The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-02-20
the tremendous property that is now
worth 81, 900 100000.


Frank Thomson steps into the presi-
dents Office of this great concern, him
self a common product with the prop
erty of the common policy that pro-
duced them both. His first important
position after the close of the war was
the superintendency of the eastern di-
vision of the Philadelphia and Erie
road. Next he became superintendent
of the shops at Altoona, where he be-
gan to build the founda tons of his
railroad career. Then he was made
general manager of the lines east of
Pittsburg and Erie. While here he en-
larged the merit system of the road,
and the Pennsylvania rapidly grew
into the superb organ of distribution
| it is today. SO perfectly organized
was the system that Mr.. Thomson
could WELD its tremendous mass with
as much ease as one of the engineers
could handle the lever of his locomo-
| tive. The directors saw it all, and
| Thomson's wonderful success at this
stage of his career led to his elevation
in 1882, to the second vice-presidency
of the road. He was thus the master
of the freight and passenger traffic of
the railroad. For six years he man.
| aged those interests so we'll that his
employers determined to reward him
by making his first vice-president,
which they did in 1883.
During the six years he handled the
traffic interests of the road he realized
more than ever the prime necessity
already indicated-the necessity of Civ
l.
| acceptable. Profit in any enterprise is
I always in proportion to popularity
! Good quality with due regard to cheap.
ness was his motto. He insisted or
every patron having his rights. The
smallest shippers complaint would stil
the great system as profoundly as
that of a manufacturing magnate. The
employees We're told to be polite nC
caller, however humble, was insultet
in the offices of the Pennsylvania
which can be said of very few rail
roads in this country. And today tn,
spirit of good will that prevails among
its men in all it's departments is de
light to the citizen who is accustomed
to the uncivil ways and words of man!
railway employees. AS the master is
so is the man. In his every day life
private and public, Frank Thomson i
perfect gentleman.
Mr.. Thomson is not the ideal rail
| way magnate. That is to say, he /
| not hollow-eyed, distracted AM
wrapped uD in stocks and bonds. H
: is rather the open, free, sunny man
? such as one would expect to find out
doors. He is fond of outdoor life, un
= derstands the art of angling, is fon
5 of pictures, knows what a book ough
to be, and has spontaneous respons
2 for music that is unappreciated b.
4 most people. In his personal name
l he is suave, gentle and sympathetic
l In politics he is sound and is intereste
2 in it because he is a citizen. Durln
the last campaign he arrayed himseI
g on the safe, conservative, national sid
S and stood for sound money and tn
S honor of the nation as valiantly an
b ably as he worked for the integrity c
n the country during the war.
The advance of Mr.. Thomson to Il,
: presidency of the Pennsylvania ha
I reacted with benefit to many of til
y subordinate officers of the road. Joh
p. Green has become first vice-pres
Il dent, Charles E. Pugh second vice
president and S. NJ. Provost third vice
. president, Several minor officers hay
J, been moved uD and two new office
= created-freight traffic manager an
first assistant to the president.