The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-04-05
SHORT RAILROAD STORIES.
Anecdotes and "Reminiscences Over
heard at the ..SMitch Shantv.n

heard at the E'SWitch Shanty."
The brass collar officials of the
Rock Island railway who composed a
party on tour of inspection of the
Rock Island lines in the presidents
speciaf' recently, Will not soon forget
Abilene, Kansas.
All the cities and towns included in
the itinerary Of the trip We'd with each
other in showing off to the best posi-
bic advantages the principal points of
interest and industries of their respec-
tive localities. At Topeka it was a trip
through the state house in order that
the railway men might meet the new
state Of1cerSs and an automobile ride
over the city winding up at the To-
peka club AT another city it was a
trip through the Wholesale houses, and
at stlll another a trip Through the mills.
Abilene Kansas, Is the home of the
Abilena Water company, the Kansas
natural cathaFtic water, and the citf-
zens OF Abilene are particularly proud
OF this institution. Some of the enter
prising Abilene men sent a crate of
Abilena to the presidents special as a
gift from the city.
Most Of the Rock Island men were
not aware of the character of the wa
ter, and the others who We're wise. kent
still Taking it for granted that any
water bottled way out on the plains in
Kansas must be something similar to
White Rock. the brass collars drank
literally That's the joke.
J. E. Hurley, general superintendent
of the Santa Fe lines, bears a reputa-
ton among railway men from one end
of the system to the other, for his
strength of muscle and feats of
proves.
A physical culture instructor who was
organizing a class in Topeka was told
that Mr. Hurley might be induced to
join the class. The physical culture in
structor accordingly made it a point to
see Mr.. Hurley. He was ushered into
the superintendent Office. and after a
brief time introduced the subject of
physical culture lessons.
In a modest sort of way Mr.. Hurley
informed the P. c. 1. that he took con-
siderable interest in athletics and any
sort of exercise for the development of
the muscles, and incidentally remarked
that he believed the muscles of his leg
We're quite well developed. The P. G. I.
exhibited a natural desire to judge in
this matter for himself, and Mr.. Hurley
casually drew up his trousers over the
calf of his leg, and contracted the mus
cles The r. c. I. stepped up to in
vestigate but he found himself in an
embarrassing position. He was per-
picked. He had not counted on finding
such a we'll developed muscle. In fact
it was so unusual that he could hardly
believe his eyes. He stammered for
moment and finally managed to ask,
rs it a deformity?"
Elmer Whitmore, the pass clerk in
the Office of General Manager H. u.
Nudge of the Santa Fe, is something
of a student Of human nature. He has
an excellent opportunity for observing
the peculiarities and weaknesses of the
human race in his capacity as pass
clerk and secretary to Mr.. Nudge. In
the latter capacity 1t becomes his duty
to learn the business of every caller
who desires to see the general manager,
in order to protect Mr.. Nudge from the
innumerab bic book agents. life insurance
agents, and others who have unimport-
ant business which is not consequent
tial enough to come to the attention of
so tusy 4 man as Mr. Nudge. In the
course of a year, IT is obvious, M
Widtnore meets a good many eccentric
persons.
A few days ago a farmer came into
his Office and inquired for the general
Mr.. Nudge is out of the city" he
was informed.
Mr.. Whitmore answered the question
to the best of his ability and then in
quired the business of his caller.
Mr.. Farmer then started in and told
his life story That is not an unusual
proceeding. and Mr.. Whitmore has
heard enough 'slife stories" to bring
tears to an Egyptian sphynx.
Mr.. Farmer had formerly been a ran
road man, he said, and he wanted y
find out if Mr.. Nudge would not permit
him to undergo an operation for the re-
moval Of a. bone from his ankle at the
company hospital free Of charge he
said that he had been brakeman
about Is years ago and he left off rail-
roading'' to go on farm. He had had
an operation on his ankle at some prior
time. he declared, but it was necessary
to have another.
At this juncture he switched OF 70 tle
subject of farming. DO you know, he
said, 1T was the best thing in the world
that ever happened to me when went