The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-10-17
Chief Arthur Address at the First
Days Session of the Locomo-
tive Engineers,
The Belief That the Turning Point
in the Orders History Has
Been Reached.


DENVER, Oct. l6.-The twonty-sixth an
nual convention of Locomotive Engineers
was called 10 order at Tabor Grand opera
house this afternoon by Secretary W. W.
Hall Of the local committee Of arrange
ments. The house was most handsomely
decorated The flowers and emblems Of
the brotherhood were most beautiful, while
an immense design of roses, pinks and
smilax, bordered with forget-me-nots, rep
resenting an engine and tender were placed
in front of the speakers desk. The en-
trance of Chief Arthur, while the secretary
was addressing a large audience, was greet
ed with prolonged applause. The exercises
were opened with prayer by Geo. X. Doriiy,
grand chaplain, of Charleston, Mass. Al
the conclusion of the SUI icaiion SANDY"
Mcclure of Minneapolis, delivered AN
original poem which was received
with applause lasting several min
utes. This WIS followed by
addresses from Mayor Londoner Of Denver
l.. w. Reynolds Of Iowa. j. X. Choates,
superintendent of the Union Pacific system
in Colorado; Charles +. Meek, general
manager of the Denver. Texas Il Fl. Worth
of Denver; Hon. John Scott, Rev Myron
Reed and II. b. Chamberlain. president of
the Denver Chamber of Commerce.
Al the conclusion of these addresses Chief
Arthur was introduced amid great enthusi-
asm and spoke substantially ms follows:
After welcoming the delegates and assur-
ing them of his belief in the satisfactory
results of the present convention, and with
what great pleasure he had watched the
growth of the order since its organization,
and the result IL had attained. Chief Arthur
said: "1he present. 10 me, represents the
| turning point in the history of the order,
| for il has become apparent that feeling
| essentially radical has crept IN and taken
possession of a few Of our members. This
is dangerous and must be suppressed.
| Owing 10 this, statements seemingly con-
Trajectory have crept out and become public
which could never have happened had there
been oneness of thought and an honesty
"A purpose. II mans ability extends
beyond that required by the brotherhood,
then il becomes his duty to doif the be-
grimed habiliments of the mechanic and
assume that position for which he is par
ticularly gifted. To nurse ones dissatis-
faction and scatter its seeds broadcast 10
take root in the imagination Of other men
IL sinful and beittling" lie admonished
tact and not allow false gods to induce
them 10 subscribe to laws which, az soon as
passed. will make them cognizant Of
the necessity for their repeal.
He reiterated, with emphasis, his former
statement that the organization was law
abiding and said To-day clearly define
our position toward the railway corpor-
ations when say that only AZ a last resort
do we sanction strike"
q l... Ia.
said the membership was over 5000 and
during the year just ended had paid out Ia
widows. orphans and disabled members
| $30G,0O making the total since the Organi-
zation $2,S6, 1863 lie thought il impossible
TO overestimate the blessings and
benefits derived from the order, and
he advised every man within
hearing Of his voice 10 endeavor at whatever
sacrifice to save little of his earnings
every year, if no more thHn S25 The pos
session of property brings respect, and
always adds 10 the comfort and power Of
the workingman, besides gaining the esteem
of all good citizens. After thanking the
citizens of Denver. the railway companies
and others for their kindness. and expressing
appreciation of the work Of the officers and
members of the Ladies' Auxiliary societies
he concluded ns follows; ''In accordance
with instructions received from the last
convention, nave prepared Npfcial mes
sage containing such recommendations as
in my judgment tend to promote the wei.
fare of the brotherhood, which will
be submitted at the proper time
We have come nt this time
10 hold the twenty-sixth annual convention
and 10 review the past Of the order and con
slider the future. Profting by the mistakes
and failures Of the past aud aided by the
integrity and loyalty Of the members il
shall 90 on in the good work of amelorat-
ing the condition and protecting all who
come within its folds. In all discussions
and differences which may arise among us,
trust all shall always hold 10 our right OF
private judgement; that while we give frank
expression 10 our own thoughts, we shall
carefully guard against a spirit Of dogma
tism, which would call upon others "a
square their thoughts and opinions with
our own"
No reference was made in the address Ia
either the question Of federation or the late
Burlington strike, TO the apparent disnp-
p0intment of the delegates.
At the conclusion of Arthur's address the
convention adjourned till Tomorrow.