The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-08-13
Great Men of New York.

"Macaulay,n who ranks among the most
brilliant correspondents OF the press, thus de-
tends New York, in the columns of the Roches-
ter Democrat, from the imputations of Mr..
Beecher:-
Mr.. Beecher stated recently that this city
produced no great men. He should have quail
fed this assertion with some important eXcep-
tions, unless he is willing to have his accuracy
impugned. 1t is true New York does not supply
itself with population, but depends on emf
grafton both from the Old World and from the
its citizens can exhibit some men who
may rank among the great. For in
stance, John Jay was native of this
CITY, as readers of our national history will
only need TO hear his name to acknowledge its
greatness. Accident OF birth torbids New York
10 claim Alexander Hamilton or De Witt Clinton
among her children; but, though not born in
this city, they came here at an early age and
here developed theirsubsequent greatness. New
York has given birth to three Governors of the
State. These were Morgan Lewis, who fifty
years ago filled an important page in history,
and Hamilton Fish, who was popular and sue
cessful executive. To John Jay reference has
already been made. Daniel D. Tompkins and
De Witt Clinton were bred at the New York bar,
aud from II were chosen to I'LL the executive
chair. In literature New York points to such
children as Charles Fenno Hoffman, and 10.
seph Rodman Drake, author of the "Ameri-
can Flag" and can also boast of Washington
Irving, whose three brothers, Peter, the editor,
william, the merchant, ana John T., the at.
torney (and subsequently Judge), were all
distinguished men. Among cergymen the
famous John Mason, the thunderer of his. day,
and the brilliant Starr King, so recently mourn
ed were born here. In the present day, the
most eminent merchant in America is New
Yorker. We refer to Moses Tay ylor, who has
for thirty years been accorded this position by
the common opinion OF great commercial
emporium. Moses Taylor is now about sixty
years old, and though q retired man, still de-
lights in maintaining his business haots. But
in his prime he was the admiration OF all South
street, Let the reader imagine a form graceful
and elegant, a countenance radiant with life and
bearing an expression of penetration which is
seldom met, and rapidity OF execution which
few could follow, and he will have some idea of
Moses Tay lor Such was his self consciousness
of power that he wished no partner He was
bred in the greatest house III South street, and
when they offered him valuable interest he
declined, and commenced on his own account
an extensive commerce. This he managed
with the aid of two talented clerks, one of whom
has succeeded to the business. Mr.. TAYLOR,
with all his rapidity, made no mistake, and
his word and deed were quoted on 'Change
as hey ond all controversy, He became Presi-
dent of the City Bank, of our Oldest, richest,
and most influential Institutions. and is sup
posed to be worth 6,000,0 600 or $6,00O,000 Such,
at the age OF sixty, Is one OF the sons OF New
York. Mr.. Taylor, unfortunately, does not
enjoy that reputation for beneVolence which
some men have won, and we ascrlbe thus to the
influences eXerted upon him in early life. His
father was TOR many years in the employ OF
the Office conversation. He knew that Astor
was looked on as great mau simply on account
of his wealth, ard the general theme was busi-
ness and money, and the impression made on
gaTdly and mean In his dealing with men gene
| rally and kept all charity at distance. Hence
| the youth, brought up under such tuition
| became a grasping money 9etter, whereas, had
other influences prevailed, he might have be
come as distinguished for lberality as he is fol
| business talent.