The Continental Monthly, Vol. 2, No. 2, August, 1862: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 2, No. 2, August, 1862: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
Mr. Lenox is deeply interested in the Free Church of Scotland, and was
one of its most efficient helpers at the time of its exodus. A
correspondence between him and De. Chalmers conveyed his benefactions
through the noblest of instrumentalities, and a portrait of the great
Scottish theologian graces the mansion of his American friend. It was
painted by Henry Inman, during his sojourn abroad, and is the finest
picture of Chalmers we have ever seen. Mr. Lenox is a man of fine taste,
and finds recreation in gathering rare books, of which he has a valuable
collection, and he possesses, in addition, a splendid gallery of
pictures. Among them are two of Turner's landscapes, and we know of no
others in America.[6] We might say more of this estimable man, but will
not too soon anticipate the voice of fame. Our statements are made
mainly to correct some false impressions about one who, with all his
reticence, is one of the public men of his day, and who fulfills the
idea of the poet:
'Do good by stealth and blush to find it fame.'
Such a man was George Douglas, one of the same circle of wealthy
citizens of Scotch descent, who, though in a pecuniary view, hardly in
the same rank with Mr. Lenox, was still very rich. Mr. Douglas preserved
a studied retirement, and passed much of his time on his noble farm, but
was still active in philanthropy. His estate can not be far from a
half-million, yet it was used humbly in the service of his race.
'Though nursed in greatness, and to riches born,
Yet in earth's fairest flower he saw the thorn.
Beneath the finest linen sackcloth felt,
And bound his purple with an iron belt;
Lived Heaven's trustee, and lent, and gave away,
To God's own heirs who never could repay;
And died a rare example to the great,
Of lowly virtue in a high estate.'
But among all American capitalists the name of Astor looms up in
unapproachable solitude, and stands as it has stood for nearly forty
years.
We may get the better idea of the Astor estate by a comparative view.
Thus, a man worth one hundred thousand dollars is a rich man; a man
worth five hundred thousand dollars is a very rich man; a millionaire is
still more the ideal of wealth. Mr. Astor, then, is, if rightly
estimated, equal to twenty-five millionaires, or two hundred and fifty
rich men of the class first mentioned. In the seven hundred thousand
inhabitants of New-York, there are not more than two hundred men worth
one hundred thousand dollars; not more than twenty-five of the second;
not more than ten of the last. Approaching the assessment-roll, we may
estimate the Astor estate at one thirtieth of the entire city. Thus he
stands one seven hundred thousandth in the proportion of population, and
one thirtieth in that of wealth; or in other words, he owns what would
be a fair proportion for twenty-five thousand of his fellow-citizens.
The commencement of this estate was, as is well known, by small
beginnings.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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