The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1881-09-09
The Rothsehiid Of America.

Although the enormous wealth OF thi,
gentleman must entitle him TO marked con
sideration on all occasions, yet he become.
more especially man of the hour at the
present moment, from his participation
either from choice or necessity, in the exist.
ing railroad war, which has reduced freights
and passenger fares very much below Their
former values In this part of the world, and
which bids fair TO inflict no small injury
upon certain rival lines that are not, as Is al.
legged, In condition TO compete successfully
with the roads under his control.
As the secret of his position In this rela.
ton Is not understood by the general public
1t will be matter Of surprise TO many that
the running expenses of the New York Cen.
trail, for example, should be kept at a figure
lower than that pertaining TO some other
lines of equal length and apparent excel
lence but when we come TO disclose the
important fact, that, for years, Mr.. Wander
bilt has been quietly and steadily reducing
the grades OH all his roads, so as to nearly
double the drawing power of his locomo-
tives, the mystery Of his being able TO COM
pete triumphantly with his rivals In this war
10 explained at once.
But although the public may, for the time
being, reap some benefit from this tourna-
ment among the knights Of the iron horse,
rely upon IL, that ere long, these doughty
et.a wi md rnft,r u
unitedly TO the former system Of prices. In
the meantime, however, low fares and
freights have greatly enhanced travel, and
have tempted buyers TO make their fall pur-
chases at an unusually early date this year
and 80 the ball keeps moving for the present
at least.
William ii. Vanderbilt, whose portrait We
publish to-day, IL the oldest son Of the late
Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. He was
born at the summer residence Of his father,
New Brunswick, N. j., and, after an excel
lent and practical education at Columbia
College Grammar School, he entered, In his
eighteenth year, the financial house Of Drew,
Robinson a Co., New York, where he ex.
hibited such industry and executive ability,
that, on the expiration Of two years, he was
offered partnership. The close confne-
ment, however, having begun to prey on his
health, he determined TO take up farming as
. means Of recuperation; and, the Commo-
dore having bought him seyenty-fve acres Of
unimproved land on Staten Island, he at
once took his young wife there, and set to
work with such skill and energy that he not
only cleared the seventy five acres, but soon
had larger tract purchased, and $50 acres
under crop. N3
In relation TO this seventy-fve acres, Mr..
Vanderbilt alleges, IL Is said, that IL tried
him sorely, as he had not sufficient means TO
work and improve 1t thoroughly nor would
bis father advance him dollar to aid him.
In this extreme he motgaged the land for
$4,000, which he turned to good account;
and the circumstance coming TO the Commo-
dore's ears, the old gentleman observed 10
him while they were riding together on one
occasion: rtaE
$50 You mortgsged the New Dory farm
for $1,000, did your Youdont amount TO q
row Of pins, and never will"
~ did mortgage the FARM replied the
son, "and have put every cent of the money
right into improving the land"
SWELL" continued the Commodore, "Ill
have nothing more 70 do with you for
you'll only bring disgrace on yourself, your
F~.vxftx and ava~vhrdv x4ov,, ART "A NTH NAN "
This latter representation does not appear
10 have been fulfilled; and as TO Mr.. Van
derbilt never amounting to row OF pins,
we think there has been no very clear verif-
/. alton Of this assertion either. However,
the Commodore does not seem to have put
much faith In the one or the other; for the
morning after the conversation took place he
sent the son check for 80, 900, ordering him
10 pay of the mortgage Immediately.
Shortly after this period the Staten Island
Railroad Company became embarrassed,
when Mr.. Vanderbilt and his uncle, Jacob,
entering the management relieved the road
Of Its difficulties, and improved It's prospects
In . marked degree. The experience &C
CURED here gave the subject of our portrait
such an insight into railroad affairs, and 50
him In tho opinion Of certain capt.
talists and stockholders, that in 1864 he was
elected vice-President Of the New York a
Harlem, and In 1855 Of the Hudson River
line, which under his management became
70 prosperous that he was unhesitatingly
recognized a. not only railroad manager of
profound knowledge and experience, but
worthy the confidence Of the Commodore
10 the fullest extent. Il was now plain sail |
ing until the death of his father, when, as ell |
The world knows, he suddenly became pos
sessed Of untold wealth.
In 1911 Mr.. Vanderbilt married Miss Kis-
sam, the daughter Of New York clergyman,
and Christian lady of sterling qualities |
and attachments. This union has been |
blessed with nine children, eight of whom |
Are still alive, comprising most interesting |
md charming family Of sons and daughters, |
III finely educated. He has made various |
Visits TO Europe, where he has purchased |
numerous works or at for the adornment of |
bic home on this side Of the Atlantic. His
and public spirit are moi unworthy /
his vast wealth, although he does not seem |
20 court notorlety through these channels. |
This may be Inferred from the fact that,
that he had betrayed the |
whole cost OF the removal Of the obelisk,
CleopstrA's Needle, from Alexandria, Egypt,
% lie site In Central Park, New York, Il was I
'ome time before the public was made aware |
,f the circumstance.
Although Mr.. Vandcrbit's mere personal |
habits are not extravagant, be is about to
occupy ono Of the most magnificent resi-
fences In this country. III rumor speaks
ruly, he has contracted that his new abode
hall be built according 70 certain rare plans
md specifications, and handed over TO him
Furnished 10 even the most trifiing
|ctail, for the sum OF $2,000,0o0. Nay,
more, Il IL alleged that the contractors have
greed that they shall only be released from
heir obligation when they have presented
be whole edifce, not only fully equipped
mt with dinner set for certain number OF
uests. This clause Is somewhat unique,
Though there are some that will regard Il
! the most pleasant of the agreement.
Mr.. Vanderbilt u now sixty years OF ace,
nd 10 still hale and active. When in New
'ork he spends much OF his time with his
smity and tba faW frfAuds IN has anlS~SnA |