bers are falling out of the order. If some ten or twelve come up this meeting night and see what a small gathering there is, they in turn will stay away from the meetings. Some say they are not working and cannot attend the meetings. Remember, boys, it's not the 50 cents the secretary wants, it is your appearance at the meeting. Then when we invite a non-member to attend and he sees that we have only a few present he does not for a minute think that still a greater number belong, but just makes an excuse that he does not care to join that night but will wait until next meeting; and when the day comes Mr. Non has disappeared. Then again I wish to call the secretary's special notice to not having an extra copy of the journal on hand. same was presented to a non he would readily see that there is such an organization as the B. of R. C. I am sure that our Grand President will allow all our brother lodges the courtesy he has bestowed upon our lodge by allowing us a small number of journals to distribute at our meetings. Or if you should happen not to have an extra on hand just secure the non's name and address and forward same to the Grand Lodge. I have had quite a few occasions where a non would ask me to let him read the journal and I would never hardly get a chance to read it myself.

If

MECHANICSVILLE NO. 12.

"Local No. 12 of Mechanicsville, N. Y., has not been heard from in a long time. We are not dead, however, and propose to wake up in the line of correspondence and let our brother clerks know that we are still in the land of the living in a prosperous condition.

The B. of R. C. axe has been falling with a vengeance around here, and there are only a few "dead limbs" left to be cut from the tree of success. We hope in a very short time to get these few "dead limbs" and change them into "live" ones. At a special meeting held March 7th we took in four new members, three of them being

from Saratoga, N. Y. At our regular meeting held April 6th we took in ten more new members. We also have two more to go in at our next meeting, April 20, and expect to get more members from Schuylerville, N. Y., Victory Mills and Ballston, N. Y. We now have a membership of forty-seven which is about 95 per cent of the clerks here. That does not look as though we were dead, does it? Much of this credit, however, is due to Organizer Bird H. Reynolds, who spent a few days here and did a world of good, both here and in the vicinity. Brother Reynolds is a very enthusiastic worker and we hope he meets with the best of success.

At our last regular meeting, held Monday, April 6th, we held our fifth annual banquet, which was the most notable event since our organization, and everybody had what they called a "bully" good time. The banquet followed the regular business meeting. At the close of the meeting members and guests to the number of fifty were seated at the banquet table, presided over by local President John P. Mosher.

Those who responded to toasts were Brothers Joseph Defore of Adirondack Local No. 204, of Plattsburgh, N. Y.; E. J. Hurtibis of Champlain Local No. 191, of Whitehall, N. Y.; E. A. Fitzgerald of Local No. 124, of Rotterdam, N. Y.; T. J. Vanderpool of Local No. 72, of Troy, N. Y., and Jas. A. O'Rourke of Local No. 12. Those present from out of town were: F. E. Poitros, Jos. Defore and Chas. Lefee of Plattsburgh; E. J. Hurtibus of Whitehall; E. A. Fitzgerald and V. J. Morin of Rotterdam Junction; E. J. Harrigan, J. H. Dewey, J. F. Stein, E. F. McLaughlin, F. Chambers and T. J. Vanderpool of Troy. The committee in charge were William St. Hart, chairman, W. T. Cowin, G. W. Smith, W. R. Arnold and Jos. McConville.

We also hold our fifth annual ball Tuesday, April 28, 1908, With best wishes to the B. of R. C. at large and with the hope that I have dispelled all doubt in the minds of those who thought Local No. 12 a “dead” one, and hoping to see many more letters from us in the future Clerk, I am, Fraternally yours,

CARD NO. 66.

FALL RIVER NO. 97.

On Sunday, the 15th of March, Fall River Lodge No. 97 turned out in good big num

On

bers to attend the monster mass meeting of "Knights of the Quill," to quote Brother Ryan of Rotterdam Junction, N. Y., held in Faneuil Hall, Boston. The northbound hegira began at 5:30 Saturday afternoon, and lasted until 11:30 Sunday morning, when the last delegation left for the Hub. the return trip we occupied a special coach on the Fall River Line express. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, and many compliments were paid the Fall River crowd, both on the number that turned out and the enthusiasm they manifested. A good many of the boys had some amusing experiences, according to the stories that were circulating the next day.

On Monday evening, the 23d, we had the pleasure of entertaining a large delegation from Providence No. 103, including Brothers Drury, Bailey and Murray. Captain Hathaway and his six "Terrors" were there, and the things they did to the class of candidates we had waiting for them was a shame. They were a big drawing card, and No. 97 was present to a man. The degree team was given a big ovation when it entered the hall ready for business. The work showed off to very good advantage, as our hall is large and well equipped with ante-rooms. After the initiation ceremonies were completed, refreshments were served, and when cigars were lighted a vaudeville program composed entirely of lodge talent was put on, Ned Forrest presiding at the piano. Bill Pettengill made a hit with his "chalk-talk." Bill is a clever artist, and the rapidity with which he turned out his sketches made even his intimates sit up and take notice. Johnny Turcotte sang a song, and the crowd liked it so well that they kept him at it until he was all in. Brothers Murray, Pettingill, Reagan, Macomber, Monahan and Sullivan put on their one-act tragedy (?) entitled "Two of a Kind," and brought down the house. The other artists were Mike Clark, illustrated songs; Tim Feeney, monologue; Jack Driscoll, dance, and Rogan & Macomber in their great mind-reading act.

We were very glad to welcome the Providence boys, and hope to return the visit And you can bet they're alweys welcome at No. 97, and so are any other brothers that come our way.

soon.

We've made a start on the clerks at the East End Station, locally known as Watuppa, initiating one at our last meeting. Some

of the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company clerks are also considering joining, and we hope to pass on their applications soon.

The Newport boys turned out in full force on the Boston trip. We're sorry not to see them at the meetings oftener, but poor transportation facilities make it quite an undertaking to attend.

"SHOOT-'EM-UP-QUICK."

PHILADELPHIA NO. 200.

The regular meeting of Philadelphia Lodge No. 200 B. of R. C., was held on Sunday afternoon, 2:30 p. m., April 12. After the usual routine of business the drawing for prizes was held. Third Vice-President Riley of the Grand Lodge at Kansas City was our guest, and he was given the honor of drawing the prizes. After the drawing was held, we then adjourned until 7 p. m. for the smoker and open meeting. At 7:30 p. m. we started the program, but we have our apologies to make that there was such a poor attendance, owing, no doubt, to the selection of the date by the committee in charge, which happened to be Palm Sunday, and such a nice day and evening that it seems nobody wished to be pent up on such nice weather, therefore we had only a handful of non-members. The following is the programm, all volunteers: The Elite Orchestra Prof. Jno. Hoffman, director, 2626 Popular street, Philadelphia; solo, Mrs. Blanch Quicksell and Miss Ethel Christy; song, Mr. Hunington; orchestra; song, "Harrigan" by request, Mr. Albert McCullen; piano and piccalo solo, Messrs. Osgood and Wood; song, Mrs. Quicksell and Miss Eethel Christy; song and dance, John O'Donnell; song, "Teasing the Leaves so They Won't Come Down," Mr. Albert Wharton; comic song and remarks, Mr. Gasgie; orchestra; piccalo solo, John Wood.

Bro. Riley, third Vice-president Grand Lodge, made a masterly address on our Brotherhood, its rapid growth and benefits, which received a great ovation from the audience. E. H. Davies, from the general office, Broad Street Station, a non-member, whose application was received at the smoker, then asked permission to say a few words. Upon being granted this privilege, he stated that although he was a non-member, yet after hearing the address by Grand Vice-President Riley, he was convinced that the clerks should be

combined together the same as other classes of railway employes, and after a great outburst of eloquence, he was applauded again and again, and wound up by saying he would do all in his power to interest the clerks in the general office to become members. After a lively air by Prof. Hoffman's orchestra the smoker was brought to a close. I would like to state that Mr. Wood, the piccalo player, is one of the greatest east of the Mississippi, and he is also a member of the band our president belongs to.

If at any time any brother hears of anybody wanting an orchestra, à solid union orchestra and a fine one, they can get one at a reasonable price by writing to Chas. F. Bauman, secretary, 3625 North 17th street, Philadelphia, Pa.

BRIGHT EYE.

LIMA NO. 199.

Just a few lines from Lima Lodge No. 199 as a starter, to let our brothers know that we are doing business and doing it in a business-like way, and stand ready at any time to deliver the goods. We have gathered together twenty-five good men and are on the lookout for more; and right here let me state that the only way to secure improved conditions in the way of better hours and better pay is to keep eternally at it. That is, keep after the non, so that when the time comes for action we will present a solid front and at the roll call there will be no absentees reported.

By so doing, and our brothers at other locals doing the same, the management cannot afford to ignore our requests for the betterment of our conditions. The battle between labor and capital is growing more keen and acute with each succeeding year, and organization of labor has brought the conditions of those most strongly organized to the highest standard yet obtained.

For this reason I wish to say for the benefit of a non-member who may elect to read this, don't be an individual seeing just so far for your own good, but get in the band wagon and be a unit in one of the greatest organizations on earth.

This brings me to another point I have been trying to reach. In the army of Uncle Sam, the soldiers are drilled continually to become proficient in the manual of arms, and we have every reason, brothers, for do

ing likewise. By this I mean, attend the regular meetings, and not only every regular meeting but every special meeting. In fact attend every meeting that brings the boys together.

There is always something doing or something brought up in discussion during these meetings that has its fullest and intrinsic value at that time, and cannot be reproduced by the simple reading of the minutes at a following meeting. Do not make any engagements which will conflict or interfere with such meetings, but be on hand promptly at the opening hour ready to attend to business.

Non-attendance is but carrying the green for lack of interest and lack of interest has been the ruination of organization and there is no time like the present to show what stuff we are made of and prove that we can keep everlastingly at it. Yours fraternally,

CARD. NO 19.

TRI-CITY NO. 16.

Here we are at last, Tri-City No. 16, still doing business at the old stand. Quite a long time since our brothers have heard from us, but we feel so jubilant over the good work which has been going on for six months, that we feel it our duty to let our sister lodges know of our success in organizing the railway clerks in this community. Quite an increase since a year ago and still increasing.

With Brother Suttley at the head and all members doing active work, we are in excellent condition financially and we can see ahead of us prospects of a bright future.

Our second annual ball was given at the Industrial Hall in Rock Island, Ill., on Friday evening, February 28, at which there were 175 couples present, and decidedly the largest attendance at any social gathering held in the Tri-Cities this season. Dancing was indulged in until 1 o'clock, when everyone departed to their several homes (special cars for Moline and Davenport being in waiting), having spent a very enjoyable evening, congratulating the clerks on their success as entertainers and urging them to make these occasions semiannual, which we have decided to do.

At our regular meeting held March 22, a committee was appointed with President Suttle chairman, to make arrangements for

a banquet to be held the latter part of April at one of the popular hostelries in Rock Island, Ill. The arrangements at this writing are so meager that the speakers cannot be announced, but we hope to have some able men to handle this part of the program.

We hope to have all the "nons" of the Tri-Cities present and after we have them filled with the B. of R. C. enthusiasm and good things to eat, secure their applications for membership with Tri-City No. 16, as we find it takes but little effort to do this, and that these social affairs always bring excellent results.

We are all "fixed" to receive new members as our initiations are made a special feature, we having just recently purchased a complete set of paraphernalia, which enables us to put on the secret work in full, thereby giving the candidate all that is coming to him.

We feel confident that the growth of the Brotherhood will continually increase and eventually the membership of Tri-City No. 16 will be unequaled by any of our sister lodges.

With this bright prospect in view, we close for this writing.

TRI-CITY NO. 16. Card No. 74.

MEMPHIS NO. 40.

On Tuesday evening, April 21, Memphis Lodge No. 40 held an election for the purpose of selecting delegates to the national convention, which will be held at Toledo, Ohio, June 8, one hundred knights of pen and pencil being on hand to cast their ballot for their respective choice.

By unanimous vote it was decided to send three delegates to the convention instead of the full quota. Six nominees were in the field, as follows: Hal J. Stranghan, Jim Williamson, J. J. Carrigan, John Hastings, Geo. W. Cox and Charles Dean. Upon counting the ballots the following delegates were declared elected: J. J. Carrigan, 83; John Hastings, 57, and Geo. W. Cox, 42. Alternates-Jim Williamson, 41; Hal J. Stranghan, 40, and Charles Dean, 15.

The contest for the third delegate was unusually close, one vote being all Brother Cox had to spare over Brother Williamson, while Brother Stranghan was defeated by the small margin of two votes. This keen contention among the members at this time

of election has a tendency to bring the members to the lodge in goodly numbers, and though some of our members are of the opinion that two factions in a lodge are conducive of no good results, yet as Mark Twain once said, and truly, "It were not that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse racing."

Prior to the election of delegates, Secretary Dykemann announced the application of nine candidates for membership, and seven of the number being on hand, they were initiated in the secret work by President J. J. Hackett. At the conclusion of the ritual the candidates were turned over to the tender mercies of Brothers Hirsh and Carrigan, who in the roll of tonsorial artists, made a tremendous hit with the entire membership.

The boys employed by the Frisco system here are to be congratulated for their efforts in bringing the nons to time, and if they continue the good work it will only be a short time until the Illinois Central clerks will have to play second fiddle to them.

In conclusion I wish to state that Brothers Carrigan and Cox are not strangers to the members of the Grand Lodge, they having been delegates at the last convention held at Houston. In Brother John Hastings you will find a good worker for brotherhood interests. In short Memphis No. 40 is of the opinion that their delegation will pass muster when they reach Toledo. T. A. SHANNON.

EMPIRE STATE NO. 189.

On Tuesday evening, April 21, 1908, was held the first annual ball of Empire State Lodge No. 189, at the Murray Hill Lyceum, 34th street and Third avenue. The hall was appropriately decorated with American flags and bunting, making an effective setting for the gay gowns of the ladies and the conventional black of the gentlemen. The music furnished by Prof. Cooper's orchestra was most enticing and the floor was indeed well filled by the more than a hundred couples, who flitted here and there measuring time and step to all the latest popular airs. Informal dancing was held from eight to eleven, when formed the grand march, led by President Jones, followed by the executive officers and members. President Jones again proved himself an efficient leader, and in this new role

formulated and carried into neat execution various well-known figures, and to the spectators in the boxes the ensemble was picturesque in the extreme. Much credit is also given to Floor Manager R. McKee for conducting things in such a capable man

ner.

We had the pleasure of entertaining members of Harlem Lodge No. 70 and Jersey City Lodge No. 214, as well as members of the Brotherhood of Railroad Conductors and Trainmen. This maiden effort will pass into the records as an event conspicuous for its success, both social and financial, and to the management is due much praise for the skill with which was consummated so large an enterprise, and to the members and others for their loyalty in subscribing, we voice our gratitude.

The festivities continued into the early morning, and all left the hall loud in their praise of the delightful hours which had seemed all too short.

O

CAPITAL CITY NO. 117.

Here we are again with a little more hot air.

things

Deputy Reynolds is making "hum" down on the Susquehanna division. Oneonta organized a lodge a few weeks ago. Some of our boys went down there, but, I am sorry to say, that they must have gotten into bad company, for our financial secretary, Kirkland, lost a $3 hat and another crowd of the boys attempted to come home aboard a private car but were skidooed for their trouble.

We have decided in the future to send the sergeant-at-arms along with all institution parties or some of the boys will get lost; especially along the Susquehanna Valley, for the girls down that way are very pretty and would have a tendency to make the boys forget home and mother.

We are to have a smoke and talk feast on April 29th, and some of the most prominent friends of organized labor in this vicinity will be with us, but more of this the next letter.

Brother Clarence Van Wie of Church street is in line for congratulations, for on Friday, April 3d, the "stork" arrived at his home with a little daughter. Ella and her mother are doing finely.

Our election of delegates and alternates to the convention was held on April 21st,

No organization will disintegrate so long as those composing it "stick." No union is disrupted because some one outside of the organization does not come to its assistance. The only reason labor unions become disrupted is because those who make up the membership have not the staying qualities. No organization is going far towards making itself a power, that depends on outside assistance as the means to an end. No organization can hope to succeed by having its members stay at home. No organization can succeed unless its members work to help each other. No organization can grow with its membership knocking. Get together, boost, boost and boost.