Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-24

admit that his fighting days are practi- cally over.
 Many persons who have achieved their information concerning the character Of Russell Sage from heGrsay declare that the man has been miser all his life, and neither wealth nor old age would ever be sufficient excuse to cause his re- tirement from the business world; but, although some time ago it seemed that their declarations were very true, it IS now certain that Mir. Sage believes that he has enough of this worlds goods, and intends to step out.
 And another fact. The great financier, as much as his transactions would seem to point to 1t, never was miser in any sense of the word. Ills policy was to eliminate from his schedule all fads and fancies, and never to buy anything the purchase of which he might have cause to regret. This fact is illustrated by his declaration. at the time when the tariff issue was so widely talked of, that the suit which he wore cost him only 3S50. and he was not ashamed to wear 1t, because it served as an index to his position on the great question, namely. that low duties made cheap clothing
 Russell Sage made it his policy to turn everything which came his way into money, and was always willing to lend anybody cash, providing the proper se- curity was forthcoming. His friends tell story about him and his money making instinct He had received an advertisement from a theatrical firm in closing a check for four cents to pay for the time which he was obliged to spend in reading it carefully. The same sort of letter was sent to thousands of other New Workers, but it is recorded that the only check which was cashed was that made out in Mir Sage's name.
 A secret of the success of this great money-lender is that although he was happy to have others borrow from him. be was never during his whole career known to ask pecuniary aid of any per son. His economy has always been manifest in things of small value. as his nature at one time rebelled at the thought of paying three cents for a one- cent paper. The incident occurred one evening after working hours when he was bound for his train. He had reached the depot and found that from the nickel which he handed the newsboy he had only received two cents in change. He immediately retraced his steps and de- manded the correct amount from the boy.
 Russell Sage always has bit of ad- vice at the end of his tongue for any young man who may be near to receive it He believes in the church, and de- clares that every one should give to the Christian movement as much as he or she can consistently afford.
 Greed for money. although it finds a place in this great mans makeup. is not supreme in his nature. Through ont his life Mir Sage has always en- joyed a fine physique ard along with this came his love for out-Of-door Pleasures. He has been horse fan- c.er since the first day that he was considered old enough to sit astride one of the animals. and. ill fact. has owned several equines which were de- clared to be fairly fast.
 Between bis schemes for money-mak- ing run many morals and the texts for many sermons which any preacher would be proud to set before his congre- sation. Russell Sage may he compared fo the country banker. whom David westcott so neatly describes. and re- sarding his joy at turning transactions into money and his love for thorough bred horses. the author seems to have ! had the money-lender in his mind when constructing his characters WILLIAM EILFEy