Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-05-09
NEW YORK MERCHANT PRINCE.
A True Pen Picture of the Metropolis
Great millionaire.
A Afan of Brains. Energy And Genius.
[From the WInehester star.l

4
Metropolitan dailies and village journals
both delight to honor him to herald some
act of his princely generosity to mention
with sympathy his physical affection of
absolute blindness and to refer with en-
enlargement and support to his grand eff
fort to perpetuate the memories and pre-
serve the relics of the Lost Cause"
The eyes of a nation almost are cen
tered upon him, but especially do the peo-
pie of the South admire and respect him.
for they possess the tenderest place in his
heart, and to the afflicted and needy of
his native land he gives most bountifully. |
Inquiry has often been made of me as
to the system and methods he employs. |
and the secret by which he has attained
his wonderful success. There is an in
terested and genuine desire on the part
of many to know more of his daily life,
habits and personal characteristics.
Perhaps no one in his employ has here
tofore attempted this pleasant undertak-
ing. Occupying most responsible po-
sition under him, in his presence every
hour of the day, and required to consult
him constantly on matters of great inn
port and consequence, am probably well
situated to form and express decided opin-
ions as to his distinctive individuality and
singular qualities. In the first place,
Charles Broadway Rouss is unmistaka-
bly,. uniquely and absolutely original.
There Is no man living like him. You
might say that somebody else reminds
L..
with no other person, great or small,
He stands out solitary and alone, every
attribute serving to distinguish him
from the masses. The most striking fea-
ture, the one that fills you with constant
astonishment and admiration, is the won
derful quality and comprehensiveness of
his mind. 1t Operates with lightning-like
rapidity. Most Perplexing problems are
instantly solved. The heads of the nu-
merous departments approach him for adj
vice and instruction, and Immediately
few words are uttered, sharp, quick, clear
and to the point, each punctuated with
spasmodic jerk of the head. The buyer
has been answered. has received his or
ders and they must be obeyed to the let
ter. Thus every few moments of the day
are matters instantly disposed of, wherein
are involved thousands and thousands of
dollars. The most minute details of his
tremendous business are never for an in
slant lost sight of. You are amazed at
his ability to retain it all. Not only is
his mind replete with commercial and
business information but it is a treasure
house of intelligence, knowledge and wis
dom; not like the contents of lumber
room in disorder and confusion, but each
item of knowledge in its special place,
marked and titled and ready for instant
use the moment there is occasion for it.
Thus his mind has been taught to obey
his will and is under its complete control.
He is thinker. deep and profound. and
is recognized and sought after by the
thinking men of the time. They come
and converse with him. Some of his
theories and conclusions may not be con-
sidered orthodox from their standpoint,
but none the less are they characterized
by the same striking originality that
marks the man.
a situation, proposition, an idea, he
grasps instantly, and his own opinions
and conclusions are as rapidly formed
You never misunderstood his words or
misconstrue his meaning
For the metaphysician he is an intense
ly interesting study and a subject furnish
ing material for an enthusiastic ANALYSIS.
This sketch though, deals only with his
characteristic habits and general meth
DDS; his wonderful career is a matter of
familiar knowledge in most every house
hold, but how he daily lives, moves acts
and the ten thousand duties he performs |
will interest many, and l now give you
some of the details. 1 venture the bold |
assertion that there is no other man
living in New York today, who has and
continues to accomplish as much work.
Here is a pen picture, or rather
vitascope of a single day: He is the |
first to come in the morning and the last to |
leave at night; long before his great army |
of employees begin to arrive, before the
mighty currents of the great metropolis |
begin to flow. and while the stars are
still shining, you will find him in his
private Office, calm, tranquil and undis-
turbed by anticipations of the myriad
events of the day.
The first hour or SO is devoted to hav-
ing read to him the morning papers and
such literature as will interest and satisfy
his restless and inquiring mind. He
delightsin keeping posted on the achieve
ments of science, the progress of inven-
tons. the happenings in politics and the
affairs of the government. 1t is almost
inconceivable that a mind burdeped
with the management of so stupendous a
business could have room for ANYTHING
else; but in each of these separate fields
there are few better posted. and when
his conversation turns to either YOU are
amazed at his profound knowledge and
erudition. AT s o'clock, or shortly after,
he takes his seat at his desk in the large
general Office. This is an interesting
moment the energy and magnetism of
his presence seems to enter into and be
felt by every individual. The type
machines become animated and tick In a |
lively chorus. The office boys move
around with brisk and active step, The
book-keepers, correspondents, cashiers,