Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-04-04

was facing an extremely difficult task the president set out to find man, who being Napoleon of affairs, pos sessed the characteristics of resource fitness, energy, usefulness and ability of great engineer as we'll as master. The president wanted a man who could do things, do them right and do them quickly. His search caused the! names of Elihu, Root, one-time secre- {, tary of war; William H. Taft, now in that position; Henry Prick, famed captain of industry, and John B. Mc- Donald, builder of the New York sub- way, to be suggested.
 At the time of the decision Burt was at liberty, having resigned his office of president of the Union Pacific. His connection with that railroad has many interesting incidents which strikingly appear in the background.
 He entered the service of the road at a salary of $15,O0O per annum in 1897, and almost coincident with his ap. pearance in this capacity came great changes in the management of the system. For year or more he swung his official "ax" right and left cutting the expenses here and there and im- proving the organization in weak spots. The effect of his strenuous dealing with the railroad may be seen in the fact that when he accepted the presidency the stock was selling at 26A. and when the demand of the la boring heads compelled him to re- sign in 1904. just seven years later, the price had scared to 91.
 Burt's resignation came as the cul- imitation of the long strike on the part of mechanics of the system. When the union men found themselves in . position to dictate terms. one of the requirements was that the president resign. The two courses were to re- sign or break up the company, and he accepted the former.
 However, it cannot be said that Mir. Burt suffered any pecuniary disadvan- tages because of his resignation from the presidency of the Union Pacific, for he was immediately offered a com- mission at the hands of E. H. Harri- man. who selected the deposed mag nate at the handsome salary of s30.0Oo per annum to visit China and Japan for the purpose of investigating the possibilities of establishing a railroad system in those countries.
 In the endeayor to gain an insighc into the character of this pioneer rail- road man. newspaper men and maga- zine writers have impressed the pub lie with the idea that Horace Burt is crusty railroad magnate with notn- ing but the greed for gain investing his system. But such is not the case. The social side of his life differs as far as does the life of Dr. Jekyll from that of Mir. Hyde. In the social world he is looked upon as charitable. quiet. and possessing secret generosity. Many churches. which have been pre- scented with secret donations. it is be- lieved might point ts the "s100,oeO man as their benefactor When the news was made public that NIT. Burt was the probable occr- pant Uf the highest salaried position on the canal. there were many who wondered how the labor leaders would accept the appointment. Those who have bitterly vaged the labor var with him in the conflict between the Union Pacific and the International Association of Maehinists. it h thought. will not welcome the selec- | tfon of their former opponent The fight has brought Burt to the attention of all organized labor. and the .houshs that trouble will be brewing when the presidents selection goes to tno isthmus to demonstrate his ability. nay Eot be without foundation
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