Kansas City, Mo. April 12, 1886

 

Gov John A Martin

 

Dear Sir:

 

Freight-Trains are running (day times) in considerable number, but none are running at nights.  The Sheriff has a posse of about 25 men, mostly around the Cypress Yards.  There is quite a number of “laborers” at work at Cypress Yards, and a lot of “green” switch men, but skilled mechanics are very scarce.  The stations say only one man is working who can fix up an engine and he is not first class.  They say only two of the men who come out with others have gone to work.

 

I find the crowd at the headquarters about the same

 

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as at anytime since the beginning of the strike, they seem quiet but as determined as ever.  Everything seems to have settled down to a question of endurance.  There does not seem to be any desire to molest the Company’s property, and I hope that part of the strike is over, “out of order” cars are rapidly accumulating on the side tracks.  Few section men are at work, and the track is getting bad.  I shall remain here a day or two and then go to Atchison.  I will write again tomorrow.

 

The city election seems to be generally accepted in good faith.  I have had an interview with the leaders of the late republicans city convention and they want to have an understanding with all factions of the party here and settle on a united policy for the future.  I hope it can be made.

 

Respectfully, F. H. Belton

 

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No. 617  Book  F  Page 231

From  F. H. Belton

Place  Kansas City, Mo.

Date  April 12 ‘86

 

ABSTRACT.

 

Freight trains move only by day.  The strike still “on”.  It is a question of endurance.