RAILWAY KING’S DEATH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2644, 28 October 1909, Page 2

RAILWAY KING’S DEATH.

HARRIMAN’S LAST MOMENTS. Tlio magnificent courage with which Mr. Harriman faced the unconquerable enemy on September 29 was characteristic of tlie man, and stirred the emotions not only of those who had been close to the railroad financier, but elicited tributes from men who had been his opponents in many a business fray. Aiinost to the very last, tlie mind of the man, who had never given up in defeat, continued actively directing the great business of 18,000 miles of railway and 35,000 miles of water line he had built up. His last instructions were delivered to a subordinate only a few hours before liis death. Constant vigil had been maintained at the Harriman borne all through the night preceding Ills death, for the members of his family realised that only the stern will power of tlio man sustained him in the unequal fight he was waging. A crisis was anticipated at any moment, but Mr. Harriman’s cheerful optimism, abundantly expressed when he returned from Europe to take, as he said, “the after cure,” gave hope that he might yet survive the critical stage. Although the patient’s vitality was at a low stage and he was sulFering from a high fever, he revived a trace in the morning, and endeavored to cheer his despairing wife and children. “Don’t worry, my dear,” he said to his daughter. Miss Mary Harriman. “I am going to get well.” —Last Lingering Farewells.—

Some hours later it became apparent that the end of his brilliant career was approaching, and the members of his famiN were summoned to the bedside. With unfaltering courage but ebbing strength he clasped hands with all for the last time, embraced them, spoke words of cheer to. his wife and daughters, and of advice to his sons Roland and Averill. Roland, the youngest son, who has been his father’s ’constant companion during his illness, was shaking with sobs as his father clasped him in his arms and whispered the farewell words. Mr. Harriman’s death occurred at 1.30 p.m., but the fact was not announced until after the close of stock market.. Abo\it two o’clock Wallstreet'heard rumors that the - financier was dead, but that the statement -..tp that effect would not be given out Until after the stock exchange session ended. A telephone call to the Harriman borne, at 1.45, brought a positive denial of the report of Mr. Harriman’s death. - —Overwork to Blame.—

The general opinion in financial circles was that the business world was prepared for the shock of Mr. Harriman’s passing. So firm was believed to be the foundation he had established for the towering business structure he' reared tha t little or no apprehension was ''expressed. It was pointed out that the railroad (builder had placed at tuw head of the various properties he com trolled men in whom he had confidence and who, doubtless, had instructive to pursue the policies which had carried the Harriman enterprise to success. It was the general belief that overwork was the cause of Mr. Harriman’s death. —Probable Successors. — Speculation as to Harriman’s probable successor is arousing much interest. No official information is expected until after the next meeting_ of the Union and Southern Pacific directorv and the opinion of railroad men seem divided as to whether one man would succeed to Harriman’s titles and power or whether the executive work of the system would bo distributed among the men who are now in active charge. In ease a new president is elected it A believed in Chicago that it will be one of three men—R. S. Lovett, gener-

al counsel, and tlio head of the legal department of' the system; Julius Kruttschnitt, who has supreme control •over the physical property and operation, or J. C. Stubbs, who lias charge of all traffic affairs, rates, and tlio handling of the vast commerce annually transported over the Harriman system. Upon assuming the presidency of practically all the corporations composing these two great_ systems, Mr. Harriman was confronted with the problem of designing an organisation that would economically and ■ efficiently supervise their operation without imposing upon him any details. —Management Goes On. —

This he did by creating two unique positions in the railroad world—theoffice of director of maintenance and operation, held by Julius Kruttschnitt; and traffic director, held by John! C. Stubbs. These two men, with offices in Chicago, have been given complete responsibility for the active management. of the system, just as if Harriman had not existed, although reporting directly to him. Chicago railroad men believe the management of the roads will go on just < the same, no matter who is finally chosen president at the annual meeting of directors, unless the organisation is changed at that time.