The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-10-24
LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS.
Speech OF Chief Arthur on the Duties o
Members Of the Brotherhood.

DENVER Col, October 16-The Brother
hood ofLocomotive Engineers ofthe United
States was convened here this morning
Chief Arthur presiding. After welcoming
the delegates and assuring them of his
belief in the satisfactory results of the
pleasure he had watched the growth of the
order since its organization and the results
it had attained, Chief Arthur said
The present time represents the turning
point in the history of the order,
for it has become apparent that q
feeling essentially radical has crept in and
taken possession of few of our members.
This is dangerous and must be suppressed,
for, owing 10 this, statements seemingly
contradictory have crept out and become
public which could never have happened
had there been oneness Of thought and an
honesty of purpose. If a mans ability ex-
tends beyond that required of the Brother
hood, then it became his duty to doff the
begrimed hablliments of me-
chanic and assume that posi-
ton for which he is particularly
gifted. To nurse ones dissatisfaction and
scatter its seeds broadcast to take root in
imagination of others is sinful and blight
ing to character"
He admonished members to keep their
personality intact and not to allow false
gods to induce them to subscribe to laws
which as soon as passed will make them
cognizant ofthe necessity for repeal.
He reiterated with emphasis his former
statement that the organization is law
abiding, and said: To-day l clearly define
our position toward railway corporations
when | say that only as last resort do we
SANCTION strikes" In speaking of the
growth of the order he said the membership
was 10000, and that during the year Just
ended it had paid out to the widows and
orphans of disabled members $500, 900,
making total since its organization of
$2,608, 1859. He thought it impossible to
over estimate the blessings and
benefits derived from the order,
and he advised every man within range of
his voice to endeavor, at whatever sacrifice,
to save little of his earnings every year, if
no more than $25. The possession of prop
erty brings respect and always adds to the
comfort and power of working men, be-
sides gaining the esteem of all good citi-
zens.
After thanking the citizens of Denver, the
railway companies ana others for their
kindness ard expressing appreciation of
the work of the officers and members of the
Ladies' Auxiliary society Chief Arthur
concluded as follows:
"In accordance with instructions received
at the last convention, | have prepared a
special message containing such recon-
mendations as in my judgment tend to
promote the welfare of the Brotherhood
which will be submitted at the proper
time. We have come this time to hold our
twenty-sixth annual convention, to review
he past Of the order and consider its future
profting by the mistakes and failures Of
the past and aided by the integrity and
loyalty of its members, it shall go on in list
good work, ameliorating the condition
and practically all who come within its
fold. In all our discussions of differences
which may arise among us, trust we
shall always hold to our right of private
judgment, that while we give frank ex-
preston to our own thoughts, we shall
carefully guard against that spirit of dog
matism which would call upon others to
sqqare their thoughts and opinions with
our own"
No reference was made in the address to
federation, or to the apparent disappoint-
ment of a number of delegates.