The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-11-16


 pression that the American millionaire must necessarily differ in some way or other from mankind in general. When a man comes among them who has amassed many millions in his own lifetime they believe he must be even more remarlSa- ble than the others. and at close quarters they watch him through microscopical lenses and when afar off through field glasses with the keen zest of naturalists hoping to discover some of his peculiari- ties. some of his distinctive habits, etc. Charles M. Schwab, who Is now enjoying his vacation with all the ardor of a boy out of school, is giving the good people of Switzerland and Italy a side view of an American multi-millionaire that is be- wildering to these simple folk with the instincts of naturalists. They have, no doubt. very distinct ideas as to what MT. Schwab should do but fortunately his ideas do not run in the same channels.
 When Mir. Schwab determined to take a long rest the doctors advised him-as doc tors frequently do-to keep in the open air, to avoid business of all kinds and to enjoy himself thoroughly. Schwab took them at their word. l saw letter from him the other day. In 1t tells of his daily life and of his experiences In seeking re- creation. It bubbled over with fun. It seemed as though 1t were written by a great big healthy boy who fearing his vacation would soon come to an end. de- termined not to let an hour escape him.
 The natives magnify the speed of his | horses, automobiles and sailing vessels 1 They have heard so many picturesque tales of his wealth that 1t would take all I Al. -f-4~ VasaTs l gossip if his horses his automobiles and his yachts were not miracles of f1eetness And they are not low. Like true Amer lean, Schwab wants the best that can be procured. He is not an invalid surround ed by a getinu of physicians and nurses, but a strong active man taking a vaca- ton. He has a keen enjoyment of sport and revels in the mild and healthy excite ment of rapid travel over good roads. But that the travel does not approach the danger line is evidenced by the fact that his wife and sister are his companions. Having chartered MT. Drexefs yacht Marganita, MT. Schwab will now cruise on the Mediterranean. It Is his inten- ton to visit the many interesting sea- ports without he is deterred from so doing by the wild stories that are circulated as soon as he puts In appearance. His inti- mate friends and close business associates would be alarmed by the absurd stories cabled under the seas if it were not that they frequently receive letters and cables from him. It will not be long before this memorable vacation will come to an end. and MT. Schwab will return to take his place at the head of the great corpora tions which he has so sfillfully managed and once more enter in the feverish life of the American financier and of the cap tains of industry.
 Speaking of Charles M. Schwab reminds me of his brother. Joseph E. Schwab. It was only when the great steel corporation was formed and Charles M. Schwab was prominence, and yet years before he had made his fortune as the partner of An- drew Carnegie. Everybody knew the Schwabs in Pittsburg. Although young, rich and influential. the brothers Schwab were voted good fellows" They had won their way by hard work, by practical | experience by patient study. In the making of steel they were experts; for business they possessed genius. Fortune had smiled but 1t had not spoiled them. They were the same, open-handed, gen. erous-hearted fellows, frank and derho- cratic with all their many friends. Both came to New York Charles M. Schwap became the president of the United States Steel Corporation to find that he had be-
 
 advantages which glow in the light that surrounds a throne. Josept E. Schwab became president of the American Steel Founderies Company. In appearance he resembles his distinguished brother, who is his senior by about four years. He has made a positive impression on financiers, has become connectd with many enter prises and shrinlxs from publicity. But he is destined to publicity whether he likes it or not. The lime-light glare of Wall street reveals all men who are worth consideration, and Josept D. Schwah is recognized as a factor.
 The state legislature passed in 1901 two bills known as the Tennement House acts, which were considered highly im- portant. The present charter of greater New York was revised to enable the mu- nicipal authorities to enforce the provis- ions of these acts. It created a tenement house department. The bills for these acts were drawn and submitted by the tene- ment house commission at the instigation of Theodore Roosevelt, then governor of the state. Before the legislative commit tee of senate and assembly appeared the most distinguished prelates in the city, philanthropists, poor workers" tene- ment house reformers, etc. They showed two phases of tenement house life, sani- tary conditions and moral conditions. One act dealt with the former and provided building plans which secured 10 all new tenement buildings light and air, good plumbing. chimneys and fire protection; the other dealt with the latter and pro- vided against the use of flats and rooms for immoral purposes, afforded protection to the humble and respectable tenant against the incursions of the absolute and vicious. The legislation effected was , a triumph for the reformer. It dealt an scrupulous builder of death-traps, to the would-be ''crowder-in" of rookeres on narrow and shallow lots and to the own CT of buildings who would remain blind to the character of their tenants. Mayor Low placed at the head of this depart ment MT. De Forest, a gentleman of wealth and refinement, lawyer by pro- fession. who had been mainly instrument tai in drafting the bills, he having served as president of the commission.
 Under the new building law on the in- spection of the tenement house depart ment a large number of buildings have been erected. The improvement that has been brought about is one of the most gratifying that has taken place in this city It is all well enough to point with pride to one costly hotel or one great apartment house, but the occupants of | these are as one to a thousand when | compared with the tenement tenant But | here the good work has stopped. It seems