The president of one of the largest manufacturing corporations in the
country, having properties in a dozen states, related to me the
following story:
[Sidenote: Unreasonable Railway Magnate]
[Sidenote: Too Proud to Apologize]
"Some years ago I journeyed south with a railroad magnate who stood
very high at the time in the railway world. We came to a river crossed
by his road. The bridge had been washed away, and, while it was
rebuilding, trains were ferried to the further shores. Owing to some
accident there was no boat on hand to transport the official's car
across the stream. He became so angry that he flew into a wild passion,
and cursed and discharged the subordinates in charge of the division
without inquiry as to the cause of the delay. He learned afterward that
the accident to the boat was unavoidable, and that none of the employes
whom he had insulted so grossly and discharged so unfairly were
responsible for it; but he was too _proud_ to apologize.
[Sidenote: Did not Dare to be Angry]
"The incident made such an impression on me, that I resolved never to
show anger again before my employes; and I have kept my resolve. It has
led to my renouncing the habit altogether, and for many years anger has
ceased to be a component part of my nature. I am sorry that I did not
discharge worry at the same time, as results have proved that it has
had no real cause to exist; and it has, as you say, stolen much
precious time and energy out of my life."