The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-08-05
HILLERY ANSWERS WALLACE
Topeka, Kan, Aug. 4

IOpekdp hdH-, aug T.
Editor State Journal.
In Thursday evenings edition there
appeared an article under the caption.
AN Appeal to the Santa Fe Shop.
men," signed by ]. z. Wallace, of
Abilene. kan. Will you allow me
space to answer?
NV Dear Mr.. Wallace: Your letter
appearing in Thursdays State Journal
was read by myself and brother shop
men with much interest, and am
interest in the shopmen. If an injury
has been done the farmer, let me as
sure you it was not Intentional.
But surely, Mr.. Wallace, you cannot
be serious in the charges you make
against the Santa Fe shopmen in To-
peka If so, your Ignorance is pitiful,
or you are very badly informed as to
the facts in this case. Being in charge
of the daily registration of all the
striking men, of all crafts, 1 have
positive knowledge at all times of
their whereabouts, and there are none
in the vicinity of Abilene. and never
has been since the strike has been in
effect. We are fully aware of our OBJ
legations to the farmer, and did it ever
occur to you this is as much the fight
of the farmer as it is of the railroad
employe?
Let me state few facts for your
benefit: on July 1, 1921, our wages
were cut cents per hour. or about
$500, 100000, with the understanding
that a reduction in freight rates would
be granted the farmer and shipper.
Was that done? Again, the United
States labor board, by decision 222
duced our earning power by millions
of dollars, with the promise that it
would be passed on in the shape of re-
duced freight rates to the public Was
that done? Then on July 1, 1922. our
wages were cut and cents an hour,
or about $3.50, 900, 900; so you see our
earning power has been reduced in the
past year somewhere about one billion
with the promise that it would be
given to the farmer and shipper in
reduced rates.
Now, Mr.. Wallace. will you be kind
enough to tell me just what part Of
this you and your brother farmer re-
ceived in the way of reduced freight
rates? At the same time the Santa Fe
has showed earnings far in excess of
that guaranteed them under the trans
portation act. Therefore, it is very
on one end of the loaf, we on the
other. while the carrier gets all of the
middle. You make a statement in
your letter to the effect that we will
bring you to time. 1 did not know we
were striking against the farmer, and
If such is the case, I am ready to go
back at once. Or maybe you own
some stock in the Santa Fe, and If so,
you are very 1OolSn TO Work sixteen
and eighteen hours per day. But If
ybu don't. there is no doubt that the
managers will see that you are
donated a large bloc drawing a big,
juicy dividend for your efforts along
this line.
Again, you criticise us for not
taking advantage of the good picking
during the late world war. Speaking
for myself, will say did, if you mean
hard tack, monkey meat, mud, coolies
and a few other things thrown in at
s1.20 per.
1 do not believe your letter has
offended any of the shopmen. and as
for rash acts, rest at ease, most of us
have average intelligence and abiding
faith in the wisdom of God. But we
got just little tired of waiting for an
adjustment. and decided to help God
along by standing out for our rights,
as American citizens should. and de-
mand that which every man is en-
titled to, if he is willing to earn it
honestly.
That is a decent standard OF living.
Yours for a square deal.
THOMAS HILLERY.
S13 Morris avenue, Topeka.