The Steel King’s Palace.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue VII, 14 February 1903, Page 456

The Steel King’s Palace.

'l'liis is the magnificent new mansion that Mr Charles M. Schwab, the highestsalaried man on earth, is to occupy. The ablest architect whose services could be obtained has devoted his time and talent for months to the task set for him by Mr Schwab. The result is a palace for prince and pauper alike to wonder at and —no doubt —envy. Mr Schwab’s mansion will cost several millions of dollars by the time it is completed. This amount he will not think about with as much concern as the average housewife the winter’s coal bill. The splendid residence will have for its master an extraordinary man in more ways than one. He has made his mark with brilliant might of brain and energy. Mr Schwab is but forty years old. and he began life as a grocer s boy at 10/ per week. Mr Schwab was made president five wars ago of the Carnegie Steel Company. with an interest in the business* besides his £lO,OOO yearly salary — as much as President Roosevelt is getting for taking care of Cncle Sam’s family. Last year, when the United States Steel Corporation absorbed the company, he was made president, with a stlary of £200.000. His interest in the business now amounts to some £5,000,000. He has control of 45.000 men. The Schwab mansion adds another monument to mental industry in America. where a grocer’s boy may become tb<* highest-salaried man in the world. It will be one of New York’s show palaces. The block of ground occupied cost Mr Schwab £173,000 a year ago.

There are four imposing facades. The mansion overlooks the Hudson River, and a splendid stretch of country. The art gallery is in the north-west wing, overlooking Seventy-fourth-street. The natatarium is located in the basement between the wings, and the chapel and music-room are in the rear of the main building, and are surmounted by a tower and belfry containing chimes. A lodge will be built, sunken below the surface so as to become part of the landscape effect. In this lodge will be located all the boilers and machinery of the house. The landscape effect along the Hudson will be especially elaborate. Gardeners from abroad will be called upon to plan for the magnificent lawn, one of the finest in the United States. There is an impressively grand stairease. At the head of the first landing is the entrance to the music-room. A beautiful colonnade is a feature of the second floor. Truly palatial are the effects throughout the halls. The grand staircase is two and one-half storeys in height. The gallery and colonnade extends around the second floor, and all the rooms open from this hallway. A lunette of striking beauty occupies a place below the arched ceiling over the music-room. There is a well-equip-ped gymnasium; there is a Turkish bath system. On the second floor are the principal bedrooms and conservatory, while the third floor is for guests, and the fourth for servants. There is a roof garden and also a look out tower. As for the furnishings, the rarest and costliest of everything that the artists of the world can produce will be purchased and placed in this modern Alladdin’s palace.