Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-05-24
Aailu &tnnsbte 5uurnal.
Augusta. Tuesday Morning. Nay "a
Thomas A. Scott.


Pennsylvania this country has lost man
who has done eminent service in the ac-
tive and important sphere in which he
moved. It is doubtful if be leaves behind
him man that is his equal in the manage
ment of long railroad lines, and the sue
cessful solution Of great and intricate
questions Of transportation. Long ago he
was known as the Railroad King Of Amer
lea. not because of his moneyed interest
in railroads but because Of his wonderful
skill and ability in operating them to
bring about the greatest results.
He was born in Pennsylvania in 1923,
his father being Of Scotch-Irish descent,
and keeper Of small hotel in the town
Of Loudon. When a boy he worked on a
canal. then went into a country store,
and So step by step he climbed from the
bottom round OF the ladder until he stood
at the top in the business which he pur-
sued. The Pennsylvania railroad is in
debted TO him very largely for being the
great and prosperous institution which it
is. During the war he did immense SER
vice 70 the Government in the way of NOV
ing troops and handling the transportation
OF supplies with certainty and despatch
He was appointed Assistant Secretary of
War by Mr.. Lincoln. No man ever
gained his honors more deservedly
There seemed to be no limit to his capacity
to aggrandIze the power OF the railway
corporation of which he was the lie and
soul Having come up from the ranks
and learned every detail of the business
to which he gave his life, he was able,
through his extraordinary executive
powers, to handle railway problems that
would have been impossible to any other
man.
During the labor riots he furnished in
valuable assistance to the State and Ma
tional governments in quelling the riotous
demonstrations in Philadelphia. He made
his headquarters at the West Philadelphia
Depot, and there he remained day and
night engaged in suppressing the threat
ened uprising. which but for prompt treat
ment might have involved the whole
cOuntry.
The result of a railroad collision many
years ago. and his living two lifetimes
within one by reason of his ceaseless ae-
tiviiy. began impalring Colonel SCOTS
physical vigor, and after he had suffered
slight stroke of paralysis in 1879 he was
hurried of to Europe. He returned,
much restored in health, but his active
days were over. In 1880 he resigned the
Presidency OF the Pennsylvania Railroad
and devoted himself to efforts to restore
his health. but it was too late. In April
last he resigned as President Of the Texas
Pacific Company. The third and most
sersous attack OF paralysis occurred about
three weeks ago. He seemed to be re-
covering from it. but on Thursday last his
condition became worse and he died Sat
urcay evening. after life of the greatest
activity and usefulness. Among the kings
of industry there Is no brighter name than
that Of Thomas A. Scott. and hosts of
friends to whom his genial disposition
and kindness endeared him mourn the
early close of his career.
The Washington Star says: 1T will be
very hard work for ex.President Grant
and ex-senator Conkling to pump up the
tears of the Amerinan people on account
OF Mr.. Nicholas Fish. late representative
Of this country at the capital of Switzer-
land. The cold facts of this estimable
gentleman's case seem to be these For
some ten years past he has filled diplo-
matte positions abroad. respectable in
character, with fair salary and no duties.
to. speak of. Thinking that promotion
came rather slow. just as other young
men in other pursuits in life are apt to
think, he came to the conclusion that he
could do better by resigning his place
than by holding on to it. Accordingly he
resigned it. After accepting his resigns
ton. the present Secretary of State Of
fered him the mission to Denmark. having
been informed that he would probably
like to remain in the diplomatic service.
This Mr.. Fish declined. as he did not con-
slider the proffered place promotion.
Subsequently he asked if he could have
the mission to Berlin. As the administra
ton did not feel called upon to give him
that, he became plain American citizen.
on the lookout for something better. out
side the government service. That is all
there is OF this case of hardship The
country will not weep"
The Lawmakers having failed to arrest
crime in Utah. the churches are moving
on the entertainments of Satan in that
quarter. The Presbyterians have in the
Territory forty-four missionaries. The
Congregationalists are spending $4,000
in building school-houscs. aud the Metho-
tiistS have twenty active workers upon the