The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-10-10
KINDLY RAILROAD MEN.
Two Instances Of Desire to Be Help.
full to the Public.

To THE NEW YoRK HERALD: I am
about train holdup didn't see the why
of 1t ALL Let me relate some personal
experiences.
One time before the war I got into
Leadvills from the hills with my two
partners. We were to leave that night
lit was Sunday-for Denver. and by
connecting with an overland train reach
Chicago Tuesday night in time to make
the Pennsylvania Limited. which would
put us In New York in season to see
man before he sailed for Europe Thurs
day noon. To see him was a case OF
woodchuck. Our small store Of capital
ana ticks Of hard work were hazarded.
It's a frightful piece Of mountain rail-
reading from Leadville. the roof of tho
continent, down to Denver. Only now
and then does the train make It on
schedule time. Thinking over the mar
row margin and the stake involved.
sent my two used up partners to the
hotel and sought the long distance tele-
phone. The Union Pacific dispatcher at
Denver to whom related the need we
had to reach New York Wednesday
night replied:
1--WE never have held UP that Chicago
train. Who In thunder are you, any
how?"
told him my name and added was
q person of no consequence. when he
broke In:
II get you. Playing for a stake All
right. I'll hold the train reasonable
time. Have the conductor on your train
wire me from Colorado Springs.s
He didn't know me. but I knew Of
that particular conductor and knew that
he once packed q gun as deputy sheriff
and knew his reputation for kindness.
1t was moro than that. 1t was anxiety.
He was positively grieved when at
Colorado Springs he told us II would be
necessary to hold the Union Pacific train
forty minutes. so late were we. and that,
he believed. was utterly out OF the ques-
ton. Nevertheless, when we reached
Denver. forty-eight minutes late, there
was the Union Pacific train waiting for
us and some of the officials of the road
Just as anxious as our conductor friend
to get US through.
We did get through. and though
didn't locate Our grouchy banker friend
until midnight Wednesday night, and
though had to work on him until 4
A NJ. to get his signature. got It
Still another instance. Running up
from southern Indiana to make con-
nection for Chicago at Fort Wayne our
train proceeded to lose so much time
that the connection was impossible. Now,
1t happened that a certain young lady,
member of theatrical company, was
playing In Chicago. At q later date,
after participating with me In a solemn
ceremony conducted by preacher. she
became boss of my house and now occa-
sionally allows mo to drive my own
car.
On the day In question I had tcle-
graphed her the information that she
was going to supper with me that eve
ming after the show. Hence the need
Of making that connecting train. / met
8 friend on the train who was In a
similar hurry. The conductor was gen.
erously sympathetic.
THE train you'd have to hold Is one
of the Pennsylvania crack trains" he
said. They won't let me ask for any
thing because you haven't got Chicago
tickets But there's a telegraph oper-
ator at the next town and you know
how to send a telegram. don't your"
/ did, but I was figuring out a way
to square myself with the girl when we
made Fort Wayne forty minutes late.
There was the Pennsylvania train wait
Ing. There was no time to buy tickets.
When It's grandfatherly conductor
ca me back. said l to him, Soak US for
any fare you like"
His reply was he would charge US the
lowest permissible interstate fare. Back
of him was the steward of the diner.
Gentlemen" he said. we've got a
good dinner tonight and the chef Is
making up little extra entree for you.
Your table will be ready when you
wish"
When you go to work and talk to me
about hard hearted railroads you're
talking to a stranger. The world is full
Of kindly. sympathetic. helpful people
who will come right over on your side II
there's q good reason for It and II YOU
ask them right G. r. HALLocK.
CHICAGO, October Q.