New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-12
SKETCH OF HIS CAREER.

William Waldorf Astor was the only son OF
John Jacob and Augusta Gibbs Astor. and
grcat-gra ndson of the original John Jacob Astor.
who came to this country from Waldorf, Ger
many, and laid the foundation Of the famiys
vast fortune lie was born in this city on March
81, ls4S, just two days after the death OF his
crcat-grandfather His early life spent
in this city at the home of his parents, where
the foundation for the excellent education which
he obtained was laid He subsequently travelled
extensively in Europe with his tutors, studying
in Germany and Italy. On his return to this
country he entered the Columbia College law
School. and there took his degree. After his grad
uation, Mr. Astor entered the law office Of Lord.
Day & Lord He did this to equip himself moro
thoroughly for his part in the management OF the
great Astor estate, without intending to practise
law He was admitted to the bar in 1874, and re-
NAMED with the law firm for several years. This
firm had charge of most of the law business aris-
ing out of tile management of the Astor proper
ties.
Before this, however. Mr. Astor was known by
all of his acquaintance as a steady-golng young
man with tendency TO business pursuits rather
than pleasure He was the favorite of his grand
father. William B. Astor, and by the will Of
William B. Astor, the bulk of his estate was given
for life to his sons, John Jacob and William, and
then il went absolutely to their heirs John Jacob
Astor died on February %, 1890, and William
Waldorf Astor came into possession OF the estate.
which he had had great share in managing. from
the time of his grandfather's death.
ENTERING PUBLIC LIFE.
For two years after his graduation from col
lege, not much was seen or heard OF young Astor
He went little into society and seldom TO any
h,,x. Of nc a
literary pursuits, to which he was devoted. He
was the first of the Astor family who showed any
ambition or aptitude for public life.
In the fall OF 1877, the Republicans Of the XIth
Assembly District were looking about for an able
youpg man as their candidate for tho Assembly.
Some one suggested that il would be wise thing
10 nominate William Waldorf Astor. commit
tee Of leading Republicans went 10 him and asked
him 10 accept O nomination. At first be hesl-
tated. and then accepted it condit'onally. The
condition was that his fathers consent should DO
obtained John jacob Astor was then in Europe.
but on his return home he was among the hfse
10 congratulate his son upon his nonhpAao"'
When nominated 10 the Assembly. he was twenty
nine years old. lie was personally ntue An'""
in the district bis business pursuits ana DIS a"ie'
and domestic habits having kept him ID compara-
tive retirement In the canvass ho"e'e'.
no made himself exceedingly popular, and
he was elected by majority of over l,ooo votes.
This was Mr.. Astor's first entry into pnoho
life and his modesty, his intelligent grasp OF
public questions and his entire familiarity WIN
the interests of the metropolis. advanced him az
oncc 70 q foremost rank among the best OF the
LEGISLATORS He was appointed chairman OF the
Committee on Militia, member of the important
Committee On the Affairs of Cities, of which
Hamilton Fish, jr, chairman, and member
of the Committee on Expenditures Of the House
These were honorable places for the youngest
member Of the Assembly to ill in the first year
of service, and Mr.. Astor discharged the duties
imposed upon him faithfully and well. N tne
Assembly he was the steady advocate OF all
measures calculated TO benefit the City OF New
York and an opponent of all jobs. lie took
strong position on the excise question: and was
one of the first TO make a stand In favor OF the
reduction of the fare the elevated railroads.
SENT TO TIE SENATE BY BIG MAJORITY.
In 1870 Mr. Astor was put forward oy the
Republicans as candidate for the State Senate IN the
Xth District, embracing parts OF the Twelfth
Nineteenth Twentieth, Twenty-tirst and twenty
second wards of the city. This was under the
new apportonment, and the district ought to
have had good Democratic majority. Mr. Astor