New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-25
IN SPITE OF WE1KNESS HE
TALKS TO REPORTERS.
II Hare Come Home to Get WeH,"
Railroad Man Says, Insisting
That He Is Al Right.

appear the active energetic man that he has
been all his life. but physical condition told. and
three times he was near collapse. while all who
saw him wondered at the remarkable courage
that held him up through trying interview
with the reporters. Almost any other man would
have insisted privacy; perhaps would have
been carried TO his private car TO take him 70
his home. But not z. III. Hartman.
Mr.. Hartman explained 10 the reporters that
he feeling better. and that his weakened
condition was the result Of the severe treatment
abroad.
Though with trembling steps. he appeared
3auntily at the rail Of the Southern Pacific tug
FL Toro. when she reached the Erie dock in
Jersey City. and waved welcome to the news
paper men who were waiting TO talk with him.
Hello. boys" he said. and pleased smile
overspread his features as the reporters joined
in shout of welcome.
Hurry now" he requested the camera men.
and he called the members of Lis family and in
sisted that they stand beside him to be phO-
tographed.
Mrs Hartman who had sought the back
ground. the first respond his insistent
beckoning. and then came the Misses Mary and
Carol Hartman and Mrs. Robert L. Gerry and
Roland Hartman.
"All right Mr.. Hartman said. Hurry now"
With hands tightly gripping the rail. but with
smile. he faced the battery Of cameras while
rather hurriedly. he waved his hand and started
for the gangway.
REMARKABLE SIGHT.
II was a remarkable sight and there was not
man there who would not gladly have spared
him the effort OF the interview come had it
not been that they knew, Mr.. Hartman did.
that all America, as well much of the re-
mander of the world, waited his word. The
little passed without a word through a
silent throng. and his family hurried after him.
Reaching his car, he sank trembling on the
nearest couch, which had been piled high with
cushions for his coming
Within five minutes he had recovered himself
and had sent word TO the newspaper men. who
had crowded into the forward car of the special
train. that he ready TO receive them. They
returned to Mr.. Harriman's and found him
lying his couch. still with that cheerful smile
of welcome. waiting 10 talk.
Now. if you will tell what you want me
talk about" he said, Il am ready TO talk.
Just ask your questions
Though more than score of men were crowd
ed into the small cOmpa rtment and the heat and
crowd made the atmosphere sitting, Mr. Har-
riman insisted over and over again that he
all right. that he felt better. that he wanted to
talk And when Judge Lovett tried to save him
from the exertion Mr. Hartman put him aside
almost impatiently. Mrs Hartman suffered the
same fate. Indeed Mr. Hartman asked her TO
go into another part of the ear
He was determined TO show his good physical
condition and TO 90 this ne insisted sitting
up. Those about him begged him 10 lie down.
but he sat up and. braced with his hands on
either side finished the interview. his last words
being that he was all right and that the report
ers were 10 go on with him Arden if they
wanted 70.
BETTER" SAYS EX-GOVERNOR ODELL-
Coming into Quarantine Mr. Hartman gave
the first signs of the strain that his homecoming
was placing on him. He sat in his cabin at
luncheon propped up with pillows and hardly
able 10 swallow. And only few minutes later
the nervous excitement told on him and his
stomach revoIted at the food. Preparations had
been made 20 take him from the steamer at
Quarantine. if such were his desire, but ex-Ciov-
ernor Oden explained why Mr. Hartman re-
mained on the steamer
..ur Hartman took a walk on deck last
night - he said "and the exertion was too much
for him. He is nervous to-day and dizzy, ana
he thinks he would better stay in his room until
the steamer docks But Mr. Hartman is bet
ter Bless you yes. I have known him for
wears and there is man in this country fur
ther from death than Mr. Hartman"
At the North German Lloyd dock Mr.. Harri-
man was once more near collapse. Much against
his will he had 10 take the arm of Robert
Walton Goelet while walking down TIE gang
plank and after he reached the pier bag.
gage truck was hurriedly brought up for him
to sit on while the members of his family stood
around and famed him. Later a steamer chair
was brought and Mr.. Hartman sat ON this and
waited until il time for him to go TO tho
tug which was 10 take him - the Erie pier
When in the reception room of his private
car Mr.. Hartman visiby la5ored in his speech
and frequently gasped for breath. But nothing
would deter him. He frequently paused TO ask.
"Can YOU all hear me?" And each time after
his question he would endeavor TO raise his
voice despite the expCstuasiOns that his words
clearly auGihie
The high courage that has carried him through
his great railroad manRuvres Of which he said
yesterday II have won cut" was no more no.
ticeable than the cheerful determination with
which he reiterated. Il have come home for tho
after cure. have come home TO get weu, and
you boys must help me d. 1t"
LEFT TEN POUNDS IN EUROPE.
When Mr. Hartman was ready TO talk 20 the
reporters the first question asked was in regard
70 the reported acquisition of control OF the New
York Central by the Union Pacific
Il wouldn't tell II I had" he said That's q
quick Ask something else"
The line changed then 70 affairs directly
connected with the Union Pacific, and Mr. HART
man asked about the reported plan for tha
segregation of Union Pacific interests and hold
ings.
Il know nothing about H." he said ..I have
nothing my mind except get 20 Arden and
recover my health. going 70 take tho
after-cure there that I couldn't take I'm Europe
left mounds the other side ood -,