The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-06-05
RAILROAD AUTOcRAT.
[Earl D. Berry in Ainalee's.l

fEarl D. Berry in Ainslee'sJ
mo man has taken a more earnest
part in developing the community of in
terest' idea than James J. Hin, presi-
dent of the Great Northern railroad, and
director in several other railroad corpor-
ations Mr.. Hill is a man of energy and
quick decision, and once he makes up
his mind that a thing is desirable to do.
81 The community of interest idea is
growing in favor he said not long ago
Small lines Of railroad, with few excep-
tions, are not likely to grow by them
selves. so it is much better for them to
join interests with strong lines. It is
not necessary that the roads should con-
solidate, although in many instances a
more economical administration could
undoubtedly be obtained by such a
course The time is coming when the
community of interest will be so per-
fected that small lines of road viii be
cut off from connecting traffic so as to
make an independent policy on their
part Improbable
Mr.. Hill is the autocrat of the Great
Northern railroad Since Commodore
Vanderbilt's time there has not been 50
complete an instance of ne-man-pow-
er at the head of a great railroad sys-
tenn as is presented in the case of Pres
ident Hill He evolves policies and ex-
ecutes them. his directors bowling to his
viii with dignified but unanimous docil-
ity Men in the employ of the Great
Northern know that unless they satisfy
James J. Hill their fate is sealed. There
dent Hill has the reputation of being
very particular to use the cautious
phrase of his subordinates. s
"One day Mr.. Hin walked into the Of
flee of a high official Of the Great North
ern railroad, in ST. Paul and brusquely
announced:
Mr.. --. 1 do not think that you
a.nd-zayself are wen mated Your success
sor viii report for duty tomorrow
This high official had been drawing
salary OF ten thousand dollars per year
for along time, and he had grown into
Great Northern service. But he went
without arguing the question with Nj.
Hill.
When James ]. Hill was elected
director Of the Erie railroad few
months ago, there was uepidation
among many of the employees of that
company, for the report was passed
from lip to lip that Great Northern
methods We're to be applied to the af-
fairs of the Erie Mr. Hill is economical
as well as exacting- He does not believe
in having too many heads of depart
mentS. and he IS aVerSe to hiring two
men to perform duties that can be per
formed by one quick and alert man. It.
is the quick and alert type of man that
has the least to fear from this pushing,
dominating and successful railroad pres
ident.
In order to preserve harmony and a
prosperous railroad peace in the North
western territory, Mr.. Hill secured a
large interest in the Northern Pacific
railroad, which is the reat Northern's
natural rival. An effort was made to
combine these two properties under Mr..
Hill's management. but an adverse pub
lie sentiment and anti-consolidation sta
tutes of the several States traversed
by the two roads, compelled a speedy
abandonment Of this project No public
sentiment nor laws however, could pre-
vent Mr.. Hill and his friends from be-
coming large stockholders in the North
ern Pacific, and now it is the common
belief that should a buyer come to mar
ket with sufficient money to pay for
the control of the. Northern Pacific, he
need negotiate with but two men. viz.
J. PierpOnt Morgan and James J. Hill.
within the pastrfew months interests
allied with Mr.. Hill have bought large
ly of the stock of the Chicago, Burling-
ton and Quincy railroad. and there are
indications that in due time that pros
porous system will be brought into
closer relationship with the Northern