New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-05
RUM0R OF RECORD GIFT.
DR.. Rockefeller Confers sCith Son
on His Way South.

John D. Rockefeller was in New York yester-
day. coming here from Lakewood n. J.. to go
to Augusta, Ga. to visit his daughter. Mrs.
Harold Mccormick. who was In poor health for
some time. He was met at the Jersey Central
station on the Jersey side by his son, John d.
Rockefeller. 1r.. and taken in the Rockefeller
carriage from Liberty street where the Jersey
Central ferries berth. to Cortlandt street to the
slip OF the Pennsylvania Railroad. on which road
Mr.. Rockefeller went South
Mr.. Rockefeller appeared to be in perfect
health and the best OF spirits. He gave two
interviews to the newspaper men. one on the
ferry from the Jersey Central train sheds 70 this
city, and the other on the way to Jersey City to
take the train South.
When asked what he had to say about Mr.
Harriman's testimony before the Interstate
Commerce Commission. especially in regard TO
the testimony concerning Stuyvesant Fish. Mr.
Rockefeller laughed heartily. 1t had been re-
ported from Lakewood that Mr. Rockefeller
had expressed himself strongly against Mr.. Har-
riman. The question asked was: We have been
led 70 believe that you might say something in
response to Mr.. HaTriman's testimony"
When Mr.. Rockefeller was through laughing
he said: We'll that is the funniest thing
ever heard
Whether It was Mr.. Harriman's testimony
itself he considered the Joke, he did not say.
The most important thing that Mr.. Rockefeller
said on his cross river trips was to remark when
asked for an interview by the reporters: II am
talking with my over matters Of more
Importance to the public in the future than any
thing that I can say" Mr.. Rockefeller was
pressed for an explanation as to what the mat
ters of Importance to the public" Were but he
declined TO discuss them.
r1a Nrs
a rumor that he was contemplating gifts for
education that would eclipse his recent one Of
$50. 100000.
At the Office Of the General Education Board.
which has the handling Of the money given by
Mr. Rockefeller. 1t was said last night that moth
ing was known there OF any contemplated gift.
Starr J. Murphy. OF the members OF the
board and member Of the law firm Of Murphy
& Lloyd, said last night at his home in Mont
clair that he knew OF no new gifts by Mr.. Rock
efeIIer, and he seemed to attach no significance
to the rumor.
Frederick T. Gates. another member OF the
board. and known as Mr.. Rockefelers al
moner" would neither deny nor affirm that he
knew Of a new gift. and said that II such gift
was contemplated by Mr.. Rockefeller It would
be announced as soon as all Of the arrangements
were made.
Few recognized Mr.. Rockefeller yesterday on
his trip from one ferry to another. His car
rage. with its Hveried foOtman and cOachman,
was held up for time by block in the traffic
about the ferry entrances. but finally found
way through. He left Jersey City the Palm
Limited. which pulled out Of the station at 1890
o'clock He occupied the parlor car Menosha.
hts son accompanying him part OF the way No
one else went along but Mr. RocSefeller's valet.
Just before the train left the station Mr.. Rock
efeller said TO the reporters: II going TO
visit Mrs Mccormick. IN Augusta. My wife is
very much better. am glad to say. and that IS
how I am able to get away. may stay with
my daughter ten days or two weeks, or possibly
longer. This Is according to how Mrs. Rookie
Teller feels. After that shall return TO Lake
wood. We are always at Lakewood In the sum-
mer."
Mr. Rockefeller was asked 20 say something
about the prosperity Of the country but he mere
~ smiled. Then he said Gentlemen, hope
that you VIII excuse me from talking public
matters. Every second OF my time is valuable
Since the birth OF Mrs. MCCOrmiGk'S last
daughter she has been IN poor health. Some
time ago Mr.. Rockefeller sent his own phys-
clan. DR.. Biggar. OF Cleveland. TO Augusta to
prescribe for her. Mr. Rockefeller expects to
take Mrs. Mccormick and her children TO Lake
wood with him when ne returns