The number of accidents which result in death or crippling of wage-workers, in the Union at large, is simply appalling; in a very few years it runs up to a total far in excess of the aggregate of the dead and wounded in any modern war.

Probably in no other respect is our legislation, both state and national, so far behind practically the entire civilized world as in the matter of liability and compensation for accidents in industry.

In this respect the generosity of the United States toward its employees compares most unfavorably with that of every country in Europe-even the poorest.

Our present system, or rather no system, works dreadful wrong and is of benefit to only one class of people-the lawyers. When a workman is injured, what he needs is not an expensive and doubtful lawsuit, but the certainty of relief through immediate administrative action.

The majority of wage-workers must have their rights secured for them by State action; but the National Government should legislate in thoroughgoing and far-reaching fashion not only for all employees of the National Government, but for all persons engaged in interstate commerce.

In discussing the subject of an old-age pension which is already in operation in Germany and other European countries, but never even suggested as a legislative proposition in the United States, though nothing can be more pitiful than the loss through old age of the job on which the home depends, and the privation which must follow, the President says:

As far as concerns those who have been worn out, I call your attention to the fact that definite steps toward providing old-age pensions have been taken in many of our private industries. These may be indefinitely extended through voluntary association and contributory schemes, or through the agency of savings banks, as under the recent Massachusetts plan. To strengthen these practical measures should be our immediate duty.

We could har lly expect the President to suggest a national plan for the care of the old and worn-out subjects of the nation. Canada can adopt a uniform plan and is now trying to work one out, but in the United States each State would need to adopt some plan, and if this is ever worked out those who are to be benefited by it must push some plan forward. The President has made a stronger plea in the interest of the wage earner than we had a right to expect, and it is in the direction of public thought in all progressive countries. The subject is worthy of agitation and it is for working

people to think out some plan and use their combined influence to put it in practice.

Congress does not like his reference to one of their acts, nor do the courts like his discussion of needed legislation to protect the integrity of the courts, but we do. We do not condemn the courts in any general sense, but there are those who occupy the position of judge who are led away by personal bias, and we need a law that will keep such judges within the realm of equity for all who come before it, so that the highest ideal of the integrity of the courts may be maintained.

The Sherman Act.

At a dinner given in New York City by the Ohio Society, President-elect Taft in an after-dinner speech, says among other things:

I want to say one word about the Sherman act. We stated in the platform that we proposed to carry out the Roosevelt policies, and a large part of those policies lies in carrying out the Sherman act, or such a modification as to effect the purposes of those who passed the act. It devolves upon the next administration to favor an amendment which will distinguish between those combinations which are harmless and not intended to be effected by the act and of those which it was intended to restrain. It will be the business of the next administration to lay down a rule by which all business men must be governed. It is a criminal statute, and business men are entitled to know the lines which they may not cross.

Organized labor desires to know the "lines they may not cross," and we hope the act may be amended back to its original, for as defined by the maker, Senator Sherman, it was not intended to be a bludgeon in the hands of lawyers and biased judges to beat the life out of organized labor, and the President-elect says: "It devolves upon the next administration to favor an amendment which will distinguish between the combinations which are harmless and not intended to be affected by the act, and of those which it was intended to restrain."

The influence of organized labor should be actively employed in favoring such an amendment, and we must remember that more than the President's influence is needed to bring success, for there are

many Van Cleves, Posts, etc., who will actively oppose everything in which organized labor has an interest.

Obituaries and Children's Pictures.

We are receiving many obituary resolutions, and letters and poems, with photographs of deceased members, with request to publish, though nothing of this character has appeared in the JOURNAL since 1896, when the convention held in Ottawa, Canada, adopted the plan which has since been followed, the substance of which has been published at the head of the Obituary column ever since, “That all deaths will in future be listed under the Obituary heading, with date and cause of death only. No resolutions of condolence, obituary letters or poems will be published in the JOURNAL."

We have followed this strictly, except in a few cases of early pioneers who had done yeoman service in helping to build up the Order, and that always prepared by the Editor and placed under Obituary heading. We are always in sympathy with those who desire to pay special tribute to our deceased members, and receive these prescribed communications with regret. It is not a pleasant duty in such cases to be obliged to call attention to the law and possibly seem to rule arbitrarily in such cases, and the Editor will be greatly pleased if he is in future relieved from such an unpleasant duty by having all remember that it is not a matter of choice with him, but a rule for his guidance that must be followed. If we remember that there are, like the record in the present number, ei hty or more deaths listed, we can readily see what it would mean with a resolution for each, with the addition of letters, poems and pictures would make so much that they would not be read if published. We believe the plan pursued since the Ottawa Convention the best that could be devised as a means of general information, and we hope all concerned will feel as we do in relation to it, and not send other matter.

We would also call attention to the matter of pictures of children. None have been used since 1902, the Norfolk

Convention expressing its disapproval of giving them space. Not because they disliked children, but because when we opened the door to them they were sent in in great numbers, creating large expense with little return in general interest. The Editor had a year of unpleasantness in explaining and returning these pictures, but they still come, and it is a touchy subject. We very much dislike to disappoint some mother whose pride in her child induces her to send a picture for illustration. We like children, and it crates an unpleasant duty which we hope will be obviated with this understanding of the subject.

Book Notes.

"Air-brake and Electric Equipment," by Bro. D. R. Cafferty, member of Div. 419, air-brake and electric instructor Manhattan division, Interborough Rapid Transit Co., New York City, treats on the automatic Westinghouse quick-action air brake by questions and answers, and the equipment as a whole; has seven chapters on its peculiarities and troubles, and in 26 chapters gives a lucid, practical treatise on electric equipment, with questions and answers. The book contains 94 pages, pocket size, and would be a useful acquisition for those employed where electricity is used as a motive power. Bound in morocco, $1.50. Address D. R. Cafferty, 751 Monroe street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

"Lockhart's Book of Instructions for Locomotive Firemen," by Charles F. Lockhart. The book treats on the firemen's duties and contains a practical treatise on combustion, locomotive construction, air brake, including the E T equipment, valve motion, including the Walschaert, train rules, signals, personal injuries and discipline-a territory not covered by many of such publications, and would be a valuable help to both engineers and firemen. Price, $1.25. Address C. F. Lockhart, 6805 Kinsman road, Cleveland, O.

A new weekly magazine, edited and also published by Senator La Follette,

Madison, Wis., will put in an appearance the first week in January and will champion "Government by the people," deal with the records of public officials and political parties. "The truth about men and measures," says the prospectus, "proceedings in Congress and State legislatures will be given to its readers."

Education and the home will be discussed from a woman's standpoint in a department conducted by Mrs. La Follette.

The editorial department will no doubt be of a vigorous, spicy character, coming from the pen of the Senator noted for calling things by their right names. Subscription price, $1.00 per year. Send to Robert M. La Follette, Madison, Wis.

Links.

A GRAND reunion of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, together with the G. I. A., will be held at San Antonio, Tex., March 29, 30 and 31, 1909.

The manifold attractions that the beautiful and historic city of San Antonio has to offer will make this reunion one of the most delightful ever held. The perfect spring climate, mild and sunny, with flowers in full bloom, the Alamo where heroes died for liberty, the old missions, the cathedral, beautiful parks and plazas, excellent hotels, apartment and boarding-houses, museums, theaters and amusements, will make this reunion worth coming to.

An interesting program has been arranged for the occasion, and a large attendance is anticipated.

The Grand Officers of the B. of L. E. and G. I. A. are expected to be present. You are cordially invited, and everybody guaranteed a good time. Further information can be obtained from John A. Shirley, Sec., 431 Van Ness street, San Antonio, Tex.

THE Panama Railroad and S. S. Co.'s boat "Finance," scheduled to leave New York on November 23, bound for Cristobal, C. Z., was sunk on the morning of November 26. All the mail and cargo of this boat was lost.

All Divisions or Brothers who sent mail

to the Canal Zone that would reach New York between November 17 and 23 are requested to mail duplicate copies.

W. H. BUCKIUS, F. A. E. Div. 756,
Pedro Miguel, C. Z.

BRO. J. L. BRUMMEL, member of Div. 554, formerly member of Div. 228, Pocatello, Idaho, has been appointed road foreman of equipment, Iowa Central Railway Co.; territory from Oskaloosa, Ia., to Peoria, Ill.; headquarters, Monmouth, Ill. F. C. STELTERS, Div. 39.

BRO. L. E. W. BAILEY, member of Div. 510, Moose Jaw, Sask., has been appointed road foreman of engines for the Western divison, Canadian Pacific Railroad; effective December 3. 1908.

D. A. FRASER, Div. 510.

BRG. D. L. FORSYTHE, who was secretary of the arrangement committee, Memphis Convention, and later was appointed road foreman of equipment of the Southeastern division, Frisco Railway, has been promoted to general road foreman of equipment for the same company on the district from Springfield, Mo., to Birmingham, Ala., with headquarters at Memphis, Tenn.

Bro. Robert Collett, Div. 285, R. F. of E. of the Ozark division, has been promoted and transferred to the district from Monnett to St. Louis, Mo.

Both of these Brothers were formerly members of the G. C. of A. on the Frisco system. They are practically men of experience, and we wish them success in their new responsibilities.

F. M. ANDREWS, Div. 672.

BRO. G. H. DANVER, C. E. of Subdivision 733, has been promoted to traveling engineer, with jurisdiction over the Peoria division and Indianapolis Southern division of the Illinois Central. As much as we regret to lose Brother Danver's guiding influence as C. E., yet, every member of this Division wishes him success in his new position, and will render him all the assistance we can to make his new duties light and pleasant.

Brother Danver was very active in organizing High Dry Div. 733, and has been our C. E. since the Division was organized. He was our delegate to the eighth biennial convention at Columbus, O.

Brother Danver resigns as C. E. with the proud distinction of having every engineer running on this Division a member of the B. of L. E. but one, and his proposition has been handed in to the F. A. E. perhaps ere this goes to press. Division 733 can proudly boast of every engineer running within its jurisdiction a member of the B. of L. E.

B. E. ADAMS, F. A. E. Div. 733.

BRO. J. O. DETWEILER, member of Subdivision 100, retired from service, manufactures a pile remedy which he says is excellent, and would be pleased to send it to anyone sending him 50 cents. Address J. O. Detweiler, Danville, Ill.

THIS to advise that Bro. B. R. Lacy, member of Subdivision 339, has been a third time elected treasurer of the State of North Carolina by a handsome majority. Brother Lacy not only polled more votes in his own town and county, but also ran ahead of his ticket in nearly all

BRO, B. R. LACY, MEMBER DIV. 339.

parts of the State. This will be very gratifying to the B. of L. E. generally, and it is especially so to the members in North Carolina, who put their shoulders to the wheel with the determination that he should have the largest vote of any candidate for any office in the election just held. Fraternally,

HENRY M. REECE, F. A. E. Div. 339.

SUBDIVISION 631, Port Arthur, Ontario, Can., is doing fine. The young runners realize where they naturally belong and we are getting all of them. We have had heavy power out of Port Arthur with quite a rush of business during the fall, with several promotions and a number of hired engineers, of course members of the B. of L. E., as this company does not have any other; but business has dropped off now since the boats stopped running, something that comes to us every year, yet we will get enough to help us winter

AFTER the regular session of Cloudcroft Div. 591, El Paso, Tex., on November 23, an unusual alarm was heard at the door, and upon investigation was found to be a number of the good wives of our members and members of G. I. A. Star of 1900, 138, loaded with the materials for a fine supper. After being welcomed by our efficient C. E., Brother Pettinger, who is always equal to any occasion where the ladies or anything to eat are concerned, the members and ladies and visiting Brothers were seated at what our bachelor unfortunate Brothers declared to be far ahead of the customary lunch counter. A thoroughly good social time was had and all thank the ladies, and hope they may give us this pleasant surprise test again. Fraternally,

ALBERT TEAS, F. A. E.

DIVISION 707, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of the Philadelphia &

After the public meeting in the Grand Opera House, the members, their wives, families and sweethearts adjourned to City Hall, which had been decorated by the ladies of G. I. A. Div. 413, and where a sumptuous banquet was served by them to about 900 persons, the tables being waited upon by a large number of young ladies dressed in white which, along with the decorations of "Old Glory" about the room added a picturesque beauty to the scene. The meetings and feast, each of which proved a grand success, were arranged by the following committee of the Order: H. Haas, master of ceremonies; David Super, chairman; Frank Greth, Morris Stout, Harry Haas, John O'Brynes, William Goldsmith, William Strimmel, Harry Beach, Benjamin Balthazzar, George Weidimyer, Harry Reppert, John Deemer, Ira Noll, John Credden, John Quinn and Joseph F. Costello.-Norristown Register.

THE regular meeting of the General Committee of Adjustment of the Santa Fe proper met in Topeka, Kans., on Nov. 9, and while in session the ladies of Lilac Div. 152, G. I. A., Argentine, extended an invitation to the 17 members of the committee to attend their 17th anniversary on the 17th of November. The committee, not desiring to disappoint the

ladies of 152, worked on Sunday so they could attend.

The evening was spent in dancing by the young people and social games by the older ones, but from the looks of those on the floor there were more than the young people there. As each lady of Div. 152 acted as a hostess, there was no trouble in everyone having a good time, and gave the members of Div. 396 a chance to get acquainted with all the members of the committee, as well as the ladies.

At the proper hour we were invited to the dining-hall where the ladies had prepared a sumptuous banquet for all, but owing to lack of room, half at a time, there being 50 seated at the first table. After we made the repast look like two cents, Brother Herrick, acting chairman of ceremonies, called on Brother Osborn, Chief Engineer of Div. 396, Bro. A. Beeler and Bro. Jas. Thomas, of Div. 234, and Bro. Myer Hurley, general chairman of the G. C. of A., Santa Fe proper. Brothers Osborn, Beeler and Thomas, in well-chosen words, gave us good advice and kept the crowd in a jolly mood; but Brother Hurley spoke in a less jubilant strain, owing to a feeling of emptiness, as he was one of the unfortunates who had to wait for the second table, he being at home, and you know visitors come first; but, rallying, he in choice words thanked the ladies for their previous hospitality toward one of our Grand Officers and the members of Div. 396. The uproar caused by his explanation of why his entire committee so quickly responded to the Division's invitation gave those who had been served a chance to retire and the waiting 50 to take their places, when the ladies proved their ability to care for the entire company.

On departing it was the universal wish of all present that the ladies of Lilac Div. 152 should give opportunity to enjoy many returns of their anniversary. They deserve great credit for the success of this celebration.

The committee went back to Topeka with a resolve that they would listen to no grievance coming from Argentine, as none ought to exist when there are such pleasant social relations,