Williamsburgh Word Portraits, No. 6
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WILLIAMSBURGH WORD PORTRAITS.
By Apelles.—No. 6.
PORTRAIT No. 16
Tall, thin, smooth-shaven; stoops a little in walking, but raises his face to look at you, as if accustomed to wear spectacles. Enjoys life as well or better than most men. Is mixed up with money all the time, but never worships it, nor makes it the sole subject of his thoughts and hopes. Has got a mildly despotic way about him which seems unable to brook the possibility of any one else differing from him in opinion. Is about the best financier, and about the poorest politician, in the Burgh; and withal is one of the most justly respected inhabitants. Though past the meridian of life, retains a buoyancy and juvenility of spirit which make him a most interesting companion. Holds a position which brings him into contact with nearly every business man in the district, but has yet to hear the first harsh word uttered respecting him. Is tolerant in his judgment of others—more ready to believe good than evil of his fellows. Belongs to the old school, and sometimes seems disposed to grudge the young men all the influence they aspire to in public matters. Is rather difficult to convince, when he takes a notion into his head. Long may he live to hold the purse strings of the district, and to temper by his own good nature the more repulsive qualities of some of those for whom he acts.
PORTRAIT No. 17
Middle size; rapid walk; hard lines indented on the countenance, which is ever and anon diversified—not relaxed—by a smile which bodes more good opinion of himself than goodwill to others. Clothes black, ill-brushed, pitch-forked on, as if time was too valuable to be wasted in personal adornment. Conversation loud, rapid, sounding like the chinking of successive metallic dollars being counted out. A man literally self-made, sedentary, self-denying, studious, pertinacious, indefatigable— invaluable as an ally, implacable as an opponent, incapable of being a friend. Rigid in his views and principles, as methodic in his plans. An Ishmael from the necessity of his mental conformation, the pursuit of his wrangling profession is to him a pleasure. He is a living, walking controversy. He dissents from his dominie in theology, from his political party in their local policy, from the city authorities in their municipal management, and from the Legislature in their special acts. Always has a grievance—perpetually is after some body or other with a sharp stick. Has a keen nose for abuses, particularly when they affect his own pocket or comfort. Labors incessantly to promote schemes of great public utility, provided they inure to his special benefit. Bestows no confidence, and solicits none; always leaves the impression on your mind that he has an ax to grind whose edge you cannot see, and towards which therefore you had better assume a defensive position.
PORTRAIT No. 18
He is of average height, enlarged circumference, and middle age. Belongs to a profession, which, next to the law and the press, has furnished the largest quota to the ranks of statesmen, in this country at least. My school boy reminiscences are not of the brightest—in fact I look on the guides of the rising generation mainly as ogres and witches, employed to frighten naughty children into speechless terror for long consecutive hours. But I should make an exception of this man. Those children are fortunate who are under the care of such a preceptor. His ample good-humored countenance would relieve them from the alarm which so many pedagogues are apt to inspire in the youthful mind. His imperturbable good nature would make allowance for juvenile delinquencies, while his capacious, well stored mind, ample experience and administrative tact, are admirably adapted to qualify him for qualifying them for the duties of life. It is all very well to enlarge, as orators often do, on the dignity and responsibility of the educational vocation; but for my part I would prefer to see my subject in a wider and more public sphere of usefulness than that afforded even by a first class Public School. Many men might replace him there who could not begin to rival him in the other departments of usefulness for which his varied talents and considerable abilities have fitted him.