Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1901-07-10
sur & ates.
Prid eand death OF his
salda cornelfus. he had fig.

ursd comparatively little in the man
agement OF the famiiy's railroad in
terests. Most of BIS time was given
up to foreign travel and social pleas
ures. Veteran employees Of the Van
derbflt lines. feeling that because they
had begun service with the Conmo-
dore,' they were privilege to express
their own opinions, frequently shook
their heads, and muttered: who is
going to succeed Cornelius? Willie s.
has no business head
"Tke sudden stroke Of paralysis
WHICH, compelled Cornelius Wander
bits retirement from business was
followed by series of surprises, ex-
tending throughout the Vanderbilt sys-
tenn. William Il. grasped the reins of
control agith a degree Of promptness
and selfFeHance that sent cold shiyers
downsthe back OF many high official
who had begun TO regard himself as
indispensable to the Vanderbilt lines
The new head of;the family was found
to have % definite policy. Concentra-
ton; retrenchment and increased earn
ings were his watchwords. we must
have these three, he declared, and in
order TO secure them he reorganized
executive staffs, with a total disregard
Of sentimental considerations"
"No man has taken more earnest
part in developing the csmmunity of
interest idea than james ]. Hill,
President of the Great Northern Rail-
road, and director in several other rail
road corporations. Mr.. Hill is a man
of energy and quick decision, and once
he makes up his mind Tat a thing is
desirable to do, he proceeds to do 1t
with all his might. -
sThe community Of interest idea is
growing In favor he said, not long
ago. Small lines of railroad. with few
exceptions, are not likely to grow all
by themselves, SO 1t is much better for
them to join. interests with strong
lines. 1t is not necessary that the
roads should consolidate, although in
many Instances q more economical ad-
ministration could undoubtedly be OBJ
tanned 81 such course. The time is
coming when the community Of inter-
est will be so perfected that small lines
Of road viii be nut off from connect
ing traffic 50 as to make an independ-
ent policy on their part Improbable
HMr. Hill Is the autocrat Of the
Great Northern Railroad. Since Com
modore Yanderbilt's time there has not
been so complete an instance Of one
man power ut the head of great rail-
road system Us is presented in the case
of President Hill. He evolves policies
and executes them, his directors bowr
ing to his will with dignified but
.unanimous docility. Men in the en-
ploy Of the Great Northern know that
unless they satisfy James ]. Hill their
fate is sealed. There is no other court
! OF appeal. And President Hill has the
reputation Of being very particular to
use the cautious phrase Of his sub
ordInates.
Zone day Mr., Hill walked into the
office of q high official Of the Great
Northern Railroad, in St. Paul, and
brusquely announced;
~ go Mr. ~ do not think that you
. and myself are. well mated. Your
successor will report for duty to-mor-
row.. u E
aTliis high official had been drawing
a salary Of sic. 900 per year fol; a long
fine, and he lad grown into the belief
that he was a fixture In the Great
Northern service. But he went with,