Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-01-08
WILLARD HEAD OF
BAL IMORE & OHIO
President Oscar G. Murray Now
Chairman of Board.
POSITION CREATED FOR HIM

Director George r. Randolph Resigns
to Make Way For the Newly Great
ed offieial--Mr. Murray Said He
Would Not Serve Under Another
Chief.
At a special meeting Of the Balti-
more and Ohio directors in New York
yesterday Mr.. Daniel Willard was cleo
ed president OF the company to sue
coed Mr.. Oscar G. Murray, who be-
comes chairman of the board This
position was created in recognition of
Mr.. Murrays services during his oc-
cupancy of the first vice-presidency
and presidency for the last Ia years.
Mr. Willard comes to the Baltimore
and Ohio from the Chicago, Burlington
and Quincy Railroad, where, as second
vice-president,h has been at the helm
of its operation since 1904. He was
formerly Baltimore and Ohio official
having been assistant general mana
ger from 1899 to 1901, and, at the time
of his leaving, acting general mana.
ger.
His election as the executive head
of the Baltimore and Ohio was made
effective January 10, Mr. Murray's res
ignation taking effect on January H.
Mr. George F. Randolph resigned as
director, Mr. Murray being elected to
fill the vacancy.
A Ill -
The retirement of Mr.. Randolph was
necessary to create vacancy which
Mr. Murray might fill to make him ell
lgible for the new duties he will be
called upon 70 perform. AT the Balti-
more and Ohio offices it was stated
with positiveness that Mr.. Randolph
will continue as first vice-president,
though no longer a member of the di-
rectorate.
AS chairman OF the board Mr.. Muir
rays duties may be equally RESPONSE
BILE, If net even more so, than those
he performed as president OF the road.
This Is new position with the Balti-
more and Ohio, though it has been
long recognized in the other leading
railroad systems of the country. II
is generally accepted that the chair
man of the beard is higher authority
even than the president. He is sup
troll over the operations of the lines
and to determine with the president
the policies to be pursued rather than
to receive advice or instructions from
! him.
This is, in effect, the position Mr.
Henry Walters holds as chairman Of
the Coast Line board; it is what the
late E. H. Hartman held in his exec
utive relation to the many properties
under his control Mr.. Murray will
it is thought, be consulted on ques-
tons of policy or conduct of the board
ahead of Mr.. Willard, who succeeds
him as president.
Mr.. Murray's Ability Recognized.
The creation OF a beard chairman is
a recognition of Mr.. Murray's railroad
ability, and shows that the directors
of the company cannot afford to lose
his services in the management of the
policies of the road. He has said tina.
he wants to see the property rounded
out on the lines he had in view when
he first took charge. The action of
the board would seem to indicate that
he is to be given this chance.
Mr.. Murray has himself frequently
said, since his removal from the presl-
dency was first suggested that he
could not accept a position with the
company which would make him sub
servient to any but the board. He
would not serve under another chief.
That he has made this determination
known to the board would seem to be
true from its action in giving him a
higher position.