The morning call., 1890-06-17
NO LONGER AGENTS.
The Pacific Mail Changes Its Rep.
resenta tives.
Williams, Dimond & Co, Retired and william
B. A. Johnson, Formerly Purchasing
Agent, Appointed,

Williams. Dimond & GO. ars no longer the
agents in this port of the Pacific Mail steam
ship Company.
Yesterday the firm received 81 oficial
communication from President EsH}s0a
stating that their services were not required
any longer as agents aud that William K.
A. johnson. formerly purchasing agent OF
the company at this port, lad been ap-
pointed agent
The news, when it spread abroad caused
considerable excitement in shipping circles
and en- change.
A. Chesebrough Of the firm of Williams.
DimOnd & Co. was seen last evening by
CALL reporter at his residence. 242S Jack
son street. In answer to queries he said:
NO LONGER THE AGENTS.
"Yes, our firm is no longer the agents
for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company.
We received letter this morning from j.
B. Houston, President of the company,
stating that he did Rot think it necessary TO
have mercantile firm here as agent for the
company, that he thought an employe of
the company could act in that capacity, and
that he had appointed William r. A. John
son as acting General Agent in place Of
Williams, Dimond IL Co.
THEIR SUCCESSOR.
"Mr. johnson was formerly purchasing
agent for the company. He is an intimate
friend of President Houston, who ap-
pointed him purchasing agent here when
he was President ten years ago That was
before Gould became President of the COM
pany. Houston was elected President IN
May last, and he sent for Mr.. johnson to
go East. Mr.. Johnson returned on Satur-
day, and brought with him the official
letter notifying US of our deposition, which
he handed to US this morning. Before
noon the papers and everything appertain-
ing to the agency were turned over to him;
lie took. charge of the desk and l retired.
OTHER CHANGES.
do not know that any changes are
contemplated in the personnel Of the en-
plOyes. | am informed that George A. Rice,
the traffic manager, Will retain his posi-
tion, aud as lar as | know all the other en-
ployes will. AS far as my information goes
the change was made solely on the ground
of economy as the letter spoke of states
that an employe could attend to the busi-
ness affairs of the company here as well as
q mercantile firm could. Mr. johnson has
acted as purchasing agent of the company
here for many years, and is tirst-class man
and fully competent to fill the position.
FOR FIFTEEN YEARS.
l Williams, Dimond q Co., which was
formerly known as Williams, Blanchard &
Co., has acted as agents for the Pacific
Mail Company for the past fifteen years.
The firms name was changed 10 Williams,
Dimond Il Co. in 1880.
&c. p. Huntington / know is a Director
of the company, but | do not know that he
has anything to do with the change. As
far as | am Informed 1t was simply made on
the ground Of economy l may say that 1t
is President H0ust0n's intention to visit
the Coast next month"
Since the death Of Mr.. Williams Mr.
Chesebrough has been constant in his at
tendance at the Mail Dock. He has been
most assiduous in his attention to his du-
ties and has endeared himself to the hun
dreds of employees there, who will miss his
kindly face and engaging manners. Ever
obliging, ever amable, ever kind, though
stern when occasion called for it, lie was
liked by all.
THE NEW AGENT.
William r. A. johnson, who has been
appointed to the responsible position of
agent here for the Pacific Mail Steamship
Company, is well-known man on Change.
where he is seen daily. He was appointed
purchasing agent here ten years ago and
has ever since filed the position. He
arrived from New York on Saturday last.
He is far from well and was in bed at his
residence, 25l0 Fillmore street, when seen
last evening by CALL reporter. He said:
received orders few weeks ago to go
to New York, and when l got there re-
ceived an official notification from Presi-
dent Houston of the Pacific Mail appoint
ing me agent of the company at this port in
place Of Williams, DimOnd & Co. 1 was
not present at the meeting of the board
when my appointment was made, so that |
can tell you nothing that occurred there.
ECONOMY.
II can say though that there was no fault
whatever found with Williams, Dmond IL
Co. as managers. They stand as high in
New York as they do here and that is
saying good deal. The change was simply
made on the ground OF economy as the
Directors thought that an employe could
direct the business of the company here as
we'll as mercantile firm could.
Il Shall make my headquarters at the
dock, occupying Mr.. Chesebrough's old
office. AS far as l know there will be no
will 20 on just as it has done. There may
be some shifting around but that will be
all. Mr.. Rice will still continue as traffic
manager"
A POLITICAL SIDE.
Many persons in discussing the matter on
Change yesterday afternoon recalled Mr..
Huntington's repeated declarations that the
Southern Pacific and the Pacific Mail were
no longer in politics. The fact that Mr..
Dimond is Superintendent Of the Mint, to
which position he was appointed by Mr..
Stanford's influence, was also recalled. The
Mint has large political patronage, hence
tie politicians reasoned that President
huntington was simply carrying out his in
tentiOn of removing the railroad from poll
ties and politics from the railroad.
A SAVING.
Whether the change made has been solely
on the ground of economy is an open ques-
ton, but there is no doubt that by it the
Mail company will make considerable
saving. During the past fifteen years Will
Jams, Dimond " Co. have acted as general
agents for the company here, receiving and
shipping all freight ON its numerous steam
ers, selling passenger-tickets, attending to
the Custom-house business, etc., charging q
certain percentage ON all transactions. BY
appointing an employe at a regular salary
the company will no doubt effect saving.