Non-Attendance.

ALTOONA, PA., Dec. 8, 1904. EDITOR JOURNAL: There is a subject I would like to hear discussed through the columns of the JOURNAL and get the sentiments of the members, thereby stirring up the dormant energy and force of the Brotherhood at large, especially Div. 287, on the subject of non-attendance of the members.

It seems to me that all the time is taken up fighting over finances, petty or personal grievances, which should be devoted to the good of the order.

The first of our mottoes being "Justice,” I think we should fully consider the meaning of the word, and adhere strictly thereto.

We should, as a Brotherhood, try to render to the company that gives us employment, the very best service we can in return for the many favors we received from them. If compensation and conditions under which we labor are unjust, we should go to our superiors in a gentlemanly, manly way, and endeavor to have them adjusted.

Now, then, to be just to our employer we should be up-to-date in all things pertaining to our work, such as the handling of the air brake, economical use of fuel, oil, furniture, fixtures, etc., a thorough understanding of the signals, rules and regulations governing our Division.

I think if each Subdivision would devote an hour to the discussion of these subjects it would create an interest among the members, and help to educate them to the highest standard of a locomotive engineer.

Supposing that a majority of the members are like those of Div. 287, I presume that some members stay away because old "Bill," or "Bob," or "Andy" have too much to say. Now, dear Brothers, if you come to the meetings and wish to air yourself I can guarantee you that "Bill & Co." will keep quiet and give you a chance.

Other members will not attend because they were defeated for office at previous election of officers. They imagine that

the members have them spotted, and that their presence is not wanted. Now, dear Brothers, such is not the case; you are wanted at the meetings; we would like to see and hear you, for I know you would show a spirit of fairness in the belief that the majority must rule.

I think if each Subdivision would devote more time to the discussion of subjects of interest to all members and the Brotherhood at large, such as air brake, signals, schedule, rules and regulations, and machinery, they could create an interest in the meetings that would cause all good, loyal, true, honest and fair-minded members to attend without having the F. A. E. send notices to them that they must attend the meetings once in three months or be expelled.

Hoping that Brother Charley will not consign this to the waste basket, and that it will result in a thorough discussion of the subject, I am

Yours fraternally,

"BOLIVAR."

Officials of the N. & W. Commended.

PORTSMOUTH, O., Dec 5, 1904. EDITOR JOURNAL: The November JOURNAL contained a letter from Bro. J. E. Henley, Secretary of the G. C. of A. of the N. & W. Ry., giving an account of a meeting held at Roanoke, Va., in compliance with the request of President L. E. Johnson. The meeting, no doubt, was beneficial to all present, and was entered into with zeal and earnestness, and the topics and questions laid before them were fully discussed. Upon adjournment and returning home I could not help but review that which had transpired; also to think of the possible results of such meetings where the officers of a railroad and the representatives of various classes of mechanics and laborers come together and discuss the past and present conditions upon mutual, friendly and equal

terms.

I have advocated this plan for some time, knowing that if conducted properly great and good benefits would result. To conduct such meetings properly would

depend upon the honesty of all concerned, and to impress upon all that they were working jointly to accomplish a certain purpose-the success of the road and its operation upon safe, sure and practical methods.

There is no question in my mind that a railway official, a general manager, for instance, who is thoroughly conversant with human nature and naturally endowed with the talents essentially necessary, could by a series of meetings with employees readily keep in touch with the details of an entire system; for information would be obtained that otherwise does not come out, for the simple reason that the mechanic or laborer does not get the opportunity to speak. There are masters in all trades; talent and genius among all workmen; but not all workmen, though masters of a trade, have the ambition and energy to give the benefit of their knowledge without the asking, or who are contented with their present conditions and positions and do not aspire to greater. Yet these men would, when opportunity afforded, unhesitatingly give their ideas for the benefit of their employer.

In the operation of large railway systems, from the president down, the officers must depend upon their subordinates for a faithful performance of duty, and must naturally accept their subordinate officers' reports. Should there be any irregularities or methods in practice which, if reported, would not be approved, would it not be an easy matter to frame such report as to meet the approval of superior officers? Hence, the meetings would expose such irregularities, and all others, should any exist, such as train movement, engine and shop management, etc.

The labor organizations meet a large expense maintaining committees to adjust the grievances of their members-grievances in many instances created by some ill practice or impractical method, which would be aired at these meetings; consequently the number of grievances, and engine failures, too, would decrease, saving both time and money to all concerned.

There are many advantages both in favor of the company and the employees to be derived, in my opinion, and I am confident that a series of these meetings would prove profitable and be a means of elevating the employees to the highest standard.

Brother Henley's praise of the officers of the N. & W. is truthful and not intended for flattery. They certainly have the good-will of the employees, and it is evident that the officers, especially the general officers, show favor to the employees upon every opportunity, and are as considerate of their welfare and interests as circumstances will permit; and I, for one, certainly appreciate that fact, and am glad that this friendly condition exists, for we must agree that where there is mutual and friendly co-operation of all concerned in the management of as large a system as the N. & W. Ry. that the best results are possible.

I consider the above a good subject for discussion by those who take an interest in Brotherhood affairs, and would like to hear what others' opinions

FORT WILLIAM, ONT., CAN., Dec. 8, 1904. EDITOR JOURNAL: In looking through the Correspondence Department of the December JOURNAL, I could not help noticing the remarks of "Skinney" on the referendum vote.

There certainly was something wrong outside the cussed indifference of a majority of the membership when such a small percentage of votes were polled.

I hope and I do not think a very large percentage of what we will call lost votes could be accounted for by the same excuse as Div. 243, for the first official intimation we received, except through our General Chairman, was the announcement of the result of the poll, and I am persuaded our vote, though small, would have been "Yea" unanimously.

I, myself, would like to see some system

devised by which every available member would be supplied with a voting blank, and all votes not returned be counted in the affirmative. Perhaps some system like this might stir up some of the lazy or indifferent members-if only those who, knowing that no returns count contrary, are always prepared to let things "go as they are" and never expect or want to get out of the old rut. A contrary vote is far more satisfactory than an unexpressed opinion.

Yours fraternally,

SKINNEY THE SECOND.

eran engineers of the M., K. & T., Brother Maynard firing for Brother Willis in the early seventies, while Brother Willis enjoys the distinction of being the second oldest engineer on the system, the beginning of his service dating back to the Civil War, of which he is a veteran.

Appreciating his knowledge of a locomotive, his steady nerve, manly bearing and civility of manner, his congenial companionship and popularity among men, Mr. J. J. Frey, President of the system, for a decade in the eighties preferred Brother Willis to pull his family special

Veteran Engineers at Home.

The above picture is of the home of Bro. R. M. Maynard, Div. 556, New Franklin, Mo. It was photographed by Mr. A. H. Wade, Brother Maynard's efficient fireman, who is proprietor of one of the finest art studios in the country.

On the veranda are Mrs. Maynard and the wife and daughter of Bro. F. Aspelmier, also of Div. 556. In the front is Brother Maynard presenting to Brother Willis, Div. 556, some official notes of Brotherhood work.

Brothers Maynard and Willis are vet

continuously during his term of presidency.

In years, Brother Willis has reached the allotted time of man, but, as he is wont to do with man, he seems to have cajoled Father Time by his affable and congenial manner to refrain from stamping those marks of age upon his erect figure and manly brow, for in appearance and activity he is scarcely forty.

His seniority and ability have placed this popular gentleman and Brother upon one of the best runs of the system, a preferred passenger, running from New

Franklin into the city of St. Louis, and his friends, who are legion, wish for him that he may enjoy active service among them for many years to come.

P. H. HANDLY, Div. 556.

Shorter Hours.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., Dec. 8, 1904. EDITOR JOURNAL: When I see the almost complete indifference with which the resolution adopted at our last convention and laid before the Brotherhood at large in defense of shorter hours, I cannot refrain from raising my voice in defense of the resolution, as it is what I have looked for and hoped for. It is true there are some in our membership who have a choice run, get good pay and do not wish to be molested in any way, but the great majority of us work too many hours, and as we are a Brotherhood, we should stand for what benefits that Brotherhood. When I joined the ranks in 1882 we were then the envy of all other labor organizations, but it seems we are in the background today in some respects. In this age we are dealing with today; yesterday is past and there is no reverence for the past. If we are not abreast with the times we must fall back and it is plain that we are less alive than many other orders who stand for the betterment of their condition.

In 1882 the poor coal miner was to be pitied, but since then he has come up out of the dust of degradation and despair and he stands today a respected citizen. This is especially so in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania.

The ice man in St. Louis will bring you no ice on Sunday; if you can't take enough on Saturday to last over Sunday, you must go without. The ice man is with his family on Sunday, and the railroad man is juggling around the yard with cars; others are hauling them over the road, and who condemns the ice man for such an achievement-not one-and I do not think these ice men are very Puritanical any more so than the butchers or other trades unions; and in passing I hope the question of wages will be given a rest for a while. The engineer who

makes two hundred dollars a month will not have any more money in the end than the one who makes one hundred. That sounds absurd—it is nevertheless true in most cases. We as railroad men can better our condition and at the same time hold the moral support of the public and our employers. It is a great satisfaction to know you are bettering your condition and still keeping within the line of justice. Let us not isolate ourselves from all social and intellectual touch with the world; if we do we will be called cowards. Fraternally yours,

GEO. A. CLARK.

The Best You Have.

PHILADELPHIA, PA., Dec. 4, 1904. EDITOR JOURNAL: To all the readers of the B. of L. E. JOURNAL I wish a Happy New Year; no doubt a wish that we all express with our tongues, but never do anything by our acts to help those about us to have a happy New Year. In the October JOURNAL, page 749, is an article by F. H. Sweet, called "The Best Yon Have." It will do us all good to read it and follow the advice given, and brings to mind these words: "As ye sow, so shall ye reap." Where we give love, love will return; where we give tears, the same will come back. Oh, some will say life is too short to try, but let us all try to make some one else happy and the result will encourage us to continue it, for I believe that there are more good people with good desires in the world than there are bad people with bad desires.

To begin, my Brothers, let us be sociable. When you go to your Division greet every Brother with a hand-clasp-with a cheery "How are you?" and see how gladly it will be returned by the Brethren; and if there are any visitors there, they will know you and remember you after they go away, and in some after day you will not feel lonely in their Division. Be patient and kind to the little children in your locality, and it will come back to you in kind. I have seen a woman who objected to their play, to their voice, and so forth, and her life was made miserable, as she tried to make theirs, and all that

childish ingenuity could think about was used to torment her, and within a square a woman encouraged their play, patted their cheeks, was kind in chiding them, etc., and everything around and about her was safe, and they were only too anxious to please her.

If you are sick, be patient and cheerful with everybody and see how many friends you will have about you. Don't, because you are sick, try to be cross at everybody else because they have not the same disease, but live on to make some one happy in your own feeble way. Be kind and courteous to your Brothers on the road; pity them in their troubles. A kind word to one in distress is needed much oftener than your almighty dollar. Oh, how much happiness is lost to ourselves by our omissions of duty, which cost so little to give. You old fellows can bring a happy smile to that old darling's face by just putting your hand on her shoulder and asking her if she is tired, or advising her to quit for today; and we young fellows can do the same, if we are a little thoughtful in many ways.

Make no foolish resolutions the first of the New Year, but quietly begin each day to do something to please some one. Go to the man you have not been friendly with for five years and greet him, and mark the result. Speak kindly to the one struggling against many troubles; bring a smile to the face of him who seems unable to smile. They say "misery loves company," but I do not believe it; and I have been told that in the surgical ward of a hospital at times there is more fun than in any other place on earth. I do not care to go there, but it satisfies me that people can be happy anywhere. So, first, be happy with yourself. How best to be that is to lose yourself in making others so. The sweet song says: "For life is the mirror of king and slave, 'Tis just what we are and do; Then give to the world the best you have,

And the best will come back to you." There is nothing impossible in this, and the world would appear brighter and our wishing of a Happy New Year would become a reality. Finally, Brethren,

whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Fraternally,

C. B. NIXON.

Happy New Year.

EDITOR JOURNAL: As we stand beside the grave of the dead past we behold only the darkness of oblivion, and not until the grave digger-Time-lets fall the last shovelful of earth to form the mound and has placed the head-stone to mark the spot, do we turn from the melancholy reflection of the wasted days of the past year to see the wreath of immortelles which has been placed upon the grave sparkle into life as we turn away and hear the greeting: "Happy New Year!" The year of past trials is gone. In some instances it may have been a wrecked life, vanished riches, the poor grown poorer, social ambition destroyed, the student failing to reach the height in knowledge he had aspired to, or the idle and ignorant having carelessly allowed the precious hours to slip away unimproved and unappreciated.

In reviewing the dark side of the retiring year, no matter how sad the past events have been, there is always a cheerfulness and helpfulness which fills the soul with delight and causes the pulsation of the heart to throb with joy at this salutation of the new year's greeting. No matter how burdened we may have been, as all of earth's millions have their own sorrows and tears, on this particular morning we should meet one and all with renewed hopes and aspirations, for, as the good Book tells, "when we have put our hand to the plow, look not back." It is the past; let it go. Live from today!

Untried responsibilities may come with the new year. Let us buckle on the armor as necessity requires for the struggle; polish up our dispositions and brush away the tears of regret for wasted hours. "If sorrow linger in the soul and eat