The Washington herald., 1913-08-10

of the biggest men in the country are
today answering inquiries
One letter that pleased Mr.. Schwab was
this:
Would you kindly tell me where I can
learn to operate the linotype? ! am will
ing to invest a small sum of money for
schooling or wherever / can learn; even
ing school. IL possible. so can work by
day. Or can you mention any trade that's
better than this?''
The steel man leaned forward in his
chair and said:
a There is young man who Is going to
Get along. Any trade to a boy with such
aspirations will make him a success"
The inquiry that brought Mr.. Schwab's
caustic yet evidently well thought out
declaration that no man can choose an
others occupation was as follows:
Il am twenty-three and employed by q
real estate firm as a collector and investi-
gator. Which of the following would you
advise me to do? Study surveying, seek
a civil service position. or could you sug-
gest some good paying business in which
l could invest a nominal sum Of money!"
Would you advise a man with a me-
chanical turn of mind to take up electrical
engineering?" was asked.
Don't Fear to Put ON OyernlIs.
Electrical engineering is one of the
modern businesses which offer special op-
portunities for advancement" replied Mr..
Schwab. Like any other industrial pur-
suit, there is always room at the top. The
man who foresees the possibilities and
who is not afraid to put on overalls and
get into the thick of the fight is sure to
win out"
Il expect to enter the Industrial insur
fald N Naw Vnrlr h,,t Il
prefer some Western city," wrote another
man seeking advice not long ago. Would
you kindly advise me IL would meet
better success in Pennsylvania, Maryland,
or Washington
Mr.. Schwab thought the young man
would do better to go into a Western city
where there is less competition than in
the metropolis.
While Mr.. Schwab, as far as is known,
never attempted to point out the pitfalls
Of the big city into which so many young
very decided views on the subject. An
evidence Of this was shown when, during
a panicky period in Wall Street. the fol-
lowing letter from a young man was
called to his attention:
viii you kindly inform me where I can
buy stock with the smallest amount of
money? II at the curb exchange. will you
let me know what the brokerage charge
for buying and selling is?'
A grim smile came to Mr.. Schwab's
face. He hesitated moment while ex-
amining the letter, then said:
''The most costly thing this young man
can do Is to speculate in a stock market
Let him invest in legitimate business"
A study Of big men at close range has
pointed the way to success for many
young men. No more striking example
OF the acute mental caliber displayed by
the worlds greatest captains of industry
Is furnished than by Mr.. Schwab himself.
Not long ago he gave newspaper re-
porter what was considered the most COM
prehensive yet terse interview on record.
The reporter caught Mr.. Schwab as he
was leaving his newly acquired Fore
River Ship and Engine Company plant at
Quincy, Mass. He bowed, put his queries,
and Mr.. Schwab answered. all in three
minutes, as follows:
"The new combination of Bethlehem
and Fore River is going ahead. No one
ever knew me to go backward. We never
stand still in our business.
Let Wilson go slow on the tariff.
Il pay so much attention to business
have no time to arrive at an opinion re-
garding the threatened war with japan.
woman suffrage is too big q subject
for me to venture an opinion on.
Labor Is not getting enough Of the
proceeds of business.
Massachusetts Is running the railroads
into the ground.
Socialism Is impracticable because 1t
would not allow sufficient scope for the
abilities of big men.
81. p. Morgan's idea of combination II
nonsense.
"The steel business Is already too big
to be capable Of further expansion.
'It Is q mistake to say that all men are
equal I do not think they are.
Anything else?'
The reporter gasped Nor
"All right: come again. Good morning.'
As Mr.. Schwab never stands still in his
business. 90 In his private Life. At Sew
enty-fourth Street and Riverside Drive.
one Of the most picturesque residential