ests of labor. While we may not agree with many things that he says, we must in fairness recognize his evident sincerity and honesty of purpose, and we are constrained to express a warm sympathy with the cause represented by his federation. We have always believed in the principle of organization for labor, and while many of the practices of organized labor have represented a misapplication of the principle in which we believe, we must recognize the fact that, on the whole, organized labor has been a good thing for the workingman in the United States.

"We purpose to refer to only one of the points discussed, namely, the question of the 'open shop.' Mr. Gompers claims that organized labor has the right to make a collective bargain which shall have an exclusive feature, and insists that a union can properly make agreement with an employer whereby the employer contracts to employ no one but members of the union. He argues, in fact, that what organized labor calls the union shop' in no sense 'involves a denial of the right of every man to sell his labor as he may see fit, nor the employer to hire such labor; in fact, it is a confirmation of that right. Employers have the lawful right to hire any labor they may choose, but it does not give them the right to impress workmen or to enslave them or to drag them into a factory on any terms the employer may choose to grant as an expression of his kindness.'

"Mr. Gompers is perfectly right. We have no quarrel whatever with this statement of the case. But the principle of freedom of contract is the foundation

of the 'union shop doctrine,' and organized labor must absolutely concede in practice as well as in principle the right of an employer to hire non-union men at any and at all times if he so pleases, just as in cases where the rights of the community are not involved the employer concedes the right of union labor to strike. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and the thing is as broad as it is long.

“Union labor may rightly aim at closing the 'shop' by making it to the advantage of employers to deal only with union men. By this we do not mean intimidation of the employer, but we mean the making of union labor legitimately more attractive, by reason of its greater efficiency, than non-union labor. If union labor, having done this, will keep the union open to all who wish to join it and obey its rules no one has just cause for complaint. The thing that is repugnant to fair play and common sense on either side of the controversy is the establishment by force or otherwise of a monopoly. Exclusive dealing per se is not obnoxious to justice, but it may readily become so in practice.

"The 'shop' must always be 'open', in the sense that every good workman must have his natural opportunity to work either inside the union and through the union, or outside it. If the 'shop' is closed to non-union men, the union must be opened to every good man who wants to join it. If the union is closed, the 'shop' must be open. That seems to us to be the fundamental principle in the whole matter, and we are glad to see that there is nothing in Mr. Gompers' statement that is contrary thereto."

Take up the union label

And thus do what you can, To lift the poor man's burden With pure and simple plan; Veil the threat of terror

That strikes so often bring, By proving to your merchant That "Label" now is king.

Take up the union label

We should not stoop to less Than lift the poor man's burden And ease his weariness.

The deeds you do are measured

The souls oppressed plead strong; Then nfark your course with labels And thus avoid all wrong.

Editor Railway Conductor:

At our meeting for election of officers in December, I protested strongly against the nomination of myself as correspondent, but although I have a long tongue, as Mr. Tom could tell you, I found that Division 67, L. A. to O. R. C., of Portland, Maine, has a will of its own, and I was talked down and elected. I immediately arose and declared I would not write a single letter to THE CONDUCTOR; but at our joint installation the following Sunday evening I stood before the multitude assembled and, with my hand upon my heart, promised to do my duty.

As there was no letter from Division 66 in the January CONDUCTOR, I take a liberty and inform you that the officers of 66 had the honor of being installed by Grand Senior Conductor Wilkins. Our officers were installed by Sister Sawyer. After the ceremonies Brother Wilkins favored us with a talk, and he just can talk, as he is well aware, after which the Sisters served refreshments. I wonder why people have to be refreshed on every occasion. I can't think of any place where men and women gather together, except a church service, or a funeral, where we don't have to be refreshed before we can get home.

Our Division has prospered fairly well the past year. Our fair in April netted us $150.00, which we consider a good sum, in view of the many discouragements. However, you know David Harum says, "A reasonable amount of fleas is good for a dog. They keep him from broodin' on bein' a dog." That's all right, but I think some dogs have more than a reasonable amount.

Speaking of dogs reminds me that there is a dog in our city that is a member of a L. A. to an order of railroad men-but not the O. R. C. The dog,

which is very devoted to his mistress, followed her from home without her knowledge, got into the hall, and followed her through every step of the initiation, and stood with his paws on the stool during the obligation.

We have had one big sorrow in the past year, in the death of our dear Sister Fickett, who was taken by the "reaper whose name is Death," in the early A notice was sent for the obituary column of THE CONDUCTOR, but was never published, so I take another liberty and announce it here.

summer.

We have changed our place of meeting to Rossini Hall, which is smaller and cosier, so that we don't have need of Sam Weller's "double million magnifying gas microscopes" in order to find each other and our officers.

Our Emergency Club arose from the dead in May and has met regularly since at our homes. We are very literary, also very industrious. No refreshments yet, but they are looming up in the distance. Not nearly all the Division members attend the club, but we find where there's a sick or needy Sister to assist, or flowers for a memorial service, and other emergencies, our little ten-cent collections are quite a help to our Division treas

ury.

My letter is too long already, but I want to write just a bit about laborers and capitalists. Last July the cotton mill owners of Fall River, Mass., reduced the wages of their employes 12 per cent. They would not accept the reduction, and quit work. The excuse for the cut-down was scarcity of cotton. The strike continued until December, when Governor Douglas took the matter up and somewhat of a settlement was made so the men went back to work at the reduced wages; but I think with a promise of some concession later. Of course the long strike cost lots of money and much suffering, but I glory in their spunk and wish they could have stood out longer. I am always sorry when capital gains any victory, however small. There was such a big cotton crop in the South this year that they have had to burn it. All the world, I think, knows of W. L. Douglas, the shoe manufacturer, of Brockton, Mass. He was a poor boy and is now a millionaire. That accounts perhaps for his efforts in behalf of the workmen of Fall River. Perhaps, too, that had something to do with his election as governor of a strong Repub

lican state by a big majority. He is a Demorcat. I think if a John Mitchell or an E. E. Clark were elected president, the laboring men-the backbone of the country-would be much better off. There would be no strikes and no trusts. But I see President Roosevelt has started in to "bust the trusts.' I hope he will keep on until they are all busted. Portland, Me. MRS. TOM."

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Having been elected to the office of correspondent for Hinkley Division 166, I will try to fulfill my duty.

We had our election of officers the first meeting in December, and held joint public installation with Division 142 in January.

Although being absent from my home Division I had the pleasure of being with Burns Division 131, and also had the pleasure of being the installing officer. There is one thing in Division 131 that I wish I could say of every Division; that is they work in perfect harmony. After we had gone through the work the ladies set a long table and we all sat down together. And what a good time we did have! It reminded us of days gone by, when we sat in that same room with our husbands and friends to a grand Thanksgiving dinner.

The year that has passed and gone has been a very prosperous one in our Division. There has been very little sickness among our members; and I believe we can say what very few other Divisions can say that we have on our roll of membership every conductor's wife except one, and we hope to have her in time if she stays here. Our meetings are well attended, considering that nearly half of our members live at a distance.

This winter we have been holding one business meeting in the Hall and one social meeting at the homes of the members each month, and we have enjoyed them very much. I am sure we have been benefited by meeting socially together.

I always enjoy reading the letters from all the Divisions.

I hope we may have the pleasure of seeing the Brothers and Sisters as they go through to Portland. I am happy to say that the latchstring is out to all who come to our city. We are always glad to MRS. L. H. WRIGHT.

welcome you.

Rawhns, Wyo.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

One might suppose from our long silence, that Division 106 had gone out of business, but not so, as considerable has been doing, though our official correspondent has been unable to take any active part or report the work, owing to sickness in her family.

The year's work has surely been most satisfactory, as evidenced by the re-election of three very important officers-President, Senior Sister, and Secretary.

A goodly number were present on election day, but, as the correspondent of Division 184 remarked to those members who seldom come only on election day, I do not consider your duty ends there, but come out and sustain the officers you helped to elect.

An invitation was then extended our Division to join with the Brothers of Division 57 in installation, and was graciously accepted; for truly the Brothers of Division 57 have always deemed it a pleasure to entertain or aid us in any way possible, and the Grand Deputies report their example is now emulated by all O. R. C. Divisions in Texas, wherever an Auxiliary exists.

The occasion was planned for January 17th, and, although a disagreeable night, fully one hundred responded to the invitation. The Brothers then followed with their impressive ceremony, after which music and refreshments were in order.

Three new Divisions have lately been instituted in Texas, and two others, Greenville and San Antonio, contemplate organizing within a short time. With the exception of Pass City Division, all have been inspected, so our District Deputies have not been idle.

Universal regret is expressed that our Past Vice President, Sister Hodgson, is on the sick list, for she is a general favorite, and all will rejoice to see her among us again.

Sorrow has come to several of our members the past year, and to each and all this Division joins in deepest sympathy. May each member, this bright new year, recall the binding obligation she once assumed and ask herself, Am I faithful? We one and all have a work to do. Let it be done cheerfully, however menial it may be, always remembering whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well." MRS. W. R. BELL.

Fort Worth, Tex.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

As it has been so many months since Sego Lily Division has been heard from, I suppose the other Divisions think we have dropped by the wayside; but not so. We have been up and hustling since our school of instruction in September, and have had new names brought before the Division almost every meeting, until now we number forty-one; and still there's more to follow.

Our new officers were installed in January and we are looking forward to a year of good, hard work.

We gave our regular monthly card parties before the holidays and vill give a dancing party at Unity Hall, February 21 All railroad people and their friends are lookin rward and anticipating

a good time.

The sympathy of Division 150 goes out to Brother and Sister Walsh. Brother Walsh lost his right hand while at work and is now in the hospital.

Sego Lily Division will be glad to welcome any Sister who comes our way. We meet every first and third Thursday of the month at K. of. P. Hall. MRS. CHAS. MONTGOMERY.

Salt Lake City, Utah.

Editor Railway Conductor:

As I have been elected correspondent of Division 41, will make my bow.

Our election is over and everything looks bright and prosperous for the new year, and we expect to make this year the banner year. Just watch us grow. The Brothers invited us to join them

in a public installation, and we gladly accepted. After installation, we were invited to a dainty lunch. We had no idea the Brothers were such good cooks. After the banquet we were treated to a fine musical program. Rev. Willson gave us a good talk, which we appreciated very much. Sister Propst is on the sick list. Hope she will soon be out, as we miss her from Division.

Sisters, come out, you don't know what you are missing, for we are having such good times, every one seems so interested in our work. We have several applications and expect to initiate quite a class. Our campaign has started and we are doing some work. I will tell you all about what we are doing, in my next, if this does not find its way to the scrap basket.

Sisters coming this way, remember our latchstring and don't forget to call, and we will give you a warm welcome and show you a good time. We never forget our motto.

Having been elected correspondent of New Year Division 142, will say we are doing nicely; have 44 members; also have several prospective members.

Our installation was public to conductors and their families. After installation Sister Coleman, our retiring President, was presented with an emblematic pin as a token of esteem and appreciation. A sumptuous luncheon was served.

Sister Bearden will be our delegate to the Grand Division in May.

Last Monday afternoon we met with Easter Division 321 and Ozark Division 30 and a jolly good time was enjoyed by all.

The Conductors and their wives will give a ball the 21st of February, which we hope will be a suc

Editor Railway Conductor:

It is not too late to send a loving greeting for a new year to every reader of THE CONDUCTOR from Easter Lily Division 122.

In reading the letters from the Brothers and Sisters representing the different Divisions, they are charged with that electric current of gayety and goodfellowship that is always generated where happiness and harmony exist. We, too, have had our sorrows as well as our pleasures.

The past year we have had many pleasant social gatherings and profitable fraternal meetings. The first social event was a birthday party at Sister Telfer's. All spent a delightful afternoon and all went away wishing her many returns of the day. Another pleasant day was spent with Sister Fritzpatrick of Pekin. Sister Eckley of Pekin invited

the ladies to a strawberry social. All reported a lovely time.

Our annual breakfast is an event always looked forward to with unusual interest. The one held last April was a social success.

Brother and Sister Hardenberg of Missouri visited old friends early in the fall. Sister Hardenberg was one of our charter members and secretary for so long.

The election of officers was held in December, with very few changes, and installation followed early in January. We anticipate a very prosperous year, each member has taken a renewed interest. Our Division is not the largest, neither is it the wealthiest, but one of the most charitable, and we are glad to be.

The school of instruction in Chicago was attended by a number from our Division. We only regret more could not attend. We are confident from the report of the Sisters a very profitable time was spent and many good things gathered. Peoria, Ill.

MRS. W. J. WINCHESTER. ༢༦

Editor Railway Conductor:

Our election of officers came off on the 15th of December and we have a good set of officers for 1905.

We had a joint installation, Divisions 180 and 457 O. R. C. installing at the same time with Golden Rod Division. After business was over we were invited to enjoy the banquet, which had been furnished by Divisions 180 and 457. It goes without saying that we all enjoyed that part of the program.

We have several of our offices filled with our new members, and we believe they are going to do some splendid work for this year, as there are several things being discussed already, among which is a rummage sale from which we hope to realize quite

Anthracite Division 196 elected its officers. Installation of officers took place January 5. Eleven Sisters of Switzerland Division 155 were with us when installation took place. All officers were reelected, and we had quite a very pleasant time.

Ten of our members visited Switzerland Division 155 of Mauch Chunk last week. We arrived in time to be with them at their regular meeting. All report having a good time and all came home much benefited by having spent the afternoon with them.

We are a new Division, and as I, for one, would like to learn all I can, I hope the year 1905 will be a most prosperous and successful one. So, let us hope, as the new year comes in clothed in nature's beauty, that it may be a year of peace, safety and contentment, and may enter the new year with new thought and new life, that we may be charit

able toward all, truthful in all we may think or say, that we may guard our thoughts, for in so doing we may guard our lips. Let us form a circle so strong that nothing but the hand of God can break the links that bind us together, and in true friendship there is happiness. Bound by the silver cords of charity, truth and friendship, perpetuating the ties of love and peace, and good will to all, and with this motto we should enter the new year, with a prayer of hope for a bright, prosperous and successful ending. Each member should realize that there is something to do, and if she be impressed with that sense of duty and will truly perform her part, we can accomplish much; and when the end has been reached, we can look back upon the past and say, well done. How I trust that. the Sisters will adhere to this motto and make of the L. A. to O. R. C. that emblem of charity, truth and friendship for which it stands. Sisters,

let us try to do as much good through this year as we can. Be Sisterly in every sense of the word, and live up to the vows we have taken, never forgetting our Motto: Charity, Truth and Friendship. MRS. MARTHA FINK.

Editor Railway Conductor:

We are glad to announce that at last Montana has an Auxiliary to O. R. C., Rocky Mountain Division 207, having been organized January 28th at Missoula, Montana, with twenty-three charter members. We were very ably organized by Sister Murry she having been deputized by Grand President Sister Moore. After installation ceremonies, we were joined by the members of the O. R. C., and the remainder of the evening was spent socially, at the conclusion of which a dainty luncheon was served. We predict a bright future for this Auxiliary, as the ladies seem very enthusiastic.

We have three candidates to initiate at our next meeting. MRS. EDITH SNYDER.

Missoula, Mont.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Having been re-elected by the Livinia Clark Division 183 for another year as correspondent and obligated to do my best in making a short report to THE CONDUCTOR, perhaps a few words would be acceptable.

Our Division is neither lacking in energy nor ambition; we are certainly as thriving a Division as there is in the organization, and where there is unity there is strength. And here brings to mind that rulers may build empires and thousands of men sacrifice their lives in battling for the same, science may reveal some miracle which will further lighten the burden of the human race and unity with true love of purpose moves all."

The home entertainments given by the L. A. to the Q. R. C. this winter have been a success both socially and financially.

There is no class of people who are more capable of having a good time than the L. A. to the O. R. C. A good proportion of the Order attended the School of Instruction held at Freeport by Sister Moore. The explanations were very instructive to all, and especially to our newly organized lodge. The Waterloo ladies were under obligation to the Freeport ladies for their kind entertainment.

Many of our members have been ill or have had illness in their families, but, please God, there have been no fatalities.

Our sympathy has gone out to many of the train men who have so bravely faced the dangers of this fearfully cold and stormy winter. Many have suffered from cold and hunger, but, withal, never one would turn back or neglect his duty. When the caller came his response would be, "All right!" Waterloo, Ia. MRS. MYRTLE L. BARR.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

St. Louis Division 11 is having good attendance and interesting meetings. We open at 2 sharp, and you must be prompt or some Sister will fill your office.

Our silk quilt was raffled at last meeting and netted us $39.00, Sister Fray holding lucky number.

Quite a number have been on sick list, but glad to say all are convalescent.

Sister Newland entertains the sisters at her home the 24th. Don't miss the teas, for they promote sociability and help our emergency.fund. Sisters Cory and O'Meara have left the city and we lose two faithful members.

Invitations were received from O. R. C. and L. A., Springfield, Mo., Division to attend their annual ball on the 21st; also Cape Gerardeau on the 14th. Owing to cold weather only a few went from here but when the reports came in from the Sisters, I feel sure they were sorry they had not braved the cold. Hope to hear of a flourishing L. A. there

New Century Division 154 sends best wishes to all members of L. A. to O. R. C. Having been selected to succeed our worthy Sister Lichtenberger as correspondent, will endeavor to do my duty by giving all the news of our Division. We held election of officers the first meeting in December, and I predict for them a prosperous year. On January 12th we had a public installation, to which all conductors and their families, the railway officials, and the members of the Waterloo Division were invited, most all of whom responded to the invitation. At the conclusion of the ceremonies the past president was presented with a beautiful past-president's pin, of which she is very proud.

The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing and a general good time. We enjoyed the company of the Waterloo Sisters so much, and hope when they come again they will bring every member of their Division.

On our last meeting day we gave a card party. We also gave Brother and Sister Wolf a big surprise, the occasion being their 17th anniversary.