The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-09-20
HOUSE Of Vanderbilt
Will Have as Its Head Not
Young CorneIieus
WHO GAVE UP FOR LOVE
Abont a Hundred Millions and
His FamiIy's Favor.
WHO GAVE UP FOR LOVE

-A4S 0CeAlAl VA ! 0CSQdS last u AOIUc4lQS
Vanderbilt was not merely the passing
OF the chief Of the richest family in
America. 1t furnished the climax of a
drama Of extraordinary human interest.
The theme of this dramam is the most
ancient and classical known to the nov
elist and the dramatist.
1t is the drama of the rich, stern father,
who loves his children but seeks to en-
force his wishes in their love affairs: Of
the son and heir who submits TO disin-
heritance and arrangement in order TO
marry the woman of his choice, and Of
the final reconciliation when the father Is
On his deathbed
The circumstances in this drama Of real
life were in many respects more i'm pres
sive and thrilling than they ever been on
the stage or in fiction. The father was
rich beyond the dreams of avarice, rich
to degree that an author would hardly
dare to represent He was also more IN
accountable obdurate than any literary
prototype, for no stern father of fiction
ever objects to a daughter-in-law who is
rich, beautiful and a leader of society.
The son, young Cornelius Vanderbilt
made a greater sacrifice of wealth than
any man has ever been known to make
In order to marry the woman he loved
Miss Grace Wilson. He was more obdu-
rate and uncomprornising when he dis
cussed the subject of his marriage with
his father than we have ever known a
son threatened with disinheritance to be
The reconciliation was not of the con-
ventional. old-fashioned, dramatic kind
1t was only partial, and it was very sor-
rowful, not taking place in the midst of
an admiring group of relatives and
friends. 1t came about after the father
knew he was in the grasp of cruel malady
which might strike him dead at any min
ute
Such are the elements OF this drama of
real life which has been played before
the people of New York. It's personages
occupy the most conspicuous place in the
life of this great metropolis It's scenes
are laid in the most splendid houses of
this country. All the great millionaire
families are more or less greatly concern
ecu III H. anu the bTlIlSn dTlSLOCTdcy Is
not without personal interest in it.
The hero of it, without question, is Cor
neIius Vanderbilt Jr His attitude is
one that appeals deeply to every human
heart capable of emotion. Many lovers
have proclaimed what they would do for
love. but Vanderbilt actually forfeited
thte principal share in his fathers untold
millions in order to marry the woman he
loved.
He said:
Father, am going to marry this girl,
and the fact that 1 shall lose 800. 900 900.
or all the money in the world for that
matter, will not make the slightest diff
ference to me-"
High finance plays part only secon-
dairy to love in this drama. In order to
keep a great fortune like that of the Van
derbuilts together it is necessary that the
bulk of the property should be under the
control of one or at most two men.
When William H. Vanderbilt died. in
1886, he left 100000 apiece to each OF
his eight children, and the residue to the
two oldest sons. Cornelius and William K.
They received In all about $50 900. OO0
apiece. Cornelius was already the richer.
for he had inherited 100000 from his
the old Commodore.
1t was upon the late Cornelius that the
task of managing the whole vast fortune
fell. He discharged it with a devotion to
duty and a conscientiousnes which have
never been surpassed. and which undoubt-
edly FASTENED his death. BY his conser-
vative but wise measures the fortune in
creased steadily until at his death his
own share was estimated at from $125,-
ooO, 900 TO 500 0OO.000
In accordance with the family policy
Mr.. Vanderbilt mad to select a son Of his
own who should handle the bulk OF his
fortune and look after the interests OF the
others. Mr. .VanderbuiIt married Miss
Alice Gwynne. Of Cincinnati, and they had
six children-William H, Cornelius. Ger
trude, Alfred Gwynne. Gladys. and Reg
maid. The oldest. William H, was at
first regarded as the principal heir. but
he died while still an undergraduate al
Yale
Upon Cornelius Jr., then devolved the
great prospective responsibility. He was
educated with endless care. and the fact
hat he would have control OF one Of the /
greatest fortunes In the world was con
SANITY impressed upon him. His father
ooked with satisfaction on his progress.
or, while the young man was rot brill
ant he shO-rd steaGiness and strength
Il character. What appeared particularly
promising was his love FOR mechanics.
which he has never lost. He has been
Trough a complete apprentices IN ;he
ards Of the New York Central railroad.
md today IS capable Il fitting a complete
locomotive together. This inclination .
mechanics gave an assurance that ne
would take a personal interest in the ar
airs % the g9es; railroad he was 20 d.
ecr.
Physically. young Cornelius vaaserbuH,
2 slightly above medium heizh; and -zth-
= slender. lis fes lures indicate conesd-
rable strength q character one Pc
uliarity q them f. that the eyelids have
slant which T. almost Chinese
He graduated from Yale 81 10. ard his
WI family and the world expected that
e would az cncs enter unon the career
which was 70 cuimiaats .u lis c5ntroi
Z The New York Csutral railroad ard
zc3re O others thai are connected wlfh
:
But CGpi3 rudely disturbed that care
ally lad family ard business scheme.
Vale q. college young vaaaerbuilt ha6
xp@-.eacsd growing atfachzusst 20 Ms
race Wilson. tae pretty dsEEhssr ~
e. and Mrs Richard 7 wEson. After
= left college hls feesinz sevs}o9e8 read
81 into ardent love. an8 ss Foeaf every
sssasnt he could Fl TIE ss-sety o.; hlE
forss.
BIS father shea warned hin fhas hs