New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-12-09
HOW Mr.. VANDERBILT LOOKED.


WITH Mr.. DEPEw.
Those whose memories 20 back to the time when
MIR Vanderbilt was entering on his
railroad career, remember hun as looking
ucb rs he did in later life, but of course with the
vigor and freshness In appearance que 10 YOUTH
Always sturdy of frame, his figure renamed erect
aud elastic almost down to the day of his death
The only important difference to be noted In later
wears was an increase IN portllness. lie
was nearly six feet In height ana
his weight was close to 200 pounds.
although he was so well-prOportloned that an or
binary observer would hardly guess that height.
Flowing side whiskcrs. tapering to a point were
all the hair he wore on his face, which was broad
and ratherrugged in outline His nose prominent
without beng any distinct type. His eyes were of
medium size and Of that peculiar mixed color
which battles an accurate description as either
gray or hazel. He wore his whlskers IN the same
style for many years and the principal change
made in his appearance by age was the thlckeniug
of gray hair sin b brown.
Mr. Vanderbilt was active in his movements,
without being nervous. and except when walking
leisurely his stride would tax most men to keep
step with. Sometimes abrupt in manners and
speecb. AS rule he was genial in his business talks
aud easy almost the border of graclousness when
engaged in social conversation. In his mental
methods be was inclined to impetuosity
leaping at conclusions that were gener-
ally correct without a sustained logical
prore ss Giving last evening his estimate OF Mr.
Vanderbllts character and speaking of his modes
OF life. President Depew, of the New-York Central
said:
"Mr. Vanderbilt was an excellent judge of men
and he seemed to be able to weigh their
merits as by intuition. He wrote capital letter,
and most of the correspondence that required his
personal attention carried on without the and
of a secretary He a hard worker.
and when actively connected WHY the
management of the Central system was
n, the office all the business day lie was always
an early riser. lie told me that when be was
working his farming property at Staten Island
he was up at O'clock, and frequently used
20 90 to tho city and return by 8. After
Mr. Rutter became president Mr.. Vanderbilt came
only occasionally TO the Grand Central Depot.
When important matters required his attention
lie was consulted at his home. One striking
element in his character was his fearlessness.
He was constantly in the receipt of letters threat
ening his assassination OF pretending TO unfold
plot TO take has life. His habits were so regular
the times of his coming to and gong from the oil
fee the time of his driving out,
was always the sarne-he always went
70 the same place at tho same hour and By the same
the doing OF any murderous deed. Yet he never
changed his methods because of these let
tero of threats warning. If he received
notice that hc would be shot at n GER
tam hour at certain place, he always passed that
spot at that hour. | have suggested TO him on some
occasions the investigation of this information.
but he would never allow it to be done.
He would say: There is DO use
in bothering about this matter. If
am to be murdered it cannot be avoided and you
would probably waste time in the investigation
without being able to prevent harm being DONE.
Mr. Vanderbilt very domestic man"
continued MT. Depew. "He fond of his chill
dren and enjoyed family gatherings at his house.
He never attended large social parties and only
few big dinners Ho liked to meet his
friends. and enjoyed hugely n game of
whist eucbre. Not extravagantly fond
OF the theatre, he attended 1t occasionally as the
average man does, but he took deep interest III the
METROPOLITAN Opera House management. His read-
mn wa9 not extensive. II wao mostly confined TO
daIlynowspapers. Ho was essentially man of affairs
and interested kcenly i'll all that was going on
in the world Of action and in the
movements OF the men concerned therein. lis
interest IA hc-scs ~ yc.-ka0wn and he was one of
Tho beat drivers that ever lived lie
Lecauue one Of !h6 best judges of
p,c:urcs, as his gallery testfes u is ae largest
and best collections Of r,odern art OF every Eehool.
In his ;shls hahi.s Mr.. Vanderbilt: was very aosss'