very much to the occasion. I have always advocated and endeavored to hold joint meetings in cities where more than one lodge is located, because I firmly believe they are productive of good results. It brings the members who are employed on different lines together where they have an opportunity to exchange ideas and become better acquainted with one another. This, in itself, is worthy of a great deal of attention, and which could not be accomplished had they not an opportunity to meet in such gatherings as the one referred to. At the conclusion of this meeting a very elaborate banquet was served and was enjoyed by all who participated, after which the members went to their respective homes fully satisfied, I am sure, that this meeting has done some good for our organization in the city of Columbus, and that it will bear good fruit. I wish to call attention and particularly mention the names of a few of the members who took a very prominent part at this meeting and the arrangements therefor, and to whom through their earnest efforts can be attributed the success of this meeting: Bros. Geo. W. Poor and W. H. Nason, Lodge 9; Howard Paulin, Lodge 239; F. P. McDonald, Lodge 537; R. S. Armstrong, Lodge 545; Bro. Stone, Lodge 583; F. M. Dye, Lodge 445. I wish to extend to these members particularly, my sincere appreciation for their efforts in making this meeting a success and their kindness shown me while in that city. And last, but not least, I wish to extend to Bro. John F. McNamee, Editor and Manager of the Magazine, my appreciation for journeying all the way from Indianapolis to assist in making the meeting a success. Columbus being Bro. McNamee's home, and he always taking a very active part in Brotherhood affairs before being elected to his present position, he is well known among the firemen in that city, and they were very glad to have him with them, receiving him very cordially.

Bidding them good-bye I took my departure for Lima, Ohio, where I held two very good meetings with Lodge 184 and initiated several candidates. Since my last visit to Lima this lodge has been doing business right up to date, and with the present corps of officers, which consists of Bros. J. J. McLaughlin, Master; R. F. Murphy, Secretary; F. J. Reede, Collector; James O'Connors, Treasurer, and W. S. Cox, Chairman, I predict a very bright future. I trust that the members of this lodge will put their shoulders

to the wheel and assist in every way possible to keep their lodge up to the highest standard. There is no good reason why this should not be one of the best lodges in the State of Ohio.

The present fiscal year is now drawing to a close and we are on the eve of a new year. Before another issue of the Magazine is in the hands of our members all subordinate lodges should have selected officers for the ensuing year, and in doing so great care should be exercised to select only those who are willing at all times to discharge their respective duties honestly and faithfully, and who are ready at any time to make a sacrifice when the welfare of our organization can be promoted and the interests of our members protected. TIMOTHY SHEA.

Third Vice Grand Master.

The first thing that I am going to mention in my letter for the June issue of the Magazine is the splendid report made by Bro. Blessing, Treasurer, and the Board of Trustees of Lodge 602, of Shawnee, O. T. Too high a compliment can not be paid to these worthy officers and members of this local lodge. While reading this splendid report I wondered then, and am still wondering, why it is that every lodge in the Order does not select as good material for officers as did Lodge 602. Every lodge can have officers who will do their full duty if the members are only careful in making selections. Bro. Blessing retires from the office of Treasurer on account of his being away from his lodge. One thing sure, he covered himself with glory in the way he handled the finances of his lodge. The Board of Trustees come in for their share of praise, and they have well earned it.

Since my last letter I have been very busy doing Joint Board work. I hope that the work will decrease some, as it has been coming thick and fast for several months past.

I find

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with Lodge 273, Denver, Colo. this lodge in the best of condition. Lodge 273 has always been a good lodge, and I hope it will always remain so. While in Pueblo I had the pleasure of meeting the Hon. John Martin, Master of Lodge 59. I always enjoy a visit with Bro. Martin.

It became necessary to go to Arizona and meet with the El Paso and South

western Joint Protective Board and management. While in Douglas a good meeting was held with Lodge 617. This lodge is doing well under the leadership of such worthy members as T. A. McDonough, T. La Wanda, E. D. Stolla, W. R. Brinson and J. R. Shannon. On my way to Kansas City I met Bro. Al Hawley in El Paso, Texas. Bro. Hawley is quite busy going the rounds, looking after the work of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting with the General Chairmen's Association in Chicago, Ill., on May 2d, I regret very much that I did not get the names of all who attended this meeting. The attendance was large, and results from this gathering should be felt in the near future. Bro. Hannahan was there to greet the members of the Association, and likewise give good advice, which he always does on occasions of that kind.

It will be the writer's purpose to go to Huntington, Ind., and give a lecture and entertainment just as soon as he can arrange to do so. Business has been such for some time that giving entertainments has been out of the question. I hope, however, to be able to do some good work in that direction soon. At this time arrangements are being made to give an entertainment at Chanute, Kansas, on or about June 16th. The last entertainment that was given there was a decided success, and I hope the one I contemplate holding will be as good, if not better than the last one.

I shall mention in this letter that Bro. John H. Murphy, of Lodge 77, is recovering his health again, which was greatly impaired, and which gave him much trouble last winter. Bro. Asa Dillon, of Downs, Kansas, is hale and hearty, and to see him no one would suspect that he hailed from the short grass country where they raised little else than cyclones and grasshoppers. Bro. Dillon was in Chicago and attended the Chairmen's meeting. Bro. A. P. Kelly, of Lodge 284, New Haven, Conn., was also in Chicago, and was ever ready for debate, and from the way he handled his part shows the interest he takes in the work of the Order. Bro. Boone, of Boone, Iowa, was in attendance, and did his part for the good of the cause. Bro. Fred McGregor came west to represent his system, the Boston and Maine, and to see the great and only city of Chicago. Bros. Frank Aderholdt, J. T. Ward, C. M. Rodgers and Joe Bedford came all the way from

Texas and did the honors for those whom they represented. It always does me good to meet with the Texas representatives. Bro. Tom Roberts, a member of the Grand Executive Board, was on the ground, and had a pleasant word for all. Bro. Thomas Burke, of Lodge 43, is Chairman of the General Chairmen's Association, and he is a good and efficient officer, who does his whole duty fearlessly and without favor. He presided over the meetings with dignity, and no better acknowledgment could be given him for his work than re-election to office.

On Sunday, May 8th, I had the pleasure of a short visit with Bro. Tom Hays, of Lodge 340, Newton, Kansas. There is only one Tom Hays. It is a pleasure to meet him.

Phillip Boner, the popular Master of Lodge 24, is always doing good for his lodge, and he is ably assisted by Bros. Dearth, Secretary, and Swanson, Collector, whom it is impossible to beat when it comes to doing good and faithful work. I regret to have to report that Bro. A. H. Alban, Treasurer, of Lodge 24, had to resign his office on account of moving away from headquarters. Bro. Tom Clair, of Lodge 24, is now a full-fledged mining man, and I bespeak for him a great future as a financier some day. Success to you, Tom.

Bro. Pat Tynan, of Lodge 522, is one of Nature's noblemen, and to meet him and talk with him is a pleasure. Bro. Pat is quite an orator, and if he keeps on he will be a second Patrick Henry. I regret to have to report that Bro. Harper, of Lodge 529, is ill in the hospital in Kansas City, Mo. The swamps of Arkansas do not agree with our brother. I hope he will soon be well again. Bro. George Fish, Master of Lodge 337, is all smiles these times, account of being able to be at work again on the Terminal Lines in Kansas City.

Brothers, work is scarce out in the West in most places now, but look out for six weeks from now. Kansas will have the largest wheat crop this year she has ever had, unless some unforeseen thing takes place. Kansas is now on the boom, and if nothing happens there will be work for every idle man in the State at good wages soon. There is rejoicing when working men are not idle. and good crops always make plenty of work; work brings contentment when accompanied with a good day's pay.

A few words in praise of Virginia Lodge 146, Ladies Society to the B. of

L. F.

This lodge gave an entertainment and spread on May 2d, in honor of the delegates to the meeting of the General Chairmen's Association held recently in Chicago, Ill. This also was the third anniversary of this lodge. The opening exercises began by an address of welcome by Mrs. George Goding, President of the Society, who welcomed all the guests in a neat speech. The following program was carried out:

Recitation by Miss Abbie Corcoran; baritone solo by Miss Clara Hecker; recitation by Miss Clara Orth; fancy skirt dance by Miss Edna Parry; song by Baby Leona Jackson; recitation by Miss Mae Flue. Remarks for the good of the Ladies Society were made by the visiting brothers, also by the brothers of Cook County.

Miss Rena Quinlan, at the piano, and Master Geo. Goding, first violin, furnished music for those who wished to trip the light fantastic for the balance of the evening.

To say that those who were present had a good time would be putting it mildly. Such gatherings and such times as are held under the auspices of the Ladies Societies are productive of much good. Is is always a pleasure to help out, and the writer is always ready to do his part in the way of encouraging the holding of joint meetings and entertainments, which all go to make life happier. I hope to have the pleasure some time in the future of making this society another visit.

organization, being up to date in every particular and ably presided over by Bro. Bethune. I also had the pleasure of spending a short time with Mr. Wallace, the master mechanic at this point, and to whom the many readers of our Magazine are indebted for the valuable information they receive in reading "Locomotive Running and Repairs." A short conversation with him will convince the most skeptical that this department is in good hands.

I attended the regular meeting of 519 in Duluth, Minn., and found Bro. H. Smith (Chairman Northern Pacific System) in the chair. There was a good attendance of the members, and several other lodges were represented. The books and lodge work I found according to constitution.

I next stopped at Calumet, Mich., the home of Lodge 533, where a special meeting was held and well represented, with Bros. Hughes and Crago in command. The most exacting Grand Officers could not discover an error in the books or lodge work.

Stopping over at Marquette, Mich., I attended a good meeting of Lodge 150, finding the members up to date and all interested in the work, they realizing that through the organization we have the splendid rates of pay and conditions in effect at this time. I also had the pleasure of meeting some of the members of Lodge 6 of the Ladies Society, who informed me of the good work they are accomplishing through their being organ

Fourth Vice Grand Master.

On May 1st I held a special meeting at Two Harbors, Minn., with Lodge 401, which was well attended. The books and lodge work are as near correct as possible, with a very efficient set of officers in command. That respected charter member, Bro. Tracy, occupies the chair and is held in the highest esteem by every member. The absence of Bro. O'Malley was noted, as he is one of the standard-bearers of this lodge. I extend my thanks to this lodge for special favors shown me.

Going to Proctor Knott, Minn., I found a special meeting arranged by Lodge 539. This lodge is a valuable addition to our

Going to Sault Ste. Marie I held a special meeting with Lodge 606, where I found as loyal a lot of members as ever belonged to any union. Many of our read: ers are aware of the large Clergue Works at this point, which shut down some time ago, letting all of our members out of employment and compelling them to secure an existence elsewhere, but before leaving they promised each other to stand loyal to their charter, and at this time not a member has proven false. The government of Canada having come to the rescue, these large works will soon be running on a larger scale than heretofore, and we will find a lodge at this point that will surpass our best expectations.

I attended a special meeting in West Bay City with Lodge 152, which was well represented. Their principal complaint seems to be shortness of material to increase their membership, as all eligible persons are enrolled. I was pleased to know that the Master of this lodge, Bro.

McCargo, had been elected to the responsible position of Chairman of the Michigan Central System.

After an absence of ten weeks I returned home to get acquainted with my family and visit my own lodge.

I attended a regular meeting in Stratford with Lodge 38, which was fairly represented. On account of so many members being on duty or absent from this station, meetings are not being held regularly, but I trust the coming summer will bring about a better attendance. As the boys do not forget their obligations and have an efficient Collector and Treasurer, the books are balanced on the right side.

Stopping off at Ft. Erie I found Lodge 471 in session and candidates in waiting. They are a whole-souled lot of Brotherhood men at this point, who uphold the dignity of our Order. As Bro. Alex McIntyre is as active as ever, this lodge has nothing to fear.

At Niagara Falls I met some of the members of 487 and found that, although they are unable to hold regular meetings, yet, through the earnest work of Bros. Patterson, Rhynd and other members, they are keeping their lodge in good order, with the expectation that in a short time their members will be increased.

At Hamilton I went to the regular meeting of Lodge 151, where I found a large attendance and six candidates to be initiated. It is needless to say an interesting time was had, in which all present participated, but on account of so many Spiritualists being in waiting we had to leave the hall at an early hour. This is an active lodge, up to date and ably represented by Bros. Perkins, Duffy, Dore and Griffith.

I then went to Toronto to attend to some Brotherhood matters, and from there to the hospital to inquire about the condition of Bro. H. M. Paton, a member of my lodge and the respected Secretary and Treasurer of the Grand Trunk Joint Protective Board, who, through a terrible collision, was left in a very critical condition, his fireman and brakeman being both killed. I was pleased to find him out of danger if no other complications arose.

Stopping off at Sarnia Tunnel I went to the regular meeting of Lodge 221. A large meeting was in progress and candidates were present to become members. This lodge has a large percentage of engineers who take an active part in the work of the lodge, believing that there is

fully as good protection for them in the B. of L. F. as in any other organization, and at a far less cost. Bros. Gray and Blake deserve credit for the good standing of this large lodge.

On going to Port Huron I met some of the members of Lodge 586, but as I could not arrange a meeting I promised to return at an early date, when they expect to have some candidates ready for admission.

I attended the regular meeting of Lodge 158 in Detroit and had a very interesting time. This edge is well up to date and the members interested, as they believe that in unity there is strength, and through that unity we are indebted for the splendid conditions that exist today. This lodge has in Bros. Smith, Doherty and Miller officers of whom they need have no fear. I was sorry to hear of Bro. Miller's extended illness and hope he will be speedily restored to health.

On my way to Battle Creek I stopped off at Jackson to spend an hour with Lodge 240. I found them so well up in the work that I promised to return later and see how candidates were impressed in the beautiful language of the ritual.

On arrival at Battle Creek I found that meetings had been changed, but not the Directory. However, a good meeting had been arranged for in Lodge 84. Several matters of interest were discussed by all present, and, on account of some of the active members not being able to be present, I promised to return before leaving the State.

At Durand I was unable to meet but a few members of Lodge 420, as business on the road was good and every available employe was on duty. This lodge, under Bros. Elliot and Priest's administration, is progressing favorably. A little Joint Protective Board work on a basis of equality with other roads would materially assist all our members.

At Windsor an interesting meeting was held with Lodge 421, there being a good attendance present and candidates ready for initiation. This is a lodge of which the members may well feel proud, and reflects credit on the officers, Bros. Cross, Pryor and King, not forgetting that old standby, Sandy Oswald. I visited Bro. Howe and was grieved to see him confined to bed, but hope ere this he will be restored to health and strength.

My next stop was at Ionia, to meet with Lodge 431. A special meeting was arranged and the goat given some active service. It is true an eccentric was