“All operators will be treated with much consideration and distinction, especial attention being given to pacifying all recalcitrants and smoothing out all kicks and complaints which may arise, but it is thought the programme outlined will wipe out all differences.” Colonel Crain’s speech was followed with wild applause and a big demonstration. The band played “Happy Days” on the harps. After order had been restored, Colonel Crain was asked to speak on the “old timers,” it being remarked that he should be quite at home on that topic. “Yes, I know a few of them,” began Mark. “They came and went when I was in Kansas City, and we always had a delightful time. “Let’s see, there was Jim Delong--” “Present,” interrupted the voice of Mr. Delong, amid applause. The speaker continued: “Yes, there was Billy Spink, too--” “Here also,” broke in the familiar voice of Mr. Spink, who received an encore. “Then there was Frank Farley, Dan Martin, Billy Foy, Jim Cook, Milton Geowey, Harry Smith, John Topliff--” “Don’t forget me,” broke in Fred Swain, as he swung into sight on the arm of Bob Rankin. “I’m not going to overlook you,” continued Crain; “I remember the time you wanted to take a trip with me from the window of the tenth floor of the Chicago office, without an aeroplane.” This remark evoked much merriment among the old timers of Chicago. “Well, gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to meet and greet you all here today and to realize that we do not have to put a sub. on and that all the wires are always working O. K.” “That is because you have the pick of the construction department,” smilingly remarked M. C. Bristol, and the assemblage acquiesced. “Let’s get back to the original text,” said Billy West, who had been deeply interested in Mr. Crain’s address. “I would like to hear more of the future of the telegraph and I greatly enjoy hearing Colonel Crain’s remarks.” “Yes, here are a few pages that the Colonel overlooked,” said secretary Jim Doody, handing the same to Mr. Crain. “Ah, yes, I have something else to say and a little story to relate which, I think, you will all be pleased to listen to.” Silence once more reigned as the speaker began: “The telegraph stock is away up, Western Union selling for $495 and Postal $415. The companies are studying the advisability of segregating a portion of their stock for charitable purposes, which idea is under consideration by the executive committee. “An operator will be retired when he has reached the age of thirty with a pension of five years’ salary in advance to enable him to go into some profitable business.” “I’m glad I am not on Earth to witness such dreadful extravagances,” interrupted Russell Sage, who had been an attentive listener. “Those are my sentiments also,” cried Jay Gould, who had arrived in time to hear the last part of Colonel Crain’s address.