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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Oct 01, 1901
Page
3
A brief notice confirms the appointment of a former executive to the presidency of the Southern Pacific Executive Committee. The report highlights the industry significance and reflects on leadership in railroad operations.
In October news from Topeka and La Junta reports H Harriman has been chosen president of Southern Pacific to replace Charles M. Hays. Harriman will oversee the road from the city as the syndicate owner shifts management, with Hays relinquishing daily duties. Rumors had linked various executives to the post, including Paul Morton of Santa Fe.
Chauncey Depew spoke on railroad development at the Exposition’s Temple of Music. He reviewed U S railway growth since 1830, noted how cheap transport spurred westward commerce, and cited mileage increases and a national railway commission. He mourned McKinley’s assassination and praised railway service and national prosperity.
A reader’s letter debates whether promotions should reflect seniority or merit within railroad work. It argues for efficiency and competence, warning against promoting those with ordinary ability, and emphasizes character, temperate habits, and proven capability as the basis for advancement across divisions and roles.
The article discusses promotion practices for engineers and firemen, emphasizing seniority, merit, and loyalty to the company. It quotes rules requiring examinations by seniority and merit, with preference to seniority on all roads, and notes that promotion aims to reward faithful service and increased responsibility while allowing for exceptional merit to rise despite seniority.
General Manager Polk of Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe refuses to dismiss negro brakemen on the Montgomery branch. White citizens threaten to drive them out, citing riot deaths and injuries. Locals in Somerville and vicinity scour the countryside for three accused of triggering the clash. The railroad says white workers aided by locals attempt to oust the negroes, while no formal complaint has been filed and negroes remain employed.
Hurley arrives in La Junta as superintendent of the new western division of the Santa Fe with staff positions assigned. Four office rooms in the Woodrum block are leased for temporary Santa Fe headquarters, Draper’s store area to be used. an office building is likely to be erected soon in the vicinity.
The New Mexico Cattle Growers Association petitioned Santa Fe to set a minimum $1.50 per head rate to move cattle from Kansas and Missouri to Western plains. They argued midwest feed shortages due to drought threaten supply, while western ranges suffer from grazing overflow. Local buyers want the plan to pass to improve markets and protect routing interests.
Santa Fe official forced to abandon his exploration journey as James Dun, the cider engineer, and James McComb, the timber expert, members of the railroid and cupital party, left Tex. on an ill fated expedition.
A party from Casas Grandes to Mulates returned after an accident to Mr Dean mid journey. Mr Dunn denied awareness of road extension to Mulates while in El Paso. Mr McComb plans to investigate a proposed Uber proposition near the line and believes the road may be extended.
Leavenworth Oct 1 Jacob Galser sues Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway for 1340 alleging sparks from a locomotive set fire to grass and a ten to twelve year old orchard along the line between Leavenworth and Anneeasan causing $1640 in damages plus $200 attorney fees. The claim cites careless negligence by road employees and seeks judgment of 1940.
The Santa Fe main line is divided into two grand divisions under Superintendents Ressigule of Topeka and Hurley of La Junta, effective today. J. R. Hurley takes charge from Newton to Albuquerque, with temporary offices for the new division at Dodge City and La Junta ready for work. W. K. Etter of Needles will be Hurley’s chief clerk as resignations shift Wesley Wile and Joe Williams to join Hurley’s staff.
Santa Fe announces November 3 as the start date for daily Chicago to Pacific coast flyer service with permanent continuation through winter, while summer runs remain limited to two trains weekly. General Passenger Agent Black notes ongoing service for the season and reestablished summer pause.
The American Locomotive Company directors authorize 31.25 million to expand plant capacity. Most funds go to Brooks and Schenectady works and a previous 3.5 million allowance was deemed inadequate. The expansion aims to raise output to about 2,000 locomotives annually.
A garbled list shows multiple workers from the railroad yard under strain with illnesses and injuries. Names include Galloway painter and Frank Williams in the boiler shop, Charlen Tate with a bruised foot, and William Tercules a helper in the blacksmith shop. Several others linger ill or on leave, from typhoid fever to minor injuries, with scattered mentions of vacation, nursing, and recovery as departments report reduced staff.
Turbulent week with staff shifts and layovers as workers like Stolpe, Laws, and Cafferty attend courses, return home, or switch roles. Foreman Davie reports vacation time, while Graham oversees scrap operations and ticketing disruptions speckle the scene.
Red Laird, who threatened Chas Wolff, packing house owner, was declared insane in probate court. Doctors testified he suffers drug induced toxemia with delusions and fear. He was bound over for district court and committed to jail after verdict.
Dr Eastman cites conflicting testimony on Fred Laird mental state. Dr Judd saw no insanity after jail interview while Dr Stewart, acquainted long term, found him normal. Witnesses including W. S. Miller and Thos describe delusions and pursued by unseen pursuers. Family testimony supports insanity as strongest evidence, concluding he is insane.
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