The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-29
topeka SHOPS
TO KEEP OPEN
Santa Fe Will Operate Despite
WaIkOut of Crafts.
Only One-Half Organized-TO
Obtain New Men.

While various reports are in circu-
lation as to what action the members
of the Topeka shop crafts will take in
response to the strike call issued from
Chicago, today, it was definitely an
nounced this afternoon that strike
would not mean the closing of the
Santa Fe shops at this place.
Whether the strike lasts one day or
month the shops will continue op-
erations is usual. It was said. In the
first place it was said that not more
than SO per cent of the force is or
ganized, and furthermore. those who
decide to quit will find others filling
their places.
John Purcell Here.
John Purcell, assistant vice presi-
dent in charge of mechanical matters
for the Santa Fe, arrived in Topeka
this afternoon, to take charge of the
situation. An attempt to locate him
for an interview. however, failed
All of the local crafts in the ballot
ing the past two weeks voted almost
unanimously in favor of a strike
There was not a single dissenting vote
among the blacksmiths, and the other
crafts voted from 95 to 90 per cent
not to accept the latest wage cut
ordered by the labor board.
At the time it was said that many
members would be willing to take the
reduction provided all rail employees
were lLSdleQ dllke. ana even now
is said many are really against a strike
and are hoping there will be some
means to prevent it. Other reports are
to the effect that the walkout at the
Santa Fe shops will be 100 per cent.
May Not Strike?
1t is understood however that a
definite course will not be fully deter
mined until meetings can be held priot
to the time the strike is called. No
statement as to when such meetings
viii be held or what action most Like
" to be taken has yet come from anv
of the cha.rnen of tn. -arious local
crafts. but there is known to be con-
siderable dissension among the men
when it comes to the question of act
ually walking out and giving up their
jobs.
In Shops 2,1OO.
There are approximately 2,1OO men
employed at the Santa Fe shops at
the present time but not all of them
are organized Even tho a strike takes
place 1t will leave the shops with at
least half a force and with these to
aid in getting recruits. there will be
no shut down in any event, it was
said. In case the men walk out, 1t is
known that the Santa Fe intends to
fill their places as rapidly as possible.
None of the Santa Fe officials, how
ever. will make a direct statement, all
saying that any announcement as to
the company's policy should come
from their superiors in Chicago The
officials here also say they are largely
in the dark as to what is going to
take place. but many of them doubt
that a strike will occur. They ques-
ton the accuracy of the statement
that the strike vote ran as high as 50
per cent. and say they have informa-
ton that many of the men are against
walking out. They also venture the
opinion that some of the other classes
are due for q reduction in wages soon.
Parsons, Kan. June 29.-More than
2 900 railway workers in Parsons are
affected by strike orders received to-
day. Union officials estimate that
more than 80 per cent of this number
will respond.