New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-11-28
JOHN " ABBOTT TO LEA We ERIE
He ACCEPTS A NEW POSITION.

MADE COMMISSIONER OF THE SOUTHWESTERN
PASSENGER ASSOCIATION.
John n. Abbott, waD aas been connected with the
Erie railway for uarter Of century, has given notice
OF his acceptance of the Commssionership OF the
Southwestern Passenger Association, which is com
posed OF the following roads Chirago, Burlington and
Quincy; Chicago and Alton; Chicago. Rock lssnd
and Pacific; Illinois Central; Missouri Pacific;
Wabash; St. Louis and Pacific Hannibal and St.
Joseph, and Kansas City; St. Joseph and Council
Bluffs.
The announcement will cause surprise to Mr. Abb
bolts many friends in railroad and comm ercial CEN
tres owing to his identification with the Erie Company
through it's various administrations for long period
and the success that has attended his career as
General Passenger and Ticket Agent There are
probably few railroad men in the country who have
larger circle OF acquaintance than Mr.. Abbott and
abroad he is also tayorably known.
10 many reforms in the PASSENGER business OF inc
country his hand has been felt and particularly may
this be said of the emigrant business OF this post.
Many an emgrant has TO thank him Tor the sale
guards that have been adopted for his protection on
his arrival and the way his destination IN the Tar
West This was so fully appreciated by the various
ocean steamship companies running TO New-forK tnat
previous 10 the formation of the existing passenger
pools the Erie Company got the bulk OF the emigrant
business Tor transportation via it's lines and connec-
tons.
As illustrative of the Erie Company's success in
through passenger business under Mr. Abbotts admin
straton is stated that during the last five years The
Erie Company has carried more through passengers
of all classes from New-York TO Chicago, Cincinnati
ST. Louis and the territory beyond than either me
New-York Central Pennsylvania railroads. As to
local business Mr.. Abbott has for number OF years
advocated it, development but IL not until WITHIN
two years that any strong efforts were put forth IN
this direction by his superiors in the company. AS
he the desired encouragement be set TO
work. and the result Is shown in the increased travel
the increased train service, the number OF new
residents along the line the numter OF dwellings IN
course OF erection and in contemplation, ana me
greatly increased earnings OF the company IRON this
source.
Several prominent railroad officials when asked
about Mr.. Abbotts fitness for his new position, spoke
warmly in his favor. lie has been prominently ldeht-
fed with the trunk line pool from Its inception, cover
ing period OF SIX years. and has been useful member
the conservative legislation of that body and OF he
Joint Executive committee, which comprise the lines
to Chicago. This in connection with his thorough
knowledge OF the railway interests ana nscesses Vi
the country generally, thoroughly hts him Tor his new
office .
Mr. Abbott has served as an inspector of the public
schools for the last twelve years, feeling deep In
erest in the protection and development of the school
system III is president OF the General Passenger and
Ticket Agents Association OF the United States.
Mr.. Abbott expects to 20 West this week, making
his headquarters in Chicago. Northwestern and
Western Association in process OF organization
and it is understood that Mr.. Abbott will be Commits
sioner OF both when the agreements are cOmpletei
Mr. Abbott said yesterday Ii is WIFI regret tnau
leave my associations here, which have been OF KIND
TO live long and pleasantly In my memory, but the
position that has been rendered me offers wider
field and scope tor work The tendency OF the rail-
roads of the country is rapidly toward co-opera-
tion, and / think the public are beginning TO
realize the unprotsbeness and disaster OF rate wars
Feeling assured of the sincerity and earnestness
OF the gentlemen who have offered me this position, Am
constrained follow the counsel OF my best advisers anu
accept IL. ieel that IL Is work worthy or any man
devotion and / shall strive TO execute II credltaDy,
though my long experience and pleasant relations
With the Erie leave my present place with much reluct
ance." =.
In railroad circles but opinion was EXPRESSED as 10
the merit conn ssiOner OF the Southwestern
Passenger Association and the enyiable record he
had ma e with Erie. Commissioner FINK, OF ina
trunk line pool said Nh Abbott Is well-quahed Ior
place, had extensive experiences In pass
en- cor matrers and possesses abilities OF nign oroSr
=. ~, ,[,,a rfs will dnd it dinicnt 10 make up.
wr Abbott has great service to the EIe IN building
nm ira through traffic and to large degree It's magnitude
has been due to hts personal popularity and untlring
per.onal efforts The pool MANAGERS could nave mhde
no stronger selection probably for the Office OF comus-
siOner." $500 -
Jar Gould said in regard 70 Mr. Abbott's selection;
He unanimous choice or all the railroads De-
longing association. regard him as Icing az the
head line OF business ana am only surprised tat
the Erie Railroad should consent 10 lose his services II
th head OF that company, should be very re-
uciant lose who had proved himself to ne OF go
great advantage. Mr. Abbott has BULL up the pass
enger traffic the Erie in most remarkable manner
He popular everywhere and Is we'll known 0y the
Western roads by which he has been engaged look
for best results from his cleo ion as commissioner o
the Southw esrern pool.