It is an evidence of the fairness of President Edgar Thomson, of the Pennsylvania, that, upon learning the facts of the case, he allowed an extra sum to secure us from loss.

The subsequent position of affairs, he said, was not contemplated by either party when the contract was made.

A great and a good man was Edgar Thomson, a close bargainer for the Pennsylvania Railroad, but ever mindful of the fact that the spirit of the law was above the letter.
In Linville, Piper, and Schiffler, we had the best talent of that day--Linville an engineer, Piper a hustling, active mechanic, and Schiffler sure and steady.

Colonel Piper was an exceptional man.

I heard President Thomson of the Pennsylvania once say he would rather have him at a burnt bridge than all the engineering corps.