St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-02
Hoic a S,citchnan Ttcice Saved the Presi
dents Life.

dents Life.
Mr.. Garrett had some very narrow escapes
during his travels by rail. On one occasion,
in 1862, when there was but single track
between the relay station aud Washington he
had business in Washington, and his private
ear was attached to the train leaving Balt-
more in the morning. Accompanying him
were Messrs. William Prescott Smith, master
of transportation; j. L. Wilson, master of
road, and Henry Tyson, master of machin-
cry. The engineer had orders to wait at the
relay fifteen minutes for the Washington
train bound to Baltimore, as it had the right
of way. The engineer, either not compre-
hending or disregarding his orders, dashed
on, and as the Washington train was on the
single track at that moment
collision seemed inevitable, as
there were no air brakes in those days. The
switchman, however, saw the danger, and
opening the switch of the main stem, the
| Baltimore train sped up that track, and the
Washington train sped on injured. The
train with Mr.. Garrett had now to back
down the main stem, in order to get upon
the Washington branch, aud while doing so,
| to the dsmay Of all, the shrill whistle of the
/ fast mail for the west announced its ap-
proach. There was no time to stop 1t, and
i III u minute OF TWO II WOulu OaSu luLO anu
telescope both trains. The switchman sig
nailed the Washington train to stop, and
with aH speed ran to the switch, in the bare
hope of being in time He gained it by a
few seconds ahead Of the coming train,
| pulled the bar, and the engine dashed up the
/ Washington branch within twenty feet Of
| Mr. GaTretts car, and pulled up Ut the
visduct bridge. After the danger
was over Mr. Garrett sent for the
switchman, and, taking him by the hand.
thanked him for the presence Of mind and
coolness be displayed, by which so many
lives were probably saved. The switcbman
is still at the Relay, and his name is Thomas
j. English. He is justice of the peace.
Perhaps the gravest crisis of Mr.. Garrett's
life rose out Of the dispute of the employees
with the company In regard to wages, which
resulted in the great strike of 1877, and
when, for short time after the unfortun ate
killing Of several people By members Of q
militia regiment, there was q wild mob
abroad in the streets Of the city. There were
violent threats against several of the wealth
lest and most prominent citizens, and as
president of the great corporation, Mr. Gar
rett, during one or two days Of the time
of perturbation, was an especial object
of the sntipathy Of the mob, which
it should, however, be noted, was led by and
almost altogether composed of RECKLESS be-
ings in no way identified with the railroad
employees One or more visits were made BY
bands of these men TO Mount Vernon place
and to Monticello, but the houses were no
attacked With the restoration Of order al
signs Of disaffeetion disappeared, and
there was any i'll feeling on the part Of tn,
employees IL was never thereafter manifested
and has been entirely dissipated- The rela
tons between the president and the thous
ands OF employees have for years been mos
cordial, and there has been developed, b
the many recent instances Of his kindnes
: and benefeience, genuine feeling Of re
( spect, admiration and almost affection, par
ticulsrly among the great body Of men con
: nected with the eompsDy's service in thi
E city and state.-Battmors ABeseGH.