The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-01-25
perfector Of the standard Time System
Now In Use.

The adoption of practical system oil
standard time had long been considered N
contamination devoutly 10 be wished, but
exceedingly difficult 10 accomplish. Numer-
o ons schemes had been proposed from tune 10
time by various men OF science at the ma
tional councils of the railway authorities,
but none of them were so well defined as TO
admit no doubt of their successful operation.
The first TO give the matter much attention
wa. Prof G. +. Dowd, of Syracuse, who pro-
posed a system Of time standards with hour
differences In ISi9, but tn" scheme wa, not
worked out in detail 10 the satisfaction OF
railroad managers, ami ia" matter was ar-
corIinpIy abandoned. The system recently
adopted. and the first practical one ever de-
yfsed, was, we are constrained 10 say, after
the most diligent investigation, perfected
and carried through by Mr.. William v, Al
len, editor OF the 0Bictd RGitody Gutdc, and
Secretary of the National Railway Time
Convention. The task of the biographer in
giving "honor TO whom honor Is due" be-
comes especially difficult when the matter Is
in dispute. In this instance there Is no
doubt as TO whom practical results are di-
rectly attributable, and as 10 what percent
age of the honor Is due 10 Others who have
given much careful thought and study TO the
subject, let the reader determine.
Mr. Allen was born In Bordentown, New
Jersey, and is now 81 years of age. His ia
ther, Col. Joseph w. Allen served with dis
tinction in the civil war, and was civil
engineer Of recognized ability. William was
sent 10 the Protestant Episcopal Academy In
Philadelphia, and his studies were chosen
with view 10 his entering upon course mt
West Point. As a school boy he was a warm
friend Of Mr.. Glider, the present editor of
The Century, aud when thirteen years Of age
lac started little campaign paper, In which
that gentleman was equal partner. The party
refused 10 be governed by their dictation,
however, and the boys finally abandoned the
scheme with grave forebodings as TO the fate
of the nation. Not long after the father,
Col. Allen, died in the army, leaving the
family entirely dependent upon the boys.
William became roAman on the Camden
and Amboy railroad, and after year was
promoted 10 the position of assistant engin-
Ger, with charge of the party surveying the
railroads of Pemberton, Htghstown, Camden
tOuultss Iit was aioN sN'7t"
tant engineer In the survey aud construction
of the old Long Branch and Sea Shore Rail-
road, and soon afterwards, in 1868, he became
resident engineer of the West Jersey road.
This position he resigned in 1872 TO assume
the chair of Assistant editor of the Official
Ra,lray Guide. The following year he be-
came its editor. In 1875 he was elected Per.
manent Secretary of the Railway Time Con-
vention, in which the principal trunk lines
of the country are represented through
their General Managers or Superintendents.
We present herewith an excellent likeness
of Mr.. Allen. He Is rather tall and slim,
with dark hair and side whiskers, and were
It not for the brsiness-like way in which he
delivers himself, one might mistake him for
an Episcopalian divine. He has received
messages OF congratulation from nearly all
the prominent railroad authorities In this
country, who unite in ascribing to lin all
honor and gratitude for the result accom-
plished.