The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-06-13
1 Reminlscence Of Com. Vanderbilt.

THERE were very few things that the
late Com. 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 il
lustrations: When the several railroad
trunk lines were cited before the New
York Assembly to testify at Albany in
regard to certain freight ring opera
tions, the General Freight Agents of
the respective roads were deputed to
appear as expert witnesses. The Cen
eral 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 convcrsant
with the intricacies of railroad freight
ing. The witnesses were called upon
in the order of their coming, but from
neither could the committee obtain an
Ineligible answer or explanation till
The young assistant from the Erie took
the stand. In q clear and concise
manner nc stated his propositions, an
swcrcd the questions of the committee,
stood the crOss-firc of counsel, and so
far unraveled the snarl that the COM
mittec, accepting his statement, dis
missed the case.
On his return to the Dclavan House
the young man received note from
Com. Vanderbilt requesting an inter-
view. The young man responded. On
entering the COmmodore's room the
following scene occurred:
Com. Vanderbilt" Sit down, young
man. How long have you been in the
employ of the Eric?''
Young man" Four years, SIR"
Commodore What do they pay
you?'
Answer" Five thousand dollars a
year."
Commodore" Young man, will
give you $40, 600 year, and give you a
contract for ten years"
The young man declined, said he
had been with the Erie SO many years
it was home to him, aud 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, 1--WE will
give you $4,000, but cannot make time
contract A few days aftcrward he
received n second note from Wander
bilt; he called and told him what the
Erie had done. IL will give you
$4,000 a year." said the Commodore.
The young man still declined, but report
ed the interview to the President of the
Erie, who replied, 1--WE will give you
1890 A week later another letter
came from Vanderbilt, which the young
man answered in person. He told the
Commodore what had TRANSFERRED. 'Iwill
give you $15, OOO," said the Commodore
This was declined, and, in turn, the in
terview was reported at the Erie head.
quarters, and Erie advanced to $15, 600
The Commodore sent for him fourth
time, heard his statement, then striking
his cane on the floor, yelled out, "Youne
man, I'll give you $4,000 a year fol
ten years, and sign a contract for the
same" .Make out your papers" was
the cool reply, and that young man is
to-day, next to VIM. H. Vanderbilt, thu
virtual manager of the New York Cen
trail and Hudson River Railroad. Hi
position is General Freight Agent, ant
his name is Rutter.-B0st0,s Iracclter