The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-03
VANDERBILTS TONGUE.
The Man of Money Denounces the News
papers, and Talks of Many Things.

Interview in New York Morning Journal.
The conversation at the outset touched upon
newspapers, and Mr. Vanderbilt was asked if he
generally read the papers. look of scorn
passed over his face as he answered in a deeper
tone than he had previously used:
Il don't exactly read them. l glance over one
or two sometimes. There" said he, pointing to
pile of four FIVE lying on the carpet beside
his chair 'are a few, and I'm ashamed 20 say
they're here-ashamed to let my friends know l
read them. Scarcely can pick up a paper with
out seeing something exceedingly disagreeable
to me in it"
"You are frequently done justice, are you
not}' s
''.Justicel Umph! Justice and Mr.. Van
derbilt rose from his chair and placed the eye
glasses with snap, glancing sharply at the
porter, and continued:
Its not a frequent occurrence if they ever
do me justice"
Advancing to the fireplace, he leaned toward
the table and snapped the large topaz fob charm
once with his thumb before Strengthening up
again.
you Orderly papers yourself don't your
my butler buys the papers and pays for them.
I've nothing to do with the ordering of them.
L
meanest business man can be in. What is a
newspaper editor, I'd like TO know! I'll tell
You what he is: He a man who spares no
one He is feared by all. Why, it's no use for
prominent men to say they don't care d-n for
news"
''Who would think they were so terrible, Mr..
Vanderbiltl'
"a newspaper man has the advantage of every
one. He comes to you who unprotected.
and with a paper at his back can do with you as
he pleases. They control politics. And in
Speaking of politics, was once q politician my
self in small way on Staten Island, though |
oct interest myself much in it at the present
time i Ssea TO haze fun when was politician
there
''What is your view of the coming campaign|
This: I think the tariff question will be the
chief issue, and, although l am not free trader
exactly I'm not far from it. This highfaliff
business is all nonsense; for instance want an
elegant Persian carpet buy one in Europe; see!
Well, l pay duty on it; that's all right, but
whom it comes to paying duty on steel that's too
much. It's putting money by the handful into
the manufacturers pockets, who are growing
But my chief objection is that the govern
ment is paying off its debt too fast--a great deal
too fast-4and the natural Consequence is the
people won't have so much intereS- - a govern
ment they don't own any stock in"
''Don'tthe people, as rule, interest them
selvas in the government 81 -..
How can they, | say, whom they haven't q
4
mistake made by many prominent men. They
think they know ALL"
II didn't exactly catch your meaning" vent
ured the scribe.
This is it, For instance fellow thinks he
can play billiards; see"
Yes, sir.
''Well, he finds some one else who plays bet
ter, and he concludes he don't care much for
billiards; seer
And: stepping up to the reporter. he tapped
him lightly on the shoulder, and, with play
full wink, whispered: ''You understand"
Still, don't you think the people respect the
Respect Look at the President. How much
respect do they show the President to what they
used tol UmPh!" And, regaining his chair, he
shrugged his nose midtown came the eyeglasses
on his broadcloth lap
'Why, sir, i'll days past the President was al
ways considered the smartest and ablest man of
the nation; now he is what"
But Mr.. Arthur asked the astonished re
porter.
''Ah, Arthur yes, I've known Arthur q num-
Der of years. He's good may say nice-fe
low, but Mr. Lincoln was the mantle greatest
ever produced by this country, and it's pity he
didn't live to serve it longer"
For whom did you vote last election. Mr..
Vanderbilt"
Last election, let me see. Oh, yes; there
was Garfield and Art'G1 running against-who
was the other candidate! All. yes; General Han
cock Well was in Europe just before the
election. and decided to vote for Hancock as he
is an honest-very honest-man, but whenI
reached this country | altered my mind and
voted for Garfield
why this change, Mr. VanderbtF
1.-THE change natural, since, as you know,
III this country everything changes every three
months"
What caused the change in your particular
opinion"
THAT main question-the tariff and excise
caused me to vote as did, though l considered
Hancock elected till that came up. Now, don't
say anything about Garfield, not at all, and
consider Arthur good President"
DO not the people mako good choice
usually"
THE American people jump too much at IA
vorites It's their fault. They lug man from
the battlefield set him in the White House, and
think he'll do just as well there us at fighting"
you refer to General Grantf
ooh, no. | don't mean Grant particularly; but,
speaking of General Grant land | know him
very WE'LL, Grant has greatly improved since his
trip around the world-greatly improved. |
never considered him q of any great
ability, but he has learned many things and got
new ideas that have proved of great use to him"
This was said with real benevolence, and put
Mr.. Vanderbilt into excellent humor with him
self.
''Ah," he continued, 'hes a silent man. That
goes long way. People mako mistakes nova
days. They know too much They talk TOO much.
Now, man to be q smart man must be know
nothing they're the best
Here Mr.. V. arose and laughed with ire