Mrs. Geo. Kist, Mrs. Albert Frey, and Mrs. Frank Sinclair of Ladies' Society 169, report their Society in a flourishing condition. This Society is the helpmate to Lodge 11, and the sociability that was demonstrated and the co-operation of the ladies with the members of Lodge 11 in their late fair and festival, should confirm the most skeptic member of the necessity of their wives and mothers, as well as sisters and daughters, becoming members of the Society.

Leaving Brunswick I was compelled to return home on account of having a severe cold. Arriving at home I was advised by my physician to remain home, as my physical condition would not allow me to travel. Therefore, I have done very little work during the month of February. C. A. WILSON.

Second Vice Grand Master.

The following is the continuation of my trip through the South as I referred to in the March issue of the Magazine. Being called away, it was impossible for me to complete my trip as I would like to have done; however, I hope to return again soon and visit all lodges in my district that I did not have the pleasure of meeting.

February 5th I arrived at Selma, Ala., where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 89. The boys are getting along very nicely in this lodge, they are greatly interested in the principles of our organization, and great credit is due to the Master, Bro. R. O. Harris, for his work.

February 7th found me in Tuscaloosa, Ala., working in the interest of Lodge 580. Formerly, Tuscaloosa was a terminal point on the Southern System, and a great many runs laid over at that point, but recently the division has been extended, consequently it has taken several crews to other points and away from their homes, and the men being out on the road, I was unable to hold a meeting. But I had the pleasure of meeting several of the boys, and I am pleased to report that the lodge is in good condition. The boys all regret, as well as myself, the sad accident that occurred to Bro. G. P. Humphreys, who is very popular among his associates. A few days prior to my arrival there he was firing his engine, when the drawbar broke between the engine and tank, and he dropped to the ground between the rails and the tank and two cars passed over him. Fortunately, the train was not running at a very

high rate of speed and fully equipped with air brakes, therefore the train was stopped very suddenly and before he was injured seriously. He was extremely fortunate, when you consider the perilous position he was placed in, and we all hope to see him around soon again. Bro. J. H. Lyons is a very enthusiastic worker and same can be said about Bro. G. H. Villiers, who is the popular Secretary. Those boys deserve great consideration and should be encouraged by all the other members at all times.

On February 9th I reached Bessemer, Ala., where I held a very interesting meeting with Lodge 583. This lodge is in good condition, which speaks well for the Master, Bro. J. J. Cutcliff, who takes a very active part in lodge affairs. Also Bros. McWhirter and Stephens are assuming their share of the labor and responsibility.

February 10th I arrived at Birmingham, Ala., where I remained that day in the interest of Lodge 439 and as the guest of Bro. Tom Cox, who is one of the most enthusiastic and thorough Brotherhood men that I have had the pleasure of meeting in all my travels, and while Bro. Cox is not at present engaged in active railroad service, his position being Chief Engineer in the Birmingham Fire Department, yet he is doing all he possibly can to build up the organization in the southern country. He is, at the present time, making many sacrifices in the interest of the Brotherhood, and he is entitled to and deserves great credit. I desire to thank him very kindly for his kind hospitality while I was in the city of Birmingham.

February 11th found me in Avondale, Ala., meeting with Lodge 426. This lodge represents the Southern Railway firemen and is in excellent condition. I had the pleasure, at this meeting, of meeting some of the most ardent and loyal members that any one would wish to meet, and they are so numerous that it is almost impossible to select any particular one who does not come in for his share of the credit. Bro. J. A. Herrick, the Master, who is also chairman of the committee, is earefully looking out for the interests of the members. He is a credit to the organization and the members certainly appreciate his good work. Bro. J. H. Griffith, who is the popular secretary, is deeply interested in the Brotherhood, and his work should be appreciated. I extend to him and his family my sincere thanks for their kind hospitality. I hope to return there again soon.

February 12th I attended a special

N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.; also instructions to meet with the Protective Board of the Long Island Railroad, and up to this writing, March 10, we are still in session.

February 14th and 15th I was at Atlanta, Ga., meeting with Lodge 247. This is one of the best, if not the best, lodge in the South. This lodge is in excellent condition, and I had the pleasure of presiding over one of the most interesting meetings that I have held in a long time. This lodge has an excellent corps of officers, and they are attending strictly to business. Bro. J. J. Lowler is the popular Master, and his work is greatly appreciated. Bro. Ellotte is an up-to-date Sec

retary in every respect. Bro. Newman, chairman of the protective board, is deeply interested in the men whom he represents. While at Atlanta I had the pleasure of meeting Bro. H. O. Tects, who is one of our old-time members, and who has been very conspicuous at several past conventions, and he is just as enthusiastic as in days of yore.

February 16th I reached Chattanooga, Tenn., where I held a very good meeting with Lodge 289. This lodge has increased in membership wonderfully since the convention. The members informed me that the convention has been very beneficial to the Brotherhood in and around Chat

tanooga in every respect. This lodge is now presided over by Bro. Barnett, and his associates should appreciate his good work. Bro. J. C. Gilbreth is acting Secretary, and is certainly a great credit to the lodge. Bro. J. A. Hall is giving all the aid and encouragement to the officers that he possibly can.

February 18th I arrived at Knoxville, Tenn., where I held a good meeting with Lodge 444. I was met at the station by a committee, headed by Bro. F. W. Lillig, who escorted me to the hotel, after which he piloted me around the city, inspecting the several places of interest. Great credit is due to Bro. W. R. Dobson for the interest he is taking in the welfare of the members. I regret very much that my stay in the city was so limited; however, while there I enjoyed it very much, and hope to return soon.

February 20th I arrived at Nashville, Tenn., where I remained for a few days, working in the interest of the Brotherhood.

On February 22d I received notice from Grand Master Hannahan to go to New Haven, Conn., for the purpose of meet

It is with great pleasure that I advise the membership that everywhere I go I find our organization in a splendid condition, and in my opinion the outlook for our organization was never brighter.

TIMOTHY SHEA.

Third Vice Grand Master. The month of February, 1903, was a I feel that it was busy month for me. the most successful one since I have been in the field. The trip to Houston and San Antonio, Texas, will long be remembered. The committee on the South

ern Pacific and the Arkansas Pass Railways certainly did their part for those they represented.

The work of a Joint Protective Board is anything but pleasant, as a rule, and often are the members of a committee

criticised when there is no occasion for it,

and more often than otherwise the fault

finder would make a poor committeeman himself. It has been my pleasure of late to meet with splendid committees, and I appreciate the assistance given me on all occasions.

428.

My next stop after leaving Houston was Van Buren, Ark., where I was privileged to meet with the members of Lodge It had been quite a while between visits to this lodge, and I am certain that the visit did a great deal of good. I will go back again when the opportunity presents itself.

The visit to Ft. Smith, Ark., will be remembered for quite a while. The bad weather made it hard to get the members out, as I went there unexpectedly and no was prepared to meet me. I will make it my duty to go back again some time in the near future and meet with the brothers of 345.

one

It became necessary to go to Little Rock, Ark., on important business, and while there I took advantage of this trip to hold meetings with Lodges 45, 304 and 551. The meetings were well attended," especially the joint meeting between Lodges 304 and 551. I am sure the question that was so thoroughly talked about in that meeting will be of benefit to all concerned.

It became necessary to go to St. Louis and hold a series of meetings that had been arranged for some ninety days pre

vious. Sunday, February 15th, was a memorable day with Lodge 481. The executive session began at 2 p. m., and lasted until 6 o'clock. Seven candidates were initiated into the mysteries of the Order, and from the way they walked across the sandy deserts, rough roads, rugged mountains, and then came out of the ordeal all safe and sound is, to say the least, they are now fireproof. Bros. Mincer, Linquist and Linck were on hand doing their part to make the many visiting members feel at home. The attendance was large, considering the very bad weather at that time. Following the executive session came the fine spread, and all were loud in their praise as to the way they were treated. At 8:30 p. m., a lecture and stereopticon entertainment was given, at which time the public came out in large numbers, notwithstanding the bad weather. The Lyceum Quartet comes in for their share of praise. The singing was very fine and the audience enjoyed it immensely. I am well pleased with the way everything ended, and appreciate the good work done by the members of this splendid lodge.

On February 16th I was at De Soto, Mo., meeting with Lodge 6, and a splendid meeting did we have. I am always glad to meet with the members of this lodge and am sorry that I could not have stayed longer with them.

February 17th will long be kept in the minds of the members of Ladies' Society 151 and those who came out to spend a pleasant evening. To the ladies of L. S. 151 belongs the credit of giving one of the best entertainments that it has been my pleasure to see for a long time. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Frank Enny, President of 151 L. S., and in a few well chosen words she introduced the speaker of the evening. After the lecture Miss Bonnie Lottie Fox, the dance artist, entertained with songs and dances which were enjoyed by all. Miss Celestine Cirocle and Miss Edna Murray entertained with fancy dancing. It was surprising to see what those little ones could do. Mrs. Angelo Flaherty sung the several illustrated songs, and everyone spoke in the highest praise of her singing. Mrs. Mary McKinzie, the Secretary of 151 L. S., kept herself busy making everyone feel at home. Bros. Will Canfield, Frank Enny and Robt. McKinzie did their part towards making the entertainment a success. Dancing was indulged in until a late hour, and I am sure that all had a good time. The ladies deserve much credit'

for the undertaking, and I assure them that I appreciate more than words can express their kindness to me.

I am pleased to inform the readers of the Magazine that on February 19th Lodge 516 was instituted at Danville, Ill., with 14 charter members, and on February 21st Lodge 620 was instituted with 14 charter members at St. Elmo, Ill. The outlook for these lodges is good, and I wish them success.

Several days were spent with the Kansas City Southern Joint Protective Board at Kansas City, Mo., and I hope that these meetings will result in much good to our members on that line.

I am at this time, March 4th, expecting to make a trip to the Pacific Coast on business connected with the Brotherhood, and it will be my purpose to write up what I may see that will be of interest to our members, and have the same published in the May Magazine.

In conclusion I wish to say that the outlook for the Order continues to be good at all places that I visit.

CHAS. W. MAIER.

Fourth Vice Grand Master.

On February 1st I met with Lodge 67 at their regular meeting. This lodge being so well known, comment is not necessary. Suffice it to say the old war horses, Bros. Brent and Pratt, were in their accustomed places, which means lodge business done in a proper manner.

I went to visit Lodge 596, but on account of business on the road we could not secure enough members to hold a meeting. This lodge is in good condition considering the fact that a fire last December destroyed all their efforts, which had to be replaced.

I held a meeting with Lodge 262, which had the largest attendance of any lodge I have been privileged to meet with since starting in the work. With Bro. Wark in the chair, and a good set of officers, this lodge is setting a good example in floor work, condition of lodge, and in adding to their membership.

While in Montreal I had considerable missionary work to do regarding transportation, and assisting some of our brothers. I then went to Shawnigan Junction, where I organized Lodge 144 with 15 charter members. This lodge is situated on the Great Northern Railroad, 104 miles from Quebec. I will briefly inform you of some of the difficulties ex

perienced in instituting this lodge. The first step was taken last September when the engineers and firemen, finding themselves in straightened circumstances, through being several months in arrears for wages and credit refused on all sides, decided to quit the company's employ. This being done, they were paid all but one month's wages. The first person who applied for a charter was dismissed, to reduce the staff, although not the junior man. His successor was dismissed for other causes. Being determined to have a lodge, others took up the work, collected the charter fee and applied for their beneficiary policies. Arriving there on the 7th, I held an open meeting at which quite a number were present. On the afternoon of the 8th when the lodge was to be organized, we only had five for initiation, the rest being called on duty. I held two meetings the next day and initiated four, also two meetings on Tuesday and initiated four more. The lodge supplies having not arrived, the work had to be done with one ritual and copy book in a large room of a dwelling, with a small table, and boards for seats. Bro. Lyttle was dispatched to Quebec for the supplies and after a whole day's search found them. When over the river at Point Levis, and not being able to obtain them, I had to go to Quebec for them myself. While in Quebec I initiated one of those dismissed when applying for the charter, on account of his being unable to present himself for initiation in Lodge 144 (he being one of the charter members). I returned to Shawnigan Junction with lodge supplies for the purpose of installation and instructing the officers in their respective duties. Not being able to have all the officers present I had to go 90 miles to install and instruct a brother before he could take an important office, which I did in a car in the presence of another brother, this being necessary on account of his postoffice, express, banking, and custom facilities. This work was all done with the thermometer averaging 8 to 10 degrees below zero, and snow four feet on the level. Some of our brothers think it too much trouble to walk to a lodge room in fine weather, but here is an example worthy of imitation, and a more loyal set of brothers I never met. A full and complete history of the organizing of Lodge 144 into the Order would be well worthy of perusal if printed.

I visited Lodge 134, and found this lodge in good shape and prospering under Bro. Brant's watchful eye. Business be

ing very brisk I was unable to hold a regular meeting, although some of us got together and had a talk over matters pertaining to the Order. It does one good to see the interest taken in the work by some of our older members. Bro. Archie McDonald, who was initiated in 1881, is just as enthusiastic in the work as he was 22 years ago.

I held a meeting with 550 and found, on account of business, they had not been able to hold meetings regularly. We had one initiation, and several applications in to be acted upon. I arranged for a meeting with 610, but on going there I found only one brother who could attend the meeting, the others being absent on duty.

A splendid meeting was held with Lodge 335, several members being present, together with visiting brothers from 172.

A good meeting was held with Lodge 15, at which two candidates were initiated. If any brother wishes to see the degree work done in good shape, call on Lodge 15 when a candidate is in attendance and Bro. Donald in the chair.

My next visit was with Lodge 479. We had a good meeting. I found the Lodge in good shape and added one more to the roll of membership, although it was necessary to lasso him to keep him from falling down stairs when approached by the conductor.

I had the pleasure of attending the first annual "at home" given by Lodge 161, Ladies' Society of Toronto Junction, who were ably assisted by the brothers of 262. The hall was beautifully decorated, and refreshments were served in abundance. A very pleasant evening was spent in dancing and in various other amusements. It was a decided success, both socially and financially. The wish was freely expressed that similar meetings of this kind would be more frequent.

I find in every place visited the impossibility of holding meetings with a fair attendance, owing to the amount of work on the different roads, and their inability to secure a sufficient number of men. I am pleased to note the large number of applications placed in the different, lodges to be acted upon when the opportunity offers, which points to a large membership in the near future. I find the lodges visited in good shape, but impossible to hold meetings and have books audited regularly.

Ask Bro. Lyttle of Lodge 15 to put into writing how many miles he traveled, and what expressions he made use of, when looking for the supplies for 144.