The record-union., 1893-11-23


Less than year ago George ]. Gould
assumed the management of the many
millions left by his father, thus becom-
ing, while not yet % years old, the young
est money king in the world. While yet
a mere schoolboy, however, he began his
Wall-street education, and to-day can
look back on fourteen years experience
among the men and methods of that IA
nous thoroughfare. Partly as result of
this experience, but chiefly because of
his settled manner and serious deport-
ment, he looks much older than he is. In
only one respect does he resemble his
father physically-his complexion is al
most as dark as that of Cuban and his
hair is coal black. Jay Gould was
martyr to dyspepsia; George is not likely
ever to suffer from that too common
American ailment. He is good deal of
an athlete, has a muscular frame, and his
welI-shaped head is set on fine, broad
pair of shoulders. Always lover Of out
door sports, his greatest hobby is shooting
at clay pigeons, next to which he is fond of
yachting. A long jaunt on horseba is
another of his delights, and as 'cycliSt he
can make good time and he casts fly with
no experienced hand. AS frequently as
circumstances will permit he visits the
theatef, this being the only form of dis
sipation in which he INDUCES; ne is a
total stranger to tobacco and never drinks,
except single glass of wine at dinner.
Like his father, he is quiet and retiring,
another point of resemblance being that
he is not easily tired of work. Early at
his desk every day, he displays great
aptitude for details, and before leaving
Tor home-Whlch Is often not until long
after daylight has gone-he has generally
disposed of a large amount Of work i'll
connection with his vast interests.
DEMOCRATIC IN MANNER AND DRESS.
Though possessor of a hundred mill
ions, MIR. Gould dresses in the simplest
manner, eschewing everything in the
way OF iewelry except plain gold ring.
His temper is even, and though cautious
about making friends, he makes few enc
mics, treating all with whom he comes in
contact in a genial, pleasant manner. A
train hand and a fellow director are ad-
dressed in precisely the same tone of
affability. The city home at No. S57 Fifth
avenue, though amply supplied with
comfort is not at all the sort of a mansion
where one would expect to find the heir
of the Gould millions, being much less
pretentious than most of those which sur
round it. Perhaps this is characteristic
OF the owners simplicity as anything
that could be mentioned, except it be the
fact that he was married in q plain buSi-
ness suit and took his wedding trip, be-
tween Irvington and Now York, in an
ordinary passenger coach.
Mr.. Gould is not an easy man to inter
view-another point of resem blance be-
tween him and his father-but few days
ago he received New York dyOrLd man
at his office in the Western Union build
ing. Stripped to his shirt, he was going
through his mail, signing orders, dictat-
ing to his Secretary, and now and then
opening the telegraph key on his desk to
answer message over his railroad wire.
Alter q time he dismissed his steno-
grapher, closed his telegraph key, slipped
on light office coat and turned to the re-
porter. In his replies to the reporters
questions Mr.. Gould spoke rapidly, ex-
pressing himself as q man Of firm con-
victions, who had thoughtfully studied
the matters under consideration.
BELIEVES IN AN INCOME TAX.
In the course of a pleasant interview,
Mr.. Gould was asked:
"How should rich man be taxed?D
81 believe in an income tax. But do
not believe in a personal tax. The inius-
tice of personal tax lies in the fact that
1t is so easy for dishonest men to evade
paving a Just amount. 1t is perfectly
avoided by many men. l pay as much
personal tax as both heads of the two
elder branches Of the Vanderbilt family
together"
"On what personal valuation do you
pay taxes?
.'On S40O.O0O.''
''You said you believed in an income
taxi"
''Yes," said Mr.. Gould, 81 believe there
would be less chance Of evading just
assessment. Every rich man should be
taxed in proportion to his income"
"As to your Western Union Telegraph
interests, Mr.. Gould, are you willing to
sell out to the Federal Government ?'
why, certainly" and Mr.. Gould
laughed mildly, ''it the Government will
buy it; but l am opposed, as 1 have al
ways said, to either Government rail-
roads or Government telegraph lines, and
] do not believe the American sentiment
is in favor of Government proprietor
ship where private enterprises can do the
work"
How about the Government telegraph
lines of Europe?"
Il have studied the Government lines
of all the European countries, and my
opinion is confirmed that government
proprietorship is not wise. Our service
is infinitely superior to the telegraph
service in England or on the continent:
our rates are cheaper and The service more
satisfactory. One of the troubles over
there is that there is no competition nor
rivalry"
1T is commonly believed that the
Western Union has an understanding
with the telephone companies"
That is not So" Mr.. said Gould, posi-
lively. The telephone and the telegraph
are friendly and will advance hand in
hand. We have never discouraged nor
embarrassed nor attempted TO choke off
the development of telephone service"
DUTIES OF THE WEALTHY CITIZEN.
''If your fortune were cut in half or
materially decreased, would it make you
unhappy"
mo. think not. On the contrary. I
rather expect that if l had less property
to look after / should not work so hard
and l should have great deal more leis-
ure.''
'What are the ethics of wealth."
I'm general terms, believe firmly that
wealthy man owes certain duties TO the
public. OF course each one judges best
for himself what his duties areu
"Mr. Gould, what is your theory of
charity?"
''As have just said,, Mr.. Gould re-
piled with earnestneSs, II believe that a
rich man owes certain duties to bis fell
low men. As to the question of charity
in broad sense, as to the founding OF
public institutions or the distributing of
large sums In charity-on these matters I
have not fully made up my mind. an
still young man, and I do not know
that have yet given the thoughtful at
tention to this very serious question
which it deserves"
'iHow did you happen to build your
log hat in the Catskills ?''
Il am exceedingly fond of outdoor life,
and this is an ideal spot for entire rest
and freedom. did not build an elabor-