The San Francisco call., 1897-05-12

Central. The former is detained near Ell
Paso by a washout and the latter will
come in from the north tomorrow. One
train in two sections brought 600 from
Chicago this afternoon, and the rush at
headquarters has been exciting all day.
The local com mmittses, whose duty it is to
look out for the guests, have done their
work well in receiving the crowds that
have come to attend the international
conven ton.
The local division headquarters in the
Nadeau Hotel, the National headquarters
at the Westminster and the headquarters
of the ladies' auxiliary In the Van Nuys
Hotel have been thronged all day by
strangers registering, donning the many
large and brilliant badges and swapping
visiting cards. Nothing is too good for
them and they do not lack entertainment.
The first business session of the conven-
ton was held behind closed doors in
Music Hall this afternoon. Nearly all Of
the delega ates answered to the rollcall.
Grand Chief Conductor E. Z. CLARK pre-
sided and Secretary Martin Clancy was at
the desk. The first business of the meet
ing was the appointment of committees.
reporting on the right of delegates to their
seats, there being only one contest and
that not persisted in.
The report of the grand chief conductor
was presented but not read. The head of
the order made nun Der of recommends
tions for future government, and congratu-
lated the organization on its growth.
The grand secretary and treasurer, Mar.
tin Clancy, presented report that dealt
with the financial conditions, and wns full
Of interesting statistics. 1t showed that
in 1895 1897, 900 was paid out of the insur-
ance fund on ISL policies. In 1895 there
was paid out 1899, 900 on 159 policies.
Most of this went to the widows and chill
dren of deceased conductors. Several
thousand dollars of it was paid on acci-
dent policies. The mem bership of the or
der now numbers about 21 900. The
finances are in good condition, and the
order has cause for congratulation FOR the
manner in which they have been con-
Quoted.
William Durbin, chairman of the insur-
ance committee, MADE report in which
be discussed the present laws of the order
governing the insurance department and
recommended some changes.
The meeting of the local ladies' auxil-
iary was held this afternoon in Turn Ve-
rein Hail, where welcome was extended
to the grand officers. the delegates and the
visiting mem bers of the auxiliary. The
first session of the Grand Division of the
Ladies' Auxiliary of the Order of Railway
Conductors was then called to order. The
hall was beautifully decorated with smi-
lax, roses and carnations.
There are In America 103 auxiliary div-
sions, and each has delegate. Although
they are not all here, it is expected that
nearly every division will be represented.
These delegates and the grand officers
make up the personnel Of the Grand Div-
sion and transact the business OF the So
ciety.
The officers of the Ladies' Auxiliary of
1897 are: Grand president. Mrs. j. H.
Moore of Toledo, Ohio; grand vice. presi-
dent, Mrs. o. N. Marshall OF Galesburg.
ILL.,; grand secretary and treasurer, Mrs.
w. E. Higgins OF Colum bus, Ohio; grand
senior sister, Mrs. B. f. Wiitse Of Phila-
dolphin, Pa; grand junior sister, Mrs. q.
Martin of Atlanta, Ga. grand guard, Mrs.
John Sullivan of Danville Ill. Executive
committee-Mrs. J. NJ. Spwell of Engie-
wood, H.; Mrs. w. c. Turner of Cairo,
H.; Mrs. T.. J. Palmer of Spokane. Wash.
Insurance committee--President Mrs. w.
9. Turner OF Cairo, ILL.,; secretary, Mrs. ].