North Carolina Newspapers

folk Three Cents the Copy. INDEPENDENCE 'H ALL THINGS. Subscription Prtee, $1.00 Per Year in Advance. VOL X V. COLUMBUh, POLK COUNTY, N. C THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10,1909.. NO. 19; EDWARD HENRY HARRiMAN DIES g arden; n. y. Most Potential Factor in Ameri can Railways Gone. STARTED AS A BROKER'S CLERK jt Was nis Ambition to Control the Transportation System of the Country Ability as a Builder, Not a Wrecker. Arden, N. Y. Edward H. Harri pan died at his summer home on Tower Hill. The news was given out two hours later by Dr. William Gor don Lyle. Pressed to state whether or not Mr. Harriman underwent an opera tion, Dr. Lyle replied: "Mr. Harriman underwent no op eration with the knife." Later Robert L. Gerry, the dead financier's son-in-law, said: "Nobody will ever know from what EDWARD HI2N Mr. Harriman died. It will be im possible to tell without an autopsy, and no autopsy will be held." Edward Henry Harriman, for fifteen years the most potential fac tor in the management of American railways, fought his way to the com manding position he held against ob stacles which would not only have discouraged but would have worn out most men, and this after he was more than forty years oid. It was said of him, after he started on his way to the place he finally oc cupied in the business world, that he was the greatest financier among rail road men and the greatest railroad man among financiers. In the later years he was accorded the place of a great financier among financiers, and a great railroad man among railroad men, combining the qualities of the two more than any other person of his time. He was called the incarnation of Wall Street, but he had an imagina tion which gave to him a view of rail road trains carrying their loads of wealth across a continent, and he bought, rebuilt and equipped those railroads so that they were ready for the business when it came. He was a builder and never a wrecker of rail roads, and it was his boast that he had never been connected with a sys tem that ever defaulted in r. payment. Until after he was more than forty years old there was nothing to indi cate that Mr. Harriman was to occupy the place he won among the giants of the business world. He had been in 'ali Street since he was a boy, and the reputation of being a shrewd trader, but he had never shown his ohderful ability as a builder of rail roads and his ambition to control the feat transportation systems of this country. Mr. Harriman was born in Hemp 8tearl, L. L. February 25. 1848. and his father was Orlando Harriman, Jr., an Episcopal clergyman. There were Ex children in the family, and his earl" life was one of poverty, with Wtentimes not enough money to sup Wy the wants of all the family. His lither mnvp'l tr Triov !itv and tot Harriman received his educa- 4.1 uon in the nublie schools? there and in ai1 Episcopal school, which he could atten on account of the sons of min- teter tutu Hi a reduced rate lor mother came from one of the ii ilies of New Jersey, and from inherited many of the traits it strong personality which dis hed him among the great men 6l V. Ptha 8 his-' Karrin settle , . f the , Boil born hat ' day. in the early sixties Mrs. o inherited enough money to r"e bread and butter problem -irmly for all time. the father and mother were fl bred aristocrats and had 1 , oftentime the bane of the Nac ot birth- They knew few ana j 11 d cared to know no more, low th; children were taught to fol outsirf. social line cIospIv t Ko ine Closelv. Tn the cnM ut world cold deIriLeserved and hnmriitv c Vs never taught the boy who was to become the master mind in the railway world. He entered Wall Street, whcu In his 'teens and saved enough money so that he could purchase a seat on the Stock Exchange on August 13, 1871. He was what is known as a "$2 man," executing orders for commission brokerage firms, but he watched the market. Indeed, it is said that he obtained the money to buy his seat on one of the turns of the market that were engineered in those days by Jay Gould and "Jim" Fisk. Two years after he bought his seat he organized the private banking house of E. H. Harriman ft Co., which later became known as Harriman & Co.' A special partner in this firm was Nicholas Fish, a brother of Stuy vesant Fish, with whom he was to have many years later a bitter per sonal as well as railroad fight. His uncle, Oliver H. Harriman, a wealthy dry goods merchant, was on social terms with the Vanderbilts, and in that way the banking house obtained a part of the Vanderbilt business. For the next few years there was nothing to distinguish the Harriman firm from a hundred others doing business in Wall Street. He had wealthy relatives in the city, but he asked no favors of them. Early in life he married Miss Mary Averell, of Ogdensburg, N. Y., whose family had made money in the building of HARRIMAN. the Rome, Watertown and Ogdens burg Railroad, and her share of the estate strengthened his hands for the ba.ttles that were to come. In 1883 the Harriman house was wealthy enough to own 15,000 shares of Illinois Central stock, and Mr. Har riman was elected a director. Stuy vesant Fish had been on the board since 1877, and the men became warm business and social friends. The first large amount of money Mr. Harriman made was through the sale to the Illinois Central of the Yazoo Valley and Mississippi Valley Rail road, which he engineered. , Wall Street began to take notice of Mr. Harriman in the years that fol lowed. He became vice-president of the Illinois Central, and the right hand man of Mr. Fish, financing the deals which rounded out the Illinois Central system into 5370 miles, treb ling its capitalization and more than trebling its earnings. Mr. Fish and Mr. Harriman fore stalled the Louisville and Nashville, the most formidable rival of the Illi nois Central, by purchasing an inde pendent line between Memphis and New Orleans, giving the only direct highway between those cities. Mr. Harriman was a small man. slight in build, narrow chested and looking anything but the part of a great railroad builder. He had a head out of proportion to his body, and his most striking feature was his eyes. They looked through one, and snapped when he gave his orders. E. H. Harriman's personal fortune has been variously estimated at from $50,000,000 to $80,000,000, though the former figure is one which ap pears to be most in consonance with such facts as are known regarding Mr. Harriman's security holdings. At Mr. Harriman's bedside when he died were Mrs. Harriman, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Gerry, W. Averell Harriman, the Misses Mary and Carol Harriman, Roland Harriman, Orlando H. Harriman, the railroad man's brother: Mrs. Cornelia N. Simons, his sister; Dr. Lyle and two nurses. HARRIMAN HAD CANCER. Professor Struempell, of Vienna, Thus Diagnosed His Ailment. Vienna, Austria. Professor Adolf Struempell, the Viennese specialist the late E. H. Harriman came to Europe to consult, now admits that when he saw Mr. Harriman in juiy ue rtinfrnnsfid his complaint as cancer. Professor Struempell, while at Breslau, sent the" following signed utntfiment to the Associated jrress. "T riiae-nnsed Mr. Harriman's com plaint as carcinoma of the stomach at the end of July. I could not, of course, communicate this diagnosis to private inquirers, but I informed Mr. Harriman's American physicians of i and that the conditions did not in dicate that an operation was hope- less. I hastened jvu nammu a parture homeward." ... PEARY SEEKS NORTH POLE WITH PARTY OF ESKIMOS Had Worked For This Triumph Thirty-two Years. STORY OF COLD AND HARDSHIP Explorer Starts For the Goal, Leav ing Rest to Break Camp and Fol low All Lean as Razors With Muscles as Hard. London. The London Times prints Commander Robert E. -Peary's story, taking up the narrative at the 88th parallel, where, having parted with his last supporting party, he was left to face the final stage of the journey to the pole himself with only a party of five Eskimos. Peary says this was the moment for which he had worked thirty-two years. He and his party were Irx the best condition for the task, and he adds that their equipment and supplies at this point were beyond his ru.&st rosy expectations. The Eskimos were all thoroughly experienced men, full of confidence in their leader, ready to obey him in everything and to risk every danger. Two had been his personal com panions to the furthest north three years ago and two others were in Clark's supporting party on that oc casion. The fifth was no less eager and willing than the others, being in spired by the hope of a reward which would enable him to win the consent of his fiancee's father to their mar riage. The dogs, too, were all spe cially selected survivors of 133 which started from Cape Columbia, all of them powerful males in fine shape. The sledges were also in excellent condition, while the supplies carried were ample for forty days or for ninety if circumstances should neces sitate the sacrifice of dogs. For this final march Peary deter mined to make every effort to accom plish five marches of fifteen miles each so as to reach the end of the fifth long enouKh before noon to al- low him to make a latitude observa tion immediately. He believed he could do this if weather and leads permitted, but had two alternatives in reserve in case he failed to make the proposed dis tance. The first of these was to force a last march, but rest until he could re sume the trail; the second was to make a forced march, using light sledges and double teams of dogs, accompanied by only two members of the party, while the remainder stayed, in camp in the background. All possibilities that would upset these plans were the Increasing preva lence of open leads and non-negotiable water and the realization that one twenty-four hours' gale would spell certain disorganization and place all in peril. After midnight, refreshed by a few hours' good sleep, Peary struck the trail, leaving the others to break camp and follow. Climbing the ridge in the rjear of his igloss he drew in another notch of his belt, the third since he set out. Every one of the party, man and dog, was slim as razors and muscles as hard as possible. The morning broke fine, the wind of the previous two days having subsided, while the going proved the best they had yet struck. Now they found it easy to recognize the large old floes, which were hard and clear and surrounded by ridges. Sometimes they passed over floes and through crevices and sometimes ii n bne-ft brinks. rvmHiminer. the narrative says: A ctnnA nane was set for about ten hours Twenty-five miles took Peary well be- vnnH the 88th parallel. a ffiw hours' sleep and they were on the trail again. As the going was now practically horizontal, they were unhampered and could travel as long as thev nleased. They made twenty mlles In ten hours and were hair wa? to the 89 th parallel. Again there was a few hours' stop, and they went on again' before mid night. The weather and going were even better. The surface, except as interrupted by infrequent ridges, was as level as the glacial fringe from Hecla to Columbia, and harder. : They marched something over ten hours, the dogs being often on the trot, and made twenty miles. Near the end of the march they rushed across a lead 100 yards wide, which buckled under the sledges and finally broke as the last sledge left it. They stopped in sight of the 89th parallel, in a temperature of forty degree's below. Again a scant sleep, andthey were on their way once more and across the 89th parallel. The bitter air was as keen as frozen steel. A little longer sleep than the previous ones had to be taken here, a&f0ll were in need of it. Then on again. Before Peary turned in he took an observation, which indicated the party's position as 89.25. In twelve hours they had made forty miles. After many more perils and when they were at the end of their en durance the pole was reached on April 6. Taft Glad Both Are Americans. Beverly, Mass. r President Taft, during a speech on board the May flower, said: "I think it is a great deal better, in view of the recent developments, that when there is a dispute as to who got to the pole, the two men who were contestants should be from the same nation. We are, I think, much more certain of reaching the truth under these circumstances than if both were backed up by a certain sort of national pride and a prejudice that might lead to error." Morgan to Finance Dr. Cook. Chicago. A Copenhagen cable says: "It is said that J. Pierpont Morgan telegraphed to Dr. Cook offering him any sum he might need, but the ex plorer says he will pay for the expe dition himself." The expedition referred to is the one which Dr. Cook i3 planning to send to Greenland, under command of Commander Sverdrup, to bring back the two Eskimo witnesses, with whom Cook would like to confront DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD IN MEXICO. Men, Cattle and Mills Swept Away by Overflowing River. Mexico City. A terrible flood has visited the Jamiltepec district 'n the State of Oaxaca. Sugar plantations and mills have been destroyed, hun dreds of head of cattle have been killed and scores of farm laborers have lost their lives in the waters. The scene of this inundation is in the southern part of the republic, many miles from Monterey and Ta. maulipas. The Atoyac River over flowed its banks and swept miles of a rich country with devastating force. The Jamiltepec district is one of the richest on the Pacific Coast, and it is said that 100,000 persons will suffer from this most recent flood, owing to the great area of land laid waste. The initial overflow of the Atoyac River was caused by a cloudburst. UMPIRE CHTDED BY SHERMAN. Vice-President Thought Owens Had ' Erred in a Decision.1 Kansas City, Mo. Becoming ex cited over what he believed to be a bad decision at first base in the Igame between the Kansas City and Minne anolis teams of the American Associa tion here, Vice-President James S. Sherman, who attended the game, called Umpire Clarence Owens to his box after the inning was over and protested against the decision. "Mr. Owens," the Vice-President Is quoted as saying, "I believe your de cision at first base on that man was umpiring seems to have been good been called safe it might, have won the game for the home club. Your impiring seems to have been good outside of that, but I believe that decision was wrong." ; WILL HOLD BOND ELECTION Iredell Pulling For the New States- Tille Air Line. Statesville,- Special. The county commissioners have ordered an elec tion to be held in Bethany township, October oth, to vote on the question of the township's issuing $12,500 bonds for the Statesville Air Line Railroad. The Air Line Railroad will run through this township but for some reason at a former election m the township, at the titty when other townships voted bonds for the road, the bonds were lost by a majority of two votes. Now that the railroad is a certainty, the people of Bethany arc beginning, to realize what it will mean to them and it is believed that the next election will result in a victory for the railroad. Everything now points toward the success of the road and as soon as the State eonvicts are available probably within six or eight months work will begin. Winston-Salem will be shown in a mater ial way from whence the first railroad will enter Yadkin county. ,000 is too Little. Aslieville, Special. The sale of the Elk Mountain Cotton Mills on Sep tember 3, for $96,000, to C. A. Webb and company, representing some stockholders, was reported to the re ceivers that it be not confirmed, be cause the amount ' was insufficient to pay all the debts of the company in full, i The receivers have been authorized to negotiate the sale of this property either at a public or private sale. They feel that the property is a val uable one and that a much bettei price will shortly be secured, in fact they already have assurances that they will to able to obtain a price that will abundantly protect all cred itors, and their chief concern now is to save something for the stockhold ers if possible. Engines and Shovels For Southbound Road. Winston-Salem, Special. Thre.t large engines to pull steam shovels over the Winston-Salem Southbound railway roadbed, were taken to the Southside section of the city Wednes day. They will be operated on their own rails, section after section to be taken and relaid successively. The steam shovels are being moved to the ground also, taking their place along with other big-material to be used ai once in commencing the road fron this point south. Rinehart & Dennis of Washington City, are the contrac tors in charge of the first work out from this point. Three Freight Cars Derailed at Rocks Mount. Rocky Mount, Special. For a ma jor part of the afternoon Tuesday the tracks of the Rocky Mount & Northern railroad into this city were blocked on account of the derailment of three cars at the switch from the main line to the spur track to the Rockv Mount Mills. The cars were' loaded with wood for the Rocky Mount Mills and the derailment caus ed considerable trouble before the cars could be finally gotten back on the track, which was at a late hour at night. No one was hurt by the derailment. . . Winston-Salem Woman Fined Foi Disciplining Servant. Wmston-Salem, Special. Mrs. E F. Charles was fined $125 and the costs in the recorder's court Thurs day for having discharged a pistol in the direction ot a negro woman. wounding her once, but not seriously,. f The affair took place August 13. Mrs Charles shot, she said, merely to frighten and discipline the woman who had refused to stop upen.Mrs. Charles' request while taking some clothes from the yard. Mrs. Charles had the woman given the best medi cal attention and regretted that she had been wounded. Notice of appeal was given. Men Are Recovering. . ; Marion, Special The men recently hurt when a hotel building whidh was being erected here collapsed, are re covering. Jack Cecil, the Davidson man who was bad lv injured, is get ting well. The men, when, taken out from the debris, looked as if they were mashed into pulp.' The middle wall was too weak and caused the col lapse when the iron girders were be ing placed into position. v Shot Up a Mfrror. ' Raleigh, Special. A reward of one hundred dollars has been offered, by Governor Ktichin for the .capture of the unknown partv who recently.-at tempted to kill Mr. S. D,. Poyner,. af Moynock, in Currituck ' county. On the twentieth of August ' while 'Mr, Poyner was in bed some one shot twice through the window. As lucl would have it the party shooting mis" took the reflection of ' Mr. Poyrier i the mirror for Mr. Poyner, arid "so it was that thugh the shots, demolished the mirror and damaged the bureau, that Mr. Poyner. escaped unhurt; l. He Finally Won Out. "Nettie," cried the enamored young man, "I love you and would go to. the world's end for you." "Oh, ho, you wouldn't, James, retorted the sweet girl graduate. "The world, or the earth, as it is called, is round like a ball, therefore it has no enJ-frr , "Yes, .1 know," continued the e. y. m., "but what I meant was that I'd do anything to please you. Ah, dearest, if you knew the aching void "Now I am surprised, James," in terrupted the s. g. g. "Nature abhors a vacuum, and there is no such thing as a void but admitting that there could be such a thing, how could the void you speak of be void if there , was an ache in it ?" 1 1 Oh, well, ' replied the young man, "at least I've got the cash and pro perty amounting to nearly $100,000, and I want you to be my wife. So there!" :- ' ' 1 ' J ames," ' replied the fair one without; a moment's hesitation, "since you pint it "ih'Hhat light, X haven't the hear-t-to-refuse you. Let the wedding bells ring without un necessary delay.'' From the Chicago News. Bible in 418 Tongues. London, Sept. 5v According to the 105th' report of the British and For eign Bible Society- th'& Bible will soon e printed in every language andT dialect known throughput, the world. Complete Bibles . or portions of the Bible were issued" last 'year in 418 different languages. . During the year six new translations were added to the list. Besides these languages, there are complete Bibles or portions of the Scripture made' in embossed type for the . blind in .thirty-one dif ferent languages. . . . The number of Bibles issued by the society last year" was nearly 6,000,000. Of complete Bibles there were 884, 195; New Testaments, 1,116,674, and portions of Scripture,. 3,993,842, mak ing a totaU-of 5,934,711. The colporteurs employed in the work of distribution have an adven turous life. Last year some of them were arrested as spies in Nicaragua, robbed in Burma, bitterly mocked by Social Democrats in Germany, driven out of villages in Peru by priests who burned their books, stoned in the Philippines and beaten by Moslems in Baluchestan. : So. 38-'09. Snapshots of Thought. By T. Sullivan. The man who ' can sculpture a stumbling block into a stepping stone has done more than most sculptors ever accomplish. The unaided eye can discern the beauty of virtue, but no microscope can discover the comeliness of vice. When Women Vote. "What will happen when women vote?" "I suppose, among other things, one wn't be able to get a Democratic cook to work with a Republican housemaid." Pittsburg Post. Better on a sound boat than a leaky ship. German, m " PRESSED HARD CoiTee's Weight on Old Age. When prominent men realize the injurious effects, of coffee and the change in health that Postum can bring ttey are glad to lend their tes timony for1 the bSneflt of others. A superintendent qf . public schools in, North Carolina says: "My, mother, since ber early child hood, was an inveterate coffee drink er, and had been troubled with her heart for a number of years, and com plained of that 'weak all over feeling and sick stomach. "Some time ago I was making an official visit to a distant parf of the country and took dinner with one of the merchants of the place. I noticed a somewhat peculiar flavour of the coffee, and askqd 'him concerning It. Jle replied that it was Postum." "I was so please'd with it, that af ter the meal jfas over, I bought a package to carry home with me, and k had wife prepare some for the next meal. The whole family liked it so well that -we discontinued coffee and used Dostum entirely. m . VI had really heen at times very anxious" concerning my mother's con dition, but we noticed that after using Postum for a short time she. felt so much better than she did prior to its . use, anbT had little trouble with her heart and no ick stomach, that the' headaches were.got so frequent, and her general condition much improved. This c6ntlnue'cfuntil she was as well and hearty asfhe rest of us. V "I linow,Rotfim has benefited' My self and . the,, other members of the family, but no'ffn so marked a degree as in the .case of my motha, psjfro was a victim of lfng standing." Read "Te iToad to Wellville," in pkgs. V,' '. . r; 1 "There'sa. Reason." " Ever iread-the above letter? A new 0 MMMta tppm time to time. They 1 Arevsenniiie trae. and full of human f Interest te 4 1 m