The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-09-21

SSEaNS>A-S golden ancestral oaks
that have sprung from
Eyropean- seedlings were feeble and un-
developed at the time of their trans
plantation. That of the Belmonts was
vigorous and already well rooted.
The respective progenitors of the new
world strains of the Belmonts and the
Astors were strangely alike in some of
their American beginnings. Both of
them were Germans, born in villages
less than a hundred miles apart. Each
Of them, came to America in the year
of his majority. Both, of them had
tried to obtain a foothold in other
places and had not been satisfied with
the prospect. When John Jacob Aston
landed in Baltimore his only posses
sions were few decrepit and primi-
tive pianofortes of the day in sections,
which he put together and offered for
sale. He had tried to sell them in
London, but he had not succeeded. The
MaryIanders were equally slow in their
appreciation of the young Germans
stock, and he was almost desperate
when the golden opportunity to ex-
change his shopworn outfit for furs
knocked at his door. Then followed
the removal to New York and the slow
Iabofious accumulation OF the twenty
millions.
August Belmont the elder came to
America as the financial exponent of
the most potent money influence in the
werId-the house of Rothschild. That
he had succeeded at his age in con-
vincing the heads of that house of his
fitness for the mission is one of the
most remarkable events that could
happen in the career of any man. No
one had ever accomplished it before him,
and no one since his day has been
equally successful. 1t adds greatly to
his reputation to learn that he alone
was responsible for his phenomenal
rating at this most prudent and con-
sentative banking house.
His early life is involved in obscurity
-an obscurity which he made no effort
to tighten. It is known, however, that
he was of the humblest peasant origin
and that he entered the Hamburg bank
ing establishment of the Messrs Roths-
child in mental capacity. At the age
of sixteen he had arrived at the dignity
of a full f1edged copying clerk. There
was not man in the establishment who
perceived in him the financial astute-
ness which slumbered in his youthful
brain. He was merely August the
copying clerk, who could write a fair
hand if he chose, but who was repri-
nanded sometimes for not doing so.
ne WAS discovered suddenly ana Dy
accident. The Rothschilds had been
asked by the Italian government to
finance a scheme which would probably
lead to war even though it might final
" lead to the unification of Italy. There
were numerous complications and the
matter involved the most careful and
thorough investigation as well as the
exercise of almost superhuman judg-
nlent- There was a difference of opinion
among the heads of the family, and
they had all been summoned to Frank
fort for a final consultation.
The conference between the mighty
brothers was held in the little parlor
at the rear of the bank, and it was long
and earnest. The bankers had not fin
ished their discussion at the close of
the business day. The bank was closed
and the various employees went to their
homes Night approached. but no one
came to light the lamps. The Frank
fort Rothschild went to the door which
opened into the bank and called loudly
for light AS luck would have it young
Belmont had remained to copy a folio
that he had spoiled at the first trial
He came forward with alacrity and
proceeded to light the lamps, the bank
ers resumins their discussion without
reference to his presence.
The brothers We're divided in their
opinions. The French and English