Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-06-18
THE BlLTMORE ESTATE
Wilderness Turned Into q Paradise as if by
Magic.
What Vanderbilts Millions Have Done
The Work Of n Gensine
PhflanthrOpist.


Of the main incidents OF the Presidents
recent trip to the south, is about two miles
from the city of Ashevlle, N. c. 1t is In
the mountains which make Asheville 50
noted as a summer resort. The state be-
longs to George Vanderbilt and contains
1900 acres. More than half of this is in
beautiful woodlands, the remainder in a
high state Of cultivation
1t is impossible to state how much money
mas been spent on the estate from be-
ginning to end, but ii Is somewhere be-
tween T.OOO.0O0 and $10OO0.OOO, with no
end yet to the amount of money 1t will
cost the young millionaire. Every day he
Is spending money on it, and seems to pay
no attention to what goes out. When he
gets everything to suit himself, the es-
tate will be beyond all doubt the most
princely In the world. 1t is probably now
the most attractive place in this coun-
try.
An Unimproved Tract.
Across the French Broad river. in the
heart Of the North Carolina mountains.
Mr.. Vanderbilt has bought $4,000 acres of
property. THIS is unimproved, except for
mountain shanty here and there. 1t is
thought TO be the intention of the young
millionaire to make a great game preserve
OF this track. 1t is not connected with
the estate on which money is now being
so lavishly expended. 1t is SO mountainous
as to be worthless for any purpose except
great game estate.
Work on the Biltmore estate was begun
about seven or eight years ago, Mr. Van
derbllt then owning about one-half of the
land now embraced in his property. He
mas continued TO buy until the acreage is
as stated, 1900 Besides the princely man
sion OF the millionaire, surrounded by
handsome walls and iron fences. there are
many beautiful houses on the estate &C.
I'M I'D h4-x, s&
esting to know that several hundred peo-
pie are employed on the estate. At the
mansion itself forty or fifty people are on
duty. Yet Mr.. Vanderbilt does not spend a
He Is now in Europe. The salaries of the
employees go on all the time.
A Real Philanthropfst.
The neighbors and the Asheville friends
OF the millionaire say that he is big heart
ed, philantnropist and a benefactor Of
mankind. Those in his employ who are
faithful and attentive are assured of a
home under all misfortunes. In case an
empioye Is stricken with serious illness
his salary goes on and his house remains
at his disposal. Nothing is left undone
for his comfort.
Mr.. Vanderbilt is thoughtful and kind
to the farmers. He has taught them hun
dreds of new ideas and aids them in every
way possible. He encourages them in the
Improvement Of their stock and the IN
PRODUCTION of improved methods in farm
ing. His overseers are instructed to aid
the farmers in every way possible. The
result of this magnanimity is that the
best class Of cattle are being introduced
into the county and the old red hills
around the estate. heretofore fit only to
grow sprouts and blackberry vines, are
poisoning into cultivated fields. An in
spiration mas been set which has had far
reaching effect. Even in the building of
mill dams the millionaire has furnished
new ideas.
A Pretty Picture.
Passing over the beautiful drives and
along pasture on Monday the President
stopped his carriage to gaze in admiration
at the magnificent herd of grazing Jersey
cattle. In two herds there were 100 Jersey
milk cows Of the finest grade money could
buy. The milk and butter are sold in Ashe-
vile and are eagerly sought for. On an
other hill was flock of 80 sheep of the
finest breed, feeding in a long line, extend
ing far down the side of hill. In swine,
fowls and all other domestic animals the
same splendid sight was brought to view.
The farming operations are conducted
under the supervision of men of scientific
knowledge Every improved instrument is
used. A splendid truck farm is operated.
This, however, has not paid owing to the
farmers. and Is to be abandoned after this
year. Small fruits will take the place Of
vegetables.
Would Not Be Imposed Upon.
story has been published that in the
center of the Vanderbilt estate is a little
farm owned by negro named Carter, for
which Mr.. Vanderbilt has offered a small
fortune. This is not true. On one edge of
the estate is a piece of land containing
three and a quarter acres 1t belongs to a
colored man named Carter. 1t is in the
shape of a fiatiron. Only a small point
runs into the Vanderbilt property. Mr..
Vanderbilt did offer more than the property
was worth to obtain IL, but he found that
there was an attempt to fleece him, and he
withdrew his offers. Carter had mortgaged
his place to several white men, and they
used him for purposes of speculation.
They now regret that they did not close
with the first offer.
1t is impossible to describe in short
article the beauties of the estate. The
most attractive features the drives.
These have been macadamized the rock be-
ing pulverized. The roads are hard, smooth
and firm. Bicyclists are allowed to use
them. All along these drives the native
wild flowers have been added to by for
eign flowers and plants. Honeysuckles,
wild roses, lilies, daisies, ferns. PLAINS
abound in the wooded portions of the es-
tate. presenting a bower of beauty, which
drew from Mrs. Mckinley and all the visi-
tors unbounded expressions of delight