The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-13
RAILROAD NEWS.
Russell Harding Makes a Fl.
Scott Engineer Happy.
Allows $500 More Than Claimed
for an Injury.
MADE PERSONAL VISIT
Engineer Astonished When Gen.
eral Manager Called.
Free Transportation for the
Engineer and All His Family.

Fort Scott, Kan. Jan. 1S.-It has just
been learned that both James Garrett
and his fireman. who were injured in
the Missouri Pacific wreck west of this
city early last spring, have been paid
their claims and that the settlements
were made between the injured men
and the second highest official of the
company, Russell Harding. the vice
president and general manager.
Russell Harding was, it seems, a d.
vision superintendent at one time.
with headquarters at Wichita He knew
James Garrett at that time and recog-
nized in him a careful and loyal SER
! want of the company.
Garrett was pulling the Missouri Pa
c1f1c passenger train that arrives here
at $40 p. m. West of the city a few
miles, just after rounding a curve, the
headlight of the engine flashed upon
some cars standing on a treStle. The
fireman leaped to the ground before
| reaching the trestle, but Engineer Gar
rett, after applying the air, stepped to
the gangway and stood on the steps,
seemingly not realizing in the darkness
| that the engine was on a bridge.
When the collision occurred the loco
motive remained on the rail, but the
shock threw Mr.. Garrett to the creek
bed below, breaking one of his legs
l4CciI Tic mp ne lay lOI NEARLY IUICc
months at Mercy hospital or until it
was finally determined to take him to
st. Louis. where the company's sur
geons looked after his injuries.
Nothing had yet been said about the
amount of indemnity the injured man
was to receive, but it was generally
understood that it would be ample
without the necessity of recourse to le-
gal action. Just before Mr.. Garrett left
the st. Louis hospital for his home a
-se-e+ 4
eral Claim Agent Jones who, after
talking over the matter a few mo-
ments, expressed a desire to leave the
matter of settlement to the personal
attention of Vice President Harding.
Mr.. Garrett thought little of the mat
ter, 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 humbl engine
man, received a. visit from Russell Har-
ding, who was accompanied by Division
superintendent Nedrow and a Stenog-
rapher. 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 he was
but a minor officer, and the crippled
engineman was made to feel perfectly
A pleasant conversation ensued. Mr.
Harding inquired after the welfare OF
the enginemap and his family. The
two men talked for some time on va
rious topics. when the visitor suddenly
inquired
well. Garrett. about how much dc
we owe you for your injurv?"
Mr.. Garrett was little surprised, but
frankly explained that he had been
thinking the matter over and had con-
cluded that he should receive about
81, 600 or $500. considering that he
would never again be able to resume
his duties as an engineman.
Il appreciate that" said the official
land will just raise you $500. giving
you $1,000 as the amount of your in
.demnity."
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
something like this:
ITO all superintendent: Upon appli-
cation of James Garrett. his wife, or
either of his daughters. issue transoor-
tation to and from any points on the
Missouri Pacific system. This to re-
main in effect until countermanded by
me-