The Hickman courier., 1878-06-21
A RemIniscence of Com. yonderbiIt.

A "Reminiscences of Com. Vanderbilt.
There were very few things that the
late Commodore Vanderbilt had set his
mind upon obtaining that he did not
obtain at some price. But it was equally
characteristic of him that he properly
estimated the value of what he wanted.
and what in the minds of MANY might
be regarded as reckless, was nothing but
the result of shrewd calculations on his
part.
The following is one Of the best Illus
trations When the several railroad
trunk lines were cited before the New
York Assembly to testify at Albany in
regard to certain freight ring operations,
the general freight agents OF the respect
i've roads were deputed to appear as
expert witnesses. The general freight
agent OF the Erie road being absent, his
assistant was sent in his stead he was a
young man, brought up from a boy in
the employ OF Erie, and thoroughly con-
versant with tbs inUricacies OF railroad
trelghtiug. The witnesses were called
upon in the order of their coming. but
/ from neither could the committee CbLsin
an Ineligible answer or explanation oil
the young assistant from the Erie took
the stand. In q clear and concise
manner he stated his propositions, sn-
swered the questions of the committee,
( stood the cross-fir OF counsel. and zo
/ tar unraveled the sUa1l that the com
mittee, accepting his statement, dismissed
/ the case.
On bis return to the Delaware House
/ the young man received a note from
/ Com. VanderbiltreQuestin an interview
The young man responded. On enter.
/ inc the COmmOdOrs's room the following
/ scene occurred
Com. Vanderbjlt-"Sit down, young
man. How long have You been ia the
employ OF the Erie?'
Young man-'Four years, sir
/ Commodore-" What 90 they pay
you
Apswer-"Fiye thousand dollars
year"
/ CommodOre-"Y Young mgu, vii
/ give you $4,000 81 year and give you
/ contract Tor ten years
The young man declined, said he hag
been with the Erie s0 many years it wa
home to him, and he did not care +,
leave.
On his return 10 New York he r-lates
the interview 10 tie president of thD
Erie. who replied by saying, We vii
give vau so. GOO. but cannot make s. timI
contract" A few days afterward Bio
received a second note from Vanderbilt
ne called and told him what the Erie haS
done .' viii give you $4,000 a year.
said the commodore. The young maj
still declined. but reported the interview
to the president Of the Erie, who replied
" We VIII give you $4,000" a weel
later another letter came from Wander
bilt which the young man answered il
person. he told the commodore wha
had transpired d" viii give vgu 80,
600" said the commodore. This wa
declined, and, in turn, the interview
was reported 81 the Erie headquarters
and Erie advanced 70 $l5, 900. TIN
commodore sent for him fourth time
heard his statement, then striking hi
+ cane on the floor yelled out " IOun
man, III give you $50, 600 q year lor Je
years, and SIGN 81 contract for the anne.
s. Make out your papers" was .he cog
reply, and chat young man i=s ocay
next TO VIM. H. Vanderbilt, the virtua
manager Of the New York Central AM
Hudson River railroad. His position
general freight agent. and his name
Butter.- Boston Traveller