The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-07-01
How Santa Fe Overcame the
Anti-RaiIrOad Sentiment.
Through J. r. KOOntz Public
Has Been Informed.
DOUBTFUL AT FIRST
Publicity Idea Was Feared by
the Newspapers.
Other Items Of General Interest
in Traffic World.

Santa Fe Railway company, through
its general freight agent, ]. R. hoontz'
announced that it would undertake 10
overcome the anti-railroad sentiment sentiment
in its territory by submitting It's case
to the people, with details IN lull
President T2iplev asked Mr.. Koontz to
make the plans for the work because 1-19
Of his wide acquaintance among stoch-
men, farmers, merchants, man u u
ers and newspaper people z 81
rates at that time being the burning
question before the public, Mr.. koohIA'
as the freight rate maker for the santa
Fe was known to everybody VINO snip
ned a ton of freight over the line ne
was, therefore, in position to shouiuer
the burden of the campaign oroeIeu ~
the wise head of the great santa
system.
Mr.. Koontz made his announcements
of the Santa FEES new move in twenty
lines. and got away with it. reporters
gasped then got busy. II was sOlIe-
thing different in railrOading, ana the
newspapers fell for 1t from one emu ~
the country to the other. The old ran
road policy was to keep everything
from the public. Here was rallroad
president who ordered that the pupllc
be taken into the confidence OF the
company and shown the lnnermosl
workings of the carrier business. Re-
porters who had been hunting rallroau
news with a dark lantern and a jimmy
were informed that in future the IN
formation they wanted about the Santa
Fe would be given to them IN type
written form.
Mr.. Koontz selected a practical news
paper man to assist him-a man who
could talk shop with newspaper folks
who knew a news item when he saw
It, and was familiar with the art OF
cutting a three column story to two
sticks" Then the campaign started.
nnRnR6 on
the Santa Fe, Mr.. Koontz saw to II
that a complete answer reached the
public through the same newspaper
that gave publicity to the attack a
good many politicians and others VINO
were fighting the railroads INDUCED IN
gIittering generaIities instead Of facts.
The Santa Fe met the attacks with fig-
ures, which were open to inspection
These replies from the company had
the effect Of cutting down the flood oE
anti-railroad literature in circulation,
and bringing the case before the jury
the pubIic-on an agreed statement of
facts.
The Harmony Special" which at
tracted nationwide attention, was
part Of the campaign. Mr.. koontz or
eanized party of live ones to make 9.
tour of the Santa Fe, addressing COM
mercial clubs and getting acquainted
with the people, all the time talking the
company's side of the railroad ques-
ton. The Harmony Spec1aI' enabled
the heads Of the several departments
to enter into a closer relationship with
me people doing business with the
Santa Re, and that aided materially in
the adjustment of the differences be-
tween them.
The Santa Fe lately has spent mil
lions Of dollars in improving its service
for the pubnc-double tracks, rock bal
last, new bridges, high grade equip
nent. new depots. etc. Under the new
policy the Santa FEES light is not placed
under a bushel, but is set on a hill
where 1t can be seen of men. In other
words the people are advised about
these improvements, that they may
know how the Santa Fe is spending its
money to keep abreast of the times.
The opening of new depots, bridges,
etc, is made Il function, at which Of
ficials Of the road and the people of
the community mingle together to their
mutual benefit.
Mr.. Koontz. there therefore, is
pleased with the result of this feature
of his work for the fiscal period which
has just closed, and he believes that
still greater results will be obtained
during the coming year.
1.-THE more clearly the Santa Fe and
its patrons understand each other, the
fewer disa greements they have and
the more easily they are able to adj
just the few differences that come up"
Mr.. koontz said.