When he left the Southern Railroad, letters came
to him eloquent with this loyalty. Under date of Sept.
17, 1896, a subordinate writes: "I desire to frankly
state that in my whole experience in railroad busi-
ness, I have never come in contact with a superior
officer in whom I had greater confidence, and whose
energy, ability, and general consideration for sub-
ordinates, was more marked."

Another writes: "I am sure you will permit me
-- an humble employee -- to thank you. All your
men have felt that they could approach you under
all circumstances, and that they would have a re-
spectful hearing."

"In my poor way," writes another, "I said to you
when I last saw you, what I now repeat: that the
very high order of intelligence, the earnestness of
purpose, the firm, but kindly, discipline and the just
and considerate treatment of your associates and
subordinates, which universally characterized your
management of the So. Ry. have given you a place
in the estimation and affection of those who were
fortunate enough to be associated with you, that
might well be envied by any one."

Better than any law or institutional devices is the
spirit which calls out such response.

It should be repeated that Baldwin's experience
with trade-unions was so far exceptional that he
dealt with those orders -- engineers, firemen, train-
men, etc. -- which have made, since 1885, a fine

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