The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-02-15

course in the shops was applied to the
work of practical locomotive construc-
ton, and SO was laid the foundation Of
the system which has since produced
those celebrated locomotives known as
the Pennsylvania Railroad Standard
Engine" On July LIST, 1874, he relln-
pushed this post to become general
manager of the Pennsylvania railroad
system east of Pittsburg and Erie,
AS general manager he introduced a
number of reforms in the management
administration and maintenance of the
road. The standard track and solid
roadbed owe their existence to his eff
forts, and the system of track inspec-
ton and the award of prizes for the
best sections of track were Instituted
by him. The adoption of a superior
standard of equipment, the building OF
picturesque stations and the ornamen-
tation of their grounds, the use of the
block-signal system and other safety
appliances, were all distinctive features
of his management He was also in
strumental in developing that high
grade Of discipline for which the Penn
sylvania railroad is noted.
Sll OCLuDSl lSt, 1907 NIL IliOillSOll
became Second Vice President, and on
October 9th, 1888, was advanced to the
post of First Vice-President, which he
held up to the present date. During his
Iincumbency of the presidential Of
fees Mr.. Thomson was charged with
the traffic arrangements of the system,
both in the freight and passenger
branch, and as administrative officer OF
the road and direct representative of
the President was in a position to car
ry out to their fullest fruition the pro-
gressive reforms which he instituted as
general manager. His direct supervi-
sion of the traffic arrangements exist
ing between the Pennsylvania railroad
and its connections kept him in close
touch with all the railway interests of
| the country, and so makes him to-day
one of the best Informed, most expert
enced and ablest of American railroad
managers. These qualifications are I'M
| iversally acknowledged by all his con-
temporaries of the railroad world.
! Mr.. Thomsons duties as the mana
ger of a great railway require so much
of his time that he has never been iden-
tilted with many other public institu-
lions. A notable exception, however, is
the Equitable Life Insurance Company
of which he is a director.
The social side of Mr.. Thomsons life
is quite as comprehensive as its bust
ness counterpart. He is a patron oil
art, literature and music, and his hand.
some residence at "Corkerhill," near
Merton station, is enriched with many
examples of artists in painting and
sculpture, whose works are as valuable
| as they are rare. At this mansion, with
the assistance of his daughter, Miss
Anne Thomson, he dispenses a quiet
but notable hospitality, to which his
wide acquaintance, both in this country
and abroad, has contributed the pres
ence of many men and women eminent
in the higher walks of life. His famous
cabin" located in his grounds, unique
ly decorated with the spoils of the
chase, is often the scene Of quiet enter
tainment, while his finely appointed
house is given over to the more elabo'
rate social functions.
The secret of Mr.. Thomson's excel
lent health under the heavy strain Of
his duties is found in his love of out-of.
door sport. He is an ardent angler, {
hunter of much merit, and generally Sc.
lects for his holiday the season wher
he may indulge his taste for the fasci
nation of the rod or gun. Mr. Thorn
son is a member of the Philadelphia
club, the Union club of New York, anG
other prominent clubs in both cities.
Mr.. Thomson is a widower, his wife
the daughter of the late Benjamin G
Clarke, of New York, having died il
June, 1887. Miss Anne Thomson, the
only daughter, prominent figure il
Philadelphia society, and Frank G. ant
Clarke Thomson, both students at Har
ward, compose the family.