Page:Engines and men- the history of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. A survey of organisation of railways and railway locomotive men (IA enginesmenhistor00rayniala).pdf/122

 like enginemen we can secure our aims without such rash measures. During the year the railway companies have made large dividends, and in some cases have made considerable concessions to their servants. Many things require remedy, like Sunday labour, guarantee of a full week, better protection from the weather when on the footplate, etc. It is to be regretted that some modern advocates of trade unions argue in favour of trade unions being used for attack and defence only. This principle was tried years ago on our railways and failed. Enginemen and firemen know full well that a trade union pure and simple will not meet all their requirements. This has been proved by the attempts made in years gone by. The founders of our Association were men of very considerable railway experience, who saw the necessity of friendly society and trade union combined. The latter offers a protection to the workman in his employment or in misfortune, while the former acts as his almoner in time of sickness and affliction. The two combined are an attraction to young men to join the Society. Whilst fulfilling those conditions the financial responsibility of the Society to these members compels the majority to move cautiously in matters affecting their labour, obtaining by diplomacy what the aggressive union attempts to secure by force. The one acts as incentive to the other, and the two combined strengthen the whole body, and create a continued interest throughout the organisation, whilst its financial stability compels moderation instead of being prompted by those who appeal to passion, irrespective of results that will follow to those directly affected."

That very nice homily of 1890 is followed by the announcement that the "Journal" circulation had reached 4,300, the membership was 5,039, and the increase of members for the year was 1,439, the record hoped for. The items of expenditure for the year included a grant of £300 towards the Scottish railway strike, and £10 10s, for a model engine and box, obtained at last.

The year covered in that report, the year 1889, was also memorable for the fact that in December, Eugene V. Debs wrote from America