Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1878-08-09
"A Reminiscence Of Commodore Wander.
v,21A
Boston Traveller.

/
There were very few things that the
late Commodore Vanderbilt had set his
mind upon obtaining that he did not OBJ
tain 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 several railroad trunk
lines were cited before the New York
| Assembly at Albany, to testify in re-
gard to certain freight ring operations,
the general freight agents Of the respec-
tive 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 boy in
the employ OF Erie, and thoroughly con-
versant with the intricacies of railroad
freighting. The witnesses were called
upon in their order of coming, but from
neither could the committee obtain an
Ineligible answer or explanation, till
the young assistant from the Erie took
the stand, In a clear and concise man.
ner he stated his propositions, answered
the questions of the committee, stood
the cross-fire of counsel, and so far un-
ravelled the snarl that the committee,
accepting his statement, dismissed the
case.
On his return to the Delavan House
the young man received note from
Commodore Vanderbilt, requesting an
interview. The young man responded
On entering COMMODORE room the fol-
lowing scene occurred:
Commodore Vanderbilt-"S down,
young man. How long have you been
in the employ of the Erie?"
Young man-"Four years. Sir"
CommodOre-"What do they nav
you?"
Answer-"Five thousand dollars a
year"
Commodore-'I will give you ten
thousand dollars year, and give you
contract for ten years"
The young man declined, said he had
been with the Erie so many years that
it was home to him, and he did not care
to leave.
On his return to New York he related
the interview to the President of the
Erie, who replied by saying, eve will
give you ten thousand dollars, but can
not make time contract" A few days
afterward he received second note
from Vanderbilt; he called and told him
what the Erie had done. II will give
you twelve thousand dollars a year."
said the Commodore. The young man
still declined, but reported the inter-
view to the President of the Erie, who
replied, I'VE will give you twelve thou
sand dollars" A week later another
letter came from Vanderbilt, which the
young man answered in person. He
told the Commodore what had happened.
Il will give you fifteen thousand dollars"
said the Commodore This was declin-
ed, and, in turn, the interview was re-
ported at the Erie headquarters, and
Erie advanced to fifteen thousand dol
lars. The Commodore sent for him a
fourth time, heard his statement, then
struck his cane on the floor and yelled
out, Young man, I'll give you twenty
thousand dollars year, for ten years,
and sign contract for the same"
Make out your papers," was the cool
reply. And that young man is, to-day,
next to VIM. H. Vanderbilt, the virtual
manager of the New York Central and
Hudson River Railroad His position
is general frei' t agent, and his name is
Rutter.