The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-07-19
A WEALTHY WRITER.
Thomas Hitchcock, Author Of The Loves Of
Men Of Genius"

Mr.. Thomas Hitchcock in his declining
years appears before the public as an au-
thor, writes E. j. Edwards from New York
to the Utica Observer His case is another
Illustration, of which we have had so many
in the past two or three years, of men
who have gained regulations and fortunes
in the stern activities of business who
turn in their older years to the de-
lights of literature. Mr.. Hitchcock has
just written, and leading publishing
house has issued, a truly interesting book.
In which the sorrowful loves of men of
genius are described. The book suggests in
some respects the delightful work of the
elder Disraei, in which the characteristics
OF men of genius are grouped and set forth.
MIR. Hitchcock, however, possesses style
which it is no discredit to Disrael the
father t. say will appeal more to the pop
uar taste than that which characterized
the dist ngnished sire Of Lord Beaconsfield.
Mr.. ii tchcOck has taken the story of ten
or twelve men whose genius was such that
their achievements have brought them i'm
mortal fame, and he has told the story of
their courtships, their affections and their
unfortunate marriages to women, some Of
whom were most worthy persons, but who
managed to make their particular husbands
miserable Such theme require both deli
cate and yet discriminate treatment, and
MIR. Hitchcock has proved wholly equal to
the demands made upon him. The tales
that are told have all the charm of romance,
but yet romance which is sad and not joy
Gus.
Those who know the author intimately
are not surprised at the fine literary flavor
of his work or the evidences Of extensive
reading and of the careful and yet exhaust
i've analysis of those about whom he writes.
But those who know Nj. Hitchcock only by
his reputation as inancer. capitalist and
trustee OF the sun newspaper corporation,
will be surprised by the evidence of exceed
ing great literary ability which is displayed
In this book.
Thomas Hitchcock is one of the most in
teresting and in some respects talented of
men who have to do with affairs in New
York City. He is of New England birth
pectlng to become lawyer. His talents,
however. are not of the kind which would
be content with the drudgery and the dry
ness of technical pleadings, and he soon
and plunged into commercial pursuits.
He attracted attention as young man by
his Judgment, which was singularly accu-
rate. and by his ability to deal with COM
plicated financial problems, and he had
gained for himself a fortune at time when
most young men are hoping only 10 get one.
When the Atlantic cable was suggested
by Cyrus w. Field, Peter Coo er and 9TH
ers, MIR. Hitchcock had abundant faith in
1t, and he invested his money with perfect
aSsuId uce THAI MS reward WOulu pe liberal.
He was one of the very few men who was
not frightened at the failure of the first
cable. His faith never left him. He be-
lieved that the failure was due only to tenn
porary accident, ana that the Atlantic cable
would become as certain as the land lines
are. As result of his faith MIR. Hitchcock
had the good fortune to see his investment
bring him splendid returns
He was associated with Mr.. Charles A.
Dana in the purchase of the New York
N 10 a1 al rlY
which he selected tasks most cOngenial to
him and OF the utmost value to the paper
He was large stakeholder, and his counsel
in the business management was always
esteemed as worthy of the most careful
consideration. The editorial page of the
Sun owes not little of the reputation which
1t has as the ablest editorial page in
this country to the work OF Mr.. Hitchcock.
His style is singularly lucid. and at the same
time Is as smooth and fascinating as that of
Thackeray, which, in some respects, it sug-
geSts. Besides that, his work always indi-
Gates not only the thinker, but the scholar,
the man OF research.
About two years ago Mr.. Hitchcock began
the contribution of weekly financial arti-
Gle, written over nom de plume. 1t at
tracted instant attention. In some respects
1t is the most successful special feature
in the history OF journalism in New York
City. 1t Was revelation of what ltera-.
turc, when applied to such a dry sub
ject us the money market, could do in the
way of fascinating the ordinary reader
The essays were brilliant specimens of the
best sort Of literary workmanship, and at
the same time they told story of subjects
Of vital interest to the busy men Of Wall
street, To the economist and TO the states
man. Twice MIR. Hitchcock has tried to
suspend these publications, but he has been
complimented by public which has insist
ed upon more. The little book which he has
just published is AN excursion into the realm
of pure literature almost, and il will be sure
to attract attention to the talents of this re-
markable man.