The Topeka state journal., 1904-05-02


NJ. are reported to have said in
speeches to the men out west that
three hours would be given the men
from time of going to work in the
morning until the strike, which time
they could use in doing damage to
machinery and engines. We have
ample protection for our machinery,
and we do not believe in any event
that men who have been long in our
service would resort to such Iawless-
ness, but it might be that some men
who have been sent to our line for this
particular purpose would do so, and
also that some boys would be led into
it thought1essIy and through the ex-
element of the moment. If there are
any such we want to save them from
temptation and possibly a term in the
penitentiary.
sSecond-During the excitement and
rush that usually occurs when a strike
takes place during shop hours, many
men, particularly the young ones are
rushed into it through excitement and
without having time for sober consid-
GRAFTON. We want to give all of our
men time for contemplation and ser
ious thought and we believe that a
quiet day at home with their families
will be more likely to help them to a
judicious decision
I'VE want the men to have every op-
portunity for cool consideration in or
der that no blame can attach to any
one but themselves if they make an
unwise decision in this matter"
Attempted Violence.
In spite of the protests of the strike
leaders, it is claimed that an attempt
was made Sunday to disable two Santa
Fe engines at Arkansas City. General
Manager Nudge said this morning:
I'VE are advised that someone put
emery and steel filings into two loco
motives at Arkansas City Sunday, for
the purpose of injuring the working
parts of the machinery. 1t was dis
covered what had been done before
the engines went out, and so no dam
age resulted.
This is the only attempted violence
which has been reported to US. There
are no disturbances reported.
Third Vice President Kendrick is in
Chicago, and will be in general charge
of the strike, but the man who is lead
ing the forces on the field for the
company is General Manager Nudge.
He was in conference this morning
with A. Lowell, superintendent OF ma
chinery, General Supt- J. z. Hurley,
General Supt. D. E. Cain. and other
Santa Fe officials. 1t was II O'Clock
before he could find few moments
to talk to the newspaper men.
Reason for Lockout.
Mr. Nudge in his statement sets
forth very clearly the reasons for the
lockout The company was unable to
keep out the maChinists and let in the
other WOTkmen, and for that reason
all the shops were closed
The lockout order was signed by A.
Lowell 1t does not affect the car
shop men or the round-house men ex-
cept at Topeka. Here the car shops
and round-house are inside the yard
fence. and it was necessary to include
everything inside the fence in the
lockout order
When asked today how long the
lockout would continue, Mr.. Nudge
said:
Il am unable to make any state
ment on that point We have not de-
cided, for the reason that it depends
men when we are ready for them to
come back"
Hope of Settlement.
Pending the reopening of the shops
it is evident that the Santa Fe Off
cials have hopes that some of the
think it over, and will come to the
company and agree to go back to
work. 1t is the company's way of
giving the union men a "IaSt chance"
to stand by the company
When asked this morning whether
the company would fill the places of
the strikers. Mr.. Nudge made this
significant reply:
I'VE viii bring in non-union men
if it is necessary. We have the men
ready to be called in If we need them.
But first we viii wait and see if it is
necessary to bring in the men,
Some have thought that the lock-
out was ordered because the Santa F'e
officials feared a sympathetic strike,
but Mr. Nudge denied this emphat-
ically. He said there was not the
slightest danger of anything of this
kind.
CONTINUED on Page six.l