abbling of a misfit Wall Street crown chafing a generous pair of ears,
blurted out: "Mr. Rogers will vote on this question after we have talked
on it."

In a voice that those who heard it say sounded like a rattlesnake's hiss
in a refrigerator, Rogers replied: "All meetings where I sit as director
vote first and talk after I am gone."

It is said, and from my knowledge of these and after-events I believe
with truth, that this occurrence was the spark that started the terrific
explosion in United States Steel, for not long afterward some unknown
and mysterious power began that formidable attack on Steel stock which
left Wall Street full of the unattached ears, eyes, noses, breastbones,
and scalps of hordes of financial potentates and their flambeau
carriers. Whether or not Mr. Rogers was the instigator of this movement
no man, of course, can positively state, but I can vouch for the fact
that about this time he displayed, when talking "Steel" affairs with
intimates, a most contemptuous bitterness against "King Charlie" and
certain of his associates.

At sixty-five Henry H. Rogers is probably one of the most
distinguished-looking men of the time; tall and straight, and as
well-proportioned and supple as one of the beautiful American elms which
line the streets of his native town. He was born in Fairhaven, a fishing
village just over the bridge from the great whaling port, New Bedford.
He comes of stalwart New England stock; his father was a sea-captain,
and his lot, like that of most of the sons of old New England seaport
towns, was cast along those hard, brain-and-body-developing lines which,
beginning in the red village school-house, the white meeting-house, and
the yellowish-grayish country store, end in unexpected places, often, as
in this instance, upon the golden throne of business royalty.

Mr. Rogers' part in the very early days of Standard Oil was that of
clerk and bookkeeper. He makes no secret that when he had risen to the
height of $8 a week wages he felt as proud and confident as ever in
after-life when for the same number of days' labor it was no uncommon
occurrence to find himself credited with a hundred thousand times that
amount.

All able men have some of God's indelible imprints of greatness. This
man's every feature bespeaks strength and distinction. When he walks,
the active swing of his figure expresses power--realized, confident
power. When at rest or in action his square jaw tells of fighting