Ten years I served the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company as chief clerk, or as Mr. Wainwright euphemistically called it, assistant to the general manager.  In that position I met from time to time, not only many prominent railway men, but also other men of mark.

Amongst these, two stand out with great distinction because of the effect they had upon me at a memorable interview I had with each.  I never forgot those interviews, and nothing that ever occurred in my life tended to strengthen in me the quality of self-reliance so much as they did.  Their effect was sudden, inspiring and lasting.  These well-remembered men were Mr. John Burns (afterwards the first Lord Inverclyde), head of the shipping firm of G. and J. Burns, and chairman of the Cunard Line, and Mr. John Walker, General Manager of the North British Railway.  The interviews occurred, as nearly as I recollect, during the second or third year of my Glasgow and South-Western life, and took place within a few weeks of each other.

John Burns was one of the largest shareholders in the Glasgow and South-Western Railway, his steamers plied between Greenock and Belfast, and his relations with the company were intimate and friendly.  At the time I speak of some important negotiations were proceeding between him and Mr. Wainwright concerning the company and his firm, and whilst they were at their height Mr. Wainwright was unexpectedly summoned to London and detained there.  Now Mr. Burns was a man who greatly disliked delay, and I was told to see him and, if he wished, discuss the business with him, and, if possible, further its progress.  It was the way in which Mr. Burns received me, young and inexperienced as I was, the manner in which he discussed the subject and encouraged me, and the respect with which he listened to my arguments, that surprised and delighted me.  I left him, feeling an elation of spirit, a glow of pride, a confidence in myself, as new as it was unexpected.  It is a fine trait in Scotchmen that, deeply respecting themselves, they respect others.  Difference of class or position does not count much with them in comparison with merit or sterling worth—­

   “The rank is but the guinea’s stamp,
   The man’s the gowd for a’ that.”

Mr. Burns was a striking personality; strong and vigorous, mentally and physically.  He had a good voice, and was clear, decided and emphatic in speech.  He was a doughty champion of the Glasgow and South-Western Company, with which at this time, affairs, like the course of true love, did not run smooth.  The dividend was down and discontented shareholders were up in arms.  Bitter attacks were made on the directors and the management.  Not that anything was really wrong, for the business of the line was skilfully and honestly conducted, but the times were bad, and “empty stalls make biting steeds.”  The very same shareholders who, when returns are satisfactory, are as gentle as cooing doves, should