Lodge. It has grown until it had on July 1, 1900, 572 local unions and a total of 36,084 members. The first annual convention was held at Hornellsville, N. Y., December 15, 1874, at which time 12 lodges had been organized. The second annual convention was held at Indianapolis in December, 1875, and had representatives from 31 lodges, which showed a total membership of 600. At the third annual convention in St. Louis in September, 1876, 53 lodges were represented and 1,500 members. At this meeting the order established the Locomotive Firemen's Magazine, an organ which has been published uninterruptedly since that date. At the outset the Locomotive Firemen's Magazine was a pamphlet of 32 pages, and the subscription price was fixed at $1.10 per year; in 1877 it became the property of the brotherhood, and the subscription price was fixed at $1; in 1882 it was increased in size to 48 pages, and 1883 to 64, and in 1886, when the dues for the grand lodge were increased from $1 to $1.50, the magazine was ordered sent free to all members. Since 1888 the magazine has had a minimum of 96 pages, and in 1889 the grand dues were increased to $2 to cover deficit due to cost of publication of the magazine. The cost of publication was estimated at 92 cents per member for the fiscal year 1899, when the aggregate bulk for the year was 2,024 pages, and at 81 cents per member for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1900, when the aggregate bulk was 1,904 pages. Besides editorials expressing opinions upon questions of special interest to railroad men, it contains a directory of subordinate lodges and items relating to the routine business of the brotherhood, in addition to which general reading matter of a literary character. Its editorials of recent years are frequently bitter in their complaint that locomotive firemen have not shared in the general industrial prosperity. It has opposed the relief associations of railroad companies, the general political tendencies in the direction of expansion and the increase of military forces, the legislation favoring railway corporations, and, in conjunction with other railroad labor unions it has favored an 8-hour day, municipal ownership of public utilities, compulsory education, stricter liability of employers, factory-inspection laws, abolition of sweat shops and contract labor, legislation against injunctions, and the nationalization of railroads, telegraphs, and telephones. It has looked upon the growth of trusts, and what it generally styles the increasing power of capital, with distrust and with a desire for more effective legislation to protect labor.

Prior to the organization of the brotherhood, firemen were combined in what was called the International Firemen's Union and Protective Association, which met with determined opposition from the railroads. The brotherhood up to 1877 was known as an insurance and fraternal organization, but by that time it had absorbed the few remaining local unions of the International Firemen's Union, and it became a labor organization and participated in some of the strikes of 1877 which spread over the country. The disfavor with which members of the firemen's brotherhood were generally regarded, after the strikes of 1877, retarded the growth of the brotherhood; but since 1885 it has generally been successful in espousing the interests of this class of railroad employees. The brotherhood, however, in recent years, especially in a declaration adopted at the convention of 1894, deplores strikes, and insists upon its members standing by agreements which they make with employers. The firemen have always been anxious to bring about closer relationships between the various organizations of railway men, and especially to secure united action of its legislative committees with those of other brotherhoods in order to strengthen their position with the state and national legislatures. The constitution of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen provides that at least 15 days before the convening of the legislature of any state each lodge in that state may select a member to serve as a legislative representative. Such representative shall meet with other representatives similarly elected, which body must elect two or more of their number to constitute a legislative board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, and whose duties will be to influence, in conjunction with other labor representatives, the enactment, repeal, or amendment of laws in which firemen are interested. A legislative board is not constituted in any state unless two-thirds of the lodges select legislative representatives. The legislative representatives may assess members within their jurisdiction to defray the expenses for legislative purposes.

Membership in the brotherhood is restricted to those who have served at least 9 months as locomotive firemen, and who are in act of service at the time of application. An applicant must, furthermore, be white born, of good moral character, sober and industrious, sound in body and limb, and not less than 18 years of age. Locomotive engine hostlers who have served 13 years are also eligible

1 See historical sketch of the brotherhood, published in souvenir book of the fourteenth annual convention in Atlanta in 1888.

2 See Locomotive Firemen's Magazine, August. 1900.

to membership. All applicants must pass a medical examination in order to participate in the benefit features of the organization, and no applicant over 45 years of age is admitted to the beneficiary department, nor those who fail to pass the medical test. Three or more "black balls" in the local lodge to which a person applies for membership are sufficient to reject an applicant.

Fees for membership are, first, application fee of $2; second, initiation fee, fixed by the local lodge, of not less than $3; third, grand dues, $2 per annum; fourth, beneficiary dues, to be determined by the lodge and to vary with the amount of beneficiary certificate, but in no case to be less than $4.50 for a beneficiary certificate of $1,500; $3.50 for $1,000, and $2 for $500. The application fee is applied to the payment of the grand dues, the initiation fee goes into the general fund of the local lodge, and the grand dues go to the secretary and treasurer of the grand lodge. Subordinate lodges may levy a special assessment fee agreed to at a regular meeting of the lodge by a two-thirds vote.

One of the chief purposes of the organization is to improve the character and condition of its members. Charges of misconduct may be made in writing and signed by any member of the order in good standing. They are then referred to a committee of three disinterested members, which committee takes testimony and submits its report in writing at the next regular meeting of the lodge. If the report is accepted by a majority of the members present, it is declared to be the judgment of the lodge, and the master must enforce the penalties provided for in the constitution. From such decision any member may, within 30 days, take an appeal to the grand lodge, which, when submitted in writing, is filed by the grand secretary and brought before the next regular meeting of the grand lodge, whose decision is final. The convention of 1898 provided a penalty of expulsion for any one proven guilty of giving away or selling a pass. The constitution also provides that any member using intoxicating liquor to excess, or found guilty of other things of immoral character, may be suspended for the first offense, if of a light character, but if of a serious nature, and for a second offense, shall be expelled. Expulsion is always the penalty for making use of any improper means for obtaining relief benefits. No lodge is allowed to derive revenue from the sale of liquor at picnics or at entertainments upon a penalty of forfeiting its charter.

All funds due the local lodges are received by a collector and turned over by him to a receiver, who gives a receipt for them and makes payments on orders signed by the master and secretary. The funds of local lodges are invested by local boards of trustees, in conjunction with the receiver, in such securities as the lodges may direct. The trustees must examine the books of the receiver monthly, and must make a quarterly report in writing to the lodge. Funds received by the grand secretary and treasurer must be deposited daily in bank, and not withdrawn except upon check signed by the grand master and grand secretary and treasurer, each of whom is bonded by some reputable company-the grand master for $125,000 and the secretary and treasurer for $100,000. All regular receipts of the grand lodge, including insurance assessments, and magazine subscriptions, and income from advertisements in the magazine, are paid into one generaÎ fund. Special assessments, which the grand lodge has power to levy for the protection of its members and the promotion of its welfare, constitute special funds for the purposes for which they were levied. No funds can be donated or loaned for any purpose except by two-thirds' vote at a meeting of the grand lodge. Large sums are voted to members not entitled to insurance. In 1896 $32,000 was so voted, and at the convention of 1898 $28,000.

The beneficiary department of the grand lodge is compulsory for all members who are eligible to participate in its benefits. In case of death it pays, first, to the widow; second, to the child or children; third, father: fourth, mother, and fifth, brothers and sisters, in this order, unless payment is otherwise directed by the member to be made in some other order to any of the persons in the classes above designated; in case of there being none of the above relatives, the amount may be made payable to whomsoever the member may direct.

If none of the above relatives are living and the member has failed to designate anyone else, payment of his benefit goes to the local lodge of which he was a member. The grand lodge has power to levy assessments for the purpose of providing such benefits. These assessments amount to $2 for a beneficiary certificate of $1.500; $1.50 for $1,000, and 75 cents for $500: such assessments to be levied as often as may be required to meet outstanding claims. In case of total disability the beneficiary certificate is paid in full, the same as in case of death; and total disability is construed to mean to become totally blind, or sustain loss of hand at or above the wrist joint, or a foot at or above the ankle joint; also in cases where a beneficiary member in good standing is totally and permanently incapacitated

from performing manual labor, from consumption, Bright's disease of the kidneys, or total and permanent paralysis.

Charges against the officers of the grand lodge may be made for the following causes: Drunkenness, incapacity, disobedience to superior officer, abusive or threatening language to a brother officer, misappropriating or diverting grand lodge funds, neglect of duty, or any conduct subversive to the interest of the wellbeing of the order. When such charges are made in writing, the chairman of the executive board of the grand lodge must call a meeting of the board and summon the accuser and the accused, and witnesses for a trial of the accused. If found guilty, the expense of the trial is borne by the grand lodge funds, but if not guilty, it is assessed upon the accuser. Appeal may be taken to the ensuing meeting of the grand lodge.

The grand lodge furnishes all printing and supplies for the subordinate lodges, and makes this a source of some revenue. The constitution of the grand lodge, and also of subordinate lodges, may be amended only when the proposed change quotes in full the section to be changed, incorporating an alteration or amendment, and is filed in the grand lodge not less than 60 days before the meeting of the next biennial convention. The grand secretary and treasurer must have such proposed amendments printed, and copies sent to each subordinate lodge, and also referred to the committee on constitution and by-laws. If the amendment is approved by the committee, it shall be reported to the meeting, and if such report is adopted by two-thirds vote, it shall constitute a part of the constitutional law of the grand lodge, to take effect at such time as may be determined by the meeting, otherwise it shall be rejected, and so declared.

The officers of the grand lodge are a grand master, grand secretary and treasurer, editor and manager of the magazine, grand executive board, and board of grand trustees, all of whom are elected for a term of two years. No member holding membership in any other labor organization can hold office in the grand lodge. A charter fee of $50 must be paid by each subordinate lodge at the time of its organization, and in return such subordinate lodge receives a full line of blank books, blank forms, and lodge supplies. Members of local lodges, whose claims for disability have been allowed, may become honorary members of said lodges and are exempt from payment of dues and assessments. The protective department of the brotherhood provides that any member who considers that he has been unjustly dealt with by his employer is to report in writing to the lodge having jurisdiction, and if deemed a proper subject for investigation the matter shall be referred to the protective board, provided the lodge may authorize the protective board to adjust grievances pertaining to rights specified by contract or agreement with the company without having first been referred to the lodge, and in such cases a member may submit his grievances to the chairman of the board. The protective board shall carefully and impartially examine all matters referred to it and proceed to adjust the same as soon as practicable.thereafter, upon a basis of equity and justice, and every honorable method known to arbitration shall be exhausted in effecting an amicable and satisfactory adjustment of the difficulty.

In their efforts to adjust a grievance the board shall present the same to the lowest subordinate official who has jurisdiction. Should they fail to adjust a grievance with a division of officials, they shall call the chairman of the joint board to act with or for them, and, if they fail, the entire joint board may be convened. The joint board is made up of the chairmen of the local boards of each lodge upon a single railroad system. The protective board has power to make and enter into written contracts with officials of the company upon whose lines they are employed, making such rules and agreements as they may deem just and equitable for the government of their wages and the seniority rights of the members which they represent. They shall also have power to adjust all grievances of a general character arising from violation of said rules and agreements. Agreements signed by the railway officials and the joint protective board and approved by the grand master are binding on all members employed on that railway or system of railways. Any member violating any of the provisions of said rules or agreements shall be immediately expelled from the order by his lodge. Failure to do so means that the grand master has power to revoke the charter of the lodge. Members inciting a strike or participating in a strike, except when sanctioned by the grand master and joint board, after having failed in all honorable efforts to effect an amicable and satisfactory adjustment, and after having received the consent to strike of at least two-thirds of the parties interested, shall be expelled from the order.

The order has a protective fund for which each member is assessed 75 cents per quarter, so long as this fund remains under $100,000. When it reaches this

amount assessments cease. The protective fund is held by a special officer in each local lodge and reports made of the amounts so held to the grand secretary and treasurer, who issues quarterly a circnlar report to subordinate lodges, showing the total amount of the protective fund. When an emergency arises necessitating the use of this fund, the grand secretary and treasurer instructed by the grand master, who is the leader of any strike, makes a pro rata call upon the lodges and when the protective fund is insufficient additional assessments may be made during the continuance of the strike.1 Striking employees are paid at the rate of $25 per month, and no member receives pay for a longer period than 3 months. Authority is vested in the same parties to end a strike as have power to begin it.

The history of the brotherhood, as may be inferred from the above account obtained from its constitution and by-laws, has been marked by various experiences of considerable educational value. Before the institution of the brotherhood the International Firemen's Union succeeded in arousing considerable hostility on the part of railway officials. In 1878 the brotherhood seemed to be in a hopeless condition. Opposition had been increased by the strike of 1877; only 51 lodges reporting at the convention of 1878, and the treasury was depleted. At this time many of the lodges of the International Firemen's Union accepted the invitation of the brotherhood to organize as subordinate lodges of that body, and the membership was increased in numbers without being much strengthened in quality. The virtual leader up to 1880 was W. N. Sayer, grand secretary and treasurer, who was removed from office by the grand master because of his excesses in the use of intoxicating liquor. Eugene V. Debs was appointed to fill the position and was duly elected at the subsequent convention in 1880. Mr. Debs occupied this position until 1892. At the time of his election he opposed any resort to strikes, and upon his suggestion a general policy to ignore strikes was adopted. The opposition of railway officials was thereby considerably removed and the membership increased in numbers. In 1885 the Firemen's Brotherhood again adopted an aggressive policy and the membership increased but slightly during the next 5 years. Mr. Debs resigned the position of secretary and treasurer in 1892, but edited the Locomotive Firemen's Magazine until 1894. In 1894 the brotherhood suffered greatly from the great railway strike. It had no official connection with the American Railway Union, but many of its members were drawn into the strike, and the organization fell off in membership and did not regain its position of 1894 again until the year 1898. The following table shows the membership reported by the brotherhood for each year since 1881:

During these same years the following amounts were paid as insurance benefits to deceased and disabled members:

A report presented at the last convention, held in Des Moines, Iowa, September 10, 1900, showed that since the beginning of the beneficiary department of the order a grand total of $5,474,911.67 has been paid in benefits.

1 All of section 218 (of the constitution) relating to the protective fund was suspended by the second biennial convention, and will remain inoperative unless exigency arises necessitating its revival, to which due notice will be given by the grand lodge.

The average cost per year for each member of the brotherhood for general and beneficiary funds, including publishing of the magazine, has been calculated on the basis of a $1,500 insurance policy. These sums vary from $18.50 in the year 1886 to as high as $20 in the 2 years 1892 and 1894, and to as low as $16 in 1896. Since 1897 they have averaged, each year, $18. The amounts disbursed from the protective fund in each fiscal year since the fund was created are reported in the Firemen's Magazine for August, 1900, as follows:

When the beneficiary department was first organized membership in it was restricted to members in the brotherhood, but was not compulsory. The association issued certificates of membership, agreeing to pay the heirs of deceased members 50 cents for each member of the association, and providing for sick and funeral benefits, fixing the lowest limit of the former at 50 cents a week and the amount of the latter at $25. In 1877 the separate association was abolished and insurance was made compulsory on all members of the brotherhood. A fixed per capita assessment was retained, and the plan of paying an amount based upon a fixed per capita assessment was followed until 1881, when the insurance was fixed at $1,000. In 1884 the amount of insurance was increased to $1,500. The assessinents, however, were burdensome, and transfers of large amounts from other funds had to be made to the beneficiary fund in order to lighten the burden of assessments, although conventions repeatedly refused to reduce the amount of insurance paid. In 1894 three grades of insurance were established and the dues fixed as quoted above, and in 1896 the distinction between the beneficiary fund and the general fund of the organization was abolished. There has been some discussion of extending the insurance features to cover accident, sickness, and out-of-work benefits, but thus far the members of the brotherhood restrict the benevolent activity of the organization to cases of death and total disability.'

The brotherhood has an employment bureau, through which all the officers of the grand lodge and the subordinate lodges alike cooperate in trying to find employment for members out of work..

Statistics of the beneficiary department of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, 1892 to 1900.

IV. Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.-The Trainmen's Brotherhood was organized December 23, 1883, to cover the territory of the United States and Canada, and to include men in train and yard service. Its headquarters are at Cleveland, Ohio, and the growth of the organization has been quite steady from the beginning. The number of local lodges, the total membership of the brotherhood, and the number of members expelled for each year since the date of organization are as follows:

1 See Locomotive Firemen's Magazine. August, 1900.

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