The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1878-06-13
A RemInIseence 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 ef 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 intricacies of railroad
| freighting. 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 a clear and concise
manner he stated his propositions, an
/
stood the cross-fire of counsel, and so
far unraveled the snarl that the COM
mittee, accepting his statement, dismissed
| the case.
On his return TO the Delaware House
the young man received a note from
Com. Notwithstanding an interview.
The young man responded. On enter
ing the CommOdore's room the following
| scene occurred
Com. Vanderbilt-"Sit down, young
man. How long have you been in the
employ of the Erie7''
Young man-"FOur years, sir"
What do they pay
you ?''
Answer-"Five thousand dollars q
year"
ommodore-''Young man, 1 will
give you $1O,O 600 year and give you g
contract for ten years "
The young man declined, said he had
been with the Erie SO many years it was
home to him, and he did not care to
leave.
On his return to New York he related
| the interview to tie president of the
Erie, who replied by saying, " We will
give you SO, 900, but cannot make time
contract" A few days afterward he
| received second nObe from vanderbilt
he called and told him what the Erie had
done. Il will give you $l2 900 a year"
said the commodore. The young man
still declined, but reported the interview
to the president of the Erie, who replied,
g We Will give you $l2 000." A week
later another letter came from Wander
bilt, which the young man answered in
person. He told the commodore what
had transpired. 81 will give you $I5,-
1 000" said the commodore. This was
declined, and, in turn, the interview
was reported at the Erie headquarters,
and Erie advanced to $4,000. The
commodore sent for him q fourth time,
heard his statement, then striking his
cane on the floor, yelled out, Young
man, I'll give you $50, 900 year for ten
years, and sign g contract for the same.
81 Make out your papers" was the cool
reply, and shat young man is, to-day
next to VIM. II. Vanderbilt, the virtual
Manager of the New York Central and
Hudson River railroad. His position il
general freight agent, and his name i:
kutter.- Boston Traveller.