Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-21
IN HOTEL CORRIDORS,

lone would scarcely think, to look at
Senator Baker, that he had ever been the
target of a would-be murderer, murderer
in fact" said a Kansas gentleman at the
Cochran few nights ago.
The senator will tell you that his good
nature saved him from an untimely end.
The story is an Interesting one, any way.
"A dozen years ago an unprincipled
young fellow named Thurston was tried in
Leavensworth on a charge of murder.
Baker, then a member of the Leavens-
worth bar. defended Thurston, and, after
an exciting trial, secured mis- acquttal
Two years afterward Illusion quarreled
with man named Anthony, editor of a
Leavensworth newspaper because of the
pophcauon by the latter of an article
"hich cast some reflections upon him.
Ihey met on the main street and Thurs
ton' without any warning, whipped out n
gun and began firing. ANTHONY escapeJ
INJURY, but one of the bullets went clean
through Senator Baker, who was about n
roo ana half away talking with a friend
BAKER had been listening to a funny
story. The point was reached simultane
ousiy with Thurston's firing. In a burst of
laughter Baker drew his body backward
Inc bullet struck the fieshy part of his
lett arm and passed on through the left
lung. For several weeks he lowered be-
tween life and death. Today he is appar
emily as well preserved as any man in the
las to Thurston he was convicted of
shooting with intent to kill, and was given
long term in the state prison. I think he
Is there now" ~
John Newell, who died several wars
ago. was the hardest-worked railroad pres
ident In the United States" said a we'll.
known railroad man at the Arlington.
Newell knew more about the actual on
Grafton of the Lake Shore railroad than
any other president has ever thought of
knowing about his road. 1t wasn't nee
essary FOR him to work so hard He was a
mlliionalre. But he worked as If his living
were dependent upon his daily exertions.
He was seventy years old when he died
literally In the harness. He was constantly
riding over his lines, and acquainting him
seH with every detail of their vast bust
heks. Ihere are few men of fifty years
VINO could stand the grind as did he.
1t was said of Newell that he knew per-
scrally every employee of the Lake shore
railroad, even down to the section men. and
could call them by name. He would sit i'm
the observation end of his private car while
on his jaunts, and when he came to a
stretch of track that he thought wasn't
given the proper care. he would pull the
rope leading to the engine the train would
stop, and he would get Off and direct the
section men what to do. The stop would
be for only minute, but long enough for
him to explain what he wanted
Newell might have lived dozen more
years but for that great mental strain He
died just as his friends predicted he would.
victim of apoplexy. Gen. Caldwell who
succeeded him, was mis- equal as a railroad
man, but he refused to follow in NeweIl's
footsteps.
IAN interesting story is told regarding
Gen. CaldwelIs acceptance of the presi-
dency Of the Lake Shore. Caldwell began
life with the Pennsylvania, which has been
the tutor Of many railroad men who have
achieved distinction. At the time of New
ellis death Caldwell was serving as presi-
dent of the Nickel Plate, also one OF the
Vanderbilt system.
Caldwell was apprised of the fact that
the Vanderbfits had singled him out as
NewelPs successor. He was sent for to
come to New York. While the board was
in session Caldwell remained in his room
at the Murray Hill Hotel. With all the
formality that characterizes the conduct
of diplomatic affairs a messenger called to
inform him that he was wanted before the
board. Upon his arrival at the general
Offices Cornelius Vanderbilt formally an
nounced that he had been elected president
of the Lake Shore road. Mr.. Vanderbilt
and members of the board pressed around
him and extended congratulations Gen.
Caldwell drew back, and, in his cold, mill
tary way, said:
Mr.. President and members of the
board: I thank you for this attestation of
your appreciation of my worth. assure