officers were installed, and the entire ritual work was beautifully exemplified by the visiting Sisters. Sister Moore, President of Pansy Division, presided in her usual gracious manner. Before closing the meeting I was presented with a bouquet of most beautiful roses, tied with our Division colors. This was the gift of Sister Morley, the roses being grown in her own garden, and needless to say such a remembrance was highly appreciated.

On the evening of April 8 a reception was given in honor of the visiting Sisters, at which the engineers and their families were guests. The large hall was crowded with happy people, a fine musical program was rendered, and several recitations by the little folks deserve special mention. Mesdames Speer and Morley presided at the punch bowls, and were kept busy during the evening for the punch was delicious. Dainty refreshments were served in the banquet room, and each guest received a pretty souvenir card of the happy occasion. I was remembered with a lovely bouquet of pink carnations. I remained in San Antonio several days for a visit with my sister, Mrs. L. E. Mays, and was present at the first regular meeting of this Division. Was surprised and delighted at the excellent manner in which they conducted the meeting and went through the work. Five were received at this meeting, and the charter closed with thirty-three members.

On Monday afternoon as I was making preparations to start home I was called into the parlor, as "some of the Sisters had come to bid me goodby." Imagine my surprise when I found the rooms filled with smiling faces. Sister Simpson, with a big bouquet of roses and lilies to brighten my homeward trip. We were invited to the dining room where we enjoyed delightful refreshments, which they had managed to smuggle into the house. I was trying to collect my wits sufficiently to thank the Sisters for so many kindnesses, when the President, Sister Smith, in behalf of Alamo Division, presented me with a beautiful cut glass water set. I tried to thank them, but the lump in my throat got too big, and I couldn't say what I wanted to, but the thanks so poorly expressed were none the less sincere. I have just heard very encouraging reports from there. They have added to their membership, have a splendid relief committee, with Sister Simpson as chairman, who visit not only the sick members but also those who fail to attend the meetings. They are all interested and earnest in the work, and I predict that Alamo will soon be one of our banner Divisions.

Another Division recently organized, and of which I am very proud, is Springtime Div. 358, at Commerce. Was accompanied by Sisters Williams and Coppers of Mistletoe Div. 181, arriving at Commerce on the afternoon of May 29. We were met by a committee of Brothers and Sisters who gave us a hearty welcome, and entertained us in their homes during our stay. In the evening an informal reception was given at the B. of L. E. hall, where we had the pleasure of meeting a number of engineers and their families. and spent a delightful evening. Short talks were made by several of the Sisters and Brothers, among them was Bro.

Worley, Chief of the B. of L. E., and Bro. Wm. Mason. Both spoke in highest praise of the good work of the G. I. A., and expressed much pleasure that they were to have an Auxiliary of their own. Delicious refreshments were served and much enjoyed by all. The next morning we met at the B of L. E. hall at 9 o'clock, and with Sister Williams as Secretary, and Sister Coppers Marshal, Springtime Div. 358, was duly organized, officers elected and installed. We adjourned for dinner and were the guests of Brother and Sister Bartee, who were old friends, formerly living in Denison. I wish I could describe that dinner and how much we enjoyed it, but that would require more space than we are allowed, and then I am afraid the Sisters would not like it if I told how much they ate. At 2 o'clock we again met at the hall and exemplified the ritual work. This Division is small in numbers but great in courage and determination, and I am confident will be a very successful Auxiliary with such enthusiastic workers.

At the close of the meeting the President, Sister Mason, in behalf of the Division, presented me with a lovely, hand-painted china plate, which I prize very highly. While our visit was short in Commerce it was very pleasant indeed, and the kindness of the Sisters will always be a sweet memory. We are especially indebted to Brother and Sister Mason for courtesies received.

MRS. R. W. MAYS.

I TAKE much pleasure in again reporting the organizing of another new Division in California, the third within five months. All healthy youngsters that we expect to thrive and grow.

The Santa Lucia Division was organized at San Luis Obispo, Cal., by Sister Armstrong of Div. 100, assisted by Sister Bowley, Grand Chief, and Sisters Brown, Ballentine, Bushnell and Alger, also of 106, who made the 250 mile trip to be present. The day set for instituting the Division proved to be a very warm one, but all the ladies were present at the appointed time and ready for work. The instituting and election of officers being completed we adjourned for lunch, after which the officers were installed and the ritual work exemplified, the members of the new Division taking such an interest and responding so readily to instruction that we were all delighted with the appreciation of our efforts, and felt that indeed no mistake had been made by organizing the new Division, and that the officers had certainly been chosen wisely and well.

Under good of the order many interesting remarks were made, and the Grand Chaplain, in be half of Div. 106, presented the new Division with a $10 gold piece. Sister Miller, President of the Santa Lucia Division, responded, and in turn présented the Grand Chaplain, also Sister Brown, President of Div. 106, and the Grand Organizer, each with a beautiful bouquet of carnations tied with broad streamers of ribbon.

After the close of the meeting flowers were distributed to all, and ice cream and cake served. which was much appreciated by all, being doubly welcome on account of the heat. Some of the vis

iting Sisters took the opportunity to remain in the charming little town for several days and enjoyed visiting many places of interest.

Much of the success of organizing the new Division is due to the work of Sister Burke, who withdrew from Div. 106 to join the Santa Lucia, and was untiring in her efforts to work up a Division at San Luis Obispo. Success to the Santa Lucia say we all. ORGANIZER.

AURORA Div. 357, of Aurora, Ill., was organized May 3, with a charter membership of 26, through the efforts of Sister Gallispie, who was elected President. Grand President Murdock honored our Division with her presence, and after a faithful day's work, completed our organization. At noon luncheon was served, the Brothers being invited to partake of it. After this Sister Murdock was presented with a souvenir spoon, Brother Kagey making the presentation speech. Sister Murdock responded in her most gracious manner.

We were assisted into the secrets of the order by Sister Miller, who accompanied Sister Murdock from Chicago. We have since held a card party which was very remunerative, and a picnic at Riverview Park, to which all railway men and their families were invited.

COR. SEC. Aurora Div. 357.

A Child Was Born.

Born on April 7, 1905, a daughter to the Sunset and Gabriel Divisions of San Antonio, Tex. These two Divisions began sweet-hearting early in the year. The wooing was done by the Sunset, visits were made, loving messages were written, and telephones were frequently heard to jingle. Sunset proposed, and its charms proving irresistible, Gabriel blushingly accepted, consent to the union was willingly given by the parent (Grand President), and marriage certificate duly signed.

In due time it was evident that the services of Mrs. Mays, State Organizer, were needed. She was sent for and arrived on April 6, bringing with her as assistants Sisters from Denison and Cleburne Divisions to the number of 16. On Thursday, the 7th, the child was born, both strong and healthy, 38 members giving promise of a long life filled with good works. All being agreed it was christened Alamo, after our own beautiful Alamo City. On the following Saturday night the birth and christening were celebrated by a reception, which was attended by the visiting ladies and the members of the Sunset and Gabriel Divisions and their families, at which time the young child was presented and publicly acknowledged.

Miss Alamo is now nearing her fourth month, and we are much pleased with her growth, three new members have been added and one is in the hands of the investigating committee. She haɛ cut several teeth, has begun creeping on all fours, and we feel sure she will soon be able to walk alone. Sunset and Gabriel seem to be very proud of her and have shown their appreciation by donating a handsome sum of money and a beautiful desk. More anon. INFELIZE.

Division News.

IT has been some time since Charity Div. 4 has been heard from through the JOURNAL, but hope our Sisters do not think we are idle. I wish to tell the Sisters of the good times we have had during the first six months of the year. Our President hit upon a plan to get all the members out and have a social time after the meeting closed if time permitted, so she had the names of every Sister written on a slip of paper and had the Guide to draw three names to entertain at the next meeting, and it is very amusing to see how the Sisters watch for the names that will be drawn. We have had some very nice entertainments in the way of musical and guessing contests; light refreshments are always served.

On June 8 we had a very nice meeting. We had planned a little surprise on Sister Furgeson, who expected to leave for her future home in Washington. In behalf of the members, our President presented Sister Furgeson with a set of beautiful silver teaspoons as a token of our esteem. Sister Furgeson could only say, "I thank you all."

After the meeting closed Sisters Watson, Cogley and Wilson had charge of the entertainment, after which snowy white lunch cloths were spread on the tables with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for each table, where ice cream and cake were servcd. Every one that was at the meeting enjoyed it very much. We all wished Sister Furgeson prosperity and happiness in her new home, and all went home feeling that Charity Div. 4 was growing better every meeting. DIV. 4.

DIVISION 274, St. Paul, Minn., is never wanting in means to keep care within bounds, has well sustained of late its well-earned reputation for lively interest in things social.

Among some of the recent pleasant gatherings was the surprise engineered on Sister P. J. Conley at her home, when our President, Sister Ham. mond, on behalf of 274, presented Sister Conley with a magnificent brooch set with diamonds and pearls. Offering was made in slight recognition of good work by a most valued officer. Refreshments materially aided the feast of reason and the flow of soul. The next occasion was the surprise on Sister J. O'Neil, who was presented with a beautiful cut glass bowl by our President, as a reminder that the donors were sorry to part with her, as she soon leaves for St. James, Minn., which is to be her home.

Another surprise was that on Sister T. Quinlan, who has been our Guide since our organization was perfected. As a reminder that her efforts in behalf of the Auxiliary were not unappreciated, a token as substantial as the good will of the givers was presented in the form of a splendid set of oak dining room chairs with leather seats, by our President, Sister Hammond, in a few well rounded words.

The function at the home of Sister W. P. Smith, on the 20th of June, to which the Division, with husbands and children, were invited, was to celebrate the twelfth wedding anniversary of Brother and Sister Smith. The rooms were decorated with ribbous of our colors, and the dining room was

literally covered with roses. The menu is best described as elegant, and could not be otherwise with such royal entertainers. Sister Smith was assisted by her sister, Mrs. Paul Weide, and Sisters Works, Durand, Keating, Willis and Anderson. A feature of the gathering was a numbered coupon presented to each guest, which called for a souvenir that will not be forgotten by the recipients.

A unique little episode was pulled off on this occasion, and one that will also be remembered by the participants as quite out of the usual order of things. Brother and Sister Smith, notwithstanding their twelve years of married life, have no children. Now, Sister Morton, always thoughtful for the happiness of others, went to the Foundlings Home and obtained a fine blue-eyed boy and presented the little fellow (who was christened Ellwood by Sister Morton) to the happy couple. The Division gave Sister Smith a beautiful linen tablecloth and napkins. It was intended that the souvenirs should be a surprise for the guests, but the surprise of the entertainers was full and complete when the heir to the Smith estate was brought out and presented in due form. MRS. A. H. WALES, Cor. Sec.

CENTENNIAL DIVISION forgets her obligations often and falls short of her duties. One of these occurs to me in the nature of carelessly forgetting to acknowledge the generosity of the Subdivisions who so generously responded to our call for assistance. It was a genuine evidence that they regarded the members of our noble order not selfishly, but had that true sisterly love and evinced their love by their actions. Often Divisions are weak in numbers, weak financially; the members not being able to attend regularly causes weakness. In this state of affairs is needed a revival of some description. We have had many instructive articles on how to earn money; nevertheless, Sisters, you are aware of the old maxim, "Circumstances alter cases." There are always expenses accumulating, and virtually speaking the Brothers must remit for us unless we can manage to defray them by entertainments, etc., thereby keeping our G. I. A. self-sustaining. We are not a wealthy Division, and have members to whom it is our duty to render charity. While we are not groaning under our burden, relating this will convince you that we have not been sitting idly and allowing opportunity to vanish in the distance.

There is always something to accomplish, and with our efficient corps of officers a prosperous year is anticipated. It is the desire of every loyal member to advance the interest of this benevolent order; while our church, in my estimation, is first, yet the love I hold for this society is as fervent as the ties which bind us to the church. The one grand principle of our Auxiliary, "Harmony," if it prevails then all is Love, and we feel like one of the old saints at a soul stirring meeting, and are able to join in with him in saying, "It was good for me to be there." Father Time is plodding on and on, and ere we are aware the year will have been closed. My desire is that the G. I. A. will continue to grow, to progress, and ever be the joy and comfort of the B. of L. E. COR, SEC. 221.

It has been a long time since Kentucky Belle Div. 45 has had a chat with the Sister Auxiliaries through the columus of the JOURNAL. Though our pen has been silent we have had many good things to chronicle. During the past year we have accomplished much for the good of the order to which we have pledged our support. We have taken in five members, have had several socials during the year which were pleasant and profitable. On July 25 we gave a picnic at a place cailed Parker's Mill, which was a grand success, both socially and financially. The committees and Sisters in general deserve great praise for the genial manner in which they served their guests. The dancing pavilion was managed by Sister Lester and Bro. G. L. Peffer, who worked very hard to have their department prove profitable. We extend our thanks to our many friends for the kindly interest and help they gave us.

It is a pleasure to us to let the readers of the JOURNAL know that there is a Division in existence known as the Pacheco Div. 339, Kern City, Cal We are in a flourishing condition, with $150 in our treasury; the first $10 was presented by Sister Norton, in behalf of Golden State Div. 104. We have many social gatherings which are always successful, socially and financially.

On the 1st of June we received an invitation from Golden State Div. 104 to spend a few days with them about the 15th of June, which was accepted. That being their regular meeting day they had their meeting in the morning, and at noon a recess was taken for a few hours, and the doors were opened to the Brothers to enjoy a bountiful banquet prepared for us, at the dining hall of the Van Nuys Hotel. I dare say every person did justice to the occasion. After lunch a meeting of instruc tion was held, and talks for the good of the order. The same evening we all enjoyed a theater party. Next day, accompanied by the Brothers who were fortunate enough to join the ladies, we boarded a special parlor car and were soon at Long Beach. The weather was all that could be desired, warm, yet not oppressively so, a gentle breeze tempering the heat. The morning hours were spent sightseeing and bathing in the surf. We also enjoyed the band concert at the pavilion and a stroll to the park where we had our pictures taken, which were a failure, as I would have liked to have sent one to the JOURNAL. The next day we were entertained at the chutes, which will long be remembered by those present. The following evening Sister and Brother Jordan entertained at a card party, prizes were awarded, dainty refreshments served, and vocal and instrumental music was very much enjoyed, when we all departed for our homes, declaring Golden State Div. 104 royal entertainers.

As this is my first letter to the JOURNAL I hope it will not tire the readers. I will close, wishing all Sister Divisions happiness and prosperity. Yours in F. L. and P.

M H.

JUNE 14, 1905, was regular meeting day for Mistletoe Div. 181, Denison, Tex., but as our President, Mrs. W. D. Oland's birthday was also on this date

We

our meeting was a little out of the ordinary. planned to surprise her by serving refreshments in the banquet room after meeting. Our plans worked well, although they were made hastily. Our meeting was well attended, and after a pleasant sesssion of routine work we closed in regular form. Our musician had been instructed to play a march immediately after cl. sing, and officers and members formed in line to march to banquet room. Our Grand Officer, Sister Mays, escorted our President, who was bewildered, and asked what we expected to do. She was soon shown, as the line of march led to the banquet room, where all stood at their places at the table, our President at the place of honor, with our Grand Officer on her right. Sister Mays then presented Sister Oland with a beautiful hand-painted china plate as a birthday remembrance from Mistletoe Division. Our President was so overcome with surprise that she was hardly able to respond. Our Guide, Sister Coppers, and Sentinel Sister Ford, each presented her with a bouquet, after which we were seated and served with delicious ice cream and cake. To say we spent a pleasant afternoon mildly expresses it, as we enjoyed ourselves more than we could express, and departed for our homes wishing our President many more happy birthdays. SEC. 181.

PERHAPS Some may think Success Div. 159, Memphis, Tenn., is dead, as she has not put in her appearance in the JOURNAL for some time. She is neither dead nor sleeping, but is wide awake in the interest of the order. We have initiated fifteen this year thus far, with promises of many more.

Last March we gave a Birthday Party and realized a nice sum for our treasury. Our next effort was a raffle of a beautiful sofa pillow. We made $27.50 on that. Quite often we have an afternoon tea, that is more to promote sociability and bring us closer together, yet we always make a little for the treasury then. We have adopted a sweet way this year. We remember each Sister's birthday by presenting her with a piece of cut glass, and I think as the years pass by we can look at them with such pleasant recollections. Last, but not least, we had an experience meeting at Sister Charley Barnett's; we were to earn $1 each and tell how we earned it. It was decided that Sister Coburn and Sister Droyer carried off the palm. We did splendid with that, so you see we are doing with our might what our hands find to do.

We are using every effort to make the coming convention a success. Sisters, perhaps we can't entertain you as we were at Los Angeles, vet we will do the best we can. And we hope every Brother and Sister will be with us that possibly can, so you may see that Memphis will give you a warm welcome and a glorious time.

One word for our Insurance. It is doing fine; we have added many to our list this year, and may it remain as it is to help the old members as well as the younger ones. order,

With best wishes for our noble
I am yours in F. L. and P.,
MRS. J. M. BRUSE, Sec. Div. 159.

ON Monday evening, June 19, the members of Garnet Div. 313, of Ludlow, Ky., gave a lawn fete

at which ice cream and cake were served, and from which a neat sum was realized. The lawn was tastefully decorated with Japanese lanterns and headlights. Thanks to Mr. J. H. Murphy, master mechanic, for the headlights. We wish to thank Brother and Sister C. H. Slade for the use of their beauti ul lawn, also the Brothers of Div. 603, who assisted in making this a success both socially and financially.

On Thursday evening, July 27, we chartered the private car "Blue Grass," of the C. N. & C. Street Railway, and enjoyed a pleasant ride of four hours over its various lines. We had ice cream and cake and a splendid time generally.

We have had one visit from a State Organizer, from which we derived great benefit, and we hope to be honored by a visit from one of our Grand Officers as we feel a visit from them would do us a world of good. With best wishes for all,

Fraternally yours,

MRS. W. A. SAYLOR, Cor. See.

DIVISION 295 of Neodesha, Kan., is progressing a step at a time. We have initiations once in a while and are always glad to get new members. We have nice gatherings and good times. The members and husbands gave a pleasant surprise at the beautiful home of Brother and Sister Scheighling in honor of Brother and Sister Hendricks, who were here visiting their many friends in Neodesha. The evening was warm, consequently the ice cream served was doubly welcome. Music was furnished by Sisters Baker and Schleighing, which was thorougly enjoyed. We departed at a late hour hoping for more such meetings.

COR. SEC.

A MOST enjoyable event took place at Lebanon, Pa., July 30, 1905. That being the day for the fifth Sunday meeting, Div. 104, B. of L. E. of Columbia, decided to attend and have their Auxiliary, Div. 326, accompany them. Transportation was secured from Columbia to Lebanon through the perseve ance of Brothers Heim and Dennell.

We were met at Lancaster by members of the different Divisions of Philadelphia and their Auxiliaries, making a merry party to invade the staid and decorous old city. On our arrival we were at once escorted to the Lebanon Valley House, where a fine dinner was served in true Lebanon style. The repast over we proceeded to the Opera House where we listened to one of the most appropriate addresses ever delivered to engineers and all loyal patriots, by Gen. Gobin of the N. G. P. A very appropriate speech was also made by T. G. E. Deloss Everett, and members of the Y. M. C. A. The members of the B. of L. E. were great y disappointed because of the unavoidable absence of Grand Chief Stone, who they were assured would be there. The singing of the male quartet was exceptionally fine.

After the public meeting the B. of L. E. held a secret conclave, and we spent the intervening time in a twenty mile trolley ride from Lebanon to Palmyra and return. All who are acquainted with Sisters Heim, Dennell, Shenk and Van Meter know what an interesting ride that was. On re

At 6 P. M. we left the city, stopping at Mt. Gretna for a walk in that grand old forest. Our Sister Armstrong, who is sojourning there, was our escort. The quiet, beautiful old woods and walks impressed us very much, reminding us of the Garden of Eden before the serpent entered to change all things.

From Mt. Gretna the merry party went to Conewago, where a change of cars took place, the Philadelphia Division going east, the Harrisburg west, and Columbia home. All decided that the day had been spent in a most enjoyable way, no desecration of the Sabbath, every one remembering the Third Commandment and obeying it. We believe that each member of the different Divisions was spiritually, morally and physically benefited and will, with renewed zeal, prove to the world that they are in reality the noble, brave and honest engineers that the speaker, Gen. Gobin, painted them. DIV. 326, G. I. A.

VANDERBILT Div. 264, G. I. A., have been giving a number of coffee socials and luncheons at the different members' houses. The first to entertain was Sister G. Benton, where quite a few Sisters and their friends congregated and had a fine afternoon. Then Sister F. Burrows gave a luncheon, and the Sisters did more than justice to the good things which loaded the table. Sisters Munger and Craig followed in the steps, and we wished that some of our other Sisters were there to enjoy the goodies, and the fine singing and playing. Sisters Peterson and Raymond favored us with some recitations which were heartily applauded. The next was given by the Sisters Miller, and it seemed there could not be anything added either in the way of refreshments or enjoyment; the piano and vocal solos by Sisters Stroh and Elliott and Mrs. Rohl were more than appreciated.

July 17 we met at 125th St. R. R. Station where a special car had been provided for us by Mr. D. B. McCoy, to take us to Ossining, where we went to spend the day with Sister Raymond. It was a delightful outing, and a fine luncheon was served. We know from this experience that Brother Raymond runs everything on the same scale and schedule as he does the "Empire State Express." In the evening we returned to New York a happy crowd. SECRETARY 264.

DIVISION 52, Columbus, O., is a large and prosperous one. We seldom appear in the JOURNAL. I think it is because we leave it to Sister Cassell, and she dislikes to blow the horn of her own Division. It is either that or else when space is lacking she thinks we won't kick if she leaves us out. However, Division 52 is an active one, and we have many happy hours together. Our Division meetings are well attended. The hall is hardly

large enough to do the work with so many members. We have socials, lawn fetes, dances, etc., and so the years pass merrily on.

Just before Sister Cassell went west this summer the Division, to the number of 50, went to her home one afternoon to surprise her. She was away at a funeral, but returned about 3 o'clock, and such a surprised woman you never saw as she stepped into the parlor to remove her hat. All she could say was, "Well!" The ladies took with them all the refreshments for the occasion, and in the midst of it all Sister McConathy, in behalf of the Division, presented Sister Cassell with a beautiful jeweled comb, and a bunch of pink carnations. She responded feelingly, assuring us that the gift was appreciated, and that she would wear it with pleasure.

We will take up our work in September with renewed interest and get ready for our Inspector, good Sister Wilson of Allegheny. MORE ANON.

G. I. A. Voluntary Relief Association.

TOLEDO, O., Sept. 1, 1905.

To Division Insurance Secretaries, V. R. A. :

You are hereby notified of the death of the following members, and for the payment of these claims you will collect 50 cents from each member carrying one certificate, and $1.00 from each one carrying two; providing, however, that no one be assessed on a certificate, if the application for the same was dated later than July 31, 1905.

ASSESSMENT NO. 225.

Died July 15, 1905. Sister Elizabeth Wall, aged 70, of Div. 46, Denver, Colo. Cause of death, killed by a train. Carried two certificates, dated April, 1896, and June, 1898, payable to Chas. Wall, husband.

ASSESSMENT No. 226.

Died Aug. 6, 1905. Sister A. Brown, aged 48, of Div. 28, Erie, Pa. Cause of death, acute general peritonitis. Carried one certificate, dated Aug. 11, 1905, payable to Ansel Brown, husband, Walter Brown and Stella Lett, son and daughter.

ASSESSMENT No. 227.

Died July 12, 1905. Sister J. W. Tallmadge, aged 41, of Div. 37, Little Rock, Ark. Cause of death, tuberculosis. Carried one certificate, payable to J. W. Tallmadge, husband.

Assessment No. 227 will be paid from the Assessment fund.

Members will pay their Insurance Secretaries on or before Sept. 30, or be marked delinquent; and in order to reinstate must pay a fine of 10 cents on each certificate besides the delinquency. Insurance Secretaries must remit to General Secretary and Treasurer not later than Oct. 10, or stand delinquent till remittance is made.

Members in good standing July 31, 1905, five thousand and forty-seven in first class; and twenty-one hundred and five in second class.

MRS. GEO. WILSON, Pres. V. R. A. M. L. ROBERTSON, Gen'l Sec'y and Treas.