New-York tribune., 1877-01-05

usual power over the comfort and convenience
of society, since he could. if he pleased, regu-
late trade, impede enterprise, promote COM
mercial activity, and help or cmbairass
MANY who had no immediate transactions with
him. But with the majority, the story
of his successes, which we print tins morn
inc will he received with wonder which
we NAV call vulgar in no bad sense OF the
word. name so often in the mouths OF men
acu,ires n new, however brief, Importance
when the time comes for engraving 1t upon
coflin-pate We may have our own OPINION
of the relative dignity of human pursuits pu'
great success in department OF human en-
ergy. where failure is the fate of most extorts
our respect in spite of all our philosophy
As our men of millions die, ono aIter
another, it is natural to institute comparison
of their characters. In some respects, these
present q natural similarity. 1t is seldom the
fate of n Crrsus to be tendcrly regretted.
He who devOtes all his energies, his time, MS
strength, his talents to the acquisition OF
money does not often cultivate the amenities,
the affections the softer virtues of life. III he
did not attach specific Importance to riches,
he would not be the m0ney-maker that he Is.
In the career of Mr.. Vanderbilt there was
constant conflict, and the millions which he
left behind him were the spOlia opimd OF war
waged with rival spectators and with antag-
onistc corporations. OF such man 1T is hard
to saw whether he relishcd the booty or the
battle in which he acquired 1t the most.
His fortune was to him, let us candldly
admit. something more than money. 1t was
an evidence of the thrift, industry, and self-de-
NAL of his early days 1t bore testimony 10
his careful thought, to his shrewdness, ami to
his indomitable energy. II proved him capa-
BILE of remarkable combinations, of careful
reasoning, and of a forethought akin to inspi-
ration. No one could have possessed such
faculties without finding pleasure in thelr
exercise The golden result was undoubtedly
welcome, for it meant increased power,
and brought with it fresh and greater
opportunities.
At the same time, it is hardly probable that
Mr. Vanderbilt much concerned himself with
over-ponderng upon the good which he might
do with his wealth or with the good which he
had done while gathering it together. He had
no time ard he had no taste, like Mr.. Stewart,
for promoting specific phlanthropies or charI-
ties. He had not, like Mr.. Astor, inherited the
duty of caring for library. lie could be mu-
nifcent sometimes, but not often. Ills gilt oi
war ship to the Government during
the Rebellion was very much Ike
taking out an insurance policy upon
the remainder of his great estate. de
endowed a university and built his monument
at the same time and by the same donation.
But it can hardly be said that he cared much
for the happiness or the intellectual and moral
progress of those who Travelled over his rail-
ways or were carried upon his steamboats,.
Men are known as much by the way III which
they give as by the sums which are given.
Mr. Stewart was thought to be II hard man.
close in his dealings and caring very much
for the profits of his business yet there
was something touching and almost poetcal
in his blind cropping about after plan for
the establishment OF a home for homeless
working girls. If it was moi precisely a charity
it had in it the elements Of pity and of kind
illness. 1t was a disposition of a large amount
of capital which would hardly have occurred
to Mr.. Vanderbilt. 1t was impossible to en-
gage in the great enterprises which resulted
in his giant fortune without benetiting man
kind. Providence has taken care for that.
Men work more wisely than they know and
the making of money cannot go on without
promoting the progress of society and multiply
ing its good opportunities. This being true,
it is hardly necessary for us to enter into any
nice criticism of Mr.. Vanderbilt's personal
character. There was much in it which it was
impossible not to admire. OF that which was
not altogether admirable let us here say moth
ing, only we may be permitted to congratulate
ourselves upon our public policy which secures
the continual redistribution Of estates. 1t is
no injury to the memory either of an Astor,
of a Stewart, or of q Vanderbilt to say that
many individuals of equal fortune would be
dangerous to the peace and happiness of the
Republic.