heart for a brother in need, we are sometimes imposed upon by impostors. So it is in our case. I will endeavor in as few words as possible to explain this incident, and also wish to warn all brothers to be careful and not be imposed upon as we were. This is apt to occur to any lodge whose members allow their brotherly love to get ahead of their discretion.

On September 3, 1903, a fireman was employed on this division, claiming to be T. F. Hopper, a member of Mount Helena Lodge 423, B. of L. F. He claimed that he had lost his card, and that he had sent his receipts to his mother for safe keeping. He had the work, however, and visited our lodge on two occasions.

On September 15, 1903, this man was injured by rupturing himself while shaking grates. He was sent to the company's hospital at Kansas City. On September 20, 1903, he was discharged from the hospital, and then, by carelessness on his part, and, as we afterward learned, being intoxicated, he injured himself again. As he was in pretty bad shape then, instead of sending him back to the hospital again we thought it best to treat him here for awhile, or until his condition improved. Consequently Bros. C. F. Knight, C. M. Blythe and myself took it upon ourselves to sit up with him, and get him proper medical attention. We had sat up with him two or three nights when our suspicions were aroused by his peculiar talk and actions, and we thought we would investigate the matter a little. We wrote to Bro. Jno. Copeland, Secretary of Lodge 423, and stated the case to him. In his reply he, Bro. Copeland, stated that he was very sorry to hear of Bro. Hopper's illness and wished him a speedy recovery. But still we were not satisfied, and by accident I discovered that his real name was not Hopper but Jesse Lamar Evans.

When confronted with this fact and by the use of a little diplomacy, we succeeded in getting a full confession from him, to the effect that his real name is Jesse Lamar Evans, that his home is at 700 Emma avenue, Birmingham, Ala., that he was at one time a member of Morgan Crane Lodge 367, but is not a member now; that he was expelled from Morgan Crane Lodge 367 for nonpayment of dues; that he is a member of the American Detective Association of Indianapolis, Ind.; that the name T. F. Hopper belongs to his brother-in-law, who is working out of Atlanta, Ga., in the capacity

of engineer; that he obtained the password for this quarter, as well as for last quarter, from the American Detective Association.

After he had made this confession we saw our mistake, but we decided to investigate the matter thoroughly. Hence we wrote to Bro. E. N. Lewis, Master of Lodge 367, for information concerning J. L. Evans, who claims to have been a member of that Lodge. His letter in reply was as follows:

"Somerset, Ky., November 1, 1903. "Mr. C. F. Knight, Mena, Ark.:

"Dear Sir and Bro.-I am sorry to say J. L. Evans was once a member of 367 and dropped out. He forged two or three checks here and left here. Is he working there? He met one of our brothers in Alabama somewhere and tried to make

him believe he was still a member of 367, but he knew that he had been expelled. I am glad to give you boys information as to J. L. Evans' case. Yours fraternally, "E. N. LEWIS, "Master 367.”

Evans, or Hopper, now claims insanity and claims that he was once an inmate of the Georgia Insane Asylum. He has been examined by good and reliable phy sicians and pronounced quite sane. On the advice of Bro. Maier we continued to treat and care for him until he was able to do for himself.

Now, brothers, one and all, you should remember this incident and always in vestigate a doubtful case, for by our negligence in this one respect we are out about $300, and all this money and care has been bestowed on a man who is not worthy, a man who by his own confession is an enemy to all that is honorable. He confesses to following the profession of "spotting" on honest and honorable men.

The following description of Jesse Lamar Evans, alias Thos. Frank Hopper, is here given: Height, 5 feet 10 inches; weight, between 135 and 150 pounds; light brown hair and blue eyes; has a scar on right foot, about 2 inches long; has a bullet wound through left breast just above the heart, also a tattooed figure of a nude woman on right forearm. He has a swinging elastic step, and is quite a "wind jammer;" is in the habit of pulling up his left coat sleeve, and is a cigarette fiend. He is quite a musician, and plays the piano, violin, guitar, mandolin and cornet. He is pretty well posted on embalming, and understands medicine pretty well, and is expert with a revolver. JOHN E. MCQUEEN, Lodge 529, B. of L. F.

Mena, Ark.

show what this army of toilers is doing, when we look over the splendid increases in pay that have been secured in the last few years. There is not even one eligible fireman but what could if he so wished, protect himself and family by joining the Brotherhood. If he will not do it he has no one to blame but himself when adversity comes, and he finds himself penniless.

Let all members make a firm resolution on January 1, 1904, that not alone for the coming year, but for all time to come, each will do his part towards doing what is right. There is no need to enumerate in this letter the things that are wrong. Every man that is endowed with reason most certainly knows where right leaves off and wrong begins. If each member will do his part there will be no need having any fear of what the outcome will be, when we review the closing of the year, 1904, the history of the past.

Since writing my last letter I have been very busy with Joint Protective Board work, and have had very little time to devote to the work of visiting lodges. The early part of November I was two days with the Joint Protective Board of the Missouri Pacific Railway, meeting with them at their annual meeting. This board succeeded in getting a new wage schedule, one that will make it possible for the firemen on that line to get a good month's pay-check for a month's hard work. I am more than sure that the increase in pay will gladden the hearts of the firemen on the Gould Southwest System. The board at this session elected Bro. Asa Dillon, of Downs, Kan., General Chairman of that system and placed him on his salary. From now on he will travel in the interest of the firemen, devoting his whole time to the work.

Bro. James Brickhouse, of Little Rock, Ark., succeeds to the office of Secretary and Treasurer of the Missouri Pacific Joint Protective Board, and no better selection could be made for this office. Bro. Brickhouse is one of Rose City Lodge 45's best members. It afforded me great pleasure to meet with this board, because years ago I was a member of it, along with Bro. Carter, our esteemed Editor. Many fond recollections came back to me at this meeting, listening to Bro. Dillon talk over old times.

After meeting with the Missouri Pacific Joint Board, I was called down to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where I met with the Joint Protective Board of the St. Louis, Memphis and Southeastern Railway, of which Bro. Samuel Frissell is

My

Chairman. We succeeded in getting back to work an engineer, a member of our Order, who had been discharged. stay in the Cape was short, owing to the many calls upon me. I found everything in the way of Brotherhood affairs in a flourishing condition, under the leadership of our esteemed and worthy Brother, Samuel Frissell.

After leaving Cape Girardeau, my next stop was at Colorado City, Col., in the interest of a member of Lodge 218, who had met with a mishap in a runaway accident to his train on the Colorado Midland Railroad. While not successful in getting the Brother back to work, everything was done for him that could be under the circumstances. Bro. John Reimer, Chairman, and Bros. Omer and Hagbloom, were the committee that was with me, and I wish to compliment them for the splendid way in which they did their duty towards their brother member.

From Denver, Col., to Alamogordo, New Mex., is quite a jump, but it had to be made, and in the interest of a member of Lodge 605, who had met with dismissal from the service of the El Paso and Northeastern Railway. Bro. Hugh Shields, Chairman, and Bros. Williams and Hockett ably assisted me in getting this Brother back to work. No one can imagine the happiness in the home of our Brother on Thanksgiving day, when he knew that he did not have to go away and search for employment. The general manager, Mr. Martin, of the El Paso and Northeastern, is a just man in his dealings with his employes, and he has their esteem and confidence. Long may he live and prosper. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dedman, the assistant general manger, Mr. Barnes, superintendent of machinery, and Mr. Aker, general foreman of shops, all of Alamogordo. I appreciate more than words can express the many courtesies shown me while in Alamogordo, especially the way the wives of our members entertained the Brothers while I was there.

On my way to Los Angeles I stopped over a train and had a visit with Bro. Fred Barnett, of El Paso, Tex. Fred is in the service of the Government. He has his eye on the heathen Chinee, and will not let him cross the line unless he has the proper papers. While in El Paso I went over into old Mexico and saw a few of the sights that are to be seen in Jaurez. One in particular was that of an old church, three hundred and fifty years old and still in a splendid state of preservation. I also met Bro. Hankins, one

of our old-time members, and who is in business in El Paso. Also Bro. Joe Bedford, the Master and Local Chairman of Lodge 135. Bro. Bedford is one of the coming members of the Order in the Southwest, and we appreciate the good work he is doing for the Brotherhood.

Los Angeles, in the land of sunshine, orange groves, and beautiful flowers, was my next stopping point. On arriving at my hotel who should I meet but my old friend, Bro. J. M. Dodge, of San Diego, Cal. Bro. Dodge is one of the oldest members of the Order, having joined in 1874. I was glad to meet him, and especially on this occasion.

My trip to Los Angeles was in the interest of a member of the Brotherhood, of Needles, Cal., who had been discharged. The committee, consisting of Bros. Lalondee, Alexander and Smith and myself had a conference with Mr. Wells, general manager of the Santa Fe Coast Lines. Mr. Wells reinstated our member,

all of which was appreciated by myself

and committee.

One thing I am proud to be able to report, and that is the splendid feeling that exists between our members and Mr. Wells, the general manager. I found him fair in his dealings, and ready and willing to do his part towards the firemen. consider him one of nature's noblemen. May the splendid feeling always prevail between Mr. Wells and his firemen, and all other employes as well.

I

After finishing my labors in Los Angeles, I started eastward and did not stop until I reached Little Rock, Ark., where I met the Joint Protective Board of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad, of which Bro. Ernest Watrous is Chairman, and who was assisted by Bros. Camp and Freese. The committee succeeded in making a very good settlement, and I hope that it will please the members on that line of railroad.

Before I conclude this letter, I wish to say a word in behalf of our esteemed and worthy Editor, who has resigned his office to take the place made vacant by the resignation of Bro. Arnold. I regret to lose Bro. Carter as Editor, but I don't want to appear selfish in not wanting him to do what he thinks is best for his own interests. I appreciate what he has done for the Firemen's Magazine in making it one of the best periodicals of its kind published. Bro. Carter, I wish you well in your new office, and may you succeed there as you have as Editor of the Firemen's Magazine.

To. Bro. Geo. Goding, who succeeds

Bro. Carter, I wish to say that I will do all I can in my feeble way to help you in your new undertaking, and may your efforts be crowned with success.

To Bro. Arnold who I have been associated with as a Grand Lodge officer for twelve years, and who now retires to private life, I wish every success possible for any one to have. Bro. Arnold was always an honest and painstaking officer and member, and one that could be relied upon at all times to do his part for the Brotherhood without fear or favor. Again let me say, may success crown your efforts in whatever business you may engage in.

Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year to all members and their families. CHAS. W. MAIER.

An interesting meeting was held in Stellarton with Lodge 520. As all the members are very active in Brotherhood work, it is indeed a pleasure to meet with them and hear Bro. Blair state what an improvement has been made among the men since the inception of their lodge. Bro. Conway makes an excellent Secretary, but has mistaken his calling, for he would make his mark as a reporter on one of our daily papers.

At New Glasgow I discovered Bro. Dunn, of 329, who seemed to be lost. I took him in charge and returned him to his lodge. His company was very acceptable.

A great surprise was in store for me on arrival at Sydney. A special meeting had been arranged which was well attended, but from what I saw and heard I could hardly believe that so much had been accomplished in such a short time. Bro. Townsend deserves credit for the high standing of his lodge since its inception, as they have set a pace worthy of imitation.

At Truro I met the members of 171 and found them doing good work, not