The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-03-29
Topeka Officials of Santa Fe
Attend Western Meeting.
"Over, Short and Damage"
Convention at Albuquerque.
ON GOOD TERMS WITH PATRONS
H. G.. Burnett Tells of Friendly
Relationship.
Other Items of Interest IN the
Traffic World.

Officials from every department of
the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe gen.
eraI offices in this city are in Albuquer-
que attending the annual over, Short
and Damage" meeting of the road at
that point. The campaign started by
the Santa Fe for increased efficiency
I'm the handling and transportation of
freight has brought good results. The
Albuquerque meeting is attended by
officials from all over the system.
Shippers are cooperating with the
Santa F'e in the movement.
Here are few interviews published
An newspapers of Albuquerque con-
H. c. Burnett, of Topeka assistant
general freight agent, says that the
relationship between the railroads and
the public is more friendly than it was
O. few years ago. This is especially
true of the relationship between the
Santa Fe and it's patrons Mr.. Bur
nett said. THE policy of our Off
Gals is to keep in touch with the peo
pie with whom we do business. The
result is that our patrons are con-
WINGED that we are endeavoring to give
them the best possible service at the
lowest possible rates. Being acquaint-
ed with our patrons. we are able to
iron out the little difficulties which
come up from time to time without
friction The get-together policy al
ways wins
H. C. Pribble, freight claim auditor |
the man who passes on the claims for |
loss or damage, is here for the meet |
ing. 1.-The Santa Fe makes an effort |
to pay it's claims promptly, and be- |
lieve our patrons have little complaint |
to make" Mr.. Pribble said. They |
are cooperating with in the move !
ment to reduce the number of claims |
by exercising greater care in the pre- |
paration of packages for shipment. If
every shipper would adopt modern, |
scientific methods in such preparation, |
the number of loss and damage cases |
would be reduced to the minimum"
Crop and industrial prospects in |
the southwest for 1913 are most en-
couraging, according to reports re-
ceived every week by the traffic de- I
partment of the Santa Fe railway.
These reports come from every part
of the thirteen states in which the
Santa Fe operates, and are compiled |
in Topeka by ]. F. farrell, the COM
pany's publicity agent, who gives
them to the newspapers and others
interested.
''These reports" said Mr.. FARRELL, |
who is in Albuquerque to attend the
Santa Fe loss and damage meeting,
''are based on the opinions of at least
three competent men in every COM
munity and on the whole are reliable.
The March reports thus far indicate
that there is an improvement general
1y in all lines of business. Construc-
tiOl WOTh O1 a pubic
as building or rebuilding light plants,
water works. Schooihouses, etc, is
in progress in more than 500 cities
on the Santa Fe lines and many other
cities planning for bond elections
for similar improvements. Hundreds
of mercantile establishments and fac
tories are building additions to their
plants, making necessary the eXpendi-
ture of millions of dollars to handle
the 1913 business in prospect.
'4DOnhtlpSS this aafiUitv nj
ed by the crop conditions, which are
more favorable than they were a
year ago. This is particularly true
of wheat, which is coming through
the winter in fine shape. Alfalfa also
is doing beautifully. The reports
from territory depending upon irriga
ton, as well as those depending upon
rain, indicate that the great empire
of the southwest will yield a bounti-
full harvest this year. California,
which suffered damage to oranges and
lemons on account of the freeze in
the winter, is the only state in Santa
Fe territory reporting serious trouble
and late reports show that this loss
will be overcome by increased yield
of other kinds of fruit, and of agri
cultural products
Topekans attending the meeting: r.
J. Parker. general superintenden t
eastern lines; F. G. Pribble, freight
claim auditor; J. c. Burnett, assistant
general freight agent; Thomas E. Ste
Vens, signal engineer; H. H. German,
chief special agent: H. r. Lake, chief
clerk to general superintendent;
Charles N. Swanson, superintendent