corner bespoke too of another absent one, Sister Tracy, who to me was one of the bright lights of any convention she ever attended. And next year the voice of dear Sister Sewell will be stilled, who has done so much for our F. B. A., but in her successor, Sister Drake, we find a woman of rare ability.

We should remember our ritual, "abide by majority rule," stand by her loyally, and do all we can to promote the interests of our Order. It came like a thunderbolt, but the storm has subsided, so let us gather up the scattered fragments during the calm and start again with renewed zeal and fresh energy.

How we enjoyed the trip over the magnificent Cascades and the glorious Rockies, and beheld the splendor and broad expanse of the beautiful Pacific. Let us again, however, settle down to our simple everyday life and do the work set before us with just as much enthusiasm and interest as ever. And may God be with us till we meet in that Division room above not made with hands, where parting and sorrow are unknown. St. Paul, Minn.

MRS. J. C. MCCALL.

It has been over a year since I undertook to chronicle the happenings of White City Division No. 100. Since my last letter our Division has had its proportionate share of sorrow and grief through the death of two of its members and active workers and through the departure for other cities of several true and worthy Sisters who have left behind them vacant chairs and records of good and charitable acts that will never be forgotten or erased.

But mixed with the sorrows and cares of the Division, has been mingled joy and amusement sufficient to justify every Sister in feeling that the social side has been everything that could have been expected from the amount of money expended and the number of Sisters who participated in all the entertainments.

We have had several tea parties, luncheons, cards, dancing, etc., which were always well attended and very enjoyable and a very great help toward bringing the Sisters and their families closer to each other socially and spiritually, and creating a firmer and truer sisterhood, which will help to guide those who feel and know that we all belong to the same human family, created with the same attributes, endowed with the same race characteristics, toned by the same fashions and follies, and spiritually guided by the same faith.

It is not strange that we women should organize and work together to help each other; not to do so would be abandoning love, faith and sympathy, which move, the world in harmony and happiness, and would be adopting the theory of working for "self and pelf" which disorganizes society, and results in discontent and final decay.

The writer has recently returned from the convention at Portland, Oregon, and must describe the trip. We left Chicago over the Chicago & North Western Railway on the special, consisting of eight sleepers. one dining car and one baggage.* There were about three hundred and fifty on the train, and being of one kind and class, and with the same object in view, it was just like one

big family reunion, every one happy and trying to make it pleasant for everybody else.

The special order of the day was the exchanging cards, shaking hands and visiting. Oh, what a jolly, good natured, whole-souled family.

The writer had made four round trips from the state of Washington to Chicago, and was quite familiar with the western country and with traveling, but never before did I meet, or dream of meeting, such a family on a single train. It was one constant round of pleasure and excitement from Chicago to Portland and return.

The first stop of any length of time was at North Platte, Neb.; we were there about three hours, took dinner, went around the town, and two of the Good Brothers hired a carriage and announced to some one it was tendered by Mrs. Wm. Cody with her compliments to the Maryland ladies, and naturally every one was from Maryland and wanted to take a ride in it; well it is laughable now to think over the many good things that were said about her. How lovely she was "and hoped she would win her divorce suit". When we passed her beautiful residence, we wondered why she did not give us a wave of the hand, but we excused her, and wished her many good things, etc., but imagine our surprise, when, returning to Chicago we learned the carriage was hired by two Brothers and that it was only a joke.

Kodaks were about as numerous as satchels, and snap shots were being taken of everything and everybody, and at North Platte quite a number got upon the engine and had their pictures taken.

The Brothers and Sisters from Pocatello, Idaho, met us on the train and gave us flowers and handshakes and oh, how good it seemed to have those Sisters and Brothers in that far away state meet us as though we were of the same family, and when we arrived there they had a real wild western show for us. They had a band of music and escorted us to the commons where they had several Indians and cow-boys, and they had many wild broncho ponies which they rode to the delight and excitement of all those who witnessed it. Then they invited us to Masonic and Elks Halls and treated us to the finest of frappe, music, etc. We were royally entertained and to say it was highly appreciated, is but putting it mildly.

At Portland we were given a badge which was a free pass to every place of interest and amuse

ment.

While at Portland there was something in the way of entertainment for the visitors daily. Auto rides, trolley rides, excursions on the river, a daily train free to the ocean-side, a grand ball, a trip through the exposition grounds with a fine luncheon, etc., etc. Certainly the Brothers and Sisters of Portland did everything they could to make our stay pleasant, and everyone had nothing but the highest praise for Portland, its people and the true, loyal and hospitable Brothers and Sisters of Divisions 91 O. R. C. and L. A., to O. R. C.

The Grand Division to the writer was a great big affair, but orderly and systematic, and crowded with Sisters who were teeming with love and sympathy for the Auxiliary, and the Sisters throughout the land. Nearly everyone seemed

be

to have an amendment to some law or some innovation which to the Sister seemed beneficial to the Division, and the Auxiliary. But before being adopted they were subjected to the test of whether they were beneficial to the whole Auxiliary and if not they were rejected. Some changes were made in the Laws which no doubt will beneficial, and as time rolls by and conditions change other and better laws will be suggested and adopted. On our return trip we were given a side trip to Boise City, Idaho, and were met by a committee of citizens and escorted to their natatorium where many of the Brothers and Sisters went in bathing and enjoyed the natural warm water which they claim has a great many medical properties. We next stopped at Salt Lake, Utah, Saltair Beach on the great Salt Lake, where we were shown one of the largest and finest dancing pavilions in the world, and we had a view of the wonderful Salt Lake, and many of the Brothers and Sisters again went in bathing. We were shown through the salt works and given a small sack of salt as a souvenir.

Next we were given a two hours' ride on the sightseeing cars accompanied by a guide who explained and pointed out every place of interest as we rode along. We were then taken to the Salt Palace and then to a saucer-shaped race track where we were treated to a motor cycle five mile race, which was as swift and exciting as the ordinary person could wish for. In the afternoon we were taken to the great Mormon tabernacle which seats 12,000 and has 20 large out-side doors and can be emptied in four minutes. They had an organ recital for us, and a lady soloist rendered two solos. The strains from the great pipe organ still linger in my ears, and when the organist played a certain piece imitating a choir it was perfect and the writer and most of the audience thought it was voices instead of the organ. We were certainly highly entertained and capitally treated by the Brothers and Sisters of Salt Lake, for which we are exceedingly grateful. In traveling from Salt Lake to Denver over the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, we went through the Grand Canyon, and oh, what a beautiful scene, one which the writer would not undertake to describe, even though space would be given.

At Denver we were given a two hours' ride in their sight-seeing cars around that beautiful city accompanied by a guide and shown every place and were highly entertained for which we_are very, very thankful.

We arrived safely at Chicago after seventeen days of continuous sight-seeing and pleasure and every one seemed happy, notwithstanding the long journey, and as we parted we wished each other a God speed and hoped we would all meet at Memphis in 1907. MRS. W. J. LACEY.

Chicago, Ill.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

In presenting greetings to our new Sister Division in San Antonio, the Houston Division extends the right hand of fellowship, and trusts that the bond of true friendship just cemented will in memory ever remain green. And thus another bright spot

has been marked in the history of our beloved Order. The San Antonio conductors ably assisted the ladies in organizing, incidentally attending the many social affairs pertaining thereto demonstrating their confidence in the cause and an expression of their desire to have an Auxiliary to the Order of Railway Conductors in our own city, which was appreciated by the Sisters, encouraging them to press onward in the good cause.

For what dutiful wife is there who could not be interested in the least vagary of a good husband. And as all good comes to those who wait, San Antonio is now the possessor of an Auxiliary which will in a short time rank second to none. A city which boasts of the birthplace of so many deeds of valor and heroism, coupled with its exquisite scenery, boasting of the most modern and commodious of residences, standing out prominent amongst them being the homes of our conductors, where happiness and plenty abound. Love in almost every case has been the dominant influence of those households, and without which the most pretentious of mansions would be but abiding places. Deprived of its benign influence, life is but a wilderness of unsatisfied longings. MRS. T. I. WATTERS.

Editor Railway Conductor:

There has been considerable said about Andrews Division 4 not having a letter in THE CONDUCTOR for several months, but the fact of the coming convention and getting ready for the same having occupied our minds to a great extent, it has given the Correspondent very little material with which to work up an article of any interest. However, we have had two or three good old-fashioned socials. One at the home of Brother and Sister Barling and the other at the home of Brother and Sister Zigler, both of which were very profitable to the Division and afforded those in attendance very pleasant evenings. Then, before leaving for the convention, our Sister President, Mrs. C. W. Sackett, also delegate from Andres Division, entertained the Sisters and their husbands at her home in Riverside.

Our Division is enjoying an increased membership, and much interest is shown. When the quarter rolls around, our insurance agent is kept busy making out receipts. I would like to say to "Old Abe" that I know of one who reads every letter in THE CONDUCTOR and enjoys those in the Fraternal Department especially, although, perhaps, not in a position to give them the deserved amount of consideration, still the reading is certainly a pleasure. MRS. C. A. ROSSITER. Elkhart, Ind.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Sego Lily Division 150 has a good report to make. At every meeting we have petitions to ballot on or a candidate for initiation. We will have three candidates to travel the path next meeting.

Salt Lake is becoming quite a railroad center. The new San Pedro road, which connects this city with Los Angeles, was opened to the public May 1st. This will attract many conductors, and, we hope, bring new material for our Division.

We cleared $125.00 at our ball in February, and

all had a thoroughly good time. We wish to thank the Brothers for the help they gave us at that time.

Sister Lantry entertained the ladies in April. The proceeds were used for Pullman fare for our delegate.

May 1st was the tenth wedding anniversary of Brother and Sister Miller, and a surprise was planned for them. The self-invited guests armed themselves with tin horns and proceeded to the home of Brother Miller, and upon arrival there was "music in the air." Brother Shields presented Sister Miller with a present from the ladies, which turned out to be a large tin spoon tied with a bow of red, white and green. He then presented Brother Miller a large tin cake box. On opening the box, Brother Miller found a beautiful cut-glass fruit dish and spoon tray, also a box of cigars, all the gift of the Brother conductors. A musical program was rendered and the ladies served lunch and at midnight the guests departed, all wishing Brother and Sister Miller many happy returns of the day.

Just a word about our officers. They have made a study of their work and it is much appreciated by all the Sisters. I think I can safely say that we have a wide-awake, healthy, growing Division. MRS. CHAS. MONTGOMERY.

Editor Railway Conductor:

The members of Niphto Division 152 have been quite busy of late. On March the 16th we initiated Mrs. Floyd into the secrets of our Order. Just one week later we initiated Mrs. Looney, the goat having recovered from his promenade.

On the 27th of April we gave a tacky party at the home of the writer, and we did have a lot of fun. Some of the tackiest folks you ever saw were present. Sister Floyd carried off the prize.

You conductors' wives who don't belong to the Auxiliary don't know what you miss by not joining our forces. Should we not be banded together more than any other women on earth? Do we not each stay at home and attend to household and business affairs during the absence of our loved ones, serving double duty while they must of a necessity absent themselves to earn our daily bread? Let us not think of self alone, but remember the wife of every conductor must pass many days and nights alone, bearing the burdens of everyday life. How bravely, but few can guess. Tuscumbia, Ala.

MRS. BOB. PRICE.

Editor Railway Conductor:

Auxiliary 169 is moving along nicely, our meetings are always well attended, and two new members have recently been added. We held our annual "at home" in November, which was a great success in every way, adding a large amount to our treasury. A parlor-social was held at the home of Brother and Sister A. Cameron; also an "at home" was held in our hall, which ended with a delightful hop, both of which helped to swell our funds. I am pleased to say that we have secured a treasure for our musician. Having the music seems to make our meetings so much more enjoyable.

Sister Noble, who has been so seriously ill, has recovered; also Sister Wilson.

Election of officers was held in December, followed by installation in January. Our ambition is to make as good a record in 1905 as in 1904. Our Division was awarded the medal, of which we feel honored and appreciate it very much. We have been progressing very nicely both socially and financially. Along the social line I wish to make mention of the very delightful manner in which Sister and Brother Hamilton entertained the L A. to O. R. C. and the O. R. C. a few weeks ago which was highly enioyed.

We are looking forward, and making preparations for our annual May day ball, which in previous years has been a success, and we are putting forth our best efforts to make it the same this year. Logansport, Ind. MRS. JOHN HUNTER.

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Editor Railway Conductor:

Our Division is rapidly increasing in numbers; also in good workers. Sister Garr, from Atlanta, came down two months ago and gave us some very helpful information requisite to our work. We appreciated her visit very much and hope to have her with us again.

Sisters, the good old summer time is here and we will have some very unpleasant weather to contend with, but let's don't stay at home and waitfor some other Sister to act our part, but for that matter every one has her part. If we wait for everything to come to us without exertion on our part, we will find there will be little done. So let's don't have any "Rip Van Winkles" this summer. I don't think we have, but let's make every effort to go to the Division and do our part. Montgomery, Ala.

MRS. J. A. STANLEY.

There's never a rose in all the world

But makes some green spray sweeter; There's never a wind in all the sky

But makes some bird wing fleeter; There's never a star but brings to heaven Some silver radiance tender,

And never a rosy cloud but helps
To crown the sunset splendor;
No robin but may thrill some heart,
His dawnlight gladness voicing-
God gives us all some small, sweet way
To set the world rejoicing.

Editor Railway Conductor:

On Thursday morning, May 4th, at 10 o'clock a. m., a special train consisting of eight Pullman sleeping cars, one dining and a baggage car left the Union Station, St. Louis, with four hundred and seventeen souls on board bound for Portland, Oregon, to attend the Grand Division meeting of the Order of Railway Conductors and the Ladies Auxiliary to the O. R. C.

A bright warm day it was and it augured well for a pleasant journey to the gay, happy crowd gathered mostly from the Atlantic coast points, the Middle States, the South and Southwest, the Mississippi Valley and from our sister Republic on the South, Mexico. Total strangers personally to one another at the start, but that fraternity which each had assumed to share made the members acquainted with each other in a short time, and as one great family were speeding westward to the point made famous by those dauntless pioneers, Lewis and Clark, of one hundred years ago.

The route taken was over the C. B. & Q. Ry., to St. Paul and then over the Northern Pacific to Portland. The first stop on the line of the "Q" of interest was at Galesburg, Illinois, where a change of engines was made and a number of conductors and wives were added to our party. Our next stop of note was St. Paul, which place we reached at 7:30 Friday morning.

The special being scheduled to leave at 11 a. m. the occupants of the train took advantage of the interval by first securing breakfast and then roaming over the city at will. St. Paul weather called our attention to the fact that we were actually in the north. On our train out of St. Louis we had Brother D. R. Caffey and bride. Brother Caffey was the delegate from Division 159, City of Mexico, and came to St. Louis where he was joined by the lady of his choice who had journeyed thither from Florida. The marriage ceremony was performed in the parlors of the Terminal Hotel at St. Louis in the presence of close friends. The fact of Brother Caffey's recent marriage was soon known to all and as a natural result much attenion was paid the happy couple.

As we were leaving St. Paul we had an excellent view of St. Anthony's Falls, and soon passing Minneapolis we plunged into, that great granary of the world, the immense wheat belt of the northwest. Saturday morning we entered the Bad Lands of North Dakota. At 10 o'clock a. m. our train stopped at the station of Glendive, Montana, and we were greeted by the local Division, "Yellowstone" No. 191, who were received with open arms with band playing. We were escorted to the Jordon Hotel where breakfast was served. The Yellowstone River was viewed from a very high bridge which spans it at this point. This stream with its clear cool water is very deep and abounds in fish yet it is almost impossible to catch them. The river is not navigable. Much credit is due the wives of the members of Division 191 for their interest in taking the visitors in charge and pointing out and explaining the different points of interest. Just prior to our departure the visitors, the citizens of Glendive with the band and members of Division 191 assembled on the platform of the station and Brother L. E. Sheppard being introduced made a short address on behalf of the visiting Brothers and Sisters. In response Mr. C. L. Rood, editor of the Yellowstone Monitor, gave a witty and entertaining talk. The people of Glendive were the first to extend to us that "glad hand" of the west, of which we have heard so much. With us out of Glendive we had Brother J. M. Rapelje, Division Superintendent of the Northern Pacific, who gave us the glad hand and his presence as far as Miles City at which place the conductors alighted and gave him three cheers. Out of Glendive we were pulled by engine 232 and this engine was the only one on our trip that was decorated. At Forsyth a change of engine crews was made and on behalf of the members of the party a box of cigars was presented to each crew.

At Billings, Montana, a stop of thirty minutes was made and here we saw many Indians. Mr. Joe Johnson, the trainmaster, was with us from Billings to Livingston and was introduced to all the party. We stayed about 10 minutes admiring the beautiful depot of the Northern Pacific Railway.

Saturday night we entered the Rockies and Sunday morning while seated at the breakfast table we looked out upon deep canons and high mountain peaks whose crests were covered with snow. Leaving Missoula we ran for a long distance along Clark's Fork of the Columbia River. The scenery along this stream was beautiful indeed. A stop for a few minutes was made at Hope, Idaho, and here we viewed Lake Pen d'Oreille. The water is very clear and sandy and soundings have been made, to a depth of 1800 feet without touching bottom. Clark Fork empties into Lake Pend d'Oreille at this point and the smooth surface of the lake reflecting back the mountains surrounding presents a magnificent scenic picture.

At Spokane dinner was prepared for us at the "Silver Grill," and then the city and falls were viewed with much admiration. Before leaving Spokane it was learned that we had another

Bay to Point Defiance, a beautiful natural park which has just recently been transferred to the City of Tacoma by the United States Government. A clam chowder lunch was served and thoroughly enjoyed. The natural beauties of the park were much admired and the ladies were given all the flowers they wished. The return trip of 8 miles was made by street cars giving an excellent opportunity to see the city and its points of interest The Ferry Museum, in the court house, contains many curios of the Revolutionary, Mexican, Civil and Spanish American wars, also an elaborate collection of totems of the Alaskan tribes, Indian baskets, Chinese and Japanese wares, historical papers, statuary and paintings. The library is a beautiful building and contains 75,000 volumes. In the evening as guests of the management the party attended the "Star Theater." With the "God speed" of Division 249 and Division 35

bridal party aboard who had until this time concealed the fact that they were on their honeymoon. The newly discovered happy pair were Brother T. Haverty and bride from Atchison, Kansas, Brother Haverty being a member of Division 28. Upon being confronted with the evidence they acknowledged the facts and then there was more fun in which Brother Caffey joined.

We arrived at Tacoma at 7:30 a. m. Monday and our train was at once backed to the wharf where we were received by Division 249 O. R. C. and Division 35 L. A. to O. R. C. Brother T. Wilkinson, C. C. of Division 249, in a short address introduced the Hon. Geo. W. Wright, mayor of Tacoma, who at once made us feel at home and who extended to us the freedom of the city. Division 249 and 35 had arranged for our entertainment and after listening to the speech-making we entered launches and made the trip on Commencement

ringing in our ears we left Tacoma at 10:45 for Portland at which place we dropped anchor at 7:20 the following morning.

Division 91 of Portland had arranged for the delegates and visitors a program of pleasure and entertainment which had probably never before been excelled by any other local Division.

Space will not admit of describing at length the entertainment but daily trips were made to the sea-side, trolley rides around the city, rail and water trips along and on the Columbia River and receptions. The public reception given the visitors at the "Marquam Grand Theater" was one long to be remembered. Among the speakers were the Hon. Geo. E. Chamberlain, Governor of Oregon; Hon. Geo. H. Williams, Mayor of Portland and the only surviving member of President Grant's Cabinet; Mr. B. A. Worthington, Vice-President and General Manager Harriman lines; Mrs. J. H. Moore, Grand President, L. A. O. R. C.; Mr.