New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-25
TR1R1'TE FROM FOSTER COATES.
HIS FORMER MANAGING EDITOR TELLS OF HIS
GENEROSITY AND GOODNESS OF HEART.

urs FORMER MANAGING EDITOR TELLS OF HIS
GENEROSITY AND GOODNESS OF HEART
| Foster Gates. managing editor Of "The CONNER
ciol Advertiser, but who until about year ago wa
MANAGING editor OF The Mail and Express uiia'r
Colonel shcpard's proprictorship. talked OF Inc h'
and gentle qualities witch distinguished tho Coioh'
to circle Of friends at the Fifth Avenue Ho'ci Ias
evening lie spoke also OF his remarkable hbcran'y
| The news Of Colonel Shcpards death has shocked
me In a way that find 1t impossible to Describe
said Mr. Coates. IL think no more courtly man ever
| lived II was impossible for him Ia BE- discourteoh'
even to an ofice-boy Wherever h. might be, In MS
Office AT home, In the street. at pr"niscuon'
patherinc at church, In society. he was III" same
knightly gentleman.
oils nberallry to objects. religious. political or
soc,al which he though, worthy. 10 those In his ON
ploy or 10 needy friends. spontaneous ana whch
his means consdcsd, unparalleled. 10 sls
party organization district. city. state and National
he was always heavy contributor.
"rhc Republican campaign OF 1898 was largely as
sisted by his purse his contributions. feel Ger
TAIN exceeding $4,000. should not be surprised
II his subscriptions TO the last Harrison campaign
were equally liberal. They may have been
greater. The first check which the Republican State
Committee received In the Jassett campaign Of 1901
was from Colonel shepard, and was for $4,000. ana
more followed
Il recall many incidents which reflect credit upon
his goodness Of heart. committee OF three colored
clergy men called upon him one day at The Mall
and T., press Office TO enlist his sympathy Tor some
charitable purpose. After talhing with the men
awhile l saw him turn away, take a roll OF money
from bis pocket, and selecting 200 Dill IL
crunplcd It up IN his hand and deity placed IL IN
the palm OF the spokesman the committee were
bidding him good day.
That was petty str donation you maze
those gentlemen Colonel 1 SAID inter they had de-
parted.
The poor fellows needed II more than l do,
was all he said.
"scorcs OF similar incidents occurred which were
unknown 10 any save the Colonel and The recipient
CT his bounty III his religious bcncfaoticns hc gave
away great OF money. lis AlasAa mission cost
him not less than $4,000 year. one summer ac'
companed by Mrs. Shepard. he visited AlaSkh. ma
became deeply interested In cnots extend spiritual
aid to the native Indian, there. lie Organized what
was known as the Shc!don-JachSon cApdltlpn, sent
1t out 10 Alaska and supported 1t literally lie bul'
church. and. besides his ON gifts raised funds for
senc!ng the natives bibles, food clothing aud ncces-
sarics OF life.
ain this city he had seven or eight pew In hnl'
n dozen struggling churches.
"He took immense personal interest In the World $
Fair. and had sixty engaged at the Auditorium
IN Chicago for the Of his family. friends, news
paper employees and such guests n lac might invite.
Il remember once reporter went to Mr. shepard
with the complaint that his weekly bill hhd br'n cut
II %. The Colonel heard his story and handed him
a 800 bill. Never mind he said. Whenever they
cut your bills right To me-
ITO show how lightly he valued money. this cir
cnnls'ancc will attest. went 10 him one day With
publisher Of the newspaper and laid before him
schedule showing how $50 900 "A year might be- saved
In the office expenditures lie went. over the list
with rs carefully and then decided against the re-
trenchmcnt.
Il don't 10 undertake this busincss-at least
not at present he said. ! appreciate Your go
| ia. lint IN be- lltil, leakage
IN an csabn- hmeIt like this.'
TO Inc the Colonel wls always kind and tho soul
q generosity. ! have many mcmentocs. som" OF them
costly, Of his good Will When my wife WIS very
sick NJ one ini,-wo were then living In brooklyn
he gave "A well known florist order for 300 worth
Of r0wcrs. directing that quantities be sent TO her
daily while her illIcss lasted