The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-11-13

the other of various things, and in
the course of which, it is claimed, the
word liar" was used. The controversy
RACED chiefly between Ryan and
kanavel, though Commissioner c. A.
Ryker was present, and sided with
Kanayel in the controversy. a-.
Ryan's grievance against the other
members of the hoard is that they are
not aggressive enough in their man.
agement of the business of the board.
He says that they are inclined to
pander to the railroad attorneys and
to lack backbone in enforcing the or
ders of the board. 1t is Mr.. Ryan's
idea that the board should follow the
Nebraska plan, and when railroad
assumes a hostile attitude, and tries
to block and battle the work of the
board. should begin a war of retribu-
ticn, and overwhelm the obstreperous
railroad with complaints, orders, and
litigation.
Commissioners Kanavel and Ryker
on the other hand, believe that best
results can be obtained by keeping on
good terms with the railroads and
using moral suasion" to accomplish
results. They are heroes of compro-
mise. and point with pride to the num-
ber of cases which they have settled
without formal proceedings before the
board.
After the quarrel in the board room,
Mr.. Ryan left for home, but it is said
that Mr.. Kanavel thought that Mr.
Ryan had left behind him statement
for the newspapers concerning the
difficulty. Mr.. Kanavel was ready to
give out another statement setting
forth his side, but when he found that
Mr.. Ryan had issued no statement, he
appealed to the newspapers to sup
press all reference to the affair.
The yesterdays quarrel occurred dur
Ing a discussion of the proposition of
Mr.. Ryan that the railroads of the state
be required to keep their depots open
at night. Mr.. Kanave1 was opposed to
the plan. Mr.. Ryan claimed that Mr.
Ryker had promised to support it, but
this was denied by Mr.. Ryker. The
result was that the board, by vote of
Kanavel and Ryker against Ryan, re-
1ected the proposition. and the only way
for Mr.. Ryan to get his proposition up
will be to file formal complaint with
the board.
After this disagreement, the discus
sion between Ryan and Kanavel be-
came more personal. and Mr.. Kanavel
paced the floor excitedly while he
talked.
II want to see this board do some
thing" said Mr.. Ryan. II don't like
this policy of lodging every issue that
comes up. want the board to enforce
its orders"
bly, can to enforce our orders" retorted
Mr.. Kanavel.
I'VE are not replied Mr.. Ryan,
shortly.
you tell me what else we could do" re-
piled Kanavel.
There are plenty of things to do"
said Ryan.
What are they?' said Kanavel hotIy
I'D just like to have you name one"
well, 7 will name one" said Mr.
Ryan. I'VE issued an order to the
Rock Island to move its depot at Nc
Farland. The Rock Island dfsobeyed |
that order, and took the case into the |
courts. 1 say bring an action against
the Rock Island to break up its un-
lawful combination with the Union Pa |
cific concerning the handling of passen- |
ger traffic between Kansas City and |
Topeka. The Rock Island won't stop its |
trains for passengers between here and |
there. That's contrary to law I-say
go after them on that ground"
But that hasn't anything to do with
the Mcfarland matter. and I am opposed
to getting results that way" said kan
avel.
$50 am l." chimed in Commissioner
Ryker.
sswell, I'm not" said Ryan. '~That's
the way to get results. If railroad
company shows this board that it wants i
to fight, say, let's fight 1 don't like
to sit here and take all the icks; want |
to give a few of them myself. 1 saw
10 after these roads that don't obey