New-York tribune., 1912-04-29

m the afternoon. to be- gone until within
few minutes OF dinner, at o'clock. Ana
IN the interval he famed the glow IN his
cheeks with a long. brisk walk. and he
called on an old friend and contemporary.
Miss Jane j. Boudinot. who hves in 1lith
street, across Amsterdam avenue from 81.
Luke's Hospital
Miss Boudinot IS a great-niece OF Elias
Boudinot, who was president OF the Con-
tinental Congress and later commissioner
Of prisoners BY appointment OF Washing
ton She Is the owner OF one OF Peale's
famous portraits Of the Father Of his
Country General Wilson, II could readily
be seen, considered a call on such a friend
as an entirely adequate celebration OF his
birthday.
For the general still lives in spirit with
the grest figures OF the past, number OF
whom ne knew intimAtely-Lincoln.D Doug
las, Grant. Washington Irving, King Ed
ward VII, Gladstone, Fitz-Greene Halleck
though
the names he loved 70 hss-
Have been carved for many year
On the tomb.
Yet he must not be confounded with
The Last Leaf" Rather is II true
That he has Roman nose.
And his cheek B like a rose
In the snow.
He IL the high priest OF Time. possessor
OF sacred relics, dedicator OF monuments
an interpreter OF the divine past 10 the
prosalc present. He wears a pair OF gold
sleeve links which George Washington pre-
baf
the battle OF Saratoga. in which Arnold so
distinguished himself. And on his finger
is ring which contains a lock Of George
washington's hair, wisp from the head
OF Alexander Hamilton, one OF Gncon's
locks and side by side also in the same
magic band OF gold lock OF Napoleon's
hair and one OF Wellington's.
"One Of New Yorks millionares once
said 10 me-" the general Is fond Of re
latng. II you'll give me that ring you
can have just as much OF my fortune as
YOU want But ! said TO him. Mr.. Van
derbIlt. you aren't rich enough TO buy that
ring.
The story Of how he collected these hairs
Of the great would MI n volume Of me
moirs, a fascinating volume, covering half
has edited the memoirs OF others, General
Wilson has not yet started writing his
own. Just now ne is planning a book on
Famous War Horses and Their Riders
combining I'm this work his srdor "a an
historian with his love for animals He is
ice-president Of the Society for the Pre-
ventlon OF Cruelty 20 Animals
General Wilson's house is A museum Of
objects priceless because OF their associa-
tions and his mind is a storehouse Of snec-
dotes Of rare historical value. He keeps
sharp eye out for every opportunity TO
preserve even the smallest landmark redo
lent Of the past. only last week he planted
An English oak in that spot on the mall
I'm Central Park where the Prince OF Wales
planted an English oak In October, 1856.
The Prince of Wales's oak died two years
ago. and at General Wilson's suggestion
a section Of 1t was cut up into paper knives,
one Of which the general sent to King Ed
ward Just before tho latter's death. II was
General Wilson's suggestion also that an
other oak be planted In the same spot, 30
Park Commissioner Slower appointed him
10 preside last Tuesday over the simple
exercises attending the planting of this
memorial to his royal friend.
Next October the general will preside, as
chairman OF the committee having its erec-
tlon in charge. over the exercises at the
dedication Of the Maine monument. He is
already looking forward to this event with
great relish, for his pride in the Maine
monument is prodiglous.
In the few moments which intervened be-
tween his arrival home last evening and his
dinner he was asked il he had taken sides
Yet in the fight for the Republican nomina-
tion for President.
81 always keep out OF politics" he said
with q smile But | always vote" he
added IL haven't missed a vote for Presi-
dent since I cast my frst-for Lincoln"
General Wilson will go to his country
home at Minnewaska, I'm the Catskllls, this
summer as usual. and there he will substl-
tute for his daily walks the swimming and
rowing to which he has been accustomed
all his life and which have helped to make
his spare frame SO sturdy even after four
score years of activity as soldier, Journal
ist. traveller and author.