The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-10
CORRECT VIEW OF MR.. MCGOWAN
Repentant Newspaper Candidly Adj
mits It's Wrongdofng.

indianapolis Sun.
The subscription of Hugh j. MCGOWAN of
s22,5O to the projected coliseum suggests
some things.
We, here in indianapolis, have considered
Mr.. MCGOWAN simply as the chief officer of
soulless corporation AS such we have
damned him and convinced ourselves that
We were happy in doing so. We have en-
tirely overlooked Hugh J. MCGOWAN. citizen
of Indianapolis.
Mr.. MCGOWAN came to indianapolis four
years ago. Why he came is a matter of
history, and it is not necessary TO repeat it.
Since his arrival here he has not only at
tended 10 his own business, but he has given
time and money to matters of vast impor-
lance to the whole city. In the four years
he not only never failed to give financial
support to every project designed to benefit
Indianapolis, but he gave his time in addi-
ton. and Hugh McGowans time. measured
commercially, is worth a great deal of
money.
The Sun is not in possession of accurate
figures, but it can easily recall that, in
small and great sums, Mr.. MCGOWAN has
ity, not less than 100000 in the four years
of his residence. Within the past three
months he made donations and SuDScrlp-
tons amounting to $50 500.
And Hugh MCGOWAN was doing these
things for us while we-The Sun included
were engaged in the easy pastime of damn
ing him because his street-railway system
did not measure up to our very elevated and
expert ideas.
Hugh MCGOWAN is not the sordid, grasp
ing. greedy corporationst he has been pic
tured. While 1t is true that he looks care
fully after the affairs of his great concerns
and seeks Tor them every advantage posi-
bic, he is not soulless. strong vein of
sentiment courses through his physical be-
ing, and he is a warm and loyal friend.
When he tells a gathering of 800 representa-
tive citizens OF Indianapolis that the coll
scum could be well used for the purpose OF
entertaining the orphan children of the city
he shows that his mind is not entirely bent
on money-makng. When he goes further,
and says that wherever there are children
and beautiful flowers, there is bound TO be
happiness, he shows his tender side in
way that is pleasant to contemplate. Hugh
MCGOWAN has children of his own, and
those who know say that his home life-his
love for those intimately near and dear to
him-is gentle and beautiful Those who
know also add that almost every local char
liable institution including those that have
to do with helpless little children, receives
his encouragement and financial aid-not
spasmodic encouragement, but that which is
given regularly and Systematically.
Hugh MCGOWAN is not a wealthy man In
the common acceptation of the term. He is
not rich in profitable lands and buildings
and his gifts do not come from such. He is
rich in enormous earning capacity, and out
of his earnings he gives freely and wisely.
1t is a pleasure to know and say these
things nova pleasure to forget our real
or fancied street-raiway sorrows, and pay
just tribute to the citizen who easily leads
all others in doing the things that are help
full to the people of Indianapolis individual
ly and collectively. 1t is pleasant to look
beyond the cOrpOratiOnist and see the man.