Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1898-03-25
THE BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAIL
ROAD.


ROAD.
The present management of the erstwhile
famous B. & o. r. r. Co. has had hercu.
lean task to perform since 1t took charge
some two years ago. When Messrs. Cowan
and Murray became receivers of the COM
pany, they found the road not only bank
rupt financially, but its depleted rolling
stock In wretched condition and wholly
inadequate to the public needs. Under their
able management, with such financial aid
as was granted them, they have labored
with unremtting energy to place the road
in most favorable condition. Hundreds
of miles Of its track have been relaid with
heavy steel rails, modern iron bridges have
been constructed across rivers and creeks,
replacing dangerous wooden structures that
were menace 10 life and property. Large
sums of money have been judiciously ex
pended in the erection of magnificent depots,
supercedng the discreditable frame build
ings that were an eye sore TO the travelling
public. Consider the fine, modern build
ings at Camden Station and Mt. Royal,
which not only lend an air OF responsibility
to the immediate vicinity, but, which, in re-
spect to their ARCHITECTURAL and ornamental
beauties, are depots the most prosperous road
might envy. The rolling stock has been
vastly renewed, passenger coaches have
been rehabiitated and are now in splendid
condition, and hundreds of box cars have
been built TO meet the ever increasing de
mands of the mercantile public.
The condition of the once great road, as
Messrs. Cowan and Murray found 1t, could
only be likened to gigantic, emaciated SER
pent, indolently stretched out and covering
an enormous territory, lying in paralyzed,
torpid condition, its vitality and energies
Slapped and enervated, an unresisting and
defenceless creature 10 the competitions of
contending rivals, with management pas
sively Indifferent to its needs.
Wisely concerning what was essential to
its improvement the present receivers have
injected new vigor in its management, and
responding 10 their well directed efforts, the
road, rising like giant refreshed, is fast re-
gaining its former prestige as successful
corporation and one of the great trunk lines
OF the country.
Another GROWING evidence that the con
fidence reposed in Messrs. Cowan and Muir
ray has not been misplaced is apparent in
the management of the general traffic and |
passenger department. Mr.. Martin has
brought into play mastery genius and long |
experience in the building up OF these two
departments.
One of the most striking evidences of his
constant anxiety for the interest Of the road |
end of his devotion and firm attachment TO |
his employers, and one that will be prolific
OF fruit, is his preparation and publication
of the Book of the Royal Blue" magazine
Just issued. This publication is at once a
monument to his enthusiastic energy and
industry, and model for the emulation of
railroad people, impressing, as 1t does, new
life and activity into his department.
In point of artistic merit aud beauty, high
class literature and neat and attractive ap
peeSsnce, the Book Of the Royal Blue"
copy Of which lies before US, compares favor
sbly with the magazines Of the day Printed
on fine, heavy paper, the book is copiously
and elegantly embellished with high art il
Illustrations of objects of interest in our ma.
tons capital city, and persons whose visits
to Washington are precluded by lack OF
time or pressure OF business cares would do
well to consult copy of this valuable work.
The publicati, IN of this meritorious work
reflects great credit on the enterprising pro
iector, Mr. Martin, and it is only one of
many indications of his unceasing industry
and superior business capacity, and mani
tests commendable application to the pur
poses of the company, of mine of iniorma
ton hitherto acquired in long and sue
cessful business career.
We have often wondered if the grateful
traveller, seated in that pleasing refuge from
worldly affairs and cares, Royal Blue
coach, ever pauses to reflect on the indie
fatigabe industry and energy, and the hours
of unceasing mental application that have
CO0JTlOuVeu tOWdius uuhhius NhC teoyol - uO
service an institution of modern travel pecr.
liar to the management OF the b & o.
In conclusion We would state that when
Messrs Cowan and Murray assumed manage
ment of this monster corporation they found
it 10 such deplorable condition as would
almost battle and defy the industry of man to
recuperate. 1t is a stupendous task to man
age the affairs of even prosperous railroad
system, but The problem that confronted
Messrs. Cowan and Murray was sufficient
10 chill the business enthusiasm of less de
termined men.