Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-08
CHARITY ON THE coMsrocK LODE
John W. Mackay's Way Of Doing
Things.

trom the CnlcAgo Ir1Dune.
when they brought John Mackays body
home from Europe the other day. said Sam
Davis OF Carson City, New, I'VE saw the
last Of the most generous man that ever
breatfled. The bonanza mines Of the Com
stock were no richer in gold than John
Mackay's heart in love for all men. And
John had such snealky way about doing
good that all the old boys on the Comstock
were constantly torn between amusement
at his methods and admiration for his kind
ly instincts.
"Once went to Mackay and said, John,
old Lafe Peters died last night, and his
widow hasn't got a d-n cent left
How much had we better do for herr
Mackay asked.
"I guess we can stand $780, said.
=" All right. How'll we divide 1t up? Even
between u.s.?
NO. said. Let's divide 1t in proper
ton to our incomes. You write check for
the $500 and I'll furnish the postage stamp
to mail 1t with.
"'An right said Mackay, as he sat down
that woman know where this money came
from I'll make out the check to you and
you send her your check
john I answered, that wouldn't fool
sheep. Old lady Peters knows mighty well
amt throwing $500 checks around as If
they were parlor Matches
Well. I'll tell you what I'll do said
Mackay, with a chuckle. TIL pretend that
old Crooks sent the money. and when the
blankety-blank old skinfint gets the letter
of thanks the woman'll write him he'll drop
dead with surprise
Crooks was one of Mackay's partners.
and was even more noted for his stinginess
than Mackay for his generosity.
Anyway, took Mackays check and sent
1t to old lady Peters. And told her that
the money came from John Mackay. The
vt nrYofn T ring
street in Carson City when I saw old John
standing on the sidewalk in front Of his
office. He was holding a sheet Of paper in
his hand and tears were running down his
cheeks.
Here, Sam he called to me, you
blankety- blank old blabber, you went and
blabbed to old lady Peters. gol blame you.
And she writes me letter that makes me
cry, gol hang 1t, and I don't like to cry.
Here, you-stuff1ng the letter into my hand
read this letter and cry yourself, you dod
hanged old blab.'
ct read the letter, and then cried. John
Mackay grabbed it away from me and went
into his office.
Another time I went to Mackay to get
a check for poor widow. It was not long
| after his experience with old Mrs. Peters
and her letter of thanks.
l. Sam he said I'm going to fine you for
blabbing on me to Mrs. Peters. I'll fine you
$500. and a check for $500 is the best you
can have for this other woman. And If you
let her know where the money comes from
don't you ever dare to ask me for another
cent, for you won't get It,
II agreed not to give him away, and ac-
cordingly had his check cashed and took
the roll of bills down and personally handed
1t to the widow
"'Where did this money come from. Mr.
Davis" she asked.
"'Oh,' answered carelessly. "a bunch Of
your friends here in Carson made up a
little purse for you
"'Well.' she said. looking at me earnestly
for a minute. you go back and tell MI
Mackay that I shall thank him to my dy-
ing day..
II did do just that, and when Mackay
threw up his hands got even with him.
"'You see, JOHN I said, the kind Of
reputation you have. There's no use Of your
trying to hide it."