least. He had no more right to appropriate the money to his own use than he would have to enter the company's office and ab Brethren to join ours, and those that are already members to remain so. You need have no fears that there will be a repetition of "Abbott's" conduct. You have to en-stract the contents of the safe, and no one trust your business to some one, and we knows that better than James S. Townsend. think our record of fourteen years with the He ought to feel grateful to his Division Brethren ought to be sufficient to entitle us that they did not have him arrested for to your confidence; besides, there is no embezzlement instead of railing at us for road in the country, in proportion to the telling the truth about him. We were not membership, that has received the amount actuated by any mercenary motives in of benefits that the Brothers have on the speaking of Townsend and the other scounline of that road, west of the Hudson river. drels; forbearance ceased to be a virtue in We have paid twenty-seven claims, aggre- their case, and we shall now and henceforgating the sum of seventy-six thousand six ward publish to the world the misdeeds of hundred and thirty-seven dollars and all members when they come to our knowleighty-six cents ($76,637.86), nearly one-edge from the proper source, and shall hold tenth of the entire amount paid out, and ourselves responsible for all we say and the highest number of members they ever publish about any person. had was 244, and we do not think they have any cause for complaint, or can have any better insurance than the present; there. fore, we think, with these facts before us, that it is the duty of every Brother to do all he can to uphold and sustain it, instead of striving to introduce new schemes. These side issues we have no faith in. There .was one started in Cleveland a year ago. The originator of it is in his grave, and the project died with the author. James S. Townsend called upon us at our office, and asked if we held ourselves responsible for what we published in the JOURNAL; upon being answered in the affirmative, he informed us we must retract what we said about him in the January number, or he would commence a suit against us for libel. We told him it was not our intention to lie about any one, and if he would bring a statement, signed by the officers of his Division, stating that we had misrepresented his case, we would gladly publish it. We will not knowingly do any man an injury, and when convinced we have done wrong, we will cheerfully retract; but thus far we have received no evidence that we erred in his case only in the amount specified; instead of it being between three and four hundred dollars as we stated, the Chief informed us the exact amount of his deficiency was two hundred and seventy-eight dollars ($278). But the amount does not mitigate the crime in the James S. Townsend was Second Assistant Engineer, or Treasurer, of Cleveland Division No. 31, and his duties are clearly defined in the Constitution and By-Laws of the Order, as the following extract will show: SEC. 8. The S. A. E. shall receive from the F. A. E. all moneys paid to the Division, giving his receipt therefor; shall keep a true account of the same, disbursing none of the funds in his possession except on a written order, signed by the C. E. and F. A. E., and at the expiration of his term of office, shall present a true and accurate statement of his accounts between the Division and himself, and he shall deliver to his successor in office all books and papers in his possession belonging to the Division. In the absence of the S. A. E., the C. E. shall appoint some member present to perform the duties of his office. Does Mr. Townsend claim that he complied with the law that he bound himself by a solemn oath to conform to? If he does, how is it that he gave the committee orders on the paymaster for twenty-five dollars a month? How is it that the Chief of the Division holds his note for $156, and it has been in the possession of the Division so long that any one desirous of purchasing it could have done so at a large discount? The fact of the whole matter is, he never would have refunded one cent had he not been forced to and our advice to him, and to all others traveling the downward road, is to stop, face right about, and be better men, and you will find a friend in P. M. ARTHUR. 3 MASTERS AND MEN. A men who have left railway for other work, for the reason stated, have not only improved their own position, but the position of those left in the serChiefs of departments now treat their helpers with more consideration, and if a good man seeks an advance, endeavor to concede it. We hope it may be said that the same tendency is observable in companies' dealings with the outdoor rank and file; for we have been referring more especially to the indoor staff. To a slight extent probably it may be; but we hope to see a very great improvement for the better in that direction.-Railway Service Gazette. From time to time the railway service loses some of its best men in consequence of the supe-vice. rior attractions offered outside the railway circle. There can be no doubt that the managers often feel these losses very acutely, and that railway business is to some extent affected by them. subordinate official discharges a number of duties which, although perhaps not of very great importance in themselves, are still essential parts of railway administration, and if the superior officer can feel that these are well attended to, he is in a much better position for dealing with wide questions of policy, with radical changes, and to cope with new difficulties of management than if he had to attend to every detail. To the governing head no inconvenience could be greater than that which would compel him, owing to the inefficiency of his helpers, to look into every detail, and take up a great part of his time in attending to business that ought, without receiving any attention from him, to be carried on with the regularity of clockwork. When, therefore, he loses a helper, a helper whose capacity is such that he can discharge the routine duties required to be got through with the requisite amount of skill, the loss is one which may have a tendency to diminish the efficiency of the company's administration. At first sight it may appear somewhat unlikely that the loss of a subordinate could by any possibility result in real disadvantage to the company, but any railway manager can tell of the extent to which the ready help of all kinds that his assistants give enables him to originate improvements and solve perplexing difficulties. The tenor of the above article in the main so closely coincides with what we have so often expressed in our columns, and yet is so entirely at variance with the spirit that has seemed to govern the action of most of our prominent railway officials, that we cannot forbear noticing it. In so far as the heads of departments are concerned in this country, and their treatment of their immediate subordinates, it is no doubt true that changes are less frequent than they formerly were, and, as a rule, are not made without cause; but we claim that the principle applies with equal force to operatives as well as officials of higher or lower grade, and it is in just this direction that we feel there is grave cause for complaint, both on the part of the public and those who are the ones directly affected. And this brings us to the precise point which is most involved in the question. If a concern goes on as well as it has hitherto done, perhaps there is no room for saying that a deterioration of the staff has been productive of disadvantage to it: but it is not so much in an actual falling off that the mischief shows itself, as in an absence of If knowledge gained by experience is of advance or improvement. To effect changes in any established business requires a careful con- value in the office, it is of equal or greater sideration of many collateral matters, and to e-value on the road; for, in every branch of lect all the necessary information bearing upon these points is a work so absorbing, and requiring such close application, that ordinary arrangements, although absolutely essential to the due working of the whole machine, cannot profitably be allowed to intrude much upon the thoughts of him whose attention is so differently engaged. With good subordinates it is hardly possible to define the extent of control which it is possible for one vigorous mind to exercise. And it need not arise that the controller is so essential a part of the whole system, that his illness or temporary disablement from any cause occasions inconvenience. His object should be, and generally is, to perfect the organization of his business, so that everything goes on smoothly, simply because he is the presiding genius. His retirement may be the cessation of advancement-nothing more. course, in due time, the machine without its chief controller will begin to lack vigorous action, and require dividing into parts for the control of less able hands; but a temporary suspension of the chief power need create no difficu ty whatever. Of It will be obvious that this perfection of organization cannot be attained unless subordinates are paid adequate salaries; for, as we have seen, if they are not, the best among them will leave for more satisfactory fields of activity. In the past this process of migration from railway service to other employments has gone on faster than it does now. The companies for the most part see the folly of letting it go on. Their officers have felt the inconvenience of it. The consequence is, train service, but more especially in the motive department, emergencies arise daily and hourly that are not and cannot be provided for by any code of rules, however complete, but must be met and such provision made as good judgment dictates, and such judgment, in the main, comes from experience. Now, if officials would make it a rule to recognize and promote merit and close attention to the interests of the corporation, instead of endeavoring to make men feel that there is nothing to look forward to beyond the mere stipend that they receive for their labor, a long step will have been taken toward bringing about that better state of feeling and that unity of action that alone can do away with carelessness and a disposition to resort to extreme measures upon the part of the one, and arbitrary or dictatorial rule upon the other, neither of which are, in the end, productive of real, substantial good. OFFICIAL CHART. I had expected to be ready to deliver all coples ordered of the Official Chart of the B. of L. E., long before this time, but have been disappointed by my lithographers, hence the delay. All orders will be filled at the earliest possible moment after they are received. R. J. DUNCAN. DONATIONS TO MRS. MARKLE. The amounts specified below have been donated to Mrs. Markle by the different Divisions, less the amount retained by the Secretaries as commission for collecting: Instances have come under our observation where the course spoken of has been pursued, and the good results are so apparent, that it would seem as though the policy would recommend itself to all; but the disposition is so marked on the part of the great majority of railway officials, to single out and remove their oldest and most efficient men for trivial transgression of rules, and in too many instances to gratify personal spite, when even no transgression is alleged, to replace them with those who not only lack experience, but who are mere servile tools, with no respect for self or the higher principles of morality, that the "great improvement" hoped for by the Gazette seems to us very far in the future. We have refrained from speaking upon the question of adequate salaries," for the reason that it must follow, as a matter of course, that if the reasoning is correct, that to retain a desirable and efficient corps of officers, they must be well paid, the rule applies with equal force to what they choose 185 to term the out-door rank and file. No. of Div. 116 76 148 150 1.00 130 150 151 2.50 83 2.00 183 1.00 50 3.00 9.00 43 7.00 51 5.50 4.00 1.00 1.00 OUR CIRCULATION. We appreciate the effort made on the part of many of our friends and agents to 145 give the JOURNAL a wide circulation, and as a whole, the result is quite satisfactory; still, there are localities and Divisions that have done nothing, and some of them are among the most staunch and true in the country. We are certain that this is not 182 the result of intentional neglect, and that all that is needed is to call attention to it. We have plenty of back numbers-send in your orders. A PLEASANT SURPRISE. Last evening Mr. Wm. Rogers, of the H. & N. W. Railway, who has just resigned his position as Mechanical Superintendent, was greatly surprised at his residence, No. 11 Ferguson Avenue. At nine o'clock the door bell rang, and being answered by Mr. R., in walked a large number of the employes who had served under him on the railway system. They brought with them some handome testimonials, which they presented to their retiring Superintendent and his good wife. Mr. Harry Taylor was asked to take the Chair, and the proceedings cominenced by a speech from that gentleman, in which he referred to the high esteem in which Mr, Rogers was held by the employes of the road while he occupied the position of their Superintendent. He regretted, and the regret was general, that Mr. Rogers had seen fit to resign. He called upon Mr. William Crossman to read an address which had been prepared. It is as follows: DEARS R: We, your late fellow-workmen of the Hamilton & Northwestern Railway, having heard with feelings of deep and heartfelt regret of your retirement from the position held by you as Mechanical Superintendent of the Road, desire to express our feelt gs of sorrow and regret at the sev. erance of the tie between you and us, and at the same time deem it a fit and proper ppor.untry of expressing our appreciation of the manner in which you have always filled the position, creditably to yourself and satisfactory to those under your jurisdiction. We know that conventional terms of regret can but little express our sentiments in regard to you. but we wish you to belleve that our sincere and best wishes tor your welfare will follow you whereever you may be, and that our greatest satisfaction will be to hear of your happiness and prosperity. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying Masonic Keystone and Album, as a token of our esteem an f friendship. We also desire to include our good wishes for your excellent wif, and to hand to her this Rocker for her kind acceptance from her own and her husband's friends. Signed on behalf of the subscribers. WM. CROSSMAN, Secretary. ISAAC AUDETTE, WM. HOLLIN RAKE, H TAYLOR, Chairman. Committee. Mr. Rogers, who was taken entirely by surprise, was deeply affected by the visit and the kindly expressions on the part of his late workmen. He said that he could scarcely find words adequate to express his thanks for the touching address, accompanied with such beautiful presents. He would value them, not so much for their intrinsic worth as for the kindly spirit which had prompted the givers. They had been actuated by no selfish motive, but by a desire to show that in parting, his services had been e-teemed by those under him while in the position he had so recently vacated. He regretted that circumstances had so changed that he had been obliged to resign the position that he had held for nearly five years. Perhaps none more keenly felt the pain of separation than he did, and in Justice to his fellow-workmen he could conscientiously say that no better or more willing set of men could be desired than those whom he had charge of on the H. & N. W. Railway. During the term of his service for the Company, he had endeavored, to the best of his ability, to advance the interests thereof by day and night. Ups and downs had been experienced, and for him the position had not been by any means a bed of roses, but he had the satisfaction of know ing that he had done his duty to the Company. He would always look back (however far he might be removed from them,) with pleasure to the many happy incidents which had occurred during his stay in Hamilton. After thanking them heartily on behalf of his wife as well, and wishing the H. & N. W. Railway all success in the future, Mr. Rogers took his seat amid applause. The presents are a handsome large album with A crystaltypestand, and suitable inscription. very excellent likeness-of Mr. Rogers is on the Jan. 15. 1878. Brother GEORGE P. HATCH, of New Haven Division No. 77. Admitted Nov. 5. 1879. Age 42. Killed by his engine going through the Farmington River bridge. Insurance payable to MRS. NE. HATCH. An assessment of one dollar per member for the payment of each of the above claims is hereby ordered to be collected and forwarded to the General Secretary within thirty days from date of notice. Members of the Insurance will remit to their Secretary within thirty days from the date of this notice, and the Secretaries to the General Secretary within ten days thereafter on penalty of forfeiting their membership failing to do so. This order will be strictly enforced. L. B. GREENE, Gen'l Sec. P. M. ARTHUR. President. CORRECTION. In February JOURNAL for G. H. Kapp, expelled from Division 135, read G. H. Rapp; for Ed Bill, read Ed Bell; for J. W. Weed, from Division 13, read 135. VOTE OF THANKS. PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 20, 1878. At a regular meeting of Penn Treaty Division No. 71, B. of L. E., held on the above date, the fol owing resolutions were unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, Mrs. Lefler, wife of our esteemed and worthy Brother, John B Lefler, of Div. 71, has presented to this Division a tastefully framed motto, it being delicately worked in Zephyr. So beautiful are the colors, and so perfectly arranged that it seems like a painting. The design is," God Bless Our Daily Bread." Resolved, That we, the officers and members of Division No 71, tender our sincere and heartfelt thanks for this token of friendship in making us the recipients of such a beautiful gift. We accept it. not on account of its value, but as a recommendation coming from the hand of one in whose bosom we can feel the pulsations of a kind, warm and true heart. Resolved, That we ask you to please accept the warmest thanks of the members of Divis on No. 71. for your act of kin ness, and may God bless you, dear sister, is the earnest prayer of your friends and Well-wishers. Res red, That these resolutions be sent to the fair donor, also published in the LOCOMOTIVE ENGI NEERS' MONTHLY JOURNAL At a regular meeting of Division No. 182, held in their hall January 19th, the following resolutions of thanks were adopted: WHEREAS, Little Rock Division No. 182, B. of L. E., has been the recipient of a beautiful present, the motto, "God is Love," wrought in needle-work, framed appropriately, the workmanship of which, for beauty and finish, cannot be excelled and is the handiwork of Miss Evelina Leonilda Casat, the accomplished daughter of our esteemed Brother, I. Casat. F. A. E. of Division No. 182; Resolved, That we accept the valuable gift with pleasure, not for its intrinsic value alone but for the more essential treasure, the spiritual admonition. and do hereby tender our sincere thanks to the kind donor for the generons interest tak n in our welfare manifested in our behalf, by making and presenting to us this be utiful motto which now adorns the head of our hall, and that we will ever remember the king donor with our highest esteem, and hope she may long live in the enjoyment of peace and prosperity. Resolved, That Miss Casat be presented with a cony of these resolutions and that they be published in the JOURNAL and recorded on the minutes. Br thers Stanton, Seymour and McMaster, Committee. At a regular meeting of Marshalltown Division No 116, held at their hall D cember 2, 1877, the following resolutions were adopted: due and are hereby tendered to J. G. Johnson, Gen. Supt. f the C. K. R of Iowa, for many courtesies extended; his kindness in turnishing a special train to enable friends of our deceased Brother John H. Davis, to attend the funeral, from both ends of the road, who otherwise would have been prevented, Resolred, That our thanks be tend red to Brother J 1. Armo, M. M., for court sies extended. Resolved, That the thanks of Division No. 146 are Reso red. That the thanks of the Division be tendered to Marvin Hughitt, General Manager of the C. & N. W. K. R, for his great kindness in furnishing transpor ation for family, Brothers and friends who accompanied the remains to Rockford, Ill. Resolred, That our thanks be tendered to. Russell, A. A. Jones and E, D, Young: also conductors, firemen and brakemen for their kin ness in assisting us to pay the last tribute of respect to our deceased Brother. Resolved, That our thanks be tendered to the Rev. S. W. Hald, or the M. E., for his able and instructive sermon at the M. E. Church. Resolved. That as a mark of respect for our deceased Brother, our charter and hall be draped in mourning for the space of thirty days. Resolved, That these resolutions be entered on the records of the Division a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of our deceased Brother, and that they be published in each of the papers of the city and in the ENGINEERS' MONTHLY JOURNAL. 1 S MILLARD, W. H. MUNSON, C. F. PETERSON, Committee. EXPULSIONS. From Dirision- 58-P. A. Street. Hugh M. Miller. C mmodore |
