The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-15

not only the most powerful and
picturesque, but very much the
most exclusive of the two. Bishop
Doane of Albany may wear smart CATERS
and an orthodox apron and Cardinal Glib
bons stately hat, but Bishop Potter
comes nearer than any other man in
America to representing the prestige Of
the Archbishop of Canterbury or the au-
thority of the Pope.
Ostensibly, he is head only of the Epis-
copal diocese in New York; in reality he
represtns more varied responsibilities,
greater financial schemes and unique ac-
cOmplishments than any other man in the
metropolis. He Is first of all. bishop of
the richest diocese in America. admins
terng, with the skill of a William H. Van
derbilt on church property that, when it
came into his care, represented a round
$20OO0,00O Since he has taken charge of
this sacred fortune, so to speak. he has
increased it atfbounds, often of hun
dred thousand a year. This has been done
by very longheaded investments and by
inspiring rich Pensioners to glorify the
church by donations.
Added to these cares Bishop Potter has
undertaken the biggest building scheme
since the capitol at Washington was put
up. That is the Cathedral of st. John
the Divine, which, when 1t is completed,
will represent great deal over the thirty
millions estimated for its erection. Thirty
Millions and Bishop Potter has guaran-
teed to put the scheme successfully
through,is just the price of the Cathedral
itself; it does not include the splendid al
tars, the windows and organs. etc, that
at his persuasion his millionaire admirers
are already beginning to supply. Ulti-
mately the Cathedral will stand as a
monument costing nearly fifty millions,
TO the ambition and energy, the diplomacy
and enthusiasm of one man who is very
far from a millionaire himself, though
millionaires, with the exception of car
drivers, cloakmakers, and the like, are
his best friends.
1t is a good deal because of this same
Cathedral that the average New Yorker
always talks about Bishop Potter. and
points him out boastingly. They will tell
you he is building an American Westmin-
ster Abbey, a monument as big and fine
the spiritual guide and chosen chum of
more moneyed aristocrats than any man
in the town, and yet he isn't snob. 1t
is perfectly true that no Vanderbilt or AS
tor feels that he or she is properly chris
tened married or buried unless the bishop
is on hand TO give blessings and benedic-
tons that he is asked to lay foundation
stones of Newport palaces, take the hand
soonest debutante heiresses in 10 dinner.
be present at yacht launchings and pre.
side at the smartest functions, still he is
not by any means mere rich mans chap
lain
If he is asked to more dinners in the
course of a season than he could POSI-
bly, eat, it is because he represents, with
Joseph Choate. one of the well known men
who is at once a wise and witty converse
tionalist Though his wit is often caustic.
smart society loves him none the less for
it, while every hostess feels that the pres
ence alone of the bishops lends a vast dig
nifty 10 her table. IL is perfectly certain
though he never chooses to conceal his
be4iefs and prejudices that he is regarded
with perfect friendliness even admiration.
by men and women of ali creeds. and on
all municipal occasions Bishop Potter is
called upon to appear prominently. The
public relishes his brief speeches. There
is no one in New York who can make
a few remarks with the consummate
grace, appropriateness and distinction. and
because of these countless calls on his
time, he is the busiest man lin the CITY.
In spite of the enormous labor he must
get through with in every twenty-four
hours; in spite of his hale 81 years. and
the architects conservative estimate that
II viii require twenty years more to see