National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-05-17
TINDERBILrS TRIP 70 EUROPE.


IBy Telegraph to the National Republican,
NEW SOEK. May l6.-A few old friends Of
CummoioreVanierbllt who have been closely con.
nectel with Vim. ~ Vanderbilt since the death Of
his father were discussing last evening Mr. Van
derbilts trip To Europe They declared that he has
frequently expressed himself Of late as icing com.
plC,ely beat cut aud fAtiucd' with the amount Of
business that has devolVed upon him since he as
sumc'i complete charge Of his fathers estate and
that, therefore he needed some change and reCrca-
ton. The dcstination frst proposed for the Journey
was California, and many Of those who are intI-
male with him have thought far some time that he
would start for that state, but his intention Of sail
ing for Europe was complete surprise to his clos
eSt friends. aud even 10 his family.
How long he had contemplated the visit thee
gentlemen unable to tell. but he disclosed his
purpose 10 his wife three weeks prior to his dcpar.
tUre, telling her that she the only person that
knew of ii, and asking her 10 keep It a profound
secret. II was only one week before the stcamt I
sa!led when he told his plan to Samuel ,. BarHer-
| who Wa his companion on the jOuncy-and he
| Wa placed under the same bond Of secrecy WHY
| Mr.. Vanderbilt wished To keep the matter private
these friends could not say, except that they sur
missed he wished To avoid comment and the trouble
and bother often made when person starts fol
Europe.
In order to tell all Of his family and intimat,
| friends Of the same time he gave large dinncI
party at his residence, No. si9 Finh Avenue, OF
the Friday evening before departing In the eour,,
OF the evening he made many preseuts, mostly I,
his children, and II Is estimated that over $50.
was expended in this way.
- short time before this dinner Mr. Vanderbil
used some sharp words to his barber fur some lit
OeIIsc, and the barrier, earring that he might incu
the lasting dkpleasure of Mr.. Vanderbilt con
c!uded to write him note of apology. Thinkin
that his own style and of English might ruff
Mr.. Vanderbilt, temper still more, he decided tina
il would he prudent to hire scribe.
This hirclng made the apology in the mos
humble terms, but with pEofising Of fine writ
ing" which amused Mr. Vanderbilt greatly. an,
he shOwei the letter to some OF his friends. VIII
laughed over il with him. On the night of tn,
dinner he arose amid the festivities and asked al
tO remain quiet, a. he wished to read most extra
ordinary letter from a barber. Much mirth wa
caused by his telling the story and reading tn
letter. He then said that he had an annOuuC,
mcnt % make. To morrow said he, Il shall sal
fjr Europer'
Those in the room at irst thought this only
continuance Of his jesting, but his son Frederic
turned To Mn. Vanderbilt and said lis It 81
mIlherg' She replied that Il was true. lmm(
diaiely every one in the dining room arose as IN
health Of the traveller was PROPOSED and the hear
iesI wishes for his prosperous and enjoyable voyag
were expressed. Some Of the guests waved the
handkervhlcts anu clapltu htH hahus 10 EXPIRE
their good will and cheers were given as II at
! public dinner.
The notion that Mr.. Vanderbilt was going
Europe To escape any Law suit or on any buSinc'
was utterly TepudiaIed by these friends. The
considered that he " Oulh be able to meet any
the law suits that might be brought against hin
In regard To his relations with his brother All
sisters these fT.ends-whose opportunities for IL
formation are unexcellcd-sad that he offered I
pay Cornelius J. NandeFbilts entire debts whic
amounted IN nearly slj0Oc0, and To pay him III
iutere~t,On $4,000 yearly. To each Of his sistel
he offered Ia make her bequcst q ,OOOOOO, thu
keeping his promise that he would "act munit
Gently with them all"
Some Of the Sisten have already been settle
with and a receipt taken VI them In full satisis,