consideration should be shown. The dues are light, usually $5.50 every ninety days, and to the man in good health who can't lay aside or deny himself 6 cents (the price of a cigar) a day, no time should be wasted upon him beyond reporting him expelled to the Grand Lodge. He is a detriment to the Order and himself. Our Secretaries and Collectors have something else to do besides opening up a set of individual accounts and taking up the meeting's time with such annoying and unwarrantable cases. Throw 'em out; we can get along without them. A MEMBER. The Railroad Men's Home. On Sunday, January 10, 1904, Bros. J. M. McQuaid of Lodge 39, T. P. Lindsey of Lodge 249, H. P. Arnold of Lodge 374, M. Peterson of Lodge 396, W. J. Kirby of Lodge 288, A. J. Bishop of Lodge 27, A. T. Hoehn of Lodge 382, and R. M. Donnelly of Lodge 373, members of the Joint Protective Board of the Rock Island System, left Chicago over the C. & N. W. R. R. for Highland Park, Ill., to visit the Railroad Men's Home. Arriving there at 10 a. m. we met Bro. Chas. O'Brien of Lodge 396, B. of L. F., who is an inmate of the Home. He escorted us to the office of Bro. O'Keefe, who is the new Secretary and Treasurer of the Home. the Home, is a member of Lodge 4, B. of R. T., and we found him to be a genial, wholesouled gentleman, and one whom the inmates praise very highly. We consider him the right man in the right place, being energetic, enterprising, and having the welfare of the Home at heart, and with the able assistance of his worthy wife we predict a brighter future for the Railroad Men's Home. The most serious obstacle which confronts Bro. O'Keefe at this time is the lack of room, and we consider it the duty, and urge upon every railroad man in the country today, to do what he can in his lodge room and at conventions to erect a building which will be a credit to the railroad organizations of the country, as it is a grand and noble work, and any brother visiting the Home today would deem it such. We dropped in on Bro. O'Keefe unexpectedly, but found his office and parlor and every room in the building as neat and clean as any housewife could wish. Great credit is due Mrs. O'Keefe and Miss Grant for their untiring efforts in the maintenance of cleanliness and order throughout the buildings. At 2:30 p. m. we bade the brothers of the Home goodbye and were escorted to the depot by Bros. O'Keefe and O'Brien. In conclusion we can only say that the Railroad Men's Home is a move in the right direction, being ably managed by Bro. O'Keefe and his wife, and we again urge upon each and every one of you to do what you can towards this noble work. MEMBERS J. P. B. OF THE ROCK ISLAND SYSTEM. We were cordially received by Bro. O'Keefe, who afterward showed us the plans under which the Home is conducted, taking us through the building and making us acquainted with the twentyseven inmates. We were then taken in charge by his wife and able assistant, who escorted us to the dining room, where For the Good of the Order. us hungry "tallow pots" did ample justice to the chicken dinner prepared by the housekeeper, Miss Nellie Grant. After dinner Bro. Jack Bellaire, the "one-fingered fireman," escorted us to what is known among his associates as the "roundhouse," where he displayed his wonderful models and designs to us. We wish to say right here that it is worth the trip of any brother coming to Chicago, to go and see Jack's "roundhouse." There are single, compound, tandems and stationary engines, all in working order. There are also evidences of his marvelous genius displayed throughout the grounds. Bro. Bellaire does all of this work with only a thumb on his right hand and his left hand entirely gone. Bro. O'Keefe, the present manager of In regard to the thought which Bro. J. B. Melvin has brought before us as an organization, relative to the use and abuse of our noble emblem by the manufacturers of various articles in their advertising matter, will say that it should be studied by every true brother. We should do all in our power to prevent its future use for the mere advertising of such manufactories. While I desire that each brother should buy union-made goods, the manufacturers can advertise without using the B. of L. F. with the manufacturer's name bordering these novelties. We, as brothers of this noble organization, can do as other orders, such as the K. of P., Masonic and I. O. O. F.-purchase good, honest emblems not ridiculed by the manufacturers, as I have seen. They are simply making a plaything of the noble letters "B. L. F." I hope and trust that each member will see it as a few of us have, and that the Order will prohibit the further use of and destroy all such advertising novelties. I have seen brothers wearing these buttons, the margin bearing the name of some manufactory, and they have never once given it a thought. I know the writer did likewise until he read Bro. Melvin's article in the December issue. I hope the other brothers will see the wrong done by it All branches of the railroad service in this State are pretty thoroughly organized, except that there are twenty-one negro firemen on the eastern part of the road-the N. & W.-and there are some negro brakemen. They are in the coal fields. Our officials are not much "stuck" on the negro in train service, and have agreed to not put any more negro firemen on the road. Our Brotherhood is prospering everywhere along the line of the Norfolk and Western, and the lodges are in good shape, financially and otherwise. and that we may be able to abandon its further use. I mean no harm to the manufactories, or to the brothers wearing these buttons, but think it wrong, and would like to hear from other brothers equally benefited through the columns of the magazine. HARLEY ARNOLD. The Brotherhood Prospering. I am glad to contribute to the columns of the Magazine and to inform the readers of the true condition of our Brotherhood as I have observed it. Generally speaking, we have a very good class of officials on the Norfolk and Western, and they are always ready and willing to meet our committee and discuss any matter that comes up for consideration. I would not advise any brother to come this way looking for a "snap," unless he considers a ninety-ton "hog," with 22x30inch cylinders, pulling sixty loads, a "snap." Our road has an order in for several more of the "Class W" engines. They are very hard on new men who don't know how to fire the Poco coal. F. P. McDONALD. In the Field Second Vice Grand Master. Since writing my last letter for the Magazine I have been unusually busy, so much so that my duties took me into nearly every State in my territory. You can see by this that I have traveled a great many miles, and at the present time (or at this writing) I am in Augusta, Ga., meeting with the Joint Board of Engineers and Firemen of the Georgia Railroad, where they are endeavoring to secure a new schedule. If there is any section in this country where the locomotive firemen deserve and are entitled to monetary consideration it certainly is in this section of the country, and especially so on the Georgia Railroad. For the information of firemen in other sections of the country who are enjoying a fair and living wage, I wish to call attention to the highest prevailing rate on the Georgia Railroad Passenger, $1.29 for 100 miles; freight, $1.92 for 100 miles. And still we will find people who maintain that this rate is entirely commensurate for services performed. November 8th I went to Freeport, Ill., where I held a meeting with Lodge 138. This is one of the best lodges in that section of the country and, it being my first meeting with this lodge, I was, indeed, pleased to note the excellent condition and the manner in which the business is transacted. This lodge represents the firemen employed on the I. C. R. R., and is presided over by Bro. A. G. Storm. Bro. E. J. Scanlon, the popular Secretary, is best known by the delegates at the Chattanooga convention as the Postmaster. You are all aware of the efficient service he rendered there and which is characteristic of the man, regardless of the position he may occupy. My next stop was at Kankakee, Ill., where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 303. This lodge is in very good condition, and credit is due Bros. M. Cantlin and J. F. Leonard, who are endeavoring to keep the lodge up to the highest standard. From Kankakee I went to Campbellsport, Wis., for the purpose of having Bro. Eugene B. Klotz of Lodge 388 examined for the allowance of his claim. My next stop was at Danville, Ill., where I intended to hold a meeting with Lodge 516. The members of this lodge are employed on the C. & E. I. R. R., and owing to the heavy traffic on the road and the members being overworked and out on the road, I was not successful in holding a meeting. I trust that in the near future it will be convenient for me to return there and hold a meeting with them. From Danville I went to St. Elmo, where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 620. This lodge has only been organized a few months, and I am pleased to report that they are getting along nicely. I trust that the members will put their shoulders to the wheel and do all in their power to build up the organization in their territory. My next stop was at Flora, Ill., the home of Lodge 122. The members of this lodge are employed on the B. & O. S. W. and, while Flora is a small terminal point and the lodge has not a very large membership, yet I found it in very good condition, and held a very good meeting. From Flora I went to Washington, Ind., where I held a meeting with Lodge 361. I regret that my stay was so short, but hope to be able to return again and hold more meetings. Bro. E. A. Meyers, the popular Master, is a credit to the organization and is a very enthusiastic worker. A few months ago he resigned his position on the road and is at present doing a very lucrative business as a groceryman. I hope he will always have success. My next stop was at Bedford, Ind. Only having a few hours to spend at that point during the afternoon, as I was on my way to the South and was obliged to leave Louisville in the evening, it was impossible for me to remain there overnight, as I would have liked, consequently I was unable to hold a meeting on account of the members of this lodge nearly all being employed during the day, and who could not absent themselves from duty in order to hold a meeting. I will, however, arrange to return to Bedford just as soon as convenient and remain at least one night. From Bedford I took my departure for McComb City, Miss., stopping off at Vater Valley, Miss., where I held two very good meetings with Lodge 402. I was exceptionally pleased to note the condition of this lodge in comparison with what I found about a year ago, when I paid them my first visit. I assure the members of this lodge, one and all, that I appreciate the good work which they have accomplished during the last year. I trust they will continue to carry this work on and make still better progress during the present year. The members of this lodge made no mistake when they selected Bro. W. H. Hartwell, Jr., for Secretary. He should have the hearty cooperation of every member. My next stop was in McComb City, Miss., where I held two good meetings with Lodge 411 and, to add to the occasion, candidates were initiated at both meetings. It was exceedingly gratifying for me to be informed of the progress made by this lodge during the year 1903, or since my first visit in January, 1903. During that time this lodge has more than doubled in membership. The exceedingly good condition of this lodge is attributed to Bros. E. J. Butler, Master; E. C. Kelly, Secretary and Treasurer, and E. B. Guess, Collector. I assure them that the Brotherhood appreciates this good work, and I sincerely trust that they will always keep their lodge up to the highest standard of excellence. From McComb City, I returned to Murphysboro, Ill., where I held an excellent meeting with Lodge 470. This is one of the best lodges in this section of the country and I appreciate very much the privilege of meeting with Lodge 470 and to note the general make-up of its members, and the manner in which they transact their business. It is certainly a credit to the organization to have such members as Bros. A. L. Kimler, D. O. Davis, T. H. Pope and F. J. Stahler, who are deeply interested in the affairs of the Brotherhood and especially those whom they represent. And while my stay in their city was very short, I appreciate the kindness shown me while there. My next stop was at Sparta, Ill., where I held a meeting with Lodge 627. This lodge has only been organized a few months, but since they have been organized they have done exceedingly well. I appreciate very much the interest manifested by the members and trust they will continue to maintain it. From Sparta, I went to Charleston, Ill., the home of Lodge 187, where I held a very pleasant meeting. Bro. T. J. Martin, the popular Master, is the right man in the right place. He assures me that the lodge is in good condition and it is their intention to keep it so. From Charleston, I went to Chicago for the purpose of meeting with the Joint Board of the Rock Island System, then in session preparing a proposed scale of wages and rules governing the firemen on said system. After a very pleasant meeting I took my departure for Ashtabula, Ohio, where I held an unusually large meeting with Lodge 248. This lodge is in excellent condition and is considered one of the best in the State. I had the pleasure while there of renewing the acquaintance of Bros. H. H. Holmes, R. A. Castle and P. S. Brown, who are very ardent and enthusiastic workers. Leaving Ashtabula, I went to Alliance, Ohio, and organized Alliance Lodge 630, with 29 charter members. The outlook for this lodge is very bright, as Alliance is a great field, and with a little effort on the part of the members there should be a lodge of 100 members in a short time. From Alliance I went to Massillon, Ohio, the home of Lodge 198. This being the first time that I had the pleasure of meeting with this lodge, I was agreeably impressed with the condition in which I found it, financially and otherwise. I held an exceedingly pleasant meeting, and I believe every one present enjoyed themselves, especially during the social feature, which was appreciated by all. I appreciate the work of Bros. W. H. Eckroat, D. J. Miller, S. Repp and S. T. Gunn. Bro. Angel has missed his vocation. regret that my stay in their city was so limited, as it would have been a pleasure for me to remain longer and meet more of the boys. I My next stop was at Youngstown, Ohio, where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 199. I am pleased to report that I found the lodge in good condition. I had the pleasure of meeting Bro. D. Madden and Bro. Hallisey, who have been members of 199 for many years, and who are just as enthusiastic as in days of yore. Also Bros. W. H. Taylor and D. B. Robinson, who are doing all in their power to keep the organization up to the highest standard. From Youngstown, I went to Lorain, Ohio, the home of Lodge 356. Since the last time I met with this lodge, nearly one year ago, they have nearly doubled in membership. I held a very interesting meeting and initiated candidates. The excellent condition of this lodge is attributed to Bros. Wm. Woollen, A. Nore and several others too numerous to mention. I appreciate very much the work accomplished by those brothers. From Lorain, I went to Columbus, Ohio, and organized H. R. Rosher Lodge 583 with 22 charter members. The prospect for this lodge is very encouraging, and I predict a good lodge in the near future. My next stop was in Middleport, where I held a meeting with Lodge 544, and am pleased to report that I found the lodge in fairly good condition. My next stop was in Van Wert, Ohio, the home of 458, where I held a very interesting meeting and found the lodge in good condition. Great credit is due Bro. Frank Royce for his efficient service. From Van Wert, I went to Indianapolis, Ind., where I attended a meeting of Lodge 14, and while I do not intend to speak disparagingly of any other lodge, yet I must confess that in my opinion this is one of the best conducted lodges in the country. It is certainly a pleasure to attend a meeting of their lodge and observe the manner in which its affairs are conducted. The success of this lodge can be attributed to the efficient services of Bros. J. A. Farrell, E. J. Kline and R. Y. Golder. As officers of a lodge they can not be excelled. Bidding them good-bye I took my departure for the South, going first to Gulfport, Miss., to straighten up some affairs at that point. From there I went to Selma, Ala., and from there to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and when my work was completed there I was requested to go to Augusta, Ga., and represent the Grand Master, meeting with the Joint Board of Engineers and Firemen of the Georgia Railroad, where I am at this writing. For the information of our members I desire to say that everywhere I go I find the organization in a most prosperous condition. We closed the year 1903 with every lodge in the country in good standing. I believe I am safe in saying that the record is unprecedented in the history of our organization. Let every member put his shoulder to the wheel, and by a little extra effort on his part we should close the present fiscal year, ending June 30, 1904, with 55,000 members. TIMOTHY SHEA. Third Vice Grand Master. The year 1904 is now under full headway, and I hope that there is much good in store for our Brotherhood, and when the year's work is recorded there will be little if any complaint to be heard as to what has been accomplished during the year. The growth of the Brotherhood in the year 1903 was something phenomenal. Never in the history of the Order was there more reason for rejoicing than on January 1, 1904. If each does his part, as a Brotherhood man should, the same thing can again be said at the close of this year. I made the prediction several months ago that by September, 1904, the Brotherhood would reach the fifty-thousand mark in membership. The records in the Grand Lodge show that we had 51,300 members on January 1, 1904, and 649 lodges, with every lodge in good standing. What better record could be asked for than that? With the Order in this splendid condition it makes the insurance carried by our members absolutely safe. With so much to be thankful for, let every one do his best and see if we can not do just a little more to show our appreciation to the Brotherhood that has done so much for us. Since my last letter I had the pleasure of visiting Past Grand Master Leach and Mother Leach, whose home is in Sedalia, Mo. "Pap" and "Mother" Leach, as they are familiarly known, are just the same as in days gone by, and it was with great pleasure that I visited with them. A visit to Lodge 147, Temple, Texas, was one of the pleasant features of the trip to Texas, just before Christmas time. Lodge 147 is doing very well at this time, and I hope that each and every member of this lodge will do his best to make 147 one of the banner lodges of Texas. Where members take no interest in the welfare of their lodge, the lodge can not but feel the effects of it. Experience teaches that lodge affairs can not be looked after too closely. I hope to be able to meet the members of this lodge again before long, and I will do all I can to encourage them in their work. Who says that a lodge won't prosper when members attend to their lodge meetings regularly and keep up the work of the lodge? Lodge 146, of Houston, Texas, has been growing so fast that it has been a hard matter to keep up with her. Only a few months ago this lodge had about forty-five members; now they have passed the two-hundred mark. What better record than this could be asked for? On my last visit to Houston I had a splendid time. The largest gathering of members in my experience with this lodge |