The sun., 1901-03-22
TALK WITH CARNEGIE
The Philanthropic Ironmaster Speaks
Of His Recent Gifts.
HE DODGEs CHECK HUNTERS
Avoids Hosts Who Had Assembled at
Southampton by Remaining
Aboard ship Until His Train
Is About to Start.

Southampton, March 81. - Andrew
Carnegie, who has just arrived from
New York on the American liner St
Louis, has been interviewed. Mr.. Car
negie said that he had no Intention or
aspiring to a mayoralty nomination in
New York, though he believes the Off
cials of that city are better generally
than they have been painted. He ex-
pressed surprise that his donation for
the benefit of the New York libraries
had caused anything of sensation.
Two of the many cablegrams re-
ceived upon his arrival at Southampton
referred directly to recent gifts. One
Of these cablegrams was from Mayor
Van Wyck of New York. the other from
the workingmen of Pittsburg, convey
ing thanks for the recent large dona-
tions. The cablegram from the work
ingmen of Pittsburg evidently gave
Mr.. Carnegie the greater satisfaction.
1T was a pleasure to make both of
these gifts said Mr.. Carnegie, but
| think my contribution to the work
ingmen of Pittsburg to be of much
greater importance than the donation
for the New York libraries, as the
workingmen always specially appeal
to my sympathy. | had no idea that
my beuuests for the benefit of the New
York libraries would be regarded as
in any way extraordinary. l am glad
to hear that so many sites have al
ready been offered for these libraries,
and am not surprised to learn that
Abram $. Hewitt is among those Offer
ing sites for the libraries. EXMayor
Hewitt is the noblest Roman of them
all, and | am anxious for him to come
to Skibo castle. In fact, | had deter
mined not TO aid Cooper institute until
ex-Mayor Hewitt comes to Scotland.
Hint of Future Gifts.
81 regard this gift as sufficient to
provide for New York's present needs
in the way of libraries, but she is a
great city. The population of New
York increased 30 per cent during the
past decade, while London has not in
creased more than 10 per cent during
the same period and what New York
may need in the future is a matter for
subsequent consideration"
Questioned concerning the Sunday
opening of these libraries given to the
people of the city of New York, Mr..
Carnegie replied:
MIR. Carnegie Is a very wise man
and silent as the grave regarding such
matters. l simply desire that the peo-
pie of New York follow their own
wishes as to the use of these institu-
tions. Whatever they determine will
be quite satisfactory to me-"
When questioned in regard TO the
suggested mayoralty candidacy. Mr.
Carnegie poohpoohed any aspirations
in that direction. Il will say, howev-
| err continued the millionaire, that
| New York treats her public men
shamefully. They are not half as bad
AS painted. 1t is a great city, and you
will have to go long way to find a
better one"
That's what Mr.. Croker maintains" ;"
suggested New York man who was
| present.
"Well. Croker isn't SOL commenced
Mr.. Carnegie; but checking himself.
he said: 81 mustn't talk politics. /
only want TO say that | am glad to he
able to contribute anything toward the
welfare of the great city of New
York"
Mr.. Carnegie said he had no immedi.
ate plans for donations to English in
stitutions.
Mr.. Carnegie avoided the Southamp
ton check hunters by remaining on the
ship until the last moment before the
train started. when he jumped into d
reserved compartment and started fol-
London before he was recognized by
the crowd.