charities, poured some light in upon scenes of darkness and distress. These things will never die-they are precious memorials that shall live forever.

Into some of our dwellings sickness has entered, and our care and watchings over the couch of suffering, we do not now regret. Death, too, has been commissioned to enter some of our abodes, hallowing them with his awful presence, but in meek submission we have been enabled to say "God's will be done."

Let us learn lessons from the past-let us listen to its voice of instruction, and let us begin the future with hopeful and heroic hearts. She holds out to us a prize to which an angel might aspire-a diadem all sparkling with jewels, as the reward of diligence and piety. Listen to her summons-enter upon the high and shining way to which she invites thee.

Be not satisfied to live and vegetate, and pass into the grave without having deserved well of thy race. We say, then, brother engineers, be strong-be courageous-be useful, and make thyself of worth, and thus enlist the smiles of all the good-the dear to fame. 'Tis infamy to die and not be missed, or let all soon forget that such engineers did e'er exist. P. B.

THE PROPOSED LAW FOR THE PROTECTION OF RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

EDITORS JOURNAL:-An article containing a proposition to introduce a bill, for the benefit of railway employees, in the Legislature of the State of New York at the next session; also a copy of the bill, in the December number of the JOURNAL, I think deserves the earnest consideration of every railroad man in the country.

We have seen within the last few years, the railroad interests of the country extended and grown to such magnitude as almost to control the destinies of the nation. State legislatures and the federal Government have granted them almost unlimited franchises and privileges. The session laws of the State of New York, and probably every other State are full of

acts of special legislation for their benefit; but no enactment has ever been madenone has ever been asked for to protect the railway employee who risks his life with almost every duty he performs.

The class of men required for conductors, engineers, firemen and brakemen, must be in many respects, the best the country affords. Men who are physically weak, old or infirm, or lacking in intelligence, will not answer for such positions; they must be both intelligent and active. When railroad companies place such men in positions that are responsible and dan gerous, should they not be under some obligations, to share the risks and allow some compensation, more than the mere wages of labor, if the employee loses his life or is seriously injured in their service?

I look upon the proposed law as entirely just and equitable; and the first move that has been made towards obtaining a very proper and necessary act of legislation But in advocating it, I do not desire to stir up any ill feeling or bitterness between the employer and the employee. I know from my experience as a railroad man how necessary it is that mutual good will and confidence should exist between the two. I only desire to deal with the facts and merits of the subject under discussion.

It might almost seem, to an impartial observer, that after the great success which has attended the majority of railway enterprises in this country; after all the valuable franchises and privileges that have been granted to them by the people and the patronage and favors they every day receive from the public, if they had hearts and souls like other men, they would grant all that is asked for in this bill, and avoid the necessity for any compulsory legislation to remind them of what is right and just between man and man. Notwithstanding such a conclusion might appear so fair and so easily reached, still, our experience teaches us a very different lesson.

It is a well known fact that the railway

employee very seldom, under any circumstances, receives compensation from the company employing him for any personal injury or loss of life. It is also a well known fact, that, with the great odds against them, very few employees have the means or the courage to enter into litigation with a railroad company, no matter how clear a case they might be able to present.

It may be said that the common law and the statues as they stand are sufficient to protect the rights of the railroad man equally with other men; that the courts are open to all alike and justice impartially dealt out to all, whether rich or poor, the great corporation or the humble servant. But those who have had experience in the process and delays and uncertainties of law know very well how uncertain the chances are and what obstacles and delays can be interposed, by a skillful defence, backed with abundant means, to prevent individual claimants from obtaining either justice or redress from a railway corporation under the statutes and laws at present existing. The act proposed in the December number of the JOURNAL seems to me entirely just and proper, and exactly what is needed to secure the small measure of relief to a hard working, industrous class of men, who have always suffered more or less by personal injury and loss of life from the risks and dangers incident to the duties they are required to perform.

They tax themselves thousands of dollars every year for charity and relief of those disabled, and the widows and orphans of their fellow laborers who lose their lives in the service-would it be any thing unreasonable or unjust that the companies to whom the service is rendered and whose interests often demand the sacrifice should be required to pay a reasonable sum in such cases, and that the law should place the employee in a posiiion to demand it as a legal and just claim? This bill is just what is needed for that purpose; it provides a very direct and well defined process of law, perfectly intelligible to any court or individual, by

neers.

which any proper claim may be adjusted with very little delay or uncertainty. The comments of the JOURNAL on this bill seem to me somewhat peculiar from a publication that proposes to represent the views and interests of locomotive engiIt neither comes to the front to take the lead in advocating the measure, nor goes to the tail to avoid responsibility, but stands aside with evident manifestations of timidity and weakness. It says, "so far as we know there is no trouble in collecting damages for an employee if injured or killed by the fault of the company." Now I know and so does every railroad man of any experience in the State of New York, that nothing is more difficult or unusual than for an employee to recover anything under the present laws, and very few dare even undertake it. Again it says, "it would be a matter of regret if railroad companies, felt themselves forced to introduce a system of release contracts." How long has the JOURNAL had such a tender, sympathetic regard for the feelings of railroad companies, that it fears the enactment of a just and righteous law would compel them to resort to any measure so absurd and impracticable as release contracts? It is not at all probable that any company would care to excite the indignation that would be stirred up by introducing anything of that kind.

In concluding its comments the JOURNAL says, "if the author of the proposed bill will change it so as to provide for an absolute decision of all claims by impartial arbitration, &c."

This strikes me as decidedly fresh, although it sounds well, "absolute decision and impartial arbitration."

If the party who reccommends it will draw up such a bill we will examine its merits and see if it would be likely to render more prompt or impartial decisions than a court of justice with just and well defined laws for a guide. Would it be safer to trust a case with two or three individual arbitrators than with a judge and jury of twelve men?

If railroad companies can sometimes control courts of justice, how much more easily could they control individual arbitrators-how many employees placed on a board of arbitrators with their employers would act with the same independence and impartiality that would be expected from a judge and jury, sworn to do their duty as the law directs.

The courts are the arbitrators of the people, but they must have good and wholesome laws for their guidance.— What is needed by our courts now for the protection of the engineers and firemen, the conductors and brakeman, is the enactment of this law as proposed in the December number of the JOURNAL and the plan of arbitration is complete.

THE JOURNAL.

JUSTICE.

Having received inquiries from many of the JOURNAL Agents, and others getting up clubs for 1873, wishing to know if they can be furnished with copies of the January number for such subscribers as they may secure after its issue, we will state, for the information of all, that we are prepared to supply any reasonable demand for such purpose which may be made for this or the following numbers.

Also, we hear complaints from some who are making strenuous efforts in behalf of the JOURNAL subscription list, that many of the brothers do not manifest that degree of interest in its welfare, which should characterize every member of the Brotherhood, and consequently they do not receive that assistance and favor from them which is so essential to success. To all such as are indisposed toward this object, we would say, that their pride should be a safe guarantee against such a condition of mind, to say nothing of that charity which all should possess, and which endures forever; for a little reflection upon the part of every member will enable him to realize the fact, that to subscribe for the JOURNAL OF

to assist in procuring a subscriber, is not only benefitting himself, but virtually aiding every disabled brother and the widows and orphans of such as are deceased; as all are aware that the surplus fund from the JOURNAL account is expended for this object. 'Tis not only a privilege and a duty, but an honor to contribute to such an enterprise. Let it be so considered by all.

A change in the office of F. G. A. E., repairing the engine in the printing office, labor on the Minutes of Convention and sickness, are among the more prominent causes which have occasioned the delay in issuing the JOURNAL for the last two months. Present appearances, however, indicate that we shall soon be able to forward it to all by the first of each month.

The attention of Div. Agents, and others, getting up clubs for the JOURNAL is called to the last paragraph in the first column of "Special Notices," relating to the ten per cent., &c.

WILMINGTON, Dec. 22, 1872. BROTHERS WILSON AND GREENE:-I am happy to inform you that our division is in a flourishing condition-applications for membership secured every week since my return from St. Louis, The history of our Convention there, and the manner in which we were treated seems to have roused them, the engineers from their slumbers, and all are willing to lend a helping hand. The officials of the roads in our vicinity are now in favor of the institution. The Superintendent of the Wilmington and Weldon R. R. kindly gave us a room, which is now furnished with chairs, tables, a handsome carpet and an altar of superior workmanship, painted in imitation of granite, marble and rose-wood, with appropriate mottoes. A handsome Bible costing $15 was presented to the Division by the apprentice boys of the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta R. R. shops. Hoping you are in good health and that I shall hear from you soon, I remain_yours, Fraternally, C. B. LYONS,

F. A. E., Div. 100.

ELKHART, Ind., Jan. 1, 1873. Bros. WILSON & GREENE:

Dear Sirs:-"A happy New Year!" A cordial greeting to you as we enter upon the duties of the new year-assuming new responsibilities that the new year shall bring forth; the old year has gone only to be remembered as the past, with all of its varied changes.

The new year has been ushered in with joy to some, and others, sorrow; and as the fleeting moments of time shall fulfill their destiny, both shall in some cases be intensified, and in others, changedfrom joy to sorrow, and sorrow to glad

ness.

What an inestimable blessing is the great boon of sound bodily health, whereby man, woman or child, can go forth exulting in bodily strength, to cope with the manifold duties of life: Happy indeed should they be who can thus exult. Yet I fear that sound bodily health does not always produce a joyful and liberal frame of mind-at least not toward those that are afflicted, and have that dire and fatal disease consumption fastened upon them-slowly, perhaps, but surely eating up the very life's blood-hastening them to an untimely ead. Who knows (but those thus afflicted) the keen anguish and excruciating pain of both soul and body that pierces even to the dividing of the joints and marrow sharper than a two-edged sword, as they vainly attempt to overcome the fell destroyer; realizing that they grow weaker and weaker at each effort to break the chains that bind them in the relentless and fatal grasp of the dire and dread disease.

The foregoing train of thought was forcibly impressed upon my mind on reading an article in the December No. of the JOURNAL signed "Narrow Gauge," as he refers particularly to this class of out afflicted brothers, by referring to the mortality of the New England States, and further says: "It is not just that men of sound bodily health be levied with a tax for the benefit of men in the last stages of consumption."

I would say in all kindness, that I do not know that we have it in our power to choose the manner and mode of, or with what disease we shall be afflicted when we have to meet death-unless we take the matter into our own hands and commit suicide. Neither can I see any dif

ference in paying any claim, whether the brother was killed, or died of bilious fever, heart disease, consumption, or any other disease to which the human family are liable. Where shall we stop if we begin the work of discrimination as to what particular mode of death will entitle the holder of a policy (in our insurance) to payment? As much may be said of one mode as another, so that all would forbid the payment of any policy, if our brother's views were carried out to the fullest extent.

I cannot but think from the language of the article above quoted from, that the writer thereof misapprehends the designs of the framers of our insurance-as it was founded to provide relief to the widows and orphans of our deceased brothers, based as I believe on the God-given principle of benevolence-hence the broad way of admission; and with me any brother who has been admitted in accordance with the By-laws of our life insurance, at his death is justly entitled to have the benefit of his policy, and the same paid to his heirs, let his death occur by what disease it may.

I am aware that the reports show many cases of consumption, but are they all truly consumptive cases that are so reported? or is it merely a convenient term to use in many of the cases? Even if they are, how was the disease contracted? Has it not nearly all been contracted in the discharge of their daily duty? I think they have, as their history would show. How often it is that men of strong, robust, and to all appearance composed of iron nerves and frame when they began their railroad life, in a few years are broken down by their arduous duties.

Further, should the membership be confined entirely to those that are in every respect free from any complaint, we would not have a corporal's guard in point of numbers. But be this as it may, I believe it is looked upon as being more blessed to give than to receive; and notwithstanding the mercury at times runs as low as 30 below 0, our hearts are warmed toward the afflicted and we look forward with pleasure-not only when our families shall reap the golden harvest after our demise, but while living-and can see the result of our labors, and rejoice thereat. Yours fraternally, BROAD GAUGE.