Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-29

Alexander ]. Cassatt was one of the
great builders of his time. a man of such
eminent parts in his line that his work
now stands Il monument to his fore
stghtedness. his wisdom and his devotion
not only to the interests of his corporation
hut to those of the country Mr. Cassatt
was more than a railroad man. In that
capacity he contributed to the welfare of
millions of people He was inspired
throughout his career by the dominant
principle that the best work is alone worth
effort. In consequence he strove always.
I'm his successive relations to the Pennsyl-
vania railroad. rs rodman and as president.
to make that organization as nearly per-
feet as human skill and enterprise
bring an institution. His influence extend
ing over many years, was eXerted to the
end of evolving a model railway system,
and IL was characteristic of the man that
virtually the browning act of his career was
the inauguration, upon an unprecedented
scale of cost. of series of terminal i'm
provcmeHts looking to the cure of condi-
lions unfavorably affecting the comfort and
safety of the communities directly involved
Washington has within a few years been
given an emphatic proof of Mr.. CasSatt'S
broad. public spirited view of his respon-
sibilities and those of his corporation in
tHe adoption OF plans making certain the
construction here of a great union station
of type establishing a high standard of
artistic and practical excellence for the
whole country Without his aid the local
problems could not have been solved so
satisfactorily. He recognized the require
mcntS of the capital city and entered into
hearty cooperation with the late Senator
Mcmillan to give it terminal worthy of
the nation and of the corporation.
1t was this breadth of vision. coupled
with this wise liberalty of administration,
that made \. ]. CasSatt a great railroad
president, constructive. progressive and
patriotic. He recognized that the railroad
stands today a type of civilization,
and he endeavored in all things to keep it,
50 far as his works and influence extended.
abreast of the American scale of excellence.
He knew his own railroad as careful,
conscientious business man should know
his own establishment. He recognized the
defects due TO rapid growth and the limita-
tons which our remarkable prosperity
placed upon the agencies which it had out
leaped in it's advance. His whole thought
was to cure the conditions that made for
delay and danger At enormous
penditure he caused the physical equip
ment 10 be brought in every particu-
las as near to perfection as possible. He
Strengthened tracks, shortened lines, re-
duced grades. improved motive power and
rolling stock and established regulations
and instituted reforms which brought the
personnel of his staff and operating and
administrative forces up to perhaps the
highest standard known today. The re-
suit was. and is. an organization which is
recognized throughout the transportation
world as well-nigh perfect. true epitome
of our remarkable age and a memorial in
this hour of his death, to him as a man to
whom the country owes debt of gratitude
Tor substantial benefits bestowed and for
inspiring ideals established.