The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-10-16
Cornelius Vanderbilt Becomes
RecOnciled to His Family
After an Estrangement Which
Has Lasted Eight Years.
COST HIM S5O,OOO,OOO
10 Become the Husband of the
Girl of His Choice.
His Mother Surrendered and
Peace Now Reigns.

Newport, Oct. 16.-For the first
time since the death of their father
eight years ago, Alfred Gwynne Van
derbilt was a guest at the home of his
brother, Cornelius today.
In addition to this, Mrs. VandarbiIt
the elder, also was a guest at lunch
con- and for the first time, met her
daughter-in-law socially.
1t is said in Newport that there is
complete reconciliation of the Van
oero1ltA Had the recognition of the
oaughter-fn-law come eight years ago.
Cornelius Vanderbilt and not Alfred
GWynne, his younger brother. would
family. D44'
The reconciliation of the two
brothers was brought about at a din
ner at the Breakers and the mission
OF peace on the part of the mother to
her eldest sons wife was occasioned
by the firm refusal of the latter to at
tend that dinner. 1t was the first time
she ever had been invited to cross the
threshold of the Breakers
Her name has been given out as one
OF the invited guests but the woman
VINO had been ignored as thoroughly
as possible since the day she be-
came the wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt,
jr.. made it very evident to all New
port that if there was to be any
reconciliation, Mrs. Vanderbilt must
come to her.
Following the dinner given in honor
of Count Szechenyi and Miss Gladys,
there was little gathering of the
Vanderbilts. 1--WE should all get to-
gether somewhere for luncheon" Mrs.
Vanderbilt is reported to have said
Cornelius Vanderbilt suggested his
home. His mother looked at him. On
all sides it had been remarked quietly
that Cornelius's wife was not present
IF Grace will not come to my
house I will go to hers" the mother
said.
All Newport Discussing 1t.
All Newport-all that is society and
the large section that is not-is talking
over the fact that Alfred Gwynne VAN
derbilt and his brother Cornelius are
reconciled and THAT their mother has
broken bread at the table of Cornelius
over which his wife presided. To So
ciety It means the triumph of young
Mrs. Cornelius. 1t means the social
recognition which the mother refused
when as Grace Wilson she was led to
the altar by her son despite the oppo-
sftion of his parents and the social tri-
umph of the girl for whom he sacri-
feed an inheritance of $5O,000,OOO.
1t was reported some time ago that
the brothers had become reconciled,
but the reconciliation" then effected
had been merely formal handshake
at public function and a nod when
they met socially in the home of a
mutual friend at a dinner party
The estrangement between the pair
has been a bit embarrassing for the
friends of the young men, particularly
for old friends of the family who liked
both the boys" as they are still term
ed. 1t was awkward for the hostess
upon many an occasion and tried the
tactfulness of several women in society
in arranging a list of guests.
The Loss of His Fortune.
The estrangement of the Vanderbilt
sons began eight years ago, when their
father, after the marriage of Cornelius,
jr., to Miss Wilson. became EN- mbittered
Alfred took the place Cornelius had
formerly occupied in his affections, ana
when the father died 1T was found that
Alfred Gwynne, the second son, had
been made the residuary 1egatee of the
$500, 900. The share of Alfred was
50,000,000.
The contents of the will which was
opened and read the night following
the funeral, were not revealed at once,
and for several days there was a ques-
tion who was to become the head OF
the family. In the meanwhile Corne-
Illus, it was reported, had consulted
lawyer. There were rumors that he
had been disinherited.
Several days after the will had been
opened Senator Depew was authorized
to give out copies of the document. He
did so, and made the announcement
that Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt had
given to his elder brother
100000, making the share of Cor
nelius $7,5OO,00O or equal to the
amount left to the younger children.