The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-08-22
ANECDOTESABOUTsACE.
An Instance of the Veteran FL
nancier's Thrift.
BLUEBoTTLE FLY his HooDoo

How the Pest Caused MfIiionaire's
Hostess TO Change Plans For a
Luncheon-Joke.s ON . Lost Coin.
Novel Experience In . sChurch-Ef-
feet Of Pet Cats Disappearance ON
His Placid Nature.
This incident from the Saturday
Evening Post illustrates the thrift
which has always been present In all
transactions made by the late Russell
Sage, New York's veteran financier:
A prominent New York fanancier
says that some time ago, while on
tour Of inspection over the Missouri
Pacific system. President Gould took
great pride In pointing out to Russell
Sage the late improvements in equip
ment and various new and ingenious
devices and attachments. Among the
latter Mr.. Gould was especially
pleased to show to Mr.. Sage certain
device by which there is registered
the speed Of a train. The device In
question resembled a steam gauge and
was connected with an axle, 50 that
the pointer registered the number Of
revolutions every minute.
Mr.. Sage examined the device with
great interest. Then, after moments
pause, he looked up at Mr.. Gould and
asked with the greatest solemnity:
Does 1t earn anything"
''No, think not" answered the pres.
ldent of the system smilingly.
Does it save anythingr'
"No."
''Then," concluded Mr.. Sage decided
ly, II would not have it on my carr
Russell Sage's hoodoo was a blue
bottle fly. So he affirmed himself,
says the Kansas City Times. Some
years ago, in company with the late
Alexander Mitchell, the late s. 8. Mer-
rill and other prominent railroad mag
mates, Mr.. Sage was touring the Chi
cago, Milwaukee and st. Paul railroad
system. Learning that this distin-
guished party was to pass through
Faribault, Mimi, Major Dixie. an old
acquaintance Of every member of the
party, since dead, planned to have
them stop over and take luncheon with
him. An invitation was telegraphed
down the line and the party halted
for visit with the major. The guests
were seated on the porch, whence
luncheon was announced, and all
arose to enter the house
I,,cf oS Ruooau Couo woo ehoy1t "a
pass through the door a large blue
bottle fly buzzed around the open door.
Mr.. Sage backed out.
Mrs. Dixie" said Mr.. Sage to his
hosts wife. II can't go In there now.
I will lunch out here. If you have no
objections"
"Why, what In the world Is the mat
teri" exclaimed Mrs. Dixie. fearing he
had taken a dislike to some of her ar
rangements.
Didn't you see that fly" said the
Wall street magnate. IF should fol-
low that fly into the dining room
would be hoodooed the balance of my
life"
Mr.. Sage was served on the porch,
where his hostess Joined MIN.
A few years ago George w. Perkins,
j. Pierpopt Morgan's partner. noticed
the aged Russell Sage poking his cane
about in the gutter at the corner Of
Broad and Wall streets in New York.
He hurried over to Mr.. Sage and ask
ed him what he was looking for, says
the New York Times.
The past master Of finance replied,
while buying newspaper I dropped
a cent in the gutter, and it has actually
reduced me to poverty"
"How can that bel" queried Mr.. Per-
kins, with surprise.
"Why, don't you see. it makes me a
pennyless man." chuckled the dean OF
the street as he strolled away. ap-
parently as happy as If he had made a
lucky turn for few thousands
Sage appeared at the morning serv.
ica of the Dutch Reformed church