Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-06-09
Option on New York Paper.

A few years later the newspaper fever
prompted Mr.. Mclean to acquire an
option on the New York Journal, which
he soon sold to William Randolph
Hearst. who had come east to establish
a paper in the metropolis. This was the
beginning of a close personal friend
ship that has continued and grown for
more than quarter of a century.
Though there have been frequent
enter the Washington newspaper field,
it is stated by close friends that he said
he never would come into competition
here with Mr. Mclean.
Something like twenty years ago Mr..
Mclean bought stock in the Washing
ton Post He secured a scant control
ling interest about ten years ago and
for a number of years worked nights
in guiding the policies of the Post,
while spending his days in his bust
ness Office directing other large enter
prises.
Mr.. Mclean has taken a prominent
part in many efforts for the beautif1ca-
ton and advancement of the Capital
city.
Since 1884 Mr.. Mclean has attended
many democratic national conventions
as delegate at large from Ohio. He
was candidate for United States sem
ator from Ohio in 1885. receiving a fiat
tering vote. In 1899 he was put for
ward by the democratic party as candi-
date for Governor of Ohio. This cam
paign was historic, and one of the most
closely contested in the annals of the
state. Mr.. Mclean was gratifled that
he was not called upon to surrender his
home life and personal business activi-
ties to assume public Office. For num-
Der of years he was Ohio's representa-
tive on the democratic national commit
tee. While maintaining residence in
Washington he has all during his life
also held residence in Cincinnati.
Shortly after becoming prominent in
the Washington newspaper field Mr.
Mclean entered the Washington Gas
Light Company as director and was
subsequently made it's president, a posi-
ton he held until his resignation in
1911, when he was succeeded by Joseph
Letter.
One of Mr.. McLean's hobbies was the
Washington and Old Dominion Rail-
road Company, of which he was the
largest shareholder and chairman of
the board of directors. He guarded his
interests in this enterprise so closely
that he would not consider any bust
ness arrangement that might POSSIBLY
lead to loss of control
He was one of the largest share
holders in the American Security and
Trust Company and of the Riggs Ma
tiona1 Bank, and closely associated with
the financial interests that form the
board of directors of these institutions
Both Mr.. Mclean and his son were on
ehe VII ectory OF the american Security
and Trust Company, and the former
also a director of the Riggs Bank Mr.
Mclean was one of the largest taxpay-
ers In the District. being a heavy hold
er OF valuable realty.
Rulers Among His Friends.
Mr. Mclean has had personal ac-
quaintance with as many rulers of the
world as any man in private life AS
result of the strong friendly regard
between himself and the late King
Leopold, the latter sent a gold cradle
as gift when Mr.. MeLean's grandson.
Vinson Walsh Mclean, known as the
richest baby in the world" was born.
Mr. McLean's sister is Nine Bakhme-
tef, wife of the Russian ambassador.
His summers have usually been
spent in Paris or at Bar Harbor. His
home life was very happy, and until
the death of Mrs. Mclean no home in
Washington entertained more Rener-
ously or had a wider circle of friends.
Mrs. Mclean was the daughter of Cen
Edward F. Beale, woman of rare
charm and grace, and very popular in
society.
Mr.. McLean's only child is Edward
Beale Mclean, who has been associated
with him in publishing the Washington
Post Edward B. Mclean married Miss
Thomas F. Walsh of Colorado, and
they have two children. Mr. and Mrs.
Edward B. Mclean live in what is
known as the million dollar mansion"
at 21st street and Massachusetts, ave-
nue..