The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1873-05-28
STORY or A DUBUQUE ELEVATOR.

grain ele fatOr near inc OCpOJ OF the
Illinois Central railway. There is a
peculiar history connected with the
structure, and one which, in these
times uf railway excitement, may not
be unintercsting. The elevator was
bought in 1860 by Dean Richmond,
who was then one of the magnates in
the control and management of the
New York Central railway. There
has net been hushel Of grain in the
elevator since 1868, nor has there
been prospects Of their being any in it
since that time. But visitor at the
premises will find at all hours of the
day workmen prepared to handle any
grain that may arrive. The boilers
arc filled with water, and in the furn-
uces underneath is kindling and fuel
ready to ignite at any moment. The
engine and all the msehinery is oiled
for instant motion. The preparations
are such as to induce tho belief that
the prepriotors bad only stopped busi-
ness for day or two and were about
TO start again. But still the years
roll on, and smoke never issues tiom
the chimney, the fires arc not lighted,
| the steam is never raised-only con-
slant, watchful readiness. There is
reason for this readiness, and for the
silence and inactivity which brood
over the place. Dean RichRoned had
son whose habits and character
were not entirely in accord with his
fathers wishes. He would not hold
pen behind his ear nor perch himself
upon stool poring over the books in
the office, nor did he exhibit any Of
the qualifications for successful bull
or bear upon the stock market.
The father lost confidence in the son,
and so strong became his dissatisiac-
ton that he eventually ostracised
him. He was allowed to labor and
shift for bis own means of support.
| He became conductor upon his fathers
railway. Mr.. Richmond told him
that the least infraction of the rules
of the company would insure his i'm
mediate removal, and especially was
lie warned against allowing any per.
son, whether friend or net, to ride
without showing ticket or pass, or
paying the necessary fare. He had
been employed in this capacity for
some time and there had been ne COM
plaiptg, when, one day, Dean Rich
mond himsolf became a passenger up
on his sons train. The conductor,
while collecting tickets and fares,
came to the old railway magnate,
when the following dialogue occurred /:
Ticket, sir!"
"Tickets2 Get out I am the Presi-
dent of this road. don't buy tickets !"
"That makes no difference. It's
against orders for me to allow anybody
to ride without he pays his fare, pres
cnts ticket, or shows pass. Come,
hurry up"
"Well, sir, you know who l am,
and that / am entitled to ride on
this road free. / could make out a
pass, but haven't any blanks. You
GO on. Its all right"
"See here, old gentleman, it makes
no difference who you are give me a
ticket, show your pass, pay your fare,
or get off this train !"
"Humph young man, you are get
ting mighty arbitrary. If you don't
go OH about your business I'll have
you discharged"
The young conductor made no re-
ply, but gave vigorous pull upon
the bellrope. AS the train checked
its speed, and the father saw that he
was about to be treated like any other
passenger, and was really liable to be
set down beside tho track midway be-
tween stations, he pulled his wallet
and paid his fare. This little episode
gave aim a new insight into his sons
character, and he forthwith commence
ed casting about for some business oc-
cupation for him. The two, while on
a Western trip came to Dubuque, and
the father purchased the elevator for
the son and gave his check for the re-
quisite amount to carry on the bust
ness. But in connection with the
purchase was another transaction, in
which Mr.. Richmond and the Dubu-
que and Sioux City railway we're the
parties. The corporation was new
and was anxious to sell its bends. In
consideration of his purchasing $780,
| 900 Of the bonds of the company at
1.02! the railway contracted to send
all through grain passing over their
line inte the elevator and to pay one
cent per bushel for the privilege. The
contract was a good one for the eleva-
tor, and by its terms was to continue
in force for fifteen years from August
%, 1860. 1t Was also advantageous
to the railway, for the seeming indorse-
ment of their road by Mr.. Richmond
in his purchase of their securities above
nar enabled them 10 sell ali their