umbia" join hands; let us forget the imaginary line between the North and South; let us cultivate one national feeling and thereby enter upon a period of activity. DEMOCRATUS.

ARMSTRONG, Kansas, Nov. 18, 1888.

Editor Magazine:

From present appearances the officers of the company at Armstrong is standing by the new system governing the qualifications of apprentices, both mentally and physically. As the last apprentice taken into the machine shop to learn the machinist trade is 17 years of age, pulls the scales down at 210 pounds weight, and proportioned in height, modest and retiring in his manner, a good scholar and passes examination with a good record.

William Fulton has served an apprenticeship in the machine shop, was taken into the draughting room and spent six months there to give him an insight into that art. He is now a full fledged journeyman and should be treated by the company as such and be entitled to full pay and other considerations. Frank Byrnes another young apprentice in machine shop is taken into the draughting room to finish his qualifications as a machinist. From what I can learn these two young men are the first apprentices that ever got the opportunity of getting in the draughting department to finish their trade. But I have full confidence in the officers of the company here that they will treat every apprentice alike hereafter. I will keep you posted on this question and will note any deviation from the privileges accorded the two young men above alluded too; as both apprentices have influential friends in the company's employ.

Six engines on the blocks in the back shop and a gang of men in round-house repairing engines. A great deal of overtime is being made in machine shop, boiler and in other departments.

S. J. Hess of Omaha Nebraska was appointed to the responsible position of Master Car Ruilder at the Armstrong shops on November the 1st and gives general satisfaction to the men under his immediate change.

Everything is running along pretty smooth here at the present time, plenty of work in all departments but the working hours is very irregular in some of the departments. In the blacksmith shop some of the helpers makes more money than some of the blacksmith's on account of a pernicious system adopted by the foreman of the institution, for there is no justice or equity about the way he works his men. He adopted three or four schedules of working hours and too much favoritism is shown to a certain class of men in the blacksmith shop. Some of his men tells me that he would not hire a blacksmith of any bright appearance or would likely to have influence on the outside in dread that he might have some pretentions to his position as foreman. He shivers with fear when ever the master mechanic walks through the shops he keeps his eye on him until he is out of his sight, and his ruffled equanimity is at peace again for the time be

ing. The blacksmith working on the big fire cannot speak a word of the English language and has to have an interpeter for him. It is a wonder to me that there has not a serious accident happened to some of the men helping him before

now.

The foreman of the blacksmith shop made it very unpleasant to his men before election trying to influence his men to vote against their own volition in the interest of certain politicians of Wyandott and made the boast that a certain class of his men would vote to suit his taste and for certain candidates, and devoted most of his time to politics for weeks and months before election instead of working in the interest of the company that pays him something that he is not worth one hundred and ten dollars per month.

The company will find if they support such men they will have an elephant on their hands. The brazon effrontery of some foremen in this age of enlightenment is something that I cannot account for. It seems the meaner the foreman is to men the better he is liked by the higher officials of the road. To be plain these are the men that cause trouble and anguish for railroad companies and other corporations. This kind of tyranny may last awhile but there will be a day of reckoning sooner or later.

AU AROUT DE SON.

SALINA, Kansas, Nov. 15, 1888.

Editor Magazine:

Upon arriving home again from a most pleasant trip to the D. A. Convention I was greeted by the brothers with deep interest, all were anxious to hear how the meeting passed off in regard to the federation, etc., of course a few words of explanation satisfied the brothers, now nothing remains but to see what the G. A. meeting will

do.

Well, the elecfion is over and in my opinion the wage-workers of North America received the hardest blow ever yet struck to humanity, to create slavery in a free and prosperous country like this ought to be considered bad. I glory in the position taken by President Cleveland, be is no tool for the monopolist; of course the great silver dollar put the grand g. o. p. is way on top, higher up than ever.

Now as regards the D. A. No. 82 Convention, it was a very spirited one, and I think to the full satisfaction of all concerned. The trip to Kenosha over the South Park railroad was the most remarkable treat a person from the Prairie Stateof Kansas could enjoy. The spruce trees which I gathered with the assistance of Brother Wm. Morley and others decorates, at present, my cellar, but Christmas they will be the enjoyment of the little ones and a remembrance of the grand excursion over the D. & S. P. I hope Brother Miller, of Ellis, enjoyed his trip as well as I did, and I hope he has learned the song by this time. I will write a longer letter next time. With best wishes and regards to all I remain as ever, yours, C. C. F. OF 3005.

STOUT, Colo., Nov. 18, 1888.

Editor Magazine: Since my last letter to the Magazine nothing of importance has occurred to ruffle the even tenor of our existence up in this foothill camp but nevertheless, I am bound to figure in your correspondence columns if only to the extent of a few paragraphs of local gossip. The meagre supply of anything in the shape of bona fide correspondence items, will not save my luckless scalp from the vengeance of your readers here if the "Stout" letter does not occupy its usual place in your monthly issue, and thus it is that my letters lacking in material, and written under a stern obligation are generally dull and uninteresting and make but a poor showing amidst the newsy productions of more favored correspondents.

Work in the quarries here continues steady, and the shipments of stone has been larger this month than at any period during the summer. We are in fact enjoying a boom and there is every indication of its continuance. The south quarry scored another accident a few days ago in the case of a young Swede who while drilling a stone slipped and transfixed his foot with a drill, it inflicted a very painful wound, and necessitated his removal to the hospital.

Superintendent O'Rielly has gone East on a short vacation.

Bros. Coyle, Olsow and Lindhome have returned from the U. P. hospital and are looking fairly well after a hard tussle with king typhoid. Our delegate to convention of the D. A. has brought us back cheering accounts of the proceedings of that body, and the good work done there to forward the interests and build up and strengthen our noble Order. We all feel encouraged at the earnestness and unanimity that characterised the proceedings, and are confident that the labors of our new Executive Board will be productive of many substantial benifits to the organization during next year. The Brothers here take a deep interest in the federation scheme, grand in its conception and grander still in the results which its accomplishment would realize in the interests of organized labor. We all hope for the speedy cementing of a compact which would increase tenfold our aggressive power in the maintaining of our principles, and at the same time make impossible the old and easy task of the enemy to encounter and defeat in detail the different organizations of the toiler, which though having a common interest lacked the unity and strength which federation alone can give.

Since last I wrote we have been favored with a visit from Bro. Thos. Neasham of Denver. He addressed a good sized meeting in the K. L. hall, and taking for nis text the preamble of the Order his discourse was an able and lucid exposition of what we seek, the justice of our demands, and the necessity for all to organize, and strive for the accomplishments of such great ends. Bro, Neasham was listened to with marked attention and I am confident will be pleased to hear that his visit to Stout has produced good fruit, we have already enrolled many new members and

the indications are that the seating capacity of hall will be fully tested before the "Christmas chimes" ring out on the chilly air,

The election passed off quietly here, and although there was a little politicial fever around our good citizens are now convalesent and attending to their ordinary affairs. Chef de cuisine Hanson, Tom Dorman and Bros. Lowe and Hencky developed sporting proclivities and "blew in" on Cleveland. They found a taker in Doc, Moody who eventually raked in the stakes, but mollified the anguish of the losers by setting up the cigars. The Doc. is since regarded as a kind of modern prophet, and enjoys the reputation of being the shrewdest and most far seeing political Nestor within the confines of this flourishing bailiwick.

Matrimonial rumors "thick as leaves in Vallambrosa" are flying around here just now, but in the absence of definate information I will not particularize at present. Probably in my next letter I may be in a position to say that cards are issued, and that the pots. pans, and tinkling cymbals that aid in the celebration of a Stout charivari are being brightened and got ready for CIVIS.

use.

Editor Magazine:

ALMY, Wyo., Nov 18, 1888.

Thinking a few items would be of interest to the many readers of the Magazine I will try and give you the ups and downs of this neighborhood of the past few days.

A fire broke out in what is known as the No. 4 mine on the night of the 7th inst. There was an extra force of men put on to work to try and get it under control but all to no purpose. Seeing it could not be controlled the only thing left was to take the material out, which was done in a hurry.

The No. 4 mine was shipping about 700 tons of coal daily and employed about 300 men in and around the mine, but it is talked of now as a thing of the past. There has been a force of 50 men started in what is known as No. 7, it is a new opening and a good quality of coal. When the superintendent announced that he would start 50 men to work there to drive entries and crosscuts we supposed the places would be cabled for, knowing there would not be sufficient places to put more than one-third of the miners to work, a rumor was started to that effect. The superintendent also stated that those that wanted to work there would have to hand in their names to him. There was something over 100 names went in, this confirmed the belief with a great many that those places would bc cabled for, but to our surprise the superintendent selected from those names, which caused a great deal of dissatisfaction. Had they been cabeled for it would have given every man an equal chance and it would not have been any loss to the company one way or the other. When a chance of this kind presents itself that will create a better feeling between employer and employe we think it should be grasped at.

A MINER.

EVANSTON, Wyo., Nov. 21, 1888.

Editor Magazine: Since my last report things have been very lively in all departments of the railroad system. The train hands are nearly all worn out and the caller has a terrible experience getting crews for the out-going engines.

Thos. Moore, the well known caller, is very sick, worn out with continued worry.

The shops have been running ten hours with lots of work on hand. They are very short of engines here, several new ones have arrived lately, including 1022 and 1025.

In the shops there is complaint owing to the inferior class of machinists' helpers. The days of the professional helpers has passed and gone and much to be regretted. When a helper is wanted a hero from the coal track appears whose whole life has been devoted to husking corn and studying hog colera on the field of Iowa, or a broncho tamer from the sage brush wilds. Now who would hold a chisel bar and trust such with the sledge? many that have quarreled with their wives and longs for eternal peace may, but that class has left this shop. They next grind steampipes and that finishes there usefullness. There is no speaking to this class after they become experts. We all know who started this rotten system here and we hope that the present management will train up useful and safe help.

The shop hands have been notified that they no longer will enjoy the hour on Saturday as heretofore. Now, as the order has been resinded on the Short Line it is about time it met the same fate here.

A wreck occurred on Oct 24. Train No. 5, the west bound fiyer, struck some cattle two miles east of town, and engine 814 jumped the track followed by the baggage car tearing along the ties. Engineer Huggins applied the air break and jumped, escaping with a broken ankle. Fireman Scallow had not time to jump but escaped unhurt. The mangled body of fireman Stafford from Rawlins was found under the trucks, he was coming here looking for work. The passengers presented Engineer Huggins with a purse of $50 as a mark of esteem for the manner he applied the brakes and held the coaches on the track.

Engine 814 that was wrecked is again turned out, doing better than ever. Engine 340 is nearly completed. The round-house is filled with work. We are sorry to learn that Superintendent Duell has resigned and left us to accept a similar position on the D. & R. G. Ry. He leaves many warm friends behind by his honorable conduct here.

Joe Shaw got elected Justice of the Peace for Evanston precinct. We will look for evenhanded justice from the veteran. Jos. A. G. Rex got a large vote and was elected to the Wyoming Legislature. He was there before and we are

glad to see him returned. The electric light has started up and casts its lurid glare in all the leading stores. It is not yet generally used in private dwellings, but the

the management expects it to find favor in a short time.

Andy Scallow, fireman, is out of luck. While fireing engine 994 on Castle Rock hill a wheel cover broke loose and ground upon the wheel, Andy jumped off, breaking his arm and sustaining other injuries. WASATCH.

SACRAMENTO, Cala., Nov. 3, 1888.

Editor Magazine:

I see by your journal of November that the North Platte lads made Mr. James Langley a farewell present of a diamond watch charm. It is satisfactory in these days of favoritism and patronage to see a genuine, honest. straight forward, square man, and a first-class machinist appreciated by his shopmates. When a man is acknowledged by his shopmates to be a genuine mechanic you may depend that he is a good one. When a doctor is appreciated by his brethren he is always a good one. The same rule will hold good with a mechanic is the opinion of

"CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE."

SHOSHONE, Idaho, Nov. 20, 1888.

Editor Magazine:

We trust the members of the District Assembly enjoyed their trip to the mountains, so kindly provided for by the Superintendent of the Colorado Division. In connection with which I might add, the Idaho Division has drawn on the Colorado Division for a new Superintendent, to fill the vacancy made by Mr. Ressigue's transfer to the Nebraska Division, where he goes to take the position up to this time held by Robert Blickensderfer, formerly of the Idaho Division and who was anything but a favorite while on this Division.

We understand Mr. Hickey has taken, or is about to act, on the suggestion or advice of the Magazine and have ventilators placed in the roof of the blacksmith shop. We believe directions to that effect have been issued. This is to relieve the men at work from the choking cffect of the sulphur fumes from the coal. Good, again! we remark.

The election is over, and what do we find? what have the workingmen of the country done for themselves? In Colorado, we learn, they have elected some of their worst enemies. In Illinois they have done somewhat better, having elected a Governor who is pledged to the total extinction of the Pinkerton Thugs. Here in Idaho, we believe, when the returns are all in it will be found we have done fairly well. Friend Chas. MacPherson will represent Alturas county in the Territorial Council at its next session, notwithstanding the fact of a combination of certain men in the town who scratched our friend from their tickets, when their better judgment should have led them to take an opposite course.

Work in the shop is plentiful; three more machinists will commence work in a few days. Engines now in the shop are the 552, 972, 964 and

DENVER, Colo., Nov. 28, 1888.

Editor Magazine: We are still among the living, rumors to the contrary not withstanding, and if there is a place where rumors float around thicker than in a railroad shop and round house we are not acquainted with it; I say among the living, I mean manage to "hold our job down" yet, and from all that can be seen have settled down, with a large number of others, for a steady winters work. To-morrow is "thanksgiving," perhaps, we should be thankful for having steady work or prospects of it; that the powers that be, evidently intend to allow us to work during at least a period that suits their notion. I often think of what little the average wage worker has to stand on, just the whim of one man between work and no work, between carry out the plans based on steady work and having them crushed out; if nothing else, this should cause every man to support organizations to insure justice.

Election was just the same here as in other places, "protection" carried the day; all workingmen got left no matter on what ticket they were on. Verily a man should not pose as a workingman in order to get workingman votes.

Our friend M. B. Carpenter was elected by over 2,000 majority though there were 1,100 men who scratched his name off their tickets; glorious 1,100.

Quite a number of the boy's and their families went up on the excursion given the delegates to the District by Mr. Choate, and quite a number that wanted to go got left at the depot a few minutes too late. This being late in matters pertaining to themselves is a characteristic of workingmen in more ways than one-they are often too late to see danger ahead.

All the hard feeling raised on account of the election, I think, have softened up and we are all in condition to look after the common welfare again.

Glad to see Bro. Neasham back in the shops again. The presence of the "old man" has a sort of cheering effect.

S. H. Craig, our genial treasurer, is laid up with a bad scalp wound, caused by a stick of timber falling on it, it is reported as not being serious, which we hope is true.

We had an accident in the yard on the 13th, the Boulder Valley passenger coming in found an open switch and came in on one of the new switching engines and a string of cars smashing

the tank badly, besides damages to draw-heads and front ends, the baggage master came near being drowned in his car with milk, he having a load of that commodity for Denver; which did not stay in the cans long after the engine struck. The switchman who failed to close the switch seeing what his carelessness had done took to his heels, but the foreman of the engine and the engineer have been discharged, some one besides the runaway had to go I suppose any way, but it is difficult to see on what bases of justice this decree was reached, but thus it is to be expected. W. W. Bigler a machinist employed on this division the past five years, was discharged yesterday, he having made a mistake on some work he was on. His length of service, etc., should be no excuse and if it was the usual rule to punish mistakes by discharge it would appear in a different light, but an inspection of the scrap pile and out of the way corners coupled with a little enquiry would develop the fact that the line is drawn sometimes repeatedly in some peoples favor and why should it, not be, and reasonably and equitably with all; the best mechanics, besides master mechanic's often make mistakes, the lesson learned through a mistake is what in most cases improve a man and makes him more valuable to his employer, but it is not always an injury to a man to discharge him though it often puts him and his family to inconveniences.

Plenty of work in the shop and a great deal of overtime worked in some departments, one pecularity arising from giving out overtime is that a man on fourth-class pay often darws a bigger pay check than those on first-class pay. Perhaps this has an encourging effect to the low priced man and a slap to the high priced ones. It is queer that it is necessary to work overtime so much on general repair work, there is enough of it on running repairs to satisfy the greedy K. K. K.

ones.

RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.

The following resolutions were adopted by L. A. No. 3810, K. of L., at Shoshone, Idaho:

WHEREAS, Our esteemed Brothers Shepherd Hess and Thomas Leonard have recently been removed from among us, no more to be our colaborers in the struggles of this life, therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the members of Assembly 3810, K. L., express to the afflicted widows, families and friends of our departed brothers our heartfelt sympathy, and earnestly commend them to Him who alone can give the the needed comfort and help at this time of terrible loneliness and trial, and who is more than a husband to the widow, and more than a father to the fatherless; and may these sad events remind us all that "at an hour when we think not" we too may be called.

COMMITTEE.

One man's word is no man's word; we should quietly hear both sides.-Goethe.

VOL. III.

THE NEW YEAR. With the beginning of every year comes the turning over of imaginary new leaves, speculation on the prospects for the future in matters that each is most interested in at the time, and the making of plans for future action by

some.

Financiers, manufacturers and business men generally seek for all the information possible to obtain, on which they can calculate the basis to conduct their affairs on and run the least risk of failure, and it is on the correctness of their foresight that much of their success depends followed by good judgment and management.

There is a class, who deserve success and who need it more than any, that pays far too little attention to their future prospects, and that is the wage workers and the farmers. What common conclusion would there be reached if this class would carefully, intelligently and earnestly consider their prospects for the year? The various causes that are liable to arise to make it a disastrous one, or that would tend to make it a reasonably prosperous one. The prospects of steady employment or good crops at remunerative pay or fair return and the causes that might come up to make them better or worse; what lays in their power to aid improvement or check adversity? Would they not come to the conclusion that if they followed the

No. 12.

course pursued in the past or take what comes that they would remain as a ship drifting with the tide and storm? Would they not come to the common conclusion that they owe to themselves a duty to do something toward guiding things in the coming year and for all time? That they, every wage earner and farmer of the nation, have as much at stake and need to consider the future and arrange their affairs and acts accordingly as any in the nation? Will this be true of them now? If it is not true why not?

Take the wage earner, that can boast of some prosperity in the past, having had steady work at comparatively fair remuneration and has lived accordingly, will he feel that there is any need of looking ahead? He may be the last one that will stop to consider what the future may have in store for him. At this time let him seriously ask himself the question, what assurance have I for a continuation of what I have had in the past? If my employer concludes to dispense with my services what may cause him to do it? What are my prospects of getting quickly equally as good and satisfactory employment? Should other employers, in the same line of business, reduce their force of workmen on account of a lack of business thus throwing a large number of men out seeking em ployment, how will they live if they