The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-02-01
A GOOD MAN GONE.

We regret to announce the death of
William Donaldson, the great merchant
OF Minneapolis, who died last Saturday
at Coronado Beach, Cal, where he had
gone for holiday. The change of eli
mate, from bracing to a relaxing at
mosphere, probably superinduced that
shrlnkage of vital power generally
known as heart failure
William Donaldson's business ability
and generosity were known to all who
had the pleasure of his acquaintance
put the Minneapolis Times, of Monday
last, calls attention to feature Of his
character not generally understood. It
says:
Inc story of his life, which is told else
where IN tnlS issue of The Times is one
Wfech presents worthy example for Young
men 1t is record which rebounds to the
honor OF fine citizenship. He began life
IN humble circumstances, and he conquered
every obstacle by industry character and
ueternlinat on TO make for himself an hon
ored place in the great world of business
Ills career indicated the possibilities of
young manhood in mercantile life in this
country. Ills wisdom and his benevolence
were always at the service Of benign enter
prlses and excellent institutions. The state
ana CITY are better for his life and poorer
by his death The interest which he took
IN all questions affecting the interests of
labor We're not fairly understood and appre-
clated. He was always deeply Interested in
the welfare of mis- army of employees, and
his generosity was without display and ex-
erc1sed in practical ways. How many people
realize that William Donaldson was one OF
the most potent influences in securing much
of the labor legislation which Minnesota
now has? He probably did more than any
other man to secure the law prob biting
Child labor in this state, and compelling the
attendance of children under 10 years OF
age upon the public schools. He belonged
to class of those public-spirited citizens
who have done so much to promote the well
fare of Minneapolis, against whom not one
word can be said or reproach can be cast
either in their public or private relations
There was in his makeup an underlying
and deep tone of sympathy with all Who de.
sired to better their condition and to for
tify themselves for the future by industry,
frugality and in honorable ways. The con-
ceptiOn of his duty ttWard the community
| in which he lived was liberal and practical
and in the promotion of all benevolent,
phlanthropic and public schemes and for
the welfare of mis- less fortunate though
deserving fellow citizens he was always per-
sonally willing to render his service OH
lines where his own skill and knOWled- So
were useful. The tribute we here pay to
him simply expresses the esteem and regret
of the entire community. It's esteem for
his blame!ess, active and useful course II,
the world and for the example of prObity
and kindness and enterprise that have
passed away from the city to which they
We're alike bulwark and 4 henefaction. A
characteristic figure has gone out of sight
with the departure of William Donaldson,
ito where beyond these voices there is
peace
William Donaldson belonged to that
sturdy, masterful, reliable race-the
Scotch. He commenced life working for
Is cents week; he died 81 years after
wards, one of the leading business men
of Minnesota, and the possessor of a
large fortune.
His memory will be long cherished by
those who knew him. Id.