The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1910-04-01
STRONG LABOR UNION
The Order of Railway Conductors
of America.
CONSERVATIVE IN METHODS.

Organization Is Over Forty Years Old.
Maintains an Insurance Department
and Has Disburssd Millions In Bens-
fits to Its Members.
One Of the most powerful yet con-
sentative organizations In the United
States, one which is not well known
outside Of its own membership, is that
Of the Order Of Railway Conductors of
America. The conservatism Of the Or
ganization was shown recently when
the order declined to interfere with or
become a party to the switchmen's
strike. The order controls a vast
amount Of money and is farreaching
In its management Of affairs.
The order was organized as con-
ductors' brotherhood in July, 1868, at
Amboy, Ill. 1t was later recognized
at Columbus, o., Dec. Is, 1868, and has
continued as an organization since then.
In 1877 there were some fifty-one d.
visions, with little over a thousand
members in the brotherhood. About
this time the name was changed to
that Of the Order Of Railway Conduct
ors. The order continued to grow in
quiet way, and in 1890, when 1t was
changed from nOnstriking to strik-
ing organization, there were 267 divi-
sions, with little over $4,000 mem
bers. OF the organization w. ]. Max
well, grand secretary and treasurer Of
the order, says.
"In 1891 the Brotherhood Of Railway
Conductors, which had been recently
organized as a striking organization,
finding that our organization had plac-
ed itself in defensive position, de-
cided to amalgamate with us, pro-
vided they were accepted to member
ship, and this was done, and In the
consolidation we secured about 1000
additional members in 1891. At this
time the laws Of the mutual benefit
department were revised and readjust-
ed, and the membership In the depart
ment amounted to about 1900. Since
then both the order and the mutual
benefit department have grown to their
present magnificent proportions, and
at the present time we have some $50
divisions, with approximately $4,000
members in the order and 10000 men,
bers In the mutual benefit department,
with total amount of insurance in
force Of about $75,000,OO0.
"The department has paid 500 claims
for total of 81, 100000. There Is ap-
proximately to the credit Of the order
In funds in various departments the
sum Of $1,70O,O0O, Of which $1,300,000
is to the credit Of the mutual benefit
department, and 80 per cent Of the
funds are invested In good interest
bearing bonds or certificates.
1.-THE relief fund organized July /,
1901, has been source of great COM
fort to our membership, and there are
about 26O members drawing a monthly
stipend from the relief fund Of from
$40 to $40 per member. making total
payment per month on this account
over $1,000, and we have paid from
this fund to sick and permanently dis
abled members about 100000 since
the fund was started, and the good
work is continuing.
"The Order of Railway Conductors
Of America took its place among the
labor organizations on a protective
policy in 1890. Since that time 1t has
enjoyed splendid growth I'm numbers
and In influence. 1t stands today in
the front rank Of progressive, business
like organizations. Its influence in the
labor world and in the legislative halls
Of state and nation is second to none.
1t has been one Of the strongest fac
tors in the elevation of the profession
Of railroading. 1t has through its eff
forts and influence increased the COM
pensation and materially improved the
working conditions of labor of practi-
cally all Of the railroad conductors of
North America. 1t has thrown its pro-
tecting arm around hundreds Of its
members and saved to them positions.
1t has brought comfort and consola-
ton to the bedside of the afflicted and
has afforded financial relief In the
hour of trouble. 1t has supported the
widow and educated the orphan. The
order accords to others as their rights
those things which It claims for itself
rs its right. 1t strives to follow the
Golden Rule and thus make the world