Page:Men of Mark in America vol 1.djvu/388

290 recognized as have his geniality, fluency, and affability. But they are no less remarkable. Accepting this position in 1866, he held it until the consolidation of the New York Central and the New York and Harlem took place in 1869, when he was appointed attorney for the new corporation. New questions arose. Every mile of track was examined. Bridges, depots, engines—the whole system was renewed and increased. Endless details, in the work of consolidating many little railroads into one great system called for thorough legal knowledge, constant activity, and sound judgment on the part of Mr. Depew. To meet all adverse counsel he had to be conversant with a multitude of affairs which involved practical acquaintance with technical railway management as well as with the theory and the practice of law.

In 1876 he had become general counsel for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, Michigan Central, Chicago and Northwestern, St. Paul and Omaha, West Shore, Nickel Plate and New York Central and Hudson River roads, and was a director in each. In this combination, containing so many diverse interests, such strong competition, and composed of so many positive and sometimes arbitrary men, Mr. Depew's capacity to see the just balance of equity in these complicated interests became preeminent, and his cordial good will and power to get things done without friction came into remarkable play. His administrative powers matured in their constant exercise.

In 1872 he was nominated for lieutenant-governor on the ticket headed by Greely, but was defeated. In 1874 he was made a regent of the University of New York and his fidelity and ability were conspicuous in the discharge of these educational duties. Holding that every citizen should give freely such civic service as he is qualified to render, Mr. Depew accepted arduous civic positions when they were urged upon him. He was appointed a member of the commission in charge of the new State Capitol at Albany, and served also on a commission of quarantine; he was president of the New York Court of Claims, and commissioner of Immigration and of Taxes and Assessments in New York city.

After the death of Commodore Vanderbilt, Mr. Depew continued to hold his position under Mr. William H. Vanderbilt who took his father's place as president. When Mr. Rutter, who followed Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt in the presidency, died, Mr. Depew was elected at once president of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.