selves put forth an effort to straighten retary to hold good for at least one their accounts-to clear up their finan- month's assessments all members who do cial affairs. If they are unable to do not pay their assessments on time. This this and there is an officer available, is entirely wrong, and the lodge violates President Carter will probably send him the provisions of the Constitution in givand he will render such aid as is possible. ing the financial secretary such instructions. We also find that lodges have inMaking Part Collection of Assessments. structed their financial secretaries never I find from correspondence coming to to permit a member who is sick to get in this office that some of our financial secarrears. This is also wrong because any retaries are accepting a part of the member who is sick and cannot pay his monthly assessments from some memassessments certainly should call on the bers. This is entirely wrong and no financial secretary should at any time lodge for aid in the proper manner and, accept a part of the assessment of a providing the lodge desires to keep the member, but should insist that he pay the member in good standing an order should entire amount due. Collecting a portion be drawn on the financial secretary in of the assessments when the full amount the regular legal way, and thus there will is due and deferring the collection of the be a record that the member has paid balance to some future time is liable to his assessments through the kindness of create embarrassing conditions for both the lodge. the Grand Lodge and the subordinate lodge should the member die before the balance due on his assessment is paid or should he prior to the payment of such balance sustain an injury or contract a disease as a result of which he would, according to the Constitution, be entitled to receive the amount of his beneficiary claim if all his assessments were paid. I also find that many lodges are failing to make their collections on or before the first day of the month and are permitting the members to pay any time they feel disposed, and they are using the money of the good paying members together with the funds in the local lodge treasury to meet the assessments of the poor-paying members. Evidence in this office will show that where lodges are doing this and a check of their accounts is made, it is discovered that they have continued to "carry" poor-paying members, who are making just as much money as other members, and after carrying them to the extent of from $3.00 to $15.00 or $18.00, these same poor-paying members permit themselves to be expelled and the lodge is out this money. It would be well for our financial secretaries to follow the law very closely, for there have been instances wherein members who have been expelled for a long time and who imagining they had a remote chance to get something out of the Brotherhood have gone so far as to bring suit against the organization with the expectation that rather than enter litigation with them we would compromise and pay them something. "Carrying" Members. Evidence has come to this office that in the minutes of many lodges are to be found a record of motions which have been passed authorizing the financial sec Eastern Concerted Movement Assessments. In another issue of the Magazine, I advised that the last assessment to reimburse the protective fund on account of the Eastern Concerted Wage Movement would be collected during the month of July, payable by all members on or before the first day of August. The time has now passed for paying Eastern Concerted Wage Movement assessments and members will be relieved of any further assessment on account of the monies disbursed from the Protective Fund on this account. I will repeat again that it only cost each member interested in the Eastern Wage Movement $4.50 to get the advance in wages and better working conditions which were brought about by that Movement. Soliciting New Members. Now that the threatened strike of engi neers, firemen and hostlers in the western territory has been averted and that there is, or should be, plenty of business on the railroads owing to the immense crops that have been harvested, members of our subordinate lodges should put forth their best efforts to get every eligible non-union fireman and hostler to join our Brotherhood. They should see to it that those men who discontinued their membership because of being out of employment on account of a reduction in the working force of the railroads owing to the recent depression in business rejoin the organization as soon as possible after resuming employment in railroad service. We have lost quite a number of members, our membership having decreased about two thousand seven hundred net since January 1, 1914, but we are in hopes that with the improvement in business our local organizers and other members Tried and True. Not only should we will be able to make a splendid showing soon regain all that we have lost, but we in getting these men re-enlisted in our should close the year 1914 with the ranks and all other eligible firemen and largest membership in the history of the hostlers enrolled under the banner of the organization. Forum Western Railroads and Service of what his service letter from the com Letters. In an article appearing in the August issue entitled, "Brotherhood Men Must Have Preference," the author makes certain statements regarding the issuance of service letters by western railroad managements that are not, as I see it, altogether correct. I quote from the brother's letter: pany previously employing him may say as to his record as an employe of that company. Furthermore, it has been impossible to learn as to the character of the additional information furnished by the officer of the company that had previously employed him, and I have experienced several manifestations of the spirit of reprisal in the breasts of the discharging company and have come to believe that "Enginemen employed on most roads regardless of their oft-reiterated statewest of Chicago and in the Western States, are given what is called a 'serv- ments that they "never follow a man," ice letter when, after three month's the same kind of a bureau is maintained service, they resign or are discharged. by them as Brother Boynton believes to Their employment record, description, etc., are given on same, and they then be maintained by the eastern roads. In have the opportunity of having any mis- my opinion there should be some radical take rectified when leaving the service. measures adopted for the elimination of Then I don't believe the Western roads answer any correspondence in this blacklisting system, and while each reference to a man's character or em- of us is doing what he can in his feeble ployment record after he has once been way to expose it it seems almost impossible to secure the necessary evidence that will warrant prosecution under the law. WESTERN CHAIRMAN. given his service letter." Health and Accident Insurance, Permit me to state what, according to my own experience and observation, are the facts in the case. Most western railroad managements do issue service letters to men leaving their service either by resignation or dismissal if such men have been in their employ for a period of six I have been reading with interest armonths or over. In some instances the ticles appearing in the Magazine from different grades of employment and the time to time relative to the Brotherhood time engaged in each is given. Never- maintaining its own health and accident theless when a discharged employe comes insurance, and I am in favor of it. I do to seek employment with another road his not see why we should not thus retain for service letter, if of such a character that ourselves all of the money at present it will warrant the employing officer put- necessary to pay in profits when carrying ting the man to work, does not prevent health and accident insurance in health such employing officer from corresponding and accident insurance companies. If the with the company that issued such service Brotherhood carried its own health and letter seeking confirmation of the state- accident insurance it would be a great ments contained therein or desired in- help to members forced, because of sickformation as to any other details of the ness or injury, to be absent from work for man's former employment record, and in two or three months. It would also be of many instances the man is taken out of great benefit to the families of such memservice by his new employer irrespective bers. I am an engineer and am running a tacle was one that will long be rememlittle 18-ton Baldwin narrow-gauge loco- bered by those who were fortunate motive for the Shammut Lumber Co. I enough to witness it. have been sick about three months altogether this year and, while I carry insurance, I have to wait a long time before I can draw benefits. If the Brotherhood conducted its own health and accident insurance there would be no such "red tape" about it. JOHN L. STURMAN, Member Lodge 45. Boston Fifth Sunday Union Meeting. The third Boston Fifth Sunday Union Meeting, held under the auspices of Lodges 57, 485 and 719, took place on May 31st last. The morning meeting opened at 10 o'clock and while the attendance was not what was desired, nevertheless, the meeting was a success, as those who attended will agree. The principal speaker was Bro. Timothy Shea, Assistant President, who, during the course of his remarks, cited a brief history of the organization and the good work the different departments have performed. He urged the members to assist in keeping up the highest possible standard of organization. Other speakers were Bro. H. M. Walker, General Chairman, N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., Bro. Z. L. Blake, General Chairman, Boston and Maine R. R., Bro. B. H. Rhines, General Chairman, Boston and Albany R. R. Bro. T. D. Warren, President Lodge 485, presided very ably. Many members engaged in the discussion of general topics which proved not only very interesting, but likewise instructive. At the close of the meeting the sisters of Lodges 155 and 260 of the L. S. of the B. of L. F. and E., marched into the hall led by Sister Maude E. Moore, Grand President. The brothers then escorted the ladies to the banquet hall where a collation was served that spoke well for the committee in charge. The evening meeting opened with a violin solo by Mr. Walter Larson, accompanied by Mrs. J. S. Mowat; Brother Hastings of Lodge 485 then introduced Bro. A. R. Anderson of Lodge 485 as the chairman of the meeting. After a very appropriate address the chairman introduced Sister M. E. Moore, Grand President of the Ladies' Society as the first speaker of the evening. Sister Moore spoke of the good that the Ladies' Society has accomplished and urged all the brothers to aid in the organizing work of the Society as well as of the Brotherhood. She said the Society has grown to a membership of 11,000, but that there was no good reason why it should not increase to double its present numbers, as there is plenty of good material to draw from. Sister Moore's address was succeeded by a vocal solo by Mr. F. A. Horne, accompanied by Mrs. J. E. Mowat. Mrs. C. S. Messer, Member of the Executive Committee of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the Order of Railway Conductors, who was next introduced, extended fraternal greetings in behalf of her organization to the members of the B. of L. F. and E. and the Ladies' Society. Miss Blanche White then entertained with a piano solo. The chairman then introduced the Honorable F. J. McCleod, Chairman of the Massachusetts Public Service Commission. Mr. McCleod extended greetings of the Commonwealth which he represented. He spoke of the good that the railway brotherhoods have done for their membership and the community, and how sometimes they and the Public Service Commission become engaged in some question or another, but said he, "The Commission is not constituted to deal with complex labor problems, but to take care of problems to guarantee safety to the public and employes." The next number was a reading by Miss Ruth Fielding. The chairman then introduced Bro. H. M. Walker, General Chairman of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., as the next speaker, whose address was succeeded by a vocal selection by Miss Marion Wemyss, accompanied by Mrs. J. E. Mowat. After the banquet the brothers and sisters returned to the meeting hall where the ladies of Lodges 155 and 260 entertained by performing a drill. A more spectacular sight could not have been witnessed. The ladies, all immaculately dressed in white with the lodge colors en- The next speaker was Bro. Timothy circling their shoulders and waists, Shea, Asistant President, who needed no marched to the music and formed the introduction. Brother Shea referred to several letters and figures with the pre- Sister Moore's address for a few mocision of veterans. Their efficiency told ments, wherein Sister Moore said that of long and faithful practice. The spec- the Ladies' Society should have a mem bership just double of what it is. Brother and violin selection by Mr. Walter LarShea said that the strength of the Brotherhood was over 90,000 members, and with the families of that number to draw from and a little effort on the part of the brothers the membership of the Ladies' Society should be increased to many times its present numbers. son, the chairman adjourned the meeting, stating that due notice would be given when the next meeting would be held. The Committee of Arrangements were: Boston Lodge 57, C. W. Jones and J. C. Prance; Paul Revere Lodge 485, J. B. Hastings and A. R. Anderson; Pilgrim Lodge, 719, D. J. McCleod, Chairman, G. A. Porter. Brother Shea then referred to the Interstate Commerce Commission's Report for 1913, citing the number of killed and injured on the railroads of the United States for that year. He urged the brothers to live strictly up to the rules so that it cannot be said that the Brotherhood men are rule violators, and asked them to do all in their power to avoid casualties. Mahler. After a reading by Miss Ruth Fielding For the Ladies' Society, Lodge 155, Sisters Mrs. C. H. Shirley, Mrs. J. B. Hastings, Mrs. J. A. Reynolds, Mrs. C. P. Merrow, Mrs. W. Holt. Lodge 260, Sisters Mrs. H. M. Walker, Mrs. H. F. Lougee, Mrs. G. Vance, Mrs. F. S. F. S. MAHLER, Local Chairman Lodge 57. THE TICKET AGENTS' JOYS By J. ALEX KILLINGSWORTH* If ever man deserves to be well paid for work performed 'tis he Who in a ticket office dwells, and listens to the public's yells. Now, it has always been to me the biggest kind of mystery How ticket men a smile can wear, while 'round them trav'lers stamp and swear, Because the agent doesn't jump the very instant these men thump Upon the counter, so that they can get away without delay. Some think that ticket men should be just waiting anxiously to see If someone wouldn't happen 'round upon a purchasing trip bound. They never seem to think, 'tis true, that ticket men have work to do resides the little stunts that they, in selling tickets, do each day; Or gab o'er railroad guides and show a poor inquirer how to go So that he'll have no long delay at junction points along the way. So much for the impatient jay who cannot tolerate delay. We now come to the boresome man whose questions agents never can Just answer right-men who desire replies to questions that they fire Successively, as though they thought that railroad ticket agents ought To waste an hour or so in chat just to be sociable, and that These men, in offices, should know it is good business to show A keen concern in all the lies passed out by those who patronize The road; and that it doesn't pay to turn an angry man away. *Charity Lodge No. 5 St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. They want to have an agent say precisely at what hour of day The And train, 'bout which they want to know, will land them where they want to go; what the train connections are, without regard to just how far The place, the person has in view, is from the State the road runs through. Just when the agent hopes to be rid of his questioner, we see Another man step into line, to steal another half hour's time. And still, officials wonder why the ticket man's reports are shy; And how he possibly can fill the dreary hours-how he can kill The many idle hours each day that he's We wonder at the peaceful face, the temobliged to while away. per mild, the marv'lous grace, Displayed by ticket men today, and at the kind and gentle way The people's worries they allay, and such sweet temperament display. "Tis true that ev'ry railroad man in some part of his duties can Point out objectionable work; some things that he would gladly shirk; But if I had my choice today, from ticket work I'd stay away. I'd rather be an engineer or fireman on a train than hear An irate public's tale of woe-in fact, I think I'd rather go And spend my days within a jail, where strangers at me could not rail. Let men who think they've grief to bear, their jobs with ticket men's compare. Terre Haute Joint Union Meeting short time since it was held the good ef and Picnic. Ice fects of the meeting are easily noticeable. The seed sown has taken root and we are all hoping it may continue to grow rapidly. We intend to have a joint union allday picnic annually. GERTHAL FRENCH, Chairman, Union Meeting Committee, Vigo Lodge 16, B. of L. F. and E. "The Faithful Few." That from out the shadows loom, As they're always on the spot, But they are tried and true; Are the always faithful few. There are lots of worthy neighbors Who will come when in the mood, When everything's convenient, They can do a little good, They're a factor in the order, A joint union get-acquainted-and-goodfeeling-all-day picnic of the B. of L. E., O. R. C., B. of L. F. and E., and B. of R. T. was held in Collet Park, Terre Haute, Ind., on June 17th last, commencing at 9:30 a. m. Brothers and sisters of the above organizations from far and near began at that hour to arrive at the park with well-filled baskets. As they entered the grounds they were met by a committee, and a tag bearing the wearer's name and lodge number was placed on each of them. By this, visitors could be easily distinguished and made at home. This plan also helped many to become better acquainted. Brothers who had lost trace of each other for years met at this picnic. At 12:30 p. m. while the band was playing, 675 people were seated at the tables and enjoyed one of the best spreads ever served. cream and lemonade were provided throughout the day and the children were given all the ice cream cones their hearts desired. At 3:30 p. m. the audience was favored with a heart-to-heart speech by Mr. Carpenter, President of the C. T. H. and S. E. R. R. Mr. Carpenter touched on all the important points relative to the making of a successful railroad man. M. W. Hueston, President, District No. 11, U. M. W. of A., gave an interesting talk on federation. Brother Banta, B. of R. T., Peoria, Ill., delivered a good talk on the bad effects of "booze." After supper at the park the brothers met at the K. of P. Temple, 121 South Eighth Street, where at 8 p. m. a secret joint union meeting of the four organizations was held. The principal speakers of the evening were Brother Banta, B. of R. T., Peoria, Ill. Brother O'Mara, Legislative Representative O. R. C., Indianapolis. Ind., and, last but not least, Brother McNamee, Editor and Manager, B. of L. F. and E. Magazine, Indianapolis, Ind. Brother McNamee's speech was heart and soul on federation, emphasized by "United The accompanying photograph is that We Stand, Divided We Fall." His talk of Bro. Harry Bucy, Lodge 448, the was commended by all who were present, newly-elected Mayor of Piedmont, W. Va. as being the best for the occasion ever Brother Bucy became a member of this heard. It was unfortunate that Brother organization in June, 1900, and during McNamee was unable to attend the pic- that time has filled many offices with nic, but his presence at the union meet- credit to himself and the Brotherhood. ing was highly appreciated and will never For many years he was a member of the be forgotten. This meeting is the first Local Protective Board, and at present of a series to be held in this city and the he is the Deputy Collector for Piedmont joint committee of the four organizations Helping Station. Brother Bucy was not was highly complimented on making it elected Mayor as the choice of any politisuch a grand success. Every one seems cal party; he seemed to be the choice of to be eager for the next one. In the all voters, regardless of their political And are necessary, too; If it were not for these faithful, Whose shoulders at the wheel A B. of L. F. and E. Man Elected |