The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-09-23

year of. depression the old st. Paul &
Pacific defaulted the interest on it's
bonds. With Captain Kittson, James
Farley of Dubuque, Donald A. Smith
and George Stephen-later Sir Donald
A. Smith and Lord Mount-Stephen-
Hill organized a syndicate, and raised
money to buy the deprecated road.
Then they foated bonds for $32, 10000
with the proceeds Of which new mile
age was built and the st. Paul, Mime
apolis & Manitoba, now one of the con-
stituent properties of the Great North
ern system, was organized. It was at
that time that Hill acquired the repu-
tation of a Hhypnotizer' by his sue.
cess in raising money in the face of
questionably, he has a marvellous facul-
ty of inspiring confidence and credit,
and after his early successes this power
was multiplied.
James j. Hill was made general man
ager of the new system, and began put
ting in practice his ideas. Economy
in operation, low grades, heavy engines
and big train loads = were always his
hobbies. On this plan he worked and
came 'P president de- Of the company npsn - and nd
since that time has been the actual
head of the Great Northern and it's al
lied properties. He built the line to
the coast, and on such a firm basis that
it weathered the great panic with col
ors flying, feat that appealed to the
financial world and gave Hill the un-
limited confidence Of his stockholders.
With their backing he began his cam
paign to acquire the Northern Pacific,
the successful termination of which is
recent history.
An Intense Character.
The wizard of the Great Northern.
like all men of strong personality, has
his peculiarities. Strong likes and
strong dislikes characterize his attitude
toward other men. He demands much
OF men, measuring the capacity Of 9TH
ers by his own, and the man who
is likely to drop Just as quickly Di # he he
makes a false step. Hill never wavers
from the intensity Of his purpose, and
brooks no opposition to his plans, hest
tating not to crush man or a CITY
that stands in his way. With all, he IS
possessed Of rare tact and shrewdness
n handling transaction. He is not
likes to talk when he finds an intelli-
s gent listener, and talker of more
charm it would be hard to find. Always
a student, his mind has wonderful
capacity for facts and details, and
turns everything to account. The farm
er, the lifeblood of the nation and the
support of q railway system, has al
ways enlisted his interest. Realizing
i that the prosperity Of the farmer means
the prosperity Of the railroad, he has
Followed up the immigration work of
the railroad with an Industrial depart.
ment, which has taught diversified
a farming, rotation of crops, and up-to
!. date management Of the farms. The
. railroad president loves to talk to the
farmers, and often takes a day from his
busy life for the sake Of addressing ar
} audience at a fair or an institute
Mr. Hill s temperament, like that OF
many constructive men of affairs, il
J that of an artist. He is himself Lover
Z Of the best in art, and his collection
q of paintings is one Of the finest in the
west. Their owner is no mean con
noisseur, and has Judgment that art
lists respect.
All in all, the guest of tonight IS ban
quet is man to study and know, {
: man whose impress upon the northwes
i will last for generations to come, an6
whose name will live as that of
pioneer and genius in the world o,
transportation.
Minneapolis is honored in paying du,
+ honor to James j. Hill.