New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-08-13
THOMPSON AND SCOTT.
The Kings of the Pennsylvnnia censrs

the railway Turveydrop. Silence ant
thinking are his specialities, and he is neve
known to appear in the ..ring" of change o.
politics. Like Scott, he is an attendan
upon the Episcopalian church..
i. 1t is related of Thompson that, during
Pierce's administration, he called at thu
office Of the postmaster general to sugges
comprehensive plan of carrying the mall
through the South, and he was at that time
Georgia railroad man. His card contained
the name "Mr. j. E. Thompson" The serv
ant insthe ante room reported that the post
master general was too busy to see thu
gentleman with the unknown name. TIT
same thing happened every day for nearly
a week, and finally the postmaster genera
began to be haunted by the spectre OF
very respectable person in his ante room
wearing white neck-tie, and never utter
ing word. This respectable effigy seemed
to be perfectly contented with his treatment
and merely hung on. At last the function
airy said: -, 80,
what is the matter with him.
The respectable man in white necktit
entered, and remained three hours II
council with the Postmaster General The
latter came bowling him out, in the end
and said
"Watkins, why didn't you show thai
y
great man when you see hint"
'Why,v said Watkins, THAT was only
the Mr.. Thompson who left his card every
day for a week"
Thompson is still the same cautious, pa
tent, undemonstrative being. He was
elected president OF the road about sixteen
years ago, being taken up as respectable
compromise by the enemies OF w. Z. TAT
terson, his predecessor. After an exciting
canvass, he was elected by a close vote, and
in his term the railway had grown from
small affair with single track to be the
most ambitious, perhaps the most powerful
railway corporation on the globe.
Many people allege that Thompson, out
dazzled by his terrible lieutenant, Scott,
never interferes with SCOTS plans, but Is
content to be served by one greater than
himself. This, if true, would be real great
ness. Others say that Thompson is the
statesman of the Office, and Scott his execu-
tive. Thompson seldom attends to any
piece of detail, and when-he accords an in
terview to anybody, merely listens. A bril-
liant lighting up of the eye is his sole token
of response to any sentiment or suggestion.
A story is told in Philadelphia that an Eng
lishman, who wished to see Mr.. Thompson
on important railway business, was advised
by wag not TO be loquacious, but TO let
Thompson do all the talking. Said this wag:
There Is nothing so republsive to Thomp-
son as a man who says much. He wants to
occupy the whole field himself, and he is
the most brilliant cOnversatioualist in the
United States"
The Englishman, therefore. presented his
letter of introduction to Mr.. Thompson,
and said no further word. Mr.. Thompson
read it and merely bowed. After three
minutes of perfect silence, the Englishman
remarked that it was fine day.. Mr..
Thompson assented that it was desirable
day. The Englishman sat serenely few
minutes, and again remarked it was to be
hoped tomorrow would be as agreeable as
the day which preceded it. Mr.. Thompson
fervently joined in this supplication. For
five minutes more they regarded each other
with courteous counUnances, but otherwise
held peace.
what did you think of Thompson -
asked the wag, as his friend descended.
appears to be an idiot"
what, Mr.. Thompson, was your notion
of our English friend ?"
II should judge he was trappist."
SCOTT AT WORK.
Quite differently does Mr. Scott dispOrt
himself. Go into his room at Third and
Vikings alley at twelve o'clock and you
will see him handing letters to half dozen
secretaries, breaking their seals while he
eats his lunch, and answering every letter
the minute he reads it.
"No p-to the first secretary, pointing
with his forefnger.
Eyes w-to the second chewing piece Of
cheese.)
Your offer is accepted p'-to third.
81 do not entertain your proposition ~
to a fourth.
And instantly, confidently, making up his
mind and dispatching work, this man, now
past the middle age, tiourishes the baton of
the great railway.
Scott is speculator as well as shipper
He is rich, but not extravagantly so, with,
perhaps, two millions. There are several
men of nearly exact wealth in the railway,
but the richest are among the directors and
great stockholders. There is Master Nor
ris, for example, a grave old Quaker manu-
facturer, wearing the traditional garb, and
with face cut out of silver, keen and Sc
we're; in such still, acute men of capital you
see the basis of this railroad,
The Pennsylvania railway managers are
not men of commanding genius or person
atty. The mediocrty of the common
wealth embraces them, and the allegation
that Thomas Scott is the ablest man in
Pennsylvania might be true, and yet no
great compliment. They work together and
regard the road as greater than themselves,
They are cheerful men, amazed at their own
success, conscious of it, and earnest to grasp
all the clues to future supremacy forit. The
is ADLER than the State, and
probably despises the State in its politics
and low grade of public spirit. All the
work of the Pennsylvania road is well done;
its track is in the best condition, and it has
fewer accidents than any great line in this
country.