Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-08-05
A CELEBRATED
WALL STREET WIT

don't rem-m-memb-ber s-s-seeing any
OF the c-c-u-s-tom-mer's yachts. VIII
where are they?"
Bombarding Jay Gould.
Once upon time Jay Gould's
credit was savagely attacked, and in
self-protection he opened his vaults
to the inspection of committee Of
bankers and let them make an ap-
praIsement OF the contents. The
committee reported It had found
free" bonds, and stocks having
market value OF about seventy mil
Thinking TO make an overwhelming
hit by this demonstration of strength,
Gould sent people out to give the
glad news swiftest circulation in the
right quarters.
Good g-gracious!" exclaimed
Travers when the thriller reached
him. "H-h-as the old s-s-s-coundrel
got that m-m-any stocks l-left to SIS
ell"
And, as the story runs, he proceed
ed TO pound the Goulds harder than
ever. on the theory that the Wizard"
would be trying to get rid OF some Of
that seventy million dollars worth
on competitive selling. The result
proved the correctness of the sur
mise, for prices went all to pieces.
Addison Cammack divides with
Travers the credit OF having perpe-
trated this bon mot. but the honor
seems to belong rightfully to the
humorlBt.
The Travers wit was not confined
TO Wall street. On one occasion he
attended a banquet which was pre-
sided over by A. T. Stewart. then the |
leading dry goods merchant OF Amer
lea. Travers had no use for Stewart, |
and lost no opportunity TO cast ridi-
,ule on him. Stewart was a perpet-
ual target for sharp tongues. At this
banquet the merchant prince was
especially irritating to the blue |
bloods.
Finally, when everything was in
the presiding officer raped |
Tor order. There was not a quick |
response, and with some lmpatlence
Stewart repeated the gavel perform
lnce, giving the table a succession OF
iard raps. Then, as the assemblage
iuieted down and Just as the man at
he head OF the table was about to
all for order. Travers, in thin,
nigh keyed voice. piped out. &C
'ash!"
Jim" Fisk at the height OF his
areer bought himself a splendid
'aoht and gave a swell dinner aboard .
o which he invited w. II. TraverS.
II that time Fisk and Jay Gould
we're fast friends.
As Fisk was conducting Travsrs I
nd detachment OF guests through
he boat. he stopped before fresh
y painted portrait OF himself and
iould which stood out from the wall
Il the top of the main stairway. and
.airly;
"Well. boys, what do YOU think OF
hat pair Of masterpieces"
i've only one er-cr-itlelsm tito
make" said Travers. after everybody
lad raphsodized TO the satisfaction
}. Fisk, "You s-s-h-ould h-h-aVe &
old the artist TITO p-p-paint you and
jay on the arm OF o-c-eross, with
he S-S-avior In the m-m- middle"
A Joke on the Joker.
stopping one day In the store OF a
ird aad dog tanoier, Trayers made !
lumber OF inquiries OF the proprie-
or. who was a crotohety chap With l
tongue as sharp as his customers,
nd, pausing before the cage OF a
lrge parrot. Travers looked admir-
lgly az the bird and remarked on Z
s fine points,
That's sp-p-plendid p-p-p-par-
ot C-c-oan he t-t-talkg"
III he couldn't talk any better than !
on, ia cut his blasted head on"
napped the storekeeper.
Trayers sometimes took a lively :
lterest In politics. Once he got tied
p in the initial stages OF a reform {
lovement, and az meeting OF a self v
ppointed committee representing {
be better elements" the question OF 2
candidate for mayor came up for {
isoussion. The merits and running
ualities OF several men were debated
lr a long time. hut none aaamah inst