Correspondence. Letters for this department must be written on one side of paper only, written with ink and must be at the office not later than the 25th of the preceding month to insure insertion in the current number. All changes of address, communications pertaining to the Journal, etc., should be sent to the editor. No communication will appear unless the name of the author is furnished us. When THE CLERK does not reach you, immediately send us your name. No. of your card, correct address and the number of your lodge. ROCHESTER NO. 56. Our fifth annual picnic held at Island Cottage, July 21, both in point of enjoyment and financially, eclipsed any former, outing held under the auspices of the Railway Clerks in this city. The day dawned bright and clear notwithstanding the threatening weather of the previous night, and all available conveyances were pressed into service to accommodate the members of our local and friends desiring to avail themselves of our hospitality. The first event on the program was a baseball game between the New York Central team, champions of last year, and a picked team composed of clerks from the L. V. R. R. and B. R. & P. R. R., which was won handily by the latter combination, after which a group picture of all present was taken by a photographer from the Rochester Herald staff, and which appeared in that paper two weeks later. Proprietor Beaty then seated 216 persons to a bountiful chicken and fish dinner, which, in view of the price of tickets, $1.00 each, exceeded our most sanguine expectations. Fifteen athletic events for the largest and most valuable list of prizes ever offered by Rochester's enterprising merchants, were then competed for, and through the columns of this paper the local and committe in charge desire to express our appreciation of the prizes SO liberally given, amounting, as they did, to nearly $300.00. Also to those members of Geneva Local 61, who honored us with their attendance. The remainder of the day was spent in merrymaking and sightseeing, and as the shades of night approached we wended our way homeward well pleased with the success of our outing, which was due entirely to the indefatigable efforts of the committee in charge, Brothers Ades, Paul, Doyle, Germain, Ward, Parker, Lott, Hammer and President Reynolds. On August 19th we were honored by a visit from Brother Bascom, organizer on the New York Central system. For the evening he was the guest of the executive committee of the local at a dinner and smoker at the Clinton Hotel, and arrangements were made for an open meeting on August 29th, to be The meeting of the 29th was well advertised, every railway clerk in the city receiving a personal invitation to attend, but a disastrous fire in the Cox building on the morning of that date, our hall being situated in that building, was the means of keeping many away who otherwise would have attended, they thinking our hall had been destroyed. Fortunately the fire was stayed before reaching us and beyond some little damage due to smoke and water we were uninjured. About 50 clerks were present, among them 8 nons, and after Brother Myers' energetic remarks applications were received from six of the nons present,-not a bad showing. Brother Bascom again visited us on September 19th but through a misunderstanding did not arrive on a regularly scheduled meeting night but arranged to be with us at our first meeting in October. The organizing of the clerks on the New York Central system is at present monopolizing our attention and through the aid of Brothers Myers and Bascom we were considerably enlightened thereon, and believe more firmly than ever that an opportunity is at hand that we must take advantage of. With fraternal regards to all locals I will close. CORRESPONDENT. LOUISVILLE NO. 23. Being the secretary and treasurer of Local 23, I feel it my duty to say a few words through the Clerk's Journal of our progress and its future outlook, which looks very bright indeed. We are gradually creeping to the front again; as you well know, we were down and out for more than a year and a half as far as Local 23 was concerned. I, myself, was much discouraged at the outlook when at the very last moment it looked as if nothing could prevent certain death for this local. As I have already stated, at the 11th hour the bright star of hope appeared through two brothers from the Big Four office. This occurred first part of February, from which time we have gradually grown to a membership of 63, all of which are in good standing with this local and Grand Lodge at Kansas City. I can truthfully say we are in a better condition as far as we are concerned than ever in the history of our local organization in the city of Louisville. Understand, we had a larger membership at one time than at present, but the affairs were conducted and handled much differently than now. I want it distinctly understood I am not making any insinuations whatever against anyone that is, or ever was a member, yet few of you, however, are aware of the fact that such is the case, that our financial part at that time was not handled properly after the downward move began, and those that were left and the majority of them discouraged, yet sticking with some hope left, called upon me to try and revive interest through our Journal, electing me president and also correspondent for the Clerk, I took up the reins through the Clerk's Journal under the assumed name of Casey, using all my mental energy in appealing to them regarding the value of our organization, its benefits, etc., setting forth established facts of our kindred organizations, which could not but be accepted as the truth, using such language a boy of 12 years of age could not help but comprehend, that through organization was the only hope for the clerks to ever better their own condition. Casey's letters appeared continually for fourteen months, but all efforts were of no avail and I simply had to give up. Brothers, here we are again, all enthusiastic with new energy and hope. What is your pleasure? I say let us all wake up from that Rip Van Winkle sleep, making up our minds to stick and stand by each ot her and let every brother do his part. All stand united as one man and I am certain, you will accomplish great results. We are now entering upon the last half of 1907 and I am personally going to appeal to each and every member of Local 23 to go after the nons, using all the energy that's within you to bring in the non-believers into our fold and that when we close our books for 1907, that our records will show a roll over the hundred mark. This, we can accomplish if we will learn to work together in harmony and peace, so let us go forth with this end in view with every brother to the great wheel, awakening to the realization that through organization is the only salvation we have to better our conditions. Come to your meetings, pay your dues, express your opinions, be honest and sincere with each other, work for each others interest, stand by your brother in trouble; remember majority rules and stand by that decision. When you live up to this motto, you will conquor. NEW YORK CITY LODGE NO. 70. Now that Lodge 70 has been reorganized and again appears on the roster. I am in hopes of seeing a monthly communication from an abler pen than my own; however, as we have as yet no regularly appointed correspondent, I venture to contribute a few lines for the next issue of the "Clerk." The Lodge was duly installed September 25 by Organizer Brother Ryan, and the following officers elected: W. R. Oliver, president; W. W. Bragg, vice president; A. Bertrand, secretary, and H. M. Mead, treasure. The election of a protective committee and executive board was deferred till the first regular meeting of the Lodge, in consequence of various delays connected with the installation proceedings. When this is done we shall be ready to get down to business. There is already in existence, as some of you may not be aware, a board of adjustment, composed of the chairman of the protective committees of the various lodges on this system, with headquarters in Boston. This board has already drawn up a proposition for better conditions, etc., to present to the management, and are only waiting for us and a few more before going ahead. We start with a good membership, which should be largely increased before the end of the year, and will be if every member will constitute himself an unofficial organizer and leave no stone unturned to secure recruits. Now, you non-members, regarding organization, "Be wise in time, 'tis madness to delay." It is unnecessary to tell you that the price of everything you eat, drink and wear goes steadily up; you are likely to have observed the fact, and to have felt it where it will hurt you most. Organized labor has been generally successful in obtaining increased wages to offset this advance in the cost of living. but unorganized labor is absolutely helpless; wherefore,-but it is unnecessary to say more, the conclusion is obvious. Unorganized labor is, indeed, fortunate to keep what it adready has, for, whisper, it is quite on the cards that unorganized labor on this road (and that means the clerical force, make no mistake about that) may, in the near future, be reduced to offset the increased expense occasioned by the successful demands of the organized classes. The foregoing remarks are trifle enough, I own, and you have heard it all before, but you do not yet seem to realize the conditions that surround you. Most of you, if approached on the subject, will say that you have no objections to organization, but believe in it, as, indeed, who does not, since everything is organized nowadays? You have various objections, however, all of which are as nothing when weighed in the balance with the one prime and important fact that you are vitally interested in bettering your condition, to say nothing of making your present position more secure, at least. I cannot see how it can be otherwise, and with this end in view, get in and help us. If lodge matters don't suit, strenuously oppose them; if any part of the constitution offends, advocate its revision or repeal. The columns of the "Railway Clerk" are open to you, but get on the right side of the fence. Members and brothers, attend meetings, keep your dues paid up. take an interest in lodge matters, wear the emblem of the Broth- The article in last month's Railway Clerk from our Worthy Treasurer, Brother Thos. J. Confrey, was read with great satisfaction by all our members. His article shows that besides being possessed with the title of "Speediest Bill Clerk on Illinois Division of the Rock Island," he is also a press man of no mean ability Our meeting last evening was full of that enthusiasm that makes any undertaking a success. zeal while here in forming our local lodge. In due time we hope to be honored by his presence at one of our social meetings. The boys here are all jubilant over the fact that vote was in favor of affiliation with the American Federation of Labor. Wishing the Order unbounded success, I join with Local No. 154, with best wishes. Fraternally yours, FRANK J. FEENEY. FOSTORIA NO. 138. As I have seen no letter from any of the boys from this "neck of the tall and uncut" for some time, I thought that perhaps the brothers would begin to think we had given up, but the conditions just now at our sister city ought to prove the contrary. The brothers at Todelo are very much in evidence just now and we all hope they may win out. The young women who are "scabbing" are making an unenviable record for themselves too. Brothers, don't you think that a woman who will do a thing of that kind is placing herself in a position where she is not any more entitled to the respect any man should show to them? We hope that these women will see what a position they are placing themselves in and go back to the ranks of true womanhood. The nons in our little city are taking nearly as much interest in the strike as the brothers are and it has warmed them up to such an extent that most of them will come We expect to do some of the tallest hustling that we have ever done and make the "nons" see what they are missing. Well, brothers, this will be about enough from this vicinity for a while so I will "cut it." Yours fraternally, in. We initiated two members from Seneca, Ill., Brothers John Lawsha and Thos. Gordon, who came a distance of 30 miles over interurban rail to show their spirit. Our Worthy Chaplain, Lew Smith, has resigned his position as abstract clerk at the Rock Island office to accept a more lucrative one with the Carbon Coal Co., but intends to keep in line with the boys just the same. It is this kind of spirit manifested, not only by Brother Smith, but by all our members, that has placed the hand on the dial at 75 for the members of Illinois Valley Lodge No. 154, and next meeting we will initiate four new members, and with all members putting their shoulders to the wheel, inside of three months we expect to have the small point of the dial pointing close to the 100 mark. Brother Krueger, of DePue, one of the members of the executive committee, is procuring a member almost every meeting. He has now in view three or four of the boys around Tiskilwa and Sheffield, Ill. Our worthy and proficient president, Brother Ladd, in line with all his foreseen advancement for the good of the order, at last night's meeting suggested what the writer thinks other lodges should do-that is, after reading his Railway Clerk thoroughly, to forward to a clerk that is not a member, or where no lodge has been instituted. I think the Grand Officers will coincide with our president that this is a move in the right direction. Our members here often ask about Organizer Brother Johnson, who has endeared himself to us all by his untiring CARD NO. 5. GEYSER CITY NO. 170. The clerks of this city (Waco, Texas,) have again obtained a charter and this time for keeps. We met last night at Maccabee Temple and under auspices of Organizer J. B. Innerarity, elected and installed Brother Sidney Crowl, president; Brother J. L. Valentine, vice-president; Brother Elmo Hodges, recording secretary; Brother Wm. Kelly, financial secretary and treasurer. We now realize the serious side of a business institution such as the B. of R. C., and are prepared to lend full and earnest support to the movement now agitated to better the condition of the clerk. Brothers, two important points are before us as a craft. First, the need for a re-adjustment of our salaries, working hours, etc. Second, the scarcity of clerks. Any local or general office in Texas will confirm the latter statement and who will deny the first. The student, fresh from school that formerly rushed to get into the railroad business now does so only temporarily until he can get employment in some other business. Those of us who have gotten gray in the service hesitate to enter other lines, hoping that the near future will see a better condition existing. Our only hope now lies in organization. We are the last-O. R. C., O. R. T., B. R. T., etc., ad lib. infinitum. ALL but the clerks have received recognition and fair treatment. And now our day is at hand. Brothers, it is essential that every member do all he can to get a non to join. If you have no local, join the Grand Lodge. If you are many and wish a charter, communicate with Organizer Innerarity at 485 Hall St., Dallas. We are not giving advice as a new lodge, but the reincarnation of the old one with the new spirit of hope and fraternity, the spirit that urges us to get our committees together and ask for what is justly ours. We have tried the circular letter signed by all for a 10 per cent raise and we have gotten what? Echo answers what? Therefore we must make up our minds to get busy or remain in the rut where we are. We were taught in Sunday school that the Good Book says, "Ask and thou shalt receive." A certain superintendent, answering the statement "that trainmen, switchmen and other employees received a hearing, and consideration," said, "Yes, but those men send me a committee." Brothers, the clerks who belong to Crescent City 54 are working under a contract. Are we Texans less manly men than our brothers and neighbors of 54? and how did they get what they have? ganized and asked for it. Or Sincerely and fraternally, MOUNDS NO. 109. We have never been heard of yet through the correspondence of our Journal and I will try and put in a few words. We have not fallen by the wayside, we are all working to strengthen the order as well as No. 109. We have added about ten new members to our order since the lodge has been organized and have applications in for a dozen more which will be taken in at our next regular meeting. We have forty-four in good standing. We have one clerk in our office who has been working for five years and he claims he has not money enough to join, we have agreed to pay his initiation fees if he will come in and be one in our midst but he still holds off. We are looking forward to our first annual ball we are going to give on October 24, and every one seems to think it will be the best in Mounds this year and make a name for the B. of R. C. in this neck of the woods. Some of the boys working here have not had enough experience to join our Order, but most of them express a willingness to join and say they will come in as soon as they have had experience enough. ALBANY NO. 59. As our little lodge has been silent for some time past I think it is high time for some one to speak up and let it be known that we are still in the fight. We have a real live little lodge at this place now and are endeavoring to make it more so at every meeting; we have new members for consideration at almost every meeting, and some of them learn to ride that goat without much trouble, but some of the boys take it pretty hard, but always come out without any broken limbs, much to their delight. We now have almost all the clerks in this town who are eligible, and we hope to soon have our town solid B. R. C., and as a general thing we have a very good attendance and the boys all manifest a great deal of interest in the way of getting new members, and helping in any other way possible to build up the lodge. Our membership now numbers up in thirty and is on the steady increase. We have at our next regular meeting three applications for membership, and that means some more fun for the rest of the boys as they all enjoy doing the mighty initiation act. I think our sister lodges should write up their local lodges in the Clerk oftener and thereby keep in closer touch with the Brotherhood and with the members at large. Wishing each lodge and each member of every lodge the greatest success and extending my best wishes to the Grand Lodge, I remain, Sincerely and fraternally, L. G. COLEY, Sec'y-Treasurer. SALT LAKE CITY LOCAL NO. 79. As Salt Lake City Local No. 79 as a lodge is desirous of being heard from through the "Clerk," here goes. Don't think for a minute that No. 79 is a dead one. We have been too busy taking in new members and keeping our lodge affairs straight to let our Brother locals hear from us. One year ago this month (October) ten attached members who, employed on the several railways here at "Zion." got their heads together on forming a local of our own. We got up a subscription list for charter members and there appeared sixty names on the charter when it arrived here. Since then forty-four new names appear on our books and still they come. We have about fifty new applications on file now and are working hard to make the 200 mark by the first of 1908 and have no doubt we shall. The clerks out west here are great boosters for the B. of R. C. after they hear there is such an organization. One year ago the majority of the clerks here did not even know there was a clerks' union, but they sure know it now and are coming through as fast as they can. Ogden, which is 38 miles north of here, and is a larger terminal point than this, heard of our local and are now trying to get themselves together as we did one year ago. They have Salt Lake's best wishes. As an organizer has been granted for this part of the country the clerks all through the great west will all be wearing the clerks' emblem soon and we will show the east yet as the clerks' eyes are now opening. We have had all kinds of opposition from The desire expressed by the Grand Lodge representative that Texas take front place in the B. of R. C. ranks is heartily seconded here in Austin, and any assistance that the Lone Star local can give is to be had for the asking. There are still a few places not represented in the Brotherhood directory, notably San Antonio, but they will come along at an early date, as Brother Innerarity is preparing to camp on their trail. The list grows apace and from what he tells us about the numerous places where there are no lodges, but seven, eight and ten attached members things look business like from an organization point of view. Every organization of railroad men and otherwise are glad to welcome us into the ranks of unionism. We ourselves wonder that it has taken so long to occur, but we will make ample amends by Our future earnestness. We remain, LONE STAR No. 177. We meet at Labor Hall on second Wednesday and fourth Sunday of each month MEMPHIS NO. 40. To the members of Local 40, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, whose faces seldom or never darken the threshold of the lodge room door, the following attempt at rhyme is respectfully dedicated. Brothers, have you stopped to ponder Did you ever note excuses A friend came in from Hush-puck-ana, Had to show my friend the town. Another said, "My wife was nervous; The ever-present youth of twenty, The winter season soon will greet us, Good attendance then you think, Not at all, more opposition, Willie's at the skating rink. Those are few of poor excuses, Made by those whom duty dodge, With six nights each week for pleasure. Can't devote one to their lodge. THOMAS A. SHANNON, Local 40, B. of R. C. |