The afternoon was spent by many in a drive down Fifth avenue, to and through Central Park. At 7 p. m., agreeably to a pleasant invitation, the Body attended divine service at the Union Tabernacle. The pastor, Rev. George J. Mingins, delivered a most eloquent sermon, and all those who were so fortunate as to be present passed an evening profitably. Monday, October 25, the morning was devoted to business pertaining to the Insurance department. A part of the afternoon, through the courtesies of F. K. Hain, Esq., Gen. Manager of the L roads, was spent in an excursion on the 9th and 6th avenue roads. At 4 p. m., the Convention again assembled, and prolonged the session until 7 p. m. we arrived at historical Newburg, where we were received very hospitably by the mayor, aldermen and citizens. Carriages were in waiting for the ladies and Grand Officers, and when all were pleasantly seated, we were driven to Washington's headquarters. The Brothers marched in a body to the same place, and when all had arrived, were addressed in words of welcome by Alderman Graham. Grand Chief, P. M. Arthur, responded. After our Grand Chief had finished, Brother Patrick Fennell, (Shandy) and Brother Deloss Everett, Grand Chaplain, spoke at some length. Lunch having been served aboard the steamer, the delegates, wives and friends passed the day in sightseeing and mingling with new friends. Newburg is a beautiful city nestling on the banks of the Hudson, and has gone down into history as one of the many places of refuge of that patriot band of "76. At 5 p. m. we bade farewell to our many friends, with pleasant thoughts for all, and arrived at New York city at 9 p. m., with nothing but happy recollections of the day's pleasures. Monday evening, October 25th, the delegates and wives proceeded in a body from the hotels Madison and Rossmore, to the beautiful headquarters of the Y. M. C. A, where they were met by a committee who received them very courteously. Seats were provided, and when all had been most pleasantly accommodated, Thos. Voorhees, Asst. Gen. Supt. of the New York Central R. R., welcomed us Thursday, Oct. 28th, through the kindin a very pleasing address. Bro. Grandness of the Pennsylvania railroad officers, Chief P. M. Arthur responded in behalf one of the large transfer boats plying beof the Brotherhood, after which the even-tween New York city and Brooklyn was ing was most agreeably spent in recitations, music, both vocal and instrumental, and at a late hour we parted, with the pleasing thoughts of an evening well spent. Tuesday, October 26, the delegates having accepted an invitation from the Committee of Arrangements, left their several hotels for the 42d street pier, where we found the steamer Sam Sloan in waiting. It was a beautiful autumn morning, not a cloud to dim the sky; and at 9 a. m. we were all aboard, and as we steamed up the romantic Hudson we were lost to thought of pleasures past or joys to come, in absorbed attention to the many points of interest. At 1:30 p. m. placed at the disposal of the Committee of Arrangements, and as the delegates deemed it advisable to have it recorded in the historical proceedings of the great event-the unveiling of the statue of Liberty-that they had borne part in the proceedings, they accepted a place assigned them in the great procession on the river, and were present at the memorable event. Those who were so fortunate as to be there, will ever cherish with pleasure the many scenes and incidents as they occurred. Friday, Oct. 29th, was devoted to Insurance; Saturday, Oct. 30th, to the Brotherhood. Sunday, Oct. 31st, many of the dele gates, with their wives, attended divine ber remained over to enjoy the grand service in the different churches, while many improved the opportunity of visiting points of interest. illumination which was to take place that evening, and at 7:30, through the kindness of the officials of the N. Y., W. S. & B. R. R., there was placed at the disposal of the delegates, wives and friends, one of the large transfer boats plying between New York city and Brooklyn. We dropped down the bay and were soon anchored in a very pleasing position, and while anxiously waiting for the pleasure of the evening, could see steam tugs and yachts gliding along upon the bosom of the bay, and as they gathered about the little island in the harbor, they formed a flotilla gay to see. Their brass throats and breath of steam sent up Monday morning, Nov. 1st, the Convention assembled at the appointed hour. Reports of the several committees were received and acted upon; installation of Grand Officers; and at 3 p. m. Grand Chief Bro. P. M. Arthur, after giving the delegates assembled, words of wisdom and advice, counseling them to be true to themselves and the Brotherhood, declared the 23d Annual Convention closed, to meet in Chicago, on the third Wednesday in October, 1887. Thus closed one of the Fost notable conventions ever held by our Brotherhood-notable for the assem-shrill hurrahs as they waited for the corbling together of so many men from so widely different localities, who blended in one harmonious whole, with so little of that selfish disposition which looks out for a particular locality without a care for others-notable for the much more than average intelligence of its members, and for the good feeling characterizing all of its debates, notwithstanding the fact that all the issues were as closely contested as at any previous convention, so that when an adjournment was finally reached it was without leaving behind a single sting to mark the occasion with a regret. Our work was well done and the Brotherhood established upon a firmer and more enduring foundation than ever in its history as an organization, and we have no hesitancy in saying that we are of the opinion that more good will come to the Brotherhood from this Convention than from any previous one since the or-in Liberty's uplifted hand, streamed forth ganization of the same. Hand-shaking was in order, good-byes said, well wishes given, and soon Lyric hall, where for two weeks there had been gathered together in debate, men from all parts of the new world, was deserted. Many of the delegates and wives left on the evening trains, while a goodly num onation. The war ships Yantic and Kearsarge lay at anchor near us, and the lights from the port holes showed a busy scene between decks, as preparations for the illumination went on within. Communipaw, on the Jersey coast, lit the first beacon by kindling a great red flame of Greek fire. It crimsoned the sky and was the signal for a deafening huzzah from the thousand steam whistles, and the booming cannon of Governor's island rolling over the waters to the flotilla, told that preparations were ready. The light from Communipaw beacon showed the yards of the war ships alive with middies in white trousers, and also showed against the sky Bartholdi's colossal figure. The wind and the waves were still, and no sound came from the great metropolis sparkling in the distance, when suddenly, at 7:30 o'clock, from the torch a dazzling white light. Amid shouts from the thousands upon the steamers' decks, amid music and loud tug whistles, Liberty looked out for the first time over the harbor by night. At the moment her torch was kindled with the lamp of 50,000 power, the Yantic and Kearsarge became caldrons of fire. Their black hulls boiled over with an effervescence of many-colored rockets. Fiery serpents came up, wriggled for a moment in the air and fell into the bay. Rockets burst above the statue and baptized it in showers of fire. From every spar-tip and masthead, censers were waved, and their incense was red, blue, green and yellow smoke. Fireworks were displayed at the Battery, Castle William and Governor's island. At the same time, all the fantastics of Japanese invention, in the form of rockets and Roman candles, were set off. It was a scene long to be remembered. THIRTEENTH ANNUAL ADDRESS OF P. M. MR. CHAIRMAN, BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS, FRIENDS AND HEARERS:-In these troublous times, when the intellect, yes, and the ignorance of a nation is knitting its brow, one over the solution, and the other over the subjugation of the so-called knotty problem of the nineteenth century, it is eminently fitting that we, representing the unknown quantity of that problem, should assemble in New York City to hold our Twenty-third Annual of the industry of our country, whose strong, Convention. We have come to the very heart regular pulsations send the life-blood of com mercial energy and activity surging through the myriad veins which spread from ocean to ocean, and from gulf to boundary line, carrying with them the means of satisfying the needs of men. Back in the early ages we find that first a rude shelter for a habitation and wild flesh for food were all that man cared for his satisfaction; but that secured, and he be- Staunch and strong, a goodly vessel, And with wave and whirlwind wrestle.” If we say this with a feeling of pride, we are justified in so doing when we consider our small beginning, our steady growth, our progress, both intellectually and mechanically, our triumph over trials, and our present unimpeachable position. After the illumination a very pleasing affair took place at the Rossmore hotel. Mrs. Geo. Phillips, wife of Bro. Phillips, delegate from Div. 219, was selected by the ladies to present the deserving Committee of Arrangements with souvenirs, in remembrance of the many kind cour tesies extended by them to the wives of the delegates. Bro. H. C. Hays, F. G. A. E., introduced Mrs. Phillips, who, in a very neat address, presented to chair man W. Thompson, a set of resolutions and other mementoes. Bro. Thompson thanked the ladies in behalf of the Committee. Bro. A. R. Cavner, S. G. A. E, spoke at some length. Bro. W. H. Gurney, Bro. Van Tassell and other Brothers spoke cheering words to the ladies and Brothers present, wishing them safe and pleasant journeys home. Then the known quantity in the present great social last good-by was said. Here we draw the problem, I would say that some have tried to equivocate our position and that of your excurtain of pleasant memories, satisfied that ecutive officer because of the conservative all who were so fortunate as to be present stand taken, and his utter refusal to treat with other labor organizations. Many maliciously at the 23d Annual Convention of the B. false statements have been made purporting to have originated with us, with a view of of L. E. will ever cherish with pleasure placing us in an unfavorable light before the the same. To the Committee of Arrange-up strife and to despoil our Organization of its members of our Order and the public. To stir ments this whole Brotherhood owes a harmony seemed to be the one thing most desired. If the seed sown produces weeds to the deep debt of gratitude. From the time choking of the tender plant which we have we arrived at New York city until we hand of the planter, for by their fruits ye shall nourished so long, then shall we recognize the left, there was nothing left undone that know them. That a good labor organization is a good thing we maintain, but that a hetercould add to the comfort of delegates, ogeneous mass of men engaged in divers occuwives and friends. May we always find pations can combine interests satisfactorily to form an organization which shall serve all and such warm-hearted, and genial gentle- with equal justice, we very much doubt. And if this could be done, time bas proved satisfactorily to us that we are sufficient unto our men. In reference to the Brotherhood as the un selves. What we are and what we have ac- numbers. We had at the close of the last fiscal complished, is the result of long-continued, year, Aug. 31, 1885, four thousand two hundred patient work, and it behooves us to be ex- and forty-two (4,242) members; died during tremely cautious how we interest ourselves the year, 77; disabled, 2; forfeited, 301; and where there is nothing to gain and everything had on August 31, 1886, four thousand four to lose. Not until there is nothing more to be hundred and forty-four (4,444), showing a done for our Brotherhood can we afford to be net gain of two hundred and two (202). We come interested in other things foreign to our have paid seventy-seven (77) claims of three Order. We have taken upon the adoption of thousand ($3,000) each, aggregating the sum our Motto, "Sobriety, Truth, Justice, and Mo-ot two hundred and thirty-one thousand rality," a strong stand for right. Right alone ($231,000) dollars, making a grand total of for itself and in itself considered, stands upon one million nine hundred and eighty-five thousa broad basis, and is the only lasting founda and one hundred and sixty-nine dollars and tion upon which a man can build. We some- sixty one cents ($1,985,169.61) paid to the times boastingly allude to our rights; talk of widows and orphans of deceased members. the usurpation of our rights. Sift the matter And now, with figures to prove our stateand what have you? Our rights are limited to|ments, can you not see a personal benefit in our neighbor's wrong; beyond we may not go. our Insurance Association? It is claimed by Justice, however, steps in as mediator and de- some of the Brothers that it is too expensive; mands a wise adjustment of things, that equity the wages they receive will not admit of them may be maintained and the welfare of all pro- carrying a three thousand dollar policy. To moted, whether it be that of the greatest or meet the wants of all those whose income is least. We have no sympathy for nor co-opera- inadequate to the demands of the present Intion with any class or set of men who base surance, we would recommend that another their claims upon the principle that might is class, paying one-half the amount, governed right and the rich owe the poor a living. No by the rules of the present Association, be esman has a right to anything which does not tablished, thereby giving all an opportunity to come to him through the channel of honest ac- provide in a measure for their families. The quirement. If you would have name, fame, or reasons which induce a man to insure his wealth, work for them. Have an object in house and stock of goods against the accident life, let it be exalted as possible, and if backed of fire, ought to be still more imperative in inby a strong determination and honest endeav-ducing him to insure his life against the accior, believe me, you will attain to it. Much has been said and more written concerning the antagonism between capital and labor. To my mind there is no such thing. Between work and idleness there has never been any feeling other than antagonistic, and it is those of the latter class who are attempting to poison the minds of the industrious. There seems to be generally prevalent an idea that all capitalists are rich, whereas the truth is, that no great business enterprise is owned and controlled by one man, but by many, each contributing something towards the mighty whole. I will venture to say that most men of thrifty, industrious habits are capitalists. When we consider that capital is only invested wealth, I hope there is not one among you, my hearers, but can count himself a capitalist, be your pile ever so small. And this brings me to speak of our Insurance Company in connection with our Organization. Once I witnessed a deathbed scene. It was when the head of a large family was called to that land from which there is no return. He left a wife and six children, all girls, and under the age of sixteen. His agony of mind and that of the wife was beyond description when they realized that the family support was rapidly passing away, and leaving nothing, absolutely nothing, for their maintenance. Not five dollars in the house; not food for a meal, nor clothing for a week. It was a sad sight, and proved conclusively the wisdom of a foresight which provides against the time of need. In time of health they lived as well as you or I, but were heedless of the fact that they were not providing in the true sense for their family. To provide for the needs of to-day is not enough when provision for the future is made possible by the Divine gifts of health, strength, and op-enue. Its contributions are the best efforts of portunity to do more than that. There are many of you not insured, and I tell you truly when I say you are not doing your whole duty either to your families or to your Brotherhood. Our Insurance Association offers every advantage and no risk. It is in a most flourishing condition, and is steadily growing in favor and dent of disease and the contingency of sudden death. What is worldly prudence in the one case is something more in the other; it has superadded to it the duty of providing for a future maintenance of a possibly widowed wife and orphaned children; and no man can justly stand excused who neglects so great and binding an obligation. If it is an obligation on the part of a husband and fatner to provide daily bread for his wife and children during his 1 fe, then it is equally an obligation on his part to provide means for their adequate support in event of his death. The duty is so obvious, the means of performing it are so simple and are now so easily placed within the reach of all men, the arrangement is so eminently practical, rational, benevolent, and just; it is, moreover, so calculated to increase every wise and prudent man's sense of self respect, and to encourage him in the performance of all proper social duties, that we cannot conceive of any possible objection that can be urged against it. Another valuable aid to our Association, and one which we fear is not appreciated by all as highly as it should be, is our MONTHLY JOURNAL, which carries to each home it enters both entertainment and instruction. To the members themselves it brings full information concerning the workings of our Order and the progress and doings of the various Divisions. It contains full information in all points and reports of the various business calls answered by your Chief. In short, everything concerning the Brotherhood may be learned from perusing its pages. Its increase of size and its improved appearance has been the means of widely increasing its circulation, until now our JOURNAL is one of our chief sources of rev our engineers and a few interested friends. To them we desire to express our hearty thanks for their co-operation in making our JOURNAL one of the most delightful periodicals of the day. We ask the continuation of your interest, and solicit contributions from others whom we are sure need only the asking. If you feel you cannot contribute railway matter, then do everyone in a country like this, and every man what you can to increase its circulation, re-disposed to work must be allowed to find t'e membering that in its pages only can the true chance. The workingman of to-day may be state of the Brotherhood be known. The cir- the capitalist five or ten vears from now. Ile culation reached nineteen thousand the past is interested in the considerate and friendly adyear, and with a little more effort on the part justment of all industrial questions. Capitalof each member can be increased to twenty-ists and corporati ns are equally interested in five thousand. the settlement to be hoped for. There can be no long antagonism. While the great problems touching capital and labor are under consideration, forbearance must be practiced, and a willingness must be shown by the employers of labor and by workingmen themselves to settle all existing troubles in a frank and manly way. Labor must have its just rights and a fair return for its serv ce. The whole country will insist on achieving this result. Also it will insist on the proper remuneration of capital. The sense of fairness among the people will see that all sides are dealt with equitably and justly. Moderation and arbitration are the two great instrumentalities to be used. Capıtai and labor are ripe for the adjustment. Notwithstanding the disturbed condition of affairs and the general depression in all branch es of industry throughout the country, we have established twenty-eight new Divisions, making a total of three hundred and twentyone (321), comprising a membership of nearly twenty thousand, well organized, and in prosperous condition. The Union Meetings held in different parts of the country have been productive of much good. We were greeted with large audiences, and honored with addresses by distinguished men on each occasion, who heartily endorsed the principles of our Order. Pursuant to the laws of our Brotherhood, we have been called upon by the members to help adjust grievances on ten different roads, and are proud to say a satisfactory adjustment was effected in each case. While we did not obtam all the men desired, in every iustance we did, however, succeed in securing an increase of wages, and established rules for their future protection. We do not believe in asking for more than a fair and just compensation, commensurate with the services rendered. In all our dealings with the railway companies and the men, we have endeavored to be governed by the Golden Rule, which is the rule of our Brotherhood, “Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you. We concede to every man the same rights and privileges we claim for ourselves. I am pleased to know that our relations with the ailway officials are of the most friendly character, and trust nothing will occur to change them in the slightest degree. The Brothers employed upon the Texas Pacific and Missouri Pacific Roads and leased lines are deserving of special mention for their heroic and manly conduct during the strikes inaugurated by the Knights of Labor upon those roads. They were persuaded and threatened in order to induce them to abandon their engines and join the strikers, but they remained firm aud true to the contract made with the company, winning for themselves and the Brotherhood at large the respect and admiration of all fair minded men. Their loyalty and devotion to principle has convinced railway managers that a contract made with the Brotherhood will be kept inviolate, and they will not hesitate in the future to enter into one when circumstances require it. The labor agitation which has prevailed throughout the country during the past twelve months will, we believe, work out good in- | stead of evil in the end. There is a growing feeling among workingmen and capitalists that We dwell enraptured over the printed page moderation, conciliation, and arbitration must reading, "Thoughts that speak, and words be had. The good sense of American work that burn," and marvel at the power with men and the fairness, on the whole, of em- which the pen has been wielded; but we know ployers, will not long admit of differences that the words and thoughts would have rehurtful alike to the interests of both. The two mained unwritten if the hand of labor had not interests will come together and adjust them- urged the pen of genius. The curse hurled at selves to the plain necessities of the situation. Adam, "By the sweat of thy brow shalt thou The great business communities and industrial earn thy bread," applies to the procurement of centres cannot tolerate coercion on either side. all that adorns and beautifies life as well as to Capital cannot afford to be overbearing, and those things which only support existence. The labor cannot turn from peaceful channels with- comforts which surround us, the luxuries out injury. What is needed and what the times which are ours, are the product of work. There require is full and fair consideration for both is nothing outside of Nature which is not proSices. This can be obtained through arbitra- duced by the union of mind and labor; nothtion. Great wars have been averted by its ing useful, nothing beautiful, nothing desirable National instincts throughout the which is not the fruit of toil. The mind which world favor its exercise more and more in set-planned was great, but it would have been usething difficulties between one nationality and another. So potent an agency cannot be overlooked in adjusting the labor problems now commanding wide interest and attention throughout civilized lands. agency. It commends itself to the good feeling which underlies the conduct of tair-minded men who may honestly differ. Neither the capitalist nor the laborer is wholly wrong. There is right on both sides. No one will justify oppressions complained of by candid and industrious workingmen. The simple statement of their case will command public sympathy and approval. On the other hand, the public at large will promptly condemn the willtul destruction of property and the interruption of business. It is also prompt to disapprove of interference with private rights. There is room enough for less without the mighty arm which executed. It is that will which will not be daunted; it is that determination which will not be crushed; that industry which will not tire; that bravery which will not be defeated, which earu for their possessor the successes of life. The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by sudden flight; But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night. There are lands where the accident of birth gives social position, but there is no land where distinction is won save by the efforts of those who strive for it. To be born a prince of the kingdom or a peer of the realm may confer a title which will give its possessor social recog |
