Page:The Wizard of Wall Street and his Wealth.djvu/246

 CHAPTER XVI.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF JAY GOULD.

Much of the interest in the life and career of Mr. Gould is in regard to his personal characteristics and qualifications, and much that is to be learned from his life is to be gained from the study of the same circumstances. The varying opinions regarding him are perhaps more widely different than those concerning any other great financier. As has been said, there are those who see in him all that was ideal in the character of a powerful money monarch. There are more whose criticisms can not be made too scathing, whose denunciations can not be made too strong. In an impartial history, all such opinions must be represented.

It is a relief to turn from the record of Gould's public career to the contemplation of his private life. As has already been said, in all his domestic relations Gould was a model man. He had no habits but that of hard work and home enjoyments. He did not use tobacco in any form. He rarely, if ever, sipped a glass of wine. Social scandal never attached to his name. He loved his home. When not in his office he was with his family. He owned a box at the opera, but when he attended his family always accompanied him. He belonged to no social