EVANSVILLE NO. 155.

This being the first attempt at correspondence for Evansville Local No. 155, B. of R. C., the writer asks your extreme indulgence upon this technicality as his

one excuse.

Many a famous writer has said, "Were it not for the escape of Napoleon from Elba, the rallying of enthusiastic adherents around his eagles and the battle of Waterloo, the incidents I am about to relate would doubtless have never been consummated."

It is comparatively presumable, therefore, that had it not been for the Toledo convention, our sending of a delegate there, his return and banquet in his honor, this article would remain unwritten; much, perhaps, to the sparing of your feelings and the writer's humiliation.

Without further prelude or preface, I will proceed to unravel my story. Though the night was hot and sultry, the Hall in the Tree Tops was filled with enthusiastic brothers bent upon staying, though perspiring, for the whole show, from rise to fall of the curtain. A friendly hubbub filled what little remaining space there was in the room until 8:15 p. m., when President Logsdon called the lodge to order and the evening's procedure of business.

At the conclusion of the regular session the president dealt a brief, simple flight of oratory in eulogy of Brother Fiske, the speaker of the evening. There was intense earnestness in the face of every member as Brother Fiske arose calmly and simply, though forcefully, to relate his story of the convention's proceedings; and suffice it to say that none were disappointed. We heard with pleasure of the splendid type of manhood of which the Grand Lodge is composed. It filled our hearts with pride and

admiration to know that our Grand Lodge officers are brainy fellows, men who are above the slightest reproach, men who, to use Brother Fiske's own words, "are preeminently fitted to grace the halls of our legislatures." What heart did not swell, what eye was not afloat with emotion when the speaker referred to our Grand President as being "absolutely incorruptible." To go further than this, but to proceed delicately, though it pains me to think I am a party to the disgrace, that any of our Grand Lodge or any other officers or members should have to go into his own meager salary that the life of some discomfited local might retain its charter. We listened amazed at the unparalelled growth of the order from one end of the country to the other; the progressive changes framed into new laws and the general spirit of enthusiasm which prevailed at the Toledo gathering, to be scattered and diffused abroad over three countries until success crowns the efforts of the brotherhood.

Brother Fiske was heartily applauded and thanked on every hand for his labors and masterly address. This being over, in a most pleasant manner the brothers indulged for several hours in a complete harmony of mirth, song and story, mellowed and moistened with delicious refreshments. To Brothers Ed Craner, Berharrell and Vice President Curtis is due the honor of the preparation of the toothsome edibles, and cooling draughts which were served to everyone's satisfaction. The Evansville Packing Company were liberally toasted for their generosity in regard to a most delicious ham of the "Battleship" brand. The evening was made merry and the ball to ring with enchanting warbling by Brothers Shafer, Eichel, Crow, Smith, Havel, Crancer and others. Shafer's excellent tenor and his impersonation of the

Western cowboy were enjoyed by all; but not without a feeling of "nerves" upon the part of his audience as he demonstrated his perfomance with a de-cylindered 44; but we were all put at ease when Brother Clyde Pitman, without the slightest wink of an eye Or twitch of a muscle, fearlessly

stepped up and grabbed the muzzle of the bristling weapon between his ivorys. The charm of Brother Eichel's resonant voice was added to by his grace of manner and dramatic expression. A coterie of good fellows, which included Bros. Gonnoman, Dwyer, Clune, Laib, Lang and Biggs, surrounded Brother Levy and engaged in friendly badinage. Brothers Skeels and Perry delighted our ears with instrumental music. Brother Sheedy took an intense interest in the singing and was observed more than once to assume the serious facial expression of the singer, purse his lips and give vent to his emotion. With comfort and good fellowship everywhere in evidence, laughter in the air, music to inspire, smiling faces flitting here and there, Brother Ott Klein completely obscured behind two long cool spiral columns, Brother Hall whooping things up and animation on every hand, is the scene that I would lead the reader to behold, and pray that he see nothing therein but the good of the brotherhood. Fraternally yours, L.

LODGE NO. 70.

Looking over the correspondence in the June issue of the Railway Clerk, one is struck with the old complaint, ever cropping up, and that is lack of interest and nonattendance at meetings.

We all know how well-founded this is, but it is apparently inevitable.

We cannot compel interest and attendance, and in all organizations, social, religious, labor, or what not, no doubt much the same conditions prevail; we find those who are willing to do the work, and also those who are perfectly willing to let the others do it, and we must perforce rest content.

One point, however, may have escaped those who seldom or never attend meetings, and which may at some time work to their personal disadvantage; these are hereby invited to look up Section 1, Article 3 of the Protective Laws, if they are not already familiar with the same, and see how this may be.

There is another point, and this is also touched upon by one correspondent, and on which we would fain be silent but for absolute necessity, and that is the number of suspensions for non-payment of dues.

This is a most vital point, as every brother knows.

It would seem like pouring water into a sieve to spend thousands of dollars on organizers in a given period of time, and in the same period lose as many or more members by suspension as the organizers have succeeded in obtaining.

Our progress at this rate may be likened to that of the snail in the arithmetic, which climbed a pole three feet during the day and slipped back two at night; how long will it take him to get to the top? or will he ever get there?

All this was touched upon by our president at our last meeting, and is food for every brother's serious consideration; the collector should be indefatigable, or the fatal word "suspended" is sure to be heard sooner or later.

There is one other point also that possibly escapes many of us, and that is that our progress is unquestionably watched by those whose business it is to know what is doing in this direction.

We can imagine the question being asked, on some occasion, "Are they organized?" and if an affirmative answer is given, then, "How well are they organized?" or "What does their organization amount to?”

Brothers, the answers to these questions lie with us, and who can say what or how much may hinge upon the result? Fraternally,

WILIAM H. SIMMS.

CAPITAL CITY LODGE NO. 117.

Our delegates to the convention made their report of the proceedings at our last meeting. We congratulate Brother Curtin of No. 87 on his election to such high office and hope ere long he will favor us with an official visit.

One of the best changes in the constitution, in the writer's estimation, was the change making all lodge officers elective. This will tend to give us better working degree teams, as there will be an incentive to members to take office knowing that if they prove worthy they will be advanced next year.

A good joke that must not go unnoticed:

A week or so ago one of the Green Island clerks, modesty on his part prevents mentioning his name, on his way back to the office from lunch found, lying just along the main line, a handsome gold watch, chain and charm. He naturally thought it had been lost from some passing train, and bright visions of a lasting friendship with either some very wealthy man or some one of the officials arose in his mind. We all wondered why B. looked so happy that afternoon, but next day it all came out, and instead of lasting friendship of the president of the road, with all the prestige that would bring, he got a box of Perfectos, which nature, he with his never failing good passed around. The watch was lost by one of our fellow clerks at Green Island, and if you doubt my word about its being a dandy, ask Willie, someday, to give you the time, but do not say anything about a special officer.

Two more of our worthy brothers are soon to join the ranks of Has Been's; I mean are soon to get married. They are Bro. M. E. Kearney of the general office, and Bro. Reeb of the Green Island stores department. Bro. J. Raymond O'Bryan and Miss Marie Francis Fitzgerald were married on June 10, at St. Patrick's in Troy, by the Very Rev. Dean Swift, vicar general. Mr. and Mrs. O'Bryan went to Chicago on their wedding trip, and on their return will reside at 2948 Sixth avenue, Troy, where they will be at home to their many friends,

I could tell you a long story about a crowd of fellows who started out with horns, bells, bugles, rice and two handsome bouquets of roses for Mrs. O'Bryan, but failed to meet their quarry because "Riley" was just a bit too cute for them. The only regret I have is that Mrs. O'Bryan did not get the roses, as they were most beautiful.

BILL.

VICKSBURG LOCAL NO. 118. Your correspondent feels that each and every local throughout these United States has gained by being represented at the Toledo convention.

With every officer at his desk on last Tuesday night, 16th inst., and a healthy attendance of members, there was great interest manifested in the report of our delegate, Brother J. C. Hamilton.

Suffice it to say that the local has been

indeed fortunate in their selection of Brother Hamilton, and such a comprehensive and interesting statement of the convention, enables us to more fully appreciate the duty we owe one another as members of the B. of R. C.

We were highly gratified to learn that the next convention will occur at New Orleans. True Southern hospitality in the largest city in Dixie. The "Crescent City," we feel assured, will try to outrival her past competitors.

It is with much feeling of regret by all other members that Brother Messonnier had to relinquish his office as secretary. His work, so auspiciously begun, will be continued in the same satisfactory manner by Brother Hamilton.

The sweltering summer heat is now with us. We are expecting some excuses from brothers for the next two months (the night too warm), but we hope this preventive is only a myth, and the usual good attendance will be ready to greet us at our first meeting in July. Yours fraternally,

BILLY.

JACKSON NO. 141. Rah! rah! rah! Who are we? We are the boys from the B. R. C. The score? Why, ask Vicksburg No. 118.. How we enjoyed it? Why, ask Jackson No. 141.

Brothers, through the kindness of Messrs. Harvey and Hill, superintendents of the A. V. R. R. and the I. C. R. R., respectively, the clerks of No. 141 are again at their posts of duty after having spent a glorious Saturday evening enjoying the hospitalities of Vicksburg No. 118. If any of you, my dear readers, ever have an opportunity to pass through the "Hill City," why, take a fool's advice and lay over; then you will willingly join me in giving three cheers for Vicksburg No. 118.

Talk about your ball team! Why, Vicksburg has nothing but stars. It is rumored that the St. Louis Cardinals are red hot after him. Who? Why, Vicksburg's iniThe tial bag artist, "The Teddy Bear." balance of the team, so I am told by our mutual friend, that whole-souled Brother Keyster, are all under contract with different league managers, but prefer attending to railroad and other forms of "high balls."

In conclusion, please allow me, through

The Clerk, to thank No. 118 for their kindness to us, as no one could have been more royally entertained than we were at their hands.

At our next meeting we will attend to the superintendents of the A. & V. R. R. and I. C. R. R., also to Our esteemed agents, by adopting the necessary resolutions. COCO COLA.

LETTER FROM SWEDEN.
Stockholm, April 22, 1908.

Editor Railway Clerk.

Dear Sir and Brother: Regularly receiving the Journal, I beg you accept my best thanks, therefore.

Again I will give a brief sketch of our work and our position, so that you may find we are pushing ahead. In order to keep up the same order as hitherto, I begin with the agreement question. We are just voting on this, whether: First, accept its new shape immediately; second, accept it temporarily until next congress, or third, refuse. The branches are just busy sending in their votes.

General Rates and Regulations, Etc. The negotiations were begun some time ago, but had to be postponed, owing to some pressing wage movements at a couple of private lines. Negotiations will be taken up as soon as time permits, but at present it seems almost imposible to foresay when. You will understand that a good piece of work is accomplished when those negotiations once are ready, as it took no less than three days to get a final end of the meaning of the expressions: "Staff, permanently engaged and temporarily engaged."

Punishment of Railwaymen.

This has marched bravely on. A motion, proposing impartial investigation into any accident, causing damage or wreck, and the placing of a railway expert at court, when railway matters are taken up, has been passed in our "house of commons" (second chambers). If the "house of lords" (first chamber) consent to it, it will be brought before government immediately and proposed at next parliament. If the government proposal be accepted, the bill will be put in working order immediately.

Besides all the wage movement, there are at present our most important questions. Then there are lots of small things, so that we are busy working all the time.

We are also preparing for the congress of the international transportworkers' federation, that is to take place at Vienna during 25th to 30th of August; we hope to find some American brothers also being there.

The postmen are silent at present, they are preparing their own congress, and have a lot of internal things to attend to.

The March issue of your Journal is especially interesting, and I have with admiration seen the president's letter as well as your own excellent articles on the question of reduction of wages. Of course the railwaymen must be on look out, as the times are hard at present, but I hardly believe there will be any reductions to speak of; the organizations ought to be able to prevent any such tricks. I am certain sure that a reduction policy should entirely fail in Europe; except perhaps in Russia or the other small Oriental states, where there are hardly any labor organizations to speak of; but in the other countries no such thing should occur, as the trade unions have had enough power to make themselves recognized as far as wages are concerned; and at the final end it should be the agree ment between employers and employes, with or without arbitration, that should settle the matter.

The international connections between all communication men are growing rapidly, and almost every month brings us a new link in the great fraternal chain. The head office's reports are very encouraging, and it is plain enough that during the nearest times to come all railwaymen and other transportmen will find their central point and their head for all the movements at the I. T. F. office.

I will let you know as soon as something happens that can be of interest, and until then, my very best regards to you all!

Yours fraternally, CARL ANDERSON.

P. S.-The journal speaks of the forming of the "International Association of Railway Employes."

Can you not join hands with us and affiliate all your railway organizations to the I. T. F.? C. A.

(Editor's answer: In time I hope we shall, Brother Anderson, but we must first accomplish affiliation here, amongst ourselves.)

THE FUTURE OF THE AUXILIARY.

Owing to varied reasons (mostly of a financial nature) the majority of the Grand Lodge officers were unable to attend the Toledo Convention of the auxiliary; and had some of them been there it is highly probable that they would have advocated a disbanding of that organization.

This statement may seem a little harsh to some, but when you consider that years of hard work and worry have passed away leaving only a "faithful few" still identified with the organization, and again when you reflect on the fact that in many instances where we had nice lodges, seemingly well established, they did not receive the support they should have merited from the brotherhood lodges established there and as a consequence they did not prosper, it seems to me to be highly in order at this time.

The Ladies' Auxiliary was established to be a benefit to the brotherhood, simply— nothing more or less. And in view of this fact alone it seems to me the brotherhood lodges should have aided the sisters in their worthy work more than they did, for, as previously stated, there was but one object in establishing and maintaining an auxiliary, and that was and is the betterment and upbuilding of the brotherhood as a whole. And if the brotherhood as an organization does not want the assistance that might thereby accrue from a well established and prosperous auxiliary, then why not come out like the brave courageous men you should be and say openly and above board "we do not want an auxiliary."

I am sure that a great many of the members of the brotherhood realize what a benefit a well established auxiliary would be to their organization and are not only willing to work for its upbuilding but

would gladly make personal sacrifice if necessary to push it forward; but with some pulling one way and some another, nothing but failure can be looked forward to with any degree of certainty as an ultimate result.

For almost two years your present editress of this department has worked and planned-written letters and sent appeals and, in fact, done everything in her power to advance the interests of the auxiliary, and the brotherhood as well, and in all that time and with the added efforts of the other officers of the auxiliary, whom I can knowingly as well as proudly say did all they could and sacrificed more than they were in a position to sacrifice, nothing has been accomplished unless the opposition of some of the brotherhood lodges to our cause could be counted as a gain; but I fear that the only way this could be considered as a gain would be from the fact that information had thereby been gained relative to the selfishness of the brothers, and the added fact that they do not want an auxiliary to the B. of R. C. and are taking this means of notifying the officers to that effect.

My two years of seemingly fruitless labors and the added information and knowledge of the labors of my sister officers in this work, traveling a similar route, has perhaps engendered a feeling I should not harbor. But I can only add that if the brotherhood as a whole does not desire an auxiliary to that extent that they are willing to aid in its upbuilding, I can truthfully say from my past experiences you certainly do not stand in any immediate danger of being menaced in that way; and the future of the auxiliary can be told in a few words, and I hope to never be favored in after years with that sad requiem entitled "It Might Have Been."

Therefore, brothers, it lies with you—