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with flags and bunting and the colors of the Order. It was a Washington social throughout and a success both socially and financially. We will miss one of our members, Sister Peddler who with her two children have gone to join Brother Peddler at Enderlin, N. D.

We have moved into new quarters at 1011 East Water street. We will gladly welcome any and all visiting Sisters as our latch string is always out Although we have lost a number of our Sisters by their moving away from our city, I am happy to say we have never lost one by death in the seven years we have been organized. I guess that Division 215 must have gone to sleep as we haven't heard anything from them for so long. Wake up, Brothers and let us hear from you.

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MRS. DESSIE BOWER.

Daylight Special Division 172, Clinton, Ill., is all right. We are wide awake, which you will see is enemplified in some of our recent actions.

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Our Division consists of twenty-five members, all of whom take an active interest in the work. Our Sisters have many little social gatherings which principally consist of a sewing club. We can not begin to tell of all the enjoyable moments we have spent in this way. No doubt our Brothers think we have it all sunshine, but just about this time of the year one difficulty arises-

Her picture hat is simply great
But there is one thing I must state
That bothers wifey early, late,
And that is, Is her hat on straight?

And she's worried to death about that.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

I wish I might write of some great work or deeds performed by Mrs. J. H. Moore Division 148, but can not. I must say we have made very little progress this last year, but we are not discouraged. With the glorious springtime comes new life inspirations and beauty. Looking about us we see nature busy carpeting her hills and valleys with the rich velvet of green. Sisters, let us imitate her work and make this year a great success, I am glad to say we have made a good beginning. At our last meeting five petitions for membership were read and accepted; also have a few prospective members. This will swell our little number greatly, as we now number only twelve, so many have left us and gone elsewhere

We were entertained at the home of Sister Miles St. Patricks' day and had a merry time; refreshments were most pleasing to the palate. We gave Division 244, O. R. C., an agreeable surprise a few evenings ago. Laden with the good things which find their way to men's hearts, we stole to their place of meeting and prepared a dainty repast, to which all did justice. Brother Martin cordially invited us to surprise them again.

Sisters, let us ever be sympathetic and kind, doing with our might what our hands find to do. Colorado City, Colo. MRS. EVA JONES.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Quite a while since Dewey Division 121 was heard from. Just think! In the last year we have doubled our membership. We all put our shoulders to the wheel and it wasn't a bit hard to roll. Then, too, we had an excellent President, which was so much help.

During the winter our Auxiliary has given a public euchre, a dance, and a box supper, besides our private social functions. All our public affairs were well patronized and of course we were happy.

This is the fourth month in the year, and our oath of office says we are to write an article every three months. This is my first, but the old adage says, "All's well that ends well."

I haven't been able to attend our last few meetings, on account of being under quarantine for scarlet fever, so am not very well posted on proceedings. Now that I am released, I promise to be good, really, and attend the meetings and keep my oath. MRS. C. H. REDUS.

Centralia, Ill.

Editor Railway Conductor:

In the beginning of 1904 Rapid Transit Division 45 was called upon to part with our newly elected President, Sister Ella Stevens, who was only permitted to preside at one meeting.

We are still in a flourishing condition. This year we have moved into new quarters, and if the ladies of Portland have no more use for "Sam Weller's double million magnifying gas microscopes," they might send them to us, as we need them to find our members.

This winter we gave several dancing parties, and are now giving a series of card parties at the homes of the members, each of which adds a little to our treasury. Our house meetings are enjoyed very much, several different kinds having been given. Sister Cook gave a "Dutch Party," Sister Hooker a valentine party in which all came dressed children, and Sister Drew gave a St. Patrick's party.

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We have six Sisters who live in Muskegon, and they were brave enough to undertake a St. Patrick's ball, which was a decided success both socially and financially.

Brother Long has been very ill with appendicitis, but we are glad to say he is improving. Sister Crabbe has gone to Los Angeles in search of health. We hope she will soon recover. Sister Brink, one of our charter members, suffered from a stroke of paralysis last fall, and is still confined to the house, but we remind her of us quite often with flowers. Grand Rapids, Mich. MRS. WILL A. HAWKES.

Editor Railway Conductor:

Another link is added to the chain of the L. A. to O. R. C. On the 1st of March, A. F. Conlisk, G. V. P., Ft. Worth, arrived here an entire stranger, with the intention of organizing if possible, and met with such hearty encouragement from conductors and wives that on the 29th S. A. Division 212 closed its charter with a roll call of 28 members. Sister Conlisk was assisted by an able corps of workers, showing us how beautiful and impressive this work can be done.

G. S. Conductor Charles H. Wilkins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, favored us with his presence, and in a pleasing manner spoke words of praise and encouragement to the new Division. We also had with us Sister I. G. Weed, G. D. I., of Cleburne, Sisters J. S. Karr, President, W. A. Davis, VicePresident, W. C. Hoone, Secretary and Treasurer, H. E. Evetts, R. J. Turner, Y. I. Watters, of Houston; Sisters E. A. Parker, W. E. Milton, of Denison; and Sister Re Alvord Ebert, of Ft. Worth.

And so a day of hard work was brought to a close with an entertainment that was enjoyed by all. And now we extend a cordial invitation to all Sisters who may visit San Antonio to attend our meetings. MRS. G. W. BARTHOLOMEW.

San Antonio, Tex.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Afteryou Division 65, although still in its infancy and going through many of the struggles attendant upon infants, is holding its own, and hopes after its first teeth are well developed to gain regularly.

On April 22nd we entertained the members of our local O. R. C. at a supper, inviting them to our hall after their meeting. About 20 responded.

We have started a series of afternoon parties at the homes. Sister Zimmerman entertained us first, assisted by Sister Beazan and Sister Niland. The next one was at Sister Schmidley's. She was assisted by Sister May.

As this is almost our first appearance we will make our bow and try again when we shall have graduated from the kindergarten. Fond du Lac, Wis.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

CARRIE CHASE.

When Merrimack Division 93 elected me to the office of worthy (?) scribe they showed excellent courage but poor judgment. Nevertheless, I am able to inform the readers of the good CONDUCTOR that way up here (not off the map, however) among the "cloud-capped granite hills," where we can breathe the pure air wafted down past the "Old Man of the Mountain" and draw inspiration as we gaze on the beautiful handiwork of our Creator, are a few O. R. C. ladies banded together to help each other and those who may need their assistance. We started the new year under very favorable circumstances.

January 27 we had a social and invited all the conductors and friends in to partake of a bountiful supper (we know the way to their hearts), after which a musical and literary entertainment was furnished, and enjoyed by all. Then our quilt was disposed of, Sister Byron's little daughter having the lucky number; and we were lucky in getting a nice sum of money to help our bank

account.

Our meetings are well attended considering the long ride many of our members have to take in order to attend, and we work in harmony. We often hear this remark: What can we do to get our ladies more interested? Sisters, the obligation you took ought to be all-sufficient. When you promised on your honor as a woman to do all you could to help this order, can you do this best by staying at home and sometimes forgetting the date of our meetings? Think this matter over, and if you are not devoid of a conscience I know what the answer must be. The principles and teachings of our order are beautiful. Let us all renew our obligations, and "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those which are before,"

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Division 143, L. A. to O. R. C., consists of thirtysix members, and there is a favorable outlook for an increase in membership, many new members being recently received.

Our December election was an unanimous reelection, which we think goes to show we are well pleased with our officers.

Twenty-seven members of Syracuse Division, in company with about the same number from Arbutus Division, East Syracuse, visited Rochester Division 79. We were delightfully entertained and hope for a visit from them in the near future, that we may be able to show our appreciation of their hospitality.

On April 3rd a card party was held at the home of Sister Clark for benefit of Auxiliary. It was largely attended and a nice time enjoyed by all. Syracuse, N. Y. MRS. W. G. RYAN.

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Editor Railway Conductor: Auxiliary 86 is doing fine. We have a very efficient staff of officers, all earnest, hard workers, in our Order, and if every member will come out to our meetings we will have splendid results at the end of the year.

Sister Warren entertained the L. A. to O. R. C. in February.

Sister Heagey, who is spending the winter in California, writes us that she doesn't like the rains there they are too slow for her. Glad to tell her many friends that Sister Heagey is feeling better than she was at her first writing.

Sister Summers, of St. Joseph, Mo., wants to be remembered to all the Sisters.

Sister Holts entertained the L. A. to O. R. C. recently.

Sisters Hoppkins and Penington, of Wymore, Neb., made us a pleasant visit. Was pleased to have Sister McIntire, of Rattoon, New Mexico, visit our Auxiliary.

The O. R. C. and L. A. held their annual ball February 17th. A perfect success, both socially

and financially.

We are very glad that both Brother and Sister

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Sister Hobbs, our capable local agent, presented the Division a beautiful banner, purchased with the percentage collected from insured members, so it is evident this part of the work is well cared for. Several of the most faithful workers expect to go to Portland in May. We hope when we hear their reports we will all be inspired with stronger faith and hope for the future.

Let us remember that earnest, united efforts may be a power for good inestimable. Stir up the gift that is within thee and use it for the Master's service. If your talent be but small God will require it of you just the same some day. Nashville, Tenn.

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CORRESPONDENT.

It affords me great pleasure to state that Juanita Division 66 has just celebrated her tenth anniversary.

On March 30th we held our regular meeting, and afterwards the members and their families were invited to participate in the joys of the afternoon. As it happened, we had a goodly number of Brothers at this affair, as they have plenty of leisure time now.

For fear you may not know the way of the C. & A., I will tell you. In spring and summer a freight conductor has more leisure time than the average banker. If you do not believe me, ask one of them. Hence so much dissatisfaction, which usually ends in moving away; and consequently our Division loses members. Of late I regret to say we have lost two good members, Sisters Chadden and Elliott. Were it not for this fact, our Division would number with the largest; but as it is, we are strong and-pardon me if I say-up to date. As Easter draws near we realize we are one year older, and we hope wiser and better. How many of us are living up to our obligation? Do we stop to think what it means? Perhaps since the day we took our obligation we have grown careless about so many little things, to which, if our attention were called, we would be no doubt surprised at ourselves. "O would that God the gift had gie us to see ourselves as others see us!" we attending Division to the best of our ability? Ask yourself the question. Good old Conscience will answer for you.

Are

Are we charitable toward one another? It is

not only what we give that will make us charitable; it is our words, actions, and deeds. "With charity for all, with malice toward none.' Let charity flow as a stream wide spread, and peace and happiness will ever follow with God's blessing.

The O. R. C. gave their annual ball on March 15th. There was a good attendance and it proved a success both financially and socially. Try again, Brothers.

One of our most successful affairs of the season was a card party given in February by the entertaining committee. A neat sum was put in our treasury.

Sister Wilmarth has moved to her summer home in Stevensonville.

We are planning many lawn parties to take place there this summer; that is, after Brother Wilmarth raises the strawberries and Brother Rifenbark brings in the spring chickens. Brother and Sister Chadden, run over; we will save a wing. last but not least, his "Job Lots" better come too; we will save the-O well, there are plenty of wings. Bloomington, Ill. MRS. T. B. FOSTER.

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Editor Railway Conductor

And

On March 3rd we celebrated our twelfth anniversary, which should have occurred on February 22d. A splendid program was arranged and carried out, including an elegant banquet.

Time has made many changes in the roster of the charter members of Turner Division, Sister R. T. Arthur being the only one left of the original twenty-three.

At our last regular meeting it was decided that we have one social meeting a month. Refreshments will be served and games played. The conductors will be invited to attend these functions. We hope by this means to induce all our members to attend at least once a month.

Our Division is progressing nicely, and we hope before the year is out to add quite a good many to our membership, as we now have several applications in the hands of committees. Denison, Texas.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

MRS. W. E. MILTON.

February 22 was our regular meeting day, and as it was also Washington's birthday a lunch was prepared and surprised the Division. We served cherry pie and coffee and gave little hatchets for souvenirs.

Eight of our ladies went to Springfield March 15th to visit the Division at that place. We were met at the interurban station by the Springfield Division and escorted to the Leland Hotel. At 2 p. m. we went to the lodge room and had initiation. Springfield ladies are royal entertainers.

The first meeting of each month is our social meeting, and we look forward to these meetings and find they are a great benefit to our attendance. So, visiting Sisters, the first meeting of each month is the time to visit Stella Division 153. We are always glad to have visitors, and all business is transacted at the last meeting of each month.

Our Division was invited to Clinton March 28th. They had initiation, and do the work beautifully.

We hope to return the compliment to both Springfield and Clinton in the near future.

The eleventh annual ball under the auspices of Henwood Division 74, O. R. C., and Stella Division 153, L. A. to O. R. C., was a grand success both socially and financially.

We don't hold meetings through July and August. We find we feel better to have a vacation and are glad to see ecah other in the fall; and I can't say we were always glad to see each other when we went through the heat to meetings.

We are beginning to think of our annual picnic, at which we always have good times.

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Editor Railway Conductor: Well, I guess I had better start my letter by saying "all aboard" or three cheers for "Portland". We have been having some very interesting affairs among our members, such as house socials and card parties and I think our members, especially the new ones, are becoming better acquainted and will feel more like coming to meeting where sociability reigns supreme. Sister Collins entertained Division 3 very socially at her home with a quilting bee afterwards donating the beautiful piece of work to the Division to chance off.

Sister Crumly also donated a beautiful burnt wood plaque, which was raffled off at the Easter Ball given by Hollingworth Division 100, a nice little sum was realized.

Sister T. J. Hickey was quite surprised at her beautiful new home on Easter Monday afternoon, the members of Division 3 remembering she was such a grand entertainer, thought it would be rather nice to take her by surprise, but she proved the same charming hostess.

Capital City Division 3 has been doing some real good work this past few months several new memberr being added to our list, our meetings have been so interesting and so well attended. Sisters we are always glad to welcome one and all, hope the large attendance will not cease as warm weather approaches, as we need the presence of every member to make good interesting meetings. Several members have been visited with quite severe sickness, but all are much improved I am very glad to say. NORAH STUART.

Columbus, Ohio.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Tri-City Division is in a very prospering condition, we have 27 members, was very sorry to lose one by transfer this year, Sister Liscom, who moved to Denver, Colo., and will say to the Denver Sisters, what is our loss is your gain.

Sister Frank Bledsoe is the new member we have been trying for 10 years to induce to join with us but she said she was afraid of our goat. Sister Kavanough of Beckenridge, Minn., was a visitor with us for one meeting.

Sister Hibbard's husband who has been sick all winter, is much improved and will be able to work

soon.

Brother and Sister Cease are the happy parents of a baby boy.

Sister Galloway has had the sympathy of the

sisters this winter. In December she lost by death, her dear good father and for the past two monthshas been confined to the bed with a very serious illness.

Tri-City Division gave a dancing party March 1st, which was a very pleasant affair. Our Division is very anxious to have Sisters Moore and Higgins re-elected as they have both done honor to their offices and we know there is no one who could do better.

In conclusion will say if Sisters would only live up to the Golden Rule. "Do unto to others as you wish to be done by" and remember a word spoken can never be recalled and an injury done another will come home to yourself; our meeting days would be looked to with pleasure and we could live up to our motto, charity, truth and friendship. MRS A. McLEES.

Rock Island, Ill.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Auxiliary of Hartford Division No. 188 still holds sway over hard times, poor roads and much talk. I am in no mood to write, but that will not excuse me. We are having some very good meetings, I truly do enjoy them. We have taken in a few by transfer, yet no less welcome. Some we have initated, one more has been accepted, hope she will be with us soon. Sister McDonough is able to be with us again, she has been very ill, she presented Division No. 188 with a large Bible when we organized and Sister Knapp furnished us with gavels last month; Sister Whalen furnished for our charter a frame; President Sister Brigham, gave the link work the reguired ribbons, and at last we received our banner; so we begin to look as if we mean business.

We had a whist party last month, from which we took in a few dollars.

So many have complained of the cold, as an excuse for their absence from meeting; no more "cold" excuses. Cannot you Sisters come often now? and adopt a rule to see how pleasant you can make it for each other, try to do as much for We don't happiness as you can wish others to do. always feel pleasant, but as conductor's wives must not let every one be made unhappy for ourselves, look for the silver lining, every cloud has one. Let us keep love in our hearts, faith in our faces, charity and friendship in our deeds, Now the rest is accomplished even at the door. I see that Mr. Editor is beginning to frown, so I call for the farewell till another time. Love to each and every one MRS. ALICE A. BRAGA.

Burnside, Conn.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

207 having Rocky Mountain Division No. recently been organized, we are glad to inform you that we are rapidly adding new members and prospering financially. The members are beginning a series of socials which are proving a decided success. We gave an Easter ball which was more largely attended than any ball given in Missoula. EDITH SANDER.

Missoula, Mont.

FRATERNAL

This department is a Forum in which the members can discuss matters of interest to our Order and its members. The editors do not assume responsibility for the ideas expressed by the correspondents to this department. Personalities, intolerent expressions, detailed descriptions of entertainments or funerals, lists of committees, and matters of purely local interest can be not used. News and communications upon matters of general interest are cordially invited. Write on one side of paper only. No communication will appear unless the name of the author is furnished us.

Editor Railway Conductor:

I have been traveling and in the course of my journeyings took a trip over the U. and V. H. Railway-a most wonderful road. It was the most wonderful to me because it is operated on lines so in contrast with our American methods. The only fear I have in speaking of it is when only the half has been told, "the boys" will wish they had a job there and when I am through they will naturally ask why such conditions cannot prevail with us.

Brothers of the rail I will answer that question at once. It is because of selfishness and the scramble for the almighty dollar. The masters over us demand that we so labor that they may be enriched regardless of our bodily welfare or mental condition so long as we are capable of performing our duties without accident or cost to them, above the wages they in many instances unwillingly pay us. This selfishness is not wholly confined to those above us but permeates the whole system, the employes themselves demanding that when business becomes somewhat slack that those unfortunate enough to be young in the service be put upon the "slow board" or discharged outright. Many who could not earn their salt in any other calling and who had but small wages before securing their present positions are loudest in their demands for a reduction of force as they the "old heads" say they can't live on less than $125 to $150 per month the year around. This is the selfishness of our masters handed down to us. Some must have all-others nothing, even though our Brother laborer and his needs may be greater than ours.

But here is the account of the wonderful railroad I spoke of conductors engineers, brakemen and firemen are all paid wages that enable them to live decently and enjoy some of the pleasures of life and not feel that they are a mere cog in the wheels whose edges are gradually being worn away till they no longer count in the revolution and are relegated to the junk pile of "has beens." On this road of which I speak the men told me they were thoroughly satisfied and because one employé has a little more responsibility resting upon him than upon some fellow laborer he feels that he

is amply recompensed for his own labor and has no protest to make because his brother workmen are equally as well cared for-but for detailsthe crews are on hand 30 minutes before time for departure of train, engineer finds his engine on train-rod cups are filled, new carbon in headlight, air pump O. K., fireman finds tank full of good coal already cracked and wet' down, deck swept clean good clean fire, 200 lbs. of steam, flags, shaker bar and all equipment in good shape, Conductor gets seals and numbers, yard clerk already got train written up, no trouble to check up, after getting bills goes to dispatcher's office, dispatcher has everything in shape to get train out on time. Brakeman finds all hose coupled and air tested, car doors closed, couplings O. K., hand brakes so adjusted that in case of air failure it would be possible to hold train by hand. When time for departure has arrived train pulls out. On arrival at the end of their run these men go to a house run by the company where they can get a bath, and then walk into a clean, well kept dining room where they get such food as we know not of. The beefsteak is juicy and tender and done to a turn, not such as we get, good for trunk straps only and warranted indigestible, the biscuit are light and flaky and not calculated to lay on the stomach like lead, the eggs are not a cold storage product of last year's vintage emitting an unpleasant odor. The pies have something between the crust, which are not as tough as a Senegambian's heel, the coffee is clear and strong and not weak, black, muddy and bitter; flies, roaches and ants are not dancing the can-can over the floor and mice don't play hide and seek up and down their breeches leg and rats as big as a fox are not chased across the dining room floor by wild eyed felines making the dishes rattle as they run. After a good meal the men go to nice clean beds where they sleep soundly till they are again called. They pay a reasonable price for these accommodations and feel benefited and in a condition to properly attend to their duties on the road. Good food and rest make them good men, ready to render good service to their employers.

I talked with these men and asked them if the

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