I have thus briefly recounted our movements and spoken of the motives which, it has seemed from the best information at hand, prompted the Association in selecting its places of meeting, and the value of such selections and other reasons why the Association has grown to its present proportions and standing. Its growth and experiences, like all other organizations, have not been without some severe trials, but, unlike the prodigal son, we have wasted none of our substance in riotous living, but have improved at each successive step and now reach home, not only the birthplace of the Association, but the home of the electrical industries in a larger sense, perhaps, than any other locality in the world. The people of Boston not only furnish money with a lavish hand to carry forward the work of developing the subtle power now so useful to us and all mankind, but also much of the brains and energy needed to make its use practical. Of this fact one circumstance will bear witness, and it is that Mr. C. A. Coffin, a Boston man, is still retained at the head of the largest electrical manufacturing corporation in the United States, if not in the world.

Having laid in this city the foundation of the splendid structure we have since reared, it is very proper that we should return and dwell therein for a few days. Everything gives promise of this being the largest meeting in our existence. If we do not make it one of the most valuable the fault will be with ourselves. Let us hope to leave such an impression that the Boston people will say, "It was good to have them with us."

In the growth and development of our Association and the business we represent, let us not forget the priceless and unrivaled assistance rendered by the technical press. Without a spokesman, a guardian ever faithful to our interests as they have been, our progress would have been much slower and our pathway exceeding rough.

Nor must we for a moment forget (if we could) the indefatigable supply man, for he is the noblest Roman of them all. It is his courage, foresight and energy in taking up the new and useful article, and pressing it upon our attention, that helps to effect economies. We may sometimes be prematurely persuaded, but that is not the fault of the supply man; it is simply one of the arts of his trade necessary for us to learn. But, seriously, without them the meetings of our Association would be materially weakened and lose much of their interest and value. Let us, then, not fail to give them and their exhibits all the attention and examination time will permit.

The Executive Committee has prepared a very excellent list of papers to be read, and I trust that all will join in giving them generous discussion. Some of the writers of the papers have told me that they expected more benefit would be derived by members from discussion than from the paper itself. This should be inducement enough to keep

all in constant attendance.

Bear in mind that in so doing we are also promoting the best interests of the Association, as well as honoring the writers of the papers, which is their due and our duty. While on this subject let me here call attention to the necessity of having at our meetings papers which will interest all the members-not only the mechanical and electrical engineers, but the general managers and even presidents of companies. We need all these officials with us at every convention, hence we must provide something of interest to them. Each and every member must be made to feel that he has been benefited by attending our conventions, and likewise the company represented, or our Association will cease growing. As a result of our deliberations economies should follow without injury to the public service, all of which will tend toward a further realization of the objects of our Association, which are "the establishment and maintenance of a spirit of fraternity among the members" and in the largest degree "the encouragement of cordial and friendly relations between the roads and the public."

Under the head of general business, as provided in our by-laws, or at some other appropriate time, a sort of experience meeting or informal discussion of all subjects relating to our business should take place, where each member shall feel free to ask any question that occurs to him upon which he desires information, and some one stand ready to answer.

I venture to suggest a few subjects arising almost daily where in this way very helpful information could be obtained, viz.:

"The Suburban Railroad; on what terms and conditions should they enter over our tracks, and how can their building be encouraged?"

"The issuing of transfer checks or tickets, and how abuses connected therewith can be limited."

"The equipping of buildings with automatic sprinklers, and the economy resulting therefrom.”

"The cast or electric welding of rail joints, and the saving effected in current and care."

“The discussion or agitation of municipal ownership of franchises, and the most intelligent way to treat the subject."

"To what extent companies should engage in the amusement business, and the best methods of conducting the same."

"A comparison of the cost of materials and supplies and expenses of operation."

"How best to promote the interests of employes and in return secure from them the highest degree of service and loyalty."

These and many other subjects of kindred nature, considered in this manner, would awaken great interest.

I desire to call attention to our fellow-workers and associates, the Accountants' Association, which hold their meetings simultaneously

with ours each year and are even now in session in another part of the building. The whole business of the street railway revolves around the Accountants' office and many of us can attest the value of having efficient persons in charge thereof. It is with the hope of enabling them to make their services more valuable to their respective companies that the Association was formed; hence they should receive every assistance it is possible for us to render. I bespeak for them your cordial co-operation.

In closing I wish to thank our efficient Secretary and the Executive Committee for their cordial aid and support during the year, and to assure the members of the Association of my great appreciation of the honor of being called a year ago to the office of President. [Applause.]

VOTE OF THANKS TO MAYOR QUINCY.

Mr. McCormack, Borough of Brooklyn-I move that the members of this Association give a rising vote of thanks to the Mayor of Boston for his kind address of welcome to this Association.

Motion carried by a rising vote.

The President-The next order of business will be the report of the Executive Committee.

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Secretary read the report, as follows:

To the American Street Railway Association—Gentlemen:

The report of your Executive Committee will consist, as in past years, of the minutes of the several meetings held during the year, which will show what has been done by your Committee.

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD AT THE HOTEL BRUNSWICK, BOSTON, JANUARY 25 AND 26, 1898.

TUESDAY'S SESSION.

The President called the meeting to order Tuesday, January 25, 1898, at ten o'clock a. m.

Present: Albion E. Lang, President; T. C. Penington, Secretary and Treasurer; John A. Rigg, Robert McCulloch, Henry C. Moore and Robert S. Goff.

The Secretary-Treasurer presented a report of the financial condition of the Association to date; also list of members in arrears for

dues for 1897, and amount of exhibit space at Niagara Falls remaining unpaid. The report was received and the Secretary directed to collect unpaid dues and subscriptions for space.

Mr. McCulloch moved that the authority to inspect and approve all papers to be read before the Convention be vested in the President and Secretary. Carried.

The Committee took a recess, and under the escort of Mr. C. S. Clark and Mr. E. C. Foster, of the Local Committee, visited the halls of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association. After inspecting the building the Committee returned to the hotel.

Mr. Rigg moved that the time of the next annual meeting of the Association be September 6, 7, 8 and 9, that being the only time the hall could be secured for the meeting. Carried.

Mr. Rigg moved that the Local Committee be instructed to secure the first and second floors of the building for exhibition purposes, with all the heat, light and power needed, together with the Paul Revere Hall for the meetings, and the banquet-room adjoining for the meetings of the Accountants' Association. Carried.

The Secretary was authorized to notify the Secretary of the Accountants' Association that a room had been secured for their meetings.

Mr. McCulloch moved that the price for space be the same as last year-ten cents per square foot. Carried.

Mr. Rigg moved that the salary of the Secretary-Treasurer be $1,500.00 for the coming year, the same as last year. Carried.

The Treasurer presented a bond of the American Surety Company of New York for $5,000.00, which was accepted and delivered to the President.

The Local Committee was invited to the meeting to confer on the subject of hotels, rates, etc. After much discussion the Hotel Brunswick was made the headquarters of the Association; the management agreeing to make material reductions in rates, etc.; the hotel to furnish a banquet for seven dollars per plate, which should be satisfactory to the Local Committee, who would take charge of the same.

Mr. McCulloch moved that no rooms be assigned in the hotel until March 15, and that Mr. Goff represent the Executive Committee to assist Mr. Barnes, of the hotel, in filling the applications that have been received by that date. Carried.

Adjourned until 3:00 p. m.

Convened at 3:00 p. m.

The Secretary read a letter from Mr. H. F. MacGregor, General Manager Houston Street Railway Company, Houston, Texas, in regard to lighting auditoriums at pleasure resorts from street railway circuits, which was in substance the same as presented at a meeting of the Executive Committee at Niagara Falls last year. After discussion, in which one member said in his town they were allowed

to do it, and another that they were not, the Secretary was instructed to notify Mr. MacGregor that the Executive Committee considered the issue entirely local and they did not think that they should take any part in it.

Mr. McCulloch moved in regard to banquet tickets that the custom of former years be followed, to-wit, "There shall be two tickets issued to each member Company of the Association when there are two or more official representatives; when there is only one representative, only one ticket, and when a Company is not officially represented, no ticket shall be issued on account of said Company." Carried.

Adjourned to Wednesday, January 26, at 10:00 a. m.

WEDNESDAY'S SESSION.

Convened at 10:00 a. m.

Present: Same as before.

After much discussion in regard to subjects for papers to be read

at the next Convention the following were selected:

I.

2.

"To What Extent Should Street Railway Companies Engage in the Amusement Business?"

By Walton H. Holmes, General Manager, Metropolitan Street
Railway Co., Kansas City, Mo.

"The Carrying of United States Mail on Street Railways."
By W. S. Dimmock, General Superintendent, Omaha and
Council Bluffs Railway and Bridge Co.,
Council Bluffs, Iowa.

3. Comparative Earnings and Economy of Operation Between Single and Double Truck Cars for City Use."

By Richard McCulloch, Electrical Engineer, Cass Avenue
and Citizens' Railway Co., St. Louis, Mo.

4. Inspection and Testing of Motors and Car Equipments by Street Railway Companies."

By Frederick B. Perkins, Electrical Engineer, Toledo
Traction Co., Toledo, Ohio.

5. Cost of Electric Power for Street Railways at Switchboard; Both Steam and Water."

By R. W. Conant, Electrical Engineer, Boston Elevated
Railway Co., Boston, Mass.

6. "Maintenance and Equipment of Electric Cars for Street

Railways."

By M. S. Hopkins, Electrician, Columbus Street Railway

Co., Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Moore moved that the authors be requested to write papers that would not exceed thirty minutes in reading, and that they be present, if possible, to read them. Carried.