Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1897-04-30

sistant to J. Edgar Thomson, Mt that
time president OF the company. Mr..
Roberts skill as an engineer and his
superior administrative abilities
marked him for promotion to the
fourth vice-prcsidency In 1869. This
election was followed almost immedi-
ately by another which made him the
second vice-president Of the system.
Upon the accession OF Col. Thomas A.
Scott to the presidency on June 3, 1874,
Mr.. Roberts was advanced to the once
OF first vice-president. In his new CO.
pactty he had charge Of all engineering
matters relating to the construction,
extension and Improvement OF the COM
pany's lines and general supervision
Of the accounts. through the comptrul-
ler He also handled almost entirely
leased or controlled by the Pennsylya-
MIA company. Upon the death OF Col.
Scott, In May. 1880. Mr.. Roberts be-
came president Of the company.
Some idea OF the importance OF the
place held by Mr.. Roberts can be gained
from the fact that the company operat-
ed then. as II does now. nearly 10000
miles OF road, running through nine
states; hauled nearly 10000 cars Of ali
kinds. with 5000 locomotives; en-
ployed an army OF men. nearly 10O, 900
altogether. and had gross income OF
SIC. 900 900 month.
MIR. Roberts rise from the bottom OF
the ladder to the top was the result of
hard work and great natural ability.
In the days when he was a rodman his
work attracted the attention OF those
over him. and he was picked from n
large field for his FIRST promotion. AZ
ter that his advances came faster. In
each new place his work was better.
and brilliant career was mapped out
for him by those who took an interest
In him. 1t was In the work OF handling
the lines leased and controlled by Pres.
ident Scott that Mr.. Roberts distin-
guished himself and showed his iitness
to occupy the place Of president OF the
road.
Mr.. Scott was brilliant planner and
bis policy OF aggression. combined with
strategy, was what enabled the Penn
sylvania road to extend its system and
connections southwark. westward and
In the east. When he died the system
had been developed and conserva.
tive management was necessary. Mr..
Roberts was the almost unanimous
choice OF the directors.
Mr. Roberts was noted for hard Wort,
He was at his Office promptly at o
o'clock every morning and ALWAYS
handled his enormous mail himself. Nv
10 or 10: 80 o'clock he was always ready
for visitors, but only those who had
business OF importance could ever see
him. The rest Of his day was spent In
routine business. into which no one but
officers OF the road was allowed n
break.
Personally. Mr.. Roberts was a quiet
conservative man. He cared little for
society or amusements. He was a YES
tryman OF ST. Stephens Episcopal
Church in Philadelphia and of the new
church at ST. Asaph. One of his
strongest characteristics was a great
regard for the Sabbath. He would
never talk business on that day. While
recognizing the necessity Of running
trains on Sundays, their number was
limited to the necessities OF transporta
ton and the public convenience. and as
many Of the employees of the company
were let off as was possible Mr.. Rob
erts had been Ill since last August. and