A Village Boy’s Gift of Oratory Earns Him Wealth and Fame.
OF the busy men of the world, there are none more so than Chauncey M.
Depew, until recently president of the New York Central and Hudson
River Railroad, and now president of the board which looks after all
the Vanderbilt interests. One must have something worthy his attention
to gain admittance to the busy man, and I need say no more for the
present interview than that the distinguished orator and statesman
saw fit to discuss the possibilities of young men and their future,
and gave readily of his time and opinions. I stated to him the object
of my interview,—that it was intended to obtain his views as to
what qualities in young men best make for success, and to ask him,
if possible, to point out the way, by the aid of example, to better
work and greater success for them. He smiled approvingly, and, to my
question, whether, in his opinion, the opportunities awaiting ambitious
young men are less or more than they have been in the past, replied:—
“More, decidedly more. Our needs in every field were never greater. The
country is larger, and, while the population is greater, the means to
supply its increased wants require more and more talent, so that any
young man may gain a foothold who makes his effort with industry and
intelligence.”
“Do you mean to say that there is an excellent position awaiting
everyone?”
“I mean to say that, while positions are not so numerous that any kind
of a young man will do, yet they are so plentiful that you can scarcely
find a young man of real energy and intelligence who does not hold a
responsible position of some kind. The chief affairs are in the hands
of young men.”
“Was it different in your day, when you were beginning?”
“Energy and industry told heavily in the balance then, as now, but the
high places were not available for young men because the positions were
not in existence. We had to make the places, in those days; and not
only that, but we were obliged to call ourselves to the tasks. To-day,
a man fits himself and is called. There are more things to do.”
“How was it with boys, in your day, who wanted to get an education?”