Morning journal and courier., 1885-12-09

the information in his possession. After the foregoing account of MT. Vanderbilt's death Mir. Depew said: 1t is safe to say that Will liam H. Vanderbilt was the richest man in the world. He had made quite as much money since his fathers death as was be- dueathed to him. j When asked to give the value of MT. Vanderbilt's possessions MT. Depew replied: Nobody can do that; but it sonal characteristics of the man with whom he was so intimate, MT, Depew said: "Mr Vanderbilt never talked of death and I am quite certain that he had no premoni- tion that the close of his life was near I have already heard it alleged that the recent conveyance of his extensive properties on Staten Island to his son George was made by Mir. Vanderbilt because of a belief that he was likely to die soon, but I know that no idea of that kind entered into the transae= ton. It was an act that had long been con- templated and for which there were abun- dant family and prudential reasons. There was never any weakening of his mental faculties and up to the very moment that he fell upon the sofa in his study he was in full possession of his mental and physical strength. If ever death came to any man wholly without warning it came so to him. and yet so thorough were his methods that it is safe to say that his affairs are left in such perfect shape that there will be no trouble or litigation in their settlement. can state absolutely that there will be none in the management of the New York Central railroad system. The great bulk of Mr. Vanderbilt's wealth was i'll the shape of railroad stocks. With the exception of his Fifth avenue mansion and the Staten Island he owned little real es- tate and his personal property, such works of art, etc., were not remarkable for pecuni- ary value, though of great worth from ed some of the greatest works of the modern schSols of painting and sculpture and frequently opened his galleries to the general public" Mir. Depew was asked to give some information as to MT. Vanderbilt's habits of life and said: "Mr. Vanderbilt was hearty liver, yet sim pie in habits. He was an early riser and hard worker even up to the last day of his life. He could enjoy glass of wine after dinner and 8 cigar as we'll as anyone; but he never indulged to excess in either drinking or smoking. His greatest fond ness was for driving fast horses of fine blood and he was an adept at this sport" In further conversation on this point MT. Depew pointed to the fact that, al though ever since reaching manhood MT. Vanderbilt had lived in the public view with all his oomings and goings carefully noted, no man was more fully and truly & family man than he. He was thoroughly devoted to his wife and children and almost every mo- ment that he was free from business duties he spent within the family circle. He was lover of music and often attended first nights at the opera with members of his household. MT. Depew added that NIT. Vanderbiit's charities were more numerous and extensive than the public were accustomed to credit him with. He gave frequently and liberally to the chari- table institutions of this city and patronized art, literature and education to 8 considera- ble degree. His largest donations were the addition of s50O,000 to the fund l.. Nashville university and the deed of land valued at $500;000 for the erection of new building for the College of Physicians and Surgeons. 'sFor some years past" eontin- ued MT. Depew, "Mr. Vanderbilt hes re- ceived many letters from unknown persons threatening his life. He consulted with me about them and I always agreed with him that he should pay no attention to them. He regarded them as the productions of cranks and never felt any danger from that source. Mr. Depew, speaking of MT. Vandetbilt's business methods, said: "He handled his vast interests with steady grasp. He dealt with men according to the highest standard Of right and wrong prevailing in the commercial world. He was often abused in the public prints, and although he did not seem to pay much attention to these adverse criticisms, he appeared greatly pleased whenever he found any favorable mention of himself in the newspapers"
 At q late nOQf CO-n1gnG arrangements for the funeral of MT. Vanderbilt were an nounced. The ceremonies will take place at the Protestant Episcopal church of St. Bartholomew, Thirty fourth and, Madison avenue. The rector, Rev. Dr. Samuel Cook, will offciate with the assistance of other clergymen. There will be elaborate musical services. The interment will be held in the family mausoleum at Newdorps, s. l., which has been built by MT. Vanderbilt since the S5S sssta death d h he a s eee 5 be a very imposing one. Meetings will be held tomorrow of all the corporate bodies in which Mr. Vanderbilt interested at which suitable action in consequence of his death will be taken. '---t>
 Mr. Jay Gould said this evening. ssMr. Vanderbilt's death was surprise to me, and a sad one too. His death will be great loss to the world of business and finance, for he certainly was the foremost figure in many of the greatest enterprises that have been carried out in this coun- I first met Mir. Vanderbilt in 1867. Our re lations up to the time of his death were d. ways pleasant ''What is your opinion of Mr. Vanderbilt as financier?' have for many years considered him as a man of un- usual ability in the management of large f. nancial interests. Few men have made so few mistakes in the handling of moneyed interests as MT. Vanderbilt" :" ssWhat effect will his death haveP' ''It is safe to say that it will temporarily de press the market, especially stocks in which he was large holder. These are Lake Shore Michigan Centrsl and West Shore. Mr. Vanderbilt held only $5, 5,O00, 900 out of the $9O, ,O6O, ,O00 of the stock of the New York Central You will see that this is smaller than supposed by many. The effect will be tenn porary as the stocks are all good and reliable investments. If MT. Vanderbilt's holdings were all thrown on the market there arc plenty of capitalists who would be glad to purchase them at fair figure"