The members of Charity Lodge 125, Jackson, Mich., celebrated the fourth anniversary of their organization October 26.

A joint meeting with 240 B. of L. F. was held. Invitations were sent to L. S. 10 of Elkhart, Ind., L. S. 87 of Battle Creek, Mich., and L. S. 11 of Detroit, Mich. Twenty-eight sisters came from Elkhart and 10 from Battle Creek. Detroit would have been represented had not a very sad accident occurred which resulted in the death of the Past President's son.

The B. of L. F. conducted the meeting and the L. S. carried out a well arranged program. The visiting sisters were tendered a reception and banquet in Castle Hall. A beautiful letter, written for the occasion by our Grand President, was read by our Secretary, Sister Perrine; it was appreciated by all. Sister Ostrander, Past President of 125, told, in an interesting manner, the history of the Society from its organization. Toasts were responded to by the Master, and Chaplain of 240 B. of L. F., and members of the L. S. Sister Anna S. Kirby responded to the toast "The Gentlemen" in a very witty and original manner, showing that she understood her subject well. She said: "I have been assigned the subject "The Gentlemen,' and I am at a loss to know why so strong a toast should be given to so weak a toaster; still I am willing to do my best.

"I have had very little experience in speechmaking, but know something about toast. As I understand it you roast the stuff good and brown, and my disposition to do that is certainly all that you could wish. Toast is usually made by suspending the thing to be toasted over a hot fire, and then softening it up with a little cream, and this, of course, is what you gentlemen expect when such a subject is assigned to a lady, for you know that she understands the method and how it should be done.

"Now the gentlemen are all right in their way, although they don't all weigh enough. There are certain occasions in life when it would be hard to get along without them, but as a rule they are a great deal of trouble and require a great deal of attention and it is sometimes necessary even after they are 'called up' to 'call them down.'

Michigan, but nevertheless there are times when they have to be 'fired,' and it takes the ladies to do that well. They, however, do not pull our hair, presumably for the reason that time-card rules are so strict in regard to approaching 'switches.'

"They have, at times, been known to totally disregard one of the most important rules of the time-table, I have forgotten the number, but it refers to intemperance, for we all know the fireman is never so happy as when he starts away with a 'full tank.'

"There is one of the instructions of great importance which he loves to bring into his home, and it is: 'Verbal orders must not be taken.'

"He expects his wife to feed him well and to 'compound' little delicacies for his eating, and whether it be a pound of steak or a luscious mince pie compounded from the best of ingredients he dearly loves to 'cut into the compound.'

"But as we must 'always take the safe side in case of the least uncertainty' I will say, seriously: The gentleman fireman is a man worthy of our highest respect. It is difficult to imagine a man who has greater responsibilities, unless it be the engineer, to whose position the ambitious fireman aspires. Railroad history is full of cases of sacrifice all as truly worthy of commendation and perpetuation as any example furnished by war; his risks are much greater and the honor and rewards that come to him are much less. Take them all in all, they are an intelligent, loyal, self-sacrificing class, and I am sure I speak the sentiments of the ladies present when I say we bring them today our highest regards and most sincere admiration, and trust that in the advancement of time, when the intelligence of the age seems devoted to improvements for saving life and overcoming risk, the gentleman fireman may have even a higher place in the esteem of the public, and may always feel that his efforts are thoroughly appreciated."

A MEMBER OF L. S. 125.

well-satisfied company of men and women who would walk through "eternity" rather than ride with "scabs."

The grand march was led by Bro. Golden, Master of 577, and Sister Goding, President of 146, and a finer looking couple could not have been found. It was noticed that Bro. Goding kept his eyes open and much to everyone's delight, he insisted (?) upon being taught to dance. Coached by Bro. F. N. Gear, of Cleveland, Secretary of No. 10, who was present accompanied by his wife, and Bro. Keleher, of Houston, Tex., he made rapid advancement, and when there's any more grand marches to be led he'll lead them himself.

The ball room was draped in bunting, displaying the lodge colors. Palms and ferns gracefully arranged added to its beauty. The ladies and gentlemen were presented with pink and white carnations and all went merry as a wedding bell until 2 a. m., when the orchestra played the strains of "Home, Sweet Home."

A MEMBER OF 146.

ner Hall, Thanksgiving eve., November 25th. The room was beautifully decorated with bunting, palms, colored lanterns, brooms, in fact, everything pertaining to the work of a fireman, and it is needless to say that the effect was unique. Fully two hundred couples were in the grand march. The music was furnished by Davies Orchestra, and was excellent. A lunch was served by the L. S., which seemed to be appreciated by all, for let me tell you after cake baking, we can not be beaten making sandwiches.

Sister Mowbray has been very ill, but we are pleased to state that she is slowly but surely recovering. She was missed very much while we were making arrangements for the ball, for she always does her share of lodge work. The fact is, there are no drones, if we have been dreamers, in L. S. 179.

EVA E. JOHNSON, Sec.

Eloysia Lodge L. S. 84.

The members of Eloysia Lodge are doing some good work in the interest of their lodge. At their next meeting they

Just move over, sisters, and give the members of L. S. 179, of Atchison, Kan., a place in your circle.

Our little band is not dead, but sleeping, and all we need is a little shaking up to be thoroughly awake. But what is the matter with R. R. Center Lodge 31 B. of L. F.? The writer has been a constant reader of the Magazine for several years, but has never read a contribution from that source. Wake up, brothers, do not let the "Baby" Lodge (as Sister Buford calls us) get ahead of you. Remember we are yet in our infancy, while you are fully grown and getting aged. Nevertheless, brothers, we will forgive your seeming negligence in writing to the Magazine if you will only extend to us that invitation (which, we feel, is due us from you), for a joint session. In that way we think we can easily demonstrate the merits of Sister McKeen's and Sister Mowbray's cake baking. We are not promising you anything in that line, but "a word to the wise is sufficient." At any rate, brothers, an invitation would be appreciated; and please bear in mind that this is positively the "last call" from the L. S. But enough of this subject, for I must tell the rest of the brothers and sisters about our ball, which we held in Tur

others will join in a few weeks.

November 27 a meeting was held with brothers' lodge room. Gladstone Lodge, B. of L. F. 538, in the Everyone present joint meeting. seemed to thoroughly enjoy this, the first On the evening of January 29th the members of Eloysia Lodge will entertain, in their hall, these same brothers and their families, also the brothers of Woodlawn Lodge and their families. A joint meeting will be held, after which a banquet will be served. The sisters anticipate that much benefit and a great deal of enjoyment will be derived from this meeting and urge all to attend. A "children's party" has been planned for Wednesday afternoon, December 30th. From 2 o'clock to 5, the

busy sisters of L. S. 84 expect to enter

tain about seventy children in their banquet hall. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all sisters of the L. S. and brothers of the B. of L. F., is the greeting sent from the members of Eloysia Lodge 84, Chicago.

EVA D. WILSON, Sec.

Brief, But All Told.

Pride of the West 175 is about one year old. Membership, 14. All good workers. Main objects-a full treasury

and pleasant times. Four new members: more soon. Goat in good condition always. The B. of L. F. Magazine has been a welcome visitor to our home for thirteen years. The B. of L. E. is coming, too, but the old friend shall not be laid aside. With best wishes for the "boys at the trottle and scoop,"

MRS. W. J. WIER, Big Springs, Tex.

Success to L. S. 180.

From a Carbondale, Pa., paper, we clip the following:

Another Ladies Society, auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, was organized in this city Tuesday afternoon by Mrs. J. J. Keyes, of Helpmate Lodge 20, of Susquehanna, who had been duly authorized by the Grand President, Mrs. Georgia M. Sargent, to perform the ceremonies. Sister Keyes was assisted in the installation by Mrs. J. L. Keyes, also of the Susquehanna lodge. The newly organized auxiliary will be known under the title of "White Rose 180," and it will be under the guardianship of Van Bergen Lodge 62, B. of L. F.

The following members will be its principal officers for the ensuing year. They are eminently qualified to cope with the duties of their respective positions and their enthusiasm is a guarantee that they will also zealously guard and protect this new Ladies Society:

President, Mrs. Harriet E. Millard.
Secretary, Miss Louise R. Walker.
Collector, Miss Kathryn McDonald.
Treasurer, Mrs. Dora Carlton.

This lodge starts with such a goodly membership and under such congenial and favorable conditions that its noble work in pursuance of its objects-charity, sobriety and industry-will no doubt be pleasant as well as successful, and that it will "calmly stroll through time like a sunny stream stealing its silent way through a flowery land into a haven of tranquillity and bliss."

Notes.

It is the New Year, and time to resolve that we will write upon the new leaf that we have just turned, "10,000 members for the Ladies Society, B. of L. F., before 1905."

That we will unhesitatingly and uncompromisingly stand up for the Ladies Society-its praises shall be ever on our lips. We will be jealous of whisper or

In

murmur of unjust word or comment. German folklore we read of but one scandal greater than a disobedient child—a parent who emphasizes that disobedience by calling attention to it. The Ladies Society is your child. It is mine. Whoever assails it from without, does me and mine a grievous wrong. She who does so from within is a traitor and sins to Heaven.

That we will be true and loyal to our officers. They are our leaders. No society ever prospered, no country ever became great through devotion to principle or patriotism to country alone. There was always an overwhelming loyalty to leaders. Little Macedonia would never have been mistress of the world deprived of Macedonian loyalty to Alexander. Roman patriotism and loyalty to Caesar made Rome. The world knows what loyalty to Napoleon and French patriotism did. 'Tis a question whether Americans owe the greater debt of gratitude to love of country or loyalty to Washington, the leader.

That we will in everything be true to ourselves, for then it shall follow as night follows day, that we can not be untrue to any other woman.

We'll do to others as we would

That they should also do;
But see that we no service good
Would have from others,
That they could not rightly do.

Too late for publication in the December issue, an interesting letter was received from Dora Stone, Vice-President of Blue Bonnet Lodge 147. This sister successfully organized Holy City Lodge 7, an account of which was contributed last month by the brothers of Neches Lodge.

She

For herself and Sister McDonald, who assisted her, Sister Stone wishes to thank the members of the B. of L. F. and the ladies who made their stay in Palestine so pleasant. She also wishes to express their appreciation of the beautiful gifts received by them. She compliments the members of Neches Lodge highly. says: "These brothers deserve a world of credit; they not only assisted the ladies financially but encouraged and advised them personally. The list of the charter members of L. S. 7 contains the names of twenty-three charming ladies, who will work harmoniously together. This is a splendid beginning, and I feel sure that there is a bright future in store for Holy City Lodge, Palestine, Tex."

played by the members, both with regard to increased membership and the good that can be done, we can not very well complain.

The year 1904 will be important with the Society, for in September next, in the city of Buffalo, the Grand Lodge will meet in biennial session, for the purpose of reviewing the work which has been accomplished since the gavel fell at Chattanooga. I shall hope that each and every member will do her full duty, so that when the delegates assemble at the appointed time your grand officers will be in a position to make a most gratifying report and show a greatly increased membership, with every lodge in the Society in good standing on the grand register.

While it has not been my privilege to meet as many of the members as in former years when I was officially associated with the Brotherhood, still I retain the same deep and loyal interest in the Society as ever, and no one is more concerned over its future welfare and progress than myself. From the reports which are made by the members and the officers, I feel greatly encouraged for the coming year, which I hope will come up to the expectations of all who wish to see the Ladies Society prosper.

Again wishing for one and all a happy holiday season and continued prosperity, Sincerely and fraternally yours, F. P. SARGENT, Washington, D. C.

"Which shall it be? which shall it be?"
I looked at John-John looked at me;
Dear, patient John, who loves me yet
As well as though my locks were jet,
And when I found that I must speak,
My voice seemed strangely low and weak,
"Tell me again what Robert said,"
And then I listened, bent my head.
This is his letter.

"I will give

A house and land while you shall live,
If in return from out your seven,
One child to me for aye is given."

I looked at John's old garments worn,

I thought of all that John had borne

Of poverty and work and care,

Which I, though willing, could not share;
Of seven hungry mouths to feed,
Of seven little children's need,
And then of this.

"Come, John," said I,

"We'll choose among them as they lie asleep."
So walking hand in hand,
Dear John and I surveyed our band.
First to the cradle lightly stepped,
Where Lilian, the baby, slept;
Her damp curls lay, like gold alight,
A glory 'gainst the pillow white;
Softly her father stooped to lay
His rough hand down in a loving way,
When dream or whisper made her stir,
And huskily he said, "not her."

We stepped beside the trundle bed,
And one long ray of lamplight shed
Athwart the boyish faces there,
In sleep so pitiful and so fair,

I saw on Charlie's rough red cheek
A tear undried, ere John could speak;
"He's but a baby, too," said I,
And kissed him as we hurried by.

Pale, patient Robby's angel face
Still in his sleep bore suffering's trace;
"Nay, for a thousand crowns not him,”
He whispered, while our eyes were dim.
Poor Dick! sad Dick! our wayward son,
Turbulent, reckless, idle one—
Could he be spared? Nay, he who gave
Bids us befriend him to the grave;
Only a mother's heart can be
Patient enough for such as he.

And so said John, "I would not dare
To send him from our bedside prayer."
Then stole we lightly up above,
And knelt by Mary, child of love;
"Perhaps for her it would be better,"
I said to John, quite silently.

He lifted up a curl that lay
Across her cheek in willful way,

And shook his head, "Nay, love, not thee;"

The while my heart beat audibly.