Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1907-02-01
THOUGHTS ON new YEAR
John D. Rockefeller Sees Little
Evil, Remembers Good.
GLAD WORLDS GETTING BETTER

Response From Every Human Be-
ing, He Asserts-Sorry He Is Mis-
understood, but bears No III VIII
to Any One For Abuse.
John d. Rockefeller, the Standard
OIL millionaire, accompanied by Mrs.
Rockefeller, stepped into The lobby of
the Fifth Avenue Baptist church in
New York before the service the other
morning and shook hands with every
one, friends and strangers, and wished
them happy New Year. Mrs. Rookie
feller went into the church while Mr..
Rockefeller fingered to have few
minutes chat. Asked If he would not
like to give the New York Herald
New Years thought or sentiment, he
said, after moments deep thought:
"Yes, ] think l can give you a very
appropriate thought. 1t is, however,
not original with me, but was written
by Lamartine, the great Frenchman.
This is 1t, I have seen very little evil
In the world and only remember the
good Now, isn't that beautiful? l
don't think 1 could say anything more
appropriate than that, for it is exactly
in harmony with my thoughts.
"What a great thing it is to know
that the world is getting better? There
is more good in the world today than
there ever was before.
"There are two things that make me
infinitely happy. One is that l have
seldom in my life found man who
would not respond to kindly treatment.
/ tell you kindness, fairness and justice
bring response from every human be-
ing, and that man is a very low down
creature who does not respond to
them"
Mr.. Rockefeller was talking earnest
ly, punctuating his remarks by tapping
the reporter ON the shoulder. Many
persons standing near endeavored to
have word with him, but Mr.. Rookie
feller seemed oblivious to all for the
moment, and, although the service in
the church had commenced and the
choir was singing an anthem, he was
too interested to take note of 1t, only
stopping now and then to lift his hat
graciously to woman going to church.
Mr.. Rockefeller when asked how he
regarded the abuse which had been
heaped upon him for so many years
smiled serenely and replied:
"Of course / am sorry / am so mis-
understood, but let me tell you little
incident which was brought to my
mind recently by story of Lutheran
minister printed in western newspa-
per. Fifty years ago l was travelling
from Pittsburg to Philadelphia with
William Thaw, who was then the pow
er behind the thpone' in the Pennsylva-
MIA Railroad company. OF course was
then young man. In the train was
discussing with Mr.. Thaw the subject
Of Capitalization. Mr.. Thaw, you know,
was a big man In those days, and
was only starting in business. He, by
the way, is the grandfather OF the
young man who is at present In trouble
here. Well, 1t seems this Lutheran
minister overheard what I was saying,
and as arose to leave the car he
turned and said to Mr.. Thaw, That
young man will be either the greatest
failure or the greatest success I can
show you that clipping, young man.
any time you wish to see 1t.
"But, talking about this abuse, am
80 happy to think that / have only the
kindest feelings for everybody. bear
Ill Will to no one, and 1t Is a great
thing to think that this is so by the
grace of God. or course 1t is natural
that the man who drove the stagecoach
should be antagonistic to the railroad
and that the man who used to keep the
small Inn should look with disfavor
upon the big. magnificent hotels. But
1t was progress. 1t had to come and