The Daily News. THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 1919. FROM MILL HAND TO MULTIMILLIONAIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 August 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 1919. FROM MILL HAND TO MULTIMILLIONAIRE.

By the death of Mr Andrew Carnegie, there has passed away one of the most remarkable men that the industrial world has ever known. There are many notable cases where men have started on the lowest rung of the ladder of life and climbed to fame and fortune, but no more striking illustration has been afforded of this class of climber than in the ease of the multi-millionaire Andrew,

Carnegie. It is quite probable that had he remained in Scotland, where he was born, he might have passed liis life in ■ an average sphere of active and successful Avork, Invl. his unusual organising powers would have found no scope. Fortunately for him, his family went to America in May, 1848 and settled at Pittsburg, where the future millionaire commenced his life work in a cotton mill, followed by becoming pro- j ficient in telegraphy, and the same qualities which enabled him to rise to the position of superintendent: h. that service were evident throughout his long career. The viastery of detail, the acquisition snd practical application of the technical knowledge of his Avork, the possession of exceptional organising power, and the peculiar instinct for grasping opportunities landed Carnegie in 1860 on the high road to a prosperity that commenced with the formation of the Pullman Palace Car Company and the managership of the Pittsburg division of the Pennsylvania railroad. Then came, in 186S, the founding of the Union Mills for manufacturing steel rails, and from that time onward he became the great American stcelmaster, absorbing one set of Avorks after another and forming them eventually into "The American Steel Trust." This consolidation took thirty-three years to accomplish, but meanwhile Carnegie Avas making millions and using his vast financial resources to become a "Steel King." "With regard to his methods, there is no question that they'savor of trust tactics as Ave knoAV them to-day, but they served Carnegie's purpose, and it is difficult to see how otherwise he could have achieved his materialistic ambition, though if, meant, crushing out the. weaker m'en and dragging the last ounce out of his Avorkers at the cheapest rate. Never was there more conclusive proof of the truth of the adage | that "money makes money," and though Ave may deprecate the avidity Avhich Avas the dominating factor of his life, Ave are forced to pay a tribute to the other factors Avherebv Carnegie's attainment to exceptional 'wealth was made possible. Having become a multimillionaire, Andmv Carnegie began to turn his attention to the role of philanthropist, and to scatter his millions with a prodigal hand, giving to libraries alone ten millions sterling, while being a generous donor to university and other educational funds. Possibly the most striking of all his gifts wa.fi the creation of the Dumferline Trust, with an annual income of £25,000 "to be used in attempts to bring into the monotonous lives of the toiling masses of Dumferline (his birthplace) more of sAveetness and light," and this princely endowment was followed by another sum of £250.000 It is Avorthy of note that AA'hile the "toiling masses" of Dumferline. Avho had in no Avay contributed to the amassing of his exceptional Avealth, were the object of his solicitude, the "toiling masses" of Pittsburg by avliosc brawn and sineAv that wealth. Avas largely made do not, appear to have found a place in his scheme of philanthrophy, possibly because it might savor of conscience money. Among his other schemes there are two which stand out as being exceptional in nature—the building of a palace of peace at The Hague, and the founding of a Hero Fund for rewarding and providing for tin families of those Avho perform anv heroic act,. It is certain that the expenditure of a portion of his vast wealth during his lifetime gave Mr Carnegie much satisfaction, yet it Avill greatly interest the curious people of the world to learn lioav many of his millions Avere unexpended at the time of his death, and to what extent his only child (a daughter) benefits beyond the fortune Avliich she already possesses. Carnegie and his millions have formed a theme of world wide interest, ami the. termination of a life which has been extended to eighty-fail' 1 ■years will again bring bis remarkable personality and success into prominence. No country but America could produce such a man or give such scope for his peculiar poAveVs. Opinions may differ as to his methods, but there can be no, question that he can be regarded as an object'lesson in forceful uprising 011 tlie ladder of life, and in business organisation and efficiency, and. that his name will be handed down to posterity more as a philanthropist, than as the organiser of one of those gigantic, American Trusts which are feared as a menace among the nation.