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Erie, Pa.,
Monday, Feb. 19, '40
A very busy day at the office with so many distractions I couldn't seem to accomplish much. Went into Whitey's office at 2:30 to talk to him presumably for 15 minutes about my trip and was there until 5:10. In connection with "behind the trenches" gas-mechanical locomotives for war work, it developed that today we were to send in costs to Sch'dy on a 25 ton diesel-electric for Rock Island Arsenal and Whitey called in Henry Grey and Shapter to inquire about what they were going to do. They didn't want to bid and Whitey did (and White in Washington told me Friday we should) and a two hour argument ensued with Whitey finally agreeing not to bid but very disgustedly because he had urged Capt. Seybolt to advertise for electric drive on the smaller sizes and this invitation was the result. The specs were tough and we apparently couldn't meet 90 day delivery and it was a penalty job. After they left Whitey told me he was "through" with Shapter. I proposed my track brake to Whitey and he agreed to let me proceed with a study. I had an impression that I made a good impression on Whitey this afternoon. I was myself this afternoon and when I'm myself, free and easy, I can hold my own in any discussion or argument. I find myself getting much calmer about things -- more satisfied the future will take care of itself and be good. All I have to do is play the game. Today I thought of a watchword -- "PT" -- Poise and Taste. With those two attributes, I can lick anything. I have the latter. The former I can develop better. With poise, I can let my talents find full expression.