The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-02-17
Depew and The New York Central.

Ii is not surprising that President Chaun-
ccy NJ. Depew, OF the New York Centra
Railroads ays he is tired Of denying the re-
port that he is about to retire from his Place.
Ii was unnecessary To deny the rumor. Mr..
Depew has been for over thirty years the
counsel of the Vanderbilt family, and has been
advanced by them from the attorneyship OF
short line to the presidency of the New York
Central, and the representative of their policy.
The confidence in his ability and Judgment
which led the commodore TO select, and Will
liam III. Vanderbilt 10 promote him, is held
and expressed In the same measure by Cornell
ius and by William X. Vanderbilt. We know
that Mr.. Pisrpont Morgan vigorously opposed
the appointment OF , r Depow as ambassador
to England. stating that II was too important
to the railway interests Of the country for
him to be- permitted TO resign either as presi
deLt of the Central or chairman of the Joint
Traffic Association. Depew and our railroads
in ths mind Of the public, are linked as one
for who else could ever be tho missioner, the
diplomat, he arbitrator promoter, and pro
tector of railroad interests in the United
States, but Depewf
Does Congress menace the railways. the
first call Is for Depew His voice OF protest
is heard not only as that of the representative
railroad man, but also as that of the elobuent
American who is potential force in every
Republican National Convention and whose
gifted ren and tongue have placed him among
the matchless men of his time.
Does the Black Horse Cavalry noun. for n
raid ON corporations at Albany, the call at
once is for the magic presence OF Depew. and
as his private car rolls into the station the
cavalry ride TO cover.
Does Tweed come into power in New
York City, panoplied for plumber, Depew's
delicate diplomacy is invoked and vested in
terests feel sense of security in the knowl-
edge OF his presence.
Depew has the rarest OF human Instincts
an infallible Judgment of men, and also that
very rare quality which we call tact but
which in the highest field OF politics is
stamped as the very essence of diplomacy.
Corporations seek his friendship, politicians
court his favor Legislators respect his judg
ment, courts are eager TO hear him, and the
press accepts his advice when it rejects that
OF all others.
Mr.. Depew speaks often TO tho public. Some
have said at he speaks 40 often. but in this
day OF spreading socialism, with anarchy's
foul-mouthed rdnters at every corner. Allotted
by cheap and mercensry newspapers. who can
speak in defence of property rights better
than Mr.. .Depew Who better than he can ap-
peal 20 reason, rather than to sense of
might, and who is listened to more eagerly or
followed more gladlyf
1t is public misfortune that hut one great
American orator, eloquent, erudite, and cul-
tured, has sought the opportunity and has had
the courage and wisdom TO challenge at every
opportunity and in the public forum the evil
genius OF our time. What Webster was in his
day Depew ~ in ours. General Nelson A
Miles said to the writer on an occasion when
MIR. Depew was to make n memorable address
that it had not been his privilege ever to have
heard Daniel WEBSTER speak, but no added :
II deem il tho privilege Of my life 10 be- able
to say that have lived 10 hear the eloquent
voice OF , hauncey NJ Depew.n Those i'm our
day and generation who can say n much may
well rejoice over their good fortune.
The New York Central Railroad and all the
great vsnderbilt system will go on forever.
Mr.. Depcw may pass away, the Vanderbilts
may go TO their last resting place, but the
great railroad property will continue. ut
while the vanderhilts live, they ana the Cen.
tral Railraod will be associated in the public
mird a. inseparable. and while Mr. Depew
retains his vigor he will continue 20 be the
foremost representative Of the railway inter.
csts OF the United States. .-Leslie's Weekly.