New-York tribune., 1909-09-12
SOME SIDELGHTS ON THE CHARACTER OF MR. HARRIMA'

least one man at Bad Gastein this summer. That
was the manager Of his hotel AS soon as he was
well settled he summoned that functionary to his
room.
you" said Mr.. Hartman TO his visitor First,
want TO say very comfortable here Next,
wish TO know whether it is any use TO bring my
automobile here"
There are some exceedingly pretty drives in the
neighborhood Of Gastein, and the hotel manager
was naturally eloquent in his description of them.
Mr.. Hartman cut him short. That's enough he
said; send a telegram at TO Vienna TO send
my car here at once"
''At once sir" replied the manager. who had al
ready learned that Mr.. Hartman always wanted
everything done at once" The manager Of the
hotel was rushing away TO send that telegram
when Mr.. Hartman called him back
wait one minute" said he. IT expect TO enjoy
Bad Gastein. After had taken my first thermal
bath I had the best sleep I've enjoyed for two
years. Now tell your chef TO bring my appetite
back again and I'll be all right. The last meal
really enjoyed two years ago, when 1 was
with my boy hunting in the mountains in America
and cooked my breakfast myself. II was a fine
breakfast. I remember. with bacon. green corn
and beans. It was the last meal really enjoyed
The manager retiring TO send that telegram
Just one thing more" said Mr.. Hartman. Tell
the people with rooms above my terrace not to
throw cigarettes and things on my head when I'm
reading there. Finally If you can order a little
He never waits for anything" commented one
Bad-Gastein visitor. speaking of Mr.. Hartman He
never waits for the lift. but goes upstairs
himself. In fact, everything has TO be done for
him right away"
Mr. Hartman had q sense OF humor as well as
supreme confidence in himself. Once a newspaper
that had made some bitter editorial attacks on the
railroaders methods sent reporter to ask him
who, in his opinion, the greatest two railroad
men IA the world.
I'm one" he flashed back. "and the other, in
his own estimation. is the editor OF your paper"
Just before the big drop in stocks. two years
ago. friend who had just returned from Europe
dropped into Mr.. Rarriman's office 70 see him. The
said that he thought he would buy some stocks
Hartman swung around IN his chair. focused his
heavy glasses upon the others face and said
Quizzically:
Have you any money!"
YES" said the friend.
How much?" said Mr. Hartman. The friend
told him Hartman silent for moment. then
be turned and looked across the street toward
Trinity Cemetery. With abruptness that seemed
20 switch the subject he said:
do you ever read the Bble7''
YES"
Familiar with itT'
Yes"
''Wen, that fellow who went and hid his talent
may not have been the fool he has always been
credited with being. There are times 1t was
enough The friend hid his talent.
One story OF HarTiman's early railroad days has
10 do with J. p. Morgans reorganization Of the
Erie Mr.. Hartman opposed him. 1t is said that
the comparatively unknown newcomer in railroad
affairs went into the bankers Office and put his
objections before the firm.
'TVhonn DO you represent?' asked
myself" was the emphatic reply.
The story may or may not be true. but 81 is
nevertheless characteristic OF the man.
On one occasion Weston. the elderly pedestrian.
had started for an over-continent walk 1t breezed
,.o sa mind OF some freak loving editor 20 cam