The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-15
W. w. ASTOK.

The announcement that was made in q New
York paper of last Sunday that Mr.. w. w.
Aston was arranging his affairs in this country
with view to becoming citizen of Great
Britain is probably of sensational origin and
without any support in actual fact Mr.. As
tor is by many who have opportunities of ac-
quiring accurate knowledge of the exact
amount of his fortune considered to be the
wealthiest man in America. his property
being invested in tho permanent form
of real estate in New York which
causes it to be exempt from the great fluctu-
atoms in value to which the fortunes
of Gould and the Vanderbilts are subject.
OF all the capitalists of New York city who
are in the enjoyment of oyershadowing wealth,
he is the last one who would be suspected of
desire 20 expatriate himself for the purpose
Of joining the ranks of the upper class in
England. TO which his vast estate would give
him prompt admission if he should decide to
remove to London. He is not an ostenta-
tious man. No effort has been made by him
to take the leadership III the society Of New
York city. but at the same time he has main
tanned the prestige of his position.
His life so far has been marked by warm
interest in several pursuits 10 which only an
ambitious man would turn. Thus he was for
number of years useful and conspicuous
member of the New York Assembly and won
there a reputation for excellent judgment and
for public spirit. Subsequent TO this he be-
came a candidate for Congress. but was de-
feated. the district in which he ran being
Democratic. During the administration of
President Arthur lie was the American Minis
ter at the Court of King Humbert, a..positon
which he filed very satisfactorily.
Mr.. Astors attention has also been directed
to literature, several novels which he has
written having shown decided culture, though
no great originality A man of this stamp.
who has earned a high character for sobriety
of life and earnestness of purpose. can hardly
American institutions that he has been led 10
decide to take up his residence in England
with view TO establishing the branch of the
Astor family which he represents, perma-
nently in that country.
The emigration OF very large proportion
Of the -Four Hundred TO Europe would afford
sensible relief TO the social life of New York.
simply because they are butterflies who. in
only too many instances, set bad example
for the republican community in which they
reside. But the loss OF a man like Mr.. Astor.
who has acted the part of a good citizen and
who has used his fortune wisely and not in
vain show. would be felta and regretted. There
Is, however, no sound reason for thinking that
after identifying his life so far with the best
influences iii New York, he will give up his
American birthrght and become citizen of O
country towards which none Of his tastes.
as exhibited in his public and private life.
would seem 10 draw him.
Taking everything into consideration, the
Astor family have employed the enormous
wealth which they have enjoyed for four gen
erations, creditably to themselves and usefully
for the public and it is hardly probable that
one of the most respectable members of that
family Will at this late day break every social
and financial tie that binds MIN to the COM
munity in which he was born