Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1893-02-14
GOULD WAS NOT ILL.
SETTING AT REST A RUMOR THAT
THE FlNANclER WAS SICK.

in the Railroad Kings Own House-A
Commotion in the Residence When MIR.
Gould Stumbled and Fen to the Floor.
1t was about a 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-
ntive days, standing the legal firing as
calmly as If questioned by one of his clerks
The courtroom was packed to suffocation
by persons brought there through curiosity
to see Gould. Several times he passed hts
hand over his brow, and the judge ordered
she windows lowered to give more air, par
ticularly as it 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.
called at the Fifth avenue mansion the fol-
lowing afternoon, having been cautioned
by my city editor not to come back without
positive information.
was shown into the reception room on
the left of the hall, and the servant took up
my card. Presently George Gould entered
and said his father was dressing to 90 out,
Telling him Of the disqufeting rumors
concerning his father, he said they were
false, absolutely false. But" said l, III
Mr.. Gould is not sick, cannot see him, just
to convince myself"
"I'I 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 gentle shake, and in
modulated voice asked:
"Do look as If | were ilIi"
George had apprised his father of my
mission, and he came charged. He didn't
look like a sick man. Bidding me be seat
cd, 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
sQuarsly on a foxskin, 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 1t was true that he had been squeezed to
the extent Of millions in Wall street, as 70
ported.
Haven't heard Of it," he replied in the
same low tone and slowly.
"But there are rumors that you lost
heavily"
"YesYm
'Ts that true"
II can't say" and be dropped one hand
ON his knee, while with the other he toyed
necessarily with the small charm suspend
cd from his watch chain.
'What is your opinion of the course of
the stock market within the next fort
nightf' then ventured.
II can't say" he replied as his black
eyes darted from the floor into my face, as
II he intended reading me through.
do you anticipate large grain move
ment this fallyn
perhaps, yes"
sand that will of course advance the
granger stocks, won't iti"
"Yes.n
Seeing that he was not disposed to let
himself out to any great extent on finances
mot that he need have feared my taking
advantage Of his international went on
another tack and said 1t was rumored that
be was about to go away on a cruise aboard
his yacht.
''Yesf" he answered. with an attempt at
smile.
"Then you do contemplate goingt"
'No.n And he twiried the little charm
around his thumb with increased vigor.
"You do not intend leaving the city"
'No."
Then his right foot apparently got asleep,
Sor he stood up suddenly, stamped the foot
couple of times and resumed his seat,
crossing his left leg over the right this
time.
''Mr. Gould" then said in desperation,
as was getting tired OF doing all the talk
ing, then can safely report you as quite
well, and that you do not intend TO take
trip on your yachtp
"Yes," and he inclined his 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:
swell, ask Georgep'
We arose simultaneously, and Mr.. Gould
made step forward, | suppose, TO open the
reception room door. The door was ajar
about six inches. | understood he never
allowed a door TO be closed while alone in
room with stranger. ks he stepped for
ward his foot caught in the foxskin rug,
which had been turned up, and he STUN
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 a
bang that reyerberated throughout the
house.
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 parior, the footman
rushed forward, and small dog raised such
a din barking up stairs that it looked as If
riot might be going on.
When the door was opened George and
the footman stood there open mouthed,
thinking no doubt | had assaulted Mr..
Gould, but the latter gave sckly smile
and in few words assured his son that 1t
was all right and explained the circum
stance. That was my last interview with
Jay Gould.-F. r. Hastings In New York
World.