Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1877-01-18
Our New York Letter.

lle WOIIu usualiy taxes upon
itself the duty of criticizipg the
actions and requests of departed
greatness; and its course respect
ing the dead Commodore forms no
exception to the rule. Mr.. Van
derbilt, true to his instructive love
for the acquisition and retention
of power, followed the English
law of primogeniture in his will,
far enough to leave at least five
siXths of his whole property 10
his oldest son, VIM. ii. Wander.
bilt, and the latter's'iamily. The
remaining fraction is distributed
among his other relatives and
friends in sums ranging from
about half a million down, his
widow receiving only about the
latter sum, and now thousands and
thousands of people who have no
knowledge Of the circumstances
governing the testator's action,
and no possible business with it,
anyway, rise up aud soundly rate
the old gentleman for not dispos-
ing Of his millions according TO
their own superior sagacity and
fairness. 1t is true that some of
the minor requests and annuities
seem very small, but in the case
OF bis numerous children to whom
be gives from 100000 to half a
apiece, and who are get
ting a good deal of public sympa-
thy for their poverty, it would be
interesting to have somebody tell
us how much better off these PEG.
pie would be with ten millions a.
piece. Enough's as good as a
leas., and all the comforts oil life
can be got with 100000 as well
as with any greater sum.
VIM. ii. Vanderbuilt is today
the richest man in America, with
property estimated as high as
from sixty TO seventy-fve mil.
lions, but | really can't see how
he can get any more comfort out
Of it-any better board, clothes,
recreation and opportunities to do
good--tban with a bundreth part
Of that amount. On the contrary
he will only have proportionally
greater care, worry and conGne-
ment to show for his enormously
greater wealth.
And, apropos Of Mr. Beecher,
the regular annual auction sale of
the pews in Plymouth church
took place on Tuesday evening
last, the total amount realized
clearly showing the effect of hard
times, being only about $4,000,
which is from 20 to so per cent.
less than any previous year for
fveyears.
One Of the periodical auction
sales held by ihe Custom House,
of seized smuggled goods, came
of this week. The various arti-
cles, mostly cigars, liquors and
fancy goods, found, as is always
the case at the sales, eager purchas.
srs OF this class who are always
hunting Tor bargains in such good, |
and who in their eagerness paid .
more than retail prices for stale !
aud damaged goods. 1t is an cd /
lily Of human nature to commit |
UGH iollies, but it is almost al
ways the way. Put up a good ,
piece Of improved real estate for
suction, and it will 60 for the cost
II the fence around il: but adver
lse a lot OF musty cigars and
ome demijohns of doubtful liz I
LOT, and there will be a crowd
eady TO fight for the privilege
VI paying two prices for them.
Our novel and fascinating resort,
lac New York Aquarium, contir-
les TO bear witness to the untir.
ng energy and enterprise of its
management through It's steadily
popularity and attend.
nee. People 10 this country
rave got so accustomed to exbibi /
iors of animals that only the
'ounger portions Of the communi.
y can get up much enthusiasm
yer g menagerie, but here the
most hardened sight seer expert
noes all the keen delights Of noy-
lily.
The Aquarium is a large, well
lighted structure, occupying the
tie of the iron coliseum" (now
II PbilaGelpbiO) On the corner Of
Broadway and 35th street. Once
inside its broad portals, the visitor
Inds himself face to face with
Ights which, if be has drop of
sherman s blood in his veins, will
ct it tingling out to his very fin
er ends There, all about him,
'ithin easy reach were it not for
re thick plate glass which pro- 9
cts them, is poised in lazy Sc !
iEity such trout, pickerel and :