The herald., 1893-02-19
GOULD WAS NOT ILL.
BETTING AT REST A RUMoR THAT
THE FlNANciER WAS SICK.

Story of a Reporter Who Met Mr.. Gould
In the Railroad Kings Own uouse--A
Commotion in the Residence When Mr..
Gould Stumbled and. Fell to the Floor.
Ii was about week after the elevated
railroad hearing in the court of common
pleas in November, 1888, that had funny
experience interviewing Jay Gould. He
had been on the witness stand two consec-
uttve days, standing the legal firing as
calmly as II questioned By one of his clerks
The courtroom was packed to suifocation
by persons brought there through curiosity
to see Gould. Several times he passed his
hand over his brow, and the judge ordered
the windows lowered to give more air. par
ticplaSly as 1t seemed at one time that the
witness would faint.
A couple of days later rumor had it that
Mr.. Gould was sick, but all reporters were
met by George Gould, who gave the assur-
ance that his father was quite well. l
called at the Fifth avenue mansion the fol
lowing afternoon, having been cautioned
by my city editor not to come back without
positive information.
I was shown into the reception room on
the left of the hall, and the servant took mp
Ail ottlQ. LTCscntlg oCOlBC &Odl0 CilvSlSd
and said his father was dressing to 20 out,
asking if he could be of service to me.
Telling him of the disquioting rumors
concerning his father, he said they wero
false, absolutely false. "But," said l, ''if
Mr. Gould is not sick, cannot see him, Just
90 convince MYSELF"
'I'll see. Excuse me a moment" said
George, and he ran up stairs.
About five minutes later in walked Mr..
Gould, and extending his hand, which
took, he gave mine a gentle shake, and in
q hlodulated voice asked
"Do look as if were ill?"
George had apprised his father of my
mission, and he came charged. He didn't
look like sick man. Bidding me be seat
ed, he let himself down gingerly upon a
small straw bottomed chair.
Mr.. Gould sat with his side to the win
dow little to my right, facing me, so that
could observe every play Of his counte-
nance. Crossing his legs, one foot resting
squarely on fqxskin, he ran both thumbs
over his gold watch chain and said:
"Well, what can / do for your"
Telling him the object of my call, which
30 far had been satisfactory, asked him
u It was true that he had been squeezed to
The extent of millions in Wall street, as re-
ported.
Haven't heard of it." he replied in the
same low tone and slowly.
But there are rumors that you lost
heavily"
"Yes?"
SIS that trueP"
81 can't say" and he dropped one hand
on his knee, while with the other he toyed
necessarily with the small charm suspend
ed from his watch chain.
"What is your opinion of the course of
she stock market within the next fort
aightP" then ventured.
II can't say" he replied as his black
eyes darted from the floor into my face, US
II he intended reading me through.
"Do you anticipate large grain move
ment this fall?"
"Perhaps, yes"
"And that will of course advance the
granger stocks, won't it?"
"Yes."
Seeing that he was not disposed to let
himself out to any great extent on finances
NOT that he need havo feorod my taking
another tack and said it was rumored that
he was about to go away on cruise aboard
his yacht.
"Yes" he answered, with an attempt at
a smile.
Then you do contemplate going?"
mo" And he twirled the little charm
around his thumb with increased vigor.
"You do not intend leaving the city?n
mo"
Then his right footapparently got asleep,
for he stood up suddenly, stamped the foot
a couple of times and resumed his seat,
crossing his left leg over the right this
time.
''Mr. Could" then said in desperation,
as Twas getting tired of doing ali the talk.
ing, then 1 can safely report you as quite
well, and that you do not intend to take
"trip on your yachtP"
"Yes," and he inclined bis head gently
while closing his eyes.
"Are you going down town tomorrow"
"Perhaps."
Being asked where his yacht was then, he
dropped his watch charm and exclaimed
"Well, ask GeorgeI'
We arose simultaneously, and Mr.. Gould
made step forward, suppose, toopen the
reception room door. The door was aiar
about six inches. understood he never
allowed door to be closed while alone in q
room with a stranger. AS he stepped for
ward his foot caught in the foxskin rug.
VAaSA AAe'o DSSh oblhSei " ttLlQ Sluul-
bled.
Before he could recover himself he went
forward, but he quickly raised both hands
TO protect himself and came with full force
against the door, which closed with
bang that reverberated throughout the
house.
I don't exactly know what the people in
the house thought had happened, but in an
Instant George came running across the
hallway from the parlor, the footman
rushed forward, and small dog raised such
q din barking up stairs that it looked as if
o riot might be going on.
When the door was opened George and
the footman stood there open mouthed,
thinking no doubt l had assaulted Mr..
Gould, but the latter gave o sickly smile
and in a few words assured his son that il
was all right and explained the circum-
stance. That was my last interview with
Jay Gould.--F. 2. Hastings in New York
World.
How Swiss Children Go to Sleep.