Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-10-09
MIR. GARRErT'S NARROW ESCAPE.
How Sxvitehman Twice Saved the
Presidents Life.
Baltimore American.

Baltimore American.
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 and Washington he had bust,
ness in Washington, and his private
car was attached TO the train leayin'
Baltimore IN the morning. Accom-
panying him were MessrS. William
Prescott Smith, master of transporta
ton; ]. L. Wilson, master of road, and
Henry Tyson, master Of machinery.
The engineer had orders to wait at the
Relay station fifteen minutes for the
Washington train bound to Baltimore,
as It had the right of way. The en-
glneer, either not comprehending or
d;sregardlng his orders, dashed GA
and as the Washington train was on
the single track at that moment. a
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 seed up that
track, and the Washington train sped
on uninjured. The train with Mr..
| Garrett had now to back down the
main stem, in order to get upon the
Washington branch, and while doing
so, TO the dismay of all, the shriM
whistle of the fast mail for the west
announced It's approach. There was
no time TO stop IT, and IN minute or
two it would dash into and telescope
both trains. The switchman signaled
the Washington traia to stop. and
with all 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.. Gar
rett's car, and pulled up at the viaduct
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
GOODNESS he displayed, by which SO
many lives were probably saved. That
switchman IS still at the Relay and
his name is Thomas j. English. He
is a justice of the peace.
Perhaps the gravest crisis of Mr..
CARROTS 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 a
short time after the unfortunate kill
ing of several people by members of
a militia regiment, there was wild
mob abroad in the streets of the CITY.
There were violent threats against
several of the wealthiest and most
prominent citizens, and, as president
of the great corporation, Mr.. Garrett,
/ during one or two days of the time Of
perturbation, was an especial object
of the antipathy Of the mob, which,
it should, however, be noted, was led
by and almost altogether composed of
reckless beings 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 not attacked. With the restora-
ton of order all signs Of djsaffection
disappeared, and if there was any ILL
feeling on the part of the employees is
was never thereafter manifested, ard
has been entirely dissipated. The re-
lations between the president and the
thousands of employees have for years
been most cordial; and there has been
developed, by the many recent in
stances Of his kindness and benef-
cence, a genuine feeling of respect,
admiration, and almost affection, par
ticularly among the great body of
men connected with the eompany's
service in this city and state