day. Mrs. Neybarger, the very able and genial housewife of Bro. Neybarger, decided to surprise him on his birthday, the 29th of March. She gave all the members of 175, their wives and sweethearts, a very cordial invitation to attend, along with a number of their good neighbors. The lovely home was very tastefully decorated with bunting, flags, evergreen and Japanese lanterns. The jolly crowd swept in on Bro. Neybarger and took him by surprise. He was presented with some very useful and handsome presents, amongst which was a very handsome rocker, in which he can rest his weary bones after a long and tiresome run of 150 miles. The evening was spent in playing games, music, and a general good time, after which Mrs. Neybarger served a very nice luncheon. The refreshments were enjoyed by all, and, after wishing Bro. Neybarger many more such happy events, all repaired to their homes, feeling that they had had a very enjoyable time.

LODGE 86 (Member, Laramie, Wyo.) On April 26th our lodge gave its twentysixth annual ball, and as a social, as well as financial success, it was one of the most successful ever given by 86. Our hall was decorated all over with crepe paper, and on the sides was a welcome to all the different railroad orders, with a wreath of evergreen around the letters. This made a very pretty effect. There were 9,700 feet of paper used in decorating, besides 200 feet of bunting and three dozen lights. We also had a representation of the front end of an engine on the stage, just coming out of a tunnel. was as natural as one running on a road going through a tunnel.

It

The supper at intermission was fine. and was served by Jewel of 86, L. S. The ladies worked hard, and their efforts were crowned by a nice little sum to add to their treasury. Our program was the finest ever given out to a dance in Wyoming. The front cover was made out of red celluloid, with a picture of a passenger train running over Ft. Steel bridge, while the back cover was green, with a white ribbon bow and a cord and pencil in the corner, representing our colors.

The brothers gave a vote of thanks to Sisters J. L. Davis, McAllister, Jennie Peale, Pearl Wilson and the mothers of Cheyenne, who worked so faithfully in tying ribbons on the program. This saved the brothers quite an expense; in fact, we could not have given such fine pro

grams without the help of the sisters and our side ladies. The arrangement committee, the "old reliable," Bros. Harnish, Anderson and McAllister, was assisted by every brother who was in town. Bro. Howard, who is the tallest one among us, as well as a good, faithful worker, came in handy in trimming the high places. Bro. Ed Chandler did his duty nobly in standing at the door, taking in the tickets.

The grand march was led by Bro. Humpfner and Miss McKay, followed by Division Foreman Sullivan and day and night Roundhouse Foremen Roth and Keyenon. Our General Chairman of the U. P. System, and wife, from Cheyenne, were present. The next day was our regular meeting day, and our goat was in splendid trim after such a good time the day before; at least, that is what Bro. Lewis, who was initiated after the ball, thinks. Well, we are all waiting for our next ball, when the boys say they will beat anything that has ever occurred in the State. Our Grand Officers had better start figuring on a couple of days of spare time and attend the twenty-seventh annual ball of 86.

LODGE 84-(W. A. Sawdey, Battle Creek, Mich.) Bro. Ball was present at a meeting here on the 25th of April. Not getting matters satisfactorily adjusted, we secured a date for a return visit from him on the 6th of May. In the line of taking in new members we are doing our share. Our lodge will also be in favor of a salaried Chairman at the next meeting of the Board. At any rate, such seems to be the sentiment of the majority of the brothers at present. Bro. Ball gave us a very interesting talk on this subject, which made many of the boys feel differently about a salaried Chair

man.

LODGE 338-(Geo. T. Riley, Renovo, Pa.) The hand of the great Reaper has again visited our lodge and taken from us one of our best and most faithful members, James Arbegast. Bro. Arbegast had been a member of 338 for thirteen years, and held the office of Treasurer for four years. On April 4th, while walking on the track a mile east of Renovo, he was struck by the Buffalo Flyer and instantly killed. He is survived by a loving and devoted wife, mother and four sisters, who mourn his loss. His death has

caused a vacancy at home and in 338 that can never be filled.

The remains were placed in a beautiful couch casket and laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery at Newville. All the orders to which he belonged were represented, viz.: B. of L. F., B. of L. E., I. O. O. F., P. O. S. of A., and Knights of Malta. Bro. Arbegast was also a devoted member of the M. E. Church, and, having always been a good Christian, he has gone to serve the great Master above.

LODGE 540-(G. H. Carman, Denver, Colo.) It is my painful duty to report the death of our late brother, John T. Griffiths, who was killed on the 29th of March while discharging his duty as an engineer, which he was always ready and willing to do. Bro. Griffiths was going north on an extra on the Colorado and Southern Railroad from Denver to Greeley. His train was made up in the east yards and was ready to go. He happened to be standing on a side track next to his train with his conductor, comparing orders. Switch engine 209 was pushing some cars up this track, and, unmindful of the danger they were in and not hearing any noise, they were knocked down by the cars. The conductor was thrown clear off the rails, but escaped with slight injuries. Bro. Griffiths was not so fortunate, for he fell across the rail, one pair of the trucks passing over his legs and crushing them. He never recovered from the shock, dying the morning of the 31st.

Bro. Griffiths leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss. The remains were shipped east to Osage City, Kans., to his folks. The widow and children, with Bro. Slocum, accompanied the remains to their last resting place. In the death of Bro. Griffiths the widow and children have lost a devoted husband and father, the Brotherhood one of its best members, and the community one of its best citizens. Bro. Griffiths had many admirable qualities and was loved by all who knew him. The members of his lodge extend to the widow and children their sincerest sympathy in this hour of affliction, and trust and pray that the kind Father in heaven will watch over and protect them.

Lodge 540 is moving along nicely and can boast of a membership of 100 members, all good workers. We keep adding to the fold right along.

LODGE 8-(R. T. H. Dickson, Denison, Texas.) We are still doing business at the same old stand. We held our second annual ball on Friday night, April 22d, which was a brilliant success. The grand march was led by our worthy Master, Bro. J. N. Cowan, and wife. After the march was over about seventy-five couples joined in the dance, which was indulged in until the wee, small hours of morning. Supper was served at 12 o'clock, to which all did justice. We had plenty to eat and plenty to spare. I do not know what the net proceeds were, but think they came out even.

Well, our goat is getting "sassy." We have new members added every meeting. Long may the charter of No. 8 float out as a shining light to guide the weary tallow pot to wear the emblem of the B. of L. F. The boys here seem pretty well satisfied with their jobs. We have some big Baldwins to fight, but with work and energy success is forthcoming. Some of the boys who were promoted to the right side have been put back to the scoop on account of business being dull.

LODGE 466 (Member, Dennison, Ohio.) A still tongue maketh a wise heart. Yet we will be free with our wisdom and not keep quiet any longer. The lodge is in good condition and our meetings are of interest and well attended, considering our numbers and their chances of being in town on meeting days.

We have a few cherished faces in mind which we would be very much pleased to see in our lodge room, and we will try to make things interesting. We may of right congratulate ourselves on the new members we are initiating, and yet that grim monster the goat-is ready at any time, and if each member will enforce upon himself the duty of obtaining a candidate we will readily and most satisfactorily give him the work.

C. W. Arnold is wearing an "E 2 a" smile and is proud of his daughter. Charley says she can not say papa yet, but she wants to come to the "toot toot" with him. Our Treasurer continues to take his trips on the rural electric line, which is a positive evidence that Cupid is at work.

Boys, remember that our place of meeting has been changed to Eagle Hall, corner of Second and Grant streets.

Here is a stanza of poetry which contains considerable truth:

The happiest heart that ever beat
Was in some quiet breast,
That found the common daylight sweet,
And left to heaven the rest.

LODGE 478-(Member, Providence, R. I.) Lodge 478 is thriving and increasing in membership, with a good field to work in. Bro. C. W. Graves has been appoint ed road foreman of engines of the Worcester Division of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.

On March 27th last we celebrated our twelfth anniversary. Lodge 73 was invited and forty members from that lodge were present. A very enjoyable meeting was held. Very interesting remarks were made by a number of the visiting brothers and our members, also by Bro. C. W. Graves, R. F. of E. After the meeting we adjourned to the supper hall, where the hungry were satisfied.

On April 10th a very enjoyable meeting was held. Bro. M. Murphy, formerly a fireman on the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., but now employed as clerk in the Grand Lodge office, was in Providence, taking unto himself a wife, but he found time to attend the meeting, and was very much surprised when presented with a handsome silver service, as a slight token of the esteem in which he is held by the members of 478. Bro. Graves made the presentation speech, to which Bro. Murphy feelingly responded. Bro. Patrick Keenan, our worthy Vice-Master, also presented Bro. Murphy with a handsome silver berry dish and spoon. To say that Bro. Murphy was surprised would be putting it mildly. May the pathway of Bro. Murphy's married life be strewn with roses without a thorn, is the earnest wish of his many friends and members of 478.

LODGE 174 (E. P. Newlin, Harrisburg, Pa.) We are still increasing in membership. The boys are hustling so that by the next meeting of the Grand Lodge we can report 600 strong. There are a great many ways to increase the membership. First, by the officers taking good care of the sick and injured, and above all keeping the social part up to the standard.

We have been holding birthday surprises. The last was April 15th, when Bro. Yost, Past Master, better known as "Old Tom," reached the forty-sixth mileWe stopped him for a few minutes to tell him he was getting old, but

stone.

it took 100 of the boys, with their wives, members of Lodge 60 Ladies Society, to tell him. Bro. Kuhn took him away for a day to get a good country meal, and when he came back we all came marching in on him, and he, like Bros. McDonald, Felix and "Sawdust" Sam Haltry, was surprised. After congratulations, Bro. Newlin spoke to Bro. Tom for those assembled, telling him of the years he has been a credit to his parents, also the great value he has been to 174, and how the lodge had prospered under his two years as Master. To show him the boys' appreciation, he was presented with a chart of the B. of L. F. and a beautiful wine set. Bro. Newlin, in behalf of the ladies, also presented him with a beautiful umbrella, showing their appreciation of the assistance he had given to them. "Old Tom" was called on for a reply to Bro. Newlin's speech, thinking he would fail, but as he is one of the boys of 174 that is all wool and a yard wide, he took hold of the throttle, and the way he spoke for a few moments would be a credit to the United States Senate or House. He said that all of his work for 174 was heart work, for he loved the man behind the boiler. Mrs. Yost, better known as Barbee, was fooled, but in the background was something for her. Sister Redmond, President of Lodge 60, L. S., in a neat presentation speech, handed to Barbee a beautiful water set. "Old Tom" called for Barbee to reply to the President's speech. She replied by inviting all to partake of something more substantial in the dining-room, and we didn't hear one refusal. Brotherhood boys, try this plan of sociability, and prosperity is yours. We have the next place picked out, and would hear from 174 again.

Our beloved Secretary, Bro. Felix, is still in the hospital, but at this hour is on the mend. There have been earnest prayers offered for his return to us, and in God's wonderful love he has allowed his whole heart to be with the boys on the rail. Might we repay by just a thought and action for Him daily.

LODGE 77-(J. A. Rymer, Denver, Colo.) It is with a strong degree of sadness pervading our ranks that we announce the death of Bro. Louis E. Watson, who was called to his reward on March 18, 1904, after an illness of five months, caused by disease of the lungs. Bro. Watson joined Lodge 77 July 18, 1901. At that time he was employed by

the B. & M. R. R. Shortly after joining the Order he resigned his position and went east to his home in Little Hocking Valley, Ohio, where he remained up to the time of his death.

In the death of Bro. Watson the Brotherhood has lost a faithful and true member. He leaves a mother and father to mourn his loss, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their terrible affliction.

We also announce the death of the wife of our esteemed and valued friend and brother, G. C. Peacock, who, after a brief illness caused by pneumonia, passed away February 12, 1904. Mrs. Peacock was born January 2, 1872, at California Junction, Iowa. The deceased was married to Bro. Peacock July 28, 1897, in Missouri Valley, Iowa. She accompanied her husband to Denver, Colo., May 1, 1899, where they have since resided, Bro. Peacock being employed as an engineer on the Julesburg Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad.

We are still doing business at the old stand, climbing right along and adding new members to our list. We have worn out our old goat and have ordered a new one, which we expect will be here in a few days. We have six candidates awaiting his arrival, and a merry chase, we contemplate, the new goat will give them; and if he doesn't put the blue label on them, I will miss my guess. We expect to add several new names to our membership roll between now and June 30th, as we have considerable timber to work up, with two roads to draw from. So, brothers, let's get to work and try to bring our membership up to the 200 mark by June 30th.

With great pleasure we announce the recovery of Bro. J. H. Murphy, our Grand Counsel, and Bro. P. J. Carr, Special Detective on the Denver force, from recent illness.

LODGE 652-(Member, Wichita Falls, Texas.) On March 18, 1904, this lodge found a warm welcome at Wichita Falls, Texas. Bro. Chas. W. Maier came and organized us with twenty charter members. We started out fairly well with our own home, lodge furniture, etc.

We also have a Ladies Society, Lodge 148. This lodge is composed of noble workers, whose willing hands are ever ready to assist the brothers in every possible manner. Our joint meetings are held every second Wednesday evening.

They are very interesting, and, of course, well attended.

I must tell you about our boys. They are the most zealous lot of fellows it has ever been my pleasure to meet with. When the meeting night arrives our members also arrive at the lodge room and take an active interest in all the doings of the organization. I know we will make a success of our lodge on this account. We are right up to now on the "outside" alarm. Our brother, L. D. Rhodes, presented us with an electric bell for this purpose. So all we have to do is press the button and the bell does the rest. Recently we organized a B. of L. F. railway mechanical and reading club. We meet every Monday night in the B. of L. F. Hall to discuss mechanical subjects. Any time the boys are in they are privileged to make themselves at home in the lodge room for reading purposes.

I can not close without saying a word for our Third Vice Grand Master, who has been such a valuable assistant, or more properly a leader for us in many ways. Bro. Maier is truly one of nature's own noblemen. He is one of the strongest supports of our grand organization.

LODGE 651 (Albert Simons, St. Marys, Pa.) Never before have we felt the force of the words, "In the midst of life we are in death," or realized more fully that life is an uncertainty than we did when word came to us on April 17, 1904, that our beloved brother, Ernest W. Brown, who was the fireman on extra north, engine 53, had met his death on a runaway train of 38 cars of coal down a 22 per cent. grade, wrecking the engine and 24 cars. Bro. Frank Krause, who was also hurt very badly, but is getting along very nicely, says when the train was wrecked it was going at the rate of 70 miles an hour. The indications are that Bro. Brown met instant death, as he was crushed and bruised very badly. He was buried under the tender of the engine and was not found until 3:30 p. m., and the accident happened at 1 a. m. The scene of the accident was about one mile north of Kasson, on the Sneethport Division, the main line of the P. S. & N. R. R. The body was brought to St. Marys on a special train and was met by a number of the brothers and taken to Undertaker Smith's, who worked all night to prepare the body, which was taken to his home on Chestnut street at 8:30 the next morning, for burial.