Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-07-29
UNSELFlSH WITH MILLIONS.
Mr.. VanJerbilt's Service for Otbers-Mem-
Der of Many Religious Bodies.

O.. j. Edwards in the Churchman)
Great multitudes never applaud men
whose only distinction is that they are
rich. But the community does understand
and approve a man who, having riches,
makes such U.s. Of them as to benefit his
fellow-men. Mr.. Cornelius Vanderbilt has
done more than this. IL would be possible
for him. looking upon his wealth as
power for good. 10 bestOw II here and
there as his judgment might indicate the
wisdom OF such disposition. That Is not
Il difficult thing 10 10. Many men having
wealth make a liberal disposition Of it,
Mr. Vanderbilt himself. since he has
possessed riches. has divided his wealth
with the needy and with the community.
But Il seemed 10 him, after h. had passed
intO his inherit nee as though the mere
giving Of money was the smallest Of the
duties entailed upon him because Of his
wealth. IL seemed to him that his duty
II the community not only required him
TO listen 20 appeals that were justl-
fed. but also % take per-
sonal part in undertakings which make
for the moral and social advantage OF a
community. lie determined that not only
his wealth, but his time. his comfort.
his ability. his convenience. should yield
something for the benefit Of others. From
the moment when the inheritance passed
into his hands, he gave himself up not
only % the great business interests which
his responsibility 20 those associated with
him compelled him closely to watch, but
also to personal services 10 Church and
social interests.
The time which Mr. Vanderbilt gives
TO assist those who are directing impor-
tant religious un1ertak ngs Is fully equal
10 that which many businessmen bestow
upon their recreations and personal
pleasures For instance, he Is a trustee
of the General Theoi0g cal Seminary, ana
is always present at the meetings Of the
trustees when he is in town and not
unavOldably kept away. He was attend
ing one Of these meetings when the mes
sage came u him OF his fathers death.
He is one OF the managers OF the Board
OF Domestic and Foreign Missions OF the
Protestant Episcopal Church. He IS the
vice-president OF the Young Mems Chris
tian Association, giving every year many
hours OF thought and of careful counsel
70 that nOnsectarian organization. lie Is
one OF the trustees OF the new Cathedral
OF St. John the Divine. and beyond his
splendid personal contribution TO tnat
glorious project IL is safe TO say that
the time and attention, the patient study
OF details and ways and means which
have characterized his connection with
that undertaking, are almost a greater
contribution. lie is chairman of the Rail-
road Branch OF the Young Mems Chris
tian Association. scrutinizing the ae-
counts OF that institution. giving atten-
ton TO the details OF its management
which could not be more scrupuiousiy
bestowed were this institution a corpora
ton carrying great business interests.
He devotes much time 10 that splendid
missionary and social work which is
known as st. Bartholomew Parish
Home. an institution which many be-
leve is doing more TO solve some or the
social and economic problems OF those
who labor for scanty wages than any
other organized effort is accomplishing,
either In New York or elsewhere.
AN EARNEST STUDY.
To the solution OF these problems Mr..
Vanderbilt has given earnest study. and
no one could reveal greater satisfaction