The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-07
An OaicinI Forecast.

a rev months ago on excellent authority
the journal stated that the Vanderbilt peo-
pie were considering the creation of a new
oihce-that of passenger traffic manager,
and that the position would be given to
George II. Daniels, general passenger agent
of the road. and that such will be the out
come of the late deal is now apparent The
Commercial America, a paper which devotes
considerable space to railway matters, in
one of its last weeks issues said i'm fore
casting the official effect of the Vanderbilt
line consolidation: Some time ago it was
reported that George II. Daniels was to be
promoted to passenger traffic manager of
the New York Central-a position which
would be unique in the history of the Van
derbilt system. That report I think was
premature but had it been more closely fol-
lowed up it would have been found to be
the first intimation of the plan that has
been so much talked about during the past
few days. l believe it was negatived by
some one, but do not remember of having
seen anything in the way OF very emphat-
ic contradiction. Now then, assuming that
the New York Central is to absorb the Lake
Shore and later the West Shore is to take
in the Michigan Central Though it would
not surprise me If it was the Nickel-plate
instead of the Michigan CentraD what is to
become of the men who are to-day the gem
eral passenger agents of the roads that are
cured through the deal, is it likely that they
Will be retained in their present capacities
and at their present salaries? They are all
old servants of the several companies and
have held their positions for long period.
My judgment is that one of two things is
going to be done. Mr.. Daniels is the Nestor
of the passenger men identified with the
Vanderbilt system. None is stronger with
the Vanderbilts, none has worked harder
and few so hard and none has accomplished
greater results than he. He was never
known to miss an opportunity that would
boom the service. his literary skill as a
brainy advertiser is strong. while his execu-
tive capacity is something much beyond the
ordinary. He is very shreWd and a natural
diplomat Now. all these qualifications tend
to make him the foremost passenger man
in family, and believe that he will be
maue passenger traffic manager of the en-
tire system. This will open the way for
some good man on the Central. and the gen.
eral passenger agents on the other lines can
be retained, though all. of course, would be
subordinate TO Mr.. Daniels and he would
occupy the strongest position OF the kind
that is held by any passenger man in this
country. On the other hand, If this is not
done Mr.. Daniels is bound to be the general
passenger agent of the combined New York
Central and Lake Shore, with Col. A. J.
Smith, of Cleveland, now at the head of the
latter's passenger department, as assistant
general passenger agent, to look after the
Western end of the business"
The same authority says: Y do not think
that any one doubts that Samuel Il. Gala
way, president of the Lake Shore, will be
president Of the New York Central, after
be two presidents, and Mr. Callaways en-
trance into the Vanderbilt family as pres
ident of the Nickel plate, and his later sue
cession to the presidency Of the Lake Shore
after the death of John Newell, We're made
under circumstances that seem to give the
very strongest assurance of his succeeding
Chauncey NJ. Depew, especially when one
understands the end for which William X
Vanderbilt has been working ever since he
became chairman OF the executive board in
place of his brother Cornelius, and then
matured this consolidation scheme.