every laboring man and that is if there was no organized labor no demands could be successfully made and there would be little need to offer a prize for securing industrial peace. The individual voice would hardly be heard and little heeded. Organized labor is now a recognized necessity and, honestly conducted, it is a benefit to all concerned and in itself conduces to industrial peace. Alcohol in Railroad Accidents. The Journal of Inebriety in a recent issue said: The division manager of roads had a detective study the habits of 50 of the leading engineers. Of this number, 34 were above all suspicion, and, in fact, total abstainers. Of the remainder, four were secret and moderate drinkers, against whom various charges had been made for minor violations of the rules. Of the other 12, six had suffered from accidents, in which there was some doubt as to their responsibility. The other six were not regarded as cool, steady men; they were found to be using beer and spirits in their home circles. While never seen drinking in public, they were known by their friends to take spirits as medicine. These men were put on the list to be laid off and discharged at once for the slightest violation of the rules, and were recognized as dangerous. We do not quote this item because we have unqualified faith in the story as told, but if it is only partly true, that knowledge would be disappointing. According to the above statement 45 per cent of the 50 engineers watched by the detective used intoxicating liquors in some degree. There was a time years ago when that statement would doubtless prove true in places, but we cannot believe such a condition can be found anywhere in the United States now. If there are 10 per cent of the engineers (of course I mean members of the Brotherhood) who drink liquor just before going on duty or while on duty, it is just 10 per cent too many who do. There is no business to be named wherein intoxicating liquor should be more rigidly excluded than with those in charge of locomotives, transporting hundreds of people and large property values, to say nothing of the additional risk to their own lives. One drink stimulates and when the effect of that stimu lant is gone the system is as much below normal as the stimulant raised it above, and nodding instead of the usual alertness is very likely to follow. A good many accidents happen and a good many lives of our members are sacrificed-far too many whatever the cause-and it is a lamentable record now, but it would be more dreadful if even one drink contributes to any one of them. If there are any members of the B. of L. E. who indulge in stimulants they should remember that they are obligated to maintain the honor of the B. of L. E., that they owe a moral obligation to those depending upon them, to the public, and to their employers; that the safety of their own lives depends largely upon the alertness and energy with which they perform their extra hazardous duties, and that there is no time nor place in their work for stimulants. Everyone who has not thought of the dangers such a practice creates should think, and act on the thought. Let stimulants alone! Leave the brain clear, for all its powers are needed when in charge of a locomotive. We shall not believe there is much indulgence in stimulants, but if there is it is the duty of the Subdivision to apply its influence and the law if necessary The Saulsbury Wreck. The sensational newspapers and the demagogue, who make radical statements for effect rather than truth, have been roundly condemned, and possibly the name of the Journal of Inebriety is as much of a mistake in its name as the sensationalist and demagogue, as reformers. The following statement by the Journal of Inebriety shows how inconsistent are its own statements, and we think we would not be far wrong in classing the first paragraph of what follows as absolutely vicious: It is stated on good authority that the driver on an express train lately wrecked in Saulsbury, England, had been given a bottle of spirits before the train started, and told that he must make the run ahead of the rival train at all hazards. When the train reached the curve at Saulsbury, his mental bewilderment was so great that he failed to slow up as usual. Another statement is, that the engineer had been on the road 15 hours, and was exhausted, for which he used spirits to keep him awake. Of course, no investigation will ever reveal the real facts which would reflect on the management of the company, but it is noticeable that every accident provokes more stringent rules and careful scrutiny of the habits of the responsi'ble men. -Journal of Inebriety. There is no evidence that authorizes the statement that some official personally gave the engineer a bottle of spirits, or that from the effects of the contents the engineer was bewildered, etc. Moralists, above all, ought to state truths; but in the above a nasty reflection is cast which the following paragraphs acknowledges they do not know to be true. So we are led to believe that the Journal of Inebriety is at least intoxicated with a moral idea until mind is too bewildered to moralize, using known facts as a foundation. The railroad men in England have had a long discussion of three accidents of like character-Slough in 1900, Witham in 1904, Saulsbury in 1906, and there has been no intimation in the investigation that a bottle of whisky had anything to do with either of them. The discussion centers upon fault of road, short curves, and vacuum brake. We agree with the editor of the Locomotive Journal published in Leeds, England, when he says in discussing the Saulsbury disaster: "We agree it is everybody's duty as far as possible to ascertain the cause of accidents, and to use every endeavor to prevent them, but it is high time the locomotive engine drivers receive something like reasonable consideration, for they are not the reckless class of individuals some would make them out to be. It is easy indeed for opinions to be expressed -but it is high time that damaging stigma cast upon engine drivers, without regard for truth, was punishable by law." Railroad men everywhere and particularly the members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers court the most rigid investigation of causes of accidents and if a bottle of spirits is found to contribute to it, the law of the order would be immediately in effect which reads, "Should any Brother be found guilty of neglecting his duty, or injure the property of his employer or endanger the lives of persons, while under the influence of liquor, it shall be the duty of the presiding officer to declare the offending Brother expelled without a ballot to designate the degree of penalty." While we cannot guarantee that not one of the fifty-seven thousand members will forget his obligation to lead sober, honorable lives, the Brotherhood will be found doing its best for the highest possible moral and mental attainments of its members and greatest security to property and life and, in doing so, guard the lives and welfare of its own members. Our insurance department shows how vital our interest is in the matter of safety, with forty-nine thousand members insured, with death and casualty claims amounting to about $150,000 per month and, having paid a total of $16,500,000 to families of deceased, we are not likely to be indifferent as to cause of accidents; and criticism of engineers, based upon facts, whether drink, carelessness, lack of judgment, or other cause is courted, so we may render all possible assistcure. But we ance in effecting a want truth and naturally dislike invented statements, even if they are made for the purpose of pointing a moral. It is not moral if it is not truthful, and the reflection which is cast upon a class of men loaded with responsibilities and dangers is harmful and disgusts rather than encourages those who are doing their best. Air Brake Catechism. Twenty-third Edition, Revised Air Brake Catechism, by Bro. C. B. Conger, Dean-Hicks Printing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., just at hand. It contains 330 pages, treating on both the Westinghouse and American brakes, and is fully illustrated. Brother Conger is widely known as an air brake expert and his book will be found a valuable work of reference. Standard Code Train Rules. The fifth edition of Questions and Answers, based upon the Standard Train Rules, as revised to June 1906, by G. E. Collinwood, published by Train Dispatchers' Bulletin, Toledo, O., Price $1, is an excellent reference work and of good value for any engineer as a help to clear away any doubt in tangled problems under Standard Rules. There are very few conditions to be met with in the movement of trains under Standard Rules not elucidated in this work. Encyclopedia. We have been asked which is the latest encyclopedia. There are everal revised editions, but what seems to us the latest and most complete new encyclopedia is the Americana, published by the Scientific American. This work is in sixteen large volumes, distinctly American, more than one thousand American specialists contributing to its pages. Every conceivable subject is treated, many of which are beautifully illustrated. Among those which would appeal to our readers are the Locomotive Design and Construction, Railway Economics, Operation and Transportation, a very extensive department of electricity and its mechanical application, Railway Signals and Telegraphy. Further information may be obtained by addressing The Scientific American, 258-260 Fifth Ave., New York City. Santa Fe Employees' Magazine. We have been favored with a copy of Vol. I, No. 1, of the above magazine, which the managing editor, Mr. Albert McRae, may well be proud of. It starts out with a brief history of the construction of the Santa Fe, the original charter of which was obtained in 1863, followed by the following greeting to the employees from President Ripley: "To each and every employee of the Santa Fe System the management desires to express appreciation of faithful work performed during the year now closing, and extend best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year." Among the many excellent items is a very timely one on "Loan Sharks." The headline All Hope Abandon, Ye Who Enter Here, is an excellent indication of the evils of loan sharks, as the editor rightly paints them. As a whole, the magazine is an excellent production. LINKS. BRO. H. R. FULLER, who has represented the B. of L. E., B. of L. F., O. R. C. and B. of R. T. in Washington legislative affairs, has been reappointed to continue that service. Anyone desiring correspondence with him may address him at 216 New Jersey avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. A MAN calling himself J. W. H. Boendal, wearing a B. of L. E. button, heavy set, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, red complexion, very sandy mustache, apparently of German extraction, about 30 years of age, made application to the Pecos Valley Lines, Amarillo, Tex., for a position as engineer, and the foreman gave him work and told him he would likely be wanted during the day. He told the foreman he had no money and would like to get some overclothes, and the foreman was good enough to give him an order to get some, supposing him to be a member of the B. of L. E. and an honest man; but he went to the store and bought clothes to the value of $10.50 and has not been seen since. This man made application for work on the Central of Georgia railway, but was turned down on his reference. Every member of the order should be on the lookout for this man and see that he does not work any such game as the above in the name of the B. of L. E. We have no such name on the roster of the order and feel assured he is not a member of the B. of L. E. BRO. W. E. KIRKWOOD, member of Div. 401, has been promoted from road foreman of engines Third Division Seaboard Air Line, to assistant trainmaster, with headquarters at Abbeville, and will also perform the duties of road foreman of engines. ON Dec. 6, 1906, Bro. Thomas Murray, of Div. 32, B. of L. E., Aurora, Ill., was appointed road foreman of engines on the Aurora Division of the C., B. & Q. Ry. Bro. Thomas Murray was Chairman of L. C. of A. and represented Div. 32 at the Memphis Convention. At a special meeting of Div. 32 this date a resolution was passed unanimously thanking Brother Murray for the splendid work done for Div. 32 as Chairman of the L. C. of A. and for the grand good work done by him as representative of Div. 32 on the G. C. of A. of the C., B. & Q. Ry. System. We also congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success. F. D. ETTINGER, F. A. E. Div. 82. BRO. W. K. LARR, Chief Engineer of Subdivision 25, Terre Haute, Ind., has been appointed trainmaster and road foreman of engines of the Peoria Division, Vandalia railroad, headquarters at Decatur, Ill. Brother Larr was a delegate to the St. Louis convention, Chairman G. C. of A. for one term, filling some office at all times since he united with the B. of L. E. As an engineer he has few equals and no superiors as a Brotherhood man. He is beloved by his associates, respected by his neighbors and honored by the railroad officials. His appointment was a pleasant surprise to his numerous friends who with one accord wish him unprecedented success and hope for his further advancement, which we predict will surely come. J. F. W. I TAKE pleasure in calling attention to the promotion of Bro. T. J. Hamilton, Chief Engineer of Div. 490, Sioux City, Ia., to the position of traveling engineer, to fill the post made vacant by the promotion of Bro. Thomas Manchester. While Div. 490 feels the loss of Brother Hamilton as its Chief, and able adviser, it congratulates the company for promoting Bro. Hamilton, for we believe that the Brother will be as just and genial with the men under his jurisdiction as he has been with those he labored with as an engineer. Fraternally yours, JOHN A. HINSEY, F. E. Div. 490. BRO. JAMES N. HUNTER, member of Subdivision 90, Pottsville, Pa., was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature by the second highest vote in the fourth legislative district, a very high compliment to Brother Hunter. He repre sents the wage-earners of his district and we are sure he can be depended upon to be ever zealous in labor's cause. F. A. E. Div. 90. BRO. DICK DAVIS, member of Subdivision 496, was elected representative of Clark county, Ark., in the late election. Brother Davis began as a fireman on the Texas Pacific in the 80's, went to the Arkansas Central and was promoted in 1886, was transferred to the Arkansas Southern in 1891, and has been in passenger service for the past six years. He served two terms in the city council and was elected representative without opposition, the only locomotive engineer ever elected to that office in the state-quite a distinction for Brother Davis. We hope he will be in such good standing at the end of his term that the governor's chair will not be too large for him.-EDITOR. THE event of the season in Escanaba, Mich., was the 27th ball given by Div. 116, B. of L. E., on Thanksgiving eve. The large party from surrounding points as well as those from home was handled to perfection through the able management of our Chief Engineer, Bro. J. J. Cox, and his assistants, making it one of the most successful affairs, both socially and financially. MILO SHIELDS, F. A. E. Div. 116. BOSTON Div. 61 is still doing business at the old stand and without special interruptions we sometimes have serious questions come before us which bring out the argumentative, but just now everything is running smoothly. At our last meeting nine names were on our list for initiation but owing to heavy traffic only two were able to put in an appearance.' We had a good attendance and great interest was manifested in the work of the Division. When that work was done all sat down to an oyster dinner served by our entertainment committee, after which we listened to a lecture on the improved air brake by Brother Rickeman, who is in charge of instructions in the air brake equipment for the Boston & Maine road. Brother Rickeman has a faculty of mak ing things clear to his audience, and with the aid of drawings and charts, his lecture was listened to with marked attention and pleasure-altogether, was both pleasant and profitable. We wish to correct the price quoted in the December JOURNAL for the History of Div. No. 61 as $2.25. It is $2.12-$2.00 for the book and 12 cents for postage. Fraternally yours, W. F. BUCKNAM, Cor. Sec. WHILE no glowing accounts have recently appeared in our JOURNAL, I beg to suggest that Div. 6, Boone, Ia., is doing business at the same old stand. Yesterday being regular meeting day about 45 members responded to the call and spent a very pleasant, profitable and busy day, initiating 11 new members in our order, making our Division one of the largest on the Northwestern system and one that we are justly proud of. Our worthy Chief, Bro. F. E. Allen, is untiring in his zeal, energy, and earnest efforts to make No. 6 one of the very best, and to him is due the credit for this list of new membership. After the labors of the afternoon had been completed we were invited to the spacious dining rooms where the ladies of Marvin Hewitt Div. 74 had prepared a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner, to which all responded with the same spirit that prompts the members of our Division in their lodge work and we can justly claim that none can excell an engineer in the matter of disposing of the tempting viands that our ladies can so artistically arrange. And incidentally I might mention the fact that our Auxiliary is not excelled by any, and to their untiring efforts and energies do we attribute the success of our Division. They are untiring in their efforts to assist in building up our Brotherhood, in rendering assistance where needed, in extending the helping hand, in short exemplifying the fact that they are the peers of men in this as well as many other matters. I inclose a picture of the group of the newly-made members of which we are duly proud, and I believe a new feature for our JOURNAL. One other matter I wish to mention is that we have an unfortunate Brother who has been in quarantine for some time and a purse of $40 was taken up and a fine turkey sent to himself and family as a reminder that they were not forgotten, also would not forget to thank our Sister Mrs. J. C. Sparks, who was Chairman of the banquet committee for her efficient management and service on this occasion. It was the unanimous vote of the mem |