Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-24
THOSE BIG REQUESTS.
Mr.. Shoenberger's Generosity is
Eagerly Discussed.
GEN. FITzHUGH IN CONFIRMATION.
Trinity Cannot Change Its Methods Until
Next Easter.
4 PARE AROUND ST. MARGARETS

Mr. c. L. Fitzhugh. member of Trinity
Protestant Episcopal Church, whose wife is
niece of Mr.. Shoenberger's first wife, was
called upon yesterday evening concerning
the iron masters bequests. Mr.. Fitzhugh
was asked:
Have you seen what The DISPATCH
published exclusively this morning con-
cerning Mr.. ShOenberger's will?"
ST have" was the reply, land 1 think
you gave all thstis of interest to the public.
The details and conditions of those bequests
and the private legacies do not know. The
matter is in the hands of Mr.. Shoenberger's 5
relatives in New York, but the entire matter
will be made public in short time, when
the will is probated. Mr.. Shoenberger, as
all know, left no children, and his private
legacies are to relatives Such matters can
hardly interest the public2"
''Do you know what is the name specified
for the hospital on Penn avenue?"i
"It is to be called st. Margaret's Hos
pitaI. Mr.. Shoenberger's first wife was
Miss Margaret Gust, of Greensburg. She
died, think, in 1875"
"How is the bequest to Trinity Church to
be invested?"
"The capital, s1OO, 900, will be placed in
the hands of the trustees of the church, the
interest only to be used for the benefit of
the church. think the conditions of the
bequest will be accepted by the church.
That matter, Of course, rests with the Vestry-
men,"
NO CHANGE UNTIL EASTER.
Another member of Trinity Church ex-
pressed the opinion that the conditions
would be accepted by the vestry. The pews
have been rented until next Easter, and no
change can be made before that time. The
rental from the pews is not as large as
would appear to one unacquainted with the
facts, and some of the members have for q
time been dissatisfied with the system. On
the other hand, it is suggested that there
will be very strong opposition from some
of the oldest families in the parish to the
free seat system. Quite a number Of the
best pew holders in the church would feel,
it is said, that the adoption of the new plan
would be almost equivalent to severance
of their connection with Trinity.
An effort was made to see Rev, Mr.. Max
well, the rector, but he was not at home.
The vestrymen are reluctant to express an
opinion, desiring to learn the feeling of the
members before taking action in the matter
They will, at any rate, await full copy Of
the will.
The eight acres OF land on Penn Avenue
upon which the st. Margaret Hospital will
be erected form very desirable blocks Of
property and offer many natural advant-
ages for the carrying out Of the details Of
the plan. An intimate friend Of Mr..
Shoenberger who was seen yesterday stated
that the iron master had had the idea Of 3
magnificent hospital in his mind for good
many years.
A PARK ADJUNCT.
"0ne Of Mr.'Shoenberger's criticisms, ="
said this gentleman, upoh the usual hos
pital was, that there was no chance for
nature to play her part in the restoration to
health Of afflicted humanity, nothing but
bare walls, bleak hillsides or uninViting
roofs, things not calculated to cheer the
jaded eyes or instill hope. Fresh air and
nature were two things Mr.. Shoenberg him
self believed in, and am sure he bore this
in mind in arranging the details Of St
Margaret's. think that there viii
be minute instructions in regard to the
beautifying of the entire tract in order that
the hospital shall have the hsndsomest nat
ural surroundings Of any similar institution
in this country. The land in its present
condition is valued at from 81, 900 to $20,-
900 an acre, and, if improved or laid out,
would be easily worth $25, 900 an acre"
Mr.. Shoenherger's magnificent gifts were
the theme of conversation all over the city,
and much surprise was expressed that so i'm
portant matter escaped the attention Of the
entire city press, except The DISPATCH.