Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-04-27
THE WAY TO SUCCESS.

Oy Alfred l.. SeWetl, IN ChlcagO paper,
which gives an account of the railway
career of Mr.. A. n. Towne, General Su-
perintendent of the Central Pacific Rail
road, u gentleman we'll known throughout
this coast. Mr.. Sewel writes
In the earlier years of my experience
as printer in Chicago, more than 20
years ago, our firm did good deal of
printing for the Chicago, Burlington Il
Quincy railroad, and, because of this, |
came to know a young man who is the
subject OF my story. He came from
Massachusetts, he was poor, and had no
influential triend to even give him letter
of recommendation. lie sought employ
ment ON tho Chicago, Burlington "
Quincy railroad, and, after waiting time
at last secured position as brakeman on
freight train-salary about $50 II month.
He was faithful in this position, and, be-
ing both intelligent and industrious, he
was soon made conductor of the train,
with wages nearly doubled. He attracted
the attention OF his superior officers, who
saw in him nm honest, faithful and con
scientious conductor, one not seeking his
own ease or pleasure, out constantly de-
voted to the interests of tho company that
employed him, so not many months
elapsed before ho was mado conductor of
II passenger tratn-a more comfortable
position, and one yielding somewhat
larger salary. Hero | first knew him,
and saw in him II modest, quiet, unas-
suming young man, free from the popular
vices, and ono who tried to be Just ms
faithful and true and devoted to his work
Hs n conductor, as though the position
had been that of General Superintendent.
One OF the sternest and most cxactins,
and yet ono of the noblest, ablcst, and
most conscientious men who over filled a
similar position was then General super
intondent Of tho road. This man, Col.
! g. G.. Hammond, watched every om-
/ ployee OF tho road with an eagles eye. --
He measured every man, knew the abili-
]
/ know which were the lazy shirks. Our
young conductor did not escape the keen
eye. When no least thought of it his
chief was measuring and sounding him,
and finding out what kind OF metal he
/ was mnde Of but none ever knew
whether he was approved or not, for the
chiefs look was always stern and cold as
ice.
One Saturday morning train No. 4
moved slowly out OF Chicago under the
care OF my friend, who, only intent on
doing his werl, as well rs he knew how,
seemed to have no higher ambition than
to DO good conductor salary, $500 u
year. About noon, when he stopped at a
station, he found Il telegram from the
head office ordering him to "oave the
train in the care Of -. and take the GYst
train for Chicago"
This was an unusual thing. Wonder
ing what could bo the matter conscious
that he had tried to do exGctly right, aud
yet remembering how exacting was the
General uporintenlent, he leared that
uniutentionally he had fallen under his
displeasure. With fearful heart he
presented himself at tho Office Of the Su-
porntendent.
Good morning, Mr. Hammond |
have received your telegram aud come to
sec Whnt it means"
Good morning." growled the chief,
81 SEQ you have, sir | hive concluded
to take your train away from YOU"
The conductors heart sunk lower than
ever. What before was only fearful
/ foreboding was now painful truth. lie
/ had served tho company to the best Of his
ability. lie had kept the affairs Of his
train IN complete order, his reports had
been carefully and correctly made and
I yet after all, he lost his position. lie
dared not hope to reverse the decision
Of the alI-powerful official, yet in as calm
a voice rs be could command, he politely
asked the reason for his summary dis
missal
Col. Hammond waited awhile before
he answered. Then tho muscles of his
face relaxed little, and ho said 81
want an assistant superintendent in my
office, and | have called you to take the
place"
True worth is always modest, and our
thunderstruck conductor could only
stammer, "But | am not competent, sir,
to I'LL the POSITION
"You can do what tell you you can
obey orders, can't you ? That's all you
have to do, sir. You will begin work
this morning That i. your desk"
The new duties we're not a. difficult as
be expected. At first he had only to
obey orders, and carry out the details Of
work laid out by the chief; and to these
dutie. he brought the same faithfulness
aud thoroughness that had made him
noticeable as a conductor. His elevation
did not spoil him or make him vain. lie
was as plain and modest and hard work
ing as hefore-the salary at first was
81 800.
After few years service under Col.
Hammond, and an advance Of salary to
b., 500, the plain young man was invited
to take the Office Of general superintend-
ent Of younger road at salary of
81 900. Dislrusting his own ability, but
determined to 90 his best, he accept
ed the call and succeeded, until the G. b.
& O., realizing how much they had lost
in parting with him, invited him 10 re-
sumo his old position, and secured his
services by the tempting offer of $4,000 a
year.
In the meantime, Col. Hammond had
L l--.-.-- L. L - - 1 - IL :.