selves and practice that unenduring vice. "selfishness." There is nothing in the world so malignant and destructive in its nature as selfishness. It has done all the mischief of the past and is destined to do all the mischief of the unseen future. It has destroyed the temporal and eternal interest of millions in time past, and its mission is still here and will destroy the interest of future generations to come. It is the source of all sins of omission and commission which are found in the world. We do not see a wrong take place that we can not trace to the actor's own personal, private and selfish nature. Selfishness contracts and narrows our benevolence and causes us, like serpents, to unfold ourselves within ourselves, and turn out our stings to all the world, besides. As frost to the bud and blight to the blossom, even such is self-interest to friendship, for confidence can not dwell where selfishness is the partner at the gate. It dwarfs all the better nature. It takes from him that kindly sympathy for others' good which is one of the most pleasing traits of manhood, and in its stead sets up self as the one whose good is to be chiefly sought. It makes self the vortex instead of the fountain. Instead of throwing out he learns to draw in. These withering traits are not only found in public places of life but in the nooks and corners. Not alone among conquerors and kings, but among the humble and obscure, in the dissembling artifices of trade, in the unsanctified lust of wealth, in the devoted pursuit of station and power, confederated with the worst feelings and most depraved designs. Do we find these traits among the members of our Order? While I am glad to say the ones blessed with charity, the true kind that makes us better members of the Order are in the majority, a small piece of decaying matter can stagnate a pool of the purest water. We owe to the grand and noble Order, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, this one duty, "practical charity." One of its greatest aims and purposes is charity. And without it the aim and purpose of the Order is lost. The sin of selfishness is first noticed by our enemies. Let's have courage to overcome this sin of selfishness. No one can tell who are the heroes and who are the cowards until some crisis comes to put us to the test, and these tests are measured by acts of charity. Let every member do something that will cause our enemies to admire us Joint Protective Board Work on the Rock Island. On January 3, 1904, the Joint Protective Board of the B. of L. F. of the Rock Island System convened in Chicago for the purpose of securing a new agreement with the officials of the company. We adjourned on January 31, 1904, having secured a splendid agreement, and which we believe is one of the best in the country, and one we know will be appreciated by all our members on the system. We take pleasure in referring to the most amicable relations that exist between the officials of the company and the locomotive firemen in its employment, and we can safely say that our meeting with the officials was the most pleasant of any we ever had with them, and at the same time it was a most profitable one. Our worthy Grand Master, Bro. John J. Hannahan, was with us a part of the time, and the able and efficient work he did and advice he gave us is certainly appreciated by all. Every member on the Rock Island System has a warm spot in his heart for our Grand Master, for he is a jewel at the business, and we say he can't be beat-and we mean it. Not only does our worthy Grand Master stand high in the estimation of the members of the B. of L. F. on the Rock Island System, but also with our officials. When Bro. Hannahan's advice and conservative manner of doing business can not secure the best agreement in a territory the rest might as well quit. A resolution was adopted by the Board expressing to our Grand Master, Bro. John J. Hannahan, our sincere appreciation and thanks for his profitable advice as to methods of procedure, and for his valuable assistance in reaching a settlement with the company. The outlook for a long period of friendly relations between the officials of the company and its employes is most promising, and we feel sure that such desirable conditions must redound to the benefit of both the company and its employes. T. P. LINDSEY, J. H. MCQUAID, Sec. and Treas. Gen. Chm. In the Field First Vice Grand Master. Since my last letter I have had the pleasure of meeting with Clifton Lodge 339, located at Staten Island, N. Y. I am pleased to say that I found the Lodge in good condition and with a membership of 41. I attribute the excellent condition to the untiring work of Bros. F. Hanlon, J. F. McCourt, Chas. Bresler, Lewis Chilles, W. J. White, Frank Pearce, W. Holt, L. Hubert, and W. Conley, better known as "the tiger." These brothers are located on an island, and while we don't hear much of them, yet if you should want a good time just give them a call. While working in the interest of the Joint Board of this road I dropped into the Vanderbilt Hotel and had a chat with the following brothers, representing the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Joint Board: Chas. E. Metz, 101; Wm. J. King, 349; Chris. J. Riley, 92; W. D. Chase, 229; James A. Cleary, 99; William Jordan, 638; B. J. Buhl, 230; O. D. Hopkins, 334; David Kelly, 120; C. S. Graham, 316; Jas. E. Cunliff, 12; Geo. M. Haight, 215; Henry F. Cushion, 121; C. H. Umpleby, 349; F. L. Allen, 213; W. H. McGhee, 418; A. C. J. Wollter, 363; Clarence E. Anderson, 212; Norman N. Hicks, 210; J. P. Walrod, 92. These brothers, with the assistance of Grand Master Hannahan, were successful in making one of the best agreements of the eastern country. While visiting the Board I had the pleasure of a handshake with Bros. James Coots and R. E. Quick, of the Grand Executive Board. While working with the Staten Island Railroad Joint Board I took the advantage of the time and visited Lodge 309, and I am pleased to say that I found the lodge in its usual good condition, and the following members taking an active interest: Bro. C. J. Hopkins, better known as the "snow man," and Bros. F. F. Smith and D. B. Service, who bear the distinction of "the twins" of the Long Island Railroad. Bros. F. Bird and M. Mulvey are taking music lessons on the harp so as to play at the ball of 309, February 15th. Bros. E. M. Jurell, Robert Davis and R. A. Zimmerman represent the protective end of the lodge, and their able and conservative manner in handling grievances makes them one of the best Boards in the organization. My next stop was at Mahoneytown, Pa., the home of Lodge 416. Here I met Bros. W. C. Leonard, the popular Master; L. J. Carney, the proficient Secretary; W. B. Gillespie, F. Gage, H. C. Schwartz, and Wm. Blue. These brothers say that the experience they have had in their lodge affairs is a teacher for the future. I am indebted to Bro. E. Davis and his sister for courtesies extended to me while in Mahoneytown. While in New Castle, Pa., I had the pleasure of meeting Bro. W. E. Sample of 434. I am sorry to hear of the misfortune of Bro. C. Hillwagner, who lost his limb by falling off his engine. I also met Bro. Thomas Doyle of 462, and I found him taking his usual interest in Brotherhood affairs. On my way to Bellows Falls, Vt., I dropped in on Lodge 307, and I was accorded the pleasure of meeting our Fourth Vice Grand Master, Bro. Ball, who was visiting this lodge. I am pleased to say that I found Lodge 307 in its usual good condition. I attribute this condition to the faithfulness of Bro. D. D. Ball, the popular Master, and Bro. G. A. Smith, who say their lodge is the only lodge that meets on the meridian time. Bro. G. L. Allis is Collector, and he performs his share of labor and responsibility. Bro. E. E. Leonard, who handles the Treasurership, is to be commended for his efficient service and able advice. At Merrick, I found Bro. J. C. McCarthy, one of the popular Masters in the organization. The members of his lodge presented him with a handsome gold watch, and Bro. McCarthy was so surprised that he could not talk. My next stop was at Bellows Falls, Vt., a city on the hill, and the home of Lodge 363. Here I met Bro. Bussey, who has lost any of his usual interest in the organization, and he, with the popular Master, Bro. E. L. Cooke, and Bros. O. H. Mondigo and A. B. Mack, say that their lodge will be the banner of Vermont in the very near fu ture. My next stop was at Philadelphia, Pa., and I am sorry that I did not have the pleasure of meeting with Lodge 319. I was informed by Bro. William Kelly, the efficient Master, that the lodge was in good condition. While in Philadelphia I dropped in on Lodge 75, and I am pleased to note the improvement in the affairs of this lodge. I found Bro. J. D. Meyers, who comes 94 miles to attend the meetings of his lodge, and whose example is followed by Bros. J. Dupell, H. Munger, Arthur Wilson and E. B. Haskins. Some of these brothers are the war-horses of the organization, and it would be well if the younger members would take more interest in their lodges. Bro. F. L. Kennedy is a Chaplain that the organization should be proud of. Bro. J. W. Bloomingdale, the popular Master, is deeply interested in his work and the future welfare of the lodge. He is ably assisted by Bro. P. A. Lynch, the Secretary; Bro. Geo. O'Malley, Collector, and Bro. J. J. Carr, Treasurer. These brothers say that they expect to have the largest lodge in the organization by the close of the fiscal year. This being the case, Lodge 174 had better keep an eye on 75, or they will bear the distinction of being the largest lodge in the organization. My next stop was at Oneonta, N. Y. Here I had a very interesting meeting with Lodge 71, and where I met Bros. P. H. Keegan, Wm. Edelman, Chas. Smith, P. A. Cameron and Wm. Donnelly. The members of this lodge are to be congratulated on having such an efficient set of officers. There was a union meeting held with all the organizations, and the manner in which Bro. J. E. Ryan performed the duties of Chairman shows that he is a parliamentarian in every sense of the word. I was sorry that I could not attend the meeting held January 24th. I hope, however, to give 71 another call in the near future. My next stop was at Long Island City, N. Y. Here I have worked with the Long Island Railroad Joint Board almost the entire month of January. At this writing I am working in the interest of the Staten Island Joint Board. These Boards, as well as those of the D., L. & W. R. R., C. P. R. R., Penn. R. R., D. & H. R. R., Erie R. R., and many others that it has been my pleasure to work with, I found composed of the best members, and the membership is to be congratulated on the selection of their representatives on the Joint Boards, and the manner in which their grievances have been handled. While working with the Long Island Joint Board, having a day off waiting to meet the officials, I took a run over to Philadelphia, Pa., and assisted Ladies Society 112 in making their entertainment and ball a financial success. Sisters, Mrs. Geo. O'Malley, Mrs. E. F. Helker, Mrs. E. Hemphill, Mrs. Mary Childs and their committee deserve credit for the able manner in which they conducted their entertainment and ball. On January 25th, I run up to New Haven, Conn., and had Bro. Wm. Chappell of Lodge 284 examined for the allowance of his disability claim. I was met at the station by Bros. A. P. Kelly, Chas. E. Lowell and W. A. Pyle. These brothers are the busy bees of 284, and the members are to be congratulated on having such proficient men for officers. While here I had the honor of an introduction through these brothers to their superintendent of motive power, Mr. John Henney, and Mr. P. R. Todd, first vice president of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. These gentlemen spoke in highest compliments of the members of our organization. Words of praise coming from men like these gentlemen leads me to believe that the New Haven brothers are about the right kind of fire boys. I am indebted to these gentlemen, Bros. Kelly, Lowell and Pyle for courtesies extended me. While working with Joint Boards, I dropped in on Lodge 496 to see how they keep house when they were not expecting visitors, and I am pleased to say that I found the lodge shining like a diamond. Bros. Thomas Morrall, C. S. Anderson, E. F. Haver, and Thos. Crosby are a set of officers that any lodge should be proud of. These brothers report that there is a man traveling around who claims to be a member of one of the lodges in St. Louis, Mo., and about every member he meets that has a pin on, he asks for the loan of their traveling card. This same man was at the roundhouse of the Long Island Railroad, and while there he gave his name as Bro. Pine, from St. Louis. The members around Jersey City and New York should be on their guard against all such alleged members. While in New York City I visited 149, and am pleased to say that I found a goodly number of members present. Bro. E. M. Jerrell, the popular Secretary of Lodge 309, was present and gave the brothers some wholesome advice. I am pleased to say the lodge is in excellent condition and the members are complying strictly with the law. I found Bros. H. B. Pinney, J. B. Duffy, M. J. Halligan and J. Marks deeply interested in the future of their lodge, and it is hoped that the members will take the interest that is necessary to assist these officers to make their administrations a success. The members of 149 and 155 owe much to their organization and it is expected that they will keep the interest up by giving the officers their presence at the meetings. I found Bro. C. J. Johnson taking his usual interest in the work. Charlie is always ready to bear his share of the work. While at Springfield, Mass., I had the pleasure of renewing the acquaintance of Bro. Thomas West, of 307. Tom says he will be at Buffalo, September, 1904, to act as pilot to Bro. Fred M. Gregar, of 485. While at Newark, Mass., I met Bros. Pease, Thompson, Fisk, Taylor, Higgins and Stone. These members are the warhorses of 563. Bro. M. M. Allen, the popular Secretary of 563, is one that can be depended upon. While working with Joint Boards in New York City, N. Y., I was favored with calls from Bros. Edwin Grant, of 291, and J. Coots, of 543. These brothers reported their lodges in good condition. Bro. John Harris and Bro. Frazor, of 75, look good posing as the politicians on the screen at the entertainment of the Eureka Society, 112. Bro. O. F. Downs, of 309, has passed around the cigars on his taking to him self a bride. The members of Lodge 309 wish him and his bride a long and happy life. Bro. J. P. Duffy, of 149, has smiles all over his face. Bros. Hugh Blood and McCaffery say it is a boy. How about the cigars, J. P.? C. A. WILSON. Second Vice Grand Master. Since writing my last letter "In the Field," at that time being in Augusta, Ga., meeting with the Joint Protective Board of the engineers and firemen of the Georgia Railroad and the officers of said road, negotiations were postponed temporarily in order to give the company an opportunity to consider a proposition that had been submitted to it for consideration. Leaving Augusta, Ga., I went to Macon, Ga., and held a meeting with Lodge 246. This lodge represents the firemen employed on the several railroads entering Macon, and I am pleased to report that I found the lodge in good condition. Bro. A. J. Smith deserves great credit for his faithful service as an officer of the lodge. I regret that my time was so limited, as it would have been a pleasure for me to have remained longer and become better acquainted with the members, but I hope to be able to return again on some early date and give them more time. My next stop was at Chattanooga, Tenn., where I held two very interesting meetings with Lodge 289. One of those meetings was an open meeting for nonBrotherhood firemen, the other a secret meeting, and we initiated candidates. This lodge has made wonderful progress since the last convention, and especially during the last year, both numerically and financially, which demonstrates conclusively that by a little effort on the part of the officers and members of a lodge, great results can be accomplished, even though at times you are working against adverse conditions. Among those members who are especially deserving of commendation, and to which the success of the lodge is attributable to a great extent, are Bros. C. L. Barnett, J. C. Gilberth and C. E. Gray. I trust that during the coming year they will have equally as good success. Bidding them good-bye I took my departure for Somerset, Ky., the home of Lodge 367, where I held two very interesting meetings. One of those meetings an open one for non-Brotherhood was We My next stop was at Louisville, Ky., where I held a joint meeting with Lodges 578 and 502. I fully expected to have a representative from Lodge 103, and particularly expected to see our old friend, Bro. Filburn, as a trip to Louisville is not complete unless you do see him. had a very pleasant meeting, and I had the pleasure of renewing the acquaintance of Bro. W. W. Slaby, Master of Lodge 502, and J. E. Pickering, Master of Lodge 578, who are true and loyal Brotherhood men in every particular. The members of those lodges should appreciate the services of these brothers and do all in their power to assist them. firemen. This was one of the largest very gratifying for me to note the progress meetings of the kind that I have held made during such a short space of time. for a long time, and judging by the indi- I assure the members of the lodge that I cations after the meeting was over, it will appreciate this work, and great credit is be productive of good results. The mem- due especially to Bros. Reed Bass, F. C. bers of this lodge represent the firemen Fisher, F. A. Johnson and J. C. Stevens. employed on the Queen and Crescent I trust that they will continue in this Route. At this meeting the Chairman of good work and keep their lodge up to the the Joint Protective Board of the Queen highest standard at all times. and Crescent Route made his report to the effect that they had just completed their labors on the Board, where they had been in session for some time meeting the general manager, and they were successful in securing a new schedule for the firemen. The members of our organization employed on this road should appreciate this, as it is the first meeting of this kind since the '94 trouble. Prove to the management of this road that you appreciate this and carry out the agreement to the letter. This was my first visit to this lodge, and I appreciate the condition in which I found it and the interest manifested on this occasion. There are a great many members of this lodge who are deserving of praise for their ardent labors in connection with its progress and present standing, who are worthy of having their names mentioned among those who are entitled to special consideration for their efficient service, but space will not permit me to name them all. I will, however, mention a few of those whom I personally observed and who were particularly entitled to commendation: Bros. E. N. Lewis, Master; W. L. Griffin, W. Hudson and W. S. Eaden. I trust that the members of this lodge will put their shoulders to the wheel and do all they can to keep it up to its present standing, and enroll every eligible fireman within their jurisdiction to membership. My next stop was Ludlow, Ky., where I expected to hold meetings with Lodge 584, but on account of heavy business on the road every fireman was out with the exception of two, consequently I was not successful in holding a meeting. My next stop was at Seymour, Ind., where I held a meeeting with Lodge 457. This lodge is in excellent condition and great credit is due Bro. W. F. Wagner, Master; Geo. Gray and others. I appreciate the kindness and hospitality shown Ime while there. I hope that it will be convenient for me to return again soon. From Seymour I went to Bedford, Ind., the home of Lodge 613. This lodge has only been organized about eighteen months, and since that time they have increased in membership three-fold. It is From Louisville I went to Jeffersonville, Ind., where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 297. I am pleased to report that I found the lodge in good condition. The members of this lodge represent the firemen employed on the Pennsylvania System. Bro. J. E. Cummings is the popular Master; John H. Prinz is the right man in the right place, and with Bro. J. B. Bigelow, as Treasurer, you can rest assured that the lodge is in good hands. My next stop was at New Albany, Ind., where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 268. This was a very interesting meeting, as we had a representative from Lodges 578 and 502. The instructions and information given at this meeting I believe will bear good fruit, as I believe it was appreciated by all of those who participated. The officers and members of this lodge are very much interested in its future, and I can assure the members of this lodge, one and all, that if they will give their aid and assistance to Bros. Frank Austin, A. B. Teives and E. K. Duglass they will have one of the best lodges in that section of the country. Take hold of the matter, my brothers, and see what can be accomplished. Bidding them good-bye, I took my departure for Evansville, Ind., where I met with Lodge 160. This lodge is in excellent condition, and great credit is due Bros. W. K. Van Horten, Master; Henry Bennett, Secretary, and T. Hemroth, Treasurer. This lodge has a member who |