Page:The Wizard of Wall Street and his Wealth.djvu/23

 others to add to his own, who purchased legislatures at will whenever he had anything to desire from them, and who had absolutely no redeeming traits of character. It will be our effort to show what justification there may be for each opinion. Whatever other merit may be claimed for this modest biography of a rich man, it is certainly to be considered as entirely fair, with no bias for or against its subject, and no inclination to do anything but justice to his memory. No effort has been spared to secure reliable, accurate and exhaustive information on the history and personal characteristics of Jay Gould. Inasmuch as great influence is exerted on every man's life by those business associates most closely connected with him, attention has been given to those other noted financiers whose association with the "wizard" have been the nearest. The ever-present influence of ancestry and immediate family make that subject also an essential one to the true understanding of the man. The history of "Black Friday" and its disastrous consequences are treated in full, also the investigation of the Senatorial Committee and Gould's connection with Missouri Pacific and Western Union. His domestic life, his yacht, his home on the Hudson, his magnificent conservatory, all indications of the spirit and tastes of the man, are also given careful attention.

The early life of such a man must perforce afford an interesting study, and no apology is necessary for a pretty full account of Jay Gould's boyhood, youth and early manhood.