A NAPOLEON OF FINANCE.
An English View of Jay Gould and His I
Operations.
The London PaUll Malt Gazette, in a recent
issue, says : "There is now going on in Am- I
erica a development of the power of an in- t
dividual capitalist which is well worth atten- r
tion as a feature in modern society. The f
tendency of capital in that country to roll up t
with extraordinary rapidity has often been c
noticed, and nowhere else could the collossal I
fortunes of Astor, Vanderbilt or A. T. Stew- t
art have been accumulated in the lifetime of 1
one man. But the operations of Mr. Gould i
are of far greater extent than those of any i
previus capitalist, and the movement of
which he is the head is so clearly a portion t
of a general evolution that we on this side of c
the Atlantic may notice his course with pro- -
fit to ourselves. Mr. Jay Gould is chifily t
known here as one of the famous Erie tii- t
umvirate-Fish and Lane being the others- i
who carried on a successful war in shares by
the aid of a printing press kept in full work
on their premises. Drew and Vanderbilt
found to their cost that it was impossible to
"corner" or control a stock when all of the
scribbling paper in New York could be got
into the market against them. Some day, i
doubtless, a calm inquirer will set forth the
philosophy of the corner in full, and when I
he does so Mr. Jay Gould will assuredly fig
ure as the founder of a school. Never, per
haps, was a bolder game played in its way
than that of this very Erie triumvirate in
rigging the gold market. The story is old,
but its moral is always applicable. At the
time when their operations began gold and
greenbacks stood in a definite relation to one
another, they fluctuated more or less, of
course, as this or that buyer came into the
market, but nothing very serious had occut
red since the great inflation of the civil war. 1
Suddenly the happy idea came into the heads
of these worthies, or rather into the head of
one of them, to purchase all the gold in the
market and lock it up; those wh9 were ob
liged to buy gold for business purposes were
compelled by their necessities to buy at the
figure demanded by the ring. The matter t
began to get serious. Gold went up and up t
like a tube of mercury in boiling water; and
there was no saying where it would all end.
New York, excitable at all times, near went
out of its senses. A mob at length collected
in front of the office of the three conspirat
ors, and affairs looked rather ugly for the
triumvirate. To borrow a phrase from Mr.
Jevon's mathematico-metaphysical language
of economy, the ultimate differentiations of
finabutility figured in the shape ef a lamp
post and a rope. This, it has always been I
said, did not suit Mr. Jay Gould. The intro
duction of brute force formed no part of his
calculations, and, in American parlance, he
"left" without even stopping to open the
glass door which afforded the only way to
the rear. His bolder allies stood out, the
United States Treasurer sold gold, and the
corner came to an end.
It is unnecessary to follow Mr. Gould any
further, or through other phases of stock
jobbing after this. Corners are devoid of
interest, whether in wheat, gold, corn, pork
or anything else, save as showing the power
which, under our present system of produc
tion and exchange, may be gripped by an
unscrupulous man or knot of men working
for the same end. But it was only as a gam
bler in stocks that Mr. Jay Gould was work
ing, and it was presumed his lack of physi
cal courage and the loSs of one or two of his
associates would cripple him for larger
schemes. Precisely the contrary has occur
red, and during the long period of depression
following the panic, this strange financial
genius has emerged beyond comparison the
ablest handler of capital in the United States
That he is acting in accordance with the ten
dency of events does not of course detract
from his ability: but the result is remarkable
and would be dangerous but for the fact that
the same power which broke up the gold
ring can step in and break up a monopoly
created by Jay Gould-the ablest combina
tion for the benefit of the few that ever ex
isted. His mode of operation is peculiar,
and, according to trustworthy evidence, his
own immediate associates, after a long dis
cussion, in which he himself has taken little
or no part, were often unaware of the part
ultimately to be adopted. The mere money
part of the business seems to have no charm
for him, in particular; he buys a Staite Leg
islat are as he buys newspapers and railroads
-as a portion of a grand scheme of consoli
dation which extends beyond what perhaps
he himself forsees.
As a result of a series of extraordinary
and successful operations, Mr. Jay Gould has
acquired a prestige somewhat similar to that
which Prnce Bismarck has or had,in Europ
ean politics. Any successful coup is regard
ed as a part of his skillful proceedings. But
men are only just beginning to perceive the
outcome.
There are others moving in the same di
rection, but at this moment Mr. Jay Gould is
master of the main line of transportation be
tween t ie Atlantic and the Pacific; he is lay
ing his plans, according to all accounts, for
combination with the other roads being push
ed through in the United States Territory.
He has a monopoly of the telegraphic com
munications, proposes to connect them with
submarine cables in the same interest, whilst
the project of a line of purely freight steam
ers carrying in connection with the affiliated
roads from the West is also attributed to his
genius.
Now, even aisumiag that one of these
plans breaks down, for a time, only a gene--:
ral tendency in favor of combination as
against competition;cotUildenable one manor
any number of men to obtain such power as
this. Permit it to be used without regulation
.--siy the anti-monopolists of the 8tates-.-nd
an imperial government will follow, sauch as
the world has never seen yet. Corpo tions
are already a hindrance tod:freedom of devel
opment, and a cause of all sorts of corrup
tion in the United States; but the power ~to
keep back telegraphic mlesses eld by the
same great stock exchange operator who con
trols an ever increasing mil eage of railroad
may well occasion an' alarm,: which finds ex
pression in the saying, that not the leet
of the people .at large againest Napole.ni of
SI Y1OR( CAYIERON'S PAARE.TS.
Incideuts In the Boyhood of the Noted
ýtatesunan.
Simon Cameron's father was a tailor at
Maytown. In those early lays in small set
tlements there were no tailoring establish
ments of great windows, gilded signs, and
four-in-hand coaches. The village tailor,
very much like the village schoolmaster and
circuit-riding preacher, "lived around."
Perhaps twice a year, as a'regular thing, he
took his kit of tools along and went from
house to house, cutting out, and, with the
assistance of the women of the family, mak
ing up the season's garments. LIe was an
industrious man, but the family was numer
ous, the pay small, irregular, and often taken
out in farm products most convenient to the
consumer. Simon Cameron's mother was a
woman of great industry and altnmost phen
omenal resource, but neither the efforts of
the father nor the industry and economy of
the mother availed to hold the Cameron fam
ily together in Maytown on anything like a
comfortable basis. It was not that they were
poor below many of their neighbors, but it
was hard in those days to shelter, feed and
clothe a family. Favorable reports came
down'the Susquehanna from Sunbury, and
Cameron, Sen., determined to make the jour
ney thither and endeavor there to establish
himself in business and his family in a com
tortable home.. It was a long pull from
Maytown to Sunbury in those days. The
trip was made by boat through an almost un
broken wilderness, stopping by the way to
prepare what provisions had been taken with
them, and to add in the way of fresh sup
plies whatever the primitive region might af
ford. At the end of fourteen days and after
many privations, but full of hope, the fami
ly landed at Sunbury, Here Mr. Cameron
sought employment at his trade, and spent a
year at such work as he could find, but with
no satisfying result. In despair of holding
his family together under one roof, Mr.Cam
eron set out for Union county, and the fam
ily were scattered, Simon finding a comfort
able home and a friend in Dr. Grabl, a well
known physician of Sunbury in those early
days.
Worth One's Weight is Gold.
To be "worth one's weight in gold" is a
flattering testimonial of individual worth and
this must be some consolation to the unfor
tunate persons who fall into the hands of bri
gands. It is pointed out by The Lsvant 1ler
ald that the £15,000 paid the other day as a
ransom for Mr. Sutor represents 264 pounds
of gold, whereas that gentleman's weight
pro Dably does not execed 154 pounds; while
211 pounds weight of gold was given tor Col.
Synge, who can be little short of 35 pounds
heavier than Mr. Suter. Statistically consid
ered this is a very striking increase in the
price of human life in the brigand market,
and indicates an alarming increase of confi
dence in those who, in commercial language,
are the detenteurs or holders. It is all the
more striking on looking back to past trans
actions. About 1853 Dr. M'Craith, of Smyr
na, who weighed at that time 145 pounds,
was ransomed from brigands for £400-or 7
pounds weight of gold. In 1867 Mr. Alfred
Fan Lennep, of Smyrna, weighing about 150
pounds, was ransomed for £1,500, or about
26 pounds weight of gold. Thus we see that
in 1853 the brigands could command about
55s. 6d. per pound for their captives, while
in 1867 the price had risen to 200s. a pound.
But this is nothing to the present icrease.
Col. Synge's captors received 1,143s. per
pound, and those of Mr. Suter 1,942s. per
pound. In the hands of brigands a captive
is now worth 1.72 times his weight in gold.
It should, however, be remembered that as
civilization advances human life becomes
more precious, evdn in the eyes of modern
brigands.
] 1i"' I T BiI .I" I F 1JigllIi''' -
* STOCKi BIRANDES.
HENRY KENNERLY,
Range. Teton. Brand on left side. Postoffice
address, Ft. Benton. M. T.
AZ R. S. PRICE,
Range-Judith Basin. Brand on either right or
left ribs. Address Fort Benton. Also owner by pur
chase of the following brands: U on left thigh, for
merly owned by P. D. Kenyon and Char es Lehman;
[12 I on right ribs or right hip, formerly owned by Joe
Gehrett. All persons are hereby warned against using
either of said brands in any way.
JAMES MEREDITH,
HORSES. Range-HIGHWOOD. Brand
on left shoulder. Vent. same, low down on
left shoulder. Postoffice address,
BENTON.
LYON BROS.
1 ORSES. Range UPPER TETON. Brand
on left fore shoulder.
Postoffice, OLD AGENCY.
1iOTICE.
We will herd all Horses entrusted to our care for
one dollar and fifly cents per herd per month. We
will have a House and Corral at the foot of the trail
above George Allis' Ranch, and we will deliver horses
at Hughes City at 50 cents per head.
JAMES E MORAN,
Joa A. L ia.
ESTRAYS.
I, Antoine Bertholet, have two estray horses at the
lakes, between Benton and Arrow Creek, and brand
ed as follows: One iron gray horse, about 4 years old
and branded IYV on left shoulder. One sorrel colt,
yearling: no brand that can be seen. The owner can
havethe horses by proving property and paying costs.
ANTOINE BERTHOLET.
Ft. Benton, May8, 1881.
REINICKE HOUSE,
Sun River Leavings.
This House is situated on tLe Helena and ;Benton
road, just a nice day's drive from Benton, making it
the most conveiient stipping place on the road. It
is kept in flret-class style, and has the very best of ac
cummodations tfor travelers on the road.
Thoroughbred Rams
FOR SALE.
300 Thoroughbred M~rino. Bouthdown and Cots
wold Ranis for sale. These rams are from the flocks
of esme of the best breeders of thoroughbred sheep
in theUnited States. The Merinos were bred by Hon.
George Campbell, of Vermont, and are especially
adapted to the climateaof Montana,. beeause of their
colparatlve freedom from wrinkles and grease or
Our ranch is seven miles from Benton, when we
shal be Dplased to see all parties interested in tbor
of fbred sheep. PARIS G S O4 - SON1.
-", l ort Benton, June 1, 1881.
Choteau House
NEW HOTEL.
Thoroughly Refitted and Newly Furnished,
SULLIVAN & HILL,
Proprietors.
Conducted on first-class principles. Everything new
neat and attractive. Feelin, assured that we can
offer the very best of accommodation, we res
pectfully solicit the patronage of the
public.
PRICES REASONABLFE.
THE LARGEST AND BEST HOTEL IN CHIOTEAU
COUNTY.
CENTENNIAL HOTEL
BENTON, MONTANA.
R. S. CULBERTON,
PROPRIETOR. "
NEW AND CO' FORTABLE ROOMS
With or without fire. The house has been recently
enlarged and new sleeping rooms adried. Board
by the day or week. Special rates given
Regular 'Boarders.
Passengern on Coaches wishing to Stop
at this House will please Inform
the drivers.
THE
RESTAURANT.
YARD & FLANAGAN,
Proprietors.
BOARD BY THE WEEK, $6.
Per Day......................... ......$1 00
Single Meal .. .......................... 50
Three Tickets ............................ 1 00
Having one of the best of cooks, and under the super
vision of Mr. Yard, and buying the very best the
market affords, we can insure to the pub
lic entire satisfaction.
ITlEALS AT ALL HOURS OF THE
DAY OR NIGHT.
POLITE AND ATTENTIVE WAITERS.
We pay the top prices for Game, Poultry, and country
produce.
Cosmopolitan Hotel!
NEW HOUSE,
NEW FURNITURE,
Everythiag Clean, New aid Attractive
Mrs. Beckman, having moved into her new house, is
now fully prepared to receive transient or
regular boarders.
Will Make a Specialty
of always having c'ean, sweet beds, and rooms large
and well ventilated.
FRANKLIN STREET,
Between Baker and Power St.,
WiT. BENTON.
IVMETROPOLITAN HOTEL,
CORNER MAIN AND GRAND STS.,
RELENA. f1. T.
Zimmer & Wolipert, Prop'rs.
NEW, NEAT AND FIRST-0LABS.
Board by the Week.......................S. f 00
Three Meal Tickets ................... ..... 1 00
Lodging......................................... 50
First-Class Beds.
A bar in connection with the house, where fine wines,
liquors and cigars are kept. The patronage of the
public is respectfully solicited.
LARGENT HOUSE,
Sun River Crossing,
ON HELENA A4ND BENTON ROAD
A FIRST-CLASS TABLE,
And Well Furnished Rooms Sufficient for
Any Requirements, at Reasonable
Rates.
Superior Accommodations fobr
Transient Custom.
The Traveling Public may ne assured that people with
families who are visiting Montana for the pur
poses of business or pleasure, and who may
wish to remain for a length of time, will
have better attention and accommo
- dations than they will receive
elsewhere outside of
Helena.
WILLIAM H. ULM,
MA lAGER .
VIRGINIA HOTEL,
Butte, * - Montana.
J. C. Baker, Proprietor
Conducted on the European plan. Meals at all hours.
S Open day andnight.
PALACE PARLORS
Front Street, Fort Benton.
Fin est Tonsorial Parlors
IN THE NOZRTHWIST'
Propraetors.
Messrs. Smith & Spalding respectfully informt
citizens of Benton that they hajve recettly bobugh oul
Mr. Wnm. Foster, an assure the public ntination
of the uniform slll and : courteous attention whicb
is familiar to the habftuesof the place.
JMO. T. 1IlIiP Y, UEL NEEL. W. W. HIGGINS. WM. II. TOID
MURPHY, NEE & CO.
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
Groceries, Wines and Liquors,
CIGARS AND TOBACCO,
Cooking and Heating Stoves, Sheep Tobacco, Wool Sacks and Wool Twine, Tents and Wagon
Covers, Stockmen's, .Miners', Freighters' and Farmers' Supplies.
DRY GOODS,
Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Queens
ware and Furniture.
We keep large and complete lines of all the above mentioned goods, and all kinds of House
Furnishing Goods, and Farmers, Freighters, Miners and Families will do well to
call and examine our goods and get our latest 'prices before laying in their
supplies. Do a general Storage and Commisssion business.
Consignments solicited, and goods forwarded
promptly.
SOHUTTLER WAGONS,
Cortland Platform Spring Wagons and Buggies,
PORTER IRON ROOFINC.
STORAGE AND COMMISSION,
Only Fire-Proof Storage Wiareholus in Fort Benitoin,
Robes, Skins and Furs Bought and Sold.
MUTRPHY, KEEL & 00.
Cor. Front and Benton Streets, FORT BENTON, IM. T.
OCCIDETAL SAL0O
Nick Welch Proprietor.
IFrontStreet, - - - Fort Benton.
H. J. WACKERLIN T. C. POWER & BRO.
H. J. Wackerlin & Co,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS I.%
HARDWARE, BAR IRON, WAGON TI BERS
HORSE isHOES AND NAILS,
Tinware, Stoves, Queensware, Classware, Tin Roofing, and
Sheet Iron Coods of Every Description.
Our Wagon Timbers are of the Best Seasoned Hard Wooda. and consist of all woods uned in building and re
pairing Wagons, Carriages and Buggies. Our stock of Queensware is the largest and most complete
ever brought. to Montana, and comprises every artic e required by hotels and families.,
PLAIN AND FANCY TOILET, DINNER AND TEA SETS,
Cut Glass Bar Tumblers, Plain and Fancy Goblets.
Airb'aailia Soft (C oal .Base Burners,
THE BEST AND ONLY SUOE$ESUL BASE BURNERS IN USE.
TIN COQODS.
Webhave a complete stock of Tin Goods, including Tin roodng, Gitters ani Pines, and will contract to do all
t ks r of Roofing, Reparing, etc. , oods of every deseription Made to Order on short notiCe and
at reasonable prices. We propose to keep one of the .lrgest and best supplied estab
CIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION TO OUR PATRONS.
-I - ....... ..,