The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-08-16
In Topeka 10000 People Depend
Upon Railroad.
WORK HERE
Build and Repair 335 Engines
and 10, 1882 Cars in Shops.
Mr.. KOuns Urges Employees to
Register and Vote Always.

In speech before the employees
and families of the Santa Fe at their
annual picnic at Vinewood park this
afternoon, c. W. Kouns, general mana
1 ger in Topeka, said in part;
It is observed with the greatest pride
and satisfaction that, as result OF
the extremely cordial relations exist
/ ing among us as employees, a day OF
/ recreation and relaxation has been so
successfully arranged. The attendance,
which 1 can not estimate, but which
/ seems practically unanimous, is an
| evidence of Santa Fe spirit, which
makes a success of our work and our
play.
1t is a very great pleasure to stand
before so many of my fellow en-
ployees, and it is particularly crafty :
| ing to observe the large number OF
ladies and children who are able WITH
rs to take advantage of the Opportunl-
tv to become better acquainted While
enjoying an outing in this beautiful
Upon an occasion like this, our
pleasures may be greater II we stop
for a few moments to consider some
features of our organization, our
work and our obligations as citizens
and employees.
In the city of Topeka there are en-
ployed on the Santa F'e nearly nVe
thousand men and women, at wages
not exceeded anywhere else IN the
world for the class of work in which
they are engaged.
Of the number just quoted, two
thousand seven hundred and eighty
one are married. but those who are
single contribute to the support OF
families. so that we may safely esti-
mate that in the neighborhood Of
twenty thousand souls are depending
upon our employment for their hveli-
The area of our shop facilities en-
braces one hundred and nineteen
acres. of which twenty-five acres are
under roof.
During the year just closed you
buiIt and repaired three hundred and
thirty-hve locomotives and nineteen
Thousand one hundred and thirty-tWo
cars. Beside this, there were fourteen
thousand two hundred and ten mlscel-
laneous pieces of work turned OUT.
You handled the accounts covering
more than thirteen billion gross tons
of freight; more than eight million
messengers. and over forty-seven mil
lion dollars worth of material, sup
plies and fuel.
our part in this great industry, and
have we, in connection with 1t, always
faithfully and fully performed every
duty laid upon us2 Have we thonght
of this beautiful city, and what our
employment means to 1t IN every
way? Have we considered the value
Of orr trade. and has it ever occurred
to you that every purchase OF material
by the Santa Fe, whether used mere oI
not calls the attention OF some one
som ewhere to this city. for the reason
that every voucher is sent and every
pavment is made from here.
In addition to the local taxes paid
nv the Santa Fe. amounting last year
~ ennroxinatelv forty thousand dol
lars We must give consideration TO the
larger sum paid by its employees;
The total of these sums constitute
very large part of the whole amount
collected.
DUTY to the Public.
W. are therefore. not only entitled,
sc citizens to know something OF the
state and local administrator put r
is our duty to take such part IN puplic
affairs as will give US the stanolng TO
which we are entitled
am very much afraid some OF Us
have become careless or have failed m
our appreciation of our own lInpoI-
lance in these matters, because the
statement has been made that not
more than One-half of US exercise our
right to register. and of those who reg
lister. many fail to vote. So long as
mis- condition continues, we are not IT
position to complain of bad laws or
improper administration.
No one will contradict the assertion
that the Santa Fe is the greatest rail-
road in America, because in its rela-
lions to the public and its employees II
covers a broader scope than any other
or all other roads combined Its policy
covers observance of law, the best pub
lie facilities, just and liberal treatment
O. employees and the highest rate OF
wages
make provision for the comfort and en-
tertainment of its employees. 1 point
with some pride to the reading rooms
scattered all along the road These
buildings are maintained at large eX-
pense. the amount last year being more
than sixty thousand dollars, and they
are wholly for our use Special enter
tainments are frequent, and of high
class.
The interest of employees in this
great road must be such that any of Us
who do not respect the employment
we have, cannot have much respect for
ourselves.
Models of Loyalty.
In a recent speech to employees.
Frank farrell, our publicity agent, said,
among other things: "A man who re
work, and put forth his best ticks 10
make good with his employer. His
work will show merit. The employer
win see results and appropriate re-
ward for efficiency will be shown.
1 The Santa Fe recognizes merritt is
scarcely necessary to particularize-
you have all observed it.
| Santa Fe employees are held up as
models OF loyalty to the company You
and 1 know they are but we want to do
more of those things which will do US
good and be most valuable to our EN-
/ ployers. Further along in his talk, Mr.
farrell said, the average man is ready
| in season and out of season to stand
up for his family his church, his po-
| litical party and his dog" He thinks
as I think. and as 1 hope you do, that
/ the employer should be added to the
/ list
Let US turn these thoughts in our
minds. We can make no mistake in
attaching Importance to every act
which affects our employers. If they