The Cordova daily times., 1919-03-26
RAILROAD IS
 TO BE PUSHED WITHOUT PAY

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 filibusterer during the closing, hours of the last congress, and the failure of passage of the bill carrying the ap. propriation for railroad construction
 in Alaska, regarding the attitude of
 the Alaskan engineering commission,
 It was generally known that elab- crate plans had been made for the pushing of construction work on this division of the railroad during the coming season, always provided that the money to do so would become available in the ordinary course of events. The unlocked for action of congress cast gloom over everybody who had the interest of the district at heart, and dire possibilities were predicted
 A telegram from Chairman Edes of the Alaskan engineering commission reached the local office of the A. E. c. yesterday regarding railroad opera, tions, and in the absence of Engineer in-Charge F. D. Browne. Superinten- dent Packer, replying to the message, stated his views and made certain recommendations in regard to the carrying on of the work in this divi- sion.
 This morning a telegram was re- ceived from Chairman Edes, which will be hailed with pleasure by all Nenanaites. In this message he says that, owing to the great scarcity of funds with which to carry on the work of construction, Engineer Gerig, in charge of the Anchorage branch, and Engineer Weir, in tharge of the Seward branch, who had been in formed of the state of affairs, have agreed to accept half of the wages due the forces in cash and to wait until July, when ample funds will be avail able, for the balance due. If this ar engagement can be made on this divi- sion also, the chairman authorizes a continuance of the construction pro- gram as planned. He says that he hopes to be able to push the work north of Nenana later in the season, and that therefore the work of moving supplies, material and equipment across the Tanana river to the future camps is to be continued according to the plans made. The chairman also wishes to be advised as to how much money would be required on this divi- sion to push the work toward Fair banks, as we'll as to lay track south of Nenana toward the Lignite coal fields, for the period up to July first. He enjoins strict economy in every direction.
 Superintendent of Construction Packer immediately called the heads of the different departments together in consultation and ,ascertafned that everybody would be perfectly willing to accept 50 per cent of the payroll in cash until July, so that the1work on the railroad could be continued unin teruptedly to successful termination.
 Mir. Packer accordingly informed Chairman Edes by wire of the de- cision arrived at here, and thus an that will be perfectly to all concerned will be- come effective immediately, and there Will be no cessation of railroad activity on the Fairbanks division.
 Some time ago, when a serious shortage of funds threatened to tie up the construction work on this division of the government road, Superintend- ent Packer, personally and through his foremen, sounded the railroad workers out the line and in the Ne mana yards regarding "a similar scheme which would permit of the COuSlTuCllOH WOIh Cci llOu oAA' The men signifed their willingness to continue on the payrolls without pay, if need be, being perfectly willing to trust Uncle Same to pay them later on, when congress saw fit to pass the appropriation bill. The material and supplies on hand were ample for all purposes and the men were to be al lowed enlarged commissary privileges only.
 It is understood that Engineer in Charge Browne acquiesced in this scheme and laid the matter before Chairman Edes, but the latter vetoed it and consequently large number or men had to be laid of.
 Superintendent Packer stated today that the forces now employed will be considerably strengthened later on, and that the work will be pushed for ward as rapidly as possible without any let-up until the desired end has Ayc-o~DZ AY<,1,r~. 6l