The members of Franklin Lodge concur in the expression of their high appreciation of the pure character and many virtues which adorned the life of our deceased brother, and extend their most respectful and sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

LODGE 597-(J. S. Crearer, Winnipeg, Manitoba.) It is some time since anything has appeared in the columns of the Magazine from Lodge 597, and one reason for this is that the brothers are too busy looking after the fair 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 great Western country.

Bro. G. Routley, who has recently been promoted to the right side, can not afford to lay off a trip to give a poor spare man a trip, for he has a winsome young lady in sight and is going to take up housekeeping on Portage avenue West. Bro. C. B. Lilly has a steady passenger run on what they call the "Dusty Mail." Charlie is fairly delighted with the big engine, 68. Bro. John H. Baldwin is working very steady now on the Canadian Northern Railway, pulling ballast to fill up the soft spots, and he is another brother who can not leave Rainy River, one of our great Western countries, for I think he has a beautiful young lady there. Bro. Thomas Drought has taken a set of Scranton school books. Tommy says that he will be an "eagle eye" some day, if his pump does not play out. He is at present bake head on one of our great and flourishing freight runs between Winnipeg and Rainy River, which is a most delightful trip to make. Tommy says it keeps him busy spreading black diamonds and keeping a sharp eye for the tail lights. Bro. H. Strome is at present running the Muskeg Express. The leaving time is 10:25 a. m. and his arriving time 10:25 p. m., and he does his best to get in on time, for Bro. W. Virtue, who is firing the Dauphin passenger, is disputing with Bro. Strome over a handsome young lady, but they ought to take my advice and keep an eye on Bro. Rigger, who is very intimate with the same party. Bro. Jimmy Baird has been firing one of the new Brooks engines, 200, but he has been laying off from work for some time. I think little Jimmy is learning to skate. He says the rink is the only place for him, and I think it is, for he has been keeping very late hours for the last few weeks.

We are enjoying prosperity on the Canadian Northern Railway, and the members of 597 wish Bro. McNamee much success as Editor and Manager of the Firemen's Magazine.

LODGE 301-(Z. J. B., Newport, Vt.) Once more we drape our charter and pay the last sad rites to a departed brother. On the morning of March 15th, Bro. John Folsom met death while in the performance of his duty. He was in charge of B. & M. freight engine 754, north bound, and collided with a C. P. east bound, freight at the crossing of the C. P. and G. T. railways at Lennoxville, P. Q. Bro. Folsom leaves a wife, two children and many friends to mourn his loss. There was a sad incident connected with Bro. Folsom's death. Upon the fatal morning a caller at the house, who already knew of his sad and untimely death, found Mrs. Folsom busily engaged preparing breakfast and in the happy anticipation of her husband's return. As she remarked, "John will soon be here, and I must have breakfast ready when he comes," he turned his head and walked away, leaving her in ignorance of the awful news that must come all too soon. The day wore over and the husband came not, but instead came a messenger to break the sad news to a heartbroken wife and offer his sympathy to the afflicted family. The funeral was conducted by Green Mountain Lodge 301. The floral tributes were many and beautiful. The sympathy of the entire membership of Lodge 301 is extended to the bereaved family.

LODGE 651-(Albert Simons, St. Mary's Pa.) This lodge was instituted February 21st by First Vice Grand Master C. A. Wilson, with ten new members and from West Branch Lodge 338, Renevo. nineteen members having transfer cards

There are eleven of those members who

have been eagle eyes for the past two to seven years, and they think the B. of L. F. is all right. If you don't believe it, ask Bro. L. J. Mullaney, as he says: "Never leave a good thing to go into something you don't know anything about." Bro. J. C. Williams has been promoted to the right side. Bro. Wilson called him the "long fellow," but you ought to see him now he can hardly get into the cab of the 20. We have a new goat, and there are bright prospects for Lodge 651, as the P. S. N. expects to increase business

50 per cent. this year, and we will try and have all the new fire boys lined up before the first of next year.

LODGE 8-(R. F. H. Dickson, Denison, Texas.) It is with bowed heads and sad hearts that the charter of Red River Lodge No. 8 is draped once more in mourning for one of our departed brothers, Bro. Charlie Greer, who died on March 28, 1903, with a relapse of measles. He went to the reward which awaits us all. He was a young man just in the prime of manhood, and was respected and loved by all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved mother, brother and family.

Our lodge is in flourishing condition. We have one of the best in the country, and the boys are proud of it. She grows every meeting. Will Seward, of the tallow pots, has been promoted to the righthand side. Success to him. I wish the Brotherhood Godspeed in the noble work it is doing.

LODGE 422-(Member, McDonoghville, La.) I have been located at McDonoghville, La., since last September, and have made this my home, and my thoughts are with the boys always because they are noble and true to one another. Their word is as good and as true as steel. This is saying a great deal, but, nevertheless, it is true, and they are worthy of all the praise that can be bestowed upon them. When the meeting day comes they are always there and you don't have to impose fines upon them. I have always fought against this, simply because it is not brotherly love. You can take a horse to water, but you can not make him drink. However, I am proud to say that 422 does not need such rules, and when our grand officers come, or the boys hear of their coming, all who can come meet them with a glad heart-such are the members and officers of 422. I wish success and health to all of them.

engineers, so our neighbor lodges can see that we haven't discontinued business yet. Our lodge is in better condition than it has been for two years, and the boys are taking more interest in the work than they have for some time. We hope that by the first of 1905 we will number one hundred members. The C. O. & G. is a little on the "Q. T." at the present time, but the boys are making very good money, enough to pay their dues and board bills.

We were proud to see the boys turn out to the funeral of Bro. T. M. Stovall's wife. Each and every member of 551 extends their sympathy to Bro. Stovall, and may God bless him and his two little daughters, who are left to mourn the loss of one who was so dear to them.

We all wish Bro. H. R. Wheeler a long and happy married life. It was somewhat of a surprise to us but, of course, we can see where he was right, especially in a place like this, where it pays a man to keep quiet when he gets married. Choctow Lodge 551 meets in Humphrey's Hall, corner Madison and Newton avenues, every Wednesday night at 7:30 sharp.

LODGE 213-(F. Fancher, Syracuse, N. Y.) We have quite a large number of new members and expect to initiate several more as soon as we get a little spring tonic down our goat. Our wives and sisters have started a Ladies Society here and are all well pleased with the work. We had a union meeting March 29th and all had a jolly time. After meeting the ladies served refreshments, and you ought to have seen those "tallow pots" eat. We thought at one time we would have to order the wrecking train with a derrick, but finally all rallied and then we were favored with songs from Sisters Rombaugh, Fancher and Kelly, Bro. Fancher presiding at the piano. We are all looking for the time when we can have another union meeting, and the boys request that the sisters do not forget their baskets.

Here's to New Year Lodge 110

And West Shore Lodge with 100 strong

men.

use

cuse.

Our sisters and wives have started a lodge

And are around selling tickets, and you must not dodge,

For I am sure you'll all go to their euchre And hear Bro. Frost, our genuine joker, For he's handsome and fat and light on his feet,

And you can bet he's on hand when there's anything to eat.

And Bro. Mahar will surely be there, And to leave anyone out would hardly be fair.

There's Frost and Frosty and long-legged Will,

And Bro. Steinberg, our Master, saying, "Boys, please be still;"

And our worthy brother and able Collector,

To know who he is we need no director, For he's always on hand with receipt book in line

And can make you your change at any old time.

Now here's to our lodge and Ladies Auxiliary,

To initiate members whenever we can, And be sure and get good ones that will lend us a hand.

Now you can all see that I am no poet, But long Bill sits by and says "Go on and do it."

Perhaps the next time I'll not need much

persuasion

the general manager and the cordial manner in which he received the Firemen's committee. Owing to the fact that this is the first and only schedule for the firemen, every one is highly pleased with the work done by the committee, and arrangements are being made for another schedule covering more fully the duties and rights of the firemen on the system.

LODGE 622-(Ethyl G. Ownby, Asheville, N. C.) "None knew him, but to love him," may in truth be said of our beloved brother, James Kenneth Sanders, who was killed near Chihuahua, Mexico, September 10, 1903. The engine was derailed by a Mexican bull upon the track, and he was killed instantly. He was born at Hot Springs, N. C., January 7, 1881, and was educated at the Dorland Institute. At the early age of eighteen he entered the services of the Southern Railroad, where he remained until three months previous to his death, having accepted a position with the Mexican Central Railroad.

His body, accompanied by Engineer Rupert, of Mexico, was brought to Hot

occasion.

J. P. B. MAINE CENTRAL RAILWAY.(B. R. Berry, Chairman, Bangor, Maine.) The Joint Protective Board has just returned from the office of the general manager, where they were convened with the superintendent of motive power, Mr. P. M. Hammett, and Mr. Geo. F. Evans, vice-president and general manager. The subject before the Board was the question of rights and privileges for the firemen employed on the M. C. R. R. Mr. Berry, Chairman of the Board, introduced the subject, and after a lengthy discussion between the two parties a suitable schedule was drawn and signed. The management expressed its willingness to discuss and adjust the different questions arising between employer and employe, so that the meeting terminated with a feeling of respect for each other that is not likely to be soon forgotten.

Owing to the present depression of business on the road it was decided to defer further argument on the increase of wages until a time when there is a greater amount of business than at present. The committee has great respect for

LODGE 223-(J. F. Tierney, Grafton, W. Va.) On March 6th we received the sad news of Bro. H. E. Britter's death, which occurred at Argenta, Ark. Bro. Britter came to this city about three years ago and entered the service of the B. & O. R. R. as fireman on the Wheeling Division. After being in the service the usual length of time he became a member of Green Valley Lodge 223 B. of L. F., of which he continued to be a faithful member until he met his death.

After leaving the Wheeling Division he went to seek his fortune in the West, where he met his sad fate. He was a model young man, sober and industrious, bright and cheerful, happy and contented, always ready to help his associates in time of need. It seems sad to think that within the last six months two of the jolliest members we had were called away just as they were entering into manhood. Today one lies in the beautiful cemetery at Morgantown, W. Va., while the other lies in a newly-made grave on the top of the Allegheny Mountains. We wish to sincerely thank the Master of Lodge 304 for the manner in which he cared so nicely for our dear brother, when friends and relations were so far away from him. To his grief-stricken father and mother, brothers and sister we extend our sympathy in their sad bereavement.

I

LODGE 566-(Member, Fresno, Cal.) take great pleasure in informing the brothers that the members of 566 are taking a great interest in lodge meetings and striving for the upbuilding of so great an organization as the B. of L. F.

It will soon be time for the election of officers, so, brothers, look around for the best members you have for officers, for with officers who take an interest in lodge work and who are prompt in attending meetings, you will surely build up your lodge.

Bro. Ed Thomas, who was badly hurt in a head-end collision on February 27th, is getting along nicely and ere long we expect to see his smiling countenance among us. Bro. Harry Canfield, who has been unable to fire for the past eighteen months, has returned to Richmond, and was badly burned about the face and hands by the explosion of gas in a stationary oil burner, but is able to be around again.

"Society" George and "Happy" White can be seen these days talking about their

LODGE 528-(Ned V. Haynes, Galeton, Pa.) I have noticed in the correspondence columns that none of the brothers have let you hear from us. We are getting along nicely with our lodge work. It is with deep regret I announce that four of our oldest and most active members have left us and joined the B. of L. E. We certainly dislike to lose them, but we can congratulate the Engineers upon securing such good and faithful workers. They are Bros. E. C. Ward, F. J. Osgood, J. A. Frith and Fred Holmes. The B. of L. E. and the B. of L. F. held their seventh annual ball on Easter Monday evening. It was a social and financial success, and everybody reported a fine time.

LODGE 87-(H. Perrett, Rawlins, Wyo.) The members of 87 held their annual ball on April 4th, and it proved to be a grand success. All present had a good time and went away feeling they had gotten their money's worth. The brothers on the different committees worked like beavers, but felt paid for their labors in seeing the crowd that attended the ball. Could some of our Grand Lodge officials drop in on these occasions they could not help but say the B. of L. F. is still alive in the West. That we may still continue and grow in the good work of the Brotherhood, and that all men handling the scoop may be among the tried and the true, is the earnest desire of the writer.

LODGE 275-(A. M. Sturrock, Chicago, Ill.) It is with sad hearts we inform the brothers of the draping of our charter in memory of our departed brother, James Murphy, of Janesville, Wis., after a few weeks' illness.

Bro. Murphy was one of the oldest firemen and Brotherhood men on the C. & N. W. System, and was well liked by

all who knew him. He worked faithfully and unceasingly for his family, always remembering and abiding by our grand motto of "Protection, Charity, Sobriety and Industry." On March 24th the Order of Hibernians took charge of the funeral from our departed brother's home to St. Patrick's Church. After the services, members of 385 and 275 filed in behind the hearse and marched to the City Hall, thence by carriages to the grave at the cemetery. The Master and Collector of 275 performed the burial ceremony, which proved very impressive and was appreciated. Again we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Bro. Murphy's family and to all who are left to mourn a departed brother, who must pass over an unknown division. God's will be done. Masters and Past Masters, J. H. Falter and Thos. Heagney of 385, and Wm. E. Van Inwegen, of 275, also J. D. Freeman, S. G. Smith, J. E. Hill, R. Davis and G. Madden, or 275, were present. While writing I wish to advise that on and after April 10th we will meet in our old lodge hall, 192 West Chicago avenue. The hall has been refurnished and we will gladly welcome all visiting members.

LODGE 441-(L. McDowell, Cincinnati, Ohio.) It is with great sorrow I announce that our lodge has again been visited with the grim reaper, death. This time it has robbed us of one of our best

and noblest members, Bro. Edward E. Jones, who met his death on the eve of March 27, 1904, on train 126, at Clare, Ohio, caused by engine 8947 going off the derailer and turning over, pinning him under the engine and killing him almost instantly. Bro. C. T. Corcoran, his fireman, escaped injury by jumping. Only two months previous, his fireman, Bro. Samuel Lavan Fuller, met his death by falling from top of a tank at Xenia, Ohio, while on the same train. In the death of these two brothers, Miami Lodge has lost two members whom it will be hard to replace.

Bro. Edward E. Jones was a member of the Masonic Order, also a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. The funeral was conducted by the three orders, and his was a funeral that will leave an impression on those who witnessed it for sometime to come. Bro. Jones had friends by the score, and the members of Miami Lodge extend their sincere sympathy to the sorrowing widow and his two sons whom Bro. Jones loved and respected when in life. I will sadly miss him for his fatherly advice, which he was ever ready to give me. He was 49 years of age and had been running an engine on the Cincinnati Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad for 25 years. Our charter has been draped for a period of thirty days in his memory. May his soul ever rest in peace.