Mr. McWatters, after sojourning in London for a while after his
marriage, betook himself, with his estimable wife, to this Land of
Promise. In London he had made the acquaintance of many of the leading
men most interested in questions bearing upon sociology, humane
reforms, and philanthropic efforts at the amelioration of the condition
of the laboring classes. His warm heart became greatly aroused in
seconding the needed reforms which his keen intellect demonstrated were
urgent for the good of not only the laborers of London, but of the
working classes everywhere; and he brought with him to this country
what may properly be termed an intense general anti-slavery spirit,
embracing in its sympathy not only chattel-slaves, but wages-slaves, of
every kind and color. And this may properly be said to be the chief
characteristic of Mr. McWatters; and that he has made this felt for the
good of his fellow-men as effectively, perhaps, as any other man
living, considering his means and the sphere in which he has operated,
cannot be questioned by any one who has attentively read our city
journals of the last ten years especially.
The writer has gathered, and has before him, not less than two hundred
and twenty different extracts from the papers of New York, in all of
which Mr. McWatters is complimentarily spoken of in reference to his
benevolent action, his humanitary deeds to the poor and suffering, or
his active coöperation with some great public charity.
Mr. McWatters, though gifted with that untiring industry, clear, native
intelligence, and wide understanding of men and things, which conquer
fortunes in money for their possessors, has never achieved fortune for
himself, so busily has he been engaged in deeds of benevolence. At the
expense of his heart he could never afford the time to make a fortune.
The like fact has marked the history of many other philanthropic
spirits, and should redound as much to their credit, as does the same
to that of certain great scholars whose devotion to science would never
allow them the opportunity for turning their great talents to
money-making. It is reported of Professor Agassiz, the great scientist,
that being asked by some admirer of his vast talents (and who knew that
he rejoiced not in a large share of "this world's goods" in the shape
of money), why he did not turn his attention to money-making, and get
rich, as he would be sure to do soon, he replied, "I cannot afford the
time."