The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-10-28
JAY GOULD'S KINDNESS.
How Hc Taught Salutary Lesson to
Young Man Who Was Inclined to
Gambling Rccklcssly-Intcres il

1ruc.
One of the stories included by the
Chicago Times-Herald in a recent col
lection of poker tales represents the
late Jay in the new and curious light
of temporary philanthropist. 1t Is
interesting at least. whether true or
imaginary. Fifteen years ago, as the
story runs, Gould happened to be in
Chicago hotel where merry party was
playing. One of the party was a bright
looking young fellow, 2S years old. who
was plunging recklessly. Fortune
seemed to forsake her usual habits on
this occasion and showered her favors
ON her tempter with a lavish hand.
All drank freely. Pot after pot was
raked in by the young man, amid the
hilarious shouts of his companions, who
were evidnetly there for a Sood tlfne'
and lost cheerfully.
Gould looked on, but offered no COM
ments until one of the party said he
must go; then they all turned round
and asked the millionaire to take a
hand. Not one of them knew who he
was. He quietly refused. The game
continued, and as fresh supplies OF
wine flushed the players faces they
grew more reckless and made the game
without limit. Finally the plunger
staggered to his feet and said to Mr.
Gould:
"See here, mister just take hand
If you will"
Gould was stung by the sarcasm.
"Yes, 1 will play" he said, but you
must not alter your game. 1t Will be
the first time have played poker in
years, but I guess I'll soon learn
again."
The game started and the plunger
opened the pot for $1,000. He chuckled
as he did so and fingered his winnings,
which amounted to some $,Ooo. Inc
others stayed and Mr.. Gould raised the
pot $1,000.
"a thousand better" shouted the
reckless one. -,
"Twenty thousand better" said
Gould, taking out a roll of $1,000 bills
and laying twenty on the table.
Gould Takes the Pot.
The young man sank back in his
chair, sobered by the shock. He pulled
himself together. and forcing a smile TO
his anxious face, he said:
"I have not that amount with me,
but If you'll accept my word and that
of my friends. why I'll see you.'
Gam right" replied Gould. with a
The note was drawn out and the
young man laid down four kings.
"No good" said Gould, ralking in the
pot. -Four aces!' He then left the
room.
The young man was utterly ruined.
He said that after he met the note he
would not have $500 in the world, and
dare not face his wife and child. AS
he was about to leave the hotel waiter
stepped up to him and said gentleman
wished to see him. Quite bewldered
by the nights events. he was shown to
Mr.. Gould's room.
"Young man." said Gould. II learn
that you occupy a prominent position
in the city. You have q young wife at
home who lis devoted to you and who is
probably holding in her arms your baby
boy and waiting for you at this mo-
ment. You have ruined yourself your
wife and your little one for half an
hours pleasure, and 1t is quite evil
dent that you are not a fit person to
own anything more than $50 bill.
What is you wifes name?'
The plunger, now sobered, told him.
Mr. Gould then sat down and writing
across the note. said: Nov. here is
your note, payable to your wife's Or
der"
As the poor fellow slowly read it over
and saw who was his benefactor, Gould
said:
"Now 60 home. Don't stop here gap
ing, but tell your wife hope she will
take better care of this money than
you can"
He rose and pushed the young man
gently from the room.