The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1878-11-27
MISCELLANY.
A. t. sTEwARrs cnARACrER1srics.

Stewart was the greatest merchant the
world ever saw, and he made greater for
tune than was ever before created by
trade. He left larger property than old
John Jacob Astor, and was by far the greatest
organizer of his day. If there be any inter-
est about the personal appearance of such a
man, | must say that the latter by no means
correspondent with his real character. He was
plain in dress and in general appearance In
stature he was five feet ten, and in early days
being thin, looked tall /; but of late years an
increase of flesh and slight stoop changed
this aspect He was of blonde features, with
a mild blue eye and auburn hair, almost red.
NO stranger would have taken him for great
merchant, but he might readily have passed
for physician or Clergyman. He seldom
spoke above a low tone, and, when making
bis daily tour through the warehouse, his Or
ders were in a still small voice, which was un-
noticed by the crowd His visits to each de-
partment were brief, but he comprehended all
things at glance. At one place he might say,
"What those goods not sold, and prices
down one-quarter2" At another, "Those
things are out of style, and must go at auc-
ton" His criticisms were sharp, and indi-
Gated an observing eye. Some of these
young men are not neat enough in their dress.
| smell tobacco round here dismiss every
man that uses it, There's fellow that does
not know how to wait on ladies'" &c.
When Stewart had gone through the retail
establishment (which was his first mornings
duty1 he knew its condition perfectly, for his
knowledge. He paid no attention to the
crowd of customers, unless something partic-
ular attracted bis attention, when he might
speak (as strangely in the way of sug-
gestion. An incident of this kind occurred in
my own experience about two years before his
death. | was standing at one of the counters
where person was buying calico dress pat
tern which left a small remnant. Stewart
came along hastily and remarked in sharp
tone, " Don't sell these goods SO as to leave
these little remnants. If piece has ten yards
and woman wants eight let her take all or
none. The price won't allow it, As he
passed on the head of the department said to
other clerks, "What made you let the old
man see that remnant? The next time chuck
'em under the counter !" then adding, "What
the eye never sees the heart never grieves ~
/ mention this to illustrate that close attention
to little things which marked this strange
and gifted man.
Stewart and Vanderbilt were each the
founders of immense wealth, solely due to
their great genius, but how different their
mode of investment. The one was devoted
to ships and railway property, the other care
fully avoided such property, and next to his
trade devoted himself to real estate. Stewart,
indeed, hardly cared even to buy bank stock.
He had a few shares in the Merchants Bank,
but generally disliked such property. He low
ed to see his wealth in that shape which would
crafty the eye and command public admira-
ton. 1t was pleasure to read of Stewards
palace of fashion, and also of Stewards Fifth
avenue palace, and the grandeur of hotel ar
chitecture also awoke his ambition. The same
nicely of taste which made him successful
merchant also made him the best builder New
York ever contained. -Neao York Cor. of tie
Cincinnati Gazette.