have nothing to be ashamed of, especially with such leaders as Bro. Chisholm, of 172, and Bro. Skelly, of 81, in command. Any visiting brother being in that section should give them a call. I did not have the privilege of meeting with as many lodges in Ontario and Quebec as I had intended during January. When you take into consideration that snow fell on the 15th of November, and, with very few exceptions, has snowed every day since, now averaging from two to four feet on the level, with the thermometer ranging between 10 and 50 degrees below zero, to say nothing of the scarcity of men, you will readily understand why I could not do as I had wished. This is the severest Canadian winter that has been experienced in many years, and at the present time shows no signs of leaving us. My next letter will give an account of the trip of Bro. Wark and myself over the C. P. R. to the coast. When the foundation of our organization was laid it had for its purpose the uniting of locomotive enginemen, protecting their interests, and the promotion of their general welfare. Later, experiences taught us the necessity of perfecting as far as possible the protective features of our Order and rendering equal justice to all our members. With this end in view, and believing that every member of our great international Brotherhood should be placed on the same footing, so far as schedules, wages and conditions are concerned, the General Chairmen's Association was formed. We can scarcely realize at the present time what benefits will be derived from this association, but from what has already been seen, and from the platform which they have laid down, we can not help but believe that good results will follow. We have found out for years past the necessity of having a General Chairman on every railroad in our jurisdiction, or, in other words, a head to whom we can look for advice and assistance when in trouble with our employers. Believing in unity, and knowing that through exchange of opinions and ideas a person will obtain much useful knowledge, is it not a just duty that we owe to our Chairmen that they should meet at least once a year and learn of each other what is being done on other railroads, as well as our own? With this knowledge on hand will it not shorten the time consumed at present by our Joint Protective Boards, and have a tendency to bring about more of an equality of wages, through which we will get over the objection we usually meet with when before our officials requesting an increase in wages, who claim they can not pay any more than the other roads which are competing for the same class of freight? Brothers, I believe it is our duty to see that every railroad in this country has a General Chairman, and that he is a member of the General Chairmen's Association. When this is done, then we can expect to see our wages and conditions on a more equal standard, with justice to all. All other classes of labor have a standard wage; can any one say that ours has, when taking all our roads into consideration? The presidents of our railroads have an association; is it not just as important that we have ours? EUGENE A. BALL. Correspondence LODGE 217-(A. R. Layman, E. St. to join the innumerable caravan that Louis, Ill.) We hoped to close the year without a death report, but on the night of December 18th, Bro. Thomas J. Hastings crossed the river of death. Our hearts are sad as we bear the news to the readers of the Magazine, but the living know that they shall die and the dead know not anything. This is the second time in an existence of nine years that the reaper Death has visited our lodge. Bro. Hastings' death was caused by a collision six miles southeast of E. St. Louis. Approaching the Belleville bluffs, firing engine 229 on the Dixie Flyer, I. C. R. R., he observed a short distance ahead of him the rear of a freight train. Instead of immediately leaving his engine he crossed over to warn the engineer of the danger, thereby losing his own life. Train No. 255 had stalled on Belleville hill, and the crew were gone ahead with the head portion to the top, but failed to set a sufficient number of brakes to hold the rear, which rolled down the hill and, meeting the Dixie Flyer on a curve at the base, caused a very bad collision. Only a small portion of Bro. Hastings' body was found, and it so badly burned that it could hardly be recognized as that of a human. The last said rites were performed by the Rev. Mohr, faithfully assisted by the members of 217, their wives and a number of the members of the Ladies Society. The esteem in which Bro. Hastings was held and the sincere sympathy extended to the bereaved wife were attested by many beautiful floral offerings. The services at the grave were conducted by the members in a very impressive manner, and when the saddened little cortege wended its way out of the cemetery on the hill and turned for one last look at the resting place of the dear brother who had so lately been one of them, they realized that to his eternal resting place he did not retire alone, nor could he wish a couch more magnificent. In mother earth rest the wise, the good, fair forms and hoary seers of ages past, all in one mighty sepulcher. The golden sun, the planets, all the infinite hosts of heaven, are shining on the sad abodes of death through the still lapse of ages. As time glides along we shall all be gathered in. "So live that when thy summons comes moves to the pale realms of shade, go sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust. Approach thy grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." now LODGE 442-(J. Pirie, Allandale, Ont.) A short time past I read in the columns of our Magazine a letter from 442 which was written in a spirit of merriment, but we are turned from merriment to mourning for the loss of two of our boys. They were Engineer J. Glassford, of Division 486 B. of L. E., and Bro. James Paton, of Lodge 442 B. of L. F. These two brothers left their homes on the morning of December 23d on snow plow extra to relieve the block on the branch, and when only a few miles from home, through an accident the whole train was ditched. Both brothers were scalded beyond human recognition, and only lived a few short hours in terrible agony, when death relieved their sufferings and they passed to the great beyond. Two bright faces are taken from their homes, two willing workers from our lodge and division rooms. Engineer Glassford leaves a wife and family to mourn his loss, and Bro. Paton a father, three brothers and two sisters. Bro. Paton had only been a member of our Order a short time, but was looked forward to as one of our future leading brothers, a smart, intelligent young man of noble character. We are pleased to know our brother's end was peace. Bro. Paton's dying words were: "My Savior is with me all the way." They were fully conscious until near death. Bro. Paton's remains were laid to rest at New Lowell, Ont., by a large gathering of associates with B. of L. F. honors. To those who are left behind we express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow for the loss of two noble hearts, who were at all times willing to extend to a brother in trouble or need their kindliest attention. While it is our loss in our places of meeting, we little know how great the loss must be at home, and we pray that this will be a teaching to us all, both in our daily toil and at home. May our last moments on this earth be as peaceable as were our brother's, if such be our opportunity; but think, dear reader, we know not the moment we may be cut off without a moment's warning, and are we prepared? In conclusion, we pray that our Great Redeemer may so lead and guide our daily footsteps that when we are called for our last trip it may be on a safe train that knows only one destination, and on the great day of judgment may we all be gathered around that throne of love above, where all is joy and peace, and where trouble or sorrows are not known. LODGE 66-(Geo. Brown, Belleville, Ont.) Just a few words in connection with Challenge Lodge 66 B. of L. F. We had with us at our regular meeting of the lodge on January 12, 1904, our Fourth Vice Grand Master, Bro. Ball, and had a pleasant and profitable meeting. We had for initiation two candidates, whom Bro. Ball was pleased to initiate and instruct in the work of the Order for us. We have at the present time about seventy members who, with a few exceptions, comprise the greater part of the available men at this station. The lodge is in a prosperous condition financially, and the members work together with that harmony that should characterize an organization of this kind. Our membership is on the increase, and we hope by honest effort to bring every available man in with us so that we will not have a dissenting voice at this station. LODGE 143-(Member, Oakland, Cal.) The silent reaper has passed among us and claimed for his own one who was a brother not only in name but in deeds. He had the welfare of the members of our worthy organization at heart and, like a knight of old, stood at the battlements and protected us from impostors. He lifted up those who had lost heart, and to all tempered mercy with justice. E. C. Fellows Lodge has draped her charter for our late Past Master and brother, James B. Nolan, who passed away very suddenly from our midst, at his home in Oakland, Cal., January 7, 1904, at 3.42 p. m. He was promoted to the right side about one year previous to his demise, having served his time as a fireman. Lodge 143 extends its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of our late brother, and prays God to help them bear up in their time of distress. "Thy will be done." LODGE 66-(F. A. Brown, Belleville, Ont.) The twenty-third annual assembly under the auspices of Challenge Lodge 66 B. of L. F. was held in I. O. O. F. Hall, Belleville, on the evening of November 24, 1903, and was a grand success, socially and financially. The lovers of the light fantastic turned out in goodly numbers, and the zeal with which they entered into the festivities of the occasion showed far more than mere words how thoroughly they enjoyed themselves. The music for the occasion was furnished by a local orchestra and, with R. H. Ketcheson as master of ceremonies, there was left nothing to be desired. The floor committee consisted of four worthy brothers, who by their untiring efforts kept the floor well filled at all times and everything running in a smooth and harmonious manner. Supper was served at 12 o'clock, and the dainties prepared by the good wives of some of the brothers were partaken of with a relish which amply repaid them for the time they had spent in preparing them. It was gratifying to the members of the committee to notice that all stayed till a late hour. In conclusion I may say that an assembly held by Challenge Lodge 66 B. of L. F. is a guarantee to the people of Belleville that it is worthy of their attention and support. LODGE 593-(D. MacLean, Port Arthur, Ont.) It is some time since anything has appeared in the columns of the Magazine from 593, and one reason for this is that the brothers are too busy looking after the fairer sex to find time to write to the Magazine. I will try and give you some idea of the way the boys are carrying on in this western country. Bro. Garland started the ball rolling by getting married on Christmas day to a winsome young lady belonging to one of our flourishing western towns. Bro. Garland and bride have returned from their honeymoon, which was spent visiting the principal cities in the Western States. The good wishes of 593 are extended to Bro. Garland and his charming young wife. Bro. Spooner has been promoted to the right side and has a steady run. His arriving time is 2 o'clock, and sometimes Papa has to remind him of his leaving time. Tommie, see that Papa has a standard watch. Bro. Nevee is getting in shape for a foot race. Bros. Bosch and Perras are his trainers, and they are trying to keep the matter dark, because they want to spring a surprise on the rest of the brothers when they bring him out. Park street is a very good place to train, Albert, but don't run by your meet again. Bro. Metcalf is away in the East on a holiday and business trip combined. Fred is expected to return about the 1st of February, and will, upon his return take up housekeeping on Court street. Congratulations, Freddie. Bros. Bryce and Wilson have not found out which is the favored one, but if they take my advice they will keep one eye on Bro. Meehan. Bro. W. Dohen is taking a great interest in hockey this winter, and so would the rest of us if we could have a charming brunette to keep count of the games for us. All this goes with the P. W. passenger run, Billie. Bro. Nash has not been affected by the smiles of the young ladies, so he says, but if you could see him sometimes you would wonder what he could call affected. Bros. Scotts and Ardell, being old timers at the business, look on and smile at the haste of some of their brothers. We are all enjoying prosperity on the Canadian Northern, and the members of 593 wish Bro. McNamee much success as Editor of the Magazine. LODGE 3-(Member, Jersey City, N. J.) It is with much regret that I announce the death of our beloved Master, John J. Chevalier, who was struck by some timber protruding from a freight wreck and died from his injuries. He was firing the fast mail train from the west, known on the New York Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad as Train 18. It occurred on the morning of December 28, 1903, at about 3:25, near Rahway, N. J. Bro. Chevalier was buried from the residence of his parents in Jersey City. With all the tributes of brotherly love, we all mourn his loss. LODGE 198-(Member, Toledo, Ohio.) It has been some time since I have seen an article from any of the boys on the W. & L. E., better known as the "work late and early." I do not get to lodge often, but from what I hear the boys say everything is moving off very smoothly and the goat is getting its part of the good work to perform at nearly every meeting, and we have most all of the eligible timber worked up. Our Lodge is now progressing nicely, and it would be impossible for it to do otherwise, with such officers as we are fortunate to have. Thanks to all. As to business on the road, it has never been better in the history of the road. All available engines are called into freight service, and at that the engines are always first out on each end of the road. Several of our brothers are seriously thinking of becoming benedicts. Bro. West usually goes to Spencer two or three times each week. Bro. Bevington has taken a local run so he can be with her every second evening. There are a great many of the boys who have sweethearts all along the road, too numerous to mention. Our genial and true blue brother, F. Jackson, has taken unto himself a wife, Miss Johnston from Sherrodsville. May they live happily and enjoy many years of happy bliss, are the wishes of all the boys. Bro. Jackson, we have not seen any smoke on this happy event, and hope to hear from you soon. LODGE 73-(Member, Worcester, Mass.) It has been many moons since the readers have heard from "Old Nick," but his time has been taken up, and then if he had time he had nothing to write about and, in fact, has not much to write about now. Bay State Lodge is in a most flourishing condition, is gaining members fast, and takes the banner for floor work of New England, if not in the Order. Our worthy Master has put time and work in same, of which our visiting brothers were convinced at our meeting held in November last. We have just moved from 566 Main street to 4 Walnut street, or main entrance of the Day Building, Main street, which is one of the best lodge rooms in the city. On January 24th we held a union meeting with Ladies Society 94 of this city, which was a grand meeting. Much benefit was derived from it by both Orders, and we must say that the Ladies Society has a good President in Sister Minnie Fuller. Remarks were made by all the sisters and brothers for the good of the Order. The Ladies Society held a public whist party on February 2d. Their limited number of tickets was soon disposed of, and an enjoyable time was had. They are still gaining in members, but not as fast as some societies. What they do get. however, are good members and hard workers, and when they furnish a supper or entertainment for the Brotherhood they are there and do their part. The membership should be many times more than it is, and if some of the brothers would encourage their wives or sisters, daughters and mothers to belong to it, how much better it would be. Let them enjoy themselves and, besides, receive the benefit such as the brother gets. Don't keep your wife at home, but let her attend the lodge, enjoy the pleasures, and receive the glad hand of our sisters and brothers, and then they won't object to your attending. The Ladies Society is a grand order, and every brother's wife, sister, daughter and mother should belong to it. I was much surprised when I read in my November number of the Magazine, of the resignation of Bro. Arnold, who has all these years held the office of Grand Secretary and Treasurer, and who has filled the same to the satisfaction of every brother, but we could not always keep him. It comes hard to lose so good an official. Also in the same number I read with regret of losing our Editor and Manager of the Magazine, Bro. Carter, who, while he held this office, has put all his time and life into his work in building up a magazine that stands at the head of all railroad publications. But we still have him with us in the position of Grand Secretary and Treasurer, and we know he can fill the office as well as he did his last. It is promotion that all brothers are looking for, and we congratulate Bro. Carter and hope some future time to take him by the hand and greet him on his good luck. The firemen on the Boston and Maine, and N. Y., N. H. & H. roads have just got a change in their schedules, and one thing which pleases all is 101⁄2 hours for a day and mileage and over time on the N. Y., N. H. & H. Come, young brothers on the N. Y. C., wake up and keep in line, and show the fellows on the right side what you can do. LODGE 338-(Geo. T. Riley, Renova, Pa.) It is with sad hearts that we again drape our charter, for Bro. Wm. Meagher, of St. Mary's, who was killed in a rear-end collision December 27th. His death cast a gloom over our town, for he was a young man, being only 20 years old, and was loved by all who knew him. Lodge 338 had full charge of the funeral. We extend our sympathy to his heart broken parents, and we hope that when the Grand Master above calls the roll, like Bro. Meagher, all the boys will respond "Here." LODGE 367-(W. P. Keeney, Somerset, Ky.) On Tuesday, the 12th inst., Bro. Timothy Shea, Second Vice Grand Master, visited us here. Before the regular hour for opening of the lodge we held an open meeting, with Bro. Shea as spokesman. He delivered an interesting lecture on the benefits of the Order, which we think will be the cause of several nonBrotherhood firemen casting their lot with us. After the open meeting we held a regular meeting, with Bro. Shea in the chair, and initiated Bro. G. L. Thompson, who is very proud of the fact of being the only member of this lodge who received his obligation from a Grand Officer. He is very much pleased with the Order and says he only regrets that he did not come in before now. We have reduced the initiation fee to three dollars, and are striving to make this one of the banner lodges of the South. We have plenty of timber here and every brother has been instructed to get his ax in good shape and get to work. On December 8th, Bro. W. L. Griffin's wife presented him with another son. President Roosevelt can not accuse Walter of race suicide. Twenty-one years of age with two sons and one daughter (deceased) is a good start. Keep it up, brother. Bro. Lewis was voted the thanks of the entire lodge for the work he did while on the Joint Protective Board. LODGE 623-(C. W. Tillett, Alliance, Neb.) It is with pleasure we can say that 628 is constantly increasing in membership; although only organized last May we framed our charter with fifty-one members. We have seventy-two members now, several applications in, and hope to continue with the good work. Our members attend lodge real well, and each one takes a great interest and is always ready to do anything for the good of the Order. We are thinking of organizing a lodge of the Ladies Society of the B. of L. F. On the evening of January 7th we met in the hall with the ladies to get acquainted, as they were not very well acquainted with each other, and had a very pleasant time. Some enjoyed themselves |