The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-01-24
INTENSE INDIGNATION
The Deep Feeling Over the Re-
moval of Mr.. Winder.
THE sEABOARD'S BLUNDER
From Every Point Along the Line
Comes the Most Vigorous Protest
Against the Action of the Directors
Some Phrases that Blaze.


We have never known greater indig-
nation in Raleigh over any act than
was occasioned yesterday when the
people read in the News and Observer
that Mr.. John I'll. Winder had been dis
placed as General Manager of the Sea-
hoard Air Line. 1t is a mistake that
amounts to q grave blunder, one that
deprives the road of the services of an
experienced and able railroad official,
and brings severe and harsh criticism
upon the management at time When
the owners of the road can i'll afford
either.
One wear ago there was much feeling
in Raleigh over the dismissal of a num-
Der of tried and true officials. But the
North Carolina employees and the peo-
pie of Raleigh felt that in Mr.. John H.
Winder the State and city and the en-
ployees had a friend who would man
age the road in such way as to con-
tinue it's prosperity, and to continually
increase the business of the road
The displacement of Mr.. Winder is
taken as conclusive evidence that North
Carolinians, who built the road and
who are its chief supporters, are not
wanted in it's management IN any posi-
ton of trust or responsibility. One by
one their heads have fallen into the
basket, until now the head of the Gen
eral Manager is demanded. and the
directors yield to the demand.
The retirement will not injure Mr..
Winder in the least. or affect his high
standing as an efficient and able rail-
road official. His ability is such that
his services will be sought after by
managers of other great enterprises,
but it cannot but destroy in large meas
ure the friendly feeling that has al
ways existed between the manage
ment of the Seaboard Air Line and its
patrons. The people of North Carolina
feel that the road is pursuing course
that reflects upon their sons, and de-
mands their positions for those who
can bring no business to the road, and
men who have no interest in the State,
or in any section through which the
road runs.
Raleigh has always been the Sea-
boards best patron, and has felt that
it had some claim upon its owners. The
displacement of Mr. Winder has chilled
the city's good feeling toward the Sea-
board system.
A. special from Norfolk to the Balti-
more Sun says: "a circular order was
issued to-day by Vice-President Z. st.
John removing Capt. John III. Winder,
General Manager of the Seaboard Air
Line Railroad
The Norfolk Nirginian says:
The Nirginian learns that there
was a meeting of the directors Of the
railway lines comprising the Seahoard
Air Line system, at the office Of the
Company, in Baltimore. last evening,
was directed TO issue an order appoint
ing Mr.. E. ST. John general manager
of the entire system, in addition to
his other duties as yiee-Prdsident. In
compliance with this order Mr.. ST.
John assumed the general manager
ship last evening. General Winder be-
ing retired from the position. KS to
further connection with the railroad
by General Winder, nothing could be
learned at this end of the line, except
that at the meeting in Baltimore a
new position, that of General Superin-
tendent, was created, which will un-
doubtedly soon be filled.
when an important official Of the
road was questioned as to whether
this position would be rendered Cen
eral Winder he declined 10 say. lie
also declined to answer the query if
he knew who would be appointed TO
the position.
THE announcement of the retire
ment of General Winder as General
Manager of the Seaboard Air Line,
was generally surprise, although in
railway circles it was expected. 1t is
asserted that other important changes
in the officials of the system viii fol-
low. yice-President St John left last
evening for the North presumably to
confer with President Hoffman, in
Baltimore He viii be absent for sew
eral days.
THE following special was received
from Atlanta last night:
Public sentiment here was favor
able TO the Winder faction in the Sea-
board fight Atlanta resented the
removal of the General Managers
office. IT is reported that move is
on foot to capture the control OF the
SYSTEM in fhe interest of the Winders
and fuckers. 1T is reported that Super
intendent McBee viii be the new Cen
eral Superintendent. lie was a gener-
al superintendent of the Central, Of
the Georgia system, when it was leased
by the Georgia Pacific
Inc way the news OF the eBdlt9H
was distributed along the line VAS
thus: About five O'Clock Wednesday
evening the sice-president's sign"
flashed over the wire from Portsmouth
and Immediately after the call for ''all
operators Then came the official
telegram that on and after that date
the duties Of general manager would
be assumed by the yice-president; and
then the signature, IF. st. John
The news OF Mr.. Winder's removal
spread rapidly, and yesterday morn
ing things were at fever heat along
the line. Everyone expressed regret,
but there was something more than
regret: there was genuine Indignation.
The people couldn't understand why
the m6st popular man on the entire
system was removed.
All the citizens along the route dis
cussed H. At Henderson, at Weldon,
at Raleigh, at Sanford. at Monroe and
clear on 70 atlanta the murmurings
were Heard MANY people called III an