New-York tribune., 1884-02-17
RAILWAY INTERESTS.
AFFAIRS OF THE ROCK ISLAND COMPANY

WHAT DAVID Dt'- s SAYS ABOUT MR. RIDDLE
PRESIDENCY AND MR.. CABIE's ELECTION.
II has been lntimated recently by William ii.
Vanderbilt the largest stockhoder OF the Rock Island
Railway that Hugh Riddle had been forced to resign tho
presidency OF the company by sone OF the directors
Harvey Kennedy tie stockbroker who has begun Siht
to compel the company 10 show him It's books or rnish
him list of the Stockholders stated absolutely Friday
mat Mr. Riddle bad been driven from the office. Mr.
Kennedy Is generally believed to he acting in Mr. Van
derblts interest in the suit which he has
brought, and Nr. Vanderbilt has admitted that
he approved the action, although he had had no
previous knowledge of 1t. In the interview printed In
THE TRIBUNE, yesterday President Cablo said that he
did not to talk about the OF his election
Mr. Riddles successor but that directors icud
ing Mr.. Riddle himself would undoubtedly speak freely
on the subject.
David Dows. who has been director Of the Rock
Island Railway since 1857. was asked by TRIBUNE re-
porter yesterday if he would say anything about Mr.
Riddles retirement from the presidency and Mr. Cables
election Mr.. BOWS replied readily;
Mr. Riddle became president Of the Rock Island Conn
pany when John f. Tracy resigned several year He
accepted the position with great Reluctance because his
experience ol thirty years had made him familiar
with his duties chief operating officer, and he was u
Wiling accompanie! by great respou-
sibc5. The directors succeed hnally overcoming his
reluctance and he acccpted the position. IT'S dmoistra
board was anxious retain his services fer yeas 10 come
When the stockholders assembled in Chicago year ago
last June fOr the aIuua, election OF officers the directors
informed OF MF Riddles determination 10 decline
reelection Tho directors witt OneyOice protested against
this action. He urged his long service impaired 6eah
ard desire for rest the reason for the step
Mr. Cable was then one OF the yiceresidcnts and the
general man yer assured Mr Riddle that he would
relieve him of all duties OF det0i and ho would consent
vacation in rh year. wOnd during his absence per
form IN the West all OF bis executive duties. MI Rnde
accn elected Tire following winter he spent in Cal
iforna and recuprated when he returned that we
AL hoped he would again accept When the directors and
stockholders went to Chicago last June, he announced
his resolution not to accep, q reelection Il hoped
until after the board assembled 20 elect officers that he
coud be induced TO Withdraw IT, When the board was
ready elect president ho cold them that his resolution
to retire from the active duties Of the presidency was ire
yocabIe that he had earned the night TO rect aud de-
termneG TO do It, He also advised tho board TO make
Mr.. Cable his successor, spoke of his experience
in the operation OF railroads, his familiarity
with the property OF the company, acquired
while he general manager assistant to the president
and vice president o. hs ability, energy and integrity.
ny Cable had been member OF the board Tor several
years and was thcu oUo of It, yice-presdens We all
of The board approved ing Mr. Riddle said in his
favor without dissenting voice we elected him Mr..
Some then uggested that M Riddle should emdin
. member Of the Executive Committee and become rs
Mr. Gable who said that he desired continuance of the
policy which had been 50 Satisfactory 20 tho stOck
holders and that he would need Nj Riddles counsel and
advice. He consented to accept the place and the boari
know tha: he has only aided NJ. Gable in the
suggested bu that Mr. Cables policy has received his
approval. This Is all there Is OF r."
" bIr RIDDLE had the confidence co., the Rock Island
stockholders. had he mott"
He has, and ioyed e confidence that
better deserved. He competent, honest aud
fearless uc operated the railroad Tor the s.Ockhldcrs
aud not 1r Wall Street, and always st0uty mlina aimed
its Independence. lie represented 0ut all or
the stOcEhOdcr and never for moment maintained Mr.
NandcrD Us demand for personal representa- ol Tie
bOa took its present position IN regard to this question
a ytai ago. under the leadership of 1lr. Riddle"
IL Il understood that the two persons whom Mr.. Van
derbilt wished be elected the last general meeting
OF the company his representatives in the Directory
and it, Executive Committee, were Albert Keep, presi-
dent and Marvin Hughtt, vice president aud general
manager the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Com
paIy. friend OF the Rock Island Company remarked
yesterday "Wny, Mr. Vanderbilt mcht well have
asked 10 max the road branch OF the Northwestern"