The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-03
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE.
Golden State Limited Wreck at La
Junta Being Investigated.

Logan, N. M. Jan. 3.-The final
decision placing the responsibility for
the wreck of the Golden State Limit
ed of the Rock Island railroad which
occurred on the switchback at this
point early Monday morning has not
been made public.
1t is talked in Rock Island circles
that events have not been running
smoothly and that trouble at this
point is not altogether surprising. 1t
Will be remembered that R. R. Suth-
erland, former division superintend-
ent of this division of the Rock Island,
resigned his place recently It is now
rumored that his resignation was
handed in because he did not desire
to shoulder the responsibility of the
division under existing circumstances.
Immediately after the flood which
destroyed the bridge over the Cana
dian river at this point Superintend-
ent Sutherland planned the construc-
ton of the switchback, by means of
which a track was laid over a devious
course to permit trains being trans
ferred from one side of the river to
the other. The river at this point has
exceedingly high banks and it was an
engineering feat of unusual skill.
Upon the completion of the switch
back it is said that General Manager
Miller of the Rock Island appointed
a day trainmaster and a night train
master to have charge of the switch
back The appointment, it is said,
was made over the head of Superin-
tendent Sutherland, under whose
jurisdiction the switchback was stu
ated. The new trainmasters were old
Pennsylvania railroad men and when
they arrived upon the scene of action.
Mr.. Suth erland discovered that they
had instructions to report direct to the
general manager.
superintendent Sutherland foresaw
trouble because of possible mtsunder-
standings between himself. the new
trainmasters and the train crews, and
rather than shoulder the RESPONSE
bility of the situation. he resigned.
superintendent Sutherland was sue
ceeded by M. e. Sebree and last week
he relieved from duty the day train
master appointed by the general
manager. The accident to the Golden
State Limited occurred during the
night, when the night trainmaster ap-
pointed by the general manager was
Rumor among the railway men is
that matters are not moving smoothly
among the high officials of the Rock
Island When L. F. LOree, an old
Pennsylvania man, was deposed from
the head of the Rock Island most OF
the Pennsylvania men who mad oeen
brought to the Rock Island gradually
found their way from the ranks. AS
this process took place new feeling
of fellowship and good Will seemed 10
spring up among the employees. But,
it is said that this feeling does not
dominate the entire official family.
Rumors have been persistent that frlc-
ton exists between President Winchell
and General Manager Miller. and that
the latter will sooner or later make
way for a new manager. me incl
dent at the switchback is regarded as
a point which will quickly bring about
the climax General Manager Miller
was recently here to visit the switch
back. His visit was shortly afterWard
followed by a visit from Superlnteno-
emit of Transportation Hobbs, and
President Winchell himself has but a
day or so ago been at Dalhart ap-
parently looking over the s1uatlon.
nectancy. and developments are being
awaited with great deal of curiosity
Confirmation of this story could not
not be secured by a reporter for the
State Journal who made inquiries at
the local Rock Island Offices
Superintendent c. w. Jones IS out
of the city today and could not be
seen in regard to the matter 1t is
stated at the local officers, however
that such matter as is contained IN
the reports to the Journal from Lo-
gan would not be handled through
fTe TOneka Offices. Logan, n. M, IS
On another division of the road. ana
the details of that division are not re-
Dorted to the Office at Topeka, Out
rather are reported to the general su
perintendent's Office
It is a fact. however, that GenSral
~ 5 To~assg7ent WfnchelI have
made trips to the Dalhart DIVISION Oh
The Rock Island within the past rev
weeks. But how true the re2orls are
from Logan in regard to frlctlon IN
tI7e official family of the ROCK 4siahu
remains to be seen.