The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-31
CALDWELL SURPRISED
The Judge Takes a Hand in the
Union Pacific Wage Dispute.
He Asks Why the Court Is Asked to Do
Something the Managers Did Not
Dare to Put in Effect.

OMAHA, Neb March 30.-In the hearing
of the Union Pacific wage schedule case.
to-day, Master Mechanic Mcconnell testi-
fed that the rules proposed by the re-
ceivers were equitable, and they should
have been adopted long ago.
"Why were they not adopted long ago?"
interrupted Judge Caldwell
Because we would have had trouble all
along the line" replied Mr.. Mcconnell
do you mean to say that you come be-
fore this court asking Ii TO do something
that the managers have never dared to
do? asked Judge Caldwell do you know
the occupation of the receivers of this
road?"
Mr.. Mcconnell said that he did not, ex
cept as to Messrs. Clark and Mink.
Judge Caldwell then addressed Receiver
Doane. and asked what his business was.
"I em a merchant in Chicago" replied
Mr.. Doane.
"You don't know much about railroading,
do your" asked the Judge
Mr. Doane admitted his knowledge was
limited, and the Judge continued:
There's Anderson. He is a lawyer in
New York. l don't suppose he knows as
much about a railroad as 1 do. 1 don't see
why these receivers should come into this
don't know anything about. when it is
conceded that the practical men who have
managed the road did not dare TO make
the changes.
After the recess General Manager Dick
inSon was put on the stand and subjected
reduction in wages, he said, was made be.
cause the earnings of the road had fallen
montl,ly-salary men were reduced in Au-
gust the company had invited all the en-
enginemen and trainmen sent replies that
they would not agree 70 reduction In pay.
When the cut was made in the form OF an
order from the court it considered the
men had sufficient notice. Judge Caldwell
pressed MIR. Dickinson on this point, and
he admitted that sufficient notice had not
been given. 1t was the intention to make
reduction in wages anyhow, although the
receivership matter interviewed and for a
Oliver ". Mink. controller, and one of
the receivers followed Mr. Dickinson on
the stand His testimony was regarding
the Union Pacific had not paid a divi-
dend in ten years 80 There had been a de-
ne ef sos d froD 0t Soss of IN se sne d ne
comparative statement of the earnings
for the two years.
Pattisons report, which showed the bonds
of the company were secured mortgage
covering property not worth cents on the
| dollar.
Mr.. Mink said Pattison had been nusled.
| The court read the Pattison report, which
| showed that of the 500 600 OF debt COW
| ering the systems $73000,000 was profit.
Mr.. Mink said the report OF
Pattisons cont ~ees in the investigation,
which placed the profit at SI3.JD9.IJ0, was
nearer correct. The court said lie would
rather the government lost every dollar
it had invested than thai. the men Would
suffer. He would see that employees OF
| the road were properly compensated ard
| that there wages would not be cut to admit
| of payment of dividends.
President Clark followed. He was on the
| stand but a few minutes, his health being
so feeble that he could not stand the strain.
| His examination threw but little light on
| the question.
AT the conclusion the court peremptorily
ordered that Mr. Clark take a vacation OF
several months. You shall not commit
| suicide in the service OF the court" said
Judge Caldwell. When court adjourned il
was the impression the hearing would be
concluded tomorrow.