Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-05-30

SV'hI l'S 0e!lcfal superintendent OF the
Union Pacific Railroad. running from
Omaha to Ogden, where it connects with
the Central Pacific Railroad. This Central
Pacific road was owned by four or five
mi'iicnaires who built it. one of whom was
its General Superintendent. However
good a business NAH he was, he knew but
little about railroading. aid utder his ear.
the road " as anything but prosperous, iin-
til the other owners and directors resolved
upon radical and sweeping change.
| But where could they find UeAeral ST.
perintendent who had the ability and would
dare to reorganizc the road and put its at
fairs upon Il better basis. They consulted
Col. Hammond aid other railroad men.
and the result was that, most unexpected
ly, our wllilom modest and Woodworking
conductor one day received a telegram ask
ing him if he would undertake the duties
Of General Superintendent of the Central
Pacific railroad ut Il salary of $4,000. He
was satisfied with and appreciated by the
{. B. & O.. who proposed to increase his
pay to s. .Wo, and az lie preferred to re-
''.'iti IiC cCC'iiittl tllc
oHer made by the California road. Then
another telegram asked at what saliit he
would become the chief Of the Central Pa
ciic. Almost hoping to discourage his
temptcrs, lie telegraphed $4,000 yeai
in gold" AT once came the answer. "Ac-
ccpted.' So, taken in his own IT,. u, he
had nothing to do but to bid adieu to the
city that had served him so we'll and turn his
face toward the land of gold. My story
would be too long if should try to tell
you the unexpected difficulties he encount-
cred from the old officers OF the road. who
had determined that they would not be sll-
perceded, aiid that the new Superintendent
should never enter upon his duties-how
theE~>lore his arrival. set the whole press
md people of California against him
how. supported by the Directors of the
road, he quietly took control, disarn.ed |
prejudice, conquered submission, and ea.n-
ed success.
This was nine years ago. He is eth
General Superintendent OF the Central Pa
cific railroad, one of the most important
in the world. With its connec-
tons in California, this quiet man, not yet
forty-eight years old. now superintends
,, ,74 miles of railroad and over fifty con-
Meeting steamers. besides debating the tar
ifs of the China, the Australian and the
Panama lines Of steamships. While other
young men. preferring present ease and
comfort to the interests OF their employers,
We're wasting money and time in billiard
halls, theaters and drinking saloons. Albion
\. Towne was at ,Uork. building up char
ucter as well as reputation, and now fills
)ne of the most important positions in
and instead of $3.50 year. as
brakeman on freight train. he now draws
he comfortable salary Of $4,000 year in
gold.
Lucky man. SAYS one. ''Luck" had
)ut little to do with it. Modest worth DID
t. Work did it. Faithtulness IN the per-
fornaance Of present duties, ho,cerer humbie,
lid it. This untiring .taithtulness in the
duties not only attracted the no.
ice and won the appreciation Of his sll-
oeriors. but fitted him for the higher posi-
ions, which, without his seeking, he was
called to fill.
l have long desired 10 tell this story of
young mans faithfulness and consequent
success, for considered it a lesson that
Boys and young men of the present day
AN study to advantage.-Atfed l.. Sew-
III, IN Home Arts, Chicago.