Hostilities were not long in commencing. The local lodge made a report—more or less biased—of the occurrence to the general officials of the order, and one of the latter came posthaste to the scene. A day or two later, Mr. Schofield received the following letter:
“Wadsworth, Ohio, January 16, 190-
“Mr. R. E. Schofield,
“Superintendent Ohio Division,
“P. & O. Railway.
“Dear Sir:—As a representative of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Railway Engineers, I ask a conference with you at the earliest possible moment.
“Yours truly,
“H. F. Nixon,
“Special Delegate.”
Mr. Schofield answered at once, setting the conference for next day and asking both Mr. Plumfield and Allan to be present. For he desired some witnesses of the interview.