CHAPTER X. LYMAN J. GAGE. Whatever of strength the man had in him will lie written in tar work he does.”—Carlyle. Lyman J. Gage, who was President of the World's Columbian Exposition in its formation period, has a national reputation as a banker and financier. It is said that he has been successful in all his undertakings; a prosperity that is encouraging to every youth in America. The character, habits and mental activity of a man who has gained the applause of his business colleagues and fellow citizens, are always eagerly studied by the observer of human progress. You may in vain scan the features of an individual in order to know his peculiar characteristics; for many have tried to find the key to the physiognomy, but meeting with as much failure as success, conclude that there is a law, concealed from human knowledge, that is so subtle in its design regarding human nature that it is usually called 冂だった chance, a term that is meaningless only to the scientist, who knows that it expresses what he cannot solve. Mr. Gage has a face indicative of intellectual strength, earnestness of purpose, and the ability to execute his plans. He may bear the mark of a successful man, but the expression of thoughtfulness is too indelibly stamped in his countenance, and too apparent in his surroundings, to believe him a selfish one. He is not one of the millionaires of the country, a proof of his legitimate business methods and benevolent disposition. However, he is well provided with worldly goods; and no one accuses him of tampering with the markets, or making combinations with fashionable Trusts." Humors or witticisms of that sort he would not approve; "corners" he considers, usually, not fair play, and gambling he no doubt regards as superstitious idleness. Born in 1836, Mr. Gage has had an opportunity to witness the various events and calamities of the nation; and of the rise and downfall of institutions and individuals, he has been a keen observer. Being a resident of Chicago since 1855, he is familiar with the remarkable financial growth, and history of this far famed city, at the same time, he has been the recognized leader in the profession of banking. Before he was elected president of the First National Bank, his present position, he served eleven years as cashier in the Merchants' Loan and Trust Company's Bank. This long experience, together with his natural talent, has eminently fitted him for the management of the second largest banking institution in the world, Dur An able writer on financial subjects says: "Fortunately for Chicago, after the great fire and the panic, but especially after the panic, Mr. Gage's comprehensive mind and admirable courage led him to see that Chicago, as an important center, still had a splendid basis for banking, and he acted accordingly. ing the western course of the tornado panic of 1873 Mr. Gage was neither weak-kneed, vascillating nor mean. He believed in his customers and depositors, and they believed in him. His courage and humanity in that dreadful trial of men's souls will ever be remembered by the mercantile community of Chicago with pride and gratitude. Alike in the meetings |