The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-21
THE LOCOMOTIVES ENGINEERS.
Twenty-Third Annual Convention Points
from Chief Arthur's Address.

from Chief Arthur Address.
New YORK, Oct 20-The twsnty-third an,
nuai convention of the Brotherhood of Locomo-
tive Engineers was opened to-day by public ex-
ercises in the Metropolitan Opera-house. The
large auditorium was filed with the delegates,
their wives and friends. A letter of regret was
read from President Cleveland. Mayor Grace
welcomed the delegates to New York. Governor
Abbott, of New Jersey; Rev. 7. Dewitt Tai
mage and Chauncey N. Depew, president of the
New York Central g., Hudson River Railroad
Company, made complimentary addresses. The
satter said that there was not a railroad presi
dent in the country who would refuse admit
lance to his Office of the members of the or
gRnization. They knew that the engineers al
ways kept their contracts and commanded tho
respect Of their employers
Grand Chief Engineer p. NJ. Arthur, in his
annual address, referred to the Brotherhood as
the unknown quantity in the great social prob
lem. and said that some had maliciously made
false statements about the order in consequence
of their conservative stand. Their work was to
build up their OWE organiZation-not to become
Interested in things outside. To his mind there
was no real anragonism between capital and
labor; there was between work and idleness.
Capital was only invested wealth. There was
not one but could count himself a capitalist, how
ever mail might be his pile. He reviewed the
work of the insurance benefit fund. and said
that on Aug. 81, 1885, there were a. 242 insured
members, II died during the year, 2
were disabled, and 301 had forfeited. Aug. 81,
1886. there were 4, 444, a net gain of 202. During
the year seventy-eight claims were paid. aggre-
eating 1894. 600, making a grand total of 81, $780,
169 paid to widows and orphans since the work
began. Twenty-eight new divisions have been
~ nls-- - - - . -sA1
ship Of nearly twenty thousand, well organized
and in - prosperous condition. The members
of ten different roads have appealed for aid to
adjust grievances during the year, and
in every case they had been set
tied satisfactorily. In every instance,
an increase of wages was secured and rules es-
tablished. The order, in its dealings with cor
porations, has endeavored to follow the golden
rule. In speaking OF the labor agitation of the
last twelve months, he said it would work out
good in the end. The good sense Of American
workmen, and the fairness, on the whole, of en-
plOyers, would lead to Cancellation and arbitra-
ton. There is room for every one in a country
like this, and every man disposed to work must
be allowed to find the chance. He coupseied
forbearance. Referring to the South west strike
he said:
am pleased to know that our relations with the
railway officials are of the most friendly character.
and trust nothing will occur to change them in the
slightest degree. The brothers employed on the Tex
as Pacific and Missouri Pacific roads and leased lines
are deserving of special mention for their heroic and
manly conduct during the strikes inaugurated by the
Knights of Labor upon those roads. They were per.
suaded and threatened in order to induce them to
abandon their engines and join the strikers, but
they remained firm and true to the contract made
with the company, winning for themselves and the
Brotherhood at large the respect and admiration of all
fair+minded men. Their loyalty and devotion to prin-
ciple has convinced railway managers that a contract
made with the Brotherhood will be kept inviolate.
The remainder of the address was in relation
TO the need of economy in their private affairs
and moderation in the work of the order. The
convention will meet in secret session tomorrow