Omaha daily bee., 1909-12-26
Westerners in New York

When Colonel Robert c. Ciowry came to
New York from Chicago TO assume the
presidency OF the Western Union Telegraph
company, a friend gave him a luncheon at
the Lawyers club. He wanted the colonel
to know some New Workers and not be
lonely during the first period Of his resi-
dence in the great city. Twenty-four men
sat down to the table. Instead of finding
himself among strangers. Colonel Clowry
met a great many old-tims friends A poll
was taken TO find out where the guests
hailed from. Only one man was born in
New York. All the rest, and the list was
a miniature directory OF directors were
westerners, part Of the vast human toll
that New York takes OF the rest of the
country.
That luncheon was typical Of similar
gatherings in New York. The one-time
stranger within the gates is the rule; the
native son is the exception.
While all sections have poured their
tribute OF youth, brains and energy into
the hungry NAV Of New York, the west
has done so to a remarkable degree. The
rich blood Of a free young region has
mingled with the Knickerbocker blue. af-
fording a muoh-needed replenlshment for
broken down strains. To eastern couserv-
atism the west has brought the quick
ening and broadening sense OF real de-
mocracy.
Turn where you will in the swift march
of metropolitan events. and you will find
the hardy impress OF the w~esterner.
Many men drop their western ways. as
they would throw off a coat. when they
come to New York. Anxious 20 stamp
themselves as old New Workers. Il may
ha - har.v-- 49, ,f,I5 49,. ali. -
environment than the rugged westerner
is supposed to do. they abandon the traits
Of speech and manner that would distin-
guish them among their associates, and
allow themselves 10 be merged into Wall
streets composite mass.
A striking exception to this rule IL Paul
Morton. president Of the Equitable Life
Assurance society. He is one OF the most
conspicuous western men in New York.
and the one who is most a westerner. Born
in Nebraska ten years before II became a
state, and spending many of his later years
in Colorado and along the old Santa Fe
trail. after steel rails had converted II into
the Santa Fe railroad. he has all Of the
candor, courage, vigor and democracy OF
the old frontiersmsn. with the culture of
the born gentleman.
He ranks men above money, and his am
bition runs to the accomplishment OF dig
things rather han to the mere accumula-
ton OF millions. His Americanism is in
tense. but his heart is in the great west,
and he never tires Of telling OF its re-
sources and its wonders. In Wall street
he is known asa missionary from theI
west" because Of his constant effort to
bring about a better understanding be-
tween the east and the west and to wipe
out all sectional feeling. He is so modest
that he dislikes TO see his name in print,
but he has the easy confidence in himself
OF the true westerner.
IT was TO crafty his governing ambl-
ton that Mr.. Morton accepted the presi-
dency Of the Equitable Life. To project
himself into the turmoil of the insurance
scandals, he rejected at least one offer
which would have given him a larger in
come, but which presented no opportun-
ity for constructive work. He came into
TIE situation at a time when the news
paper men who were working on the
greatest story Of years were suspicious
OF every one. and IL was not surprising
that they questioned his motives. They
tried him cut in many ways and for
many days, but they never could get him
TO distort the truth in any degree.
Long afterward, one OF his newspaper
friends was telling him how one of the
biggest men in Wall street had lied TO
him about an important deal.
II was In a difficult position" said
AIR. Morton. thoughtfully. IF he had told
you the truth, he would have jeopardiEed
not only his own interests. but a lot OF
other interests tina were entrusted 70
him. l don't know what ] would have
done If ] had been in his place"
4 know what you wouldn't have done"
spoke up the reporter quickly. You
wouldn't have lied about It,"
mo. l wouldn't have lied about IT, as
sented Mr.. Morton. Il probably would
have said I couldn't talk about Il. A
mau needs q long memory 20 be a good
liar. and my memory is very bad"
As a matter OF fact. ne has a navel
Gus menhory.
Not long ago one OF ais admirers ex-
pressed 20 him the belief that his meth
DDS OF square dealing were being adopted
BY many men In the financial district
simply because they had become con
WINGED that he had profited by them.
"Bosh!" wa his brusk reply. And
then he added; Any man who r. honest
because IL pays won't be honest very
long, and he won't be very honest At any
tme"-hunsey's MaEaEina