Mr. A.C. Johnson of Upola Not Satisfied with Santa Fe Service

[W. Gray]

No. 666.—Filed October 13, 1907.

DISCRIMINATION.

A. C. Johnson vs. A. T. & S. F. Rly. Co.

A. C. Johnson, of Upola, Kan., complains that the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company discriminates against him and in favor of his business competitors in the matter of furnishing cars. To this complaint the respondent company answered as follows:

"Returning enclosures received with your letter of October 18, regarding complaint of Mr. A. C. Johnson, of Upola, on account of not receiving cars.

"I have had this matter carefully checked up, and I find that Mr. Johnson has been receiving his fair share of available equipment. I note he ordered 5 cars on August 1; was furnished 1 August 1, 1 August 5, 1 August 7, and 2 August 9. He ordered 3 cars August 3, 1 of which was furnished August 10, 1 August 13 and 1 August 15. Another 1, ordered on August 3, was furnished August 21, 1 August 23, and 1 August 24. Ordered 1 car August 7; was furnished August 28. Ordered 5 more August 7, which were furnished, 1 September 4, 2 September 5, 1 September 12, and 1 September 13. He ordered 5 August 8, all of which were furnished during September. We furnished him 1 car October 1, 1 October 16, 1 October 26, 1 November 11, and 1 November 14. I notice he states that, under date of November 11, he had ordered 10 cars per day for sixty days, but had not had but 1 car in thirty days. Our records do not show that he ordered 10 cars on any one day. The information above shows what cars he ordered during August and September. You will note also that he loaded in the thirty days prior to October 11 9 cars, an equal number with those loaded by Mr. J. Messner, who is the only other shipper from that station."

Copy of such answer was forwarded to complainants, with the following communication:

"Enclosed herewith find copy of answer of Mr. J. E. Hurley, general manager of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, to your complaint in re failure to furnish you cars at Upola, Kan.
"You will kindly note that Mr. Hurley states specifically the number of cars ordered by you and the dates that they were furnished. There has been prevailing throughout the state a general condition of car shortage, and in view of this condition it seems to the Board that you have been accorded very fair treatment at the hands of the respondent company.

Your case has been closed on the dockets of the Board."

[ddurbin]

Any mention anywhere of what Mr. Johnson and Mr. Messner were shipping?  Seems like there was mention at one time of quite a bit of hay being shipped from there.  The August and September timeline would fit in with that.

[W. Gray]

Have not seen any mention of hay but it seems like there was a previous discussion of the hay business in Upola on the forum a couple years ago.