Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-12-07
FOUR MILLIONAIRES.
The Rich Citizens SAN Francisco
has lost Within Year.

The deaths since The beginning of the
year Of four residents Of San Francisco,
reputed TO be mhlionaires, three Of them
leaving each mn estate estimated at moro
than SS,000,000 suggests some remarks
ON their career. All of them began life
in poverty; not one Of them made his
money by nero luck; and all were men
considerably above the average in bust
ness reputation and moral character.
Hopkins, Reese and Cotton had rare in
dustry, tact and business capacity, and
vet very different in habits and tastes
Hopkins was strict, economical, fond Of
business for the sake of business, with a
strong sense of duty, dislike of display
and of any participation in political
management. He was quiet just man,
liked and trusted by all who knew him
we'll; fitted to thrive by prudence and
thrift, avoiding everything that looked
to him like speculation, but not unable to
comprehend or unwilling to undertake
great enterprises, such as the Central
Pacific was at the beginning.
Colton was very different man. lie
began life as an otlicehoder, was ma
tural politician, aud was fond of partici-
pating in public movements and induenc-
ing men about him. He had natural
liking for speculation, and made many
Investments which would mover have
found favor with Hopkins, but he was
much moro careful than the average
specuIator. lie enjoyed the spending
as well ms the making of his money. He
was proud of his magnificent home, and
was the only one Of the toLr that had one,
Hopkins dyiag before the completion Of
his palace, which he built rather as u
sense Of duty to California ,han to graft
fy his own taste. Like the others Cotton
had an excellont reputation for fair deat-
ing.
1t would, we imagine, be no injustice
to Michael Reese to call him genteel
miser. lie had n genius for lending
money An excellent judge Of men and
a sound thinker, he carefully studied the
investments offered him before accepting
them. 1t was his rulo to rely exclusive
y on his own Judgment, and never 20
take a largo risk merely because Of a
possibility Of large gains. Reasonable
certainty OF moderate profit was in his
opinion the first requisite to business
transaction. After he had acquired his
4 first million lie borrowed largely, and
nobody knew better whero to borrow
/ cheaper lend dear. He provided him
self with stock OF available securities,
/ from which he could readily obtain mon
ey from people who would not lend un-
less they could obtain their funds at very
short notice. lie loaned at much higher
rates. 1t is said by those who ought to
know, that he made 100000 annually ON
borrowed money. He paid several
visits TO Europe, and sometimes indUlged
in little luXuries, but his expenditures for
4 personal enjoyment were generally less
than those OF men with an income Of 81, p
COCA year. His only gift OF money for u
public purpose in his lifetime, so far as
we know, was that OF $4,000 to purchase
Liebor's library for the State University
He could make himself agreeable in com
pany, and was fair and faithful in bust
ness transactions.
w. $. o Bren had no uncommon ca
paclty in any respect, and in the ordin-
airy course ofeyeut5 ho would never have
made more than moderate fortune. lie
owed much Of hi5 gr-at success to genial
manners As good fellow be had few
superors. lie always had cheerful
word for every body, and evory body liked
him. His popularity contributed much
to give start to The house Of Flood &
O'Brion, and he was fortunate enough to
oe associated with men whose special
knowledge and talents raised the firm to
princely wealth He did not bother him
self much in the acquisition or in tho
management Of his wealth; it added little
to his enjoyment; and made little change
in his tastes or assoc iations. lie was to
the last the same plain, simple hearted
man among his old friends as in the earl
ier days.
Each Of those four men deserved their
good fortane, acquired it fairly, and used
it in a manner that did no harm to the
community. Hopkins obtained much Of
his wealth from Government subsidies;
but in return he helped to build 1000
miles of railroad, and he made a good
return for all he got. Cotton helped 10
build 700 miles or railroad. O'Brien's
wealth coptributed to erect one of the
finest buildings and 10 found one Of the
wealthiest banks in the United Slatos,
Reese erected many good buildings.
Hopkins, O. Brien aud Reese were child
Jess; Cotton leaves two daughters. The
millions accumulated by other genera
tions will be distributed by the next
S. II. AIa.
IN Lembardy 1000 women spin fax.
Their avprapa Waoas are twenty cents a