The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-11-12

The tables. elaborstely spread and Law
hhly decorated, were set up in Hsr-
monte hell. and in an adjoining room a
reception was held. thus affording an op-
portunity for nearly 400 business men TO
meet President Melen Assisting IN the
reception were President Wilson II. Lee
of the Chamber Of Commerce. Governor
Chamberlain. President Hadley Of Yale,
former President John Vi. Hall Of the
railroad, Mayor John l.. Studley and
others.
The POSTMASTER vas President Lee. lnl
in a brief way as an Introduction Of the
guest he reviewed the accomplishment
OF the Chamber during the past year.
President Lee could see no reason Why
there should not be the most harmonious
relations between the ciuzons srd The
company.
President Mellon. IN his response, said:
81 know OF no more undesirable and de-
plorable asset OF a railroad corporate bn
than discounted. complaining AMI hos-
tile public. and | shall be deeply humili-
sted IL I am unable 20 convince the rca-
sonable portion of the community Of our
desire to meet every reasonable expecta-
ton and shall study hard to anticipate
your requirements and remove all just
cause for complaint"
Governor Chamberlain spoke for the
state. Bishop-elect Lines OF Newark, y.
j.. for the church and Professor Henry
l.. Emery for Yale university.
Judge John NJ. Hail. the retiring presi-
dent. received a reception only second
10 that given Mr.. Melen. and asked that
the same loyal support be given his sue
eessor as he had himself received.
TO NORTHERN PACIFIC.
Mr.. Mellen was born In Lowell. Mass, in
1851, and entered railway service In 1869
es clerk In the cashiers office OF the
Northern New Hampshire railroad. He
eerved in the accounting departments OF
that road and the Central Vermont until
he was made assistant 10 the general
manager OF the Boston & Lowell in 1850
In 1893 he was made assistant general man
sger OF the Union Pacific railway sys-
tenn, and the following year general traf-
&c manager tie held the last named
place until April /. 1892. when he became
general manager OF the New York and
New England railroad. which position
he held only until the following Oc.
tober. when re accepted the ofrer OF sec
ond vice president of tho New York. New
Haven g. Hartford railroad He remained
with the New Haven ROAD until sept. I.
1897, when he resigned 20 become pres-
dent of the Northern Pacific Railway
company. This position he has held ever
since that date.
Mr. Mellen is a man OF much deter
m lnation and enere1. and his genius In
the management of railroad property Is
recognized not only by railroad magnates I
but by tho general public. When Mr. /
NIellon went 20 the Northern Pacific the /
newspapers Of the country gave evidence I
Of the high regard In which he Is held. 4
The New York Mall and Express. Of 4
August IL, 1897. said: The new presi- 4
ient OF the Northern Pacinc n a rsil-
road man of Vide experience The \
Hartford Post. August i3. 1897. said
&C. s. Mellen will ill the office OF presi
lent OF the Northern Pacific railroad ac-
being n railroad man Of great
ability And wide experience. The Con-
'olidated WIN miss his services. which
AVE contributed materially TO the i'm.
movements made In the Connecticut
abroad during the past few years"
ABLE TRAFFIC MAN.
AR. z. n. Thomas. president of the
Drfe. also n director ~ the Northern
Asciic. said: While l sincerely regret