Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-02-16
TEE BLUE ENVELOPE.
HOW Its Use Was Originated by Conn
mCdOre Vanderbilt.

From tie Albany Journal
THE blue envelope has been the emblem OF
misery on the New York Central since 1868, "
said conductor on that line whose service has
extended over period Of twenty-five years. A
train on which Journal reporter was going
west the other day was in his charge. The story
he told OF the origin OF the envelope beguiled
the tedum of the Journey
1T was twenty-five and thirty years ago" he
said refectively. when to be conductor was
to have berth which, was sure to land YOU safe
ly into competency. OF course 1 don't mean
to say that the opportunities for what is called
knocking down made the difference. although
there were dishonest men among us then now.
but the times for ten years. preceding the war
were husher than they have been since. People
were not so careful about the change. About
malt the travellers used to pay their fare on the
trains, as 1t was not the rule then to have gate
keepers and door-tenders. That, like the duplex
coupon. Is modern innovation Of railroad traf-
nc. The old timers have told me that many's the
day that they have had over pay to the extent
of IS and $40. Passengers were in the habit
OF handing the conductor bill for their
fare and asking no change. 1t was the
custom, and all conductors recognized it..
without robbing the company plcayune
perqusites. And nothing was thought of ac-
ceptlng them. The conductors III the early days
were higher-toned lot of men than they are
to-day SO there was no disgrace in accepting
these little extras The through trains to New
York and back again were the best to have. l
knew conductor who used to run out Of
Albany south, before the Hudson river was con-
solldated, who got rich in seven years. He lives
az Poughkeepste now in elegant style, although
an ola man over eighty years. don't believe
ne ever stole cent. They tell me that along
about 1850 the road was overrun. however. with
Fellows who used to divide with the company.
From Albany to Buffalo their families are to-day
living on the fat of the land. A good story is
told OF one of this crowd, now a resident of
Rochester. He had been on the road about five
years, when one day he received dispatch say
Ing MS presence was urgently desired in New
York. Proceeding there he found that COmmo-
gore vanderbilt sought the Interview. The old
1eiiOW was as cross as blaZes that morning.
so you are Conductor So and So ? he said
as he sized up his man.
Yes Commodore was the reply.
"How long have you been running on my
road?
".Five years.
Humph! And you carry better watch
than DO, the Commodore said. spying pom
derous chain on the vest Of his employee.
LIT isn't, is 1t 2 said the conductor. coolly re-
moving 1t and exhibiting time-piece that, he
SAID, had cost him round $500.
"'They tell me you have farm just outside
OF Rochester ? said the Commodore. quizzingly.
- SO they say lisa pretty fine piece of prop
erty, as you may guess. for paid SIC, 600 for it
without building on 1t year ago.
Keep any horses7'
Nobody In Rochester can give me their dust
when I'm up behind my pair, was the proud
rejonder.
Five years on the railroad meditated the
railroad king. and how much of this show did
you have five years agoY
Nary bit. Why borrowed money to get
from Rochester to Syracuse to ask Supt. Chit
tenden for a job
Don't you call that stealing?'
"No. sir, said our friend, knowing by this
time that his days were numbered and getting
independent In consequence and what is more,
you don't. 1t will cost you as much again to
tell me that it Is
The next day he got blue envelope From
kthat day to this the color has never varied. The
company had several lawsuits. | believe for
having discharged conductors under suspicion
The blue envelope was hit upon by Vanderbilt
to avoid trouble. A line inside states that fur
ther services are not required. When the con-
duct0rs first began to get them they used to de-
mand an explanation. Never was one gratitied
The blue envelope has its meaning was the
only reply. They have been rather scarce for
the past three years. see that several have
been distributed lately. No one can tell whose
turn will come next :"