Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1909-02-16
Mr.. HENRY N. FLAeLeR.

MIR. Flagler has just entered on his
SOth year. His vision Is not as clear
"a Il once was and he Is somewhat
deaf I'm one eGr, which causes him
some embarrassment Except for
these inflrmitles he Is suffering from
no physical ailments. Tall and erect
he still presents a perfect type Of
manhood. He prefers a straight back
chair. and never occupies a rocker un-
less there Is nothing else to be had
The above is one short paragraph
from an interesting sketch OF Mr.
Henry NJ Flegler by Editor Frank
Harris OF The Ocala Banner. and who
recently enjoyed the rare privilege OF
a trip with the subject Of his sketch
to view the great work OF the Florida
East Coast Railway extension 10 Key
west.
To US this paragraph is the most
interesting, most significant one I'm all
this most entertaining story. much Of
which has to do with Mr. Flagler's
diet, his rest. his recreation. his re-
ligion and his politics.
In his eightieth year and his hand
still on the lever which directs what
has been fittingly described as one OF
the greatest engineering feats Of the
century!
The News doesn't know Mr.. Flagler
personally. Its knowledge of him has
been obtained through newspaper &C
counts and through his activities in
behalf OF our beloved Florida. But
had il been asked TO name his age
this paper would have said he was so
years young rather than so years old.
When a man by reason of strength
is approaching the four score mark
there is due him the respect OF his
fellows. When his life has been filed
with activities which sprung from a
desire to benefit mankind, to respect
there should be added profound rever-
ence.
In his eightieth year and still a
commanding general in the worlds
work!
Whether or not Mr. Flagler lives
to see the full benefits of his work,
he is doing a brave thing and one
that marks his as the right kind. Too
many men "lie down under the weight
Of years and look forward 20 death
with a lamblike submission. Mr.. Flag
Ter has evidently refused to die until
his time comes. His interest in life
abides because he keeps on living and
refuses TO become a living corpse.
He is brave. and his bravery will more
than anything else tend TO prolong his
life until he has accomplished his
life's work.
Let old men take example and cOur-
age from Henry NJ. Flagler.
They can't all build a railroad
across the sea, but they can do the
work which Providence has assigned
them. There is nothing in life but
what We put into il. The secret Of a
happy and brave old age is in the
interest men retain in their fellows
and the world they live i'm. Many a
man is dead at 40 and doesn't get
ready TO be buried until he has exist
ed years after his demise to all prac-
teal and useful purposes, while
others. like Mr.. Flagler, keep on with
their work. serene I'm the knowledge
that the benefits Of their labor Will
be reaped. II not by themselves. by
those who are In greater need and
who will get the greater good.
All honor to Henry NJ. Flagler. the
man who. having made the waste
places OF the East Coast Of Florida TO
blossom as the rose and hitting
place for the habitation Of progressive
thousands Of industrious men and Wo
men. Is still az II with an even more
gigantic enterprise.-Palatka News.