The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-09
FISH LOSING GROUND
IN BIG RAILROAD FIGHT

direction and leadership which comprc-
hends, and grasps firmly and efficiently.
those great economic and administrative
problems whose prompt and vigorous solu-
tion in many quarters, and under condi-
tions both trying and discouraging, have
won such merited distinction for the
party of which Mr.. Hartman is the re-
cognized and conspicuous leader.
Some striking and interesting things,
which are. we fancy, fresh in the minds
OF all New England readers, have, from
time 10 time during the last few months,
been said about Missouri Pacific and Al
, ton relations I'm connection with the poll
cies and doings OF the forces opposed 10
the new leadership In Illinois Central az
fairs: but We need not dwell on these, or
on others i'm any way similar, 10 make
manifest the need on the part of the IL
linois Central stockholders 20 ally them
selves with the party that gives promise
of sustained dividends along with increas-
ing development and augmented progress.
Mere personal sentiment should be elifni-
mated from the discussion that is now in
course. II IL the power to do large
things. and to command large support.
that must be sought and secured; and no
attachment to past experiences or TO the
associations arising therefrom whether
official or I'm the order or friendship,
should intervene to defeat expanding pol
already commanding the sympathy and
cooperation of the majority of directo-
rate distinguished for its personal inteS-
rity it's vast knowledge of business. ami
it's varied ability many times proven IN
the great fields OF contemporary activity.
PLEDGES To MIR. HARTMAN.
Men Of well earned regulations and or
immense fortunes. who have everything
to risk, have not idly pledged their names
TO Mr. Hartman, as against Mr.. Fish,
for merely personal reasons, or out or
regard for any passing interest. but be-
cause OF belief I'm Mr.. Harriman's skill,
confidence In his judgment and expert
ence OF his character gained by close as
sociation in work and i'm intimate ex-
change OF ideas. They are not fighting
Mr.. Fish, but Mr. Tishs views and plans.
and his record; and II, IN reviewing the
conduct OF Mr. Hartman and Mr.. Fish
In respect TO the affairs OF the Illinois
Central railroad and OF other enterprises.
they feel constrained TO approve what
the former. and 10 censure what the lat
ter has done and 10 draw differences from
their knowledge and opinions. there Is no
one who will dare to question either the
honesty OF their conclusions or the we'll
meant purpose OF their actual procedure.
The people of New England i'm so far
as their interests are involved. must
take the side that promises 90 those in
terests the most inviolable and the most
lasting protection; and the men who to-
day. as legally predominating body in
the management OF the Illinois Central
railroad. advise. and even urge, them 10
cast their lot with Mr.. Hartman I'm OPP
position to Mr.. Fish, are men whose ad-
vice is received with respect In every de-
partment OF business. and TO whose opin-
ion Difference Is shown by every inter-
est.
Excuses and precedents may be offered
and cited by Mr.. Fish for certain ad-
acts OF recent years for
which he has been taken TO task: but the
present situation Is not an academic but
an eminently practical one.
The episode OF the Trust Company OF
the Republic. and that SO unfortunately
the ease with which the
funds OF great public corporation may
be used by their custodian for the fur
therance OF private advantage or conven-
fence. do not tend 20 strengthen the posi-
tlon OF Mr.. Harriman's opponent. or 10
justify an appeal on his part TO the con-
tinued confidence OF those whose ideas OF
OFFICIAL duty and property are gauged
by standards that make impossible the
very grounds Of reproach. Ask Mr.. Fish.
Mr.. Vanderbilt and his colleagues ask
20 be upheld I'm tho opinion they have
reached. and the forecast they have made:
and their concurrent support Of Mr. Har-
riman puts directly upon the defensive
ell those who ignored the Fish disclosures.