The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1879-07-09
MISCELLANY.
sTERLvo WORTH.

John W. Fofney, the greatest living repre-
sentative of cultivated American journalism,
in his unique paper, Progress, mentions the
Mastodon of PHILADELPHIA storekeepers in a
recent article which links him with his enter
prising co-adjutor and prototype, A. 7. Stew
art. Col. Forney knew both these. men, So
cially aud intimately. The one is with us,
his sterling worth bepg shown in the grad
ual, but, rapidly progressive work of the
"GRAND DEPoT.' COL Fofney says, (aIlud-
ing to tue life Of A. 1aStewaft1: - "a
81 have coupled with this great life John
Wanamaker, cf Philadelphia, because he
knew the great merchant, aud is, perhaps,
the most conspicuous instance of strict obedi-
cnce to bis example. l should no more think
of finding parallel to Mr.. Stewards career
in Europe than should think of comparing
John Wanamakcr's enterprise with that I'M
precedcnted career. john Wanamaker is on
ly forty one, and has, therefore, many years
In store to perfect his splendid scheme. He
has many of the characteristics of the New
York leader. AmiabIe, cool, indefatigable,
patriotic, and fearless he has been rewarded
by unexampled success in the city of his faith
ers. And as / find no second Stewart, CAN
not point to another John Wanamaker be-
tween the two oceans. AS you pass through
his Grand Depot and remember its history
as the great depot of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road, aud the spot where the vast exhibition
of the Franklin Institute was held, you are
amazed at the system that pfesides over it
and its kindred establishment, the Oak Hall
Clothing House, on Market Street. Covering
an area of two Faud. one BALI acres, IN the
heart of the most beautiful portion of Phila-
delphia, and employing twelve hundred per-
sons, the Grand Depot is a gigantic collection
of general merchandise. Mr.. Wanamaker is
q master of detail. He is really ubiquitous /;
always qniet, polite, and vigilant--one of
those silent men who never show their inner
powers by nervous excitement, but, as great
machine, perform prodigies of exertioii with
noiseless exactitude. Like Mr.. Stewart, he
does his boldest things without proclamation
or self-glory. Philadelphia is not very ef
fusive city. The Quaker philosophy is one
of doubt and retrogression content with
enough, not hungry for more, not envious of
others, always gentle, easily satisfied, and
naturally ndisposed to anticipate the future
Or to compel rivalry but even this character
site is constantly surprised by John Wanna
makers new departures, his immense stock
of goods, his low prices, and the successive
displays of bis magnificent and startling pub
lie spirit. Ills charities are large, his influ-
ence daily widening, and his private excel
lences steadily indicated by deeds that are
not made the subject of exaggeration and
boasting. A8aH 8WH@E#
Mr.. John Wanamaker, himself though
much known as merchant, never obtrudes
himself in public He holds the regard of his
employees, many of them, still at his side
served with him before he started this great
business. Every weekday be is in his three
establishments giving to each and to every
department direct supervision, and seeing to
all his subordinates ia detail. He is forty one
and does not look to be thirty. He is mover
heard in party disputes but always ready to
aid the cause of charity. AS Christian his
works are many, his efforts incessant, his
boastings few. Existing quietly and unpre--
tendingly, his life is a life of genial labor in
business, and the simple and single service of
God and his fellow creatures. In the Inter-
national Exhibition he was potent agency
chairman of the Centennial Board of Reye-
nue., member of the Board of Finance Head
of the. Committee of Trades, and most pa
tient and tireless and DISTINGUISHED worker.
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