The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-01-11
ruE NEW NORTHERN PACIFIC pr,I.

\ The resignation OF Henry Willard As Pres
dent OF the Northern Pacific, was anticipA.
ted: the assignment Of his property and the
statement that he Is SO physically Frustrated
as 10 require absolute rest, was not. His
resignation resulted from the Imperative
demand Of Northern Pacific stockholders.
His physical prostration Is doubtless the re.
suit of the intense mental strain he has been
subjected to in the past four months. He
completed his road, but found It handicapped
with debt he could not discharge nor defer
adjustment Of. His stocks were being ham,
mcred down and investigation their values
aud relations deman ded, and even the pres.
.ige Of achievement and the reputation of
ability aud millions would not silence or
satisfy the incessant clawing Of the bears.
His road went into disrepute; his friends
fell ruined about him !; his own fortunes
dwinded; his relations with the several
Companies became more vexatiously com
plicated, and still the remorseless pounding
Of stocks continued until health and wealth,
and high position, went down with crash.
Perhaps physical and financial matters are
not as bad as stated. His wife has at least q
half million in Government bonds, and bis
health will improve In short time. What
his financial condition is cannot be deter
mined until the affairs of the several Com
panies of which he has been President are
examined. We have always believed the
relations of the Transcontinental and the
Northern Pacific Companies we're the same
as the Credit Mobilier held to the Union
Pacific, except that the Credit Mobiler had
money, while the Transcontinental had
nothing except what it borrowed. The de-
velopments which will soon be made are
likely TO prove interesting.
The press dispatch stating that new Off
GERS have been elected, is misleading. They
are only appointed temporarily, and the
board of directors appear to be still looking
about for president. While Mr.. Cakes, by
virtue of his old position, performs the duties
and may yet be elected, it seems that Sena-
tors Sherman and Window, August Belmont,
Mr.. Cassatt, and ex-President Billings, have
each been approached, and are indisposed at
present TO shoulder the responsibilities of
the position. Probably the condition and
relation of the Willard companies are now
being examined, and that pending the result
none of those mentioned wish to connect
with what may prove most
The situation is the best thing that could
have happened the Northern Pacific Com
pany. 1t was built at greater expense than
was justified even by the desire to save the
land grant, and has been operated very
badly, and with an obnoxious, injurious
policy. 1t is better all the adversities should
be met al one time, and new start taken. |
We believe Mr. Cakes Is a very competent |
man TO handle the company, but the direc-
Tors appear to be looking around for some
outside man whose reputation will bring |
fresh prestige tn the company We hope the |
result of their deliberations and negoti ations |
will be good, and the new organization one
that will have in view the establishment and |
Of wise and liberal policy TO.
ward the communities on its line, as well a, .
The protection Of its stockholders. So ia .
ia. has not been done. 1t is good Time .
o tDmmence. /