New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-06-15


ERAsTUs wIMAN AND OTHERS.
The article by Andrew Carnegie entitled How
10 Win Fortune" which appeared in The Tribune
OF April 10. excited much interest and COM
ment that The Tribune secured series of inter
views with well-known college men in business
answering Mr.. Carnegie's rather sweeping asser-
ton that college training practically fatal
N business success The college sprang
promptly to the defence of the value of higher
education for business or any other calling and
the assertions of President Depew President Low
Brayton Ives, D. A. Head, J. w. Alexander eX-
Mayor Hewitt and others so continued ana IN
creased the interest in the discussion that Inc
Tribune to-day presents another series oil talks
by wellknown college men in business, each OF
whom promptly and strongly objects to Mr.. Car
nceie's position. The discussion has been also
broadened by talks with other prominent men, not
college graduates. The importance of the ques-
ton and the interest awakened are shown by the
fact that every one upon whom the Tribune's re-
porter called was more or less familiar with the
articles already printed in The Tribune. The
part of Mr. Carnege's article which rouses dis
cussiOn is this
The total absence Of the college graduate in every
have inquired and searched everywhere in all quar-
ters but find scarcely trace of him Nor Is TINS
the start of the graduate they entered for The
race 9vasy in their tne moS to MenT
while the college student has been learning a htIe
distant past or trying to master languages which are
dead. such knowledge seems adapted Tor ne upon
aOcTn 9aSs future captain Of industry holly
engaged in the school of experience obtaining the very
do not speak Of the effect Of college education
but the almost total absence the graduate from high
position in the business world seems TO Justly , tn
70 snccess in that domain The graduate has
the slightest chance entering at twenty against the
clerk " at fourteen. The facts prove this
GOOD FOR ANY MAN
The reporter found Henry T. Sloane, member
of the carpet firm of w. g. j. Sloane land graduate
of YALE deep in business consultation on one of
the upper floors of their carpet house.
Il have little time to discuss any topic" de-
clared Mr.. Sloane, pleasantly, as / am about TO
leave town in an hour so. but you certainly
some to me with an interesting and serious subject I
Tie went on
should like to write out something for yon about
this matter but that is ont of the question 50 can
only tell you. ofhand, my belief and experience
Consider an education of benefit to any man who has
fair ability and In any kind OF work "nc adca hg
help thinking how much better men rd heS
With the large number of men we employ, have
an MAN, to aEd csn 'n SnSeany say that
the college man has the advantage every time. Some
ST he w has qoa his
however bright, seems to lack am not , Ges
results. Our college men make good salesmcn They
have rubbed up against men and their well 'ra nSd
sdapt themelSes to the situation while the nncdu
Gated s sSS an1 se s the h quicken
cecds. If choose TO be personal might cite eH-
amples all about us
Then, Mr. Sloane, would you say that the boy
Of fair ability who obtained his college educa-
ton and came back to you would soon catch up
with those who had FIVE years business start?'
Undoubtedly and what is more. he Will sur
pass them, for when he reaches them he VIII he
their mental superior. / have not talked as fully
as | should like to- said Mr.. Sloane in finishing,
"but YOU can quote me believing that college
education is not detrment, but an advantage,
in any occupation man may pursue.
General Horace Porter, vice-president OF the
Pullman Palace Car Company, declined to discuss
the question. Il am sorry to decline, he said
courteously. "The topic is an important one, and
deserves study and care in what is said upon IT,
do not 10 enter the controversy unprepared,
and other demands on my time are very I'M
perative just now, l think l had better say
nothing"
1T DEPENDS ON THE BOY
The immense wealth and influence of William
Waldorf Aston, coupled with the great esteem in
which he is personally held, make his opinions on
any current topic of interest. reporter of The
Tribune therefore called upon Mr.. Aston, who is
graduate of Columbia College, at his office in
Twenty sixth-st, 10 inquire his opinion upon Mr..
Carnege's assertion A bright fire burned in the
open fireplace, relieving the chill Of May storm,
and gave air of cosiness TO the handsome room
Mr. Astor received his visitor courteously, and
glanced rapidly over Mr.. Carnegies reference to
college education for the business man.
Ill 10 tod tlofc tcb an
assertion was absurd The object is to make the
best citizens. man ought, therefore, to grasp at
Every opportunity that is offered for education,
even at some sacrifice, if necessary"
Would you, then, Mr.. AstOr, advise a young
man of limited resources to struggle through col
lege as a preparatory training to business?" was
asked.
Il cannot tell. That would depend altogether
the boys own ability, and besides there might
be dependent relatives, other complications.
But Mr. Carnegie does not hesitate to go that
far, and makes the positive assertion that college
education is a detrment to business success
Then must differ with Mr. Carnegie" rcjoned
Mr.. Aston decidedly, and think that even the
fourtcen-y ear-old boy whom he describes sweep
ing the store, would differ also.
Edward King president of the Union Trust Com
pany is Harvard graduate, and president of the
Harvard Club. A Tribune reporter called upon
Mr.. King and explained his errand.
Il have time to discuss this matter" said
Mr.. King. Mr. Carnegie is entirely at liberty
10 say whatever he peases, and ] really see no
good TO come from discussing his assertions"
BELIEF IN EDUCATION.
Il might be slow 10 admit that l should be
held up an example of success said Richard
a. McMurdy, graduate OF Harvard,
president of the Mutual Life Insurance
Company, when the reporters mission was
explained. Il must assure you, however,
that my opinion of the value of a thorough educa-
ton for the business is very decided. have
but two or three minutes TO discuss the matter,
but that is enough