trike on the Burlington
lines that lasted virtually throughout the year 1888 and the Pullman
strike in 1894 wrought a severe strain upon its staying powers. In 1906
the enginemen were incorporated into the order, and thenceforth the
membership grew rapidly. In 1913 a joint agreement was effected with the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers whereby the two organizations could
work together "on a labor union basis." Today men operating electric
engines or motor or gas cars on lines using electricity are eligible for
membership, if they are otherwise qualified. This arrangement does not
interfere with unions already established on interurban lines.

The leadership of this order of firemen has been less continuous, though
scarcely less conspicuous, than that of the other brotherhoods. Before
1886 the Grand Secretary and Treasurer was invested with greater
authority than the grand master, and in this position Eugene V. Debs,
who served from 1881 to 1899, and Frank W. Arnold, who served from 1893
to 1903, were potent in shaping the policies of the Union. There
have been seven grand masters and one president (the name now used
to designate the chief officer) since 1874. Of these leaders Frank P.
Sargent served from 1886 until 1892, when he was appointed Commissioner
General of Immigration by President Roosevelt. Since 1909, William S.
Carter has been president of the Brotherhood. Born in Texas in 1859,
he began railroading at nineteen years of age and served in turn as
fireman, baggageman, and engineer. Before his election to the editorship
of the Firemen's Magazine, he held various minor offices in local
lodges. Since 1894 he has served the order successively as editor, grand
secretary and treasurer, and president. To his position he has brought
an intimate knowledge of the affairs of the Union as well as a varied
experience in practical railroading. Upon the entrance of America into
the Great War, President Wilson appointed him Director of the Division
of Labor of the United States Railway Administration.

Of the government and policy of the firemen's union President Carter
remarked:

"This Brotherhood may be compared to a state in a republic of railway
unions, maintaining almost complete autonomy in its own affairs yet
uniting with other railway brotherhoods in matters of mutual concern and
in common defense. It is true that these railway brotherhoods carry the
principle of home rule to great lengths and have acknowledged