The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-01-15
news FROM ALL
THE RAILROADS
Russell Harding Settles with
Injured Employe.
J. M. GARRETT GETS $4,000
items of Interest About Differ
ent Employees.

1t has lust been learned that both James
M. Garrett and his fireman, who were in
iured in the Missouri Pacific wreck west
of Fort Scott early last spring, have been
maid their claims and that the settle
ments were made between the two injured
men and the second highest official OF
the company. Russell Harding, vice-presi-
dent and general manager of the Missouri
Pacific.
Mr.. Harding was formerly division su-
norintendent of the Missouri Pacific at
this place. during which time he knew
Garrett and recognized in him careIul
and loyal servant OF the company. JUST
before he was injured Garrett had nearly
completed the erection of a new home IN
this CITY. where he intended to move
his family as soon as it was completed,
At the time he was injured, Garrett was
pulling a passenger train Few mics
west of Fort Scott, just after rounding
a curve one night, the headlight Of the
locomotive flashed upon some cars stand
ing on trestle Garrett Immediately
applied the air and stayed with the train
when the collision occurred. The fireman
Jumped just before the train reached the
trestle.
The shock of the collision threw Garrett
from the locomotive cab to the creek bed
below breaking one OF his legs near thc
hip. He was an inmate of the Mercy
hospital at Fort Scott for some time, and
later he was transferred to the Wichita
hospital where he received treatment. he
is now living at Fort Scott.
Nothing had yet been said about the
amount of indemnity the injured man
was to receive, but it was generally I'M
derstood that it would be ample with
out the necessity of recourse to legal
action. Just before Mr.. Garrett left the
ST Louis hospital for his home a few
weeks ago. he was visited by General
Claim Agent Jones, who, after talking
over the matter few moments, express
ed desire to leave the matter of set
Element to the personal attention of Vice
President Harding. Mr.. Garrett thought
little OF the matter, feeling satisfied that
his claim would be adjusted in due time,
so he went to his home at Wichita.
About two weeks ago the man who had
never held a position higher than that
occupied by an humble engine man. re-
ceived a visit from Russell Harding, who
was accompanied by Division Superintend-
ent Nedrow, of Wichita, and a steno-
grapher. Mr.. Garrett was at first just a
little bit startled at the appearance of
so distinguished a guest. but then he
had no need to be; the official was just
the same to the engineman as he had
been years before, when ne was but a
minor officer, and the crippled engine
man was made to feel perfectly at ease.
A pleasant conversation ensued Mr.
Harding inquired after the welfare of
the engineman and his family. The two
talked for some time on various topics,
when the visitor suddenly inquired:
We'll. Garrett, about how much do we
owe you for your injury
Mr.. Garrett was little surprised. but
frankly explained that he had been think
ing the matter over and had concluded
that he should receive about $1,000 or $500.
considering that he would never again be
able to resume his duties as an engine
man.
Il appreciate that said the official
land will just raise you 500, giving you
$500 as the amount Of your indemnity"
This was not all. After receiving a
warm expression Of gratitude from the
old engineer, Mr.. Harding turned to the
stenographer and dictated an order some
thing like this:
ITO All Superintendent: Upon applica-
ton of James Garrett. his wife. or either
of his daughters, issue transportation to
and from any points on the Missouri Pa
cific system. This to remain in effect
until countermanded by me-