The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-21
1T DIDN'T TAKE LONG.
Commercial Club Meeting Lasted Only
Five Minutes.

It took the Commercial club just five
minutes Monday night to make up its
mind to do nothing concerning the
present fight for railroad legislation in
the Kansas legislature. The meeting
was so quiet, pescc able and harmless,
that the account of it should really get
into the Society Column or the Church
Notices. At one fell swoop the club took
back everything which it has done in
the matter at the last two meetings.
But right down at the bottom lies the
fact that the railroads won. They want
ed the club to remain neutral and stay
out of the fight. That is what was
done last night.
1t was just five minutes past o'clock
when President G. K Holiday lifted
his hand and voice to bring the assem-
blage to order. Gentlemen" he said,
the white winged dove of peace hovers
over our organization once more. There
is peace and quiet in the land. In the
interests of harmony, the board Of df-
rectOrs met twice today and drew up a
resolution recommending that the club
remain entirely neutral in the matter of
railroad legislation. hope, gentlemen,
that you will accept the recommended
ton"
Secretary Anderson then read the
resolution. It follows:
Whereas, The action heretofore taken
by heCommerciaI club regarding pend
ing railroad legislation was without the
knowledge of many of the members and
has proved to be unsatisfactory to a
large number Of members OF the club
who are not directly interested in rail-
road legislation, and
Whereas, Harmony in the club and
united action on the part of its mem
bers is of the utmost Importance TO the
city of Topeka at this time; therefore
Resolved, That all action heretofore
taken by the clab--regarding pending
railroad legislation in the state legis-
lature be rescinded IN order that indi-
vidual members of the club may be per-
fectly free to take such action as they
desire
II move its adoption" said Judge
T. F. Carver, ere the echoes OF the
majors deep voice had rolled away.
This attitude, coming from the man
who has made practically the hardest
fight to have the club take affirma-
tive action with regard to the legisla-
ton, at once made it a settled fact that
neutrality would be declared.
Eugene Hagan seconded the mo-
ton, and President Holiday at once
put 1t to vote, no one rising to the
privilege of discussion.
"AlI in favor" he said, "say aye"
A chorus of "ayes" that was heard in
North Topeka was the answer. "Con-
trary2" Not sound greeted the pres
ident's ears.
s'Move we adjourn" came from n
corner of the hall. Another chorus Of
s'ayes' battered the walls and ceiling
and the meeting was over.
Then for about fifteen minutes
everybody laughed and shook hands.
Though there were a few sore spots
on some of the members, the majority
seemed to be glad that the fight had
not come to a head.
There were 73 members at the meet
ing when the board OF directors reso-
luton was voted upon. About ten
more came later. Among the rail-
road people present were H. u Nudge.
raj Santa. \.
r. Koontz, general freight agent,
Santa Fe; W. G. Garvey, local freight
agent. Santa Fe; N. H LOOMS, attor-
ney, Union Pacific.