Bro. Hearn Ellensburg is off again on account of sickness. Mrs. Henry Smith is on first and Bohn and Widdowson on second and third Rye.

Bro. P. Taylor, Beverly Agent, has moved to that place.

The Columbia is to be renamed the Idaho Division.

Brother Rolin Tapley is back from Beverly Agency to second wire chief Malden.

Bro. R. R. Woods was drawn for jury duty.

Bro. Rozell, Agent Hanford, will spend his vacation on his farm in Oregon.

Bro. Harry Keller, Agent Othello, for five years, has gone to the Coast.

Second and third Warden have been pulled off again, leaving Bro. Vickers, the agent there alone.

The new coal chutes at Marengo are in operation and the engines on the middle division are about all coal burners. It looks rather primitive to see the fire boys spading coal again.

Dispatcher Kilbourne is on vacation East, relieved by Extra Dispatcher Downs.

Bro. C. H. Coplen has gone to "SN" Spokane, succeeded by Bro. Murnam at Plummer Agency. CERT. 614.

Trans. Mo. Division

Bro. E. C. Weatherly, Walker, was off several days owing to the serious illness of his wife, in Mobridge hospital. Bro. Weatherly has our sympathy, and we all hope for Mrs. Weatherly's early recovery.

Bro. A. S. Kirby relieved Hackney, on sick list.

Bro. I. E. Allgaria, second Rhame, called home on account of sickness, relieved by Bro. Jordan.

Bro. B. E. Campbell, Agent Buffalo Springs, relieved several days by H. J. Gorman, an old timer, farming near there.

Bro. S. W. Childers, dispatcher's clerk, is now dispatching on branch lines.

Bro. R. W. Cornell has returned from a trip to Chicago.

Bro. R. B. Houck is back on third McIntosh, after several weeks' vacation.

Bro. T. A. Childers, third Marmarth, relieved on vacation by J. C. Childers, from the Childers' ranch.

If you have not yet secured your 1918 card you should do so at once. Promptness in sending in our dues means the elimination of much work in our general secretary's office.

Help to line up the few nons left: Local Chairman Leighty will gladly furnish you a list, upon application, and all the blanks you need.

Thanks to Bro. Leighty for items. Any one knowing of changes, or other news, please send them to Bro. Leighty, at Bowman, in order that we may be represented

Bro. W. E. Beck, agent Geddes, was relieved three days by Bro. F. A. Schneider, second Elk Point, while attending the funeral of his father at Sioux Falls, S. D. The membership of the entire division extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

Bro. T. M. Paulson is in training now. Here's "Bon Voyage." Bro. Nimens has also gone to war, leaving agent-operator Fairview vacant. Agent-operator Lesterville; second Parkston and third Souix City yards, also vacant. Bro. L. C. Knutson, third Elk Point, has gone to "The Omaha" at Sioux City, relieved by Bro. J. A. Murta from the I. & D. Division.

Bro. C. R. Fletcher, agent Delmont, found an O. R. T. watch charm in an empty box car billed to him from Sioux City, and asks that it be advertised through this medium. C. B. DIEHL, Div. Cor.

Superior Division

Bro. Gray, agent Ontonogon, is now traveling auditor, and Bro. Luth, agent Sagola, who has taken the civil service examination, will soon be in the Government service. We all wish the brothers good success in their new work.

It takes united effort to get the results; so everyone keep after the nons and in a short time we can be solid. There is no excuse now for them not having a card, and no favors should be shown anyone without an up-to-date. It is a case where friendship ceases, as no one can be a true friend who does not care to see your welfare bettered as well as his own.

I would appreciate it if some of the boys on the east end would help me to have a newsy write-up by sending me items now and then. A. F. JOHNSON, CERT. 2121.

I. & G. N. Ry., Div. No. 25. Forth Worth Division

With the first signs of spring we armed ourselves with the rusted-bladed hoe, the spade and rake and laid the foundation of future gold mines-"spuds and onions." We are now eagerly listening for coo of the dove.

The coal shortage added materially to the suffering due to an unusually cold and severe winter; yet how much more fortunate are we than our European brothers, France in particular. People in Paris, it is said, bought wood by the pound from the dealers, and were restricted to small purchases at that. We have learned our first real lesson in economy from the present war. For the

first time in American history economy and thrift are being exalted into national virtues, even duties.

Hitherto, in this rich country of ours, farmers have been about our only people, except the very poor (telegraphers), who have practiced economy. It has been too much assumed that thrift was an evidence of stinginess, and the stingy man has been an object of unusual contempt.

We have gone to the extreme in the matter and all felt obliged to be prodigal, to avoid the charge of being stingy. So life became for many a continuous camouflage to keep up appearances.

In this way it has, for most of us, taken all of our life to live, and now the very poor ones (referred to above) must practice thrift to such extremes because of ever soaring prices that we must be expert business managers and accountants to make ends meet.

All the members have received a copy of the circular letter recently issued by our committee. Each one of us is expected to respond liberally to the cause outlined therein, and it is believed most of us will do so eagerly. Do your part and then make it a point to ask the other fellow if he has done his. When we have done this, we have only done our duty and can relax into a night of sweet repose with a clear conscience toward our brother members, who are bearing their proportion of the duties.

Recent new members are: Bros. Webb, Cawthon, and Durr, Marlin. Four others promised to line up soon.

Very sorry to report Sister McQueen, Marlin, on sick list. Hope she will shortly be able to resume her duties. Account no available relief, Marlin closed from 4 p. m. to midnight during illness. Bro. Durr goes to Marlin second.

Wright, Mertens, is also on sick list, relieved by "Pat" Elliott from the Santa Fe.

Ex-Bro. Boren, a new man, has had his resignation in three weeks, and no relief in sight yet.

Bro. Reulet has "the smile that won't come off." He was placed in Class 2 in the selective draft.

"G. S.," DIV. COR., CERT, 352.

Seaboard Air Line Ry., Div. No. 28. N. C. Division

Bro. Shoemaker, third trick dispatcher Hamlet and Monroe Dist. operator, off two nights sick. Bros. Windham and Robinson doubling. Bro. Councils, agent Rutherfordton, also off sick, and Bro. Weathers, messenger operator "H" Hamlet, was off seven days on account of illness of his father, relieved by Bro. Cowan from "HY", relieved by Bres. McGowan and Edwards from the chier's office. Bro. Merriken, second Coyce, also off few days sick, Bros. Rhyne and Fulcher doubling. Bro. Ebey, second trick dispatcher Raleigh

District, off few days sick, Bros. Currie and Cline doubling. Bro. Carroll, third Wadesboro, off a few nights sick, Bros. Brigman and Rowell doubling. Bro. Jenks, second Monroe, off few days account sickness, relieved by Bro. Harrell from Bostic Yard.

Bro. Mitchell is back on first Monroe. Bro. Allen going to first Rockingham. Bro. Smith Bro. from A. C. L. to second Hamlet yard. Fitzpatrick to third "HY."

Bro. Duke, mgr. "H" office, on a few days' hunting trip, relieved by Bro. Paysur, a

new man.

Bro. Pennington, second McBee, off for service with Uncle Sam, relieved by Bro. Farris, third Cheraw, relieved by Sellars, a new

man.

Bro. Cullen, second Camden, off on account sickness, Bros. Fisher and Lowman doubling. Bro. Olive, third Cameron, also off on account sickness, relieved by Phillips. Congratulations to Papa Cullen. Bro. Cofield, agent Ellenboro, lieved by Bro. Cain a few days. Bro. Tally, first Cameron, off a few days on a trip to Florida.

was

re

Bro. Driskill, third Hamlet, and 87 clerks gone to E. C. Division, Charleston, as extra dispatcher and report clerk, relieved by Bro. Cowan, from "HY."

Bro. Lowman, third Camden, off account sickness, Bros. Fisher and Cullen doubling; three days later relieved by Bro. Farris from third McBee, Bros. Gunter and Hildreth doubling at McBee. Bro. Lamb, agent Wingate, off sick, relieved by Bro. W. C. Causey.

Bro. Parker, second Cameron, off account illness of his father.

Bro. Parker, second trick dispatcher, Raleigh District, to Washington three days in behalf of train dispatchers, the other brothers in the dispatcher's office doubling during his absence.

Bro. Waddell, third Pee Dee, off sick, Bros. Trodgen and Applewhite doubling. Bros. Ed and Joe Cooper cailed home on account of illness of their father. Bro. Farris to Cassatt, relieved at Camden by Alden. Ero. Ross, agent Blaney, relieved while at court by Bro. Cullen from Camden.

Alabama Division

CERT. 1678.

Bro. Gore has returned to Collins Agency after being off sick.

Bro. Benton, Agent Pitts, who was hurt last fall, worked second Vidalia a few days, but had to go to the hospital for operation. Glad to know he is getting along nicely now. It was necessary for myself and Bro. Hamilton, third Vidalia, to double three days until Martin arrived; relieved at on second. Collins by Bro. Cannon, agent clerk there. We are sorry to hear that Bro. J. L. Jones is in hospital and wish him a speedy recovery.

It is now Bro. Yawn, second Shops. B. D. Bedgood, from Georgia & Florida, is on second Richland.

Bro. Wood, car clerk to the chief dispatcher, called on us a few days ago.

Bro. McTear, Agent Groveland, was in Vidalia visiting relatives recently.

Bro. Williams, Agent Ellabell, is in Plains hospital for an operation for appendicitis. We hope for his speedy recovery. He worked a few days at the shops, leaving his wife to look after his agency.

Bro. H. L. Carter bid in Vidalia ticket agency.

Keep after the few nons until they line up. We are almost solid now.

We are glad to see that all the "SAL" clerks have been given a 20% raise and shorter hours.

I wish every member on this division would give me just a few notes for our writeup each month. It would only take a few minutes of your time to help me out.

Bennettsville Line

CERT. 1423.

Bro. Hall has returned from a trip to Charleston.

Bro. Slattery, agent Georgetown, has been promoted to third trick dispatcher at Charleston. We all wish him success.

Our superintendent spent a night in McCall recently enroute to Darlington over the A. C. L.

One of the New York-Florida flyers on the So. Cor. Division recently ran into a freight train at Riceboro, killing Engineer J. B. Rogers, the switch being left open when the engine went out to take water. Business is good over here.

extras.

Lots of

All the boys should try and help line up the few remaining nons. Remember the old motto, "No card, no favors."

CERT. 1713.

dispatching wherever he could get a wire, he came to Eads and we filled him up on corn bread and presented him with a new

cane.

Bro. Gabe is taking a rest, visiting relatives and friends.

Bro. Joe Dannelly, who on February 8th slipped on the platform and fell, and bruised his head, decided to lay off, but before the auditor arrived to make the transfer the depot burned about half down on Sunday, the 10th, and the boys are now doing “biz" in a bunk car. Bro. Dannelly will visit the army camps in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana while on his vacation.

Bro. Jones was called to his home in Southern Kansas the middle of January by the serious illness of his father, who died February 5th. He has the heartfelt sympathy of the membership of the entire division in his bereavement. He was relieved by T. M. Bickers, who failed to pass the physical tests in the signal branch of the army. He later relieved Bro. Shockley on Ordway third, on his honeymoon.

W. Z. L., Local Chairman.

IN MEMORIAM.

WHEREAS, The Supreme Being, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to take from our midst the beloved father of our esteemed brother, R. H. Jones; and

WHEREAS, We bow in humble submission to Him that doeth all things best; and

WHEREAS, We realize that our sympathy can best be expressed in words of condolence; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the officers and members of Colorado Division No. 31, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to the bereaved brother their heartfelt sympathy in this their sad bereavement; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be handed the brother, a copy mailed THE TELEGRAPHER for publication, and a copy entered on the minutes of this division. W. Z. LAWRENSE, A. BARNETT, F. A. THOMPSON, Committee.

Missouri Pacific Ry., Div. No. 31.

Colorado Division

Reduction of force at McCracken caused Bro. Odell to be cut off. Bro. Zirkle, the agent there, has enough to do without the wire work. On account of trains 13 and 14 being cut off, a number of night clerks were also taken off, making it necessary for the agents to meet the local freights when they are running late. Don't forget that overtime slip, boys. We paid our hard-earned dollars for this schedule and you are entitled to every cent of overtime. I was elected a committee of one to see that you get it, and all I ask is a chance to try.

Bro. Dunlap goes to Scott City third; Thos. L. Glaub, a new man, to Olmitz third, and Bro. Odell to Utica third.

During the severe snowstorm, while Dispatcher Siddorn, who was out over the line

Eastern Division

Bro. L. O. Kennedy has resumed on second "CD" Kansas City, relieving J. E. Baumgardner, who enlisted in the army.

Bro. W. Bryant of Warrensburg and Bro. T. M. Farris of Lamonte have gone with the Bell Telephone Company at Kansas City. Former succeeded by Bro. J. Connell.

Bro. J. H. Pryor, "SX" Kansas City, on sick-list, also Bro. E. L. Hirst, Greenwood; latter relieved by R. J. Lombard, now on third Lee's Summit.

O. E. Coyne, trainmaster St. Louis district, has been appointed a major in the army; relieved by R. C. Williams of the River Route, and he by B. H. Knapp from

Sedalia; E. E. Carter, third trick dispatcher, appointed chief at Sedalia, relieved by Shepard, vice Shryer, extra dispatcher from Jeff. City. Otterville has been opened as block station 6 p. m. until 3 a. m.; salary $45.00 per month, with Mr. Siegle as block operator.

Brothers, remit your dues promptly, while we are getting our new schedule. Keep your card up-to-date. Bro. Johnson, for the good work he has been doing, deserves credit. Lighten his task by writing and giving him all the information you can whenever any case comes up where attention is needed, as well as anything for the JOURNAL.

Joplin Division

CERT. 381.

The Inter-State locals running through to Madison during cold weather being late, made a little overtime for the brothers on that end.

This Madison branch has been adding six or eight cars of coal daily to the world's supply.

Bro. Tommy Muir, agent Gridley, has had quite a time lately scraping up enough box cars to keep the citizens off of him.

Bro. M. L. Brown, at Madison, says his batteries have been frozen up solid all winter.

Bro. C. M. Harris relieved temporarily at Mound City agency, pending Bro. H. J. Houghland's arrival there. Bro. Harris went to third Rich Hill, vice Bro. Hohnsbeen to the Midland Valley at Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bro. J. W. Whittaker goes to Richards, Mo., agency. The boys on the Madison will miss him, as first Butler is practically the dispatcher for the Madison branch.

Bro. J. R. Tolliver, at Pleasanton, had one of the stars washed off of his helmet when the revised seniority came. He has been at the top of the list for several years, but it was finally figured out that Bro. Muir, at Gridley, had him "skinned" by a few weeks.

Bro. F. M. Evans is back on Joplin 1st after several weeks' visit with the home folks at Springfield. Nunn, who relieved him, is now with the Frisco at Carthage.

Bro. Biechterstaugh, who later resigned Nevada Relay, relieved by C. F. McCall from Hoisington.

Bro. S. E. Honey, after a month on second, is back on third Joplin; relieved by Glaze. J. W. Arnold, an old "Katy" striker, goes to Butler third.

Bro. Duncan has resigned Ore nights and gone with "Uncle Sam" in his Signal Corps. Luck be with him.

The assistance of Bros. Wolfe and Duncan is gratefully acknowledged.

Yours fraternally,

C. V. ROWE, L. C.

St. L., I. M. & S. Ry., Div. No. 31. White River Notes

This division is now handling heavier business than ever before on account of the embargoes of other lines, making it necessary to add a night yard clerk at Crane; open night offices at Myrtle and Boswell, and third tricks at Crane and Batesville. Bro. S. C. Smith went to Boswell. Pyatt, Ark., opened as day telegraph office.

Bro. O. H. Collins, Branson, transferred to the Colorado Division account his wife's health. Telegraphers are scarce and it is hard to get relief.

Bro. W. A. Odell is now working on a bridge gang at Crickett.

Bro. J. R. Hess, formerly at Springfield is now with the Southern Pacific in California. Bro. B. O. Wilson, agent Bergman in the general offices of the M. & N. A. at Harrison, and J. E. Laizure, Cotter, with the "Katy" at Denison, Tex.

Bro. J. F. Young, now in the signal service of the U. S. army, was a recent visitor at Crane and Yellville.

at Supt. Russ has gone into business Shreveport, La. We were sorry to lose him, and wish him success. CERT. 813.

Missouri Division

Bro. C. A. Nickles, relief agent, is at his home with the smallpox.

Bro. Gilliland has returned to Dexter after ninety days' leave.

Bro. Geo. Phillips disappeared on February 18th and no trace of him so far. His health has been failing him for some time.

Bro. G. D. Cochran was called home recently on account of the death of his father. A good many of the boys wanting off, owing to the shortage of operators, are unable to get away.

Night Chief McDonald has gone to Jeff. City to work a trick, Mr. Carnahan relieving; Dispatcher Freeze returning from Denver to second.

Bro. McCutchen, a new man, relieved Local Chairman O'Shea at Hoxie yard, while on committee work.

Bro. Hocking, Delta, is picking chickens on the side, at the big poultry house. Bro. J. J. Sittner, formerly at Leeper, is now at Union Station, Cape Girardeau, for the Frisco.

No card, no favors. No items, no writeup. COCHRAN.

IN MEMORIAM. WHEREAS, God, who knoweth and doeth all things well, has seen fit to call from his earthly home, to a better world, the beloved father of our esteemed sister, Miss France Worthen; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the members of the St. L. & S. F. Ry., Division No. 32, of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to the bereaved sister our sincere and heartfelt sym

pathy in this her great loss, and pray that the richest blessings of God may ever be with her in this hour of sadness, and lift the burden of sorrow, lead and guide her in the future, until that eventful day when they shall meet again; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved sister and a copy furnished THE TELEGRAPHER for publication.

H. E. STONE,
GILES E. BEATY,
GERTRUDE HODNETT,
J. H. HODNETT,

Committee.

Baltimore & Ohio R. R., Div. No. 33. The monthly rates of pay in the wage scale are now based on a 26-day month. For example, take a 30-day month at $90.00 per month. If you work the 26 days and all four Sundays, your total pay for the 30 days would be $102.00. On account the rule providing for Sunday pay based on the calendar month, Sunday pay is based on 30 days for both regular and extra men.

Our understanding of Article No. 11 is: that if it is desired to have an employe report for duty on Sunday he should have his hours arranged on Saturday previously, otherwise pay for the entire day should be collected. Any work outside of that should be paid for at "Call" and overtime rates.

In determining what constitutes a "split" we must consider the provisions of hours of service-Rule 16 as well as Rule 11. The words, "The hours of work required on Sunday shall be within regular daily established hours of the employe affected," means that should you be required to perform any Sunday work outside of the hours that you work on weeks days, you should be paid for it at "Call" and "overtime" rates. Note the sentence reading: "If any employes' trick is split more than twice on Sunday, employes shall receive pay for the entire day." The word "trick" in this case is the period of time any employe works during week days; therefore when working on Sundays it must be within your week day trick. For example, if your week day trick is from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m., and on Saturday you are told you are to work on Sunday and the service required of you is from 9 a. m. to 11 a. m. and from 2 p. m. until 4 p. m., then your trick has been split three times and you should be paid for the entire day, the first split occurring between 7 a. m. and 9 a. m.; the second from 11 a. m. to 2 p. m., and the third from 4 p. m. to 5 p. m. It is the time off, and not the time worked which constitutes a split, and claims should made accordingly.

be

On some divisions employes are notified by blanket circular that their services are not needed at all on Sundays. Although this is not strictly in accordance with the noti

fication clause, there is no serious objection to it. When summoned in this manner for Sunday service, you should claim pay in accordance with Article 10 for "Call" and "overtime" rates. Having the 26-day month, we should claim seven or fifteen "week" days when Article 9 is being applied in each instance.

Agents should read Rules 1005 and 1017 in the new book, referring to train crews placing L. C. L. freight where agents may direct, which the company officials promise to have carried out.

The following letter was addressed to General Managers Begien and Galloway by Mr. J. M. Davis under date of December 13, 1917: "When the handling of United States mail becomes so heavy that it interferes with other duties, they, (the agents) should be given some relief and will be glad to have you so arrange.”

In regard to the participation of telegraphers, telephoners, agents and levermen in the expected wage increase as a result of the hearings recently held by the Railroad Wage Commission in Washington, you will note, page 123 of the February TELEGRAPHER, that President Perham was the first to appear before that commission and asked for an increase of forty per cent. Any increased wages decided on by this commission will be retroactive to January 1, 1918. I had the pleasure of being in Washington about nine days in February, while President Perham was there. We are very fortunate in having such a man at the head of the O. R. T., and as individuals should do our utmost to assist him in perfecting the organization by getting in the nons and making our divisions solid.

Revisions of existing agreements will be made from time to time. We must see that agents, train dispatchers and others who should belong to our order are lined up at once. The Interstate Commerce Commission document entitled "Rules governing the classification of steam railway employees and their compensation," dated July 1, 1915, classifies train dispatchers as employees and not as division officials.

As the Senate has passed the bill providing for government control for a period of 18 months after peace has been declared, we should see that all the employees properly belonging in our order join now and be prepared for that day, if it ever comes.

Every member should keep his dues paid up and help to get in the nons on the division where he is employed; organize campaign and membership clubs to bring this condition about, and ask the dispatchers and exclusive agents on your division to get an O. R. T. card.

Yours for a thorough membership, and better pay and working conditions.

J. YEAGER, General Chairman,