than an ordinary knot hole. He was in the heart of the forest, and as no one was liable to come that way, he made up his mind he was doomed, and commenced thinking of the many selfish deeds he had committed. After thinking some time, his mind wandered to an instance when a poor widow had asked him for a small amount of money to buy food with, to keep her children from starving. He had refused this aid and he felt so small about it that he crawled out through the knot hole. If some of the non-members could fully realize the position they occupy, I believe they would feel so small that they would crawl out of the office door keyhole, and leave the keys inside.

Come on, boys, get in line. What do you gain by staying out? If you are master of your position, you will not be held down by belonging to our Order.

I know of an instance of a brother who is an excellent agent. An effort was made to induce him to drop his membership, promising him a good position in consequence. He declined promotion under these conditions, and is now agent in one of the best cities on the south end of this system. The O. R. T. did not hold him down. Give

in your application. Make a start to better your condition, and then work for that end in view. We need you, and you need us.

The line-up remains the same on the north end. Heard one man say he had received his card, the first one at that, and that he was proud of his new possession. That sounds good. Also understand we have several other new brothers since the last issue of THE TELEGRAPHER. Hope this is true, and that before the next issue we may boast of many more.

Have you paid your mite towards the assistance of the brothers on the Katy? If not, do not forget to do it; you may some time be in a position to realize what this assistance means to those plucky brothers.

Ново.

ONE OF THE MANY.
INVER GROVE, MINN., Nov. 4, 1904.

Mr. L. W. Quick, S. & T.:

DEAR FRIEND-I hereby desire to express my sincere thanks to the members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers in prompt payment of the $500 insurance, and the Order will never be forgotten by

MRS. C. WILSON AND FAMILY.

St. Louis Division, No. 2.

Ten new members were initiated during the month of November.

Watch our smoke during December, as we have got an extra move on, and expect to close the year 1904 with two thousand certificates to our credit.

Meeting of November 5th was largely attended. All officers present. A bill for $20 was read, and the Secretary instructed to pay same. This was for the quarter we are just entering upon.

The charges against M. R. Leathers and D. S. Luthy for scabbing were taken up and handled in the regular manner, and resulted in the expulsion of each.

Quite a number of interesting speeches were made. Among them was one by Bro. P. D. Hamel, Assistant General Secretary and Treasurer, Division No. 7, which was partly French, and as we have not had it translated, of course none of us know what "tis," but we understand the English part of it, which was "good stuff," and enjoyed by all.

Meeting of November 19 called to order at 8:30 p. m. by our worthy chief, Bro. L. W. Quick. All officers present. Minutes of previ our meeting read and approved. Bills amounting to $3 read and ordered paid. The charges against A. D. Ridgeway for scabbing were taken up and consumed the rest of the evening. Result, expulsion.

On account of the above trial taking so much time, several cases were laid over until next meeting.

Quite a number of the brothers have so far failed to pay dues for the current term. Brothers, this is one of the most important things to consider. Each and every one of us should pay dues promptly and carry an up-to-date card at all times. Remember the "no card no favors" reply you get when not up to date.

Sister Augusta Walker, for a long time with the Western Union of this city, is now located at Arcola, Miss., with the Illinois Central. Her presence is greatly missed in our lodge room.

Bro. P. L. Bagby has resigned his position with the C., P. & St. L. at Glen Carbon, Ill., and accepted a place with the Wabash at Ewing ave. Bro. C. O. Roberts made a trip to Springfield recently, we presume to look after some of his many "interests" there.

Bro. W. H. Hull, who recently went South for his health, writes that he is improving rapidly. We trust Bro. Hull may be with us again in a very short time.

Bro. O. L. Carey, of Division 58, Georgetown, M. D., was in our city during November, viewing the Fair.

A letter from Bro. R. J. Parham says he is now located with the I. M. & S. as claim clerk at Texarkana, Ark.

Bro. A. M. Gorman, of the Frisco, was shaking hands with us a few days ago.

Bro. C. F. Gruetter, of Chicago Division, No. 91, is now working for the Wabash in this city. Bro. Gruetter is the author of "The Mad Telegrapher's Brother," which appeared in a previous issue of the journal.

Bro. Ed. Ruplinger, of Division 76, Mondovia, Wis., and A. B. Miller, of Division No. 58, Elkton, M. D., attended the Fair last month.

Bros. Uhls, Munroe and Davis called to say hello the other day.

All the No. 2 brothers are glad to know that Bro. F. D. Ruth, who has been in the hospital since last April on account of injuries received in a wreck, has recovered and is looking fine. We understand he has lately taken a life partner. The No. 2 brothers wish him and the lady of his choice all the happiness and prosperity there is to be had.

Remember meeting nights, first and third Saturday night of each month.

Fraternally,

CY. PERKINS, Div. Cor.

Pittsburg Division, No. 52.

Nothing has appeared in the journal lately from Division 52. Owing to the vast territory covered by the division, notes cannot be collected unless the members take it upon themselves to contribute.

Our meeting of October 19 was fairly attended. Business was disposed of in good time, after which one of our newly initiated members was given the second degree. To say that the brotherers did not enjoy themselves, and that the goat bucker didn't get his, is out of the question. Bro. Datsman laughed until tears ran down his cheeks, and said he never laughed so much in his life. Ask Bro. Taylor how he liked it. All the brothers should attend the meeting regular, if possible, as the second degree goat is always ready for a combat and liable to break loose any night.

Bro. L. A. Miller, "OD," Poughkeepsie, who has been sick with the fever, is back again pounding brass. Glad to hear you, "X."

Mr. Martin, relief operator, Pittsburg to Stewart, spent his vacation at home, on the middle division, gunning. Do not know what suc

cess he had, but believe there is plenty left, as the game was duly notified of Mr. Martin's slaughtering intentions.

Bro. Dattisman is doing the relief act during Mr. Martin's absence.

"DG," Ben Venue, which was closed some months ago, is to be reopened soon.

Bro. Kiger, from Wall, did the Fair at St. Louis in October.

Sister Hawk, first trick at Stewart, is back again after a few days' vacation, looking bright and cheerful.

Sister White, formerly of "VA," Uniontown, is now located at "BX," Pittsburg Union Depot. Would like to see you at the meetings, sister.

Sister Buck took in the sights at Niagara Falls during the latter part of September.

Bro. Adam Stoudt, last trick "GH," has been doing extra work in "OD," Poughkeepsie Union Depot, during vacations.

A little backbone is needed for some of our members on the B. & A. V. Division. This is a free country, and they should not listen to the advice of one who thinks he is the whole cheese. The right of being a member of any organization is one that must not be denied any man.

Now that the good old summer days have gone, and vacation days are over, every member should make it a point to attend the meetings. Your. presence is needed. You cannot keep in touch with what is doing if you do not attend. I have heard of some objections made by members who never attend a meeting. If things do not suit, go to the meetings and make your objections. Each one has a personal responsibility, and unless you do your part, it will be undone. A new card will soon be needed, and each member should not fail to send the required amount to the treasurer in due time.

We are sorry to note the death of Bro. E. D. Barnett, of Connellsville, Pa., who was employed for some time on the southwest branch, P. R. R., at New Haven, and was well known and liked by the boys on the branch. Several months ago he went to California, and died there in the month of September. The division fully intended to have a delegation of members attend the funeral, and a floral offering was arranged for, but on account of the uncertainty of the arrival of the remains at Connellsville, and the persons having arrangements in charge not being notified until late Saturday night, and the funeral being Sunday morning, arrangements could not be completed and brothers notified. Bro. Barnett was a good member, and always kept his dues paid up. During the past year two of our deceased brothers were in arrears at time of death. This should be a warning to all members to keep in good standing. Life is short and death certain, and comes in many cases without warning.

The question of establishing a system division on the Pennsylvania lines cast of Pittsburg and Erie is being discussed in the various local diVisions. All members should post themselves on the workings of a system division, as you may

be called upon in the near future to cast your vote for or agunst a system division.

Why don't some of you P. & L. E. broth.rs come to the meetings, and let us hear from you. Get after the nons, and round them up.

The local committee on Poughkeepsie Division met with Supt. S. C. Long, and Division Operator S. B. Murphy some time ago on business. B.ter treatment could not have been asked for.

The prefix professor" is something that any person should be proud of, provided it is attained in an honorable way. Professers are numerous. The latest is the so-called professor, R. G. Wa ters, operator, McKees Rocks, Pa., P. & L. E. R. R., who opened a telegraph school about October 1. The professor guarantees to fix you up in five months. How he intends to fix you is the question. If I may judge, I would say, **fix you up into financial embarrassment," as he operly admitted it was the money he was after. Our last advice is six girls are under his professional instructions. Shame on any man who will teach a class of students for a few paltry dollars, lower the profession, and turn out hams, who are will ing to start in for their board and a little pin moncy. I think the boys on the division are giv ing him a few warm jolts occasionally. That's right, keep it up, be generous, and shower them upon him. His reward will come, but not in a

way that is pleasing Mr. C. W. Whitaker, "OD," Poughkeepsie, and family spent a pleasant week at Niagara Falls, N. Y.

Bro. Jas. Foster, third trick, message side. "BC," Youngwood, has been absent for six weeks visiting relatives in the old country. How about sea sickness, Jim? Did you feed the fishes?

Bro. John Kiger strolled down home for ten days, in New Jersey, the land of mosquitoes an pretty maids. CERT. 1484

IN MEMORIAM.

WHEREAS, Almighty God, the Supreme Ruler of the universe, in his infinite wisdom, has re moved from our midst, our esteemed friend and brother, E. D. Barnett; and

WHEREAS, We are deeply sensible of the fact that in his death we have lost a true supporter of all the high principles our membership implies; therefore, be it

Resol ed, That Pittsburgh Division, No. 52, of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, in manifestation of our esteem for our departed brother, drape our charter for a period of sixty days; and be it also

Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved family and friends our most heartfelt sympathy; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family, a copy furnished THE TELEGRAPHER for publication, and a copy spread upon the minutes of this division.

C. M. SNYDER,
D. R. ULERY,
J. KIGER.

A full account of the big open meeting held in Pittsburg on November 19 will be found in the Miscellany Department of this issue of THE TELEG

RAPHER.

At the regular meeting of this division, held November 16, the chief telegrapher, D. M. Young, who was elected a delegate to attend a meeting at Philadelphia, November 6, looking towards the establishment of a system division for the lines east of Pittsburg and Erie, reported that a majority of the delegates voted in favor of the proposition, and instructions were given that the various divisions should take a vote of their membership on the question.

Three Baltimore & Ohio members were given the second degree initiation, and are now fullfledged members. CERT. 1728.

Coast District

So. Pac. Ry.

We

In the last issue of THE TELEGRAPHER mention was made of a banquet which it is expected will be served within the next couple of months. had hoped that the boys on the western division would join us this time, but from the fact that they have failed to respond to our several letters written them on this subject, we assume that they will have none of us. However, that shall not prevent us from going ahead in the same old way, nor will it prevent us from extending to the boys on the "poor old slow-going W. D." the usual hospitality.

Our last, or perhaps, more properly speaking, our first banquet was a fair sample of what the membership on the coast division can do-the next one will not be a sample. We intend to deliver the goods.

we

We believe, as a means of promoting the best interests of the coast division, and when say that we include the interests of the company, as well as the interests of the O. R. T., as a means of creating a spirit of good feeling and good fellowship, as a means of reviving that great, though sometimes forgotten, truth that we are all brothers, these occasional social functions are to be recommended. It is unfortunately true that all who contribute do not find it possible to be present, and enjoy the good things that their money helps to buy, nevertheless the good that results to the division in the way of improved service and increased membership is good the investment.

interest

on

We hope to be able by the time THE TELEGRA PHER again reaches you to give some definite information concerning time and place of our next evening's enjoyment. In the meantime we hope you will all pleasantly anticipate the affair, creating all interest possible. If you happen to be acquainted with some poor, unfortunate non-member (rather a scarce article on the coast division I'll admit), some one who must surely have been hidden away else he wouldn't be a non-member, explain to him what jolly good times we have; tell him what a good thing our organization is, and ask him to attend our next banquet. He

will be made as welcome as only O. R. T. boys know how to welcome their guests, and we won't ask him to join our Order, at least we won't insist on his doing so; we'll simply accept the application which his sense of what is right and proper, and what is best for him will prompt him to tender us.

We are pleased to note that Bro. "Ramsey of the Grand," as well as Bros. Quick and Tanquary, were in evidence with the O. R. T.'s little bunch of 150 votes in the convention of the A. F. of L., which was held in San Francisco. We regret that we were not able to have met and entertained them in a manner befitting the dignity of their positions.

The telegraphers on the S. P. R. R. have an excellent schedule, comparatively speaking, but to show the telegraphers how much better it could be without being too good, I wish to call their attention to the hours that mail clerks in the government service have. Eight hours is a day's work with them, and if they are compelled to work more than eight hours at a stretch for some reason, such as it not being expedient to change them off while on train, they are allowed or given the overtime they work in one lump sum every month. For illustration, a mail clerk on the Los Angeles Division leaves Los Angeles at 7 a. m., and goes out on a local 75 miles, and returns, arriving at Los Angeles at 5:10 p. m., not bad hours themselves, and yet this mail clerk gets one week off per month on full pay, because as he states, "the hours are so long." His salary is $1,000 per year. The education necessary to get into this service is not great, and we have. hundreds of telegraphers capable of standing the examination. Compare this with the lot of the average telegrapher. I need only make this statement; it argues itself. porations should treat the government does. long.

CorWe must press on. their employes as well as Twelve hours' work is too The telegraphers on the best scheduled railroad in the U. S. are yet being imposed upon. There is great room for improvement everywhere. Who will say we must call a halt? If we expect to improve our conditions, we must defy the fetters that are holding us down, and demand good treatment and good wages. Let us be faithful to the O. R. T. Stand by it through thick and thin. CERT. 1571.

T. & N. O. District

There will be a regular correspondent for this district in the future, and every one is requested to send notes of interest to T. G. Bracken, Gladys, Texas, P. O. Guffey, Texas, who will turn them over to your humble servant, as he will start in at Houston and proceed to roast a few lobsters who style themselves first-class telegraphers and agents, and will continue down the line until every station on the line is covered, and when we finish you can draw your opinion on the whole

bunch. The G. C. and L. C. will also be touched up if they get gay, and no one will be spared; so get busy, boys, and show the company that you appreciate the best contract ever given to the telegraphers.

Will appear in next issue. Look out.

UNCLE PIKE.

Great Northern Railway.

Willmar & Sioux Falls Line

Bro. Colby is taking a vacation, with Mr. Savidge as relief, at Leeds. Wonder why some of you old heads don't do something towards lining up these hams and report, when you have them right under your hammer.

As we promised, every non that has not handed in his application at the present time will be published in the journal continuously until he does, or leaves the line, therefore brothers, it is up to you if you have a good friend that you don't want to lose better get him over the fence, and in line.

Be ter get the the minimum. with the ma

Talk about your $75 minimum. men lined up first, and then get The present minimum is all right terial we have. We can get most anything we ask for later.

What's the matter of having a meeting now that the Sunday excursion business is over? Wake up, some of you old soldiers, and let's get things moving. I think Local Chairman Cross would be willing to let us have a meeting, and believe he can arrange it with Mr. Bowen so there will be no trouble in, at least part of us, in getting away. Let us try and wake up the old G. N. She's the best paying road to-day, and let's appreciate it by showing what we are made of when we get together.

Bro. S. W. Lackstrap is in St. Louis, taking in the big show. Extra Agent W. W. Howard is relieving him.

Bro. A. R. Clements, days, at Yankton, having left service, is relieved by Bro. J. P. Myers, of Division 23, who will soon join Division 70.

Bro. Knudsen, of Viborg, having traded stations with Bro. G. A. Rogers, of Jackson, Neb., both hold their respective places, and both are known to be good O. R. T. men.

O. P. Nelson, nights, at Garretson, resigned, relieved by Bro. C. J. Goff, from Montana Division, of Division 70.

Mr. Chas. Savidge, non, relieving at Leeds, intends to come in as scon as he is permanently located. Hope he will. We pray that he does not forget his promise.

Mr. Carlson, nights at Lester, non, says he is willing to join the Order, but is too new, in the business. Think we can make an old head out of him soon. Anyway, haven't heard of his giving up the idea of following the business.

What's the matter with you east end fellows? Why don't you send in your notes? You certainly like to see your names and lines appear in the journal. It's up to you to get in the news so they can reach me in time. We haven't had

a word from east of Garretson for two months; and between Willmar and St. Paul it's a dead letter for news, although we realize there is plenty to know if we could only get some one to write it up.

New man nights at Pipestone, but did not learn his name or whether he is in or not. Think Bro. Clark should know these things, and make report. Eh, Clark?

Bro. Willis, at Lester, is doing some good work for the company, but think, old man, you had better line up that non between times?

Bro. Bleedhorn, at Alvord, is very quiet these days. Wonder if there is a woman in sight?

Bro. Schopp, at Doon, says don't you believe it. We will be patient, Bro. "AC," and smoke when the time comes.

We are glad to welcome Bro. Crossman, at Boone, into the ranks of a full-fledged O. R. T. Knew that boy was all right, only a little short, when the time came around.

the

Bro. Meck, at Garretson, days, told me other day had something pretty nice up there. Wonder if he will live over the depot? How is that, old sport?

In looking over my list I find Bro. Goff, at Garretson, nights, who is an old pal in crime of years ago. I am very glad to see you again, old man, and trust we may ever hold the pass word to this Order.

What is the matter with that helper at Sioux Center coming into the Order? Notice he does most of the wire work, and is adequate for ordinary telegraph job. Better get him in, Andy, before some one else gets him.

Sorry to learn Our worthy local chairman, Bro. Cross, at Lennox, has been under the weather for past two weeks, and as glad to learn that he is again feeling in his usual buoyant spirits. Better look out, Crossy, there's rattlers in your bon

net.

Wish to congratulate Bro. Knudsen, at Jackson. for the promptness and spirit shown in his able ness to keep things in lined-up order over the muddy. Keep at them, Dellie, and they will yield sooner or later, and let me assist you any old time you need me. Your write ups are very good,

thanks.

Mr. Haun, at Waterbury, is filling out his ap plication blanks so as to have them ready to send in pay day, and thus secure an '05 card. Good for you, H.

Mr. Turner, at Goodwin, Neb., sent his papers in this week, and will hold an up-to-date card January 1, 1905.

Was talking to Mr. Churchill, at Allen, Neb., last night, who informed me that he hoped to join us by the first of the year. If he does. this line will be what we want all lines to be by the first of January, 1905-solid.

Bro. L. A. Tanck is busy at Dixon putting in country town freight every night before he goes

to rest

Bro. C. M. Rich, at Laurel, Neb., received a shipment of printer's outfit from New York by express last night, with $140 charges against it