The Washington herald., 1911-06-18

been a member for six continuous months
previously. The amount is placed to his
credit, for his use.
A Loan Department.
The loan department is a compare
lively new organization. 1t was inau-
grated the 1st day Of July, 1870 II
allows a man who has been a member
for three continuous years to borrow to
the amount Of 50 per cent of the amount
of surplus credited to each member. Six
per cent per annum interest is charged
on the loan. In this way a man is
borrowing his own money, and, as he
receives per cent while it is idle, he
is really paying but l per cent for its
use. This does not balance the cost OF
making the book entries Of the loan, as
the Railway Company bears all the
clerical expenses. The loan department
has proven to be q decided boon to the
men, obviating the necessity Tor obtain
ing loans at high rates outside
The Washington Railway Company
also furnishes the clubhouse to the
members. Any employe is entitled to
its hospitality. and it costs him moth
ing. Mr.. P. T. Haller, secretary of the
Relief Association, is also manager of
the clubhouse, and was exceedingly
pleased to show the accommodation pro-
vided by the company for its employees s
comfort and welfare.
There are four as fine bowling alleys
as one could find anywhere. and six
handsomely equipped pool tables in the
pool room, and all in the best coadf-
ton. The fees charged for both bowl
ing and pool Is about half the ordinary
charge. The money made from the
games is used in keeping the tables and
alleys in order. Mr.. HaIler explained
that the charge was made. net as a
means Of revenue, but because the mem
bers of the club were not charity per
sons, and preferred to keep their indie
pendence and self-respect by paying for
their amusement.
They have an amateur bowling
league, consisting of nine teams one
for each division. The railway com
pany furnishes the prizes when the big
annual schedule has been played. The
Iast game or the season of 1910 and
1911 was played in March, and prizes
10 the value or nearly 5000 were
Entertained by the Company.
Stays" are given almost monthly all
the year round at the clubhouse. and
every year there is a lady's night. All
expenses Of these affairs are borne by
the company. I'VE are the guests OF the
Washington Railway Company" as the
manager explained, and Gen. Harrtes
is always present, just one of jEs.'
IN the reading-room there is a pian-
ola' a giant phonograph, magazines,
card tables, and various games pro-
vided. II there is anything required
TO make the men more comfortable. IL
Is Forthcoming from the company with
out protest.
We have some fine young fellows
here" said Mr.. Haller Zone young man
came here and was motorman for al
most year. He took the bar exami-
nation and then he went In the govern
nient in some law capacity. He was q
college graduate, and a real gentleman.
He played ball with the boys, and was
one of several could tell you Of"
Every Christmas the company has
giant tree at the club for the children
Of the employees. and every child Is
laden with toys and candy and fruit. all
they can carry home. On these occa-
sions the children OF deceased employees
are invited and treated the same as
those OF the others. This rule is never
waived. II IS an occasion OF the most
lollity Of the year. and the railway Of
hcials make it point to be present to
assist.
Amusemenfs at the Barn.
There are six divisions OF the wash
nEton Railway. having nine barns. and
n nearly all these barns there are
Iounsins and reading rooms for employees
where are magazines. newspapers, and
1atd tables. Card plavine, without ntakee.