The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-04-20
H. U. NUDGE QUITS
Resigns Position of General
Manager of Santa Fe.
Becomes Second Vice President
of Rock Island.
HAS A HEAVY TASK.
Must Bring the System Up to
Standard.
Has Ten Million Dollars to Spend
First Year.
WHAT WILL HE DO 2
May Not Draw on the Santa
Fe.
His Career Little Short of
Wonderful.
Must Bring the System Up to
Standard.
Has Ten Million Dollars to Spend
First Year.
WHAT WILL HE Do ?
May Not Draw on the Santa
Fe.
His Career Little Short of
Wonderful.

H U. Nudge has rendered his resig-
nation as general manager of the Santa
Fe railroad to President E. P. Ripley,
to take effect May 1, and has accepted
the second vice presidency of the Rock
Island railroad system, with headquar-
ters at Chicago.
As second vice president Of the Rock
Island railroad he viii be in control Of
the operation of the road and upon him
viii fall the responsibility of the expen-
diture of no less than ten millions of
dollars in campaign OF track and
property betterments this summer, and
the placing of like sums each year until
the property is brought UP to the high
est standard of excellence.
Several weeks ago the announcement
was made exclusively in the State Jour-
nal that Mr.. Nudge had been offered the
post of general manager of the Rock
Island railway, q. place which Is vacant
on that road. The Rock Island, II is
understood, made a tempting offer to
Mr.. Nudge, but he declined to accept
the appointment, saying that he pre-
ferred to remain with the Santa Fe-
President Winchell of the Rock Is
land was determined to secure Mr.
Nudge and he accordingly offered him
the second vice presidency OF the sys-
tenn in complete control of operation, at
a large salary. The Inducements Of
fered were so hattering that as Mr..
Nudge says, ST couldn't afford to allow
sentiment to stand as an obstacle to the
acceptance of the position"
Mr. Nudge Will succeed John f. Stew
ems, who viii resign the second vice pres
idency Of the Rock Island to devote all
his time to looking after his private for
tune.
AS second vice president Of the Rock
island MT Nudge Will have the ap-
-.e.s .sy-A4 -.--A 90 q
general manager, the position which ne
was originally offered.
Considerable speculation is already
aroused in western railway circles IN
regard to the appointment The cues
tiOn which everyone is asking is Wnl
he appoint a Rock Island or Santa F'e
MANI" Mr. Nudge refused to discuss
that matter with reporter for the
State Journal
Those who are intimately acQuaint-
ed with Mr. Nudge assert, however.
that he will not follow a. policy of
filing Rock Island positions with
Santa Fe men. 1t is well known among
those who are acquainted with Mr.
Nudge that he disapproves of such
policy. For that reason it is safe to
say that a general manager for the
Rock Island lines will be selected
from among the operating officials
now in the service of that company if
Mr.. Nudge finds a man he thinks is
qualified for the place.
The acceptance of the place with
the Rock Island railroad was an i'm
pOrtant step for Mr.. Nudge Under
the direction of President B. L. Win
cheIl, who succeeded L. F. Loree in
control of the Rock Island properties,
many moves have been made which
have resulted in a restoration of con
ddence Of investors, and the shipping
and travelling public alike, in the
road.
One of the most important strokes
was the deal whereby Mr.. Winchell
secured w B. Biddle, who was for
merly freight traffic manager of the
Santa Fes and made him third vice
president of the Rock Island in COM
plete charge of traffic.
Mr.. Biddle is recognized as one of
the foremost traffic men in the coun-
try and ne has already accomplished
a great deal for the Rock Island.
Now the Rock Island has taken Mr..
Nudge from the Santa Fe Mr..
Nudge bears the reputation of being
one Of the foremast operating officials
or the United States. The high stand
ard OF excellence Of the Santa Fe
roadway and equipment is standing
monument to his skill and ability in
handling railway property.
PRESIDENT Winchen was particularly
aiAlous 10 get Mr. Nudge because it
Is the aim of the Rock Island man
4gement to practically rebuild the
Rock Island lines. The Rock Island
roadway has been what is known as a
dirt road. The lines have v,+ toS-
rock ballasted
1t Is now the plan to spend ten mil
mons OF dollars this summer in fra IL
Improvement and ballastiDrr ana ~
improvement to motive power aod
equipment This work viii all be mn
Ger the direction of Mr.. NUDGE.
Mr. Biddle and Mr.. Nudge viii
make strong team for the Rock H.
the Santa Fe, and with Mr.. Mudga 70
Keep the property of the companv sr75
the train service UP to standard ana
ar, Biddle to devise means of getting
additional traffic. the Rock Islan3
stands gQOd chance of having fbe
pleasure Of witnessing an increased
no" OF the coin into the strong-box.
Mr.. Nudge has been with the Santa
re during his entire railway career
lie was born at Minden Mich. in
June, 1855. He came to Kansas in
1871 and within year he began work
on the Santa Fe, which was then
pullding westward. as a water bow.
MI Mudge's story of success is. .veII
known 10 most railway men. Before
ne began work as water bow he ba5
acquired common school educate
He next worked as a Iaborar ami
learned telegraphy by study Of tbe
profession outside of working hours
lie nnally secured a position as tele-
srapn operator and worked at the kew
Cor two years. Next he became a