Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-11-09
TRIBUTE FROM BATH.
Old Schoolmate Of Morse Gives the
Unfortunate a Kind Word.

Bath, Me-, Nov. 8.-While it has been
common saying up and down the
Kenncbec for years that "Charley'
Morse would some day land behind the
bars because of his so-called sharp bus
mess practice, the general sentiment
in this town, his birthplace and home
for many years, is that the convicted
New York steamship magnate has been
made a scapegoat by his enemies.
although he has done much for
Path and his many friends here, the
people of Bath know better than to
believe that Charles Morse can do no
wrong" said Charles D. Clark, life
long friend and boyhood chum of
Morse, to Post reporter yesterday.
His business operations in this vi
cinity have left trail of jealousy and
envy behind them and we believe that
is the reason for his downfall in New
York
ct was at High school and afterwards
at Bowdoin College with him. AS a
boy, he was not popular as we I'M
derstand the word He was unable to
take part in athletics like other boys
on account of his lameness. and be-
cause of this it has been current Cos
sip that Morse when boy, made up
his mind that if he could not excel 9TH
err boys in physical accomplishment he
would beat them all in making money
"There have been many incidents
told of his early hoyhood and his strug-
giles.
Many of the incidents are untrue
~ fl,o fo11 hi ~
to struggle is nonsense. The Morses
were always well-to-do. ]. Parker
Morse, a relative of Chariey's. was the
leading business man of Bath 40 years
ago, and his father, Captain B. w.
Morse, was owner of the Kennebec
Tow Boat Line, which Charley after
wards himself acquired.
"While at Bowdoin, Captain Morse
allowed Charley $1,000 year for keep
ing the books Of the Tow Boat Co.
Here young Morse showed his business
acumen. He Sub-let the contract to an
other fellow to keep the books at $500.
Morse pocketed the other $500 and had
| no work to do. Charles mother was a
remarkable business woman and for
many years was the real manager of
the Tow Beat Co.
I'm fact Charley Morse had so
much confidence in his mothers bus
mess foresight that he frequently came
to Bath from New York, and even more
distant points, to consult with her in
| regard to his business deals.
"The hoys of Bath once really got
ahead Of him. 1t was in this way He
| belonged to a literary society here
whore If actiao fo
| member so cents who violated the rules
| of society in debate. Charley was fined
quite frequently and on each occa-
sion would present SO bill for pay
ment of his fine Naturally it stumped
| the club members. no boys being able
to change bill Of that size
| This went on for number of meet
| inGs until three or four of us got to-
| Sether and the father of one of the
bows advanced enough cash to be ready
| for the next meeting of the literary So
1 ciety. When Morse was fined on this
occasion and presented his $40 bill ir
| payment he was promptly handed the
exact change in small coins. He de
clared it one on him and we all hac
an oyster stew down town that even.
ing at Charley's expense.
| On Thursday next the Belfast
which has been built here for the East
| ern Steamship Co.. will be launched
Morse had contracted for it and it was
| just about to be launched when hi.
| comranies went into the hands of re
ceivcrs.
| Morse has been described as DR.
Jesyl and Mr.. Hyde. Personally and so
cially Morse was companionahle arc
| jovial. AS a business man he wa
quite the reverse He acted always a.
if he believed every mans hand wa
raised against him and he set out will
the determination to gain his end a
best he might, no matter what hap
pened to the other fellow In othe
words he did not hesitate to use shar]
practices. He must be given his due
Every few persons know that n
Bath boy or girl ever went to hin
when stranded or in distress that wa
not aided, and nothing was said abou
it by him. either. He always was read,