Part 8

Energy unsparingly applied was James A. Holden’s key to the door of advancement, which once open disclosed the road to preferment growing smoother and wider. Always in the atmosphere of moguls and shunts when a stripling, nurtured in routine as biller, telegrapher, superintendent’s clerk, agent, &c., he found it easy after getting in motion, to push on to St. Louis and the Frisco Railway, to an executive place with “C.O. & G.R.”, thence Chicago and the freight traffic managership of Rock Island Lines. Mr. Holden, who is Vice-President of Kansas City Southern Railroad, but just now busy with the Director General of Railroads at Washington, intimates that he reached this goal without cause to complain of the way he has been dealt with. He was a railroader’s son from Whitby, Canada, and office boy in ’77 on the now almost forgotten Whitby, Port Perry & Lindsay Railway.

It was the primitive equipment of the pioneer Whitby, Port Perry & Lindsay Railway, meandering through forest and farm, which hypnotized youthful John W. Platten, Port Perry, who became afterwards a Vice-President and influential executive officer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Prior to this he spent some time with the “G.P.A.” and President of the “Erie” at Cleveland, and had been Treasurer of the deceased Central Bank of Canada, which prepared and qualified him for the position of President and General Manager of United States Trust & Mortgage Company. He is also Chairman for the share-holders of “White Star” common stock and with E. E. Loomis, President “L.V.R.”, made a special train survey and report regarding the value of the “Canadian Northern Ry.” a couple of years ago. Mr. Platten has lately been elected President of the Gulf, Mobile & Northern Railroad. The sponsors of the “L.V.” traffic artery from Niagara to tidewater, “fancied” three other Canucks in the persons of John S. Wood, Asst. Genl. Freight Agent, Geo. W. Hay, General Baggage Agent and N. W. Pringle, A.G.P.A., New York.

Take courage, all ye who falter: retemper the spring in your spine, as hard work, thrift and a mastery of the duties of the desk next above is Mr. Jarvis’s recipe for raising one’s status and stipend. The majority--whether Briton, Frank or Celt--accept this dictum and make obeisance to the inexorable law: wherefore, the sons of “Our Lady of the Snows” cheerfully caught hold and lifted with their cousins. Shoulder to shoulder these joint decendents of kindred mother stock have added to the national wealth by perfecting means for distributing inland and export trade to the widest possible compass. The annual interchange of business between United States and the fatherland of Canadians abroad exceeded $700,000,000, being third to what was transacted before the war with England and Germany, while their collaboration in multiplying communications has wrought incalculable gain to international good will. The natural affinities of the two Anglo Saxon families dominating North America cement the industrial and social fabric.

This deepening of a common sense of attachment is significant and may yet wield a portentous influence on world politics and boundaries. The growth in harmonious intercourse--fostered by the advent into United States prior to 1900 of one in every six persons born in Canada--has derived stimulus from the dependable characteristics of those who have, in the sifting, come within the arc of the limelight. These resolute knights of throttle, lever and key--ex-Canadians of stamina and discernment in railroad building, operation, traffic and finance--rank high as participators in the safeguarding of large and complicated interests. They are in sympathy with the enterprising and restless spirit of their “American” confreres and both seek to wrest the Caduceus, or golden wand of commerce, from Jupiter’s son and hasten forward with development’s message to silent, virgin places and to peoples beyond the seas.

SAMUEL R. CALLAWAY

His Character and Notable Career

_David Hume, historian and observer, declared “It is better to be born with a cheerful disposition than inherit an income of ‘Ten Thousand’ a year.”_

The gentleman whose features are reproduced on this page possessed that jewel beyond price. Despite vicissitudes in boyhood and stubborn perplexities later, it was his wont to always maintain a kindly, unruffled exterior which seemed to spring from the centre of his being, reflecting an equable temperament and much self-mastery. With this invaluable asset, and other sterling qualifications of mind and method, Samuel Rodger Callaway quietly and steadily spiraled through adverse currents to an altitude in the science of railroading, surmounted by the golden legend, “Eighty thousand a year.” In his brief span he attained an eminence in the commercial firmament which most men cease not to dream of, but seldom realize.

Born of English-Scotch stock at Toronto, Canada, December 24th, 1850, the loss of his father summoned him to toil’s daily round early in life. As the champion and counsellor of his mother he was thrust into the arena at the age of thirteen, when he entered the Grand Trunk service under the eye of the late Sir Joseph Hickson, who soon observed his precocious self-control, prudence and business aptitude even at that chrysalis stage.

A four year novitiate beside Superintendent Gilman Cheney, of the Canadian Express Company, was followed by twelve months clerking for William Wallace, Superintendent of the Great Western, Hamilton. His chief recreation then was reading, and mild indulgence in the aquatic pleasures which Burlington Bay permitted.

A secretaryship to W. K. Muir fell to him in 1870, when both joined the fettered D. & M., Detroit, marking young Callaway’s assumption of important responsibilities.

He gave full value for his remuneration, working without friction, like a noiseless machine, and shamed slovens by close application and attention to the smallest commissions, manifesting such executive ability and economy as operating man with the Detroit & Bay City Railway, 1878, that the increasing traffic greatly enhanced the railroad’s value.

At his thirty-fourth milestone, this popular, but strict disciplinarian, began in 1884, for Charles F. Adams, three years of arduous duties as Vice-President and General Manager, Union Pacific Railway, Omaha, directing reconstruction work of magnitude with force and decision. That tells its own story. Can the reader recall a parallel? It was said of him that he knew almost every man in his employ, but he was not aware of how his unfailing courtesy, freedom from ostentation and justice to all inspired personal loyalty.

Always seeking knowledge, he travelled upward, serving three Canadian and nine U.S.A. corporations with an intellectual, sympathetic and expansive grasp of things which pleased magnates and earned his subordinates’ attachment.

He broad-gauged the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railway, 1887 to 1894, and by going to W. K. Vanderbilt and the Presidency of the Nickel Plate in 1895, a prophecy made years ago was fulfilled. When he married Miss Jane Ecclestone, at Hamilton, June 7th, 1875, Mr. C. C. Trowbridge, his staunch friend, gave him the following letter addressed to W. H. Vanderbilt:

“I take the liberty of giving this sealed letter to Mr. S. R. Callaway, who has been superintendent of the Detroit & Milwaukee during my receivership of two years. He does not know its contents. My object is to give him the honor of your acquaintance, but, more particularly, to have you know him. I regard him as one of the most promising railroad men of the West. He has been in the business from early boyhood on the Grand Trunk, Great Western and D. & M., understands telegraphy, and is familiar with the duties of the different departments. With great purity and gentleness of character, he combines a quiet force and decision which has commanded the esteem and respect of railway men, and his knowledge of detail and love of system, give him great influence with his subordinates, who are ardently attached to him. Perhaps, in the future, when some of your faithful ones drop out, you may want Callaway. I have no motive in taking this liberty but the desire to certify to the worth of a man whose modesty would prevent him from pushing himself into notice, and I feel sure that you will pardon me.”

From his patrons and confreres in United States who are said to recognize and place merit before favoritism, honors came fast to this somewhat reticent, easy mannered gentleman with one passion--music and grand opera--which he delighted to indulge at the “Metropolitan” and by playing arias on a magnificent aeolian erected in his home.

Invited to New York to exercise his wisdom in directing the destinies of the L.S. & M.S., and the retirement of Senator Chauncey Depew a few months later signalled the elevation of Mr. Callaway to the Presidency of the N.Y.C. & H.R.R., and affiliated properties, March 30th, 1898, the acknowledged master of one of the greatest business enterprises of the century.

A New York newspaper, commenting on that appointment, said, “It has long been ‘President Callaway’, as he was born Christmas Eve, 1850, and since youth has been a Santa Claus offering to the railways.”

It is related that when William K. Vanderbilt urged Mr. Callaway to accept the Presidency of the American Locomotive Company, because his corporation could not meet the princely salary mentioned in the new contract, the interesting rumor spread so rapidly that it appeared in the press before the new executive had opportunity to acquaint his family how he had become a business man with prospects that would keep the wolf so far from the door that he dare not venture this side of the next concession. The newspaper references came to the notice of his son, a boyish wag at college, who immediately wrote home saying, “Dear Father--I see by yesterday’s paper that you were forced to get another job owing to the extravagance of your family. I want to congratulate you on your great success, for, judging from what the notices say, you have struck an ‘oily’ position.”

Samuel Callaway had spent thirty years of active life time in the railway’s service and was considered a perfect type of the administrative American railroading man through inclination and training from boyhood, conquering difficulties and contending with stern realities without seeking publicity. He did not like to talk, but he knew well how to meet the world and writing of him after his decease, biographers said his business manners were flawless.

When he first went to New York as President of the New York Central Lines there were some who thought a chill had come over the President’s office, so long kept beaming--as one writer put it--by the geniality of Senator Depew. The cool reserve of the new President was at first misunderstood, but those who had business with him soon realized that on business matters he was one of the most approachable of men. During office hours he was never diverted from close attention to the company’s affairs.

As a thinker who saw clearly for the financial colleagues of a dozen corporations; as a man of the world discussing big projects in exclusive clubs of the metropolis, his extraordinary judgment was emphasized, but the simplicity of his quieter side, his love of little ones and thought for kith and kin in his native land, were likewise noticeable.

He counted much on the success of his children and was devoted to his family, but was not vouchsafed the anticipated pleasure of their society in later years when his duties would have been less arduous.

At the age of fifty-four, the zenith of capability and ripened opinion, after completing three years as first President of the American Locomotive Company, his mighty brain ceased to originate and execute. To his memory earnest and widespread tribute was paid.

His career was a homily to men pessimistic regarding life’s outlook, who capitulate to cynicism. The example he set cannot soon be forgotten, nor should study of the character and purpose of S. R. Callaway be disregarded by the youth of this generation.

“His life was gentle; and the elements So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, ‘This is a man.’”

❦ ❦ ❦

THOMAS N. JARVIS

An Organizing Genius

From the banks of the winding Avon the boy Shakespeare went forth and his genius revitalized and gave a tremendous impetus to literature and the drama. Were you aware that Stratford in the new world long after produced a son, in youth Tom Jarvis, who is undoubtedly leaving his impress on the peaceful pursuit of international trade. Contend if you will, that it is a far cry to the hedge rows of merrie England for a parallel, for a coincidence; yet there is a modicum of truth in most generalizations. The elect all sing small in the beginnings. The journey of the Bard from obscurity to the throne room was tedious and none the less devious is the pilgrimage from a dingy office in the heel of a freight shed to the Vice-Presidency of one of America’s great railway highways.

A sprig off the geneological tree which inspired the name of a Toronto residential thoroughfare, T. N. Jarvis was born and reared in Stratford, Ont., and at sixteen essayed the study of legal tomes. This was dry, unremunerative occupation and about 1870 he exchanged Blackstone for the freight classification, billing desk and, to him, the less monotonous, more congenial railway atmosphere. He proved to be anything but “A square peg in a round hole” and earnest endeavor earned rapid promotions to Paris, Black Rock, Buffalo and Cleveland. At the expiry of seven years he entered the service of the International Fast Freight Line; a twelve month later the Blue Line and in 1880 to the Commercial Express Line. It is related that about this time he visited Cleveland to acquaint a certain high executive official of his contemplated resignation to assume other duties. Suspecting the nature of his errand, every resource of his patron’s diplomacy and palatial home were enlisted to successfully smother the avowal. Disappointed at the outcome, the ambitious Jarvis returned to headquarters to find that a cheque of fair proportions had preceded him as a retainer.

On completion of the “Nickel Plate” in 1883 he organized the Traders’ Dispatch and as manager was the youngest in his class, with a pronounced penchant for ensnaring traffic netting good revenues. The Lehigh Valley Railroad Company had been scrutinizing the trek of the tall, rangy and genial bachelor, Tom Jarvis--with a host of ‘pay streak’ friends from Frisco to Fundy Bay--and they soon made it “worth his while.” In ’98, as their General Eastern Agent at New York, his traveling men garnered cheese, coal, milk, live stock and passenger traffic _ad libitum_. Circularized again and again, he subsequently made his bow as Assistant General Traffic Manager, Freight Traffic Manager, and in March, 1906, Vice-President.

He modestly attributes it all to hard work and the aim to become familiar with the duties of “the men higher up.” Boys, note that. Cosmopolitan habitues of the Lotus Club, for instance, and friends in Ontario watch his progress with pride and await news of further honors. Now and then they have opportunity to inspect him at close range as guests in his private car.

While the methods of Mr. Jarvis in business are incisive, crisp and convincing, and devoid of much flowery phraseology, he possesses the most approachable and kindly personality, which unconsciously wins the homage of porter and President’s esteem.

“Honor and shame from no condition rise: Act well your part--there all the honor lies.”

GEO. J. CHARLTON

Passenger Traffic Expert

“A pale faced fanatic” Geo. J. Charlton never was and never will be--so his friends declare. The metamorphosis would too grievously trouble him in spirit and torture his avoirdupois. Glance again at the features and physical contour of the Passenger Traffic Manager of “Chicago & Alton,” the cap sheaf to a cluster of four sister transportation corporations, and contradict me, ye phrenological bump feelers, if the X rays do not locate there a large, sympathetic heart, optimism profound, great capacity for work and the ability to enjoy and “Spend money like a sailor.”

Ever since the time his education began in the private and public schools of his birthplace, Hamilton, Canada, where in boyhood he “Snapped the whip” and operated in the moonlit melon patch, George Charlton has been in the centre of the doings. His must have been the hypnotic eye, or he carried one of those heavily charged horse shoe magnets, for the boys and girls all liked him and gravitated in his direction without know-why. How many of his classmates have since made the same good use of their time, think you.

His father was a railroader of international repute, and nurtured in an atmosphere of “ticket affairs,” it was not unnatural the boy’s name should first appear on a railway pay roll in 1875 as messenger in the general passenger department of Chicago & Alton Road.

Thus began the zig zag but successful ascent of Mount Obstacle, covering a span of forty-three years. He was cast out of the right kind of metal and did not falter at the prospect or prove a time server when acting the role of junior, conductor’s clerk, ticket stock recorder, passenger sales accountant and rate expert.

Invariably devoting the best that was in him to his work, he soon realized that the position of understudy conscientiously performed, was a wise and diplomatic plan of action leading to unexpected possibilities. On March 14th, 1885, Mr. Charlton came within the arc of the limelight as Assistant General Passenger Agent of the “Alton.” January 1st, 1900, witnessed him accomplish the next logical move in advancing to the position of General Passenger Agent, and during a seven years tenure his jurisdiction was extended to the Toledo, St. Louis & Western Railway, styled the Clover Leaf Route. During December, 1909, the Corporation’s President gave him the right to have emblazoned on his business cards the title he bears to-day.

While this panorama of promotions glides without hindrance across the page to the reader’s brain, he can only imagine but should not overlook the monotonous toil, concentration of purpose and rebuffs smiled down behind the scenes by our subject long before a recital in this form was possible.

The best opportunity to truly sound the depth of a man’s character is to work with and beside him. As you may surmise, George Charlton’s manner of speech and demeanor towards his staff of employees is not rapid, cold and repellant, but a reflection of the desire pulsating within him to interchange enthusiasm, co-operation and loyalty with others, measure for measure. Woe betide the luckless mortal, however, who rouses his ire by flagrantly violating these commandments. This gentleman of tremendous energy and democratic inclinations, always finds time to fraternize with his men, meeting them as equals and apparently enjoying their society as much as they appreciate his.

Kindliness and generosity are his cardinal virtues. They have won for him the affection and compel the highest possible respect of his confreres and those characteristics, coupled with recognized ability, loom large when one attempts an inventory of the causes underlying his success.

The far reaching effect of the recent order issued by Mr. W. G. McAdoo, Director General of Railroads in United States, necessitating the release of many employees of the “Alton” who had been loyal members of Mr. Charlton’s railway family, distressed him keenly and quickened his broad sympathies. He immediately became “a welcome pest” to his influential friends, through unremitting efforts to assist his reluctantly departing staff to other suitable employment.

George Charlton is a votary of Comus, the ancient and rotund god of Merriment and that mythological personage ranks next to his patron saints. He is a well known society and club member, identified with at least a dozen organizations including the Hoos Hoos, Elks, Yacht Club, South Shore Country Club, Union League, Chicago, Green Room Club and Lambs Club, New York; also Hamilton Old Boys’ Association.

He is immensely popular with the traveling public and “man in the street” and they, having in mind the Passenger Traffic Manager of that triangular route linking Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City, agree that the wise man was right when he said “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

TRANSPORTATION CLUB OF TORONTO

BANQUET

NOVEMBER, 1914

“_The chairman is conductor on this train_” “_You won’t be asked to make a speech_”

A REVELER’S DREAM