St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-09-09

hight that she wished 1t, and, now that
1t is tor late, she understands the folly
of trying to shine in sphere for which
nature and birth had not fitted her.
There has been great deal of non
sense published about the high social
position held by the Smith family in
the sunny South in the golden days
when there was blue. blooded arstoc.
racy on the other side of Mason and
DiXon'S line.
Who ever heard of the Smiths of
Mobile?
From colonial times all the members
of the aristocratic families in the South
have been prominent as lawyers, politi-
clans, statesmen, preachers Or in some
other branch of active public life.
Where do the Smiths of Mobile come
in? On what historical page is recorded
any of the glowing deeds of any member
OF this alleged aristocratc family which
should entitle them to a position with
the leading families of the South?
There is no record of Smith ever hav-
ing done anything except marry into
families either having wealth or titles.
AS a matter of fact, the Smiths, when
they became known to the Vanderbilt
family. were very poor, and their
principal ground of distinction was that
Alva was considered to be the prettiest
girl in Mobile and had two sisters who
were nearly as good looking as she.
Mrs. Smith was very ambitious
woman, and raised her children with
the notion firmly inculcated in them
that their beautiful faces and exquis.
liely moulded figures would some day
win for them rich matrimonial prize
Il M flt M litHE. -
winners in the line that she desired.
and also TO see that wealth and happi-
ness are not synonymous terms. Had
Alva Smith married some man within
the limitations of her own aristocracy
she might have been happy to the end
oil her days. There are living III Mobile
some of the old Southern aristocrats
who are as proud as Lucifer. even If
they are poor, but there were none of
them good enough for the Smith girls,
and only a Vanderbilt or a Yznaga
Wnuld suit them.
Well, what was the social position OF
the Vanderbits in 1878. when the
charming Alva captivated the upso-
phisticated Willie K? They did not
have the entire into the Swagger set in
this city, and did not have any standing
socially.
Ola Cornelius, founder of the Wander
pitts, cared as mach for society as he die
for plugged nickel, and his children
were raised in the school in which the s
mark was the chief feature, and social
functions were Of small import.
willie K. had great prospects that
would be realities when death divided
the Vanderbilt millions; but he did not
seek to advance himself in society, or
take up with the rapid set of Young
u hoH l,n Al,
their veins. He was trained to be use.
full 10 his father, William H.. in railroad
matters, and as he did not take any in
terest in women, it was considere d by
the family that he was cut out for bach
elorhOod. He used to occasionally visit
some OF the swell clubs, but would never
permit his name to be put up for men,
bershlp. For some unknown reason he
had an impression that he would bt
black-balled if he sought admission t.
club life. land he is very sensitive on thi.
point. The most distinguished aspect
of Willie k life as young man was
In the line of playing poker; but he
never got above 81 limit. and was such
cautious player that the boys never
bad any fun playing with him. 1t is
SAID that he would study over a poker
hand which stood to win or lose SIC
longer than Pat Sheedy would over 9
$4,000 chance. He carefully nursed his
winnings and was always hard loser
Willie <. did not have much money In
chose days. His father gave him $40, 0O(
year for pocket money, and at the END
OF the year he always had some of il
left. He drank very little. did moi
knock around with the boys, and his
only vice, if such 1t may be called, wa,
poker playing. Such was Willie K. al
twenty odd.
He had travelled bit In Europe, but
die not find much pleasure in the lively
scenes il tie old world, aud came back