The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-06-21
CONDUCTORS MAKE MERRY OVER
DIVISION CHANGE,
ITS LAST MEETING HELD
Local Body Observation-Disclosures Given
to Livingston-occasion Made
Memorable One.

While it would be unfair to say that
they were wild ones," still extras
were running thick last Saturday
night and the valiant knights of the
punch were more than ordinarily busy
looking after the safe conduct and
comfort of those who for the time
being had entrusted themselves to
them. The event was happy,
though sad one for some of the par
Elephants. Old ties were severed and
even if pleasureable anticipations
were entertained as regards the new
o1es formed, yet the sorrow that al
! WAYS comes with parting was there.
For the last time those of Billings
division of the o. R. C. who found it
possible to be present met as body
Old business was swept from the files
and by resolution having the proper
sanction of the grand body the divis-
ion was removed to Livingston, that
the greatest number OF it's members
might be accommodated, for because
of the changes made in runs more
conductors now have their headquar-
tiers at that place than here. C. H.
Wilkins, grand senior conductor, had
come from Cedar Rapids and j. B. w.
Johnson, chairman of the general
board of adjustment, Northern Pacific
division, was there from Tacoma.
A business meeting was held at
which the transfer was formally or
dered, after which the conductors re-
turned to the Northern, where ar
rangements had been made for the
entertainment of the distinguished
visitors, who were also the guests
of honor at the dance and banquet
that followed the more serious bust.
ness of the evening. The spacious
dining room of the hotel had been
cleared for the occasion and it's
smooth, hard floor made still smooth
er and glossier by the application OF
wax. A violin and piano furnished the
music and for couple of hours dane.
ing was indulged in Mr.. Wilkins
had to content himself with being a
mere spectator, protesting ignorance
OF the art, although he was none the
less highly interested spectator. Mr.
Johnson, notwithstanding his modest
confession to an age no longer exact
ly youthful and generous amplitude
OF circumference was one OF the most
expert and agile Of the many who
graced the floor, even if few envious
ones were heard to remark that he
looked like "a mogul hitched to di-
vision superintendent's car"
The Banquet.
1t was almost midnight when Mas.
ter-of-C Ceremonies Campbell announc-
ed arrival at the lunch station and the
party retired to the smaller dining
room to partake of the many good
things awaiting an attack there. Alb.
sence of the regular chaplain prompt
ed request that some one volunteer
for the position and several were ask.
ed to off1ciate in that capacity. Ex-
cusing themselves on the ground that
the only form of prayer with which
they were familiar was that usually
to be heard when "she broke in two"
the ones sought to be honored remain
ed silent and as last resort a news
paper man was pressed into service.
He prayed.
When the last hungry one had ex-
pressed satisfaction of the inner man,
Mr.. Campbell introduced Mr.. Wilkins,
who proved that whatever his deficien-
cies might be on the ballroom floor,
he certainly lacked nothing as ready,
pleasing and highly entertaining
speaker. He spoke of the aims and
objects of the Order of Railway Con-
ductOrs, the exalted position it occu-
pies among labor organizations, the
high recognition given it by the rail-
road companies and the good it has
done in elevating the personnel of
the craft all over the land. A plea |
was made for recognition of the ladies
and it was urged that an auxiliary be |
organized as soon as possible because |,
of the greater attractiveness given