The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-12-24
Uncle Sam May Take Hand in
Union Depot Question.
Would Hurry Up Delinquent
Railroad Companies.
THE MAIL is IMPEDED.
Fact Used in Kansas City's
Favor by Mr.. Murdoch.
Recommendation That Tube
Service Be Extended.

Washington. Dec. .2s.-There is some
prospect of the government aiding in
the proposition to hasten the delinquent
railroad companies in building new
union station at Kansas City.
The postoff1ce department is now
making an official investigation to de-
termine to what extent the transit of
mail is delayed at Kansas City at pres
ent by reason of congested yards and
terminal facilities.
If the investigation produces favor
able results, the department will make
at least suggestion to the railroad COM
pan1es that this will not do: and that
mail must not be interfered with. AS
railroads are anxious to keep their con-
tracts with the government for carry
ing mail, the possible force of such a
suggestion will readily be seen.
This matter was taken up by Victor
Murdoch He, like all Kansas, has been
subjected to some considerable delay
every time he went to Kansas City; or
went through there, by reason of having
to remain out in the yards until the tie
up in the station was reduced.
Another thing he has noticed: That
through mail is greatly impeded in its
passage through Kansas City; and does
not arrive at its destination for any
where from y to "a hours after it
should. Trains carrying mail lie in the
yards waiting to get into the station;
while the departing trains go on, with
out the mail.
When he first arrived in Washington
this winter, Mr.. Murdoch called on the
first assistant postmaster general, and
made objection to the present condition
at Kansas City. The second assistant,
through his bureau which handles mail
transportation, appreciated the force of
MI. Murdock's complaint, and took the
matter up at once in the way of an in
Vestigation.
The postmaster general in his annual
report made a recommendation that
Kansas City, Mo, be included in the
tube-service; and that 2;2S miles of tub
ing be constructed there. It is some
what doubtful whether this viii strike
congress favOrably, so there is no as
surance that Kansas City win get this
tube-serVice.
But in case the larger Kansas City
is successful in this, the smaller Kan
sas City across the line is ambitious
also. It holds that Kansas City, Kan,
ami Armour substations, a distance OF
1.80 miles, can be hooked on to the
Kansas City Missouri, tube line, and
the same service given the two cities.
A commission from the postoffice de-
partment visited Kansas City last sum-
mer and looked into this, making a re-
port. Upon this report is based the
recommendation by the postmaster
general. The claims of Kansas City,
Kansas, were also investigated; but it
was deemed too much of an expense
at present to include the Kansas side.
Incidentally, Victor Murdoch, who is
a mem Der of tire committee on post
offices and post roads in the house of
representatives. is against appropria-
tions for all tube service, in Kansas
City. or elsewhere. He does not think
the time has yet come thus to increase
postal expenses; nor does he believe
the tube service to be satisfactory. as
at present developed.
The new order of things, SO far as
postoffice patronage is concerned, as
announced by the postmaster general