The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-07-02
NEW YORK NOTABLES.

of this millionaire family, the New
York correspondent of the Philadelphia
Record has this to say:
William II. Vanderbilt, at the age of
60 years, is building what is really pal
ace on Fifth avenue. Although his faith
er was rich in his early years he lived in
the parental farm house at Toad Hill,
Staten Island, in great simplicity until he
was A. years of age. The old Connie
dore didn't believe in letting children
have their own way too early, ana Will
liam Who was frank, clever boy, had a
great respect for the old gentleman's
millions. The writer used to see him
frequently in those days, and wondered
how he could preserve his equanimity
knowing that he was heir presumptive to
large estate, and would probably have
one day the spending of untold wealth.
He acted very shrewdly, but now that he
has hold of the money he makes it fly, SO
far as his personal surroundings and per-
sonal comfort and luxury are concerned.
Books, pictures, statuary, bric-a-bric, fine
furniture have been bought for the Van
derbilt palace with Il profuseness that
must have disinherited - Bill ;; if the old
Commodore had been able to return from
his present quarters. The Vanderbilt
boys, two, live in clover. Cornelius Van
derbilt, who is already distinguished for
his liberal gifts to churches and charities
has an unfinished palace at Fifty-seventh
street and Fifth avenue of Indiana lime
stone, resembling Caen stone, which,
| when completed will be literally an orna-
ment to the city. Ruddy, and without
| vices or bad habits. Cornelius was al
ways the favorte grandson of the old
| Commodore. Fred lives in his own house,
which is magnificent enough within to
ratisfy The tastes of 'nahob; but it can't
come up TO the palace of Cornelius. If
the next generation keep on at the pres
ent advance in luxury, the kings, queens
and emperors on the other side will be
compelled to take a trip across the her
ring pond in order ia learn of New York
ers how 10 make themselves comforta-
bic
The same correspondent tells this of
Beecher:
One Of the mysteries of the age is
what Henry Weird Beecher has done with
his money. Al one time he was in receipt
of $50, 900 from his church, so, 900 from
his newspaper, 20, 600 from his lecturing
and 1000 from marriage fees, literary
work and his books. making 4 total of
$50. 900 a year. Yet Beecher never had
any money to spare. His household was
modest, not too expensive: his wife was
apparently not extravaganza: he gave
nothing that was known to charity: and
yet he was always .impecunious. When
he wanted to help Tilton he gave a mort
gage on his house. and now he has sold
his house. furniture and buildings and
lives with married son. He told me
he did this because the young birds had
all grown up and flown out of the nest,
and though it was marvel that in his
old age he should leave his comfortable
home upon the Heights of Brooklyn and
go into narrow quarters as a boarder. He
spoke with a sigh and evident regret al
the breaking up of his old house. This
was strange, but the unfinished story il
regard to his farmer, Thomas Turner, al
! Peekskip, il still more strange, Wher