Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-10-26


occasion OF the celebration of the sixth
anniversary of Wilmington Division,
No. 224, Order of Railway Conductors.
The affair was most delightful and
success in every respect, Huge mounds
of palms and the scenery gave the stage
the appearance of beautiful conserva-
tory. Above the organization, which
was on the platform in u body, were
streamers inscribed with the name and
number of the division. j. Frank Bald.
win, l. It. Parker, f. j. Boylan, James
Allison and Robert E. Boylan constituted
the committee Of arrangements. Mr..
Baldwin presided.
The exercises began at o'clock, with
q selection by Opera House orchestra.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. ]. S.
Willis.
Hugh @. Browne delivered the OPEN
ing address. He said he never saw
railway conductor who was not gem
tleman. The conductors are the finest
set of men in the world except the law
yers. He spoke of the responsibility
which rests upon them and declared
they are men far ahead of the average.
Good conductors are not born; they are
made. They begin at the bottom and
by their own worth rise. Division No.
224 is one of the most successful organi-
cations of the order in this country
After abiding to Delaware's greatness
he remarked that Division No. 224, feel
ing proud of the successes of the past.
prepared the entertainment and OK.
tended the heartiest hospitality. In con
clusion he said; ION behalf of the di-
vision l extend the very heartest and
mostisincere welcome"
Mr. pa rItar vino xy.,r tl,o - % r,.nI.o.
said he esteemed it great honor to
stand before the magnificent audience
and speak in behalf Of the order. Diyis-
ion No. 224, he stated, was organized
October 10th, 1887, with II charter
members. Its membership has increased
TO 81. 1t has received from all sources
$T,57250 and has made the following
expenditures; For sick and funeral
benefits, $2,205.13; paid to the Grand
Division, 81 1888; miscellaneous 2, sol .63;
total expenditures, $6,2S4.76. Ite bal
ance in hand amounts to S1,237.74.
April Both, 1891, some of the members
of the Division No. 224 organized the
Independent Mutual Relief Association,
which pays $40 per week sick benefits.
This association has paid 1924 to sick
brothers at cost of $9.75 TO each mem
her. His connection with the division,
which dates from the time of its organi-
cation, has always been pleasant. The
division has done good and is destined
TO do more good. Four members of the
division have died. He believed they
were its best members. After few
more remarks he introduced L. E. Clark
of Cedar Rapids, Ia, the grand chief
conductor of the order.
Mr.. Clark expressed his pleasure at
being present and said he felt honored
by the presence of such large gather
ing. Their organization, they thought,
he said, is one which has not received
the recognition to which it is entitled.
They blamed themselves, however, for
this They had organized for pur-
pose as noble as any that has ever
stirred the heart of man. 10 better the
condition of their fellowman is their
object. The order has met with much
opposition and passed through many
tribulatiuns. From 1868 to 1878 it had
a great struggle. In 1878, when it was
reorganized it had only 90 divisions;
now it has 1856, embracing $4,000 good,
noble men. They are seeking to i'm
prove their fellowmen In many ways,
He believed the occupation of con-
ductor is a profession. The order has
paid 10 disabled members and to widows
and orphans the sum Of 81 ,301 900. 1t
furnishes insurance to its members at
. the actual cost of the insurance. If the
Order of Railway Conductors were dis
solved tomorrow, if it never accom-
plished any more good, Its praises would
still be sung by widows at the hearth
stone and by orphans at the school
houses. There would be those who
would rise and call it blessed. The
organization does net attempt to inter-
fere with mans political or religious
belief. 1t is not an organization for any
unlawful purpose. 1t recognizes that
the law is supreme,
A vocal solo, (a) might" (b) "Morn.
ing" icy "Boat Song" given by Mrs. E.
f. Osbourn of Philadelphia, greatly en-.
Unused the audience and in response tc
the applause she sang Dear Genevieve
Sweet Genevieve."
Mr.. Willis was the next speaker. He
said he felt that he would like to be Q
conductor himself. Sailors used to be
the masters of tho world, but during the
last so years another class, the conduc
tors, has arose and shares their power
He spoke of the greatness of the rail.
road interest and inquired what is thit
organization? He replied that he ha6
been told that its every tendency i!
noble. He referred to the benevolenct
of the order and remarked that the or
ganization is worthy of admiration anC
Imitation. He was glad there arc such
societies as the Order of Railway Con
ductors, the Order of Railway Engineers
the Order of Railroad Trainmen, tn,
Order Of Odd Fellows and grand ole
Masonry. They have name in thi
day and are doing good "The Order o
Railway Conductors" he added, sis
good institutions; God bless it," He sup
posed all its members are ideal conduc
tors.
A part song, "october Morning." b,
Gilchrist, sung by the choir, followed
Miss Virgie Jones recited "Kat
Shelley" and in response to the ap
plause acclaimed "Aunt Polly's Georg
Washington" Mrs. II. l.. Pyle AM
Mrs. Osbourn were heard in duet, sing
ing "Venetian Boat Song" and ''Swal
low" the latter being an encore. Tn
entertainment closed with selection b.
the orchestra.
All the participants were lavishly ap
plauded and Miss Jones, Mrs. Pyle an
Mrs. Osbourn received bouquets of roses
The public entertainment was fol
lowed by banquet, which was serve
in Masonic Temple lecture room b,
Caterer William G. Farra. There was
large attendance and pleasant tim
was had. The menu was delicious an
was as follows;