The Peoples' Palace.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3733, 11 February 1891, Page 2

The Peoples' Palace.

Few men live to see their ideas carried out to such an extent as Mr Walter Besant, the author of "All softs and conditions of men." Eight years aftei? the of this book the " People's PaUce " waeoponecJ by the Queen. So much for the force of example that New York is going to hs vc ft People's Palace, and it is, of 1 )0 <■"« biggest thing of the sort in the world. It may weii oc oC, seeiDg that the funds for its ejection are to come from the vast wealth of the Vanderbilts, who have commissioned the erection of the structure. It is to be ou the lines of our Palace in East London, which owes its existence to Mr Walter Besant, and is to

cost 100,000d015., perhaps twice the amount. The history of the origin of the Palace is a curious one, if it be correct. Some years ago it is said that Cornelius Vanderbilt had a short time to spare while waiting for a train, and spent it by going into a chapel hard by where it chanced a young man named Greer was preaching. Vanderbilt was go much impressed wich the ability of the preacher that he made him the almsoner of the sum dispensed in charity by the family each year, amounting it is said to 100,000dols. The New York People's Palace is this young man's idea, and all the arrangements lor its erection have been left in his hands.