Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1864-11-22

the 9th inst, W. L. st. John, Esq, for ten
ysass past, Gsnsral Freight and Ticket
Ageat of ths Chicago Rock Island Rail-
road, was appointed it, General Superin-
tendent, in pla,e Of John +. Tracy, Esq,
who has % long and ably filled that posi-
-tion, and who has been recently elected to
the vice Presidency Of the road.
We heartily congratulate our old friend
st. John, upon the emoluments, responsible
tiles and extended influence Of his new and
important position, . creditable . bis in
dustry, energy, fidelity, perseverance and
large experience. We have known him
ever since "wee bit" Of boy he lived in
New England, boarded It old Squire Moody's
the rural, oracular justice Of our native
town-and went to the same academy where
our juvenile ideas were taught to shoot
His first introduction in railroad life was in
Superintendent Hunts Office, in Bridgeport.
Connecticut, (l1ousatonic Railroad) where
he remained several years, removing thence
to Chicago, where he has been engaged ever
since in various capacities in the employ Of
the Chicago 4 Rock Island Railroad Compa-
ny. His advance in lifs has been wholly due
to his own individual exertions. He is in
debted to no outside influence Of family or
friends, but by indefatigable, untiring ef-
fort, quickness Of apprehension, sound judg-
ment and faithful discharge Of every duty in
every situation he has flied in life, he has
reached goal by no means unworthy the
aspirations and strenuous excrtions Of many
men much older than himself. We believe
he is the youngest General Superintendent
in the West. In efficiency and ability, how
ever, he will, VIC are confident, outrank
many Of his brethren who are his seniors in
years. The road TO whose supervisory
management he has been called, is one Of
the most important in the West, and in con-
nection with its continuous Iowa branch -
the Mississippi and Missouri, reaching to
Omaha, when completed, and thence form
ing with the Pacific Railway to be built, a
grand trunk route to the Pacific coast-will
eventually be ono Of the longest. Its repa-
tation, ever since the first rail was laid, has
always been first-class Its management,
financial and otherwise, being in every re-
spcct creditable to its officers, gratifying to
its stockholders, and satisfactory to the pub
lie. Its present condition, including smooth
ness Of track, splendid locomotives, and a
full equipment ofpassengcr and freight cars,
is all that could be desired. Both travel
lcrs and shippers find nothing Of which to
complain. The most trivial accident is q
very rare exceptional occurrence !; its trains
are always on time, and run with the uni
form certainty and exactness Of clock-work.
Its stock, within few years past, has rap
idly appreciated, and now possesses stand
ard and seldom fuctuating market value. !
To such results, Mr. st. John, as right hand
man to Mr.. Tracy, has largely contributed.
That the road will continue to give good
account Of itself in general popularity, su-
perior transportation facilities and heavy
receipts, we do not hesitate to believe.
Again we congratulate Mr.. St. John upon
his debut in new role Of railroad expe-
rieuce. 1t is pleasure to chronicle the
success ola personal friend, while doing
justice at the same time to that marked bu-
siness talent and energy which has so sig
nally won the confidence and respect Of our
community, and his more recent prefermeht
at the hands ofa company which appreciates
his worth, and has SO long enjoyed the ben
eft Of his valuable seryices.-R. X. Ga
zstte.