The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-11-14

1t is a source OF satisfaction to me, and |
should be to every true engineer, to know
when he pays his money, it is going to tn,
widow and fatherless of his own kin-ont
who has been subjected to the same trials
dangers, and difficulties as himself, insteat
OF those he knows but little about. Were il
possible for them to attain safer, cheaper.
or better insurance than we offer, we would
| find no fault with them for availing them.
selves OF the advantages, but we know il
cannot be done. Consequently, we do not
think it right or just for the brothers to pa.
| tronize others in preference to ours, and
hope those who have done so will think the
matter over carefully aud decide to re-insure
with US. lam deeply impressed with the
conviction that there are many more of our
members who ought to avail themselves of
the protection guaranteed to the families in
the event Of their death, by securing an in
surance policy. Every man having fami-
ly is bound by every dictate Of honor to pro-
tect them. He has no moral right to expose
them to the Ills and hardships which come to
too many in this life. Scripture declares
'f any man provide not for his own, espec-
tally those of his own household, he hath de-
MED the faith, and is worse than an inddei. -
COST OF INSURANCE.
feel satisfied. from past experience. 5hat
we can have an insurance Of $1,000 at cost
not to exceed one and one-half per cent., if
each brother will become member of the
association and do not believe there is
member who can truthfulIy say he has suf-
Tered in the slightest degree on account of
the money he has expended on the payment
OF claims. We lost by death in various
forms, seventy of our number; only twenty
nine were insured, which is sad commen-
tary upon the brothers, and warning to
others who are still hating between two
opinions.
The circulation of our Journal for the
past year was 1000 not as large as we de-
sired to have it, still we have no reason to
complain when we consider the stringency
Of the times, the number out Of employ
ment, and the small wages earned by many
Of the brethren, the additional expense they
have been subjected to and the animosity
created by the disloyal members, it is graft
flying to think we were able to maintain the
circulation we did and we feel grateful to
our friends for their liberal patronage, and
shall endeavor in the future, as in the past,
to merit their support. 1t shall be our con-
slant aim to make the Journal interesting,
instructive and attractive, well worthy Of
place in any home, and especially do we re-
quest the delegates on their return home to
urge the members of their respective divis-
ions to not only become subscribers but con-
tributers also-the columns are free to all.
reserving the right only to exclude person
alties and such matter as in our judgment
| would tend to lower the tone and dignity OF
the Journal.
We appreciate and are thankful to the
brethren for what they have done in the
past, but there is much more for them to do.
There is latent talent enough in the order,
if properly employed, to make the Journal
worthy OF being ranked among the best pub
locations in the country, anda source of rev.
enue which is indispensable to the welfare
of our society; therefore, it behooves each
one Of us to do all we can, and success awaits
our efforts.
Despite the predictions OF the weak and
vacillating, the opposition aud persecution
Of our enemies, we have granted, during the
year, three charters, and organized three
subdivisions one at Los Angeles, Califor-
mia one at Winona, Minnesota, and one at
La Crosse, Wisconsin. So, while we have
lost in one section of the country we have
gained in other localities. The pruning pro-
cess we have undergone has given our organ
ization healthier glow, and have no doubt
will produce in the future more vigorous
| and substantial growth. We have every rea-
son to feel encouraged. Our finances are in
| a healthy condition, and we invite your care
full perusal Of the printed reports, showing
the amount Of receipts and disbursements
for the fisal year ending September S0th.
Iregret very much the inability of Broth
er L. B. Greeue, our F. @. A. E., to be pres-
being here but was compelled to forego the
pleasure on account of his feeble condition.
RAILROAD REEDING-RooMs.
There is another Important matter feel it
to be my duty to call your attention to-, es.
pecially the young unmarried members.
Within the past few years there have been,
ef;1l hos, in, opf
cities on the line OF some of our principal
Railways, branches of the Young Mems
Christian Association, whose objects are to
help railroad men, regardless of their posi-
ton, to become Christians. They have
OPP ned reading-rooms supplied with good
reading matter. and endeavor to keep them
inviting and attractive, SO that all who visit
them may feel at home. Our young unmar.
ried men, whose only home is the boar ding
house, will find them pleasant resort
where they can devote their leisure hours in
improving their minds and preparing them
selves for higher and nobler life, instead Of
fritting them away in idle gossip around the
engine hous es, shops, yards, and cabooses
playing cards and indulging in all sorts o.
frivolous amusements. These association!
have, during the short period Of their exis
tence, accomplished great deal of good
They have visiting committees who visit thu
hospitals and address words of cheer ant
comfort TO the sick and injured; they art
unsectarian in character, and are dons
more to Christian;ze railroad men than al
the eloquence of the pulpit. Some OF thu
most prominent railroad managers in thu
country are interesting themselves in the wei
fare of these associations, and believe tn
time is not far distant when the railroad
men of the United States and Canada
| through the influence of these associations
will arouse public sentiment in their favor t.
such an extent as to secure the enactment
laws that will prohibit much Of the Sunda!
| traffic upon our roads, and enforce stricte
observance of the Lords day. I would
therefore, recommend that we, individuall
and collectively, foster and encourage then
all we can. am glad to know that durin
the present year one has been formed in tbi
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