New Haven, Conn., Div. No. 29.

Members N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.:

Referring to the article regarding "Seniority Rights During the War," which appeared in the August issue of THE TELEGRAPHER under the notes of New Haven Division No. 29.

The rule quoted therein covering the status of employes who return to the service after being mustered out of the service of the Government will also apply to employes joining the Merchant Marine Service.

It should be remembered that the rule does not apply unless the employe makes a written application for leave of absence. A copy of the application must be mailed the local chairman of your division.

Employes who have left the service to join the naval or military forces of our Government and neglected to make a written application for leave of absence should immediately communicate with the local chairman of their division. Upon receipt of such letter the local chairman will arrange to protect your rights during your absence. If you have not, or do not, obtain a written leave of absence, it will be absolutely impossible upon your return to apply the provisions of the rule.

LEONARD JACKSON ROSS,
General Chairman.

New Haven Div., N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R.— In view of the many interesting features of the March meeting, with much regret we had to forego the notes for that month on account of sickness.

Installation of officers was due in the regular order of things, but an unannounced visit from Vice-President Pierson and Superintendent Hobbs of the New Haven road came in the nature of a pleasant surprise.

Responsible for the birth of Division 29,

Vice-President Pierson may be given a large measure of credit for the succeeding years of its growth and present enviable standing in the labor world

Superintendent Hobbs having addressed a previous meeting of Division 29, in which his spirit of fairness brought out a hearty response to co-operate with the then privately controlled road to the end of efficiency in transportation, was received with additional pleasure on his reappearance.

Followed in their remarks by General Chairman Ross, three addresses were given, abstracts from which would prove of interest and value to a great number could we appropriate room in THE TELEGRAPHER Without trespassing on that of our brother correspondents.

A change of superintendents having taken place since March, Mr. Hobbs going to Taunton and E. E. Regan being called from New London to New Haven Division, an invitation was extended to Superintendent Regan to meet with and address our April meeting, and duly accepted.

Mr. Regan, then trainmaster, left New Haven, in March, 1916, to become superintendent of the Midland Division, with headquarters at Boston. On March 13th a banquet was tendered him at the Hotel Garde, with more than 150 employes present, at which time a diamond ring valued at $300 was presented as a token of regard.

Although new to the division room, Superintendent Regan did not therefore appear in the role of a stranger.

As members of one of the most distressingly low paid class of skilled railway employes, the pinch is felt to the point of discomfort in this era of high prices. As members of a labor organization, there is nothing in the present nor immediate future, notwithstanding Government supervision or even ownership, that would justify less individual vigilance in maintaining the bulwarks and ideals of organization.

With these facts in mind, it is conceivable that a program of reasoning before a labor organization to arouse a more thorough degree of efficiency would base its appeal to the selfish instincts-first fixing in the mind of the hearer the increased pay he is about to receive, followed by an undue deference to the instrument of his protection, which is known not to be the particular function of an official to promote.

If the New Haven is to be put "over the top" by the help of organized labor, in the sense of maintaining a maximum of traffic in speed and safety, it must, it can, and will be, through a better motive than that of "dollar patriotism."

The remarks of Superintendent Regan, from which we quote in part, were honest, straightforward and to the point. No more was asked than can be reasonably attained; no more was promised than what we believe will be faithfully fulfilled.

Stating he had enjoyed pleasant relations in employment since leaving New Haven two years ago, he was, of course, glad to get back among life-long friends. However familiar he might be with local conditions, he realized he could not swing the job unless he had the men with him, success depending upon their degree of effort put forth as well as that of his own. As he has seen them, the men have done good work, and in a talk with General Chairman Ross, is convinced that the telegraphers want to give their best.

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A condition seldom occurring, yet which contains elements of serious danger, discussed in such a fair-minded way, in view of recent occurrences, that no further complaint should become necessary. This was to the end that friction and inharmonious relations between men working together should be avoided, as it leads up to delay and interferes with the safe movement of trains.

Attention was then called to the liability of accident, which sometimes occurs by the rules not being fully complied with.

In view of the many factors involved, he realized he was up against a real man's game in his present position, and therefore earnestly requested every man to do all in his power to promote satisfactory service. Although a large majority of the men are now no doubt giving the best they can, it was asked that just a little more energy be added in these trying times.

Graceful words of appreciation were then extended to the lodge for the courteous invitation that led up to his visit, concluding his remarks with the statement that, as superintendent, he is not going to change from what he has heretofore been; those who come to him will always find him ready to help, never being so busy but what he can see a man for a short time at least.

Later in the evening, in individual remarks under "good of the order," committeemen and others who have directly and indirectly been brought in contact with Mr. Regan for many years, expressed words of appreciation for the fair treatment received through his hands, after which it was the pleasure of all present to make his personal acquaintance.

General Chairman Ross, who followed, em. phasized the necessity of railroad men working to win the war, or else be content to work under a schedule "made in Germany," a point well made and forcibly driven home. Bro. Ross further testified to the fair treatment received in his relations with Mr. Regan as superintendent.

Letters were read from Director General of Railroads McAdoo, President Pierson and General Manager Bardo of the New Haven, acknowledging receipt and expressing hearty appreciation of the resolutions adopted by Division 29 and concurred in by 35, 37 and 89, pledging support to the Government and railroad officials, that the New Haven may be put "over the top" in maintaining the highest standard of efficiency.

The slogan, "We must work to win; we' can, we must, we will, put the New Haven 'over the top,' which was adopted by the New Haven road at a large meeting of officials and invited guests at the R. R. Y. M. C. A. in New Haven on February 1st, was in great part the work of General Chairman Ross himself. Called upon for remarks at the meeting, which he had expected to attend only as a spectator, congratulations by wire, letter, and in person, speak loudly in recognition of the able degree in which the telegraphers were represented. This is only in line with the favorable comment that comes from many quarters in regard to the various ways Bro. Ross has grasped the opportunity to the interests of the telegraphers since the Wage Commission has assumed control of compensation.

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The report filed by Bro. Terry, trustee of the O'Keefe Hospital Fund, and read at the April meeting, showed a balance of $533.17 on hand on December 31st, 1917.

Many have inquired about Bro. Moriarity since "BP" office, Bridgeport, was closed late last year. It was learned at the last meeting that he had been retired on a pension. It is hoped to obtain further particulars at an early date, as he was one of the landmarks of the organization.

Bro. Colwell of "NH" general office, who had recuperated from a serious operation sufficiently to get around in the normal way, has again reverted to the hospital, where two more operations have been performed. He is reported to be again improving in spite of all he has been through.

Bro. Skibbe of "KY" New Haven, who has been off sick for several weeks, is again able to get out and enjoy moderate exercise.

Dispatcher Wheaton of Waterbury was a recent visitor in New Haven, at which time it was our pleasure to learn that he and our Bro. Erne had improved almost to the state of normal health at his home in Canada. One is never too busy to stop and shake hands and converse with brothers like these.

Bro. Lancaster was reported on the sick list.

Bro. Fitzpatrick, first Meriden freight house, has resumed duty after a few days' illness.

The

On account of a breakdown in health, Chief Train Dispatcher Dodan has been granted two months' leave of absence. best wishes of many friends, and this includes about all the men who come under his charge, are with him for a speedy recovery.

J. P. Trihey, assistant chief from Harlem River, New York, has been appointed acting chief at New Haven during J. J. Dodan's absence. If there has been an unkind word said against our acting chief, we have never heard it in an acquaintance of twenty years. W. B. SHAENOF.

Providence, R. 1., Div. No. 35. Members New London Division:

This is to advise you that W. J. Smith, agent at Kingston (post office address West Kingston, R. I.), has been elected local chairman of the New London Division. You will therefore address Local Chairman Smith on all matters pertaining to the work of the organization on the New London Division. LEONARD JACKSON ROSS, General Chairman.

Members Division No. 35:

Read carefully the letter froni General Chairman Ross, which leads the notes of New Haven, Conn., Division No. 29.

THE EDITOR.

THE

One cannot read the account in TELEGRAPHER of President Perham's appearance before the Railroad Wage Commission at its hearings without being inspired, edified and gratified by and with the masterly manner in which he represented the Order of Railroad Telegraphers in a matter so vital and so important. The necessity for, as well as the justice and fairness of the request for a 40 per cent increase in wages, are so clearly set forth and proven that we of the low wage class can see but one result of these deliberations, and that is to grant it. Our need of funds to meet the increased cost of living is very urgent, as far behind many other branches of labor in this respect, so we are anxiously waiting for this promised increase to enable us to buy thrift stamps and Liberty bonds, as there is no better way for many of us to help our Government

win this great war, liberate the world from bondage and make liberty, justice and peace secure. Personally I envy those who can step up and plank down their hundreds and thousands for bonds, and can imagine the thrill of pride that pervades every such buyer. I can also imagine the pang of regret those feel who are just as eager to buy, yet have nothing to buy with. We labor day by day in and for the same cause and want enough to live on, and a little more, so we, too, can have a share in the joy which every true and loyal citizen feels when he is buying these bonds.

Ours is the greatest country on earth today-there is no better-and if we have our liberty, our freedom and the other comforts which these bring, we shall be found eager to do our part to support and defend them, and cheerfully help our Government to meet its obligations to the best of our ability, both by our labor and our means, as far as we are able to do so.

Bro. Joe Buck, Bradford, R. I., is on the sick list.

Boys, please send in your notes and help to get a good writeup.

Our meeting April 20th was an interesting and busy one. General Chairman Ross and Local Chairman Joslin were present but had no definite news in regard to schedule matters.

The ballots for local chairman New London Division were counted by Bros. Springer, Farrow and Farley, and resulted in the election of Bro. W. J. Smith of Kingston to that office.

A suggestion by Bro. Fowler that we purchase a service flag for our division met an immediate and favorable response. We start it with nine stars, and believe every member it represents will give a good account of himself.

A number of pleasing comments were made in regard to the writeup in the April TELEGRAPHER, and we can continue to improve if you will kindly send me the news DIV. COR.

New Rochelle, N. Y., Div. No. 37. Members Div. No. 37:

Read carefully the letter from General Chairman Ross, which leads the notes of New Haven, Conn., Division No. 29.

THE EDITOR.

Regular meeting held Friday evening, April 12th. Chief Telegrapher Woods in the chair; Officers Hannon, Kinney and Local Chairman Tiger absent.

We were very pleasantly surprised by having Vice-President Pierson and General Chairman Ross with us, both delivering interesting and able addresses.

Two new members, Geo. V. Velliers, agent West Chester Ave., and P. H. Curran, agent West Farnis, were initiated. We are glad to welcome them as brothers in our divi sion.

The chief telegrapher appointed Bro. Slaney as marshal and Bro. Bucklin inside guard, and reappointed Bro. Tiffany division correspondent.

The resolutions published in the March TELEGRAPHER, pledging support to the Government and the railroad officials, in effect that the New Haven must be put "over the top" in efficiency, were also passed unanimously by our division at this meeting.

Our secretary was instructed to purchase a $100 Libérty bond for our division. Several brothers have purchased individual bonds. The secretary was also instructed to purchase a service flag to be displayed in our lodge room, as several brothers from this division are now fighting for our country and they will be pleased to know that they are remembered "back home."

Bro. Gould is back at Port Chester after a sick spell.

Bro. H. S. Gilbert, first S. S. 2, was off two days, and Doxey and Murtaugh worked twelve hours. Doling and Corrigan also worked twelve hours several days while Bro. McDonald, third S. S. 26 Rye, was on sick list, and Bro. Whitehead and Bowman worked twelve hours at S. S. 12 a few days while McGuire was off. Bro. Tiger and Meyerhoff worked twelve hours for two days while Bro. Merrifield was sick, and Bros. Christman and DeWitt at S. S. 22 worked twelve hours while Donovan was off. Bro. McDonald, who later relieved them, also relieved Seeley, third S. S. 3, one night, relieved by Bro. Brophy on third S. S. 26.

Bro. Tiffany, first S. S. 3, relieved one day by Bro. Haniquet, who also relieved Bro. Durkin, second leverman S. S. 4 Oak Point, several days; went to Stamford second a few days, and then relieved Bro. Kinney, first S. S. 27.

Cabin "B" on the New York Connecting Railroad was closed April 8th, Bro. Gilroy going third S. S. 21; Bro. Northrup to second Cabin 2; Fox and Murtaugh from Cabin 2 leaving the road.

Bro. Wooley relieved McGuire on third S. S. 12 several nights.

Bro. Africa, second S. S. 27, was off a few days, hunting skunks.

Bro. D. A. McDonald went to second "HY" several days, vice Donelle.

Bro. Finelli bumped Bro. Kelly from Cabin "A" days. Office closed there nights, and the boys at S. S. 3 block trains with Fresh Pond nights and Cabin "A" days.

Bro. Seaman is out boosting for Liberty loan. The brothers on this division should notify him when they purchase bonds, so a record can be kept.

New York, N. Y., Div. No. 44.

Our regular April meeting was called to order about 8:15 p. m., with Worthy Chief Thuma in the chair and about 35 members present. There should have been a hundred. The mere fact that we carry a card does not constitute a good member. We only meet once every month and should take enough interest in our own welfare to attend and voice our ideas. If we have a grievance, that's the place to make it known.

Vice-President Pierson gave us some very good advice that every member should have heard. He advised that he would phone or wire as soon as he received any news for us, as he was satisfied that everything in regard to the wage question would turn out all right. It was a large proposition which required time to settle. The longer we wait the more back pay we will draw-retroactive from January 1st.

Byron L. Russell, operator Bluepoint, was the only new candidate. We hope to see him at our meetings regularly.

We must keep after the few nons still with us until they get a card. Several important questions will come up at our next convention and we want as many representatives there as possible. We are close to the four hundred mark now, and with a little more individual effort we can soon reach the five hundred mark. Let's all get busy and send five delegates to St. Louis next year.

We were glad to have Bro. J. O. C. Hoadley from the Jersey Central with us, and hope he will come again and bring some of the new brothers along.

Bro. Geo. LaRue has been promoted to sergeant, he and one of his lieutenants being picked from 450 men to do special detail signal work and sent to France ahead of their comrades. This is the second time Bro. LaRue has been serving Uncle Sam, and we all hope for his speedy and safe return.

Bro. F. E. Peterson, now at the front in France, has been reported slightly wounded. We all wish that he may soon recover and return to us safe and sound.

Bro. C. E. Gray received a postal from Bro. C. Groenwald, saying they had a pleasant trip and arrived safely in France. We all hope for a pleasant return trip and safe arrival in America.

Bro. W. Gregory, sick several days, was relieved by Bro. E. H. Mann, Jr.

Bro. P. J. Cahill is on seven days' vacation. Several others, unable to get relief, were paid seven days extra.

Dispatcher Torrey, second Wading River, is off sick with abscesses of the throat and