New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-19
The Philanthropist Declares
They Have Made Fort
unes; Given Little
Offers Milk Depots
To Women's League
Criticises Wealthy Men
in Speech at Home of
Late j. P. Morgan

Nathan Straus. an American cltlzen
Of German birth, who has given his
horses and his yacht to the United
States. declared yesterday that wealthy
New Workers were shamefully war
siiney. His denunciation Of the mill
ionaires Of the city was made in the
drawing room Of the late J. Pierpont
Morgan's home. at 219 Madison Avenue.
He had been invited there to attend a
meeting OF the National League for
Women's Service, which was organized
bv Miss Anne Morgan.
Members of the league were sur
prised by the philanthropist's remarks
and made haste 20 emphasize the fact
that the opinion WAS Mr.. Strauss and
not their own.
The meeting was for the purpose OF
stimulating the campaign to raise
100000. which the league wants for
It's running expenses. Former Ambas-
sador Gerard was one of the speakers,
and there was a large and fashionable
audience OF women.
Men Not Doing Their Bit"
Mrs. Charles Frsnkenthai, chairman
Of the fund. unwittingly gave the cue
for Mr.. Strauss talk by announcing
that only $4,000 Of the desired s1o0. 900
had been raised, and that the men Of
New York were not doing their bit"
They want US to give up our hus-
bands and sons" she eaid. "but they
.ren't interested in helping us pre-
pare"
At this point Mr.. Straus made some
remark which was overheard. and he
was invited 20 speak.
The rich people Of New York have
behaved shsmefully," he cried. They
Rave made millions out OF this war and
they have given few thousands.
what We ought 10 do is TO get the
name Of those who have made
money IN munitions and publish them.
That might shame them into giving.
There's a man in this city who spent
$3.50. 900 for a picture recently. II any
psper printed that about me I'd spend
$4,000 denying IL. New York people
have the name of being charitable, but
they aren't.
Il have given my horses and my
Yacht. and there's . sign on my house
in Seventy-second Street this very min
ute. saying: For ssle--entire proceeds
for war relief ] come from Germany,
TOO. I'm not saying now that I'm
ashsmed Of these rich men who give so
little. You can say that for yourself
Offers His Milk Stations
MIR. Straus then launched on the
story Of his controversy with Park
Commissioner Ward over his milk sta
tons in the parks.
The Commissioner keeps the streets
in fine condition for the rich people,
but doesn't give a d for the poor
ones" he said
II can't afford 10 run my milk sta
tions any more" he went on. "but III
give EN- 70 you women for the poor
children. and I'll give you $4,000 to
run them"
Amid a chorus Of "Oh's" and "Ah's"
he went on:
81 came 10 this meeting to-day just
because IL was in j. P. Morgan's house.
lie IS the only man ] ever took any
help from. lie gave me $4,000 when /
was feeding fifteen hundred persons
every night.
"Now. can't afford to give you much
money. but--Ill give whatever you
say" he broke off.
"Underwrite US for $4,000" cried
Mrs. Frankenthal.
an underwrite nobody" he retorted,
but, hearing the announcement of a
gift Of $3.50 from man in the audi
cnce. he capped II with another $3.50.
Two Women TO the Rescue
Miss Grace Parker. national com
mandant Of the Women's League. and
Miss Gertrude Robinson Smith. secre-
tary. were visibly distressed by Mr.
strauss remarks about New York
mllionaires. and both sprang TO the
rescue.
The league is very grateful fer the
generous assistance il has received
from the New York public" said Miss
Parker. land we do not think il right 10
Judge any one AZ this time, for we do
not know what demands are made upon
them"
George w. Wickersham presided over
the meeting. Former Ambassador
Gerard outlined the work women had
done for war relief in Germany and
Wsldron Williams spoke on the con-
servation Of food. laying special stress
on the value of dehydrsting vegetables