  whidh  the  union  labor 
movement  is  composed,  has  been  a 
•ontinuous  struggle  against  a  well-or- 
ganized foe,  the  combined  aggregation 
of  big  business.  Every  onward  step 
union  labor  seeks  to  make  will  be  co.i- 
tested  by  the  same  aggressive  foe  with 
which  it  has  ever  had  to  encounter. 
But  that  must  not  deter  it  from  it.s 
•nward  and  honorable  mission,  the 
unionizing  and  properly  educating  of 
all  the  useful  toilers  of  the  land  as  to 
their  status  and  duties  in  the  indus- 
trial and  political  field.  The  union  la- 
bor membership  must  allow  nothing  to 


divert  or  confuse  its  purposes  in  its 
efforts  to  swell  its  ranks  until  within 
its  fold  is  found  every  man  and  wo- 
man engaged  in  any  form  of  useful  in- 
dustrial labor.  The  goal  is  of  such  im 
portance  that  there  must  be  no  cessa- 
tion of  effort  or  meandering  from  well- 
tried  course  towards  its  attainment 
When  properly  organized,  both  politic- 
ally and  industrially,  the  ends  sought 
by  labor  will  find  a  much  more  Just 
and  easy  form  of  solution  than  now. 
when  only  organized  industrially. 


A  WORD  OF  FRIENDLY  ADVICE  TO  OUR 
MEMBERS. 

In  last  month's  Joubnal  our  Inter- 
national President  called  the  atten- 
tion of  our  members  to  Sections  304 
and  304a  of  our  constitution,  wlhich 
pertain  to  the  subject  of  soliciting  do 
nations  for  souvenir  books,  or  any 
other  form  of  printed  matter,  from  the 
general  or  the  business  public.  If  all 
the  members  had  consulted  the  consti 
tution,  as  they  should  have  done,  and 
based  their  actions  accordingly  in  re- 
gard to  such  matters,  there  would  have 
been  no  necessity  for  calling  their 
attention  to  the  matter  at  this  tim'3. 
But  such  has  not  been  the  case  in  re- 
gard to  all  our  members,  since  some 
of  them  have  considered  it  expedient 
to  take  the  matter  in  their  own  hands 
and  Ignore  the  laws  of  the  union  and 
either  do  such  work  themselves  or  bai  • 
gain  with  non-members  to  do  it  foi* 
them.  As  the  result  of  such  non-ob- 
servance of  our  constitution  pertaining 
to  such  matters  there  have  been 
arrests  recently  made  by  the  union  of 
parties  who  were  soliciting  donations 
and  advertisements  in  the  name  of  the 
organization  without  the  sanction  of 
the  International  President  and  Grand 
Board  of  Directors  to  do  so.  They 
were  impostors  and  had  worked  sev- 
eral prominent  business  men  before 
being  detected  and  arrested.    It  is  not 


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known  at  this  time  what  the  outcome 
of   their   trial   will   be.     But  we  are 
within   proper  bounds   when   we  say 
that  any   member   enga^ring   In   such 
business  unlawfully  must  do  so  know- 
ing just  what  he  is  doing.    If  he  has 
not  complied  with  the  constitution  per- 
taining to  the  matter,  he  is  not  only 
violating  our  laws,  but  those  of  the 
State  as  well,  and  it  is  the  purpose 
of  the  orgBQizatlon  to  have  arrested 
and  prosecuted   everyone,   whether  a 
member  or  non-member,  found  guilty 
of  such  work  under  those  conditions. 
Wbile    saying    this,    it    may   also   ba 
borne  in  mind  that  it  is  not  the  object 
or  Intention  to  persecute  anyone.    All 
the  organization  insists  upon  is  full 
compliance  with  its  laws  in  regard  to 
this  matter — nothing  more,  or  nothing 
less.     If,  therefore,  any  of  our  mem 
bers  do  unlawful  things  pertaining  to 
this  question  they  are  doing  so  with 
their  eyes  open  and  must  not  be  sur- 
prised to  find  themselves  brought  be- 
fore court  to  answer  for  such  misde- 
meanors.   All  that  is  required  of  the 
members  to  prevent  difficulties  of  thlK 
nature    is    to    familiarize    themselven 
with  the  constitution  and  then  live  up 
to  its  requirements.  Any  other  method 
is  wrong  and  can  but  lead  to  trouble 
for  the  transgressors.    A  word  of  ad 
vice  to  the  wise  should  be  sufficient, 
a»  we  are  sincerely  in  hopes  it  will  be. 
There  was  no  motive  on  the  part  of 
the  President  of  the  S.  U.  in  his  letter 
bearing  upon  this  subject  other  than 
insisting   upon   proper   observance   of 
the  constitution  to  the  sections  above 
referred  to,  the  same  as  would  be  the 
case  in   violations  of  any  other  sec- 
tions of  the  laws  governing  the  organi 
zation.    Violations  of  established  rules 
of  the  union  will  but  lead  to  trouble 
and    all    members    should    be    manly 
enough  to  conform  to  them  and  mani- 
fest a  spirit  of  fairness  for  them,  espe- 
cially so  when  every  lodge  had  a  voice 
in  the  making  of  those  rules. 


WOMAN  SUrrRAGC  ADVANCEMENT. 

Whatever  victories  or  defeats  the 
different  political  parties  were  heir  t# 
when  the  polls  closed  on  election  day, 
Nov.  5th,  the  woman  suffrage  move- 
ment received  its  greatest  single  Im- 
petus yet  obtained.  The  States  of 
Kansas,  Oregon,  Arizona  and  Michigam 
voted  in  the  affirmative  on  the  ques- 
tion granting  to  women  the  right  to 
vote  upon  an  equality  with  male  citi- 
zens. By  gaining  the  right  to  full  citi- 
zenship in  those  four  progressive  com- 
monwealths the  advocates  of.  womam 
suffrage  have  achieved  a  great  victory. 

To  the  six  States  where  the  prin- 
ciple had  already  been  championed 
and  won  will  now  be  added  another 
million  votes,  provided  all  the  women 
now  eligible  to  vote  care  to  exercise 
the  privilege  of  suffrage  arranged  for 
them  at  the  recent  election.  The  com- 
bined vote  cast  at  the  Presidential  elec- 
tion in  1908  in  Kansas,  Oregon  and 
Michigan  was  1,028.584.  It  will,  there- 
fore, be  readily  observed  that  the  new 
right  achieved  for  women  to  partici- 
pate with  full  citizen  rights  in  govern- 
ment affairs,  has  met  with  greater 
success  this  year  than  during  any 
other  in  the  history  of  the  movement. 
The  victory  achieved  is  all  the  more 
remarkable  when  the  fact  of  the  deep- 
seated  prejudice  that  has  always  pre 
vailed  against  affording  women  this 
priceless  privilege  is  taken  into  con- 
sideration. In  Wisconsin,  Ohio  and 
other  States  where  the  movement  met 
with  temporary  defeat,  the  victories 
gained  by  the  opposition  were  nothing 
to  brag  over,  and  in  each  contest  rela- 
tive to  the  matter  there  was  noticeable 
evidence  of  a  growing  conviction  as  to 
the  merits  of  the  cause,  as  well  as  to 
the  fact  that  if  for  the  time  defeated 
it  would  be  triumphant  in  the  near  fu- 
ture. Just  why  one-half  of  the  world's 
citizenship,  and  especially  the  part  of 
it  that  has  had  to  bear  the  greater 
burden  of  the  ills    of    social    duties. 


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skould  have  been  deprived  during  all  mand  for  staple  goods  made  and  sold 

the  ages  of  history  of  the  enjoyment  of  under   fair  union  conditions  towards 

this   sacred    privilege,    is   an   enigma  employes  making  them,  is  a  splendid 

hard  to  solve.     With  the  two  million  testimonial    of   a   growing    sentiment 

voters  now  obtained,  to  which  will  be  among   the   workers   of   this   country 

added  other  millions  in  the  near  fu-  that  they  are  entitled  to  have  an  op- 

ture   unless   present    indications    are  portunity  of  doing  their  work  under 

sadly  at  variance  with  the  signs  of  the  humane  conditions  and  to  receive  a 

times,  the  advocates  of  equal  suffrage  fair    remuneration    for    services    reu- 

have  much  to  feel  thankful  for.  dered  in  the  production  and  distribu- 

tion  of  things  made  by  their  labors. 

ENCOURAGE  UNION  LABEL  MOVEMENT  It  is  a  most  regretable  fact,  however. 

An  interesting  array  of  figures  bear  ^^f  ^^f  Pf  ^^^}'  f  consumption  or 

ing   upon   union    label    products,    as  ^^^^^  l^bel   products  is   so  small    In 

given  out  by  The  Union  Label  Tildes  ^^^^P^^^^^,  ^^.^^   non-union  products. 

Department  of  the  American  Federa-  Especially  is  it  regretable  that  sucn 

tion  of  Labor,  and  which  relates  to  the  *«  ^^"^  ^^^^  ^^^*^«  *^t<^  consideration 

growing    demands    for    union    labor  the  fact  that  such  a  large  percentage 

products,   is    here   given   for  the   en-  ^^   union-earned   money   is   spent   for 

Mghtenment    of    the    readers    of    our  the  purchase  of  non-union  products.  If 

proper    judgment    were    exercised   by 

1^11  1912  INCBBASJ2 

United  Brewery  Workmen  Int'l  Union.  41,836350  44,239,850  2,403,000 

American    Wire    Weavers*    Protective 

Association   6,000  6,000  

Stove  Mounters*  International  Union . .  20,000  22,000  2,000 

United    Cloth    Hat   and    Cap   Makers' 

Union   4,015,000  5,305,000  1,290,000 

Tobacco  Workers*  Infl  Union S83^0O,000        408^25,000        25,025,000 

Glove  Workers*  Int*l  Union 1,841,500  1,874,500  33,000 

United  Garment  Workers*  Union 42,384,000  45,430,000  2,048,000 

Bakery    and    Confectionery    Workers' 

Union   048,210,590        555,439,000  7,228,410 

United  Textile  Workers  of  America. . .        240,000  400,000  160,000 

Travelers'  Goods  and  Leather  Novelty 

Workers    11,000  47,000  3i6,000 

Journeyman  Tailors*  Union 511,000  529,681  18.8G1 

International  Molders*  Union 28,100 

International  Brotherhood  of  Electrical 

Workers 33,675 

Cigarmakers*  International  Union 28,315,000  28,600,000  285,000 

American  Federation  of  Labor 9,309,000  9,423,000  114,000 

1911  1912  Decrease 

United  Hatters  of  North  America 16,660,000  16,473,832  1»6,16S 

As  will  be  observed  by  a  study  of  union  men  and  their  families  the  ar- 

these  figures,  a  substantial  increase  in  ray    of   statistics    given    out    by    the 

clemand  for  union  label  products  was  Union  Label  Department  of  the  Ameri- 

made  by  purchasers  of  nearly  every  can  Federation  of  Labor  would  present 

line  of  goods  arranged  in  this  table  of  a   vastly    different   aspect   from    that 

produdts  during  this  year  as  compared  which  it  now  does.    The  unionizing  of 

with    last   year.     This   increased    de-  all  the  factories  and  shops  of  the  coun- 

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try  depends  directly  upon  the  demand 
for  union-made  goods.  So  the  figures 
given  out  by  this  department  of  the 
American  Federation  of  Labor  will  be 
expressive  of  the  growing  or  declining  . 
demand  for  the  union  badge  of  honor 
upon  their  purchases.  It  will  be  ob- 
served from  the  above  table  that  the 
demand  for  union-made  hats  decreased 
this  year,  as  compared  with  last  year 
This  is  especially  regretable  from  the 
fact  of  that  splendid  union  having 
been  marked  for  slaughter  by  the  rep 
resentatives  of  big  business  and  the 
contortions  of  court  reasoning  and  de- 
crees issued  to  exploit  its  funds  and 
break  up  the  homes  of  its  members  by 
confiscation  of  property  owned  by  its 
members  to  satisfy  the.  judgments 
called  for  by  capitalistic  owned  courts. 
Surely*  if  there  ever  was  a  time  when 
union  label  hat  wear  should  be  called 
for  it  is  now.  iNothing  will  please 
scab  hat  makers  and  their  court  digni- 
taries better  than  to  observe  the  de- 
dining  demand  for  union  label  hats, 
and  nothing  will  place  the  fear  of  Ood 
in  their  hearts  and  respect  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  workers  as  will  a  rapidly 
increasing  demand  for  the  union  label, 
and  what  is  true  of  hats,  applies  to 
everything  else.  It,  therefore,  behooves 
every  union  man  and  woman  to  insist 
at  all  times  for  the  union  badge  of 
workmanship  being  attached  to  as 
nearly  as  possible  all  their  purchases. 
When  non-union  establishments  sec 
their  trade  slipping  away  from  them 
on  account  of  disrespect  for  the  mate- 
rial welfare  of  those  producing  the^r 
goods,  they  will  soon  awaken  to  the 
necessity  of  conforming  to  honorable 
principles  or  will  get  out  of  business. 
No  other  stimulant  will  bring  them  to 
their  senses  or  to  fair  terms  in  regard 
to  such  matters,  as  will  a  strong  and 
continuous  demand  for  the  union  label. 
All  union  men  and  women  should 
enlist  their  services  in  the  honorable 
crusade,  as  shown  by  the  above  table 


to  be  bearing  good  fruit;  spend  their 
earnings  for  union  products  and  en- 
courage their  friends  to  do  likewise. 
If  such  a  spirit  on  the  part  of  unio;i 
workers  is  strictly  adhered  to  the  gain 
in  oonsumption  of  union  products, 
when  tabulated  a  year  hence  by  this 
department  of  the  American  Federa- 
tion of  Labor,  will  have  shown  a  mar- 
velous increase  over  increases  here 
given.  We  should  all  encourage  tho 
union  label  movement. 


A.  F.  OF  L.  CONVENTION. 

The  A.  P.  of  L.  convention  in  ses- 
sion at  Rochester  has  been  noted  for 
the  interest  taken  by  the  delegates 
upon  every  question  affecting  the 
status  of  organized  labor.  The  dele- 
gates composing  the  convention  varr 
considerable  in  belief  as  to  forms  of 
unions,  whether  they  should  be  based 
upon  the  craft  union  plan  as  most  of 
them  now  are,  or  be  organized  upon 
the  industrial  plan.  We  believe  it  is 
at  least  generally  conceded  that  there 
should  be  a  closer  affiliation  between 
all  unions  whose  members  work  Cor 
the  same  industrial  concerns.  This 
convention  was  a  great  educator  for 
all  those  fortunate  enough  to  attend 
it.  President  Heberling  ^nd  Vice- 
President  Connors  are  representing 
the  interests  of  this  union  at  this  con- 
vention. The  officers'  and  fraternal 
delegate  reports  were  very  elaborate 
and  are  well  worthy  of  careful  study. 


AT  THE  FEAST  OF  BELSHAZZAR.  ETC. 

"I  cannot  toast  that  fiag  while  trade 
unionism  exists  in  this  country."  S«. 
it  is  reported,  said  a  speaker  at  a*, 
employers'  banquet  recently.  Com- 
pared with  this  pharasaical  utterance 
should  be  another  statement,  said  tt 
have  been  made  by  President  Roose- 
velt: "I  was  surprised,  during  th? 
Spanish  war,  to  find  how  large  a  num- 
ber  of  dead   soldiers   were   identified 


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by  trades  union  cards  found  in  their 
rockets."  Further  comment  seems  ur. 
Becessary. — Rev,    Charles   Btelzle. 

We  know  nothing  personally  as  to 
the  truthfulness  or  falsity  of  the  above 
quoted  assertions  coming  to  the  notice 
•f  the  Rev.  Charles  Stelzle,  however, 
they  harmonize  fairly  well  with  the 
average  manifestations  of  love  dis- 
played for  union  workers  by  philan- 
thropic employers  of  men  and  women. 
It  usually  requires  a  great  spread  or 
banquet  to  tone  business  magnets  up 
to  the  point  of  giving  expression  to 
their  feelings  relative  to  those  who 
do  the  necessary  work  that  enables 
them  to  revel  in  luxury  at  bounteously 
supplied  tables.  But,  whether  at  ban- 
quets or  elsewhere,  it  would  require 
most  powerful  lenses  to  detect  in  the 
average  big  business  man's  mind  any 
traces  of  love  for  the  flag  unless  as- 
sured in  advance  such  patriotic  im- 
pulse would  be  the  means  of  adding 
revenue  to  his  business.  But,  when 
once  so  assured,  he  becomes  the  per- 
sonification of  loyalty  to  his  (?)  flag 
and  is  then  ready  to  defend  it  with  the 
blood  of  the  poor  deluded  suckers  in 
his  employ  at  any  price,  with  th< 
understanding  that  the  government 
foots  the  bill  In  toto.  Wonderful,  isn't 
it,  the  amount  of  respect  shown  the 
tag  by  business  men  at  banquets? 
Wonderful  also,  isn't  it,  how  battl<^ 
fields  are  noted  for  the  absence  of 
business  men?  How  much  better  for 
all  concerned  it  would  be  if  our  bat- 
tles were  all  fought  at  modern  day 
banquet  tables  than  where  they  are. 
The  flag  would  be  purified  (?)  th(* 
casualty  list  would  not  be  w6rth  the 
while  of  making  a  fuss  over  and  the 
poor  deluded  workers  now  supplying 
the  viands  for  banqueters  who  de- 
nounce them,  would  be  vastly  better 
off  for  whatever  loss  occurred  at  such 
Belshazzam  spreads. 

As  to  the  alleged  surprise  of  Roose- 


velt in  finding  so  many  trades  union 
cards  upon  the  bodies  of  dead  soldiers, 
it  did  not  seem  to  have  appreciable 
effect  upon  his  mind  that  those  union 
cards  represented  principles  of  ster 
ling  qualities  of  democracy  found 
among  no  other  class  of  the  humau 
race.  At  least  he  sent  troops  to  stop 
their  breath  at  the  Croton  Dam  when 
they,  had  the  nerve  to  strike  and  try 
and  enforce  the  eight-hour  law  he  had 
sworn,  as  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York  to  do,  but  which  he  did  not 
do.  Neither  did  he  have  much  regard 
for  bearers  of  such  cards  when  he  de 
nounced  as  "undesirable  citizens" 
three  labor  leaders  on  trial  for  their 
lives,  thereby  prejudicing  their  chancea 
of  proving  their  innocence  of  the 
crimes  with  which  they  were  charged 
If  Mr.  Stelzle  could  in  some  manner 
secure  data  from  Roosevelt  as  to  the 
kind  of  card  the  poor  Spanish  soldi 3'* 
carried  whom  the  Colonel  acknowl- 
edged "pasting"  in  the  back  with  ^ 
bullet  that  stopped  his  breath  (the 
soldier's),  we  would  be  grateful  to  him 
for  the  service,  as  we  believe  many 
others  would  be. 


NEW  LODGE  AT  EDMONTON,  ALBERTA 

Vice-President  Clohessy  placed-  a 
new  charter  of  this  organization  at 
Edmonton,  Alberta,  Canada,  Oct.  20th. 
This  new  lodge  wil  be  known  as  Ed- 
monton Lodge  No.  170.  Bro.  Clohessy 
informs  us  this  new  annex  is  composed 
of  experienced  switchmen  who  were 
convinced  the  Switchmen's  Union  is 
the  organization  with  which  they 
should  become  aflillated.  So  feeling, 
they  followed  up  their  convictions, 
with  the  result  that  they  now  have  a 
lodge  of  true  and  tried  workers  and 
are  hopeful  of  making  it  a  strong, 
active  lodge.  Edmonton  is  an  im- 
portant point  on  the  Canadian  Pacific 
and  Grand  Trunk  railroads,  and  is  lo- 
cated in  the  province  of  Alberta,  whloh 


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is  being  settled  and  developed  very 
rapidly,  due  to  the  fertility  of  its  soil, 
mineral  deposits  and  other  natural  ad- 
vantages possessed.  We  hope  each  of 
the  charter  members  of  this  new  lodge 
will  become  an  active  worker  in  be- 
half of  its  success,  and  that  every 
member  of  any  of  our  other  lodges  who 
may  enter  switching  service  there  will 
do  likewise.  If  this  is  done,  Lodg^  No. 
170  will  soon  become  a  strong  addition 
to  our  roster  of  lodges.  We  welcome 
this  new  lodge  into  our  organization 
and  wish  it  every  possible  success  in 
its  efforts  to  thrive. 

Until  further  notice,  its  meetings 
will  be  held  in  Mechanics'  Hall,  on 
Third  street,  on  the  fourth  Sunday 
evenings  of  the  month.  At  the  first 
meeting  held  the  following  named 
brothers  were  elected  as  its  officers: 

President— J.  J.  McGreevey,  107 
Elizabeth  street. 

Vice-President— James  P.  Tone,  68 
Woodworth  avenue. 

Secretary-Treasurer — G.  W.  Ware, 
446  Namago  avenue. 


CONVENTION    ASSESSMENT    DUE    AND 
PAYABLE  IN  JANUARY.  1913. 

The  attention  of  all  members  in  this 
union  is  hereby  called  to  Section  64 
of  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
which  reads  as  follows:  "There  shall 
bo  created  a  convention  fund  into 
which  every  member  of  this  union 
shall  pay,  in  January  of  each  year, 
one  dollar,  which  includes  all  mem- 
bers (new  or  reinstated)  paying 
Grand  or  local  dues  for  that  mon+h. 
Any  deficiency  in  the  amount  collected, 
caused  by  suspension,  withdrawal  or 
transfer,  shall  be  made  good  by  the 
lodge  wherein  such  suspension,  with- 
drawal or  transfer  occurred"  As  will 
be  observed,  the  above  quoted  section 
from  our  constitution  requires  the  pay- 
ment of  one  dollar  convention  assess- 
ment from  every  member  of  this  union 


during  the  month  of  January.  The 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer  has  a 
notice  in  regard  to  this  assessment 
which  will  be  found  on  another  page 
in  this  issue  of  the  Joubnal.  He  is 
anxious  that  all  members  attend  to 
the  payment  of  this  assessment 
promptly,  so  that  all  the  treasurers 
can  forward  the  full  amount  with 
their  February  remittances.  In  order 
to  prevent  any  excuse  for  not  attend- 
ing to  this  important  matter  promptly 
your  attention  has  been  called  to  it  at 
this  time.  Let  us  all  look  after  this 
right  away  so  we  can  get  it  off  oar 
minds  and  the  funds  in  possession  of 
the  Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 
There  should  be  no  "fall  downs"  in 
regard  to  this  assessment. 


AfTER  THE  ELECTION. 

The  great  political  campaign  recent- 
ly closed  resulted  in  the  election  of 
the  Democratic  President,  House  of 
Representatives,  and  an  almost  equally 
divided  Senate.  While  President-elect 
Wilson  failed  to  receive  as  large  a 
popular  vote  as  have  several  other 
candidates,  he  will  receive  the  largest 
electoral  vote  of  any  one  who  has  ever 
become  an  occupant  of  the  White 
House.  This  unusual  situation  was 
due  to  the  advent  of  the  Progressive 
party  and  the  large  number  of  votes  it 
polled,  and  the  large  increase  in  the 
Socialist  vote  polled  over  that  of  any 
preceding  year. 

The  large  number  of  former  Repub- 
lican voters  defiected  to  the  Progres- 
sive party  enabled  the  Democratic 
party  to  carry  nearly  every  State  in 
the  Union.  Never  before  in  this  coun- 
try wsLs  there  such  an  alienation  of 
voters  from  old  party  affiliations,  nor 
a  greater  rebuke  to  a  party  in  power 
for  sins  of  commission  and  omission 
than  was  recorded  on  Nov.  5th. 

Never  before  was  there  such  a  large 
clear-cut  Socialist  vote  in  this  country. 


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and  never  was  there  such  an  effort  put 
forth  by  the  old  and  the  new-born 
liarties  to  prevent  it  from  being  such. 
The  Progressives  elected  several 
representatives  to  various  State  legis- 
latures and  to  Congress,  but  were  un- 
successful in  gubernatorial  contests. 
The  •Socialists  lost  their  only  repre- 
sentative in  Congress,  but  it  required 
a  fusion  of  Republicans  and  Democrats 
to  defeat  him.  But  several  Socialists 
were  elected  to  State  legislatures  and 
many  of  their  candidates  were  success- 
ful in  county  and  municipal  contests. 
Beginning  March  4th,  the  Democrats 
will  have  an  opportunity  to  carry  into 
operation  whatever  reforms  they  deem 
■advisable  to  inaugurate.  President- 
elect Wilson  stated  in  his  Labor  Day 
address  at  Buffalo  that  whatever  labor 
had  secured  in  the  way  of  advance- 
ment for  the  various  crafts  had  been 
secured  thi'ough  their  unions,  and  not 
by  legislation.  Labor  unions,  or  at 
least  some  of  them,  are  cognizant  of 
the  fact  that  the  conditions  of  all  labor 
would  have  been  greatly  advanced  had 
it  received  the  attention  it  should 
from  the  government.  Mr.  Wilson  will 
soon  have  an  opportunity  to  see  how 
sood  a  friend  he  is-  to  proposed  labor 
legislation,  as  there  are  a  number  of 
good  bills  pigeonholed  at  Washington 
awaiting  the  attention  of  some  really 
progressive  executive.  With  a  growing 
discontent  among  the  workers  of  the 
country  against  the  treatment  received 
from  those  in  control  of  government, 
something  must  be  done  to  relieve  or 
abolish  unjust  economic  conditions,  or 
the  incoming  administration  will 
meet  a  worse  Waterloo  in  1916  than 
the  old  established  oligarchy  did  last 
month.  Thirty  million  workers  are 
greatly  in  need  of  better  opportunities 
of  life,  and  they  are  becoming  educated 
to  the  fact  there  is  no  need  of  suffer- 
ance among  their  ranks  for  those  will- 
ing to  work! 


ANNUAL  BALL  OF  LODGE  No.  199. 

Chicago  Lodge  No.  199  will  hold  its 
annual  reception  and  ball  on  Thurs- 
day evening,  January  30,  1913,  at 
Masonic  Temple  Drill  Hall  on  the 
seventeenth  floor,  State  and  Randolph 
streets.  Tickets,  admitting  gentleman 
and  lady,  are  one  dollar.  '  Music  wil! 
be  furnished  by  Bramhall's  Orchestra. 
An  enjoyable  time  is  assured  to  all 
who  attend.  All  members  of  the  Chi- 
cago lodges  and  visiting  brothers  from 
elsewhere  are  especially  invited  toibe 
present.  Members  of  Lodge  No.  190 
will,  of  course,  exert  themselves  in  th-^ 
disposition  of  tickets  and  in  aiding 
in  every  way  possible  the  committee  *n 
charge  to  make  the  event  moat  enjoy- 
able to  all,  as  well  as  profitable  to  the 
lodge.  Let  there  be  no  failures  in  re- 
gard to  this  and  it  will  be  the  best  en- 
tertainment we  have  ever  given. 
J.  W.  Hemen, 

Secretary  No.  199. 


Balky  horses  are  always  in  trouble. 
The  same  is  true  of  balky  men  and  wo- 
men. We  should  all  not  only  get  into 
the  harness  of  progress,  but  try  faith- 
fully to  pull  our  full  share  of  the  load 
to  which  we  are  necessarily  hitched. 


What  are  you  doing  for  the  cause 
of  your  union?  Now  is  an  opportune 
time  for  members  of  this  union  to  in- 
crease its  membership  and  strengthen 
it  in  many  ways.  The  lodge  to  which 
you  belong  is  either  progressing  or 
retrogressing  and  that  just  in  propor- 
tion to  the  encouragement  or  discour- 
agement received  from  you.  Take  ad- 
vantage of  your  opportunity  and  "make 
hay  while  the  sun  shines." 


This  union  needs  every  switchman 
within  its  ranks,  but  no  more  so  than 
every  switchman  needs  the  protection 
of  the  union  organized  for  the  promo- 
tion  of  the   interests    of    switchmen. 


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The  interest  of  one  to  the  other  is  re- 
ciprocal. All  switchmen  are  greatly 
benefited  by  it  and  all  should  be  mem- 
bers of  it.  What  are  you  doing, 
brothers,  to  get  them  into  it  and  keep 
them  In  It?  It's  growth  or  decay  de- 
pend directly  upon  what  you  are  doing 
in  regard  to  these  matters. 


How  regrettable  Is  the  truth  that  so 
many  men  are  ungrateful  for  the 
things  they  enjoy,  and  yet  are  not  will- 
ing to-  join  in  a  cause  that  has  been 
accountable  for  their  opportunity  of 
enjoyment  of  them.  If  any  of  them 
work  with  you  try  to  drive  such 
truth  deep  into  their  craniums. 


Now  that  switchmen  are  subjected 
to  unusual  hazards  on  account  of  win- 
try elements,  it  behooves  them  to 
exercise  every  possible  precaution  to 
prevent  receiving  personal  Injuries 
while  in  the  performance  of  their 
duties.  Winter  months  always  claim 
a  larger  casualty  record  than  do  sum- 
mer months  from  those  doing  such 
work.  Special  care  should  be  taken 
by  all  engaged  in  this  service  to  keep 
the  injured  list  as  low  as  possible. 
Even  when  it  is  lowest  it  is  entirely 
too  high.  All  should  endeavor  to  safe- 
guard every  movement  as  much  as  pos- 
sible. 


The  man  or  woman  who  aids  the 
cause  of  humanity  most  is  the  one 
who  takes  up  the  cause  of  those  who 
do  the  world's  useful  work,  and  de- 
votes his  or  her  life  in  earnest  en- 
deavor to  educate  them  to  a  realiza- 
tion of  power  possessed  and  the  proper 
appropriation  of  it  for  their  benefit. 
Life  without  such  incentive  isn't  worth 
much. 


To  catch  my  friend's  attention,  I 
talk  to  him  about  his  neighbor;  to 
keep  it,  I  talk  to  him  about  himself; 
but  to  divert  it,  I  talk  to  him  about 
myself. 


Prom  President  Heberlifig. 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
To   all  Lodges  and  Members  of   the 
8,U.ofN,A.: 

I  desire  to  call  the  attention  of  our 
members  to  a  couple  of  questions 
which  I  deem  of  considerable  import 
ance  to  the  union  at  this  time,  name- 
ly: precaution  against  the  loss  an* 
abuse  of  receipts  and  traveling  cards, 
and  the  sections  in  our  constitutiom 
relative  to  the  election  and  duties  of 
delegates  to  conventions. 

In  order  to  obviate  possibility  ot 
wrongful  possession  and  use  of  re- 
ceipts and  traveling  cards  emanating 
from  subordinate  lodges  of  this  union, 
our  members  are  cautioned  against  thp 
impropriety  of  allowing  such  creden- 
tials intended  for  themselves  only  t» 
get  into  the  possession  of  any  one  els^\ 

The  misuse  and  abuse  of  monthLv 
receipts  and  traveling  cards  not  onl>' 
work  a  hardship  upon  members  allow- 
ing them  to  get  beyond  their  control 
but  reflect  to  the  injury  of  the  subor- 
dinate lodge  and  the  organization  as 
well.  We  realize  that  mishaps,  such 
as  loss,  etc.,  of  such  papers,  are  liable 
to  occur  and  especially  so  to  those  wh» 
are  traveling  in  search  of  employment, 
but  every  precaution  should  be  taken 
to  prevent  them.  If  a  receipt  has  been 
lost  or  stolen,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
member  to  report  such  fact  to  his 
lodge  treasurer,  as  well  as  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  so  the 
matter  can  be  published  in  the  Jour- 
nal and  all  members  advised  of  the 
fact  and  prepared  to  take  up  such 
credentials  when  found  in  wrong 
hands.  Sometimes  our  members  are 
entirely  too  lax  in  ascertaining  the 
standing  in  the  union  of  those  ap- 
proaching them  for  favors,  and  who  •!♦ 
so  under  the  pretense  of  belonging  to 
it.  Sometimes  also  they  rue  the  da»* 
when,  allowing  themselves  to  have 
acted  impulsively  in  regard  to  the  mat- 
ter of  taking  things  for  granted,  they 
afterwards  awaken  to  the  fact  they 
were  being  used  as  a  means  of  fraud. 
Not  long  ago  a  member  of  this  union 
was  trimmed  to  the  extent  of  f27.0i 
on  account  of  vouching  for  the  stand- 
ing in  this  union  of  a  man  requesting 
transportation  under  the  pretext  of 
search  for  employment.  He  was  in  the 
possession  of  up-to-date  receipt  and 
traveling  card  in  our  union  and,  oa 
the  strength  of  them,  a  good  brother 


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vouched  for  him.  Afterwarda  the  rail- 
road company  ascertained  the  man 
wasn't  a  member  of  the  union  and  de- 
ducted the  amount  from  the  brother's 
pay,  equaling  a  first-class  fare  for  the 
distance  traveled  by  the  impostor.  Had 
he  been  subjected  to  a  proper  test  as 
to  membership  in  the  union,  it  is  most 
likely  the  deception  would  have  been 
discovered  right  away  and  the  impos- 
tor could  have  been  relieved  of  re- 
ceipts, cards,  etc.,  and  such  action 
taken  in  regard  to  him  as  would  have 
placed  him  in  his  true  light.  A  man 
recently  died  in  a  hospital,  having 
among  his  effects  a  traveling  card  is- 
sued by  a  lodge  of  this  union.  The 
card  didn't  belong  to  him,  but  on  ac- 
count of  it  being  on  his  person  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  the  body  received 
considerations  it  otherwise  would  not 
have  received.  Since  this  incident  oc- 
curred the  brother  to  whom  the  card 
was  issued  has  been  heard  from  a  con- 
siderable distance  away  from  the  place 
where  the  man  died.  From  these  two 
illustrations  there  could  be  others  like 
them  furnished  of  things  happening 
on  account  of  carelessness  in  regard  to 
official  documents  getting  out  of  the 
possession  of  those  to  whom  they  be- 
longed. It  is  hoped  the  attention  of 
our  members'  minds  will  become  so 
riveted  upon  the  propriety  of  getting 
thoroughly  in  touch  with  the  workings 
of  the  union  so  they  will  be  able  to  de- 
tect all  fraud  against  it  under  wha*^- 
ever  guise  it  appears.  Such  interest 
in  the  affairs  of  the  organization 
should  be  manifested  by  every  member 
for  the  protection  of  all. 

Relative  to  the  election  and  duties 
of  delegates,  your  attention  is  called 
to  Section  156,  Constitution  of  Subor 
dinate  Lodges,  which  provides  that 
delegates  to  represent  you  at  the  next 
convention,  to  be  held  in  Houston. 
Tex.,  the  third  Monday  in  May,  1913, 
shall  be  elected  at  your  first  meetlcg 
in  January.  Section  157  provides  who 
is  eligible  to  represent  you.  Members 
should  familiarize  themselves  with  th3 
constitution  so  that  there  will  be  no 
on  account  of  electing  a  delegate  who 
may  not  be  eligible  to  represent  you. 
In  addition  to  the  foregoing  sections 
the  members  are  referred  to  sections  65, 
66,  67,  68,  69,  69a,  70,  71.  72,  156a,  159, 
198  and  199,  each  of  which  bear  upon 
matters  pertaining  to  the  convention, 
duties,  etc.,  of  delegates,  and  all  the 
lodges  should   familiarize  their  mem- 


bers with  their  contents  and  endeavor 
to  avoid  misunderstandings  liable  to 
occur  from  a  want  of  proper  attention 
being  given  to  them. 

Each  lodge  should  be  represented  b}* 
its  ablest,  best,  most  experienced  and 
faithful  member. 

The  delegates  have  the  responsi- 
bility of  revising  the  laws  that  govern 
the  union  as  well  as  outlining  the  fu- 
ture policy  of  the  organization  and 
should  feel  that  the  future  advance- 
ment and  welfare  of  the  union  rest^ 
upon  the  wisdom  of  their  acts  and  that 
attending  a  convention  does  not  mean 
a  good  time  but,  on  the  contrary,  hard, 
conscientious  work.  There  is  a  great 
work  to  be  done  by  this  union.  There 
are  thousands  of  men  to  organize  so 
that  they  may  have  better  protection 
and  better  conditions.  This  will  give 
each  member  at  the  present  time 
greater  security  against  injustice. 
This  union  has  had  many  struggles 
against  the  oppression  of  those  who 
would  destroy  us,  and  this  oppression 
has  never  ceased.  The  switchmen  owe 
all  the  advances  in  wages  and  better 
working  conditions  that  they  enjoy  to 
the  splendid  manhood  of  the  rank  and 
file  who  had  the  moral  courage  to 
build  a  new  Switchmen's  Union  over 
the  ashes  of  the  old  S.  M.  A.  A.  The 
support  you  have  given  your  commit- 
tees and  Grand  Lodge  officers  is  re- 
sponsible for  your  success.  I  am  ever 
mindful  of  the  great  sacrifices  the 
members  of  this  union  have  made  in 
the  loss  of  their  positions  In  numerou.i 
strikes  to  get  recognition  for  this 
union.  Those  old  "war  horses"  tore 
down  the  barriers  that  stood  between 
the  committee  and  the  railroad  offi- 
cials at  that  time  and  made  it  possible 
for  the  representatives  of  the  union  to 
get  an  audience  so  that  the  men's 
grievances  could  be  presented.  This 
work  of  removing  the  barriers  was  not 
done  by  any  leader  or  leaders,  but  was 
the  result  of  the  splendid  work  of  the 
rank  and  file,  wherein  all  the  power 
lies  In  any  labor  organization.  Today, 
where  we  are  well  organized,  our 
committees  have  no  trouble  in  getting 
a  hearing  to  adjust  grievances.  Each 
member  should  do  his  best  to  solidly 
organize  all  terminals.  It  has  been 
demonstrated  that  the  switchmen  are 
fully  capable,  where  properly  organ- 
ized, to  make  the  best  conditions  exist- 
ing today  in  yard  service.  The  star  of 
hope  lies  In  our  own  union.     Let  u- 


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build  strongly  and  wisely  for  the  ad- 
vancement and  future  protection  of 
those  who  follow  this  hazardous  occu- 
uation  of  sorting  and  exchanging  tho. 
nation's  commerce  in  railroad  term* 
iials  of  this  continent. 

Yours  fraternally, 

S.  E.  Heberlixg, 
President. 


frwn  Vke-Pmidefit  MisenhdCer. 

Omaha,  Neb. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

After  being  silent  for  a  few  months, 
1  will  attempt  to  get  into  the  ring 
again  by  writing  a  few  lines  to  the 
.louRNAL,  and  I  wish  to  state  in  the 
beginning  to  all  its  readers  that  I  have 
failed  somewhat  to  do  my  duty  in  not 
writing  more  often  for  the  Journal. 
But  never  too  late  to  mend.  So  here 
goes  for  a  rough-and-tumble  bout  for 
all  <those  who  care  to  take  a  part.  You 
who  read  this  can  think  as  you  please 
about  the  remarks  I  will  make,  but  I 
would  rather  have  you  reply  to  me 
through  the  columns  of  the  Journal 
whether  you  agree  with  me  or  not. 
Now,  I  don't  care  what  you  think,  but 
I  do  care  what  you  say  or  write.  So 
lookout  for  the  Dutchman,  and  please 
take  me  for  what  I  mean  and  not  for 
what  I  say,  for  you  all  know  that  a 
Dutchman  sometimes  has  <things  going 
ahead  backing  up,  and  that  would  re- 
quire some  thinking  on  your  part  to 
determine  just  what  the  Dutchman 
meant.  So  read  carefully  each  and 
every  line  and  see  if  the  Dutchman 
was  a  geese.  Now  let  us  get  down  to 
business. 

I  hear  so  many  men  and  women  talk- 
ing unionism  in  the  streets,  depot,  pas- 
senger trains,  and,  in  fact,  every  con- 
ceivable place  one  can  imagine,  and 
yet  those  very  ones  that  are  talking 
unionism,  nine  out  of  every  ten,  are 
clad  from  head  to  foot  with  non-union 
garments.  And  I  want  to  say  to  you, 
man  and  woman,  who  belong  to  the 
union  and  patronize  non-union  labor, 
that  in  my  estimation  you  are  a  hypo- 
crite and  an  imooster  of  the  first  wa- 
ter, and  I  am  right  when  I  make  this 
assertion,  and  I  defy  any  of  you  to 
dispute  it.  And  when  you  read  this 
lust  stoT>  and  look  yourself  over,  Mr. 
Union  Man,  and  see  how  many  of  your 
srarments    have    the    union    label    on 


them.  And  you  do  the  same,  my  dear 
union  woman.  No  doubt  both  of  yoa 
will  make  excuses,  but  that  don't  go. 
You  will  also  call  me  a  crank  and  a 
woodenhead.  But  I  don't  care;  I  have 
caught  many  of  you  with  the  goods 
upon  you.  So  I  am  safe  from  your 
abuse  until  you  get  a  change  of  heart 
and  be  a  union  man  or  woman  In  all 
your  walks  of  life.  You  well  know  that 
each  and  every  one  of  you  that  patron- 
izes non-union  made  goods  are  purely 
and  simply  co-partners  of  the  white 
slaver  of  today.  And  dispute  that.  If 
you  can.  You  know  that  the  low 
wages  that  are  paid  to  our  dear  girls 
who  work  in  department  stores,  mills 
and  factories  are  not  sufficient  for 
them  to  live  respectably  on.  Yet  you 
don't  help  them  to  better  their  condi- 
tions, but  you  do  help  drive  them  dowm 
to  disgrace  by  patronizing  such  Insti- 
tutions as  these.  Now,  how  do  you 
feel,  Mr.  Union  Man,  with  that  scab 
suit  of  clothes  upon  your  back  after 
reading  this  much  of  my  letter?  And 
how  do  you  feel.  Sister  Union  Woman, 
with  those  convict-made  shoes  on  your 
little  pink  feet,  bought  with  union- 
earned  wages?  Don't  you  really  think 
you  are  helping  to  pave  the  way  for 
the  white  slavers?  If  you  don't,  I  do, 
and  I  am  sure  I  am  right.  Disnute  the 
argument,  please.  I  do  not  understand 
why  you  brothers  continue  to  patronize 
such  damnable  things  as  I  have  men- 
tioned in  this  letter,  when  you  know 
without  a  doubt  it  helps  to  defeat  your- 
self, as  well  as  those  who  are  strug- 
gling for  better  wages  and  more  sani- 
tary conditions  under  which  to  work. 
I  am  ashamed  when  I  pick  up  a  news- 
paper and  see  where  some  one  of  our 
many  charitable  societies  have  donated 
a  sum  of  money  to  those  whom  they 
have  been  robbing  for  years,  thinking 
by  so  dodng  they  are  covering  up  some 
of  their  sinful  actions  whicfh  they  have 
practiced  upon  the  heads  of  workmen 
since  the  beginning  of  industrial 
slavery.  For  insjtance,  stop  and  think 
how  the  charitable  societies  are  build- 
ing working  girls'  homes.  How  does 
that  sound  to  you,  dear  readers?  They 
are  working  girls,  yet  they  have  to 
have  homes  built  for  them  by  some  so- 
ciety of  this  kind.  With  their  low 
wages  they  are  unable  provide  a  home 
for  themselves.  Thus  society  takei 
a  hand  and  builds  the  home.  Such  are 
the  conditions  in  many  of  our  leading 
cities  of  today.     Now,  what  are  those 


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girls  working  for  if  they  can't  provide 
themselves  with  a  home?  And  what 
kind  of  wages  are  they  receiving  to 
put  these  poor  soule  in  this  condition? 
That  doesn't  sound  just  right  to  me, 
and  how  does  it  sound  to  you?  Now,  will 
some  of  you  good  brothers  and  sisters 
please  tell  me — I  mean  those  who  don't 
ask  for  the  union  label  to  be  upon 
everything  that  you  purchase — don't 
you  think  that  you  are  really  the  ones 
that  are  bringing  about  such  condi- 
tions as  these  today?  And  don't  you 
think  that  practically  all  charity  is  a 
crime?  Now  don't  be  prejudiced,  but 
give  me  a  fair  and  impartial  answer. 
I  don't  wonder  that  so  many  of  our 
girls  go  wrong,  and  become  inmates 
of  the  red-light  district  of  our  city. 
Think  of  it — not  able  to  provide  a 
home  for  themselves,  yet  they  are 
working!  Now,  what  are  you  going 
to  do  to  help  remedy  such  conditions, 
when  many  of  our  business  men  and 
politicians  of  our  leading  cities  of 
America  today  try  to  tell  you  and  me 
that  a  red-light  district  is  a  necessity 
in  cities  of  larger  sizes?  If  that  be 
the  case,  who  is  'going  to  be  the  father 
or  mother  to  furnish  an  inmate  for 
one  of  those  houses?  They  say  it  is  a 
necessity  and  some  one  must  furnish 
a  poor  soul  to  fill  the  vacancy  of  one 
who  has  passed  away  by  the  Master's 
call.  If  you  don't  know  what  to  do  in 
this  case,  let  me  advise  you.  My  ad- 
vice is  to  be  union  men  and  women 
three  hundred  and  sixty-five  days  in 
the  year.  Purchase  fair-made  gar- 
ments and  fair-made  articles  of  all 
kinds,  and  register  a  voice  of  nrot^st 
each  and  every  time  the  opportunity 
affords  itself  against  all  charitable  so- 
cieties and  business  men  and  politi- 
cians who  advocate  any  such  thing  as 
I  have  mentioned.  Please  tell  me 
through  the  Journal  just  what  you 
think  of  me  and  my  assertions.  Don't 
be  afraid  to  sting  me.  If  you  think  I 
am  a  crank,  spit  it  out.  Give  expres- 
sion to  your  thoughts  by  putting  them 
in  words,  and  get  them  out  of  that 
mouth  of  yours  or  they  might  explode 
and  beat  the  barber  out  of  his  hair  cut 
and  shave.  That  is  about  the  only  man 
who  would  miss  your  head.  The  hat 
man  might  miss  it,  for  that  is  about 
all  you  use  your  head  for  this  day 
and  date  is  a  hair  and  hat-rack,  and  I 
would  admit  it  is  a  pretty  expensive 
knot  to  have  for  that  purpose  only,  as 


the  average  working  man  usually  gets 
shaved  twice  a  week  and  buys  a  hat 
about  once  a  year.  If  you  could  live 
after  the  explosion,  you  would  be 
ahead  of  the  game,  as  far  as  finances 
are  concerned.  Now,  this  is  about  all 
the  rough  stuff  I  am  going  to  hand 
you  in  this  letter.  But  if  you  want  to 
take  the  nerve  in  your  hands  and  an- 
swer this  communication  through  the 
Journal,  and  sign  your  name  to  the 
answer  as  I  have  to  this,  you  had  bet- 
ter look  out  for  me  next  month,  be- 
cause I  have  my  gun  loaded  from  the 
breech  to  the  muzzle  and  ready  to 
back  up  every  assertion  I  have  made 
in  this  letter.  And  if  you  don't  sign 
your  letter,  I  will  not  pay  any  atten- 
tion to  it.  I  am  open  and  above-board 
with  all  my  assertions,  and  I  expect 
you  to  be  the  same. 

Now,  a  word  to  the  ladies  in  particu- 
lar. I  find  in  my  travels  throughout 
the  country  that  the  auxiliary  is  doing 
good  business  wherever  it  is  organized. 
I  am  for  you,  sisters,  every  day  in  the 
year.  In  fact,  I  am  for  the  ladies'  suf- 
frage movement,  and  on  Nov.  5th — 
election  day — I  was  decorated  with 
both  the  women's  badges  from  head  to 
foot,  and  I  am  particularly  glad  that 
I  am  a  resident  of  the  State  of  Kan- 
sas, for  the  amendment  carried  two  to 
one  in  that  State  for  equal  rights  for 
women.  Three  cheers  for  the  women, 
for  when  they  have  the  power  to  vote 
they  will  expose  the  ignorance  of  us 
men  who  have  been  voting  for  a  hun- 
dred years,  and  we  are  still  in  the  eame 
old  rut.  And  say,  sisters,  I  don't  blame 
the  man  who  is  against  woman  suf- 
frage, for  he  doesn't  want  his  mother, 
sister  and  wife  to  know  that  a  man  is 
so  ignorant  that  he  doesn't  know  how  to 
better  his  own  condition  and  votes  just 
like  dad  did  a  hundred  years  ago.  And 
one  thing  that  I  am  positive  of  in  re- 
gard to  the  ability  of  women  voting: 
that  you  can't  buy  her  vote  for  a  cigar 
or  a  drink  of  "rot  gut"  whisky.  And 
I  will  say  this:  that  her  presence  at 
the  polls  demands  of  each  and  every 
man  an  air  of  refinement  while  she  is 
near. 

Now,  I  hear  quite  a  controversy  in 
some  localities  in  regard  to  ladies' 
auxiliaries  not  being  of  any  benefit  to 
the  Switchmen's  Union.  I  want  to 
say  to  you  sisters,  and  those  of  you 
who  are  not  in  the  auxiliary  yet,  but 
would  like  to  be  members,  don't  pay 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    N.   A. 


any  attention  to  any  of  those  fellows 
who  make  that  talk,  but  go  ahead  and 
organize  or  join  an  auxiliary  if  there  is 
one  in  your  city,  regjardless  of  his  ad- 
vice or  protest.  For  it  is  to  your  in- 
terest as  much  as  his  to  belong  to 
something  of  this  kind.  Don't  let  him 
tell  you  you  haven't  the  ability  to 
handle  such  affairs  as  this,  because  it 
is  given  up  that  a  woman  is  more 
brainy  than  a  man.  He  only  wants  to 
make  you  think  that  you  are  Ignorant 
and  by  so  doing  keep  you  down.  And 
if  you  could  be  hidden  in  a  lodge-room 
and  hear  some  of  his  assertions  on  the 
floor  you  would  almost  be  tempted  to 
sue  for  divorce  on  the  grounds  of 
thickiheadedness.  Tet  he  is  a  wise 
man.  So  much  wiser  than  mother,  the 
one  who  raised  him,  and  oh  so  much 
wiser  than  the  one  he  calls  wife! 

Now,  those  who  are  opposed  to  the 
ladies'  auxiliary,  I  wish  you  would  be 
men  enough  to  state  your  reasons  why, 
through  the  Joubnal.  and  give  all  the 
readers  a  chance  to  look  at  this  from 
your  viewpoint.  Don't  be  selfish  and 
keep  your  own  thoughts  and  ideas  all 
to  yourself.  Express  them.  Exchange 
of  ideas  brightens  different  minds,  but 
never  did  brighten  one  If  they  are 
concealed.    So  get  busy  and  answer. 

Now,  by  the  time  this  letter  will 
reach  you  ladies  and  gentlemen,  the 
clay  of  Thanksgiving  will  have  passed. 
But  I  know  that  many  of  you  will  for- 
get that  great  day  and  won't  think  to 
offer  up  to  the  Creator  for  things  that 
you  have  got  to  be  thankful  for.  Let 
me  name  some  of  the  things  to  you 
and  you  can  thank  Him  after  reading 
this: 

First  of  all,  let  us  be  thankful  that 
we  have  red-light  districts  in  our 
cities,  where  poor,  unfortunate  girls 
<*an  hide  from  the  public  and  lead  a 
life  of  shame,  unobserved  by  those 
good  Christians  and  union  men  and 
women  and  the  society  organizations. 
Let  us  be  thankful  for  our  United 
States  navy  and  army  and  their  Gat- 
ling  guns,  which  are  there  for  the  pur- 
pose of  destroying  life  for  the  capital- 
istic class.  Let  us  be  thankful  for  our 
l)reachers,  priests  and  rabbis,  our  press, 
politicians,  professors,  for  paving  the 
way  for  our  poor  downtrodden  capital- 
istic class  to  rob  those  who  toil.  Let 
us  be  thankful  for  our  courts,  Supreme 
Court  in  particular,  who  dole  out  jus- 
tice to  the  poor  corporations  such  as 


the  Standard  Oil  and  the  railway  cor- 
porations of  the  United  States  and  sev- 
eral others  too  numerous  to  mention. 
And  let  us  be  thankful  for  the  organ- 
ization known  as  the  Boy  Scouts,  who 
are  under  the  loving  care  and  protec- 
tion of  William  Baden-Powell  of  Eng- 
land, the  great  military  man,  who  has 
such  a  kind,  loving  heart  for  those  who 
toil  that  he  wants  to  instill  into  the 
pure  hearts  of  little  boys  the  military 
method,  making  them  bloodthirsty  for 
the  lives  of  their  fellowmen  and  wo- 
men who  strike  to  better  their  condi- 
tions, and  the  Boy  Scouts  called  upon 
to  drive  them  back  to  work,  or  away 
from  their  Jobs,  that  the  thugs  may  be 
able  to  work  in  their  stead.  And  last, 
but  not  least,  let  us  be  thankful  that 
the  capitalist  class  landed  in  the  White 
House  one  more  man  who  will  act  as 
President  for  the  term  of  four  years, 
and  he,  no  doubt,  is  a  great  friend  to 
those  who  work.  If  he  wasn't,  the 
capitalist  class  would  not  have  wanted 
him  to  fill  the  White  House  chair. 

Now,  I  have  no  doubt  that  many  of 
you  brothers  and  sisters  have  never 
stopped  to  realize  how  many  things 
you  have  to  be  thankful  for,  and  I  took 
this  privilege  of  pointing  out  to  you 
just  a  few  of  the  best  ones.  So  get  on 
your  knees  and  offer  up  a  prayer  of 
thankfulness,  for  you  may  not  have 
this  many  by  next  Thanksgiving  Day. 

Now  a  word  for  federation  of  all 
crafts.  Throughout  my  travels  in  this 
country  I  find  among  those  who  toll, 
and  especially  railway  men  of  every 
vocation,  they  are  talking  federation 
from  morning  to  night.  It  seems  to  be 
the  word  upon  every  tongue.  One 
would  naturally  wonder  why  we  have 
not  a  solid  federation  of  all  crafts  to- 
day, when  practically  every  man  who 
toils  is  for  the  federation.  I  want  to 
say  that  my  candid  and  honest  opinion 
is  that  we  are  kept  from  federation  by 
some  of  the  Grand  Lodge  officers  of 
the  various  railway  organizations,  as 
they  seem  to  be  ooposed  to  It  as  strong 
as  the  General  Managers'  Association 
is,  and  I  can't  for  the  life  of  me  under- 
stand why  the  rank  and  file  of  an  or- 
ganization don't  take  charge  of  their 
organization  and  handle  it  to  their 
interests,  instead  of  letting  the  Grand 
Lodee  officers  handle  it  to  their  satis- 
faction. Brothers,  you  know  full  well 
that  the  Grand  Lodge  officers  are  your 
servants  and  not  your  bosses,  but  in 


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several  of  your  organizations  they  as- 
sume the  role  of  boss,  rule  or  ruined, 
and  that  authority  is  given  to  those 
gentlemen  by  your  constitution,  and 
my  advice  would  be  to  you  brothers  in 
your  next  convention  to  take  away  the 
power  from  the  International  Presi- 
dents, or  Grand  Chiefs,  whichever  they 
are  called,  and  let  those  it  takes  to 
make  up  the  organization  have  the 
power  to  rule  that  organization.  For 
instance,  we  are  fighting  one-man  pow- 
er today  in  every  phase  imaginable.  So 
why  doesn't  labor  assume  that  author- 
ity instead  of  letting  the  aristocratic 
class  own  and  control  .our  organiza- 
tion? It  doesn't  appeal  to  me  that  a 
man  with  diamond-bedecked  fingers, 
with  a  f  45  or  f  50  suit  upon  his  back, 
Is  very  much  of  a  labor  leader.  I  class 
him  as  an  aristocrat  and  belonging  to 
that  bunch,  or  at  least  he  has  that  ap- 
pearance. Now,  each  and  every  one  of 
you  who  belong  to  the  union,  take  upon 
yourself  the  task  of  reading  the  con- 
stitution from  beginning  to  end,  and 
just  see  how  many  articles  in  that 
book  that  are  entirely  against  those 
who  labor  and  pay  for  the  mainten- 
ance of  that  organization.  Some  or- 
ganizations that  are  in  the  field  today, 
namely,  railway  organizations,  the 
back  of  their  constitution  is  all  right, 
but  after  you  turn  over  and  go  to  read- 
ing on  the  inside,  you  would  naturally 
suppose  it  was  a  General  Managers' 
constitution,  and  it  continues  so  to 
read  through  the  entire  book.  Now, 
if  some  of  you  don't  believe  this,  get 
busy  and  I  will  produce  the  goods. 

Hoping  that  this  escapes  the  waste 
Vasket  and  arrives  in  time  to  be  printed 
in  this  month's  issue,  I  remain. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

T.   J.   MiSENHELTER. 


From  Vice-Presklent  Porter. 

Spwngfield,  O. 
Bditob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  endeavor  to  enlighten  the 
brothers  of  some  of  the  encourage- 
ments and  discouragements  in  my 
earnest  efforts  to  enlighten  yard  men 
at  all  points  I  have  been  able  to  visit. 
One  of  the  greatest  detriments  to  the 
progress  of  organized  labor,  and  espe- 
eially  the  class  organization  of  switch- 
men, is  the  man  without  a  mind  of  his 
own,  or  one  of  a  fickle  nature.    He  who 


will  promise  and  not  fulfill  his  promise, 
or  at  least  intend  to  do  so,  is  indeed  a 
hard  proposition  with  which  to  con- 
tend. I  have  met  non-members,  B.  of 
R.  T.  and  O.  R.  C.  members,  who  ex- 
press themselves  in  hearty  accord  with 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  They  are  willing  to 
fill  out  an  application,  but  are  not  sin- 
cere enough  to  pay  the  dollar  that 
should  accompany  it  in  good  faith.  It 
is  the  unfaithful  one  who  breeds  dis- 
content in  the  ranks  of  the  loyal  with- 
out distinctions  to  organization.  Now, 
fellow  switchmen,  you  can  only  be 
loyal  to  that  vocation  in  life  in  which 
you  follow  by  joining  that  organization 
that  aims  to  protect  you  without  fear, 
I  wish  to  call  your  attention  again  to 
the  August  Journal,  and  to  a  para- 
graph in  the  letter  written  by  Bro. 
William  Kelley  from  Texarkana,  Tex., 
relative  to  the  success  of  the  L.  S.  ft 
M.  S.  committee.  While  due  credit 
should  be  given  to  the  committee  that 
so  si^ccessfully  administered  the  wants 
of  the  switchmen  on  the  L.  S.  ft  M.  S. 
system,  I  wish  to  state  that  every 
system  of  railroad  would  meet  with 
the  same  success  if  there  were  no 
fickle-minded  men  in  it,  and  the  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  had  the  substantial  majority 
they  have  on  the  Lake  Shore  ft  Michi- 
gan Southern  Railway.  Since  1898,  I 
speak  as  one  who  entered  the  service 
of  that  company  Dec.  22, 1885,  and  was 
under  the  guidance  of  the  S.  M.  A.  A. 
and  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  all  those  years, 
and  express  myself  as  being  satisfied 
that  all  the  protection  I  did  get  was  on 
account  of  my  loyalty  to  my  craft  that 
so  nobly  stuck  together.  Let  me  now 
suggest  that  each  and  every  switch- 
man eligible  to  join  us  come  under  this 
union's  protecting  arms.  Then  all 
systems  of  railroads  and  the  commit- 
tees of  switchmen  can  meet  with  the 
same  success  as  did  the  Lake  Shore  ft 
Michigan  Southern  committee.  I  dare 
say  they  were  not  granted  all  they 
asked,  but  I  again  dare  say  that  what 
they  got  stands,  and  that  violations  of 
the  agreement  are  very  few,  for  there 
is  a  live  committee  of  switchmen  to 
look  after  our  end,  and  it  is  not  com- 
plicated with  road  grievances,  causing 
an  undue  assessment.  Now,  my  dear 
brothers,  if  you  doubt  this  statement, 
just  take  a  trip  over  the  L.  S.  ft  M.  S. 
and  be  convinced,  as  you  will  find  more 
working  buttons  than  you  expect.  Ask 
any  of  them  to  take  off  that  button 
and  put  on  a  B.  of  R.  T.  pin,  and  I 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


believe  you  will  get  an  argument,  for 
the  Switchmen's  Union  has  stood  on 
that  system  and  still  stands  as  a  good 
illustration  for  any  fickle-minded  man 
to  become  staple.  We  can  not  boast  of 
the  L.  S.  ft  M.  S.  any  more  than  every 
system  that  is  controlled  by  switch- 
men. Under  the  guidance  of  the  Q.  U. 
of  N.  A.,  I  wish  to  state  that  the 
switchmen  on  the  Big  Four  system  are 
endeavoring  to  obtain  working  condi- 
tions for  the  betterment  of  all  yards 
on  that  system,  and  if  the  great  organ- 
ization in  numbers  only  will  stay  at 
home  and  not  interfere  with  our  efforts 
I  can  promise  better  conditions  for  all 
switchmen  and  more  harmony  than 
exists  at  this  time,  for  I  have  j^ound 
that  there  is  a  misunderstanding 
among  the  yard  men  as  to  why  they 
are  divided.  I  attribute  this  to  the 
fact  that  they  were  the  last  to  be  given 
consideration,  and  all  the  good  things 
were  gotten  before  they  came  to  the 
yards  where  the  train  had  to  start 
from.  This  is  plainly  Illustrated,  if 
you  will  get  a  copy  of  the  working 
conditions  given  out  by  the  Big  Four 
Company.  In  this  you  will  find  your 
little  mite  In  the  back,  and  I  have 
failed  to  find  any  other  schedules  fur- 
nished by  the  railroad  companies  or 
the  B.  of  R.  T.  organization,  except 
where  you  were  given  last  considera- 
tion. Furthermore,  I  will  say  we  will 
stay  at  home  and  let  the  road  men  get 
all  they  can  and  not  interfere  with 
them,  and  I  for  one  will  be  glad  for 
their  success.  I  wish  to  state  for  the 
brothers'  information  our  movement 
has  been  stalled  on  account  of  narrow- 
minded  switchmen.  For  they  are  now 
going  to  demonstrate  some  of  their 
power  by  forming  an  Eastern  assocla- 
tlon  and  make  demands  on  fifty-two 
railroads  east  of  Chicago  and  north  of 
the  Chesapeake  &  Ohio.  They  also 
have  told,  at  least  the  yard  men,  they 
claim  they  are  going  to  ask  for  Chi- 
cago pay  for  all  yards  and  time  and 
one-half  for  overtime.  Now,  fellow 
switchmen,  you  have  been  stalled  long 
enough  by  this  dope.  When  you  hear 
that  from  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  you  can 
and  could  always  depend  on  it  that 
such  a  demand  would  be  made  and 
fought  to  a  finish.  While  I  sincerely 
hope  the  B.  of  R.  T.  and  O.  R.  C.  will 
accomplish  what  they  are  promising, 
for  I  can  assure  you  with  one  hundred 
and  twenty  thousand  men  behind  the 
loyal    leaders    the    S.    U.    of    N.    A. 


would  easily  bring  the  desired  results. 
And  I  also  say  they  need  not  fear  that 
our  organization  will  ever  cast  the 
black  eye,  for  it  is  our  aim  to  benefit 
the  switchmen  in  whatever  honorable 
method  we  can,  for  our  leaders  never 
signed  a  contract  to  protect  by  furnish- 
ing strikebreakers  upon  a  labor  union, 
for,  Clod  knows,  it  needs  protection  of 
a  loyal  type.  Our  great  political  fight 
is  over  and  I  sincerely  hope  we  have 
won  as  we  have  been  promised  every- 
thing to  get  our  vote,  but  when  you 
sum  it  all  up  sincerity  is  all  we  need 
with  it  either  in  organization  or  the 
American  government.  I  want  to  say 
a  few  words  to  the  switchmen  who 
profess  to  be  switchmen  and  pay  their 
dues  and  wear  the  button  or  pin.  You 
are  not  a  good  switchman  until  you 
make  up  your  mind  to  work  for  the 
cause  and  gain  what  is  due  you  through 
your  committee  that  you  control,  and 
not  try  to  do  it  through  a  committee 
you  do  not  control.  I  wish  to  see  all 
yard  grievances  handled  by  yard  men 
without  complications,  for  what  is  the 
concern  of  one  is  the  concern  of  all 
switchmen,  and  does  not  concern  the 
road  man,  for  he  has  no  interest  until 
you  have  put  on  the  caboose,  and  in  a 
great  many  instances  until  shoved  out 
of  the  yard.  They  then  become  inter- 
ested in  their  welfare  and  their  place 
is  in  the  organizations  which  aim  to 
protect  them.  What  a  grand  thing  it 
is  for  them  to  have  you  to  lead.  I  do 
not  blame  the  road  men  for  trying  to 
get  all  the  assistance  they  can  from 
you  in  order  to  feather  their  nest,  if 
you  will  stand  for  It.  Now.  my  fellow 
switchmen,  does  it  stand  to  reason  or 
is  it  human  nature  for  any  man  or 
men  to  help  his  neighbor  before  he 
does  himself?  Therefore,  you  being 
in  the  minority,  will  have  to  take  what 
is  left  after  the  road  men  have  helped 
themselves.  Now,  I  say,  join  the  or- 
ganization that  helps  you  to  help  your- 
self. If  you  do  so  there  are  no  serious 
complications  for  you  to  contend  with. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

L.  H.  POBTEB. 


Buffalo  District  Cound. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

As  there  has  been  a  long  period  of 
silence  relative  to  matters  pertaining 
to  the  Buffalo  District  Council,  I  think 
it  is  now  in  order  that  some  one  ad- 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N.   A. 


796 


vise  our  members,  at  least  partially. 
In  regard  to  it,  or  our  Joubnal  read- 
ers will  begin  to  think  we  are  asleep 
at  the  switch.  I  assure  them  all  any 
such  inference  would  be  greatly  in 
error.  This  representative  body  has 
held  its  monthly  meetings  as  regularly 
as  the  calendar  dates  rolled  round,  and 
it's  not  begging  the  question  in  the 
least  to  state  that  most  interesting 
questions  come  before  it  for  discus- 
sion at  every  meeting.  Even  though 
in  Its  infancy,  it  has  grappled  with 
many  questions  of  interest  to  the  wel- 
fare of  switchmen  and  their  families, 
and  those  not  making  it  a  point  to  at- 
tend these  conferences  are  not  aware 
of  the  instructive  schooling  they  are 
missing  on  account  of  their  absence. 
At  most  of  our  meetings  there  has 
been  a  fair  attendance  and  a  commend- 
able manifestation  of  interest  by  the 
delegates  In  every  topic  coming  before 
it  for  discussion  and  disposition.  As 
stated  in  the  preamble,  its  object  is 
"to  examine  and  discuss  all  Questions 
affecting  the  interests  of  labor  and 
take  such  action  as  will  tend  to  im- 
prove its  condition."  Certainly  there 
can  be  no  Imnroorlety  In  getting  as 
many  representatives  as  possible  to- 
gether from  all  the  lodges  here  into 
monthly  conference  for  such  purpose. 
Already  nercentible  imnrovement  has 
become  evident  from  the  coming  to- 
gether of  the  brothers  from  the  dif- 
ferent lodsres  here  and  takins:  nart  in 
the  diPcu8«lon  of  matters  without  ques- 
tion of  doubt  but  whaV  were  for  the 
mi'tufll  concern  of  all  the  lodges  here. 
And  that  they  have  done  so  in  a  snirit 
of  fairness  and  eood  will  is  indicative 
of  an  awflkeninfir  to  the  truth  con- 
tpined  In  the  w«»tchword  of  our  union: 
"The  ip^pt^  of  or^t*  iff  thA  ooncem  of 
all."  and  its  implied  corollary;  that 
what  hflR  a  tendency  to  benpflt  one 
has  a  ten«ipncy  to  benefit  all.  Tt  Is  evi- 
dent to  apv  one  at^endinfir  the<^e  mept- 
Ines  that  n^nt^prs  of  imnort  to  lodges 
are  here  considered  in  a  less  biased 
mnnPAr  th«n  wb«»n  bpfore  a  sinele 
locnl  for  a^f'on.  Hcnce  U  Is  important 
that  poch  lodee  has  a  full  comn^e^ient 
of  dpiogmfpci  nnd  as  m^nv  visiting 
menibprs  rir^opnt  at  ench  of  these  meet- 
infir«  o«<  no«sibip  in  ord^r  that  Its  metn- 
l)prffhfn  Tnov  ept  afl  npflrlv  as  nossible 
the  ft'M  inorpwpnt  of  benefit  accruing 
from  thp«e  TTiPe^infifs. 

As  T  vIpw  H.  no  lodee  c«n  afford  to 
miss  its  meetings,  and  while  on  the 


whole  the  meetings  have  been  fairly 
well  attended,  there  is  opportunity  for 
improvement  along  this  line,  which  I 
trust  will  be  taken  advantage  of  in  the 
future.  Besides  different  questions, 
such  as  manner  of  conducting  differ- 
ently grievances  arising  in  different 
yards,  rules  that  apply  In  different 
yards,  and  which  should  apply  in  all 
alike,  etc.,  it  acts  as  a  general  medium 
to  hear  the  ills  besetting  the  brothers 
in  every  part  of  the  city  and  as  a  sort 
of  clearing  house  of  advice  and  good 
will  for  them  all.  Brothers  have  been 
directed  to  places  where  they  could  ob- 
tain employment,  sick  brothers  located, 
grafting  on  brothers  checked,  the  get- 
ting together  of  switchmen's  families 
at  picnics  and  balls,  and  the  concen- 
trating of  attention  that  has  long  been 
segregated  and  more  or  less  biased  for 
want  of  such  commingling.  Let  us 
ho^e  for  a  larger  development  of  this 
sort  of  mutual  friendslfip  and  good 
will,  and  better  still,  let's  determine  to 
practice  it  more.  Attention  of  the 
lodges  is  called  to  the  fact  that  elec- 
tion of  officers  for  1913  will  take  place 
at  the  next  council  meeting.  Let's 
make  it  a  point  to  have  as  good  attend- 
ance unon  this  occasion  as  possible. 
The  attention  of  the  lodgps  is  also 
called  to  the  fact  that  thev  should  elect 
their  District  Council  delegates  at  the 
time  of  their  regular  election  of  offi- 
cers. The  union  ball  just  given  at  Con- 
vention Hall  indicates  in  a  fair  man- 
ner how  the  council  acts  as  a  means 
of  bringing  together  the  switchmen 
and  their  families,  as  did  the  outing 
given  during  the  summer.  And  what 
is  true  in  regard  to  those  things  is 
equally  so  pertaining  to  matters  in 
connection  with  lodge  affairs.  The 
council  is  a  common  chnnno\  leading 
towards  a  better  understanding  rela- 
tive to  briehter,  better  conditions  for 
the  switchmen  and  their  families,  and 
the  sooner  all  the  lodges  and  their 
members  get  into  the  channel  proper 
ly,  the  better  'twill  be  for  all  con 
cerned. 

The  union  ball  given  by  Buffalo 
lodges,  Wednesday  evening,  Nov.  20th. 
at  Convention  Hall,  was  the  result  of 
a  movement  inaugurated  some  time 
ago  by  the  District  Council  and  exem- 
plifies, better  than  I  am  able  to  ex- 
press, the  outcome  pertaining  to 
switchmen's  affairs  where  unity  of 
action  is  brought  into  proner  opera- 
tion.    At   this    union    function    were 


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JOURNAL   OF   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A. 


brought  together  families  from  every 
lodge  in  the  city  and  subordinate  lodge 
affairs  were  forgotten  for  the  time 
being.  All  met  as  brothers  and  sisters 
to  enjoy  a  delightful  time,  as  the  occar 
sion  proved  to  be  for  all  fortunate 
enough  to  be  present.  The  committees 
in  charge  worked  earnestly  to  make  it 
the  success  it  proved  to  be,  and  with- 
out special  mention  of  any  brothers 
upon  which  the  burdens  fell  heaviest, 
and  upon  whose  efforts  a  successful 
outcome  chiefly  depended,  let  it  suffice 
to  say  for  all — ^well  done,  brothers; 
you  have  the  gratitude  of  all  for  the 
commendable  manner  in  which  you 
furnished  a  means  of  so  great  enjoy- 
ment. Music,  floor,  temperate  refresh- 
ments and  cloak  room  management 
were  all  that  could  be  desired,  and  the 
deportment  par  excellence.  Interna- 
tional President  Heberling  and  Vice- 
President  Connors  made  a  trip  from 
Rochester,  where  they  were  attending 
the  A.  F.  of  L.  convention,  as  did 
Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer  M.  R. 
Welch  from  Hamburg,  to  be  present 
and  commingle  with  the  families  of 
switchmen  and  their  friends  upon  this 
occasion.  Vice-President  Sheehan  and 
wife  were  also  present  and  took  an 
active  part  in  making  a  pleasant  even- 
ing for  all  whom  they  met. 

It  might  not  be  amiss  to  inform  our 
readers  as  to  the  plan  of  agreement  in 
regard  to  this  affair.  Each  lodge  bore 
its  pro  rata  (according  to  its  member- 
snip)  share  of  the  expense.  All 
moneys  collected  at  door,  cloak  room 
and  refreshment  stands  were  applied 
towards  defraying  expenses  incurred, 
and  each  lodge  had  the  full  proceeds  of 
ticket  sales  made  by  its  members  after 
paying  its  pro  rata  share  of  expenses. 
So  it  was  absolutely  up  to  the  mem- 
bers of  each  lodge  to  get  out  and 
hustle  in  regard  to  selling  tickets, 
since  their  proflts  or  part  of  the  pro- 
ceeds depended  directly  upon  such 
action. 

Before  closing  my  remarks,  I  wish  to 
make  mention  of  the  fact  that  the  ladies 
have  an  auxiliary  in  this  city  that  is 
not  by  any  means  what  it  should  be 
in  the  way  of  membership.  Its  grand 
secretary  and  treasurer  recently  vis- 
ited the  council  and  urgently  requested 
the  delegates  to  take  the  question 
home  with  them  as  to  the  advisability 
of  their  wives  and  other  ellgibles  be- 
'  coming  members  of  the  auxiliary  and 
giving  it  all  the  encouragement  they 


could  consistently.  Brothers,  this  is 
a  matter  that  is  worthy  of  all  the  at- 
tention desired  by  the  sisters,  and 
there  can  be  but  little  excuse  to  offer 
why  there  should  not  be  a  very  strong 
ladies'  auxiliary  to  the  Switchmen's 
Union  at  this  point.  With  eight  good 
strong  switchmen  lodges  here,  and  one 
small  ladies'  auxiliary  to  correspond, 
is  a  sorry  appreciation,  to  say  the 
least,  of  the  efforts  being  put  forth  by 
these  sisters  to  establish  a  cause  with- 
in our  midst  for  the  benefit  of  switch- 
men's families.  So,  brothers,  lefs 
"take  a  tumble"  to  ourselves  and  help 
boost  this  worthy  cause  along.  Do 
your  wife  and  daughter  belong  to  the 
auxiliary?  If  not,  why  not?  Have 
they  one  good  reason  for  not  belong- 
ing; and  have  you  one  good  reason 
for  not  encouraging  them  to  do  so, 
if  so,  what?  Many  of  our  wives 
belong  to  other  auxiliaries  that  care 
nothing  particularly  about  switchmen 
or  their  families.  Why  not  encourage 
them  to  belong  to  one  that  does?  There 
are  still  many  others  who  belong  to 
none.  So  here's  an  opportunity  to  get 
them  into  a  eood  one  that  ^vps  them 
good  cheer  while  alive  and  their  bene- 
ficiaries a  good  benefit  when  death 
claims  them.  Brothers,  let's  wake  up 
and  show  due  apnreclation  in  regard 
to  this  matter.  There  could  be  much 
more  said  upon  this,  but  for  this  time 
— "nuf-sed." 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Joseph  Keli.y. 


A  Mortal  Blow. 

'*What's  the  matter  with  your  wife? 
She's  all  broken  up  lately." 

"She  got  a  terrible  Jar." 

"What  has  happened?" 

"Why,  she  was  assisting  at  a  rum- 
mage sale,  took  off  her  new  hat,  and 
somebody  sold  it  for  thirty  /lents." — 
Exchange. 


Law-Abiding. 

"What  are  they  moving  the  church 
for?" 

"Well,  stranger,  Tm  mayor  of  these 
diggin's,  an'  I'm  fer  law  enforcement. 
We've  got  an  ordinance  what  says  no 
saloons  shall  be  nearer  than  300  feet 
from  a  church.  I  give  'em  three  dayc 
to  move  the  church." 


Digitized  by  VjOOQIC 


CoBmvalcaUoBS  for  tbe  JOUINAL  Bvst  be  raoalved  BEPOIE 
the  15th  of  tbe  Bontb  to  lasvre  pnbllcetloB.  All  CoBBnatca- 
tloas  for  the  JOURNAL  Bnet  be  ecooBpoaled  by  the  a«Be 
of   the  sender*  end   wrlttea  only   oa  oae  side  of   the   paper. 


Ondfinati,  Oliio-No.  26. 

EiDiTOB  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

The  October  edition  contained  two 
letters  from  members  of  Royal  Blue 
Lodge  No.  26.  That  is  certainly  fine, 
and  proves  that  Lodge  No.  26  has  awak- 
ened from  the  slumber  stakes.  I  no- 
tice that  the  letters  were  calling  spe- 
cial attention  to  the  fact  that  there 
was  a  national  and  state  election.  Well, 
that's  good,  and  I  hope  that  election 
will  be  beneficial  to  all  the  working 
men  in  this  country. 

Now,  I  would  like  to  call  the  atten- 
tion of  the  members  of  Lodge  No.  26 
and  all  other  lodges  to  the  fact  that 
there  is  another  election  in  which  none 
but  members  in  good  standing  can 
participate.  And  this  election  is  one 
of  vital  importance  to  every  switch- 
man— the  election  of  officers  In  local 
lodges.  I  would  advise  the  brothers  to 
read  Sections  155  and  155a  on  page  56 
of  constitution.  They  cover  the  elec- 
tion and  are  the  rules  thereof.  If  the 
members  are  posted  it  will  dispose  of 
a  lot  of  useless  discussion  and  the  elec- 
tion can  be  carried  out  quickly.  It  is 
to  be  hoped  the  members  will  attend 
to  this  election  with  as  much  or  more 
interest  as  they  did  to  the  national, 
because  this  is  surely  to  your  interest 
and  the  other  only  interests  the  bull- 
slingers.  Our  present  officers  worked 
hard  and  faithfully  and  deserve  great 
credit  for  their  untiring  efforts  in  our 
behalf.  They  did  not  receive  the  sup- 
port they  were  entitled  to,  and  it  is  to 
be  hoped  that  the  members  will  Jump 
in  and  attend  meetings  and  assist  In 
the  future.  The  members  of  Royal 
Blue  Lodge  have  a  good  many  things 
that  can  only  be  attended  to  In  their 
lodge  room,  and  it  is  up  to  the  mem- 
bers to  attend  meetings  and  assist  in 


conducting  those  matters  to  a  success' 
ful  ending. 

Well,  brothers,  Mr.  Wilson  is  our 
next  President  and  the  Democrats  are 
the  winners.  Do  we  get  paid  twice  a 
month,  and  do  the  other  promised  good 
things  come  across?  Let  us  hope  so, 
and  let  us  notify  our  newly-elected 
President  when  he  relieves  Bill  that 
we  want  it  on  the  first  and  fifteenth 
day  of  every  month.  He  claims  he  got 
it  in  New  Jersey.  Now  let  him  show 
us  what  he  can  do  in  Washington,  D.  C. 

Business  is  good  in  Cincy,  but  jobs 
are  scarce.  *  We  are  picking  up  a  good 
many  new  members,  and  the  lodge  is 
doing  well.  Hoping  for  a  large  attend- 
ance at  meetings,  I  am, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

J.  M.  Smith. 


U  Salle,  IIL— No.  173. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Death  has  again  visited  our  lodge 
and  taken  from  us  our  beloved  broth- 
er, Thomas  Barrett,  who  was  killed 
while  in  the  performance  of  his  duty. 
He  was  a  good  switchman  and  had  fol- 
lowed it  nearly  all  his  life.  His  sud- 
den death  was  an  awful  shock  to  his 
family  and  all  switchmen  when  they 
heard  the  news,  as  he  was  always  of  a 
joyful  disposition  and  always  saw  the 
bright  side  of  everything,  whether 
things  went  his  way  or  not.  The  lodge, 
by  his  death,  has  lost  a  good  member 
and  a  faithful  follower  of  our  cause 
and  one  who  was  always  ready  to  help 
a  brother  when  he  found  him  in  dis- 
tress. 

Well,  the  winter  is  now  upon  us 
and  it  is  well  to  take  extra  precau- 
tion, as  switching  is  not  the  safest 
work   in   winter.     A   misstep   and   it 


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means  the  loss  of  an  arm  or  leg  and 
perhaps  a  life.  So  let  us  be  a  little 
more  careful  and  see  if  the  winter 
will  pass  with  less  mishap  than  be- 
fore. 

Business  at  this  point  has  been  good 
this  fall  and  seems  to  keep  up.  All 
works  around  here  are  crying  for  cars 
and  all  want  their  work  done  first. 

Bro.  Davis  has  just  returned  from  a 
hunting  trip  in  the  west  and  has  a 
couple  of  fine  bear  skins  which  he 
claims  to  hare  gotten  in  a  mighty 
hard  tussle. 

Bro.  C.  Klabel  was  up  to  the  "Windy 
City*'  with  his  family  and  said  the 
auto  he  bought  was  a  peach  and  when 
we  have  our  next  dance  will  give  us 
all  a  ride  home  after  the  ball  is  over 

Bro.  Goebel  does  nothing  but  tell  us 
of  all  the  fine  cora  he  raised  on  his 
farm  south  of  the  river,  so  we  all  will 
have  corn  bread  in  the  morning. 

Bro.  Keucke  still  tries  to  Jump  rings 
around  himself  to  keep  from  getting 
old,  but  Father  Time  cannot  be 
cheated  as  he  watches  over  us. 

Bro.  Kerwick  said  he  would  have 
to  take  a  trip  down  east  and  visit 
all  his  friends  on  the  good  old  B.  & 
O.  this  winter. 

We  have  a  few  new  extra  men  whom 
we  will  introduce  to  the  goat  In  tho 
near  future,  and  he  ought  to  be  in  good 
trim,  as  he  has  not  had  much  to  do 
for  a  couple  of  months. 

Bro.  Gibbons  has  a  smile  that  won't 
come  off  and,  when  asked  why,  he  will 
only  say  he  won  an  election  bet  and 
he  will  have  an  auto  ride  in  a  wheel- 
barrow from  the  I.  C.  Depot  to  the  C. 
R.  I.  ft  P.  yard  office.  We  would  ad- 
vise Bro.  Ned  to  have  a  pillow  or 
two  so  that  he  can  take  life  easy  while 
Bro.  Gardner  does  all  the  pushing. 

As  the  election  is  over,  let  us  hope 
we  have  placed  men  in  office  who  will 
look  after  our  interest  in  both  state 
and  national  affairs,  as  we  all  know 
that  to  gain  the  reforms  desired  it 
will  require  their  constant  attention 
and  which  is  due  us  from  those  elected 

Bro.  F.  A.  Bowers  still  wears  the 
pin  (O  what's  the  use,  the  Bull  Moose 
died  game)  and  he  will  take  him  down 
before  long  till  next  time. 

Bro.  Wilson  has  made  a  record  walk 
between  Ottawa  and  Utlca  on  the  san«l 
run,  walking  three  pair  of  soles  off  as 
many  pair  of  shoes  in  one  day,  and 
that  is  going  some. 

Bro.   Wood    has    turned    vegetarian 


and  has  picked  off  all  of  the  mustard 
greens  around  LaSalle  and  saved  a 
few  clusters  for  seed  and  will  now 
try  the  dandelion  for  a  while. 

What  is  the  matter  with  the  Jollct 
brother?  Don't  hear  much  from  you 
of  late.  You  might  make  us  a  visit 
again,  as  we  would  like  to  see  you 
again.  Our  latchstring  is  always 
hanging  out  and  it  is  not  on  the  beau- 
tiful 98  that  you  passed  to  us. 

Well,  next  month  the  snow  will  be 
here  in  all  its  glory,  if  glory  you  wish 
to  call  it.  It  will  mean  lots  of  hard 
plowing  and  I  have  not  as  yet  got  out 
my  wooden  shoes  like  they  make  in 
Germany. 

Wake  up,  brothers,  and  come  to 
the  meeting  and  see  what  a  good  time 
we  have  here.  •Something  doing 
every  minute. 

We  will  hold  a  smoker  after  the 
next  meeting  and  wish  all  brothers  to 
attend  and  see  what  we  can  do  in  the 
way  of  getting  together  all  the  men 
on  the  different  roads  and  which  we 
all  know  is  an  uphill  work.  They 
want  to  Join  us  and  we  have  given 
them  enough  application  blanks  for 
the  whole  division  of  their  road,  but 
the  applications  are  coming  in  very 
slowly.  But  the  switchmen  will  come 
in  for  their  own  before  long,  as  all  the 
roads  are  beginning  to  wake  up  and 
know  that  the  switchmen's  schedule  is 
the  only  one  to  stand  by  and  they 
surely  can  furnish  the  goods  on  short 
order. 

Well,  as  this  old  peg-leg  needs  a  lit- 
tle sleep,  I  will  retire  to  the  feathers 
to  dream  of  roasrt  chicken  and  cran- 
berry sauce. 

Ypurs  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

B'lat  Wheel. 


Nottingham,  Ohio. 

Editor  Switghbien's  Joubnal: 

My  dear  brother  switchmen  through- 
out our  glorious  nation,  it  affords  me 
great  pleasure  to  see  the  way  our 
noble  order  is  progressing  in  every 
way.  Let  me  inform  you  all  of  the 
noble  work  our  Second  Vice-President 
L.  H.  Porter,  is  doing  for  our  worthy 
cause,  especially  on  the  C,  C,  C.  &  St. 
L.,  where  we  have  only  about  twenty- 
eight  per  cent  of  the  men  there  in 
our  noble  order.  But  in  a  few  months 
we  hope  to  have  at  least  70  per  cent, 
which  will  surely  be  a  great  victory 


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for  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  The  men  switch- 
ing cars  there  and  who  have  up  to  this 
time  been  made  tools  of  by  the  B.  of 
R.  T.  are  now  thoroughly  enlightened 
by  the  diligent  work  of  our  Second 
Vice-President,  L.  H.  Porter,  that  it 
takes  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  to  legislate 
for  yardmen.  -  At  present  they  are 
only  paying  into  an  insurance  com- 
pany and  not  a  union.  Brother  switch- 
men, the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  is  the  only 
railroad  union  in  the  United  States  of 
America.  It  is  the  only  one  affiliated 
with  the  A.  P.  of  L.  So  you  see  the 
rest  of  the  so-called  unions  are  prac- 
tically nothing  but  insurance  com- 
panies under  a  blind  head. 

So,  brothers,  you  see  the  sooner 
every  man  switching  cars  for  a  liveli- 
hood joins  the  one  and  only  one — in 
other  words  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.— the 
better  it  will  be  for  all  concerned. 
Hoping  that  every  brother  will  bear 
this  in  mind  and  try  hard  to  Impress 
it  into  the  minds  of  all  the  stray  sheep 
so  that  they  will  not  be  left  to  wander 
through  life  without  our  worthy  pro- 
tection which,  I  am  sure,  they  will 
thank  us  for  in  after  years,  also 
their  families  will  be  thanking^ us, 
probably  not  to  our  faces,  but  amongst 
themselves  at  the  home  fireside.  By 
getting  all  the  new  members  we  can 
we  will  much  sooner  obtain  that  eight 
hour  day  so  that  we  may  have  a  few 
hours  of  home  life,  not* a  steady  drill 
like  we  have  now.  Try  hard  to  open 
the  eyes  of  the  men  switching  cars  and 
who  belong  to  the  B.  of  R.  T.,  so  that 
they  may  see  the  way  they  are  treated. 
They  are  nothing  but  slaves  in  bond. 
Just  free  them  from  that  bond  that 
gives  the  B.  of  R.  T.  the  power  to  do 
as  they  please  with  the  poor  victims 
that  they  promise  such  gilt-edged  con- 
ditions. This  is  all  in  this  line  I  will 
say  this  time,  but  I  will  give  you  a  few 
lines  to  bear  well  in  mind  at  all  time<; : 

Mother's   Last  Request. 

While  strolling  out  one  evening  a  sa- 
loon I  chanced  to  pass 

And,  feeling  rather  thirsty,  I  went  in 
to  take  a  glass; 

I  sat  down  at  a  table  and  ordered  up 
a  drink, 

Then,  on  the  sight  I  saw  there,  began 
to  wonder  and  to  think. 

Three  youths  soon  after  entered  and 
walked  up  to  the  bar, 

The  first  two  called  for  whiskey,  the 
other  a  cigar. 


The  last  one's  face  was  sad  and  pale, 
he  bowed  his  head  in  shame 

And,  as  his  brother  drained  the  glass, 
he  plead  with  him  in  vain. 

Come  home,  mother's  dying,  her  hours 
on  earth  are  few. 

Come  home,  mother's  dying,  she  sent 
after  you. 

You  know  she  loves  you  dearly;  of 
your  friend's  she  is  the  best. 

Come  home,  I  implore  you,  'tis  moth- 
er's last  request. 

Next  I  saw  a  gambler  who  at  a  table 

sat. 
The  gold  was  stacked  before  him — the 

hand  he  held  was  pat 
The  bets  came  quick,  the  stakes  ran 

high — ten  thousand  up  or  more — 
When  a  little  girl  with  golden  hair 

peeped  into  the  barroom  door. 
Soon  she  saw  the  gambler,  then  her 

tears  she  quickly  dried, 
And  when  I  turned  my  head  again^ 

she  was  standing  by  his  side. 
The  gambler,  he  had  won  the  game, 

the  gold  was  taken  in. 
The  others  rose  and  left  the  place,  tha 

child  then  pleads  with  him. 
I  saw  the  brothers,  arm  in  arm,  go  out 

the  barroom  door. 
And  heard  the  gambler  tell  his  cfhild 

he'd  go  home  and  play  no  more. 

I  still  sat  at  the  table  and  as  I  drained 

my  glass, 
I  took  an  oath  right  then  and  there 

that  it  would  be  my  last; 
Por  I  had  a  dear  old  mother  who  was 

getting  on  in  years, 
'Twould    have    broken    her    heart    if 

those  sad  words  that  night  had 

reached  my  ears. 
So  I  quickly  left  the  barroom  and  I'vo 

never  entered  since, 
For  the  sad  words  that  I  heard  that 

night  I  never  shall  forget. 
Best   success   to   all   brothers,   also 
best  wishes.    I  remain, 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Fbed  Beboer. 


Nickel  Plate  Lodge  No.  220. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Following  is  a  sketch  of  happenings 
at  Lodge  No.  220's  third  annual  ball, 
Oct.  16,  1912.  All  agreed  the  weather 
couldn't  be  nicer,  the  crowd  was  large 
and  the  ball  was  a  success. 
Our  worthy  president,  "Nigger"  De- 


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Witt,  says  Jack  Johnson  has  nothing 
on  him. 

"Rooney"  Smith  and  Jack  CuUigan 
buried  a  hatchet. 

Hook  Connors  and  Gail  McKeown 
were  on  the  water  wagon. 

"Buddy"  Bierly  brought  Jesse  Jack- 
son. They  are  together  quite  a  bit 
lately. 

"Paddy"  Donahue  rolled  cigarettes 
and  spread  the  "salre." 

"Stub"  Doty  told  how  he  made 
everybody  "take  water"  when  he  was 
on  the  milk  wagon. 

"Dago"  Reynolds  served  spaghetti 
and  hot  tomalies. 

**Gaaser"  Bums  was  full  of  Paddy 
Welsh's  grape  Juice. 

"Bosko"  was  under  the  weather. 

Murphy's  hair  was  ^'curly." 

T.  Vincent  Newell  had  his  regular 
girl  there. 

"Jumbo"  Ryan  danced  the  "bear." 

"Pasquale"  Dowlman  told  about  his 
farm  in  Lackawanna. 

"Slob"  Butler  told  about  his  three 
new  tracks  in  the  "elevator." 

George  Croft  was  looking  for  "frog's 
legs." 

Johnny  O'Connor  was  looking  for 
George  Eno.  his  "best  bet."  Neither 
showed. 

"Polhemus"  was  looking  for  Cole. 

"Jack"  Crowe  worked  on  the  bird's- 
eye. 

"Cappy"  Powers  was  promoted  to 
running  a  train. 

"Gussle"  sang  "Nobody's  got  any- 
thing on  me." 

"Dear  Ned"  says,  "Aha,  aha,  I  see 
now." 

•tSiddy"  McNamara  says  John  Gard- 
ner is  the  most  agreeable  "hogshead" 
in  the  Nickel  Plate  yard. 

"P&ther's  dog"  was  under  the  doc- 
tor's care. 

Stubby  Curtln  and  Count  Sandbagger 
assisted  L.  C.  Haws. 

Johnny  "Snitz"  got  all  the  flyers  out 
on  time  under  the  light  of  the  silvery 
moon. 

•^oc"  Clark  is  giving  the  ponies  a 
rest. 

Dan  Ryan  and  Conductor  Fritz 
worked  ten  days  straiprht.  Danny  says 
he  don't  pick  up  money  every  day. 

Al  Fry  eot  a  divorce  from  Pete  Laf- 
ferty.  They  were  tosjether  ton  years; 
but  passenger  business  is  so  strenuous 
that  Pete  couldn't  help  out  much. 

Harry  Waterson  says  the  boys  ought 
to  run  a  dance  "every  day  or  two." 


O.  E.  Rives  ran  the  Tifft  yard  spe- 
cial.   "Bo"  Dolan  broke  behind. 

Dr.  Crippen  suggests  that  he  get 
more  "bull  runs." 

"Billy"  Ohms  has  taken  out  an  extra 
fire  insurance  policy.  No  need  to, 
Billy,  the  grease  works  are  all  burned 
down. 

E.  C.  Ryan  stayed  home  to  mind  the 
boy. 

"Tony"  O'Neill  sold  hot  dogs. 

My  little  queeny  says  the  "chicken" 
was  fine. 

Ed  Madigan  says  he  thought  he  saw 
"Knock-Em'-Dead"  Brown  there,  but  I 
guess  not.  He  is  in  Salt  Lake  City 
keeping  sand  fleas  off  from  sage  brush. 

Where  was  "Dutch"  Herdendorf? 

Ed  Jackson  dropped  In  on  the  bojrs. 

"Mickey  the  Goat"  and  Billy  Tomp- 
son  were  the  bouncers. 

"Bucky"  Britton  says  he  likes  bam 
dances  better. 

"Longboat"  Yeager  wants  a  regular 
Job  on  the  "pick-up." 

"Smilie"  says  he  don't  want  no 
"snakes"  on  the  road.  All  they  know 
is  cut  off  cars  and  let  them  go  to  h — ^I. 
Never  think  about  riding  them.  Guess 
he's  right,  too. 

"Lefty  Louie"  and  "Happy"  Holli- 
han  were  all  in. 

"Foxy  Grandpa"  looked  wise. 

Johnny  "Skibo"  gays  that  it's  like 
laying  off  since  he's  got  that  new  line. 

Matt  Fralick  says  John  D.  will  take 
care  of  him. 

*«ill"  had  a  run  In  with  "Jetter." 

"Bones"  Bender  done  the  turkey  trot. 

Old  "Peck"  Hindley  says  the  boys 
don't  want  to  forget  that  the  Marion 
keeps  open  day  and  night. 

Charlie  Crane  came  in  an  airship. 
He  went  home  in  "Mike"  Regan's  taxi. 
Mike  and  Charlie  are  old  pals  from 
Hakertown. 

"Dorothy"  says  our  boys  behaved 
very  good. 

"Hans"  Wagner  took  a  trip  to  New 
York  and  Boston  to  take  In  the  world's 
series.  He  says  he  saw  some  great 
high  balls  as  well  as  some  low  ones, 
too. 

Our  orchestra  was  made  up  of  the 
best  talent  we  had.  "Hon."  James 
Malonev  leader  of  the  band.  Billy 
Butts  first  base.  Johnny  Miller  played 
hot-air  pipe  organ.  "Bob"  Clabeaux 
fiddled  up.  Charlie  Osborne,  comet 
William  Osborne,  sliding  trombone. 
Bob  Carter  played  a  flute.  Winkler 
played    a    guitar.      Jimmy    McGnire 


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played  his  moath  organ,  and  all  the 
stingers  "beat  It"  about  twelve  bells. 

So  did  Candy  Kid.  He  is  doing  the 
"Poloski  can-can"  for  "La  Barre"  on 
the  Lackawanna.  He  days  he  needs  all 
the  rest  he  can  get.  Don't  get  sore, 
"Cole"  makes  'em  all  hit  the  ball. 

Joe  Deahl  says  that  check  system  is 
great  stuff.    Nothing  to  it 

Somebody  says  Jack  Donahue  was  a 
bloodsucker.  I  think  he  is  a  "leech," 
life-size. 

Johnny  Notalk  made  a  speech  about 
votes  for  women. 

McParland  made  a  "ringer." 

"Chad"  took  all  the  prizes. 

The  "Chicken"  delivered  the  Creeks 
and  pigtails.  He  says  he  is  the  man 
that  put  Sen  in  Seneca  street. 

John  Conroy  says  he  is  afraid  he 
will  get  pinched  if  he  blows  the 
whistle,  but  he  can  holler  "E-yoo"  all 
he  likes. 

Jimmy  the  Target  says  "don't  forget 
the  ducket." 

Important  notice.  A  grand  enter- 
tainment will  be  given  by  the  following: 

Sniderham  Gilloughly,  Dolan  and . 

The  name  of  the  play  is  "When  Busi- 
ness Dropped  Off  I  Fell  Off."  Time, 
about  Easter  Monday.  Place,  various. 
iSdltor,  "Jake  the  Lamplighter." 

Journal  Agent. 


Omaha,  Neb.— No.  5. 
Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Omaha  Lodge  No.  5  is  at  the  present 
time  enjoying  a  pleasant  visit  from 
our  International  Vice-President,  T. 
J.  Misenhelter,  who  expects  to  remain 
with  us  for  several  days  and  do  some 
recruiting  around  the  Omaha  yards 
He  is  being  introduced  by  Bro.  A.  L. 
Short,  our  efficient  treasurer.  We 
wish  him  good  success  while  in  our 
territory  and,  while  doing  so,  let  us 
all  Join  in  and  assist  him  in  the  good 
work  all  we  can  and  then  follow  ap 
tbe  efforts  he  has  made  in  our  behalf 
and  try  to  make  a  substantial  in- 
crease In  our  membership.  Let's  each 
work  with  this  object  in  view  and  be 
hopeful  of  generating  new  life  and 
energy  into  our  cause  at  this  import- 
ant gateway.  Our  principles  are  right 
and  we  should  endeavor,  as  much  as 
possible,  to  impress  them  upon  those 
switching  cars  in  this  city  who  arc 
eligible  to  membership  in  this  union 


but  who  are  either  affiliated  with  other 
organizations,  or  who  do  not  belong 
to  any.  This  is  the  proper  organiza 
tion  for  them  to  belong  to  and  we 
should  take  advantage  of  every  oppor- 
tunity to  impress  this  fact  upon  their 
minds  and  try  to  get  them  in  where 
they  of  right  belong. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  Dec.  18th 
Lodge  No.  5  will  give  its  good  luck  an  I 
success — or  rather  its  annual  ball  at 
Ronne  Hotel,  and  if  any  of  our  visiting  * 
brothers  desire  to  see  some  fine  artis- 
tic dancing  done  by  "switchers"  who 
are  familiar  with  the  latest  advance- 
ments pertaining  to  "light  fantastic" 
achievements,  they  are  invited  to  be 
present  upon  this  occasion  and  we  will 
assure  them  the  time  'of  their  liven. 
We  have  invited  our  old-time  standby. 
Dr.  Ford,  to  whom  we  owe  an  ever- 
lasting debt  of  gratitude,  to  be  present 
and  be  prepared  to  properly  adjust  any 
broken  anatomies  and  apply  suitable 
lotions  to  painful  concussions,  should 
any  occur  there,  due  to  falls  or  other 
mishaps.  It  is  our  hope,  however,  that 
he  will  have  no  occasion  to  undo  hU 
instrument  grip  during  this  event  and 
we  are  inclined  to  the  belief  that  he 
won't,  as  most  all  our  brothers  are 
fairly  sure-footed.  Of  course  it  is 
needless  to  state  that  all  our  mem- 
bers who  can  get  away  from  their 
work  will  make  it  a  point  to  be  pres- 
ent and,  whether  or  not  they  can  at- 
tend, they  will  assist  in  selling  all  the 
tickets  they  can  and  make  as  prompt 
settlement  for  them  as  possible.  We 
have  always  had  good  success  with 
our  balls  and  we  hope  to  make  this 
the  best  of  them  air  so  far  given.  So 
Just  drop  in  and  watch  Bros.  Salde** 
Haverly,  Donahue  and  some  more  of 
the  old-timers  glide  over  the  floor  and 
you'll  be  free  to  confess  you've  got 
your  money's  worth. 

Bro.  Charley  Brickson  recently  had 
the  misfortune  to  fall  from  the  top  of 
a  car  and  receive  a  severe  injury  to 
his  leg.  We  hope  to  soon  see  him  able 
to  resume  his  usual  duties. 

Business  is  good  at  this  point  at  the 
present  and  but  few  brothers  travel- 
ing this  way  Just  now. 

Hoping  all  our  sister  lodges  are 
meeting  with  good  success  in  their 
efforts  to  promote  the  welfare  of  our 
organization,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Thb  Landlord. 


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PiltslNirg,  Pa.— No.  100. 

Editob  Switchmkn's  Joubnal: 

After  taking  into  consideration  the 
handicap  workingmen  are  under,  I 
often  wonder  if  we  are  led  forward  or 
backward  by  our  unions,  I  am  in- 
clined to  believe  we  are  led  backward. 
If  80,  why?  Because  we  are  not  or- 
ganized on  the  right  lines.  We  should 
be  organized  both  politically  and  in- 
dustrially. I  will  try  to  state  my 
reasons:  First,  I  want  you  to  ask 
yourself  how  long  the  unions  wouU 
be  in  conference  with  the  rallroaJs 
and  what  it  would  cost  to  get,  what 
the  sixteen  hour  law  means  for  rail- 
roadmen, also  the  full-crew  bill,  and 
stenciled  on  every  car  "Railroad 
Unions  Standard  Safety  Appliance." 
Can  you  give  a  fair  estimate  on  what 
it  would  cost?  If  you  can,  you  are  a 
better  mathematician  than  I  am.  Now, 
how  did  it  come  about?  Through  the 
various  unions  entering  into  contracts 
with  tiie  railroad  officials?  Oh,  no; 
they  were  enacted  into  laws  with  a 
fine  attached  for  violating  them.  Are 
we,  as  union  men,  living  up  to  them 
in  the  absence  of  the  United  States  in- 
spector? 

After  looking  over  96  U.  S.  Sena- 
tors and  400  Congressmen,  I  fail  to  se') 
a  single  man  who  represents  labor. 
Why  is  labor  not  represented  in  the 
Senate  or  Congress  of  the  United 
States? 

Get  out  your  constitution  and  by- 
laws of  the  Switchmen's  Union  and  read 
Section  312,  page  104,  and  you  can 
ti*ke  for  a  fact  that  every  craft  union's 
by-laws  are  worded  the  same.  WelL 
Mr.  Union  Man,  don't  you  feel  hon- 
ored wearing  a  button  on  which  is 
worded.  "Affiliated  with  the  A.  F.  of 
L."  and  have  its  president  hobnobbing 
around  the  Republican  and  Democrat 
conventions  begging  better  conditions 
for  the  working  people?  If  the  union 
men  would  unite  politically  It  would 
have  been  the  reverse.  Now,  to  back 
up  my  argument  a  little  stronger,  1 
will  give  you  a  few  decisions  and  in- 
junctions handed  down  to  you.  Mr. 
Union  Man.  How  do  you  like  them? 
First,  refusing  to  haul  cars,  a  con- 
Bplracy.  T.,  A.  ft  N.  M.  Ry.  vs.  Penna. 
Co..  April  3,  1^93.  Taft.  Circuit 
Judge.  Second,  a  workingman  •con- 
sidered under  control.  T..  A.  &  N.  M. 
Ry.  vs.  P.  Co.  Ricks,  Circuit  Judgii. 
March  26.  1893.    Third,  constitutional 


to  discharge  a  man  for  belonging  to  a 
union.  Wm.  Adair  vs.  United  States, 
Jan.  27,  1908.  And  then.  Mr.  Union 
Man,  along  comes  the  Dick  military 
bill.    Three  cheers! 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P.. 

W.  E.  Mathews. 


Ocfwein,  Iowa.— No.  84. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

It  has  been  a  long  time  since  there 
has  been  anything  in  the  Joubnal 
from  Lodge  No.  84,  and  I  sincerely 
hope  it  will  be  a  still  longer  time  be- 
fore we  have  to  live  through  the 
things  again  which  have  happened  in 
Oelwein  during  the  past  six  months. 
It  has  been  all  fatalities,  and  it  seems 
more  than  our  share.  The  first  one  to 
be  injured  here  was  Ed.  Damm,  a 
young  man  only  switching  about  six 
weeks.  He  lost  his  right  foot  while  In 
the  performance  of  his  duty.  The  sec- 
ond one  was  Jack  Holsom.  He  also 
lost  his  foot  while  switching,  pushing 
a  drawbar  over  with  his  foot.  Both  of 
these  young  men  were  students,  and 
had  not  lined  up  in  the  S.  U.,  therefore 
not  receiving  any  benefits  from  the 
union.  The  last  one  to  meet  with  mis- 
fortune was  Cllflford  Crandall,  who  met 
his  death  on  the  morning  of  Oct.  14th. 
while  at  work.  No  one  seems  to  know 
how  the  poor  fellow  met  his  death, 
but  when  they  found  him  his  head  was 
mutilated  beyond  recognition.  Clilf 
was  a  young  man  beloved  by  everyone, 
and  to  meet  him  was  the  assurance 
that  you  had  made  a  true  and  sincere 
friend,  one  who  would  never  turn 
traitor.  In  his  lodge  he  was  alwajrs 
willing  and  ready  to  teke  hold  and 
help  push  the  thing  along,  whatever 
it  might  be,  never  shirking  at  what- 
ever he  might  be  called  on  to  do.  Be- 
sides leaving  a  wi^e  and  two  children 
to  mourn  his  untimely  death  he  also 
leaves  a  mother,  father,  two  sisters  and 
a  brother,  who.  have  the  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy of  the  entire  community.  The 
remains  were  taken  to  Austin.  Minn., 
for  burial,  where  a  nartv  of  ten  from 
the  Switchmen.  A.  O.  U.  W.  and  Eagles 
accomnanied  them,  rpmalnlne:  there 
two  days  until  after  the  funf»ral.  Let 
me  tell  you.  hoys,  it  pays  to  be  a  mem- 
ber of  the  S.  U. 

We  were  honored  by  a  visit  from 
International  Vice-President  Mlsenhel- 


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ter,  who  gave  us  a  lot  of  good  advice, 
and  we  hope  that  he  will  make  this 
one  of   his  stopping  places   the  next 
time  he  is  in  this  part  of  the  contin- 
ent* and  which  we  hope  will  be  in  the 
near  future.     We  will  try  to  have  a 
better  attendance  the  next  time.     As 
it  was,  the  day  he  came  was  the  day 
we   lost  Bro.  Crandall.     On   that  ac- 
count there  wasn't  any  of  the  boys 
that  felt  much  like  going  to  lodge. 
Well,  I  must  close  for  this  time. 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
Deak, 
Journal  Agent. 


Toledo^C— No.  14. 

Bditor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  the  Journal  agent  of  Lodge  No. 
14  has  not  done  his  share  of  contrib- 
uting towards  making  our  little  book 
interesting,  I  will  do  my  "level  b^st" 
tbi«  month  to  let  those  who  are  inter- 
ested in  our  welfare  know  Just  what 
we  are  doing  here.  We  are  told  by  the 
"boys"  who  have  left  us  when  they  re- 
turn on  a  visit  that  they  enjoy  read- 
ing the  Journal  letters  from  "home." 
We  have  many  of  these  members  scat- 
tered over  this  broad  land  of  ours,  and 
how  glad  we  are  to  find  that  they  have 
taken  up  the  work  in  other  localities 
that  they  learned  to  do  while  in  old 
Lodge  No.  14.  and  when  we  look  over 
the  pages  of  the  roster  we  are  always 
pleased  to  see  the  names  of  some  of 
them  "lined  up  for  business"  in  other 
yards. 

Business  in  this  part  of  the  country 
has  be^n  unusually  heavy,  and  our 
boys  have  been  kept  on  the  move.  Onr 
membership  has  increased  steadHy, 
and  our  attendance  has  bepn  good, 
which,  of  course,  kept  up  the  interest. 

We  hnve  had  two  open  meetings 
within  the  last  few  months,  which 
have  been  of  grreat  help  to  us.  Some  of 
our  Grand  officers  have  been  present 
at  these  to  add  to  the  interest  by 
words  of  enconmeement.  Cbl«*f  among 
tbpm  was  Grand  President  Heberling. 
whose  sincerity  leaves  a  lasting  ira- 
pr*»«sion  upon  all  who  hear  him  sneak. 

Two  of  our  old  and  beloved  members 
havfl  been  removed  from  our  ranks  by 
death  while  on  duty.  Bro.  M.  B. 
ToupfiTp,  who  had  been  employed  by 
the  I/ake  Shore  almost  all  of  his  life 
and  had  switched  in  the  yards  for  the 


last  twenty  years,  met  death  while 
switching  Aug.  22,  1912.  Also  Bro. 
Samuel  Smith  was  instantly  killed  Oct. 
13th,  after  having  served  the  Lake 
Shore  Company  for  over  forty  years  as 
yardmaster  and  switchman.  Our 
membership  was  well  represented  at 
the  funerals  of  these  brothers.  Our 
sympathy  goes  out  to  %he  bereaved 
families,  as  we  know  they  will  be 
missed  by  them,  as  we  also  shall  miss 
them.  It  might  be  well  for  some  of 
our  younger  brothers  to  pattern  after 
these  veteran  switchmen  in  providing 
for  their  families  in  the  way  of  insur- 
ance. It  behooves  us  all  to  be  very 
careful  about  dellnauencies,  for  sooner 
or  later  we  must  all  leave  this  world, 
and  who  will  care  for  those  who  are 
near  and  dear  to  us  if  we  fail  in  our 
dutv  toward  them? 

Wishing  success  to  one  and  all,  I 
remain.        Yours  In  B.,  H.  and  P., 

D.  J.  DORCY. 


ChicafOtM.— No.199. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

(Not  seeing  anything  for  some  time 
from  our  Journal  agent,  I  will  assume 
the  risk  of  incurring  his  displeasure 
and  write  a  few  items  for  December 
Journal.  Generally  speaking,  the  af- 
fairs of  this  lodge  are  in  good  shape 
and  so,  in  addition  to  saying  that  we 
are  doing  business  at  the  same  old 
stand,  we  can  also  say  we  are  doing 
a  good  business.  This  lodge  now  has 
to  use  four  figures  to  express  its  fund 
ratings  and  we  have  made  substantial 
gains  in  membership.  We  are  hope- 
ful of  being  entitled  to  three  dele 
gates  at  the  Houston  convention.  We 
have  initiated  over  fifty  new  candi- 
dates during  the  last  four  months.  Let 
us  all  try  and  keep  up  this  good  work 
and  get  into  our  ranks,  as  nearly  as 
possible,  all  the  new  faces  that  arc 
entering  into  our  yard  forces.  They 
belong  with  us  and  we  should  get 
them.  All  members  are  requested  to 
attend  the  first  meeting  Sunday  night, 
December  8th,  as  election  of  officers 
for  1913  will  be  in  order  at  that  time. 
So  make  it  a  point  to  be  present  if 
you  are  interested  in  the  personnel  of 
lodge  officers,  and  all  members  should 
be. 

As  announced  elsewhere.  Lodge  No. 
Id9  will  give  its  annual  ball  and  re- 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OP   N.    A. 


ception  Thursday  evening,  Jan.  30, 
1913,  at  Masonic  Temple  Drill  Hall  on 
the  seventeenth  floor,  State  and  Ran- 
dolph Streets.  Tickets  are  $1.00  and 
admit  gentleman  and  ladies;  wardrobe 
is  free.  All  who  are  fortunate  enough 
to  attend  this  event  are  assured  of  an 
enjoyable  evening.  We  expect  each  of 
our  members  to  take  a  ticket  himself 
and  to  dispose  of  as  many  as  possible 
to  others  and  to  settle  with  Bro. 
Brough  for  them  all  before  the  night 
of  the  ball,  so  he  will  be  able  to  make 
a  full  report  of  it  to  the  lodge  at  the 
first  meeting  held  afterwards.  The 
members  of  all  sister  Chicago  and 
nearby  lodges,  as  well  as  members  of 
other  lodges  working  or  visiting  hero 
are  cordially  invited  to  be  present. 

As  a  rule  our  regular  meetings  are 
well  attended  and  the  members  arc 
manifesting  considerable  interest  In 
the  good  work.  We  have  a  drawing 
for  a  $2.00  hat  each  month,  so  come 
out  and  you  will  stand  a  chance  for  a 
new  head-covering  prize. 

Wishing  all  members  and  their  fami< 
lies  a  Merry  Christmas  and  Happy 
New  Year,  I  remain. 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  P., 

J.  W.  Hemen. 


Fort  Wayne,  Ind.— No.  78. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

We  are  still  moving  forward  toward 
the  accomplishment  of  the' principles 
ot  our  organization.  That  we  are  right 
in  advocating  that  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
is  the  proper  and  only  labor  organiza- 
tion to  be  a  member  of,  that  is  if  you 
are  engaged  in  switching,  is  not  ques- 
tioned by  our  own  members,  though 
it  is  by  some  members  of  our  rival  or- 
der, the  B.  of  R.  T.  They  are  properly 
considered  as  road  men  and  should 
only  be  considered  as  such.  Even 
amongst  themselves,  at  many  points, 
there  seems  to  be  a  great  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  wages  and  working  con- 
ditions— a  confliction  as  to  whom  be- 
longs the  authority  to  legislate  for  the 
yards.  As  to  my  opinion  I  would  say 
that  the  road  men  of  the  B.  of  R.  T 
in  the  yards  should  belong  exclusively 
in  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  The  fact  is  very 
evident  that  all  practicable  and  re- 
munerative schedules,  whereby  a  ma- 
jority of  the  men  are  benefited,  were 
conceived  and  submitted  by  brothers 


who  are  members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
and  resulting  in  much  benefit  to  many 
who  are  not  members  of  any  order,  as 
well  as  those  who  are  members  of  other 
unions.  To  them  all  I  would  appeal  to 
become  members  of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 
Help  us  by  your  membership  and  also 
help  us  financially.  Our  beneficiary  is 
as  good  as  gold  and  to  the  B.  of  R.  T. 
men  I  will  say  that  your  dues  in  the 
S.  U.  of  N.  A.  will  not  be  any  higher, 
nor  will  your  assessments  be  as  great 
as  they  are  now.  The  foundation  of 
the  pay  of  all  yards  is  built  upon 
Chicago  yards  and  I  assure  all  that  it 
was  through  the  efforts  of  the  brothers 
of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  and  the  old  S. 
M.  M.  A.  that  the  Chicago  standard  of 
pay  for  switching  service  has  been  es- 
tablished for  many  years.  Come  then, 
you  no-bills  and  B.  of  R.  T.  men,  you 
who  expect  to  switch  cars  for  a  live- 
lihood, and  join  our  noble  brotherhood. 

We  have  just  passed  through  a 
memorable  campaign.  A  new  one  is 
now  being  agitated.  I  refer  to  the 
eastern  association  as  to  the  stan- 
dardization of  pay.  The  yards  are  in- 
cluded and  I  hope  they  will  be  suc- 
cessful. We,  however,  must  await  the 
decision  of  the  managers^  It  is  a 
.  query  what  it  will  be.  We  are  in  a 
quandary  now  as  to  the  answer  of  the 
B.  L.  E.  request  for  more  pay. 

I  did  not  see  any  comment  In  our 
pink  book  from  any  of  the  brothers 
in  regard  to  the  employers'  liability 
bill.  I  would  like  to  see  all  brothers 
get  after  this.  Look  to  your  interest 
and  write  to  your  member  in  Congress 
and  Senate  and  tell  him  what  you 
want.  We  only  want  what  is  fair  and 
just  in  case  our  life  is  wiped  out  or 
we  are  maimed  for  life.  Look  to  it, 
my  brothers. 

Lodge  No.  78  has  been  called  upon 
to  extend  heartfelt  sympathy  to  our 
.good  brother,  Vioe-President  C  O. 
Norton,  who  mourns  the  loss  of  his 
father.  He  was  found  dead  on  the 
morning  of  the  8th  ult  asphyxiated  by 
artificial  gas.  The  father  had  change  i 
his  residence  and,  after  disconnecting 
the  stove,  a  cork  was  inserted  into  the 
pipe.  It  is  presumed  that  cork  waa 
not  secure  enough  and,  in  his  attempt 
to  remedy  the  matter,  he  was  over- 
come by  gas.  We  all  extend  to  the 
brother  our  heartfelt  sympathy. 

Lodge  No.  7^  is  earnestly  at  work 
Increasing  the  membership  and  there- 


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by  promulgating   the   principles   and 
benefit  of  our  noble  order. 

What  plans  are  you  making  for  the 
near  future  when  our  convention 
meets  in  May  down  in  Texas?  I  Im- 
agine It  will  be  a  hot  time,  but  it  is 
hoped  that  all  delegates  will  be  pre- 
pared to  help  accomplish  the  better- 
ment of  our  order.  We  should  all 
strive  to  do  this  and,  if  we  do,  the 
result  of  our  labor  in  behalf  of  the 
order  will  be  evident  in  more  ways 
than  one. 

In  conclusion  let  me  hope  for  a  bet- 
ter condition  for  all  brothers  and  their 
families.  May  our  good  order  be  more 
prosperous  than  ever  and  may  you  and 
yours  enjoy  a  Merry  Christmas  and 
Happy  New  Year,  is  the  wish  of 
Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Bo. 


Chicago,  IN.— No.  1 7. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Th«  JouENAL  agent  of  Lodge  No.  17 
must  be  very  much  rushed  in  the  cas- 
ket business,  as  the  brothers  of  Lodge 
No.  17  have  not  heard  from  him 
through  the  Joubnal  for  the  past  six 
months,  and  do  not  see  any  other  way 
out  of  it  but  that  the  secretary  will 
have  to  let  the  members  know  that  the 
Joubnal  agent  is  not  the  only  one  in 
the  bunch  and  that  there  are  others 
besides  himself.  If  this  letter  escapes 
the  wastebasket,  all  well  and  good. 
I  will,  therefore,  try  to  let  the  mem- 
bers of  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  at  large  and 
those  of  Lodge  No.  17  in  particular 
know  that  we  are  getting  along  fine. 
From  one  to  ten  applications  are  being 
received  at  every  meeting  and  the 
dollar  always  accompanies  the  appli- 
cation. This  is  the  right  way  to  get 
new  timber  started.  Application  with- 
out the  dollar,  you  know,  is  of  no  con- 
sequence. We  have  finally  broken  the 
fence  down  and  got  into  the  B.  ft  O. 
yards  in  South  Chicago  among  the  B. 
of  R.  T.  men  of  that  yard.  Conditions 
got  80  bad  and  special  assessments 
were  so  high  that  the  boys  switching 
cars  in  the  B.  &  O.  yards  could  not 
stand  it  any  longer  and  have  cast  their 
lot  with  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  where 
they  should  have  been  long  ago,  and 
would  have  had  better  conditions  had 
they  been  there.  We  also  got  a  fine 
bunch  of  applications  from  switchmen 
on  the  Chicago  Short  Line.    Bro.  Ed 


Brough  gave  us  some  valuable  assist- 
ance in  getting  these  applications  and 
the  members  of  Lodge  No.  17  certainly 
appreciate  his  good  work  in  increasing 
our  local  membership.  May  the  good 
work  go  on  until  we  get  every  one  In 
switching  service  lined  up  in  the  S. 
U.  of  N.  A.  Bro.  Brough  is  the  right 
man  in  the  right  place  to  accomplish 
it.  But  he  must  have  the  assistance 
of  all  the  members.  No  member  of 
this  lodge  should  work  in  any  yard 
without  having  some  application 
blanks  in  his  pocket,  nor  without  the 
inclination  and  determination  to  do 
what  he  can,  not  only  to  get  new  mem- 
bers, but  to  aid  the  cause  in  every 
other  honorable  manner.  You  mu«=it 
always  be  on  the  job. 

The  time  will  soon  be  here  to  select 
your  timber  for  officers  for  1913  auv! 
the  delegates  to  the  next  convention. 
These  are  very  important  matters  and 
I  hope  the  brothers  will  not  forget  this 
most  important  matter.  The  place 
wher^  those  duties  are  to  be  attended 
to  is  the  lodge  meeting  room.  Select 
good  members  to  represent  the  lodge: 
members  of  whom  you  all  can  fee' 
proud  and  who  have  the  interest  of 
the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.  at  heart  and  who 
are  always  present  at  both  regular  and 
special  meetings,  always  looking  after 
the  good  and  welfare  of  the  union. 

Ere  Joubnal  readers  will  see  thl? 
Lodge  No.  17  will  have  held  its  fif- 
teenth annual  reception  and  ball.  The 
way  the  tickets  are  selling  we  will 
have  a  "cracker-jack"  of  a  crowd. 

The  members  of  Lodge  No.  47  prom- 
ised to  be  present  with  a  large  crowd 
and,  through  the  kindness  of  the  as- 
sistant superintendent  of  the  E.  J.  & 
E.  an  engine  with  coaches  was  furn- 
ished to  bring  the  members  and  their 
families  from  Gary,  Ind.,  to  South 
Chicago  and  return  them  "After  the 
Ball  is  Over."  No,  I  am  not  a  com- 
poser of  music;  the  above  is  an  acci- 
dent. 

Vice-President  J.  B.  Connors  and 
Bro.  E.  Brough.  organizer  for  Chicago 
switching  district,  made  Lodge  No.  17 
a  very  pleasant  call  at  our  last  meet- 
ing on  Nov.  3d.  We  would  be  pleased 
to  have  them  call  figain. 

The  members  of  Lodge  No.  17  are 
very  much  disappointed  to  hear  of  the 
defeat  of  Bro.  Fred  C.  Lockwood  of 
Lodge  No.  83  at  the  election  on  Nov. 
5th,  as  State  Representative.  We  hope 
that  Bro.  Lockwood  will  not  be  di^- 


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JOURNAL   OP   SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N. 


couraged,  but  instead  will  turn  up  his 
shirt  sleeves  a  little  higher,  change 
the  position  of  his  hat  and  go  to  \U 
for  there  is  still  a  chance.  You  will 
always  find  the  S.  U.  brothers  wiUi 
you. 

Brothers,  do  not  forget  the  date  and 
place  of  the  meeting.  We  still  meet 
at  the  same  hall  on  the  first  Sunday 
at  8  p.  m.,  and  the  third  Sunday  at 
2  p.  m.  With  best  wishes  to  all,  I  re- 
main, Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 
G.  H.  Hoos, 
Secretary  No.  17, 


NewYoricCity.-No.Se. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

I  will  try  to  write  a  few  lines  for 
our  little  pink  book  again  and  let 
the  brothers  know  that  Lodge  No.  56 
is  still  in  line  and  fighting  for  the 
good  old  S.  U.  of  N.  A. 

We  are  taking  in  a  member  at  mo3t 
every  meeting  and  have  a  few  more 
applications  to  act  upon. 

Now,  you  brothers  of  the  old  school 
of  switchmen,  can  you  see  what  right 
the  "big  fiuff"  has  to  find  fault  with 
the  switchmen?  I  see  no  reason  why 
he  has  the  right  to  sit  in  judgment 
over  switchmen's  affairs.  If  for  one 
single  hour  he  was  compelled  to  walk 
iu  the  streets  with  all  the  facu 
stamped  on  his  face  where  they  could 
be  seen  and  read,  do  you  suppose  he 
would  dare  to  emerge  from  his  suite 
of  rooms?  No,  he  would  want  to  bury 
himself  and  hide  from  the  eyes  of 
men.  Yet,  whether  or  not  he  knows  it, 
the  switchmen  of  this  country  know 
the  facts  and  are  onto  his  game.  How 
eager  he  always  is  to  suppress  any- 
thing the  switchmen  have  accom- 
plished for  union  men.  I  was  talking 
to  one  of  the  "simplers"  not  long  ago 
who  thought  all  railroad  men  shoull 
be  members  of  the  "big  bluff."  He 
couldn't  get  the  fact  through  his 
"noodle"  that  it  was  very  unsatisfac- 
tory to  switchmen  to  lose  sight  of  the 
fact  that  they  were  switchmen  and 
have  a  bunch  of  "slmplers"  down  th.? 
line  somewhere  who  didn't  know 
a  thing  about  their  work  to  tell  them 
where  to  "head  in"  and  later  on  send 
along  a  good  sized  assessment  for  gel- 
tins  them  something  they  didn't 
want,  such,  for  Instance,  as  givin? 
road   men   yard   rights   and   charging 


yard  men  good  fat  assessments  to  be 
driven  out  of  their  jobs  by  road  men. 
This  "simpler"  ftlso  told  me  the  "big 
bluff"  got  me  an  increase  in  wages. 
I  simply  told  him  his  Farley  organiza- 
tion got  what  the  switchmen  refused 
and  that  the  S.  U.  could  have  had  the 
secret  contract  here  if  it  would  only 
have  done  the  dirty  work  necessary  to 
get  it.  The  time  the  "simplers"  got 
an  increase,  off  came  a  man  from  each 
yard  crew.  On  one  occasion  this  male 
a  reduction  of  forty-eight  men  of  their 
organization  who  paid  a  good  stiff  as- 
sessment to  throw  themselves  out  of 
jobs.  That's  going  some,  eh!  But 
then  there  is  no  limitation  to  our 
aristocratic  competitors.  They  ai'e 
highly  (?)  skilled  when  it  comes  tu 
pulling  off  stunts  of  this  kind:  $8,000 
per  annum  for  Bill  at  Cleveland,  $1.50 
per  12-hour  day  for  the  switchers  «t 
Rome,  Oa.  Do  you  catch  on?  Going 
some,  this  distinction  of  pay  between 
the  aristocrat  and  the  rube,  isn't  it? 
Well,  they  both  get  what  they  want,  r  r 
at  least  the  $1.50  a  day  boys  say  they 
are  perfectly  satisfied  and  as  Bill  has 
said  nothing  to  the  contrary,  we  have 
every  reason  to  believe  he  is  also  con- 
tented. 

Bro.  Dowling  is  oh  the  sick  list 
and  we  all  hope  he  will  soon  be  able  to 
work  again. 

Bro.  McMichals  informs  me  he  will 
take  in  a  few  more  applications  this 
month.  So,  brothers,  put  your  should- 
ers to  the  wheel  and  each  one  try  to 
do  something  along  this  line  and  see 
if  you  can't  bring  a  new  applicant 
along  with  you  at  our  next  meeting. 
I  will  have  one,  so  if  you  want  to 
keep  up  the  pace  with  Shults  it  wi!l 
be  necessary  for  you  to  get  to 
work. 

I  will  close  now  by  extending  be-^t 
wishes  to  all  good  S.  U.  workers,  not 
forgetting  "Baldy  O'Brien." 

Yours  in  B.,  H.  and  P., 

Shults. 


If  He  Had  Drowned. 

A  gentleman  had  just  rescued  a 
little  fellow  who  had .  fallen  into  the 
river. 

"I'm  awfully  glad  you  got  me  out," 
said  the  youngster.  "Mother  would 
have  given  me  a  lickin'  if  I  had  got 
drowned." 


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THE    LADIES'   AUXILIARY 
TO    THE    S.    U.    OF    N.   A. 


Minneapolis,  Minn. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

As  every  month  brings  the  Journal, 
and  not  a  word  from  Minneapolis,  I 
thought  it  was  time  someone  woke  up 
and  let  folks  know  that  Lodge  No. 
29  is  still  in  existence  and  holding 
meetings  twice  a  month,  and  we  have 
some  fine  meetings.  We  took  in  one 
new  member  last  meeting,  and  have 
two  more  In  view  for  next  time.  I  tell 
you,  sisters,  it  is  "some  task"  to  work 
in  this  town  for  members.  When  we 
get  hold  of  a  lady  that  wants  to  join 
and  her  husband  is  in  good  standing, 
she  will  say,  "Oh,  I  want  to  join  so 
bad,  but  of  course  I  must  see  my  hus- 
band first."  Then  when  we  go  again 
it  is,  ''Well,  my  husband  won't  let  me 
join."  That  is  our  main  trouble  here 
in  Minneapolis.  I  can't  understand 
whv  they  are  so  opposed.  Surely,  the 
wife  does  not  object  when  the  husband 
wishes  to  join  the  S.  U.  And  let  me 
tell  you,  brothers,  that  $350  comes  in 
pretty  handy  to  any  one  of  you  in  case 
of  your  wife's  death.  Besides,  if  a 
brother  switchman  gets  hurt  or  is  sick 
or  is  taken  away,  the  auxiliary  never 
fails  to  go  to  the  aid  of  anyone  if  they 
know  it.  They  will  always  do  what 
thpy  can  if  they  are  allowed  to  do  so. 
We  have  one  sister  who  is  lust  aching 
to  gro  to  the  S.  IT.  meeting  and  tell  the 
brothers  a  few  things,  but  we  know  she 
would  most  likely  come  out  much 
quicker  than  she  went  in,  so  we  just 
have  to  keep  her  "tied"  down.  So  we 
just  continue  to  do  the  best  we  can, 
and  feel  confident  things  will  be 
brierhter  for  us  ere  lon^. 

We'l,  the  stork  has  been  a  frequent 
visitor  among  us  this  summer.  Sis- 
ters Clara  Ry«n,  Temple,  Moak  and 
Callfln  have  all  b<»en  presented  with 
fine  b«by  idrls.  How  is  that  for  the 
auTiliary  in  times  to  come? 

We  have  even  heen  giving  away 
"green  toTyi«toes."  Tf  you  don't  b«*lieve 
it,  ask  Sister  La  France.  I  know  she 
had  her  share.  We  have  been  meet- 
ing at  the  homes  and  serving  light  re- 
freshments, and  such  nice  times  as  we 


do  have.  I  am  sure  Sisters  Corridon 
and  Nash  have  gained  twenty-five* 
pounds  since  meeting  at  Sister  Covey- 
low's.  We  have  had  Sister  Burns  of 
Chicago  with  us  at  our  last  four  or 
five  meetings,  and  she  can  tell  you 
what  good  times  we  have  had.  We 
^miss  her  smiling  face  among  us  now. 
*  Better  come  back,  "Burns." 

Well,  I  was  not  going  to  write  much 
this  time,  but  I  could  keep  on  for  a 
week  and  tell  you  of  our  meetings,  but 
I  can  see  the  faces  of  some  of  the 
brothers  if  they  see  this,  so  I  mustn't 
say  much  more. 

Sister  Inez  Ryan  hasn't  attended  our 
meetings  so  regularly  lately,  on  ac- 
count of  being  laid  up  after  our  t^icnic. 
Tou  must  remember,  Sister  Ryan,  you 
are  no  little  girl  any  longer  and  can 
not  ride  on  the  merry-go-rounds  and 
whirleygigs  without  paying  for  it. 
Try  to  be  with  us  next  time,  as  we 
are  to  serve  beans. 

I  wish  all  our  sisters  were  as  true 
and  loyal  as  Sister  McClellan.  We 
met  at  her  home  recently,  and  it  would 
do  every  one  of  the  brothers  good  to 
hear  her  uphold  the  S.  U.  One  switch- 
man heard  her  good  and  plenty. 

Bro.  Daniel  Clifford,  treasurer  of 
Flour  City  lodge  No.  7,  has  the  sin- 
cere sympathy  of  all  our  members  on 
account  of  the  death  of  his  wife.  She 
had  suffered  for  many  weeks,  patiently 
and  cheerfully  the  affliction  that  en- 
dured until  death  relieved  her  from 
her  earthly  cares  and  sufferings  to 
enter  her  final  reward.  She  was  for- 
merly a  member  of  Fern  Glen  Lodge 
and  will  be  sadly  missed  by  a  host  of 
friends  who  loved  her  and  who  will 
cherish  pleasant  memories  of  her 
amiable  characteristics  and  disposi- 
tion to  make  life  as  pleasant  as  pos- 
sible for  all  those  coming  within  the 
radius  of  her  life's  influence. 

Well,  I  believe  I  said  I  was  going  to 
stop  some  time  ago,  and  will  now. 
Wishing  the  S.  U.  and  L.  A.  the  best 
of  success,  I  remain, 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

A  Member. 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N. 


Topeka,Kai 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Daisy  Lodge  No.  46  is  still  "in  the 
ring/'  and,  while  not  growing  much, 
we  are  holding  our  own  and  are  one  of 
the  most  peaceable  and  agreeable  lodges 
you  could  find.  Everything  is  in  per- 
fect harmony,  and  our  members  always 
look  forward  to  our  little  gatherings 
with  pleasure.  We  meet  the  second 
*and  fourth  Thursday  afternoons  and 
on  the  alternate  Thursdays  are  enter- 
tained by  some  of  the  sisters.  We 
were  entertained  on  Nov.  7th  by  Sister 
Nelson  and  had  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing our  Grand  President,  Sister  Clark. 
She  is  always  a  welcome  visitor,  and  < 
we  hope  to  have  her  visit  us  often. 

Ere  this  appears  Iq  the  Joubnal  the 
S.  U.  lodge  will  have  given  their  sixth 
annual  ball,  which  comes  oft  on  Thanks- 
giving eve,  and  the  auxiliary  expects 
to  serve  refreshments  for  them.  At 
present  everything  points  to  a  great 
success. 

Before  the  next  Journai.  reaches  the 
members  the  delegates  to  the  next  con- 
vention will  have  been  elected.  There 
are  many  important  questions  which 
will  no  doubt  come  before  the  next 
session,  and  it  behooves  the  members 
of  the  various  lodges  to  talk  these 
matters  over  so  that  their  delegate 
may  know  the  opinions  of  her  con- 
stituents and  be  able  to  cast  an  intel- 
ligent vote  when  the  question  comes 
up  for  discussion  and  action. 

One  of  the  most  important  questions 
is  that  of  the  four-year  convention.  It 
seems  to  me  to  be  the  height  of  folly 
to  be  holding  conventions  every  two 
years,  just  because  the  brothers  do. 
Away  out  here  in  Kansas  we  now  have 
equal  suffrage  and  we  have  ceased  to 
consider  that  what  the  men  folks  say 
is  and  of  necessity  must  be  right.  We 
read  the  evidence  from  all  sides,  then 
weigh  and  come  to  our  own  decisions. 
We  lose  our  Individuality  when  we 
say  because  the  brothers  hold  two-year 
conventions  we  must  do  so.  If  they 
can  afford  it,  that  is  all  right,  and  they 
undoubtedly  must  have  much  more  im- 
portant questions  to  settle  than  we. 
The  very  nature  of  their  vocation  and 
organization  would  occasion  this. 
Upon  our  rolls  there  are  many  widows, 
for  the  switchman's  calling  is  a  very 
uncertain  one,  and  by  looking  at  the 
death  claims  published  in  the  Journal 
one  can  realize  how  many  families  are 
left    dependent    upon    their    own    re- 


sources each  month.  Now,  is  not  this 
an  unnecessary  and  unjust  expense  to 
place  upon  them  if  there  is  any  pos- 
sible way  to  avoid  it?  A  switchman 
who  has  a  wife  and  perhaps  a  depend- 
ent daughter  belonging  to  our  order 
would  undoubtedly  appreciate  any  de- 
crease in  expenses  which  could  be 
made,  for  his  own  convention  assess- 
ment and  that  of  his  family  all  come 
from  the  same  source,  and  really  it  is 
not  conducive  to  gaining  all  the 
eligible  members  of  a  family  for  there 
are  too  many  other  orders  in  which  a 
convention  assessment  is  never  heard 
of. 

Then,  too,  there  is  the  25-cent  quar- 
terly Grand  Lodge  dues  for  social 
members.  Now,  personally,  I  can  see 
no  plausible  reason  why  this  should 
be,  for  they  derive  absolutely  no  bene- 
fit from  either  Grand  or  subordinate 
lodge  other  than  the  social  ones,  and 
as  in  our  lodge  where  local  dues  are 
16  cents  per  month,  or  45  cents  per 
quarter,  25  cents  Grand  Lodge  dues 
and  10  cents  floral  fund,  80  cents  per 
quarter  for  social  privileges  is  rather 
high.  Wc  could  have  a  number  of  so- 
cial members  were  it  not  for  these 
charges,  and  very  often  the  social 
members  are  among  the  best  workers 
for  they  are  not  in  it  for  the  benefits 
but  the  pleasures. 

There  are  a  number  of  other  things 
which,  to  my  mind,  need  revising,  and 
I  think  it  would  be  well  to  discuss 
these  matters  through  the  Journal 
and  so  everyone  will  have  a  chance. 
Fraternally  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Stella  A.  Fleming,  Treas. 


Kansas  Gty,  Kansas. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Events  of  the  last  month  have  given 
me  so  much  to  write  about  that  X 
hardly  know  where  to  commence,  hav> 
ing  the  good  of  humanity  so  much  at 
heart  and  seeing  that  the  men  of  the 
world  are  so  much  inclined  that  way 
too,  I  have  been  gratified  beyond  meas- 
ure. We  bear  the  world  and  make  it. 
The  souls  of  little  children  are  mar- 
velously  delicate  and  tender  things 
and  keep  forever  the  shadow  that  firjt 
falls  on  them,  and  that  is  the  mother's, 
or.  at  best,  a  woman's.  There  was 
never  a  great  man  who  had  not  a  great 
mother;  it  is  hardly  an  exaggeration 
to  state  that.    The  first  six  years  of 


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JOURNAL.   OP   SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OP   N.   A. 


809 


our  life  makes  ub;  all  that  is  added 
later  is  veneer;  and  yet  some  say  that 
if  a  woman  can  cook  a  dinner  or  dress 
herself  well,  she  has  culture  enough. 
It  Is  not  a  sign  of  power,  but  of  weak- 
ness when  one  clings  obstinately  i) 
old  conditions.  The  woman  with  the 
ballot  will,  I  am  sure,  improve  th) 
condition  of  child  labor  and  the  worir- 
ing  girl  and  many  other  things  of 
vital  importance,  for  it  takes  the  cosn- 
bfned  effort  of  the  father  and  mother 
to  govern  the  home.  Why  not  tho 
combined  effort  of  the  husband  ani 
wife  to  form  the  government?  Now- 
having  ten  States  with  suffrage,  we 
hope  others  will  profit  by  their  ex- 
ample and  experience  and  fall  in  lino, 
for  if  we  will  all  do  our  duty  here.  It 
matters  not  what  theory  we  may  have 
in  regard  to  that  unknown  future. 
When  the  last  night  closes  in  upon 
us  it  will  be  one  of  delightful  rest: 
soft  breezes  to  cool  the  life-worn  and 
tired  body;  while  deeds  of  kindness, 
charity,  truth  and  love  and  devotion 
to  principle  will  shine  above  and 
around  us,  as  do  the  glorious  stars  in 
the  heaven,  all  seeming  to  say,  "Well 
done,  thou  art  entitled  to  a  blissful 
repose;  thy  life  has  not  been  a  blank, 
but  one  of  benefit  to  the  world." 

One  correction,  our  ball  had  not 
been  given  when  the  last  Joubnii. 
came  out,  but  was  given  on  Oct.  31sr 
and  was  a  success,  both  socially  and 
financially. 

Bro.  and  Sister  B.  P.  Kirkpatrick 
are  entertaining  a  new  son,  who  ar- 
rived in  time  to  vote  on  Nov.  5th,  anv^ 
whom  they  have  given  the  name  of 
Arthur  Harry.  We  wish  the  young 
man  every  success  in  life. 

With  best  wishes  for  all  sister 
lodges,  I  am, 

Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mbs.  a.  Y.  Pebsinoeb. 


South  Chicago,  lU. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Joubnal: 

Calumet  Lodge  No.  15  Is  forging 
ahead  slowly  but  surely  and  we  have 
had  the  pleasure  of  initiating  some 
new  members  very  recently.  As  far  as 
the  attendance  goes,  there  are  about  the 
same  faithful  few  who  have  to  do  all 
the  work,  see  that  the  treasury  Is  kept 
up  and,  in  fact,  "run  the  lodge,"  as 
others  would  say.  Now,  sisters,  elec- 
tion of  officers  is  at  hand  and  if  you 


do  not  like,  or  even  if  you  like  the 
way  things  are  run,  come  out  and  the 
few  who  have  done  all  the  work  are 
perfectly  willing  to  turn  things  over 
to  you.  As  a  rule  the  same  faces  are 
seen  in  the  chairs  with,  perhaps,  a 
change  of  position.  So  now  come  out 
to  the  meetings  and  help  us  to  have  a 
variety. 

Calumet  Lodge  had  the  extreuio 
pleasure  of  leading  the  labor  parado 
here  on  last  Labor  Day  and  the  sisters 
who  did  not  come  missed  a  splendid 
time  and  lost  an  opportunity  to  help 
the  cause  of  labor  and  right  here  I 
wonder  how  many  sisters  in  Chicago 
have  helped  the  striking  newspaper- 
men by  not  buying  trust  newspapers. 
Our  not  buying  the  papers  may  not 
win  the  strike,  but  we  can  have  the 
satisfaction  of  knowing  that  neither  a 
penny  of  ours  nor  our  Influence  helped 
down  a  fellow  union  man.  A  great 
many  women  are  union  In  so  far  as 
unionism  does  not  Inconvenience  them 
any.  This  press  strike  gave  us  a 
chance  to  see  how  deep  our  layer  of 
unionism  Is.  During  the  Garment 
Workers'  strike  In  Chicago  there  were 
twelve  hundred  and  fifty  babies  born 
to  the  strikers.  The  Women's  Trade 
Union  League  tried  to  supply  all  these 
little  non-combatants  with  milk.  A 
visitor  going  Into  one  of  the  home<» 
found  a  mother  In  bed  with  a  new- 
born babe  and  surrounded  by  thro*? 
other  little  ones.  There  was  neither 
food  nor  fuel  and  It  was  a  bitter  cold 
day.  On  the  mother's  bed  were  three 
letters  from  her  husband's  employer 
offering  to  raise  his  wages  from  $15 
to  $30  a  week  If  he  would  come  bacK 
and  help  break  the  strike.  He  had  re- 
fused and  the  wife  had  rejoiced  In  the 
refusal.  The  visitor  asked  her  how 
she  could  bear  such  suffering,  not  for 
herself,  but  for  her  children.  With  a 
steady,  quiet  look  In  her  patient  eyes, 
the  mother  answered:  "It  Is  not  only 
bread  we  give  our  children.  We  live 
not  by  bread  alone;  we  live  by  free- 
dom, and  I  will  fight  for  It  till  I  die 
to  give  it  to  my  children."  Brave  little 
mother! 

Now,  to  get  down  to  Calumet  Lodge 
affairs  once  more:  We  are  going  to 
give  a  penny  social  and  an  Xmas  bazar 
on  Dec.  19th  and  hope  that  all  the 
sisters  of  Lodge  No.  15  will  donate 
cheerfully  to  the  same  and  then  come 
out  to  help  us  that  night.  There  wiU 
be  lots  of  good  things  to  eat  and  wo 


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JOURNAL   OP    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OP   N.   A^ 


are  making  a  great  many  Xmas  ar- 
ticles which  ought  to  sell  readily.  Now. 
brothers  and  sisters  of  the  vicinity  and 
neighboring  lodges  and  auxiliaries,  we 
do  not  bother  you  very  often  and  we 
wish  that  you  would  come  out  on  the 
evening  of  Dec.  19th  to  Calumet  Th*?- 
atre  Hall  and  help  us  financially  and 
socially. 

Calumet  Lodge  No.  15  has  had  the 
misfortune  of  losing  one  of  her  charter 
members  and  chaplain  by  death.  Sis- 
ter Alma  Stone,  wife  of  Bro.  Thomas 
Stone,  whose  death  occurred  on  Sept 
18th.  Our  heartfelt  sympathy  goes  to 
the  bereaved  husband  and  family. 
Calumet  Lodge  has  lost  a  faithful  ally, 
as  Sister  Stoiie  was  ever  ready  with  a 
helping  hand.  She  worked  hard  and 
bravely  to  start  Lodge  No.  15  and  has 
since  contributed  in  every  manner  po"^- 
sible  to  the  good  of  the  order.  I  know 
the  sisters  all  join  me  in  saying,  "God 
be  with  you  till  we  meet  again." 
Yours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Jennie  Sine. 


Toledo,  O. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Never  since  Sunshine  Lodge  was  in- 
augurated have  we  had  the  general 
interest  manifested,  or  the  good  fellow- 
ship existing  between  the  members  of 
the  S.  U.  and  the  Auxiliary  as  at  the 
present  time.  We  are  Just  awakening 
to  the  fact  that  away  down  deep  in 
our  hearts  there  is  something  that 
reaches  out  for  the  love,  sjrmpathy  and 
heart-interest  of  each  other.  It  is 
something  in  life  worth  while  to  know 
that  we  can  rise  above  our  own  indi- 
vidual pleasures  and  selfish  interests 
to  give  to  others  some  of  the  sunshine 
of  life.  This  was  manifested  in  the 
recent  entertainment  given  by  the 
boys  of  the  S.  U.  in  honor  of  the  La- 
dies* Auxiliary.  Everything  it  seemed 
that  could  be  done  was  done  by  them 
to  contribute  to  our  pleasure  and  en- 
joyment of  the  evening,  even  to  the 
engaging  of  theatrical  talent,  who  en- 
tertained us  with  songs  ^nd  beautiful 
music.  There  was  also  dancing,  and  a 
delicious  oyster  supper  awaited  us  in 
the  dining-room,  presided  over  by 
Bros.  Dean,  Sandwerth,  Powers  and 
Fitzgerald,  who  were  selected  as  a 
committee  for  this  purpose  orf  account 
of  adaptability  to  handle   such    func- 


tions as  evidenced  by  their  past  exper- 
ience. 

We  don't  know  what  kind  of  punch 
it  was,  but  it  had  Maraschino  cherries 
In  it  and  a  lot  of  other  foreign  ele- 
ments, including  a  very  generous 
sprinkling  of  champagne.  It  was  very, 
very  invigorating,  and — excellent.  But 
it  wasn't  the  kind  that  ladies  make. 
However,  we  all  enjoyed  it,  and  par- 
took of  it  with  moderation.  And  say, 
boys,  we  think  you  are  the  "loveliest" 
that  ever  were.  Allhail  to  the  Switch- 
men's Union.  Sunshine. 


Cleveland,  O. 

Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Hope  I  am  not  too  late  with  this  to 
reach  December  Journal.  In  reading 
the  communications  from  different 
auxiliaries,  I  spied  a  letter  from  Lodge 
No.  10.  Good  for  you.  Sister  Craw- 
ford; you  can  stir  up  one  blaze  of  fire 
in  Lodge  No.  10,  for  it  has  been  kind 
of  cold,  but  now  that  Sister  Bums 
treated  us  so  fine  I  think  our  sisters 
will  get  busy,  and  as  the  sisters  are  all 
back  from  their  vacations  and  the  win- 
ter months  are  drawing  near  let  our 
sisters  turn  out  good  and  strong,  for 
nothing  is  more  pleasing  to  our  pre- 
siding officers  than  to  see  our  sisters 
attend  meetings.  Let  all  sisters  get 
busy,  for  you  all  know  that  big  con- 
vention is  drawing  near,  and  it  is  so 
near  the  time  for  election  of  officers 
don't  wait  until  the  last  minute,  but 
do  your  duty  and  attend  your  meeting; 
then  you  can't  complain  about  whom 
you  put  in  your  chairs.  We  have  had  a 
good  and  faithful  president  this  year, 
so  let  us  see  what  you  all  will  do  for 
the  coming  year. 

We  are  doing  fine  at  our  card  parties. 
Now,  sisters,  ^on't  stand  back,  but  be 
brave,  sisters,  and  all  step  forward 
and  donate  your  home  for  a  card  party. 
It  is  not  for  one  sister  but  for  all  to 
do  your  duty,  and  I  am  sure  if  all 
sisters  would  attend  meetings  you 
would  all  know  what  good  these 
parties  are  doing  and  you  might  be 
more  willing  to  turn  out.  So  cheer  up. 
sisters,  and  get  busy. 

As  my  letter  is  getting  too  long  I 
will  say  good  night.  Wishing  all  sis- 
ter and  brother  lodges  success,  I  re- 
main,       Tours  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 

Mrs.  J.  Geasitt. 


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Chicago,  HI. 

Editob  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Now  again  appears  a  letter  from 
West  Side  Lodge  No.  8  L.  A.  to  S.  U. 
of  N.  A.  We  are  still  doing  business 
and  looking  forward  to  better  times. 
We  have  taken  in  another  member 
slnoe  our  last  letter  to  the  pink  book. 
We  held  a  raffle  on  Hallowe'en  at 
Sister  Murry's,  which  proved  a  grand 
success,  thanks  to  brother  lodges. 
Wish  to  make  special  mention  of  Bro. 
Hartley,  he  having  sold  151  tickets  for 
us  himself.  Also  Bro.  G.  H.  Hoos,  he 
buying  all  the  tickets  we  sent  his  lodge 
himself,  as  the  other  brothers  could 
not  afford  to  dig  up  a  dime.  Also 
Lodges  Nos.  230,  208,  199,  83,  79,  68, 
36,  29  and  19.  Wish  to  thank  Progress 
Lodge  No.  68  for  returning  the  ten 
tickets  sent  them  (unsold).  Thanks, 
brothers^  The  prize  was  won  by  Sister 
Etta  Nelson,  lucky  number  being  61. 
Wish  to  thank  Sister  Murry  for  dona- 
tion of  the  prize  and  the  use  of  her 
home  for  the  evening.  We  have  rented 
a  hall  at  Madison  and  Fortieth  avenue, 
having  paid  six  months'  rent  in  ad- 
vance, so  after  Dec.  1st  we  will  meet 
in  Lawler  Hall,  3929  Madison  street, 
second  Wednesday  afternoon  and 
fourth  Wednesday  night  each  month, 
instead  of  first  and  third  Thursday. 
Yours  In  U.,  H.  and  J.. 
Frances  Smolze, 
Othiloa  Kain, 
Tuba  McCann, 

Committee, 


IN  MEMORIAM. 

^■■■^^^" 
Oblwein,  la.,  Oct  19,  1912. 
Nobility  Lodge  No.  2  Ladies*  Auxil- 
iary to  the  S.  U.  of  N.  A.,  extends  the 
sincere  sympathy  of  its  members  to 
Sister  Crandall  in  her  time  of  sad 
affliction  on  account  of  the  death  of  her 
dear  husband.  Her  loss  is  heaven's 
gain.  He  has  done  his  last  work  on 
the  railroad  of  life  and  been  called 
from  life's  scenes  of  labor  and  strife. 
A  life  so  well  lived  cannot  but  cause 
sadness  when  taken  from  loved  ones. 
Brothers  of  Maple  Leaf  Lodge  No.  84 
drape  your  charter  in  respect  to  his 
memory.  Lay  aside  his  time  card;  he 
has  been  called  to  headquarters  in  an- 
other world.  You  have  lost  an  exem- 
plary member  and  an  upright  brother. 
The  world  has  been  brightened  by  his 


living  and  many  hearts  saddened  by 
his  untimely  death,  and  our  earnest 
prayer  is  that  God,  in  His  mercy,  will 
tenderly  care  for  the  bereaved  widow 
and  children,  whose  comfort  and  hap- 
piness was  the  chief  desire  of  our  de- 
parted brother  when  death  called  him 
to  his  final  home. 

Respectfully  in  U.,  H.  and  J., 
SuBAN  MoGttire, 
Alice  Rule, 
Maud  Bbckeb, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Peoria  Lodge  No.  72  &.  U. 
of  N.  A.  at  their  regular  meeting  held 
Oct.  20,  1912: 

Whebeas,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother  and  vice-president, 
Robert  H.  Winn,  whose  death  occurred 
Oct.  13,  1912,  from  railroad  wreck; 
and 

Whebeas,  By  his  death  a  bereaved 
wife,  father,  mother  and  eight  broth- 
ers are  left  to  mourn  his  sad  death, 
and  this  lodge  is  deprived  of  the  in- 
fluence and  assistance  of  a  most  faith- 
ful and  worthy  member  and  brother; 
therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend 
their  heartfelt  sjrmpathy  to  the  be- 
reaved wife,  parents  and  brothers  in 
this  their  time  of  deep  sorrow ;  and,  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  wife, 
parents  and  Switchmen's  Journal, 
Peoria  Labor  Gazette,  and  also  spread 
upon  our  minutes,  and  our  charter 
draped  for  thirty  days  in  respect  to 
our  departed  brother,  Robert  H.  Winn. 

James  Hurley. 
F.  M.  Platt, 
A.  W.  Lewis, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Pride 
of  Peoria  Lodge  No.  40,  L.  A.  to  8.  U. 
of  N.  A.: 

Whereas,  God  has  seen  fit  to  send 
the  angel  of  death  into  the  home  of 
our  worthy  sister,  Mamie  Biiller,  and 
call  to  His  happy  home  in  heaven  their 
beloved  son  Thomas;    and 

Whereas,    By    his   death    a    loving 


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father  and  mother  are  left  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  one  they  loved  but  coull 
not  save;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of 
Pride  of  Peoria  Lodge  No.  40,  extend 
our  heartfelt  sympathy  to  this  afDicted 
family  and  may  they  be  reconciled  to 
the  will  of  God  who  doeth  all  things 
well;    and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family 
and  one  to  the  Joubnal  in  respect  to 
our  sister  and  family. 

Fanioe  Abbey, 
Hattib   Gimbel, 
Ida  Kibcheb, 

Committee. 


Detroit.  Nov.  15,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Switch- 
men's Union  of  North  America,  held 
Oct  18,  1912,  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  take  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  George  F.  Rey- 
nolds, who  met  his  death  while  in  the 
performance  of  his  duty;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  Detroit 
Lodge  No.  13  has  lost  a  good,  faithful 
member,  and  his  wife  a  good,  faithful 
and  loving  husband;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  our  sincerest  sym- 
pathy and  condolence  be  extended  to 
the  bereaved  family,  who  are  deprived 
of  his  companionship  and  support; 
and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  and  a  copy  be  sent  to  the 
widow,  also  a  copy  be  sent  to  the 
Journal  for  publication,  and  that  our 
charter  be  draped  for  a  period  of 
thirty  days.       James  Finney, 

G.  R.  FiTZ  Gerald. 
D.  J.  Donahue, 

Committee, 


Chicago,  IU.,  Nov.  5,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Progress 
Lodge  No.  58  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  Richard  Court; 
and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  mother 
has  lost  a  good  and  loving  son,  and 


this  lodge  a  loyal  member;  therefore, 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deep 
sympathy  to  his  sorrowing  mother, 
with  the  hope  that  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther will  comfort  and  direct  her  in 
this,  her  deep  hour  of  sorrow;  and  be 
it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  a  copy  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved mother  and  one  to  the  Journal 
for  publication,  and  that  our  charter 
be  draped  for  thirty  days  as  a  tribute 
to  his  memory.  Edward  Nix, 
John  Corey, 
Thos.  Blanch, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
at  a  regular  meeting  of  Golden  Gate 
Lodge  No.  158,  held  Oct.  24th: 

Whereas,  This  lodge  has  again  been 
called  upon  to  mourn  the  death  of  one 
of  its  well-known  members;    and 

Whereas.  By  the  sudden  death  af 
our  beloved  brother,  J.  J.  Kelly,  Sr., 
the  lodge  has  sustained  a  severe  loss 
and  his  family  has  been  deprived  of  a 
loving  husband  and  father;  and 

Whereas,  The  members  of  this  lodge 
appreciate  the  fdct  that  by  his  death 
the  Switchmen's  Union  has  lost  a  true 
and  faithful  member;    be  it  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  to  his 
family  our  sincere  and  earnest  sym- 
pathy, commending  them  to  the  com- 
fort and  protection  of  Almighty  God: 
and,  be  it  also 

Resolved,  That  in  further  respect 
for  our  departed  brother,  the  chmter 
of  this  lodge  be  draped  in  mourning 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days,  and  a  copy 
of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  the 
Journal  for  publication. 

C.  H.  ScoTT, 

C.   J.   HUCKETT, 
W.  A.  GOODCHAP. 

Committee. 


Seattle,  Wash.,  Oct  13,  1912. 

At  a  regular  meeting  of  Queen  City 
Lodge  No.  71  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father  in 
His  infinite  wisdom  has  removed  from 
us  our  worthy  brother,  Charles  J. 
Franks,  whose  death  occurred  Sept.  11, 


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1912,  after  a  prolonged  Illness  and  in- 
tense suffering;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  heart  of 
his  beloved  wife  and  relatives,  as  well 
as  to  the  lodge  in  which  he  was  a  be- 
loved member,  and  to  all  whose  mem- 
bers he  was  ever  ready  to  extend  a 
helping  hand;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  relatives  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  this  sad  time  of  bereave- 
ment, with  the  hope  that  in  their  sad 
aflUction  they  may  see  the  hand  of 
God  and  in  Christian  confidence  be  sub- 
missive to  His  divine  will;  and,  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  of  respect  to 
our  beloved  brother,  that  our  charter 
be  draped  for  thirty  days,  and  a  copy 
<^  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting,  one  be  sent 
to   the    bereaved    wife,   and   one   for- 
warded to  our  Journal  for  publication. 
William  Bliss, 
Walter  Ostland, 
P.  H.  Merriman, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were  unan- 
imously adopted  at  a  fegular  meeting 
of  Pride  of  Peoria  Lodge  No.  40,  held 
Thursday,  Oct.  24th: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  enter  the  home  of  our 
beloved  president,  Sister  Mattle  Winn, 
and  take  therefrom  her  husband,  R.  H. 
Wl^n;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Peoria 
Lodge  No.  40,  in  meeting  assembled, 
that  our  deepest  sympathy  be  extended 
to  our  beloved  sister  in  this  sad  time 
of  bereavement,  with  the  hope  that  God 
will  comfort  and  cheer  her  as  she  tries 
to  live  without  the  aid  of  her  dear 
companion;  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  sent  to  Sister  Winn, 
and  one  forwarded  to  the  Journal  for 
publication.     Fannie  Craio, 

Carrie  E.  Johnson, 
Lena  Gunzenheiser, 
Committee. 


Oct  20,  1912. 
Whereas,  Our  worthy  brother,  T.  H. 
Stone,  has  suffered  an  irreparable  loss 


through  the  death  of  his  beloved  wife; 
and 

Whereas,  Through  her  death  her 
husband  and  family  as  well  as  a  host 
of  friends  now  mourn  her  loss;  be  it, 
therefore,  » 

Resolved,  The  officers  and  members 
of  James  Mills  Lodge  No.  17  extend 
our  deepest  sympathy  to  the  bereaved 
husband  and  family,  and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes,  a 
copy  sent  to  the  Journal  for  publica- 
tion, and  a  copy  sent  to  the  sorrowing 
family.  J.  N.  Davis, 

W.  M.  Armstrong, 
H.  D.  Clendmen, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Har- 
mony Lodge  No.  117: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  the  Al- 
mighty Father  to  take  from  our  midsf 
brother  Charles  S.  Clements;    and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  dear  wife 
and  daughters  have  been  deprived  of 
a  loving  husband  and  father  and  th? 
city  of  an  honored  citizen  and  this 
lodge  of  a  beloved  member;  therefort^ 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of 
Lodge  No.  117  extend  sympathy  to  the 
bereaved  family  in  this  their  hour  of 
sadness;   be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  we  bow  our  heads  in 
humble  submission  to  the  will  of  our 
divine  Creator  with  those  words,  **0b, 
Lord,  Thy  will  be  done;"  and  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso 
lutions  be  spread  on  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  a  copy  be  forwarded  to 
his  family  and  one  be  sent  to  the 
Journal  for  publication. 

W.  C.  TOUSBY, 

F.  Barton, 

S.   E.    GOVEIA, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  at  a  regular  meeting  of  Lick- 
ing Lodge  No.  23,  held  on  Nov.  13th: 

Whereas,  By  the  death  of  our  be- 
loved brother,  Elihu  B.  Coleman,  which 
occurred  on  Oct.  19th,  this  lodge  has 
lost  one  of  its  tried  and  true  members, 
the    family    a    loving    husband    and 


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father  and  the  community  an  esteemed 
citizen;    therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  By  the  members  of  Lick- 
ing Lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  that 
we  extend  to  the  widow  and  children 
our  heartfelt  sympathy  in  their  hour 
of  sadness;   be  it  further 

Resolved,  That,  as  a  mark  of  respect 
to  our  deceased  brother,  our  lodge 
charter  be  draped  in  mourning  for  a 
period  of  thirty  days;    be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting  and  a  copy  be  forwarded 
to  the  Journal  for  publication. 

B.    L.    SCHNATOT, 

Fbbd  Dbabdubff, 
J.  H.  Dial, 

Committee, 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Kansas  City  Lodge  No.  1 
at  a  regular  meeting,  held  on  Nov. 
10th: 

'  Whebeab,  It  has  pleased  our  heaven- 
ly Father  to  call  into  everlasting  Ufa 
our  beloved  brother,  Edward  Banks; 
and 

Whsbeab,  By  his  death  we  realize 
the  sadness  brought  to  the  hearts  of 
his  beloved  little  daughter  and  to  h^s 
sisters  as  well  as  to  the  lodge  of  which 
he  was  an  honored  member;  therefore 
be  It 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  relatives  their  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  this  their  sad  time  of  be- 
reavement, with  the  hope  that  in  their 
sad  affliction  they  may  see  the  hand 
of  God  and  in  Christian  confidence  te 
submissive  to  his  divine  will;  be  it 
further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 
reaved relatives  and  one  be  forwarded 
to  our  Journal  for  publication. 
Geo.  Shipman, 
John  Poppinqeb, 
W.  J.  Roach, 

Committee. 


His  infinite  wisdom  has  deemed  it  fit 
to  take  from  our  midst  Bro.  Thomas  J. 
Barrett,  October  19th,  while  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties  on  the  Rock  Is 
land,  at  Twain  BlufT,  111.;  and 

Whebeab,  We  deeply  grieve  at  his 
sudden  death;   therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  deepest 
and  sincere  sympathy  to  his  widow 
and  children;  the  loss  of  his  life  was 
God's  will;  may  they  find  peace  and 
comfort  in  the  thought  that  he  has 
but  passed  from  us  to  that  home  of 
eternal  rest  where  care  and  sorrow 
are  no  more,  to  await  the  coming  of 
those  he  held  most  dear  on  this  earth; 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  our  charter  be  draped 
for  a  period  of  thirty  days  as  a  mark 
of  respect  of  our  deceased  brothers, 
and  be  it  further 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  reso- 
lutions be  spread  upon  the  minutes  of 
this  meeting,  one  to  be  sent  to  the 
wife  of  our  deceased  brother,  and  one 
to  be  forwarded  to  our  official  Journal 
for  publication. 

A.  J.  Kebwiok, 
J.  E.  Tbbvillian, 

J.  E.   BOWEBS, 

Committee, 


At  a  regular  meeting  of  Twin  City 
Lodge  No.  173,  held  on  Sunday,  Oc- 
tober 20th,  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted: 

Whereas,  Our  heavenly  Father,  in 


It  is  with  the  most  profound  regret 
that /Lodge  No.  14  reports  the  sad  ex- 
perience it  has  suffered  through  the 
loss  by  death  of  three  of  its  honored 
members,  Messrs.  A.  B.  Soncrant,  M.  B. 
Toung  and  S.  D.  Smith,  which  have 
occurred  during  the  last  few  months. 
While  we  feel  most  keenly  their  loss, 
yet  the  untold  sorrow  that  befell  the 
wives,  sons,  daughters  and  immediate 
relatives  of  our  departed  friends  can 
scarcely  be  realized.  Still,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  the  poet,  we  know — 

**There  is  a  calm  for  those  who  weep,. 

A  rest  for  weary  pilgrims  found; 
They  softly  lie  and  sweetly  sleep 

Low  in  the  ground. 
The  storm  that  wrecks  the  winter's 
Bky 
No  more  disturbs  their  deep  repose 
Than  summer  evenings'  latest  sigh 
That  shuts  the  rose." 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  sent  to  the 
Journal  for  publication  expressing 
our  heartfelt  sjrmpathy  for  the  be- 
reaved; and,  be  it  also 

Resolved,    That    this    resolution    be 


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spread  on  the  minutes  of  Lodge  No.  14; 
and,  be  It  further 

Resolved,  That  the  charter  be  draped 
for  ninety  days.       John  J.  Dean, 

D.  J.  DOBCY, 

A.  Every, 

Committee. 


The  following  resolutions  were 
adopted  by  Indianapolis  Lodge  No. 
146: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav- 
enly Father  to  remove  from  our  midst 
our  beloved  brother,  C.  W.  Aton,  who 
departed  this,  life  Oct.  10,  1912;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  family 
and  friends  mourn  his  loss;  therefore, 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge  extend  to  the  bereaved  family 
and  relatives  their  heartfelt  sympathy 
in  this  hour  of  sorrow;  and,  be  it  fur- 
ther 

Resolved,  That,  as  a  tribute  of  re- 
spect to  our  beloved  brother,  .that  our 
charter  be  draped    in    mourning    and 
that  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  en- 
tered on  the  minutes,  and  a  copy  sent 
to  the  Journal  for  publication. 
H.  L.  Hicks, 
C.  A.  Akers, 
F.  T.  Hawley, 

Committee. 


Following  resolutions  were  adopted 
by  Maple  Leaf  Lodge  No,  84  at  a  regu- 
lar meeting  held  Nov.  5,  1912: 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  heav 
enly  Father  to  call  into  everlasting 
life  our  beloved  brother,  Clifford  Cran- 
dall,  who  on  Oct.  14th  met  an  untimely 
death  while  in  the  performance  of  his 
duties;  and 

Whereas,  By  his  death  his  family 
and  friends  mourn  his  loss,  as  he  was 
ah^rays  ready  to  give  a  helping  hand 
to  those  about  him;  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this 
lodge,  in  meeting  assembled,  extend  to 
the  bereaved  wife  and  relatives  their 
heartfelt  sympathy  for  the  loss  of  a 
father  who  at  all  times  had  in  mind 
the  welfare  of  his  loved  ones  at  home; 
and,  be  it  further 

Resolved,  As  a  tribute  of  respect  to 
our  beloved  brother,  our  charter  be 
draped  for  thirty  daj/^,  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  minuter* 
of  this  meeting,  one  be  sent  to  the  be- 


reaved wife,  and  a  copy  forwarded  to 

our  Journal  for  publication. 

G.  D.  Gibbons, 
E.  Borland, 
J.  Lenney, 

Committee. 


Cards  of  Thanks. 

Peoria,  111.,  Oct.  26,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

Through  the  columns  of  the  Switch- 
men's Journal  we  desire  to  thank  our 
many  friends  and  neighbors;  we  ^Iso 
desire  to  thank  the  ladies  of  Pride  of 
Peoria  Lodge  No.  40  as  a  body,  also 
as  individual  members,  for  the  beau- 
tiful floral  offerings  given  at  the  death 
of  our  son,  Thomas  Miller. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Matthew  Miller. 


Chicago,  111.,  Nov.  18,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

My  daughters  and  I  wish  to  express 
our  deep  gratitude  to  the  members  of 
Harmony  Lodge  No.  117  and  to  the 
Ladies*  Auxiliary  for  the  kindness 
and  sympathy  shown  at  the  time  of 
the  death  of  my  beloved  husband, 
Charles  S.  Clement,  which  occurred  on 
October  18th,  as  the  result  of  an  acci- 
dent while  in  the  performance  of  his 
duty  as  a  switchman.  The  beautiful 
floral  offering  was  a  fitting  tribute  of 
the  esteem  felt  by  the  members  of  that 
great  and  noble  organization  which 
has  for  its  watchword,  "The  injury  to 
one  is  the  concern  of  all." 

May  the  good  work  which  the 
Switchmen's  Union  of  North  America 
is  doing  go  on,  and  may  God  abundant- 
ly bless  the  efforts  of  those  who  are 
endeavoring  to  promote  the  welfare  of 
its  members. 

Sincerely  yours, 

Louise  E.  Clebcent. 


Chicago,  111.,  Oct.  22^  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  desire  to  express  my  sincere 
thanks  to  the  members  of  Lodge  No. 
58  for  their  many  acts  of  kindness  at 
the  time  of  the  death  and  burial  of 
my  beloved  husband.  Door  Young.  The 
kind  assistance  thus  rendered  during 
those  most  trying  hours  will  ever  be 
remembered  with  gratitude  and  sin- 
cere respect.    I  am  also  most  thankful 


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to  the  Grand  LiOdge  for  the  very 
prompt  payment  of  the  policy  held  by 
my  husband  in  the  union.  My  best 
wish  is  that  the  Switchmen's  Union 
and  all  of  Its  members  may  prosper, 
as  they  Justly  deserve  to  do.  I  remain, 
Very  sincerely  yours, 

Katie  R.  Young. 


Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  13,  1912. 
Editor  Switchmen's  Journal: 

I  wish  to  express  my  sincere  thanks 
to  the  officers  and  members  of  Empire 
State  Lodge  No.  39,  of  which  my  son, 
James  Joseph  Green,  was  a  member, 
for  the  sympathy  shown  at  the  time  of 
death,  and  for  the  beautiful  floral  ofTer- 
ings.  I  also  desire  to  thank  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  prompt  payment  of  the 
claim  which  he  held  in  the  Switch- 
men's Union  of  North  America. 
Yours  sincerely, 

Mrs.  James  J.  Green. 


Mrs.  Mary  Court  wishes  to  convey  to 
the  Switchmen's  Union  of  North 
America  her  deep  appreciation  of  all 
the  kindnesses  that  the  good  members 
of  Lodge  No.  68  have  shown  her  at  the 
time  of  her  son's  d^ath.  It  was  beau- 
tiful, this  tribute  of  flowers;  but  more 
beautiful  was  the  visit  of  the  members 
and  their  wives  to  her  saddened 
home.  May  your  organization  increase 
in  numbers  and  usefulness.  May  God 
protect  you  all  in  your  work,  and  if 
trouble  or  sorrow  ever  come  to  you, 
may  you  find  friends  as  true,  as  noble, 
as  devoted  as  you  have  been  to  her. 

Oct.  26,  1912. 


Notice. 

Bro.  Edward  Vlasek,  member  of 
Ottumwa  Lodge  No.  89,  lost  his  re- 
ceipts, July  to  November,  inclusive,  in 
Marshall  town,  la.  Anyone  flndlng 
them  will  oblige  by  forwarding  same 
to  Bro.  O.  C.  Kenney,  706  West  Fourth 
street,  Ottumwa,  la. 


Bro.  D.  M.  Hogarty,  member  of  Kan- 
sas City  Lodge  No.  1,  recently  had  the 
misfortune  to  have  his  coat  stolen,  in 
the  pocket  of  which  were  his  lodge  re 
ceipts  for  the  last  three  years.  Broth- 
ers are  requested  to  be  on  the  lookout 


for  these  receipts,  and  if  presented  to 
them  for  any  purpose  to  take  them  up 
and  send  them  to  Bro.  S.  W.  Green. 
1439  JefTerson  street,  Kansas  City,  Mo., 
treasurer  of  Lodge  No.  1. 


Dividinf  Up. 

Two  little  darkies  went  walnuttin? 
one  day  and  after  filling  their  pockets 
and  everything  else  about  them  that 
would  hold  nuts,  they  started  for 
home.  Passing  a  cemetery  one  of  them 
suggested  that  they  go  inside  and  di- 
vide the  walnuts  equally  between 
them.  This  was  agreed  and  the  lad^ 
scaled  the  wall.  In  the  effort  they 
noticed  that  two  nuts  dropped  out  of 
their  pockets  on  the  outside  of  the 
wall. 

Piling  the  nuts  in  a  heap  Inside  th? 
wall  they  then  proceeded  to  divid? 
them.  While  thus  engaged  a  negro 
came  along  the  road  on  the  outsid*^ 
and  hearing  the  voices  in  the  cemetery 
stopped  to  listen. 

*'Ah'll  take  this  one." 

"Ah'U  take  this  one." 

"Ah'U  take  this  one." 

"Ah'U  take  this  one." 

"Ah'U  take  this  one." 

"Ah'U  take  this  one." 

The  darkey's  eyes  began  to  bulge 
as  he  listened.  "Fob  de  land's  sakes," 
he  suddenly  exclaimed,  "de  debil  and 
de  OLawd's  dividing  up  de  folks." 

Taking  to  his  heels,  he  fled  down  the 
road.  About  a  mile  away  a  white  man 
rushed  out  and  shouted,  "What's  the 
matter?  What  are  you  running  that 
way  for?" 

"Oh,  don't  stop  me,  boss,  don't  stop 
me!  I  must  get  away  frum  heah," 
walled  the  frightened  negro.  "De 
debil  and  the  Lawd's  back  in  de  cem- 
try  up  dar  dlvidin'  up  de  folks." 

"You'll  have  to  go  back  with  me." 
said  the  white  man  and,  taking  the 
negro  by  the  collar  he  ran  him  back  to 
the  cemetery.  The  voices  could  still 
be  heard: 

"Ah'll  tak'  this  one." 

"Ah'll  tak'  this  one." 

There  was  a  short  silence.  Then 
suddenly  one  voice  said:  "Now  we'll 
get  the  two  outside  the  fence  and  we'l! 
be  done." 

It  is  said  thait  the  white  man  beat 
the  negro  running. — By  Ry  Hyram 
Hapgood  in  Coming  Nation. 


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WHO'S  BUSINESS  IS  IT? 


By  The  Rev.  Charles  Stelzle. 


The  courts  of  law  have  decided  that 
a  man's  market  value  is  just  about 
$4,996  more  than  a  sheep — unless  the 
sheep  has  a  fancy  pedigree.  He  is 
worth,  this  human  machine,  $5,000. 
We'll  accept  the  figures,  even  though 
they  may  make  us  feel  small  and  of 
little  value. 

But  here  comes  a  man  who  wants  a 
thousand  of  us— -worth  $5,000,000.  He 
wants  us  to  become  part  of  his  great 
system  of  production.  He  needs  us, 
because  without  our  trained  move- 
ments his  system  will  be  worth  just  so 
much  iron  for  the  scrap  pile.  He  hdd 
nothing  to  do  with  our  development. 
A  thousand  factors  have  entered  into 
our  make-up  for  which  he  was  not  in 
any  way  responsible.  We,  therefore, 
advance  him  five  million  dollars  in  the 
persons  of  ourselves,  at  a  stated  rate 
of  Interest,  to  be  paid  us  in  wages. 
Economically  speaking,  some  of  us  are 
really  worth  more  than  a  five  thou- 
sand dollar  machine,  but  some  of  us 
may  be  worth  less.  Let  us  take  it  for 
granted,  for  the  present,  that  we  are 
receiving  just  what  we  are  worth. 

But  the  thousand  of  us  pay  back  in 
taxes,  of  various  kinds,  the  money 
which  helps  establish  the  community 
in  which  his  factory  is  located,  and 
we  help  maintain  the  peace  and  pros- 
perity of  the  town,  supporting  legis- 
lators and  municipal  oflacers,  which 
make  the  town  a  safe  place  in  which 
to  transact  business.  In  the  making 
of  laws,  we,  as  citizens,  had  one  thou- 
sand times  as  much  to  do  as  the  fac- 
tory owner.  We  helped  to  make  the 
charter  under  which  he  runs  his  busi- 
ness. He  cannot  say,  therefore,  that 
"this  is  my  business,  and  I  shall  run 
it  as  I  please."  "It  is  OUR  business, 
and  we  shall  run  it  to  our  mutual  in- 
terest," must  be  the    true    sentiment 


which  shall  impel  us  to  do  our  best  to 
make  it  the  finest  business  that  we 
know  how  to  make  it. 

Both  of  us  must  seek  each  other's 
welfare.  Everything  that  hinders  the 
progress  of  "our  business,"  must  be 
eliminated.  There  must  be  an  abso- 
lutely square  deal  on  both  sides.  We 
have,  together,  let  us  say,  a  ten  mil- 
lion dollar  Investment  at  stake.  We 
should  earnestly  seek  to  avoid  the 
usual  hindrances  to  success — namely, 
strikes,  lockouts,  fire,  flood,  and  pestil- 
ence. Mostly  should  we  guard  against 
the  human  frailties  which  imperil 
every  enterprise,  and  which  stand  in 
the  way  of  all  progress. 

If  either  of  us  insist  that  this  is  MY 
business,  exclusively,  acting  as  indi- 
viduals and  seeking  only  our  individ- 
ual interests,  then  we  at.  once  place 
ourselves  outside  the  realm  of  mutual 
helpfulness,  and  we  become  veritable 
anarchists,  deserving  the  penalty  which 
attaches  to  that  position — to  go  it 
alone,  without  the  privileges  which 
come  from  the  social  forces  that  must 
make  this  world  a  comfortable,  happy 
abiding  place,  and  which  we  have  all 
had  a  hand  in  producing. 


The  Secret  Influence. 

"The  greatest  evil  in  this  country  Is 
secret  influence,"  said  Charles  Eliot, 
president  emeritus  of  Harvard  Univer- 
sity, a  while  ago. 

To  break  through  all  barriers  and 
tear  the  mask  away  from  this  Secret 
Influence  has  been  the  aim  of  many 
earnest  men  who  have  fallen  by  the 
roadside,  bludgeoned  out  of  their  use- 
fulness by  the  very  power  they  were 
hunting. 

A  few  days  ago  the  World  cited  evi- 
dence to  show  that  $16,000  was  paid 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S   UNION   OF   N.   A. 


by  the  bottom  people  of  the  underworld 
for  "protection."  Who  got  the  money 
after  "Mike  de  Pike"  had  paid  it  to 
Barney  Grogan?  Did  Boss  Grogan 
pass  it  on  farther  to  men  higher  up? 
Nobody  knows  except  the  Secret  In- 
fluence. 

Two  workingmen  were  murdered  by 
Hearst  newspaper  gunmen  and  the 
murderers  have  never  been  tried, 
walking  the  streets  free  today.  What's 
the  answer?  Only  the  Secret  Influence 
knows. 

A  big  department  store  asks  the  city 
for  sub-street  space,  real  estate  worth 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars. 
Thirty  aldermen  vote  to  give  away 
this  public  property  for  private  use, 
and  for  practically  nothing.  How  is  it 
done?    Ask  the  Secret  Influence. 

Against  this  Secret  Influence  the 
World  is  the  only  paper  in  the  Chicago 
loop  making  a  fight. 

The  Secret  Influence  steals  land  and 
^wrecks  women  and  murders  working- 
tnen.  And  the  newspapers  of  the  trust 
press,  the  sheets  published  by  the  Chi- 
•«ago  Publishers'  Association,  keep  si- 
lence as  complete  as  that  of  lips  pad- 
blocked. 

The  World  does  not  tell  these  things 
to  brag.  As  a  falsifier  making  a  busi- 
ness of  concealment,  the  World  cannot 
compete  with  the  trust  press,  even  if 
it  desires  to.  The  only  plan  for  the 
World  is  tell  the  truth  day  in  and  day 
out,  all  that  can  be  learned  of  the 
workings  of  the  Secret  Influence. 

The  trust  press  and  the  Secret  In- 
fluence are  at  the  heart  of  the  capital- 
ist system  as  it  operates  in  Chicago. 
In  the  disclosures  to  be  made  from  day 
to  day  in  the  World  the  aim  will  be 
to  tell  the  truth,  to  show  up  the  capi- 
talist system.  The  true  facts  are  so 
terrible  that  there  is  no  need  for  ex- 
aggeration or  concealment. 

We  believe  that  the  more  people 
there  are  in  Chicago  who  understand 
the  Secret  Influence,  how  it  is  a  capi- 
talistic interest  working  for  the  cause 
of  proflts  and  swag,  the  more  Social- 
ists will  be  made.  The  man  who  has 
seen  through  the  workings  of  the  Se- 
cret Influence  and  wants  to  destroy  it, 
that  man  will  find  as  he  examines  the 
Socialist  program  and  movement  that 
it  is  the  most  reasonable  plan  and  phil- 
osophy by  which  the  present  system 
can  be  abolished  and  a  better  system 
organized  to  replace  capitalism. — Chi- 
cago Evening  World. 


J.  A.  WAYLAND. 

By  J.  J.  Gbenat,  Member  of  Lodge 
No.  43. 

In  the  little  town  of  Girard,  Kans., 
a  few  days  ago,  one  of  the  most  honest 
friends  that  labor  has  ever  had  in 
America  passed  away — a  suicide. 

A  man  in  every  respect  was  J.  A. 
Wayland  and,  had  he  not  been  perse- 
cuted to  the  very  limit  of  human  en- 
durance, in  addition  to  his  grief  over 
the  loss,  a  year  ago,  of  his  life-Ion? 
companion,  Mrs.  Wayland,  it  is  not 
possible  that  he  would  have  become  a 
suidide. 

J.  A.  Wayland  will  long  be  remem- 
bered by  many,  and  especially  those 
who  were  accustomed  to  reading  each 
week  the  Appeal  to  Reason^  which  is 
and  always  has  been,  indeed,  as  tlie 
name  well  indicates,  a  sincere  appeal 
to  the  reason  of  man.  Wayland,  as 
publisher  of  the  Appeal,  has  always 
fought  with  all  his  mighty  power  on 
the  side  of  the  workingman. 

In  every  strike,  large  or  small,  in 
every  fight  in  court,  the  Appeal  has 
stood  with  all  its  force  ready,  ever 
ready  to  strike  at  the  enemy  of  labor, 
and  not  few  are  the  times  that  it  has 
struck,  and  the  effects  when  it  strikes 
are  seen  very  distinctly. 

So  thoroughly  was  this  great  man  ih 
sympathy  with  labor  that,  even  at 
times  when  it  seemed  to  others  that 
labor  had  erred  and  all  publicatlonf 
and  institutions  were  ready  to  decide 
in  favor  of  capital,  still  Wayland  and 
the  Appeal  would  stand  at  the  thickest 
point  of  the  fight,  nev^r  once  dream- 
ing of  retreat  or  defeat  His  argument 
was  to  the  effect  that  labor  will  nevei 
gain  its  own  until  it  learns  its  polit 
ical  interests  and  through  political  ac- 
tion takes  all  that  rightfully  belongs  to 
it.  However,  he  never  on6e  disputed 
the  necessity  of  crafts  unionism  and 
industrial  action,  along  with  political 
action  and,  though  he  was  often  re- 
buked by  some  branch  of  labor  for  h^s 
way  of  teaching,  he  never  allowed  his 
course  to  be  changed  one  bit  and 
would  turn  and  fight  for  those  who 
abused  him  as  long  as  they  were  mem- 
bers of  the  working  class.  May  the 
noble  name  of  this  hero  live  to  th-^ 
end  of  time. 

Many  generations  from  this,  when 
the  pages  recording  present-day  his- 
tory, have  long  since  turned  yellow 
with  the  test  of  age,  may  the  name  of 


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J.  A.  Wayland  stand  out  distinctly 
like  the  lightning  bolt  in  the  black  o! 
night,  to  remind  posterity  of  heroic 
men  and  heroic  deeds  of  ages  past. 


How  Did  You  Meet  It? 

Did  you  take  that  trouble  that  came 
your  way 
With  a  resolute  heart  and  cheerful, 
Or  hide  your  face  from  the  light  of 
day 
With  a  craven  soul  and  fearful? 
Oh,  a  trouble's  a  ton,  or  a  trouble's  an 
ounce, 
Or  a  trouble  is  what  you  make  it; 
And  it  isn't  the  fact  that  you're  hurt 
that  counts, 
But  only  how  did  you  take  it? 

You  are  beaten  to  earth?    Well,  well, 
what's  that? 
Come  up  with  a  smiling  face. 
It's  nothing  against  you  to  fall  down 
flat. 
But  to  lie  there,  that's  disgrace. 
The   harder  you're  thrown,   why  the 
higher  you  bounce. 
Be  proud  of  your  blackened  eye. 
It  isn't  the  fact  that  you're  licked  that 
counts. 
It's  how  did  you  fight — and  why? 

And  though  you  be  done  to  death,  what 
then? 
If  you  battled  the  best  you  could. 
If  you  played  your  part  in  the  world 
of  men. 
Why  the  critic  will  call  it  good. 
Death  comes  with  a  crawl,  or  comes 
with  a  pounce. 
And  whether  he's  slow  or  spry, 
It  Isn't  the  fact  that  you're  dead  that 
counts, 
But  only  how  did  you  die? 

— William  Wells. 


Forget  "Spit  Miflc." 

Every  woman  Is  apt  to  mourn  0V3r 
the  mistakes  and  failures  she  has 
made,  and  to  think  of  them  as  handi- 
caps on  future  efforts. 

Of  course,  we  are  bound  to  regret 
things  which  have  turned  out  wrongly, 
even  if,  as  is  often  the  case,  we  acted  at 
the  time  with  the  best  of  intentions. 
None  of  US  like  to  think  of  ourselves 
as  fools,  and  when  we  have  made  mis- 
takes it  is  apt  to  take  the  lift  out  of 
eur  efforts,  at  least  for  a  while,  aau 


give  us  a  very  discouraged  and  dis- 
heartened outlook  upon  life.  It  is  but 
natural  to  feel  sorry  for  our  blunders, 
and,  it  certainly  would  not  do  for  us 
to  pass  over  them  lightly  and  not 
think  of  them  at  all.  It  is  exactly  as 
foolish,  however,  to  brood  over  thera 
and  feel  that  they  can  mar  our  futuro 
work. 

Mistakes,  failures,  blunders,  all  can 
bf)  made  useful  to  us;  made  to  servo 
us,  if  we  but  go  about  it  in  the  right 
way,  not  regarding  them  either  too 
morbidly  or  too  lightly. 

If  a  woman  is  to  be  successful  in  the 
business  world,  she  certainly  cannot 
afford  to  make  too  many  mistakes,  yet 
no  one  is  perfect,  and  so  when  a 
blunder  is  made  it  is  best  to  turn  ir 
into  a  sort  of  stepping  stone  for  better 
things,  for  wiser  efforts  to  follow  in 
the  days  to  come. 

Don't  be  discouraged;  discourage- 
ment never  helped  any  one.  Simply 
face  the  failure  and  admit  it  frank!y 
and  fearlessly.  Don't  above  all  else, 
attempt  to  make  excuses  or  try  to 
blame  it  upon  some  one  else.  At  the 
same  time  determine  that  you  will 
learn  from  experience  and  that  th<3 
blunder  will  not  be  made  again. 

Study  your  mistake,  whether  it 
came  during  the  day's  work  or  in  the 
other  affairs  of  life.  See  how  you  came 
to  make  it,  where  your  lack  of  judg- 
ment failed  you  or  where  impulses 
lead  you  astray. 

The  woman  who  is  to  succeed  in  life 
is  not  the  kind  that  tries  to  throw  the 
blame  upon  another;  but  is  the  one 
who  is  honest  and  has  the  moral 
strength  to  take  what  she  deserves, 
without  crying  out  that  it  is  unfair  or 
trying  to  make  excuses.  She  simply 
turns  all  such  happenings  into  the 
mill  of  experience,  so  that  they  issue 
out  of  that  mill  as  knowledge  to  be 
used  afterwards  in  preventing  a  repp- 
tition  of  the  same  or  of  other  blunders. 

Life  is  not  all  an  easy  path  to  be 
lightly  or  carelessly  trodden,  and  tho 
successful  business  woman  is  the  on*.? 
who  has  made  mistakes,  but  who  has 
refused  to  let  them  overwhelm  her: 
who  has  faced  them  fully  without  dis- 
couragement, profiting  by  them  and 
through  them  acquiring  her  present 
high  position. 

Don't  let  mistakes  or  blunders  hinder 
your  future  efforts.  They,  one  and  all, 
can  be  used  as  a  ladder  upon  which 
one  can  climb  beyond  the  possibility  of 


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ever  making  them  again.  So  turn 
your  failures  into  friends  and  helpers, 
and  refuse  to  let  them  remain  ene- 
mies.— 8t.  Loui8  Republic. 


UsI  We  rorsct. 

While  the  contest  rumbles  all  about, 

While  the  leaders  hurry  to  and  fro, 
While  the  speakers  agitate  and  shout. 

While  the  streams  of  oratory  flow, 
'Mid  the  talk  that  no  one  understands, 
'Mid  the  noise  that  all  the  country 
fills, 
Don't    forget    the    weary    heart    an'l 
hands, 
Don't    forget    the    children    in    the 
mills. 

While  we  talk  of  tariff  and  of  trust. 

Dream  of  referendum  and  recall, 
Down  amid  the  clamor  and  the  dust, 

Childish  toilers  labor  till  they  fall. 
While  the  war  for  ballots  rages  on. 

While    the    keen .  excitement    ever 
thrills. 
Don't  forget  the  faces  pale  and  wan. 

Don't  forget  the    children    of    the 
mills! 

These,   who   never   knew   the   Joy   of 
play. 
These,  whose  youth  is  filched  away 
by  greed. 
Turn  to  us  their  faces  pinched  and 
gray 
Asking  us  for  comfort  in  their  need. 
So,  amidst  the  tumult  and  the  press. 

Don't  forget  the  cruel  toil  that  kills; 
Hear  them  moan  in  utter  weariness, 
"Don't   forget   the  children   in   the 
mills!" 

— Berton  Braley. 


Msi'riBgc* 

A  game  of  chance  in  which  the 
chances  are  about  even.  The  man 
leads  at  first,  but  after  leaving  the  al- 
tar he  usually  follows  breathlessly  in 
his  wife's  trail.  The  rules  are  very 
confusing.  If  a  masked  player  holds 
you  up  some  night  at  the  end  of  a  long 
gun,  it  is  called  robbery,  and  entitle."^ 
you  to  telephone  the  police,  but  if  your 
wife  holds  you  up  for  a  much  larger 
amount  the  next  morning  at  the  end  of 
a  long  hug,  it  is  termed  diplomacy, 
and  counts  in  her  favor.  In  this,  as 
in  other  games  of  life,  wives  are  usual- 
ly allowed  more  privileges  than  other 
outlaws. — Judge. 


People  Wlio  Antofonize. 

By  Ruth  Cambbon. 

A  woman  who  has  been  very  suc- 
cessful as  one  of  the  subordinates  in  a 
window  trimming  department  was 
hired  by  another  shop  to  head  their  de- 
partment. She  had  been  extremely 
valuable  to  her  first  employer  because 
she  was  so  full  of  original  ideas  and 
suggestions.  In  the  second  shop  she 
was  a  complete  failure  and  was  soon 
discharged. 

Why?  Because  while  she  knew  al- 
most everything  there  was  to  know 
about  window  trimming,  she  didn't 
know  one  thing  about  tact. 

She  went  to  her  new  position 
bristling  with  impatience  to  revolu- 
tionize the  department.  She  hadn't 
been  in  the  office  an  hour  before  she 
told  a  man  who  had  been  in  the  busi- 
ness twice  as  long  as  she  had  that  his 
ideas  were  all  nonsense. 

Undoubtedly  she  was  right  In  a  good 
many  of  her  criticisms,  but  little  good 
it  did  her.  She  couldn't  do  all  the 
work  herself,  she  couldn't  get  her  sub- 
ordinates' co-operation;  she  simply 
succeeded  in  thoroughly  antagonizing 
them,  and  soon  so  demoralized  the  de- 
partment that  it  was  necessary  to  let 
her  go  and  to  find  someone  who  might 
not  know  so  much  about  window  trim- 
ming, but  did  know  something  about 
tact 

How  often  one  sees  people  like  this 
woman,  who  are  undeniably  more  com- 
petent than  their  neighbors  and  who 
are  eager  to  share  their  superior  in- 
telligence with  them,  but  whose  kind- 
ness is  always  ungratefully  declined 
because  of  their  infuriating  manner  of 
offering  it. 

A  neighbor  of  mine  is  a  capable  wo- 
man of  superior  intelligence  and  en- 
dowed with  a  really  genuine  desire  to 
help  her  friends  by  sharing  what  ex- 
perience and  native  intelligence  have 
taught  her.  If  she  had  a  little  more 
tact  and  a  little  more  respect  for  other 
people's  opinions  she  might  do  a  world 
of  good.  But  as  it  is  she  simply  sets 
people  by  the  ears  the  minute  she  tries 
to  help  them. 

She  comes  to  .me  sometimes  and 
tells  me  how  sad  she  feels  because  Mrs. 
R.,  who  is  a  young  matron,  new  at  the 
business  both  of  motherhood  and 
of  home-making,  will  not  profit  by 
some  of  her  experience.  "I  am  so  fond 
of  her,"  she  says  sadly,  "and  I  really 
want  to  help  her,  but  she  seems  to  take 


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pleasure  in  going  contrary  to  all  my 
advice." 

As  it  happens,  Mrs.  R.  also  some- 
times confides  in  me,  and  this  is  her 
way  of  putting  it:  "She  comes  in  here 
and  tells  me  that  I  don't  know  a  thing 
about  babies,  and  that  I  make  my  beds 
wrong,  and  don't  hold  the  broom  right, 
and  don't  know  how  to  run  a  sewing 
machine.  (Sometimes  I  know  she  is 
right,  but  she  makes  me  so  mad  that  I 
wouldn't  do  her  way  for  anything  on 
earth.    So  there!" 

It  is  unfortunate  to  antagonize  peo- 
ple when  you  want  to  help  them,  isn't 
It?  But  it  is  what  the  person  who  has 
no  respect  for  other  folks'  intelligence 
always  does. 


Child  Labor  Laws. 

Unquestionably  steady  and  desired 
progress  is  being  made  in  many  States 
in  eliminating  the  labor  of  children 
under  sixteen  years  of  age  in  fac- 
tories and  workshops,  and  from  the  at- 
titude of  those  interested  in  this  phase 
of  our  industrial  life  this  reform  is 
going  to  go  on  until  every  State  in  the 
Union  has  placed  the  necessary  re- 
strictions against  the  employment  of 
children  that  will  assure  the  national 
legislators  of  the  need  of  nation-wide 
legislation  in  this  direction. 

However,  it  is  not  the  children  in 
the  factories  that  we  have  in  mind 
at  this  time  so  much  as  it  is  those 
who  are  forced  to  labor  in  the  home 
by  sordid  and  inhuman  parents,  who 
see  nothing  in  their  children  but  their 
commercial  value. 

While  it  is  wholesome  and  right 
that  every  possible  precaution  be 
taken  to  safeguard  childrtn  in  fac- 
tories, and  prevent  their  employment 
at  a  period  when  they  should  be  at 
school,  in  our  zeal  in  this  direction 
we  should  not  lose  sight  of  the  many 
children  who  attend  school,  and  who, 
before  and  after  the  school  hours  each 
day,  are  forced  to  labor  at  home  in  tho 
so-called  "home  industries." 

The  drain  on  the  strength  and  men- 
tality ef  these  children  is  two-fold,  as 
they  must  comply  with  the  educational 
law  and  attend  school,  and  in  addition 
their  hours  of  necessary  relaxation 
for  mind  and  body  are  used  to  aug- 
ment the  family  income,  and  in  no 
statute  that  we  are  familiar  with  is 
tfiis  inhumanity  prohibited. 


Aside  from  the  injury  done  children 
forced  to  lead  this  kind  of  life,  the 
employer  who  really  desires  to  elimin- 
ate the  labor  of  children  in  his  factory 
has  the  most  unhealthy  competition 
outside  of  convict  labor  forced  upon 
him,  which  is  not  only  a  detriment  to 
him,  but  also  to  his  adult  employes. 

The  cry  is  often  raised  in  defence 
of  the  home  work  system  that  the 
earnings  of  the  children  are  necessary 
to  maintain  the  household  and  to  keep 
the  family  together,  but  this  was 
proven  a  fallacy  a  few  years  ago,  as 
on  the  investigation  of  some  200  cases 
of  this  kind  in  New  York  City  there 
were  found  but  three  cases  of  this 
kind  to  exist. 

We  agree  that  no  mistake  has  been 
made  in  securing  higher  age  limits 
for  the  employment  of  children  in  fac 
tories,  and  that  greater  improvement 
is  necessary  along  this  line  of  human 
uplift,  but  it  is  Just  as  essential  to 
safeguard  the  child  who  is  compelled 
to  labor  in  the  home,  and  it  is  high 
time  legislation  with  this  end  in  view 
was  enacted,  for  two  reasons:  First, 
the  future  welfare  of  the  child  and  so- 
ciety, and  secondly,  as  a  matter  of  Jus- 
tice to  the  employer  who  complies 
with  the  law  In  regard  to  the  employ 
ment  of  children,  and  by  his  compli- 
ance with  the  law  is  a  victim  of  un- 
healthy competition  which  the  law  and 
society  make  no  attempt  to  regulate. 
— Weekly  Bulletin  of  Clothing  Trades. 


Labor  b  King. 

After  a  biitter  struggle,  beginning 
away  back  in  the  '80s,  labor  is  at  last 
coming  into  its  own. 

All  the  politicians  are  fawning  at 
the  feet  of  the  teeming  millions  who 
constitute  the  large  working  class — 
the  bedrock  of  society.  Since  they  can 
no  longer  abuse  labor,  they  would  use 
labor  to  keep  themselves  in  power  Just 
a  little  while  longer,  to  put  off  that 
glorious  day  when  the  working  class 
shall  rule  and  the  present  demagogues 
go  out  of  office  into  the  cemeteries  of 
the  unfit. 

Labor  needs  its  strongest  men  and 
women  now — this  is  tihe  crucial  test — 
when  the  big  men  in  the  movement 
must  oome  into  their  own,  though 
many,  through  a  sense  of  simplicity 
and  humbleness,  always  found  in  the 
truly  great,  are  remaining  far  in  the 


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background,  when  they  should  be  in 
the  vanguard,  since  they  are  the  trail- 
blazers  w9io  held  the  torch  aloft  and 
showed  others  Uie  way. 

Labor  grows  stronger  each  day,  each 
hour,  by  fighting  for  a  just  and  hon- 
orable cause,  and  in  no  other  way  can 
labor  ever  gain  ground  except  by  fight- 
ing labor's  battle  on  the  battleship  of 
industry — the  shop,  mill,  mine,  rail- 
road and  factory. 

The  intellectuals  are  all  bowing  to 
the  man  in  the  king  row — the  laborer. 
No  one  mentions  the  octopus,  capital, 
any  more,  for  some  working  man  dis- 
covered. 

But  there  is  but  one  thing  labor 
must  learn  before  ascending  the  throne 
to  power — that  it  must  be  able  to  ac- 
cept the  honor  with  the  ease  and  grace 
with  which  it  formerly  caught  the 
crumb  from  the  master's  table. 

Let  not  the  tinsel  or  brass  filings 
placed  in  labor's  path  by  the  lackeys 
and  spineless  individuals  swerve  you 
from  the  path  that  leads  to  the  moun« 
tain  of  peace  and  plenty  labeled  Equal- 
ity and  the  world  for  those  who  do  the 
work  of  the  world. 

Be  as  broad  slb  the  valleys  and  as 
firm  as  granite  rock.  Be  as  generous 
as  the  sun,  as  calm  as  the  moon,  as 
true  as  the  stars,  as  peaceful  as  the 
meadow  lark.  Retain  your  kingship 
in  face  of  reptile  things  who  creep  and 
crawl,  lost  to  the  magic  voice  that 
sings  the  golden  melodies  of  the  glad 
tidings.  Labor  is  king  of  kings. — 
Annie  Thecla  Fair,  in  The  Liberator, 


"Craft  Uniofiisfn." 

When  a  nation  drills  an  army  it 
doesn't  "bunch"  10,000  men  in  one 
gigantic  mob  and  teach  them  how  to 
"keep  step"  and  how  to  know  other 
things  connected  with  military  life. 

Instead,  we  find  a  small  number  of 
recruits  placed  in  charge  of  a  drill 
master,  and  just  as  fast  as  the  would- 
be  soldiers  acquire  enough  knowl- 
edge, they  are  attached  to  a  company; 
regimental  drills  find  the  increasing 
numbers  ready  to  form  a  brigade; 
then  come  the  divisions,  and  finally 
the  monster  army  corps. 

All  through  this  chain  runs  the 
thought  that  the  individual  must  first 
be  taught  to  act  with  a  few,  and  the 
number  increases  as  they  become  in- 
telligent and  disciplined. 

This   illustrates  the  "craft  system" 


of  unionism,  as  favored  by  the  Ameri- 
can Federation  of  Labor,  and  which, 
experience  has  shown,  is  best  adapted 
to  the  needs  and  life  of  American 
workingmen. 

Under  craft  unionism,  men  form 
small  groups,  called  "locals"  or 
"unions."  They  first  learn  to  act  and 
move  together;  they  acquire  their 
first  idea  of  independence;  they  find 
for  the  first  time  in  their  lives  that 
power  gives  them  confidence,  and 
they  begin  bettering  shop  conditions. 

They  interest  fellow  workers  in 
nearby  towns.  They  spread  the 
thought  throughout  the  State,  and 
finally  a  convention  is  called  and  a 
national  organization  is  formed. 

Slowly,  step  by  step,  and  many 
times  unconsciously,  the  men  of  this 
craft  find  themselves  drifting  into 
more  friendly  relations  with  their 
fellows  in  other  crafts  working  in  the 
same  industry.  This  is  the  logical  re- 
sult of  organization.  In  time  these 
crafts  get  together  and  form  what  is 
called  a  "department."  These  or- 
ganizations give  each  craft  the  ri^t 
to  manage  their  own  internal  affairs 
— wages,  conditions,  etc. — but  contin- 
ually urge  that  no  contracts  be  signed 
unless  contracts  for  all  other  crafts  in 
the  department  are  signed.  A  craft 
cannot  be  stopped  from  signing  a  con- 
tract, for  the  American  trade  union 
movement  denies  the  right  of  interfer- 
ence to  every  one.  A  stronger  author- 
ity, however,  than  force  is  being  devel- 
oped, and  that  is  the  unionism— the 
fraternity — of  organized  workers,  who 
are  stopping  this  cut-throat  policy 
through  a  development  of  intelligence 
and  the  idea  of  oneness  that  naturally 
comes  through  unity. 

So  the  •  craft  unions  are  slowly 
merging  into  one  body  that  will  act 
as  one  after  the  various  crafts — the 
units — have  agreed  between  them- 
selves as  to  wage  rates  and  conditions. 

To  illustrate  the  workings  of  this 
system:  The  Metal  Trades  Depart- 
ment, for  instance,  says  that  machin- 
ists are  better  equipped  to  talk  wage 
scales  and  conditions  for  machinists 
than  is  the  boiler  maker  or  the  pat- 
tern maker.  But  after  the  machinist, 
the  boiler  maker  and  the  pattern 
maker  settle  between  themselves  these 
questions,  none  should  sign  a  contract 
until  all  do. 

In  the  railroads,  in  the  printing  in- 
dustry, in  the  building  branch,  and  in 


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other  Industries  Is  this  plan  being 
worked  out  by  men  who  see  their  Iden- 
tity of  interests,  and  who  see  that  only 
by  federation  can  they  right  wrong. 
But  they  also  see  that  this  is  no  more 
possible  without  numerous  mistakes 
and  slow  development  through  various 
grades,  as  shown  above,  than  it  is  to 
expect  an  army  to  act  in  concert  with- 
out the  preliminary  training  experi- 
ence has  shown  is  absolutely  necessary. 
Craft  unionism  is  but  a  means  to  an 
end — it  betters  conditions  today,  but 
more  than  this,  it  prepares  workers 
before  they  are  merged  into  the  in- 
dustrial army  that  takes  years  to  edu- 
cate, discipline  and  equip. — Toledo 
Union  Leader, 


Human  Life  and  Happiness  More  Import- 
ant Tfian  Dollars. 

By  Prances  EJbbinghouse. 

The  people  are  crying  out  against 
"hard  times."  They  are  giving  vent  to 
pitiful,  heart-breaking  wails  regarding 
the  "high  cost  of  living."  They  are 
losing  heart;  are  permitting  them- 
selves to  sink  deeper  and  deeper  into 
depths  of  depression.  They  cannot — 
will  not,  I  should  say — understand  that 
they,  the  people,  are  responsible  for 
the  fact  that  high  finance  is  ruling 
them. 

The  reason  why  the  Dollar  is  ruling 
the  world  and  Its  peoples  is  this:  The 
people  are  too  lazy,  too  indifferent  to 
think  for  themselves.  Every  time  a 
great  movement  toward  reform  sweeps 
broadcast  across  the  land;  every  time 
a  body  of  intelligent,  fair-minded  men 
and  women  strive  to  achieve  a  step  in 
the  advancement  of  civilization  and 
humanity,  the  people  who  permit 
others  to  think  for  them  sit  back  and 
say,  "What's  the  use  of  me  bothering 
my  poor  head  about  all  these  things? 
It  would  be  a  good  thing,  of  course; 
but  It's  up  to  them  to  fight  It  out  be- 
tween themselves.", 

These  unthinking  people  do  not  real- 
ize that  the  '"Them"  to  whom  they  so 
indifferently  refer  are  the  supporters 
of  humanity  and  the  supporters  of 
high  finance.  They  do  not  understand 
that  the  many  thousands  of  good  men 
and  women  who  are  fighting  for  the 
great  and  wonderful  cause  of  human- 
ity are  pitting  their  brains  and  wits, 
their  inherent  sense  of  justice  and  uni- 


versal love  of  mankind,  against  the 
powerful,  far-reaching  influence  of 
thousands  and  thousands  of  men  who 
"place  the  dollar  far  above  the  man." 

By  refusing  to  take  time  to  think 
for  themselves,  the  people  are  support- 
ing the  many  and  varied  interests  of 
high  finance.  Why,  then,  should  they 
cry  out  against  the  things  for  which 
they — and  they  only — are  responsible? 
Why  don't  they  learn  to  think  for 
themselves,  as  Giod  ordained  they 
should?  Why  don't  they  learn  to 
judge  for  themselves — ^and  to  their 
own  satisfaction — as  to  what  is  right 
and  what  is  wrong?  More  grievous 
sins  are  committed  by  girls  and  boys, 
and  by  men  and  women  who  "do  not 
stop  to  think"  than  from  any  and  all 
other  causes. 

Organized  labor  has  done  more  for 
the  great  advancement  of  civilization 
than  has  any  other  body  of  men  and 
women.  Why?  Simply  because  the 
leaders  and  supporters  of  organized  la- 
bor have  taken  it  upon  themselves  to 
"think  for  the  working  classes." 
Some  months  ago,  when  the  Union 
Record  commenced  fighting  for  the 
two-platoon  system  for  our  firemen, 
the  people  shook  their  heads  and  said, 
"It's  too  bad,  of  course,  that  the  poor 
firemen  must  work  twenty-one  hours 
out  of  every  twenty-four;  but  I  guess 
they  will  have  to  keep  on  doing  so,  for 
we  are  told  that  the  members  of  the 
department  would  be  demoralized  were 
they  given  the  hours  of  freedom  for 
which  the  two-platoon  system  calls. 

"We  are  told!"  Just  three  simple 
little  wordfl — but,  oh,  how  much  they 
mean;  how  much  they  have  been  able, 
in  their  own  way,  to  accomplish.  If 
men  and  women,  when  told  to  vote  for 
this  or  that  measure — for  this  or  that 
man — would  have  taken  time  to  dis- 
cover which  was  the  right  measure, 
and  which  was  the  right  man,  high 
finance  would  not  be  ruling  the  world 
today. 

But  it  is  not  too  late  to  undo  the 
wrong.  Put  your  wits  into  service. 
Get  your  brains  Into  excellent  working 
order.  Learn  to  think  for  yourself; 
and  if  you  do  this,  you  will  have  dis- 
covered the  only  way  to  distinguish 
right  from  wrong.  Make  sure  that  you 
are  in  the  right.  Make  sure  that  you 
are  headed  in  the  right  direction; 
then,  as  long  as  there  Is  a  drop  of 
blood  In  your  veins,  as  long  as  there 


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is  a  breath  of  life  in  your  body,  see  to 
it  that  you  have  the  courage  to  "live 
up  to  your  convictions." 

Perhaps  you  will  fall  down  times 
without  number — most  of  us  do.  But 
pick  yourself  up  and  keep  on  trying; 
and  somehow,  some  day — all  at  once, 
as  it  were — you  will  find  the  way  to  do 
your  own  individual  part  in  under- 
mining the  foundation  of  high  finance. 

We  learn  much  by  experience;  but 
it  is  well  to  remember  that  we  can 
acquiire  a  wealth  of  knowledge  from 
the  teachings  of  the  world's  great 
masters.  (By  "masters"  I  mean  great 
mi»icians,  gifted  poets,  sublime  artists 
and  masterful,  convincing  writers,  and. 
best  of  all  the  real  teachings  of 
Christ.) 

One  of  EMmund  Vance  Cooke's 
poems  is  sufficiently  eloquent  to  inspire 
courage  in  those  who  are  faint- 
hearted. Now,  when  all  the  good  men 
and  women  in  the  world  are  fighting 
for  the  victory  of  humanity  over  dol- 
lars, it  seems  to  me  that  every  line  in 
this  particular  poem  is  capable  of  spur- 
ring the  fighters  on  toward  renewed 
efforts.  It  should  also  inspire  others 
to  "get  into  the  game." — Seattle  Union 
Record. 


Some  Homdy  Suggestions. 

By  the  Rev.  Chables  Stelzle. 
"I  cannot  toast  that  flag  while  trades 
unionism  exists  in  this  country."  So, 
it  is  reported,  said  a  speaker  at  an 
employers'  banquet  recently.  Com- 
pared with  this  pharasaical  uttercmc.e, 
should  be  another  statement,  said  to 
have  been  made  by  President  Roose- 
velt: "I  was  surprised,  during  the 
Spanish  war.  to  find  how  large  a 
number  of  dead  soldiers  were  identi- 
fied by  the  trades  union  cards  which 
were  found  in  their  pockets."  Further 
comment  seems  unnecessary. 


"Be  good,  sweet  maid,  and  let  who 
will  be  clever."  Charles  Kingsley,  who 
gave  us  this  advice,  was  no  milk-sop. 
He  was  a  great  factor  in  the  social 
and  the  economic  life  of  his  day.  He 
it  was  who  called  attention  to  the  op- 
portunity for  service  in  behalf  of  work- 
ingmen  in  their  everyday  lives.  But 
he  was  not  alone  In  the  discovery 
that  the  brilliant  man  or  woman  isn't 
always  the  one  to  tie  to.  To  tell  a  man 
to  be  good  sounds  rather  soft  to  some 


people.  But  it  involves  more  than  c> 
mere  negative  virtue — the  mere  keep- 
ing away  from  evil.  It  includes  all 
the  virtues  that  make  a  man's  life 
really  worth  while.  The  fellow  who 
cannot  be  depended  upon,  for  instance 
no  matter  how  brilliant  he  may  be 
counts  for  precious  little.  The  most 
brilliant  chap  on  a  very  important  Job 
was  recently  fired,  simply  because  ho 
could  not  tell  the  truth. 


"To  win  for  ourselves  the  truth 
which  gives  to  error  what  permanence 
it  has;"  "To  seek  to  understand,  and 
not  to  silence  our  adversaries;" — 
these  are  pretty  good  mottoes  for  most 
of  us  who  are  troubled  about  those  who 
seem  to  be  forging  ahead,  in  spite  of 
the  fact  that  they  are  wrong — accor^!- 
ing  to  our  notions. 


Eleven  Pain  Guilty. 

An  excited  man  rushed  up  to  a  mo- 
tion picture  theatre  last  night  and  in- 
formed the  young  woman  at  the  win- 
dow that  his  wife  was  in  the  theater 
with  another  man  and  that  he  was 
going  to  shoot  them  as  they  came  out 
A  crowd  collected  and  the  young  wo- 
man hurried  back  to  notify  the  man- 
ager. The  latter,  wishing  to  avoid 
bloodshed,  mounted  the  stage  and  an- 
nounced to  the  spectators  that  a  man 
outside  was  waiting  to  kill  his  wife 
and  the  man  with  her.  He  suggested 
that  the  pair  leave  the  theater  by  the 
rear  exit. 

Within  ten  minutes  eleven  pairs  had 
hurried  from  the  theatre  by  the  back 
door. 


Deep-sea  Discoveries. 

One  of  the  discoveries  made  by  the 
deep-sea  soundings  of  the  Challenger 
expedition,  which  arrived  recently  at 
Bermuda  from  the  Azores,  is  a  moun- 
tain ridee  that  extends  from  Green- 
land to  the  mouth  of  the  Amazon,  on 
the  coast  of  South  America,  and  in- 
cludes the  whole  volcanic  region  of  the 
Azores.  This  ridge  Is  nowhere  more 
than  two  miles  below  the  ocean  level. 
Toward  the  east  it  is  divided  between 
Europe  and  Africa  by  an  immense  val- 
ley from  two  and  a  half  to  three  miles 
in  depth.  The  valley  reaches  north  of 
the  equator  as  far  as  the  fifty-second 
degree  of  latitude.    If  this  valley  were 


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not  under  water  it  would  present  a 
view  of  whose  magnificence  no  concep- 
tion can  be  formed,  for  in  the  north  it 
extends  to  the  gigantic  mountains  of 
Cape  Verde  and  the  Canary  Islands, 
the  latter  of  which,  with  the  Peak  of 
Teneriffe,  would  be  26,000  feet  in 
height,  Madeira  would  command,  from 
a  height  of  26,000  feet,  a  view  of  this 
valley  and  another  stretching  toward 
the  Mediterranean.  On  the  western 
side  of  the  ridge  is  a  vast  undulating 
plain,  which  extends  at  an  average 
depth  of  two  and  three-quarter  miles 
to  the  American  coast.  Bermuda, 
which  rises  now  only  200  feet  above 
the  ocean  level,  is  in  fact  an  isolated 
column  15,000  feet  high,  which  woulJ 
overlook  an  amphitheater  of  at  least 
oOO  miles  in  radius.  Between  the 
West  Indies  and  America,  and  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Azores,  the  water  is  of 
uniform  depth  and  warmth.  There 
was  not  much  animal  life  found  in  the 
great  depths.  The  blind  Crustacea  ap- 
pear to  belong  to  the  western  hemi- 
sphere; In  this  part  these  animals  re- 
quire many  eyes.  A  sea  garnel  caught 
which,  singular  to  relate,  had  four 
eyes,  two  of  which  were  in  the  front 
knee  joint. 

The  conditions  under  which  life 
exists  in  the  deep  sea  are  very  remark- 
able. The  pressure  exerted  by  the  wa- 
ter at  great  depths  is  enormous,  and 
almost  beyond  comprehension.  It 
amounts  roughly  to  a  ton  weight  on 
the  square-inch  far  every  1,000  fathoms 
of  depth,  so  that  at  the  depth  of  2,500 
fathoms  there  is  a  pressure  of  two 
tons  and  a  half  per  square  inch  of  sur- 
face, which  may  be  contrasted  with 
the  fifteen  pounds  per  square-inch 
pressure  to  which  we  are  accustomed 
at  the  level  of  the  sea  surface.  An  ex- 
periment made  by  Mr.  Buchanan  en- 
abled us  to  realize  the  vastness  of  the 
deep-sea  pressure  more  fully  than  any 
other  facts.  Mr.  Buchanan  hermetic- 
ally sealed  up  at  both  ends  a  thick 
glass  tube,  several  inches  in  length,  full 
of  air.  He  wrapped  this  sealed  tube 
in  flannel,  and  placed  it,  so  wrapped 
up,  in  a  wide  copper  tube,  which  was 
one  of  those  used  to  protect  the  deep- 
sea  thermometers  when  sent  down  with 
the  sounding  apparatus.  The  copper 
case  containing  the  sealed  glass  tube 
was  sent  down  to  a  depth  of  2,000 
fathoms,  and  drawn  up  again.  It  was 
found  that  the  copper  wall  of  the  case 
was  bulged  and  bent  inward  opposite 


the  place  where  the  glass  tube  lay. 
just  as  if  it  had  been  crumpled  inward 
by  being  violently  squeezed.  The  glass 
tube  itself,  within  its  flannel  wrapper, 
was  found,  when  withdrawn,  reduced 
to  a  fine  powder,  like  snow  almost. — 
Notes  l>y  a  Naturalist  on  the  Glial- 
lenger. 


Ancient  Roman  Strike. 

As  the  public  mind  is  now  much  oc- 
cupied with  the  subject  of  strikes,  per- 
haps a  brief  account  of  a  notable 
strike  that  occurred  in  Rome  in  the 
year  309  B.  C.  may  not  be  without  In- 
terest. 

The  pipers  in  ancient  ^ome  were 
originally  a  small  company  whose  du 
ties  were  to  furnish  solemn  music  at 
the  public  sacrifices  and  at  funerals. 
In  virtue  of  their  quasi  religious  char- 
acter they  dined  at  the  public  expense 
in  the  temple  of  Jupiter.  But  in  pro- 
cess of  time  and  with  the  growth  of 
luxury  it  became  the  fashion  to  en- 
gage their  services  for  private  enter- 
tainments. With  this  increasing  de 
mand  their  numbers  greatly  increased, 
and  they  began  to  be  looked  upon  as 
mere  hired  musicians.  So  in  the  year 
mentioned  the  censors  deprived  them 
of  the  daily  dinner  in  the  temple.  The 
touchy  artists  took  this  in  high 
dudgeon  and  to  a  man  picked  up  their 
pipes  and  marched  out  of  Rome  :o 
Tibur  (now  Tivoli). 

The  Romans  were  struck  with  con- 
sternation at  this  unlooked-for  coup, 
not  for  the  loss  of  the  music,  but  be 
cause  no  sacrifice  could  be  offered 
without  the  proper  devotional  tootings, 
and  without  sacrifices  no  campaign 
could  be  begun,  no  army  march,  no 
consuls  be  inaugurated — in  a  word,  all 
public  and  much  private  business 
would  be  at  a  standstill. 

The  Senate,  recognizing  the  gravity 
of  the  situation,  dispatched  envoys  to 
the  Tiburtines,  entreating  them  to 
send  the  piper  back.  The  Tiburtines 
were  willing  to  do  what  they  could, 
and,  assembling  the  strikers  in  the 
curia,  besought  them  to  return.  The 
pipers  said  that  there  was  nothing  to 
arbitrate;  if  their  temple  dinners 
were  restored  they  would  go  back — 
on  no  other  condition  would  they 
budge.  The  Tiburtines,  a  supersti- 
tious generation,  did  not  dare  to  use 
force  with  men  who,  whatever  their 


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failings,  had  a  sort  of  semi-sacred 
character. 

A  council  was  called  to  discuss  the 
matter.  In  the  discussion  one  citizen 
remarked  that  pipers  were  notorious 
winebibbers  (vina  avidum  genus)  and 
that  in  that  weakness  might  lie  the 
solution  of  the  difficulty.  The  council 
caught  the  idea  and  proceeded  to  act 
Upon  it.  On  the  next  holiday  all  the 
wealthy  citizens  gave  musicales,  eX 
which  they  supplied  the  musicians 
with  wine  so  liberally  that  they  lOJ^t 
consciousness  of  sublunary  things, 
upon  which  the  Tiburtines  loaded 
them  on  wagons,  drove  them  that 
night  to  Rome  and  left  them  still  fast 
asleep  in  th^  forum. 

Great  was  the  joy  of  the  Romans 
the  next  morning  to  find  their  pipers 
back.  They  besought  them  never  to 
leave  them  again,  restored  the  tem- 
ple dinners  and  gave  them  and  their 
successors  for  all  time  to  come  Uie 
privilege  of  celebrating  their  victory 
by  marching  in  solemn  procession 
through  Rome  every  year  on  the  ides 
of  June,  piping  triumphantly.  And 
this  festive  celebration  continued  cer- 
tainly for  300  years  and  possibly  for 
600.— TT^e  Weekly  Bulletin  of  the 
Clothing  Trades. 


Facts  Won't  Down. 

It  Is  said  that  the  bacteriologist  who 
found  the  plague  germ  in  San  Fran- 
cisco was  immediately  fired  on  making 
his  discovery.  The  next  bacteriologist 
who  was  engaged  to  study  the  case 
said  that  there  was  no  question  about 
its  being  a  plague,  and  he  was  also 
nmde  to  walk  the  plank.  Several  suc- 
cessive bacteriologists  who  were  en- 
gaged by  the  city  met  similar  fates  as 
soon  as  they  reported  their  findings, 
until  at  last  a  bacteriologist  was  dis- 
covered who  did  not  agree  with  his 
predecessors  and  positively  asserted 
that  it  was  not  a  plague. 

As  the  publication  of  facts  was  detri- 
mental to  California,  this  was  the  man 
the  authorities  wanted,  and  he  was  not 
only  continued  in  his  position  but  his 
salary  was  raised  the  limit. 

The  plague  continued  to  spread  to 
an  alarming  extent.  Surgeons  from 
the  public  health  and  marine  hospital 
service  were  sent  to  investigate  and 
they  reported  plague. 

To  prevent  being  mobbed,  they  had 


to  be  escorted  out  of  town  by  police 
officers. 

Since  then  California  has  spent  mil- 
lions in  trying  to  stamp  out  the  plague. 
Squirrels,  which  are  protected  by  game 
laws  in  Buffalo,  are  trapped,  poisoned 
and  slaughtered  in  San  Francisco  in 
every  possible  manner  and  a  bonus 
paid  for  every  animal  killed.  The 
same  is  done  with  rats  and  other  ani- 
mals responsible  for  spreading  the  dis- 


Is  it  better  to  fire  a  man  for  tilling 
the  truth,  or  to  raise  the  salary  of  the^ 
man  who  denies  it? — Buffalo  Sanitanr 
Bulletin, 


Women  in  Trade  Unions. 

There  are  two  fundamental  reason? 
why  women  workers  should  be  organ- 
ized into  trade  unions.  The  first  is 
that  the  good  of  society  demands  such 
associated  effort.  It  is  a  significant 
fact  that  wherever  labor  is  highly 
skilled  and  highly  paid,  trade  organ- 
ization follows  as  a  matter  of  course,, 
and  in  its  wake  comes  a  higher  stand- 
ard of  living  for  the  family  and  for 
the  community. 

Much  of  the  unskilled  and  under- 
paid work  is  done  by  women,  some- 
times in  competition  with  men,  some- 
times not;  sometimes  by  women  who 
are  the  sole  wage  earners  of  the  fam- 
ily; sometimes  by  women  who  sup- 
plement an  inadequate  wage  earned  by 
the  man  of  the  family;  sometimes  by 
women  who  have  no*  families  either  to 
support  or  to  be  supported  by. 

Again,  another  peril  in  the  path  of 
the  unorganized  woman  worker  has 
'been  pointed  out  by  one  of  the  keenest 
observers  of  industrial  America,  Mrs. 
Florence  Kelley,  secretary  of  the  Na- 
tional Consumers'  League. 

"A  corporation,"  she  says,  "may  be 
accurately  law  abiding,  yet  its  fore- 
man may  be  a  libertine  or  a  petty 
tyrant,  and  it  is  the  foreman  who 
comes  into  contact  with  the  working 
women  and  girls.  He  incarnates  for 
them  the  corporations.  Young  girls 
receiving  $3  to  $6  a  week  are  at  the 
mercy  of  the  foreman  and  forewomen 
under  whose  direction  they  work.  If 
these  latter  are  of  bad  character  the 
whole  community  suffers  from  their 
corrupting  infiuence.  Where,  however, 
there  is  a  strong,  stable,  old  estab- 
lished union,  the  foreman  is  apt  to  l»e 
a  better  type  man  than  the  man  who 


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deals  exclusively  with  inexperienced, 
unorganized  women  and  girls." 

The  second  reason  for  the  organiza- 
tion of  women  is  the  education  which 
the  trade  union  offers  to  the  woman 
herself.  Women  have  always  done 
more  than  their  share  of  the  work  of 
the  world,  and  now,  for  the  first  time, 
they  are  beginning  to  realize  its  value. 
The  path  of  woman  in  modern  industry 
has  not  been  strewn  with  roses,  but  It 
surely  is  leading  her  to  a  position  of 
■dignity  and  influence  unknown  to  wo- 
men of  the  past,  and  no  other  factor  in 
her  progress  seems  to  be  comparable 
In  usefulness  with  the  trades  union. — 
Anna  WitTHngton,  in  Boston  Olohe. 


Supreme  Court  of  Illinois  Helps  Movement 
for  Justice  to  the  Workers. 

The  Supreme  Court  of  Illinois  has 
held  that  labor  unions  have  the  right 
to  strike  if  non-union  employes  are  re 
tained  by  their  employers.  While  this 
seems  to  be  an  important  grant  to 
union  labor,  there  is  really  little,  tf 
anything,  in  it.  The  right  to  strike 
has  never  been  denied.  Nor  has  the 
Tight  to  combine  for  a  strike  been  de- 
nied. Men  combine  to  do  business. 
They  may  combine  to  undo  it.  Whether 
they  are  justified  in  striking  because 
other  men  are  employed  who  are  not 
•of  their  combination  is  a  moral  ques- 
tion, not  a  legal  right.  The  whole 
trouble  in  case  of  a  strike  begins  with 
the  claim  of  strikers  as  to  what  they 
are  lawfully  entitled  to  do  to  enforce 
their  demands.  For  there  is  the  real 
purpose  and  object  of  the  strike.  It  is 
not  to  quit  work,  but  to  quit  only  as  a 
means  of  exerting  pressure  to  get  back 
to  the  same  job  on  terms  that  have 
loeen  refused. 

The  question  turns  on  the  pressure, 
not  on  the  means  leading  to  it.  It  has 
•even  been  decided  that  strikers  have 
^  right  to  picket  a  place  of  employ- 
ment. That  is,  they  may  watch  it  and 
•endeavor  to  dissuade  men  from  going 
to  work  who  approach  it  for  the  pur- 
pose of  doing  so.  Here  again  the  line 
Is  drawn.  It  is  hard  for  men  who  are 
out  of  work,  and  voluntarily,  because 
they  believe  they  are  standing  for  n 
principle,  to  see  other  men  take  the 
places  that  they  have  left,  and  so  out- 
~breaks  against  the  law  are  always  pos- 
sibilities that  lie  very  close  to  the  sur- 
a'ace. 


But  there  is  this  much  that  labor, 
as  well  as  society,  can  congratulate  it- 
self on:  the  cause  of  labor  has  come 
into  the  open  in  recent  years  to  a  de- 
gree that  a  few  years  ago  would  not 
have  been  thought  possible.  It  was 
once  the  policy  for  deep  sworn  secrecy 
to  cover  all  procedure.  Men  are  be- 
ginning to  see  that  more  is  to  be 
gained  by  no  concealment.  All  society 
is  better  disposed  to  any  cause  that 
pleads  for  itself  openly.  Elspecially  is 
this  true  as  to  labor,  for  there  has 
been  a  recognition  of  the  doctrine  that 
Joseph  Chamberlain  laid  down  that 
the  future  welfare  of  society  depended 
on  the  degree  to  which  it  listened  to 
the  real  wants  of  its  poorest  and  weak- 
est members. 

Today  all  the  world  recognizes  this 
doctrine  to  a  greater  or  less  degree. 
In  consequence  labor  legislation  has 
taken  a  great  stride,  so  that  it  is  fa^t 
on  the  way  toward  covering  the  whole 
field  of  labor's  wants.  This  is  not  be- 
cause labor  constitutes  the  poorest  and 
weakest  part  of  society,  but  because  a 
growing  sense  of  justice  recognizes 
that  society  is  founded  on  labor,  and 
that  to  have  it  in  the  open  with  Its 
cause  stated,  to  make  of  it,  in  short,  a 
social  concern,  is  to  take  a  long  step 
in  advance  toward  doing  away  with  in- 
justice both  as  to  demand  and  re- 
sponse. So  this  legal  decision  in  Illi- 
nois is  but  a  small  signpost  along  the 
way  that  labor  and  society  are  pro- 
gressing.— Indianapolis  News. 


Unions  Mean  Increased  Wages. 

In  Montana  the  copper  miners  re- 
ceive better  wages  than  any  other  min- 
ers in  the  United  States.  Nor  in  Mon- 
tana is  there  any  man  employed  in  u 
smelter  for  less  than  $3  for  eigbt 
hours'  work,  except  in  the  one  smol- 
ter  controlled  by  the  smelter  trust 
The  wages  in  Montana  mines  have  al- 
ways been  fairly  remunerative  sinc^ 
the  time  of  Marcus  Daly,  a  miner  in 
his  eaVly  days,  and  always  the  cham- 
pion of  fair  wages  for  his  men.  In 
Colorado  smelter  men  receive  $1.75  a 
day.  The  Guggenheim  interests,  which 
control  the  smelter  trust,  are  bitter 
enemies  of  organized  labor.  The 
Amalgamated  Copper  Company,  organ- 
ized by  Standard  Oil  capitalists,  has 
been  just,  as  compared  with  other 
large  employers,  in  its  treatment  and 


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wages  of  its  employes.  The  Standard 
Oil  Company  has  the  same  reputation. 
In  the  long  run  such  a  policy  pays. 
Employes  are  enabled  to  raise  fami- 
lies, and  thus  become  attached  to  their 
communities  and  to  their  best  tradi- 
tions. The  average  wage  in  copper 
and  iron  mines  in  Michigan  is  about 
$6*5  a  month.  In  Minnesota — where 
the  iron  mines  are  owned  by  the  steel 
trust — and  in  Wisconsin,  the  wages 
are  practically  the  same  as  in  Michi- 
gan. Tet  living  is  as  high  in  Michi- 
gan, Wisconsin  and  Minnesota  as  in 
Montana,  excepting  perhaps  the  mat- 
ter of  rents;  and  the  difference,  con- 
sidering the  housing  of  miners,  is  not 
great.  As  a  rule,  where  union  labor 
obtains,  the  compensation  is  fairer 
and  conditions  more  tolerable  for  the 
men.  A  union  lately  organized  in  the 
Flat  River  district  of  Missouri  where 
wages  were  about  the  same  as  in 
Michigan,  has  secured  an  advance  of 
twenty-flve  cents  a  day.  The  average 
wage  of  the  zinc  miners  in  Joplin, 
Mo.,  is  from  $65  to  $70  a  month. 
Three  years  ago  the  Homestake  mine 
in  South  Dakota,  principally  owned  by 
the  mother  of  William  Randolph 
Hearst,  adopted  a  blacklist  system. 
Each  miner  was  compelled,  on  penalty 
of  discharge,  to  agree  to  discontinue 
membership  in  his  union  and  to  refuse 
to  Join  any  labor  organization  during 
the  term  of  his  future  employment 
with  the  Homestake  Company.  The 
local  union  had  existed  for  thirty 
years.  It  owned  property  worth  $150,- 
000.  Two  thousand  of  the  twenty-five 
hundred  employes  refused  the  condi- 
tions. They  left  their  homes,  which 
many  of  them  owned,  and  the  service 
of  a  corporation,  in  which  half  of 
them  had  toiled  for  over  a  score  of 
years,  to  seek  employment  elsewhere. 
No  man  could  show  greater  devotion 
to  principle.  There  was  no  other  dis- 
pute between  the  men  and  the  com- 
pany than  the  question  of  membership 
in  their  union,  and  that  question  was 
forced  by  the  company.  Thirty  years 
of  association,  during  which  time  the 
Homestake  Company  had  recognized 
the  union,  had  attached  the  men  to 
their  organization  and  its  associations. 
There  they  were  compelled,  with  their 
home  associations,  to  relinquish.  This 
story  may  be  compared  with  the  treat- 
ment which  Mr.  Hearst  has  been  hand- 
ing to  the  employes  of  his  Chicago 
newspapers. — Colliers  Weekly, 


Dcvotiofi. 

When  the  doctor  called  to  see  the 
bal)y,  its  mother,  says  the  Baltimore 
Telegram,  informed  him  that  the  med- 
icine lefit  for  the  Infant  the  day  before 
was  all  gone. 

"Impossible!"  declared  the  surprised 
(Physician.  *'I  told  you  to  give  him  a 
teaspoonful  once  an  hour." 

'Tes,  but  John  and  mother  and  I  and 
the  nurse  have  each  had  to  take  a  tea- 
spoonful,  too,  in  order  to  get  baby  to 
take  it." 


Woman. 

"It  takes  a  hundred  men  to  make 
an  encampment,  but  one  woman  can 
make  a  home.  I  not  only  admire  wo- 
man  as  the  most  beautiful  object  ever 
created,  but  I  reverence  her  as  the  re- 
deeming glory  of  humanity,  the  sanc- 
tuary of  all  the  virtues,  the  pledge  of 
all  perfect  qualities  of  heart  and  head. 
It  is  not  Just  nor  right  to  lay  the  sins 
of  men  at  the  feet  of  women.  It  Is  be- 
cause women  are  so  much  better  than 
men  that  their  faults  are  considered 
greater.  A  man's  desire  is  the  founda- 
tion of  his  love,  but  a  woman's  desire 
Is  born  of  her  love.  The  one  thing  in 
this  world  that  is  constant,  the  one 
peak  that  arises  above  all  clouds,  the 
one  window  in  which  the  light  forever 
bums,  the  one  star  that  darkness  can 
not  quench,  is  woman's  love.  It  rises 
to  the  greatest  heights.  It  sinks  to  the 
lowest  depths.  It  forgives  the  most 
cruel  injuries.  It  is  perennial  of  life 
and  grows  in  every  climate.  Neither 
coldness  nor  neglect,  harshness  nor 
cruellty  can  extinguish  it.  A  woman'& 
love  is  the  perfume  of  the  heart  This 
is  the  real  love  that  subdues  the  earth; 
the  love  that  has  wrought  all  miracles 
of  art;  that  gives  us  music  all  the  way 
from  the  cradle  song  to  the  grand  clos- 
ing symphony  that  bears  the  soul  awa^r 
on  wings  of  fire.  A  love  that  is 
greater  than  power,  sweeter  than  life, 
and  stronger  than  death." — R.  O.  I)t- 
gersolJ. 


You're  Being  Robbed. 

Unless  you  own  your  own  home,  free 
from  any  man's  claim,  unless  you  are 
receiving  an  equivalent  of  $2,000  per 
year  for  useful  work;  unless  your 
children  have  the  best  advantages  of 
education,  proper  food  and  shelter,  un- 
less you  have  certain  promise  of  sus-^ 


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tenance  for  yourself  and  family  in 
your  old  age,  unless  you  are  healthy 
and  enjoying  life  in  its  fullest,  bright- 
est sense,  you  are  being  robbed.  Be- 
cause there  Is  enough  in  these  days  of 
modem  improyements  for  all — for 
every  single  inhabitant  of  the  earth. 
If  you  are  not  getting  your  share, 
someone  else  Is  getting  more  than  be- 
longs to  him.  You  would  be  consid- 
erably wrought  up  if  some  one  would 
steal  your  pocketbook,  wouldn't  you? 
Well,  why  don't  you  get  busy  and  find 
out  who  or  what  is  robbing  you,  and 
your  family,  of  the  joys  of  life?  It 
wouldn't  take  you  long  to  catch  and 
punish  the  thief. — Hope. 

The  trade  union  movement  was 
called  into  existence  by  the  capitalist 
system,  and  will  only  cease  to  exist 
when  the  capitalist  system  ceases  to 
exist.  Every  advance  by  the  union 
movement  has  been  won  by  strikes  or 
else  by  the  fear  of  strikes  by  the  em- 
ployers. Nothing  has  been  done  for 
lalbor  except  what  labor  has  done  for 
itseW.— J.  Keir  Hardie. 


Remittance  Roll  of  Honor  for  the  Month  of 
November,  1912. 

The  following  is  a  list  (by  numbers) 
of  the  lodges  whose  remittances  have 
been  received  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  Treasurer  during  the  month  of 
November: 

Nov.  1st— Lodges  5,  18,  44,  55,  102, 
124,  130,  142,  170,  187. 

Nov.  2d— Lodges  32,  34,  60,  74,  99, 
154,  173,  194,  215. 

Nov.  4th— Lodges  9,  10,  22,  38,  41, 
61,  73,  80,  82,  88,  92,  97,  115,  120,  141 


171,  174,   188,  189,  190,  193,   214,  216, 
217. 

Nov.  5tfti— Lodges  11,  14,  20,  23,  51, 
52,  56,  68,  78,  83,  90,  91,  96.  104,  106, 
112,  113,  114,  116,  123,  129.  146,  152, 
176,  177,  179,  180,  182,  183,  192,  195, 
196,  1919,  212,  228. 

Nov.  6th— Lodges  1,  3,  6,  19,  28,  29» 
33,  37,   39,  60,   53,  54,   64,   72,  77,   84 
85,  88,  9t5,  107,  108,  126,  144.  145,  147, 
151,  166,  175,  200,  203,  205,  220,  224. 

Nov.  7th— Lodges  8.  13,  24,  40,  43, 
57,  69,  71,  101,  119,  125,  159,  166,  169 
181,  201,  225,  226. 

•Nov.  8th— Lodges  16,  17,  21,  30,  36, 
42.  47,  75,  98,  105,  110,  128,  134,  137, 
207,  208,  209,  218. 

Nov.  9th— Lodsges  4.  26,  45,  48,  58. 
63,  i65,  70,  79.  94,  100,  111,  117,  133,  138. 
158,  219,  220. 

Nov.  11th— Lodges  2,  7, 12,  15,  31,  35. 
46,   49,  62,  87,  93,   122,   135,   149.   167. 

172,  202,  210,  221. 

Nov.  12th— Lodges  140,  191,  230. 

Nov.  13th— Lodges  67,  206,  211. 

Nov.  14th— Lodge  204. 

Up  to  date  the  reports  of  Lodges 
103,  143,  184,  185,  198,  213  and  222 
have  not  been  received. 

Members  should  interest  themselves 
and  see  that  the  reports  of  their  lodges 
are  on  the  honor  roll  every  month. 

■Section  41  of  the  constitution  pro- 
vides that  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per  capllH 
shall  be  imposed  upon  all  lodges  whose 
reports  are  not  received  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  by  the  tenth 
day  of  each  month,  and  if  received 
late  for  two  or  more  months,  then  the 
officers  shall  be  asked  to  remove  the 
cause  for  such  delay. 


Any  member  who  changes  his  street  address  or  who  is  intending  to  move 
from  one  town  to  another  and  wishes  to  receive  his  Joubnal  promptly  and 
without  fail  is  requested  to  fill  out  the  following  form  and  send  same  to  the 
Editor  at  once: 

Tfame Lodge  No 

Btreet Town Btate 

Ha$  fnoved  to Btreet 

Town Btate 


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JOURNAL   OF    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION   OF   N. 


Statement  of  Claims  Paid  During  the  Month  of  Nov.,  1912 


Na< 


NAMS 


^^     I    Date   I 
5  o     )  oelved 


PAID  TO 


RESIDENCE 


um^ 

I60t) 
1607, 

am 

160f) 

ir.io 

IHH 
l«lo 
1017 
1018 
1«19: 
JH20 

ift:2 


Roy  L.  Fish 
John  Lyoch  ^ 

Patrick  M.  (rore 
Chas.  W.  Mitehell 
Geo.  A.  Rlscli 
Win.  Gale 

Jas.  E.  Kiley  ; 

Marshall  P.ChrisUe' 
John  P.  Kant' 
Jos  L.  Lowery 
riarry  A.  Burke 
David  McKcnzle 
Au^ustUB  Clausen 
CllffVud  iJrandall 
r>eniils  Sweeney 
Robert  H.  Winn 
Samuel  D.  Smith      ! 


Death 
132  Death 
13  Deaih 
Death 
Dis. 
Death 
Death 
Dls. 
Death 

DlB. 

Death 
Death 
(J  Dis. 
8-i!  Death 
.Vi  Death 
72|  Death 
111  .Death 


4:i 


9-  3-'12  U- 
9-23-*  12  II- 
i0-10-'12  U- 
10-10-'12  U- 
10-2-'12iU- 
10-20-' 12' 11. 
10-10.'121I- 
10-12-M2  11- 
10-19-' 12  U- 
11-  1-'12  U- 
10-14-»]2  11- 
10-23-' 12!  11- 
U-  (i-'12  11- 


1-  w-'l2 
i0-2a-'12 
10-30-' 12 
11-  (i-'12 


lg.'12 
1S-U2 
I8-'12 
1S-'12 
18-' 12 
18-U2 
1 8-' 12 
18-*12 
18-' i2 
Ift-M2 
18-n2 
IS-*  12 
18-' 12 
1 8-' 12 
18-M2 
18-'12 


Jeunette,  wife 
Samh,  wife 
Maggie,  wife 
Maggie,  wife 
Hlmnelf 
Elsie,  mother 
Ellen,  sister 
Himself 
Mary  J.,  wife 
Himself 
Blanche  wife 
Alice,  wife 
Himself 
Deoletia,  wife 
Mary  A.,  wife 
Mattle,  wife 


11 
11 
II 
1-18-M2  Mary,  wife 


Kansas  City,  Mo. 
Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
Port  Huron.Mich, 
St,  Joseph,  Mo. 
Milwaukee,  Wis. 
Fitzhugh,  All>erta 
Kansas  City,  Mo, 
iDdianapolis,  iDd. 
Lima,  Ohio 
Hot  Spriugs,  Ark. 
E.  St.  Louis,  111. 
Cleveland,  Ohio. 
Council  Blufls,  la. 
Austin,  Minn. 
Jersey  City,  N.  J. 
Peoria,  111. 
Toledo.  Ohio 


$1,500.00 
750.00 
1,500.00 
1,600.00 
l,5C0.0O 
1,500.00 
1,600.06 
1,600.00 
750.00 
750.00 
1,500.00 
1,600.00 
1,500.00 
1,500.00 
1,500  00 
1.500,00 


PreylooBly  reported  . . 

Paid  111106  liwt  report . 

Refanded  insurance. . 

Total 


.91,596,617.50 

.       22,500  00 

4.00 

.91,619,121.50 


t22,6M.00 


Acknowledgment  of  Claims  Paid  In  October,  1992 

Miss  Maud  James,  EUlnwood,  Kan..  91,500 

Richard  Webb,  Superior,  Wis '. l^ 

Mrs.  Myrtle  Harmon,  C'hicago,  III 376 

Mis.  Ruth  Stockton.  Oakland,  Cal .*.'.•  1,500 

Mrs.  Mildred  Houlihan,  Denison,  Texas  375 

Anthony  Turskey,  Detroit,  Mich .*.' 1,600 

Mrs.  Bdna  lingers,  Cleveland,  O 375 

Mrs.  Kate  Mui tins,  Kansas  City,  Mo.     7i0 

Mrs.  Ruby  Youngs,  Toledo,  O .'.'.'.'.'..'.*."**."'*.'.*.'.' 750 

Mrs.  Annie  Bevans.  McKeesport.  Pa  1,500 

Mr»i.  Mary  A.  Rulel,  Green  I&y,  Wis". '. '.' .\\  750 

Mrs.  Louise  Murray,  Muskegon,  Mich.      1,500 

Mrs.  Mary  Green,  Buffalo,  N.  Y...          1,500 

Wm.  C.  Slocum,  Fort  Worth,  Tex    1,500 

Mrs.  Irene  Story,  Peoria,  111 750 


Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer 

NOTICE  TO  ALL  MEMBERS 


You  are  hereby  not! fled  that  Convention  assessment  per  Section  64,  to  be  remitted  in  February 
1013,  will  be  due  and  owing  from  each  member  paying  Dues  and  Assessment  for  that  month 


ASSESSMENT    NOTICE 


GRAND    LODGE    SWITCHMEN'S    UNION    OF    NORTH    AMERICA 

BuvPALO,  N.  Y.,  December  1, 1912. 
BROTHERS : 

You  are  hereby  notified  that  dues  and  assessments  are  due  and  payable  to  the  Treasurer  or 
Financial  Secretary  of  your  Lodge  before  the  first  day  of  every  month  (see  Section  218).  Qrand  dues 
are  fifty  cents  (60c)  per  month ;  members  holding  class  **  B"  oeoliflcaie,  asnnw 
ment  92.00;  class  ^A"  certificate,  assessment  91.00:  class  **C"  certificate, 
assessment  50c  (see  section  83).  A  lailure  on  your  part  to  comply  therewitJn  la 
a  forfeiture  of  membership  in  the  Union  without  rarther  notloe  (see  Sections 
214-247  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution).  The  purpose  of  the  assessment  la  to 
pay  beneficiary  fiaims  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

The  Treasurers  of  Local  Lodges  are  required  to  remit  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
Grand  dues  and  assessments  collected  fkt>m  members,  as  above  provided,  not 
later  than  the  third  (8d)  day  of  the  month  (see  section  182). 
Your8inB.,H.AP., 

Bi.R.WELC:H, 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treaanrer. 
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