The San Francisco call., 1895-12-01
ANXIOUS TO SAVE SOULS,
President Huntington Nearly
Gave Major Robinson a
Chapel Car.
MIR. KRUTSCHNITT STEPPED IN.
The Major and His Wife Compromised
on an Annual Pass Over South.
ern Pacific Lines.
MR.. KRUTsCHNITT STEPPED IN.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO CALL,
Q0S RroadU Nov 20


president Huntington is not such a
bad man after all. 1 really believe there
is a great deal of the true Christian spirit
in him. He would am sure, share my
Joy if everybody in California should be
converted" These words were spoken to-
day by Major Frank Robinson, whose
name is associated with philanthropic in
stitutions in San Francisco, Oakland and
San Jose.
Major Robinson has long cherished the
idea that he would be able to run a
"chapel-car" up and down the State and
hold religious meetings at sidings, where
the car would be left. He wanted to run
such car as the Emanuel" now in the
yards at San Francisco. Recently the
major called on President Huntington and
told him of his ambition. The railroad
magnate expressed great interest in the
spiritual future of California and seemed
greatly impressed with the plan of Major
Robinson.
AS developments proved Mir. Hunt ing
ton was more sympathetic than practical.
He thought that q chapel-car was good
| idea, and was on the point of promising
the ma ior car bearing the arms S. z.
when the thought occurred to him to send
for the general manager.
So Huntlngton's man Krutschnitt was
sent for, and was asked about chapel cars.
Mr.. Krutschnitt is more anxious about the
perfect working of the Southern Pacific
system than he is about the salvation of
the people of California, and he did not
second his chiefs notion about chapel cars.
He said they were a nuisance, they were
| always in the way and that they were
fruitful cause of inconvenience wherever
they were side-tracked. The experience of
the general manager OF the road with the
chape! car already in commission has con-
vinced him that il is wise not to utilize
any more old cars for religious purposes.
So Major Robinson's car proposition fell
through. Mr.. Huntington said he felt per-
sonally inclined to grant the favor to the
major, but he made it rule never to oppose
a practical opinion froi;i an employe in
whom he had confidence.
"But he did the next best thing" said
the major. He thought that if my wife
and l were at liberty to travel all over the
State we could carry on our work
with as much effectiveness as if we had q
special car. He expressed a willingness
to give US an annual pass if | brought him
an Endorsement OF my project by some
people who were better known to him.
This l did, and the next day Mr.. Hunting
ton gave me an annual pass for myself and
wife. We intend to use it to the glory of
God"
No sooner was it known that Major Rob-
inson had been thus favored by Mr.. Hun
tington than several ministers of the
gospel thought that they should receive a
like courtesy at the hands OF the railroad
company.
A president of presbytery made an ap-
pilcation for a pass, but was surprised
when he was told that he was in receipt of
good salary and was backed by wealthy
church, who could well afford to pay for
their pastors railroad travelling.
Mr.. Huntington's friend Robinson is in
receipt of nothing but stray collection.
and during the hard times of the last few
years the collection business has not been
very remunerative.
eve intend to open a State tour, thanks
to President Huntington" said Major
Robinson to-day. "in a few days, and will
go wherever the Southern Pacific lines are
laid. We are due in Petaluma on New
Years Day and from there our itineracy
carries US to Fresno, and we may go farther.
| expect that many lambs will be gathered
into the fold through the kindness of Presi-
dent Huntington"