Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1885-04-27
la SUFFERERS STORIES.
Witticisnas Of . Prominent
New York millionaire.
Sayings that Have Made William B Tray
era Famous in the Metropolis.

kers, uptown club men, patrons and
followers of the turf, and members of
the New York Athletic Club and the
Racquet Club is William r. Travers.
Although thorough and well-inform-
ed man of business. an abIs financier,
and capitalist, he is known best
through his geniality, his kindly feel
ing toward young men, and his witty
and humorous remarks. Tall aud
erect, he carries his 20 years as briskly
as man Of 40. In public places Mr..
Travers is inclined to be reserved, and
glimpses Of his humor have depended
on his intimate acquaintance for cir
culation. His wit never screens mall
ice, but it frequently stings. being at
times near the truth. But above and
through all is an obstruction of speech
that in most cases has added TO the
humOr of his sayings, and so many of
them have passed current in late years
that it seems appropriate to gather to-
g9ther the best of those that have APP
peared in print at various times:
A former acquaintance in Baltimore
met him in Broadway, and, turning
aside, began to chat with him.
"You stammer more since you have
lived in New York." the friend re-
marked in the course Of the talk, "than
you did in Baltimore"
"B-b-bigger place" Travers replied.
AT the call of the list in the Stock
Exchange dispute arose over bid
for a stock. Mr.. H. G. Stebbins is
credited with being the gentleman in
opposition to Mr.. Travers. Stebbins
asserted that he named the price.
"Itmay be that Mr.. St-Stebbins g-got
through b-before did. b-but I'll b-be
hanged if | didn't b-begin b-before
h-he did," Travers replied.
The stock was awarded to him.
A story told about him in Brooklyn
relates to visit there to attend the
wedding of the daughter of friend
who lived in Montague street. 1t was
his first visit in the neighborhood, and
after he had assembled the stairs half
way up the hill from the ferry he went
astray in Montague-terrace, and was
atlength compelled to ask for direc-
tions.
Il desire to reach M-Montague
street." he said to passer by. "WilI
you b-be k-kind enough to p-point the
way2"
You are g-going the wr-wrong
w-way," was the suffering reply.
"That is M-Montague street"
"Are you m-making fun of me,
m-Inimicking m-me?" Travers asked,
sternly.
'NO-no. ! assure you, Sir" the other
replied. with all due haste to repair an
apparent lack of good manners. I'll
am b-badly af-lict.fiicted with an OBJ
struc-struction of speech"
"Why d-dOn't you g-get c-curedp"
Travers asked, with mischief in his
eyes. "G-go to DR.. and you'll
g-get c-cured. D-don't you see how
well I talk? He c-cured m-me'
Two raps for Henry Clews. the
banker, are recorded. It has been
frequent boast Of Mr.. Clews that he is
aself-made man. Travers heard him
on one occasion, and Immediately
dropped into sort Of reverie with his
eyes fixed on Mr.. CIews's bald pate.
"Well. what's the matter, Traverse"
Clews asked, somewhat impatiently.
"H-Henry." Travers inquired,
didn't you s-s-aay you were a self
made m'man 2"
Certainly: made myself" Clews
replied warmly.
"Then. when you were ab-b-bout It,
why d-didn't you p-put m-more
h-h-hair on the t-top of your h-headg"
The famous Vanderbilt ball exer-
cised many gentlemen on the question
Of characters and costumes. Mr.. Clews
was ID qnandary. and he applied to
Travers for suggestion. Itappeared
that Travers had taken advantage OF
his friendly relations with Wallack.