The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-03-21
CLEVELAND'S ADVISER.
A Few Points About Congressman
William Scott.
From the Chicago Net0s.

From the Chicago Netos.
WASHINGTON, March 19.-"There goes
Bill Scott He used to be page in the
House of Representatives. He is Cleveland's
most trusted friend and adviser now, and is
worth s2OOOO,OOO."
THAT Bill Scott, eh? Well, well; talk
about person not being able to get on in
America is all humbug"
Two men stood in the corridor of Will
lard's Hotel recently as Congressman Scott,
of Erie, Pa, brushed Dv them, and the
above conversation took place. 1t is under
stood by Clevelands friends that Mr. Scott
is to have charge of Clevelands Presidential
boom, and for that reason he will be an
important figure in national politics for
the next few months. Mr.. Scott has
succeeded to the place in President
Clevelands affections once held by Dan
Manning, and the President makes no move
without first consulting him. He is a con-
slant visitor at the White House, and he
performs many and varied missionary la
bors. In appearance he is slender and of
medium height. His head is large and well
poised. His eyes are gray and deep set.
A thick moustache covers firm mouth.
His face is strong and intellectual looking.
He dresses in fashionably cut clothing, usu-
ally in a sack coat and loose trousers When
in conversation his face is animated. He
listens to every word uttered, and replies in
Short sharp sentences. He is a most agree
able correspondent, and is one of the best
informed politicians in the country.
Anything bat politics." he said to me
once. 81 never talk politics with any one.
I'll discuss any other question you may sug-
gest but that"
SCOTS career has been most remarkable.
1t reads like a romance. He is not quite 90
years of age, is one of the wealthiest men
in the land employs 10, 900 workmen, might
have had a seat in the cabinet if he SO de-
sired, yet thirty years ago he was q fish
peddler in Erie, Pa. He was born and
reared in poverty and frankly says he
knows but little of his early life. When he
was in his teens he was made page in the
House of Representatives. He made many
friends. The member from Erie took a
deep interest in the little fellow and when
Congress adjourned for the summer, asked
him what he was going to do.
81 don't know" Scott replied. 81 haven't
any home or any place to 60"
HIS START IN LIFE
And so it came that the kind-hearted
Congressman took the lad home with him.
He was put to work as shipping clerk on
the wharves of his employer, who was at
that time one of the principal owners of the
now almost lost shipping of the west lakes.
He worked hard and well. He did any
thing that came TO hand, from keeping
books to peddling fish. He studied hard
and saved his money and along about 1850
he got an opportunity to engage for himself
in the shipping business. Whatever he
touched turned to gold. He was soon recog-
nized as a bright young fellow, and was
given many helping hand. He fell in love
with and married a wealthy young lady.
His wife was sister of Frank D. Tracy, of
tho Stock Exchange here; and at the
time of his death President of
the Chicago, Rock Island and
Pacific railroad. Tracy helped his new
brother-in-law to make valuable friends
among the solid men Of Gotham. He be-
came acquainted with Samuel J. Tilden
when that willy old man was making his
fortune in railroads, and the friendship
lasted until Tilden's death. the late Com.
Vanderbilt also took a deep interest
in his welfare, and let him into
more than one big TRANSACTION
on the grand floor. He became in
terested in the manufacture Of iron and the
mining of coal as well as the construction
of railroads He owns anthracite mines in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and as
either president or director he controls over
% 600 miles of railroad, probably the largest
number of miles managed by any one man
in the world.
That is how the lad who was once page
in the House made his vast fortune lie
has served faithfully in Congress, too. In
the very place where thirty-sx years ago.he
was penniless page, nc now sits as Repre-
sentative. He is one Of the leaders Of his
party, and the most trusted adviser Of the
administration.
MANNER OF LIFE.
In Erie he lives in regal style. He owns
large, magnificent mansion, surrounded
by all that good taste can suggest and
money purchase. For years he owned one
of the best racing stables in the world, but
of late he has given up racing. He is fond
of good horse, however. and delights in
driving. In Washington Mr.. Scott and his
family cut wide swath, and when IN New
York. where by the way. they come very
often, the finest suite of rooms at the Fifth
Avenue Hotel is placed at their disposal.
He has two daughters, who ere happily
married, and who entertain on a large
scale.
Mr.. Scott is a very busy man De IL