The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-03-01
THE BLUE ENVELOPE.
Albany Journal.

The blue envelope has been the en- blem of misery on the New York Central since IS6S," said conductor on that line whose service has extended over period of twenty-five years. A train on which a Journal reporter was going west the other day was in his charge. The story he told of the origin of the envelope be- gsiled the tedium of the journey.
 I, was twenty-five or thirty years ago." he said, refectively, "when to be a conductor was to have a berth.which was sure to land you safely into com potency. Of course, 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 as now. But the times for ten years preceding tke war were fiusher than they have been since- Peo- pie were not so careful about the change. About halt the travellers used to pay their fare on the trains, as it was not the rule then 10 have gatekeepers and door tenders. That, like the duplex coupon, IS modern innovation ofraiiroad traffic. The old-timers have told me that many's the day that they have had over-pay to the extent of !, and SIo. Passengers were Tn the habit of handing the con- ductor bill for their fare and asking no change. It was the custom, and all con ductors recognized it. Without robbing the company picayune he could make nice wages of of these ptrluisites. And nothing was thought of accepting them. There was no disgrace in accepting these little extras. The through trains to New York and back again were the best to have. knew conductor who used to run out of Albany south, before the Had- son River was consolidated, who got rich in seven years. He lives at Poughkeep- sic now in elegant style, although an old man over So years. don't believe he ever stole a cent. They tell me that along about 1860 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 resident of Rochester. He had been on the road about five years, when one day he re- ceived dispatch saying that his pres enee was urgently desired in New York. Proceeding there he found that Commo- dore Vanderbilt sought the interview. The old fellow 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
 ". Hu1ph. And you carry a better watch than do,' the commodore said, spying ponderous chain on the vest oi his employee.
 ". It isn't, is i, 7 said the conductor, eoolly removing i, and exhibiting time piece that he said had cost him d round $500.
 "' They ,ell me you have farm jus, outside of Rochester :! said the Comm O. dorc, quzzingly.
 So they say. It is q pretty fine piece of property. as you may guess, foi 1 paid Sioooo for t wiihou, building on Il year ago
 ". Keep any horses:
 =. Nobody in Rochester can give me their dust, when I'm up behind my pair. was the proud reJoinder.
 Five years on the railroad, medi- tated the railroad king, and how much of this show did you have dve years ago."
 "' Nary bit. Why, borrowed money to ge, from Rochester to Syracuse to ask Superintendent Chi,tenden for job
 ". Don't you call that stealing
 "No. sir said our friend, knowing by this time that his days were numAered and getting independent in consequence, and. what is more, you don't IL will cost you as much again 10 tell me that it is.'
 The next day he got blue envelope. From tha, day to this the color has never varied. The company had several law suits. l believe, for having discharged conductors under suspicion. The blue envelope was hit upon by Vanderbilt to avoid trouble. A line inside states that further services are not required. When the conductors first began to get them they used to demand an explanation. Never was one gratihed. The blue en- velope' has its meaning was the only re. ply. 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" 
 c.