, 1890-11-25
A GREAT BANKER DEAD.
Death From Pneumonia of
August Belmont.
Financier, Sporting Man and
Politician.
Brief Sketch of His Remarka-
BILE Career.

NEW YORK, Nov. 24.-AuRust Bel
mont died at 3 this morning.
Belmont's banking house is closed. On
the door is posted a notice of the bankers
dea:h. Death resulted from a severe
cold. He was IA years old.
The cause of death was pneumonia, re-
sulting from a cold caught during the
recent horse show. The Junior partner
of the hrm said today that the business of
the great banking house would be con
tinued as before. Belmont's loss will be
felt in racing circles as much as In the
financial world, he always having been an
enthusiastic lover of thoroughbreds. As
a politician Belmont was active in the
councils of the Democratic national party.
He was born in Alley. Germany. in 1916
and came TO New York as agent for the
Rothschilds at the early age CT 81, estab-
fishing the great banking business which
has continued ever sinse.
Mr.. Belmont has been termed the man
of letters, millionaire banker. famous as
an art connoisseur, an enthusiastic sports-
man, and one of fhe leaders of American
oOClClf. - was OOiu uhOu HIS ldlutT B
farm in one of the small villages near
Frankfort, Germany.
He received a thorough commercial
training as a school boy. and after finish
ing a full course of studies he WAS sent to
Frankfort, where at the age OF Is, he en-
tered a prominent banking house as office
boy. His first duties consisted OF sweep
ing, cleaning, running errands and other
work of the kind.
In 1888 young Belmont was sent TO
Naples, where the Rothchilds had large
financial Transactions with the papal and
bourbon governments. He was then al
most a lad, but SO thoroughly convinced
were his employers in his ability as a care
full and intelligent tnancier that they in
trusted him with this delicate mission.
Three years later the Rothchilds had i'm
portant monetary interests with Cuba,
which in 1887 was involved in a war with
the Iberians. August Belmont was or
dered by his employers to leave the sunny
skies of Italy and proceed to Havana.
He did so reluctantly.
While at the sea memorable and dis
astrous panic of 1887 took place in this
city. When he arrived here he ascer-
tanned that several of the houses connect
ed with his firm had failed. He also dis
covered hat his employers interests IN
this city had been indifferently represent
ed. He determined TO sever his coLnec-
ton with the old and princely banking
house. His resignation was quickly dis
patched to Europe, and received with
much regret.
Mr.. Belmont rented n small office in
Wall street from a Mr.. Gerard, and in
those limited quarters he laid the tounda-
ton of a house which has since become
one of the wealthIest and most honorable
In the financial world.
In 1874 he was appointed consul gen
eral for Austria IL this city. He served
in this position for five years, and only re-
linquished his office on account of his
sympathies with the HunVarians. In
1858 he was appointed American min
lister to Holland, and his services in that
old Dutch city are recorded as unexcep-
tlonsl
When 80 years of age he met the then
famous beauty, Miss Perry, daughter of
Commodore Perry, the hero of Lake Erie.
After a short courtship they were mar
ried. Mr.. Belmont's domestic life has
been most felicitous. He has gathered
about him four sons aud a daughter. The
Hon. Perry Belmont. the fiery young
congressman, who two years ago greatly
disturbed the "Plumed Knight from
Maine, Is his son.
August Belmont has been invariably
looked upon as a'leader of fashion and IN
the affairs OF chivalry ranks with the pink
of etiquette, Lord Chesterfield. 1t Is
stated that one evening, many years since,
while seated in the Old Park theater he
noticed an offered insult to a young lady
who was seated near him. He iuterfered
in a quiet and courteous way and was
quickly invited to meet his antagonist at
dawn. Pistol shots were exchanged and
Mr.. Belmont was seriously wounded in
his hip.
In 1850 Mr.. Belmont, then in a posi-
ton to crafty his inclination for the iue
arts, bought a collection of old Dutch and
Spanish paintings, for which he quietly
laid down $500, 600. These paintings,
however, form but a small minority, both
in regard to value and number. of the
collection which he has since accumulated.
His graceful aud daring Workmanship