Evening journal., 1911-06-01
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
An Act of Courtesy That
Brought Forth a ThOuS-
and Fold
BY "HoIIand.D

When William H. Vanderbilt. son Of
the Commodore, resigned the presi-
dency of the New York Central Rail-
road in order TO become chairman of
the board OF directors, he was succeed
ed as president by James Fl. Rutter.
Mr.. Rutter began his career as a rail-
way employe as station and freight
agent al a little town upon the Erie
Railroad. He was promoted rapidly
and at last became an assistant freight
traffic manager in the main offices OF
the Erie at Pavonia, near Jersey City
A few years later Mr.. Rutter became
general freight manager under Com
modore Vanderbilt and gained a ma
tional reputation as a railway man
reputation, in fact, AZ one OF the
most successful railway managers OF
his day. His ability always to mind
his own business, and not to interfere
with anybody else's business. he once
said. had helped greatly to win him
success But there was another reason
for his success, and that was his
kindness Of heart. his aifability and
consideration for others, even for the
humblest of his employees. And Il was
this trait which brought to Mr.. Rutter
unexpected and much needed assist
ance in a financial crisis of his career.
When Commodore Vanderbilt tempt
ed Mr. Rutter away from his service
with the Erie railroad and made him
freight traffic manager of the New
York Central. Mr.. Rutter thought he
could afford to buy a house in New
York city, and he did purchase mod
est dwelling within convenient reach
of the Grand Central station, paying
some cash and giving purchase
money mortgage for the balance Of the
purchase price.
After he had owned the house about
three years there came hard times Mr.
Rutter was pressed for the payment OF
the mortgage. He did not have the
money nor did he know where 10 turn
to procure t. He was in despair. since
he had been informed that foreclosure
proceedings would be begun upon a
certain day
On the morning of that day Mr. Rut-
| ter happened to meet while on his way
| from his house TO his office a railway
magnate of much influence and large
wealth. the late Sidney Dillon, who
was a director of the Union Pacific
when the Government was interested
in that property.
Mr. Dillon stopped Mr.. Rutter, ap-
parently observing that the younger
man was in some distress.
Don't you feel well?" asked Mr..
Dillon. you look anxious"
"Oh yes. ! am perfectly we'll physi-
cally." Mr.. Rutter replied.
But there is something the matter
with you; you have something on your
mind" persisted Mr.. Dillon. what is
it?"
well, I'll tell you Mr. Dillon" was
the reply. II suppose that today fore
closure proceedings will be brought
to satisfy a purchase money mortgage
which gave when | bought my
house
Cant you raise the money!" Mr.
Dillon asked
mo; I can't offer any. security, and
can't find anyone who viii assume the
mortgage for me"
How much is it?" Mr.. Dillon asked
and he was told that the amount was
twelve thousand dollars.
"I'l let you have the money
Jimmy" Mr. Dillon said And he was
as good as his word Before afternoon
the mortgage had been satisfied and
had given a release. Then, while thank
ing Mr.. Dillon, Mr. Rutter confessed
that he could not understand why Mr.
Dillon had been willing to do him
a service.
"Ill tell you why, Jimmy" Mr. Dill
Ion replied. You remember when you
were with the Erie Railroad in theil
offices at the Pavonia ferry house?
had done some heavy contracting worl
for the Erie Railroad | found il i'm
possible to get my money and | needed
it badly | would go to the office day
after day to see Mr. Gould or jim
Fisk, and would wait patiently Ions
time and be obliged to go away with
out seeing them. Well, one day you
saw me standing there. You brought
me a chair. You gave me a newspaper
to while away the time. And you die
that a second and a third time It was
a simple little courtesy, but I never
forgot It. ! always knew the time
would come when I could make you
some repayment. have been glad tC
pay off today a debt of gratitude
Copyright, 1911, by E. ]. Edwards. AL
rights reserved)
Tomorrow Mr.. Edwards will tell al
"The Pedler Who Wrote a Best Sci