The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1892-04-30
a NOBLE MAN
4 Magnificent Monument Left by a 5
Louis Millionaire.

Louis Millionaire.
BY reason of the generous bequcst of
the late Robert A. Barnes st. Louis will,
in couple of years. have one of the
finest hospitals in America.
The aged millionaire had no children and no
near relatives. and in his will donated the bulk
OF lbs vast fortune toward the erection and
maintenance of an institution to be known as
the Barnes hospital. The institution has been
most literally endowed by Mr. Barnes, whose
heqursts TO it all told amount to about sl,GO.
40. In the conditions governing his be-
quest, Mr.. Barnes has displayed re-
markable foresight, and the trustees
are not hampered by any restrictions
which at any future time might initiate against
the hospital. Mr.. Barnes act casts strong
side light on the life of man whose charities
during life were a vast hut hidden volume The
hospital will be under the control of the Meth
odiSt Episcopal church. south, but subject to
rules of the trustees. In case Of vacancy in
the board of trustees, the bishop Of the con-
ference of the VI. F.. church, south, next preced-
ing the vacancy will appoint the successor to
the place. II that bishop can not make the ap-
pontment, then his predecessor will do so. II
the appointment can not he kept out of court,
Mr. Barnes rests the choice in the court having
the highest original general jurisdiction of
are forcible and wise. Il enjoin upon SAID
court" says the will Of Mr. Barnes, that said
appOintee shall not be selected on account of
his politics, but on account of his eminent fit
ness for the position, ~ reason of his we'll
known integrity, responsibility and business
Judgment" :"
Mr.. Barnes knew from his many lessons in
life the delay W lich sometimes attends the full
fiilment of philanthropic bequests. He there
fore n ipinaI his Stn thad In 10
the hospital within the year after the close of
the administration of the estate.
Mr.. Barnes said in his will that he did not
want the institution to compete with the city
hospital. Any person, he argued who is able to
pay his way when in health ought to be willing
to do the same when sick Such a person should
not accept the benefit of fund intended for the
truly deserving. He therefore stipulates that
all who can pay a small sum for treatment at
the hospital shall he required to do so, while
those who are deserving and unable to pay any
thing are to be cared for free of charge. Thus
tho institution will care for both free and pay
patients.
A strange feature of Mr.. Barnes bequest for
n hospital is the apparent favoritism shown to
the Methodists. His mother was Methodist,
hut he himself was an Episcopalian inaffliations
and he was luried according to the Episcopal
ritual. He explains his action in his last will in
these words
Il think that a person ought to invest his
money after death on the same principal that
he invests 1t in business during life. where it
will bring the largest income; and | think that
my fortune will do the most good through the
Methodist Epicopal church, because while that
is one of the largest of the Protestant denom-
nations it is the poorest financially"
While he places the MethOdists in charge of
the hospital. it is to be open to people Of all
reeds and natiunalities.
Mr. Barnes in his will gives to his wife who
lied two wears ago. a great measure Of the
-redt for his liberal gift to charity. He recites
tha; by his first will the bulk Of his fortune was
devised to her absolutely. but. at her earnest
request, this disposition Of his wealth was al
tered, to have it reposed in her during her life
time, and thereafter to be devoted to the hos
pital project.
Mr.. Barnes gave generously to charity in his
ifetime, but he laid upon his gifts an ironclad
pledge Of secrecy. His first notable donation
vas grant Of S45.O6Oto Central college at Full
on. He gave 81, 40 to the Methodist Episcopal
lome few years ago under the ban Of secrecy,
md he furnished the funds for fifteen Methodist
,hurches in southern Missouri, of which the
outside public never informed. In addi-
ion to this he had number Of pensioners who
lave not been forgotten in his will