Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-05-16
ST PAUL & ST. LOUIS SIZE AaBoAr 90.
A Sketch of This Great River Orgsn'Ea-
n-Commodore Davids0n's Trials and
TriumDha

A Sketch of This Great River Orgsn'sa-
tiOn-Commodoro Davidson's Trials and
Triamphs
The vast steamboat interests sever and
anon" controlled and Influenced by the indie
fatigable Commodore Davidson, whose name
and fame stand as a bulwark among the
mighty waters of the Mississippi, will never
fail to reflect credit upon his sturdy and hon.
Orable efforts and unceasing activity which
unitedly accomplished their purpose. The
many changing scenes and vicissitudes which
mark the life and regulate the existence of
steamboating particularly OF the Mississippi
would fill volumes to recount, and prove OF
thrilling interest could their startling eharac-
ter be brought to light. From the hatboat
and Insignificant little tug of half century
ago to the magnificent palatial packets of to-
day is transition almost incomprehensible in
its strange revolutionary ideas and peculiar
features. From boyhood the commodore has
"lived, moved, and had his being' upon the
inland seas, and as he. looks back upon his
past life-so rich in incident and glowing in
achievements-he cannot but pause and reflect
upon the great magnitude and boundless
scope of the remarkable changes wrought
during this period.
When the steamboat war was raging in all
its fury, and a ruiuOus competition prevailed,
the commodore was in the heat of the battles
and his antagonism worried the very life and
swamped the forces OF many of his strongest
foes, and to-day he commands the solid St.
Louis & st. Paul Packet company, probably
the most influential and largest line of packets
in existence. This company is the direct out
growth of the Keokuk Northern line, which
enjoyed varied career from 1879 to Novem.
Der, 1880, when it ended its existence forever,
and amid passing pageant peacefully laid
away. Within few months, April, 1881, the
commodore organized and established on a
thorough financial basis, what is and will
continue to be known as "the st. Louis & St.
Paul Packet company" with headquarters at
st. Louis, and the principal way Office at
st. Paul. After the rough edges incident to
the organization of great steamb boat line,
were rounded off and the projecting corners
judiciously pruned, the management of the
company has been attended with uninterrupted
prosperity and most gratifying results. Noless
than nine. massive, elegant and unsurpassed
boats in every particular. now float their flags
bearing the magic words, EST. Louis and 81.
Paul Packet Company" to the breeze. Their
the largest packet in the world-Alex. Mitch.
ell, Minneapolis, Belle of La Crosse, and last
but not least, the Grand Pacific, are Familiarity
and popularity known throughout the length
and breadth of the Mississippi valley and its
beautiful surroundings.
Each and every packet named has recently
undergone thorough renovation; complete
refitting, and tasteful interior decorations add
to the embellishments, making them in every
way prepared, one and all, to accommo date,
care for, and protect the many thousands who
heated term, OF their beautiful advantages and
exquisite comforts. The unexpected rush
and general invasion of tourists, pleasure
seekers, excursionists and the travelling pub
lie generally, which fairly took pos
session of the "Gem City" last
summer, put the company on its
mettIe, and caused them to effect the general
and additional attractions,
which all the steamers now possess. here
has never been since the organization of the
present company such unparalleled prosperity
and brilliant prospects for highly successful
season. The immediate outlook is especially
and, fortified by the opinions
of old river men, those who know whereof
they speak, who predict rich harvest for
summer passenger and freight bust
ness, the company feel highly
that their efforts and unsiinted
means will be amply recognized and appreci-
ated.
The officers of the company, with Commo-
dore Davidson as president, have their general
headquarters at 508 North Commercial street,
st. Louis, Mo. Mr.. F. L. Johnson, the secre-
tary, is q thorough steamboat mar. and excel
lently adapted for the arduous duties attend.
ant upon hs.high Office. He is genial and
accomplished gentleman, beloved by all,
officers snd subordinates. Capt. A. NJ.
Hutchinson, though resident of Keokuk,
with the office of superintendent stationed at
that point, spends good portion of his time
in St. Louis. He is widely and popularity
known, is thorough business man, financier
and whole-souled, generous fellow.
Mr. r. A. Snowdon, ichef clerk at St. Louis,
the high position he occupies. He is enter
prising, courteous, and always found at his
post, which is filled most creditably and
satisfactorily.
Capt. j. F. Baker is an old standby and
understands the difficulties of the office of
general freight agent most thoroughly. His
ideas are invaribly to the workings of the
company, and his services are admirably rem
dered and highly appreciated.
The st. Paul Office, the most important in
extent and value of business OF any along the
route outside OF st. Louis, is under the able,
and efficient management of Capt. J. II. Rea-
ney, whose very life has been ardenty de-
voted and most successfully SO, to the mani
fold interests of steamboating along the Mis-
sissippi and its tributaries. Capt. Reaney is
extensively known over the whole upper Mis-.
issippi country, and his friendship Is accord
ingly most highly valued both in social and
business life. Mr.. Louis N. Scott, Capt. Rea-
ney's valuable assistant, not only most faith
fully and conscientiously performs his vari.
GUS duties, but is most highly respected for
his many excellent manly qualities. His
fidelity, modesty and suavity of manners
stamp him as thorough gentleman and
companion.
Mr.. Scott inherits his taste for steamboat
life, and its strange Vaccinations, and is
thoroughly posted upon all matters pertaining
to the Packet company, and river boats in
general.
Mr. Josiah Scott, assistant clerk, is brother
of the gentleman just mentioned, and he,
likewise, is competent, efficient, and well
liked by all.
The Packet company'S Illustrated Guide for
Summer Tourists will be issued by June 1, and
will contain all requisite matter for the
pleasure seeker.
MANKATO.