The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1905-06-09

cally over.
Many persons who have achieved their
information concerning the character OF
Russell Sage from hearsay declare that
the man has been a niiser 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 ls
now certain that Mr.. 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 it, never was miser in any
sense of the word. His policy was to
eliminate from his schedule all fads and
fancies, and never to buy anything the
purchase of which he might have cause
r. to regret This fact is illustrated by
his declaration, at the time when the
tariff issue was SO widely talke1aof,
that the suit which he wore cost him
only $3.50, and he was not ashamed to
wear it, 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 Sc
curity was forthcoming. His friends
tell story about him and his money
making instinct. He had received an
advertisement from theatrical firm in
closing 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 Mr.. 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,
he 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 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 a bit of ad-
vice at the end of his tongue for any
young man who may be near to receive
1t. 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
out his life Mr.. Sage has always en-
joyed fine physique, and along with
this came his love for out-of-door
pleasures. He has been a horse fan
cier since the first day that he was
considered old enough to sit astride
one Of the animals, and, in fact, has
owned several equines which were de-
clared to be fairly fast.
Between his schemes for money-mak-
ing run many morals and the texts for
many sermons which any preacher
would betproud to set before his congre-
g'tion. Russell Sage may be compared
20 the country banker, whom David
Westcctt so neatly describes, and re-
garding 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 ELLEHY.