The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-25
tspecipl to The Tlmes-Dispatch.)

WASHINGTON, ID. c.. February 24.--
Keen observer Of the proceedings of
Congress and frequent visitor Mt tho
Capitol this session, little less than
twenty years ago a distinguished member
OF the IIotse of Representatives, Perry
Belmont, of the well-known New York
family OF Belmonts. is yet In the prime
or vigorous and alert manhood.
Mr.. Belmont Is spending tho winter
in Washington, mainly in the interest
OF the National Publicity Bill organign-
ton. OF which hc Is the president The
Organization embraces In its membership
some OF the most distinguished citizens
In and out of public life, as well as
trusted leaders in both political parties
who are prominently identified with tho
machinery of party organization.
Mr.. Belmont Is making his longest stay
IN Washington since. In 1sS7-'s0, he
served his fourth consecutive term as
a member OF the House. he has cstnb-
lished for the time one of tho most at
tractlve homes In the national capital,
moro than ever tho winter Mecca of the
republics social devotees. Tho spacious
belmont mansion. overlooking Scott Cir
Gle. is not given wholly to the entertain
ment OF the friends of Mr.. and Mrs. Bel
mont. whose elegant hospitality has
charmed a widening circle of admirers.
for 1t has the masters library, q verita-
BILE workshop in which he finds time to
be an earnest and painstaking student of
affairs OF public concern.
Perry Belmont is the oldest of the
three well-known sons of the famous
first August Belmont, who. In his time.
vas one OF the foremost of American
bankers and who was known far abroad
for his comprehensive knowledge of the
worlds finances. The second son, August.
has immensely expended his interests In
1arious practical directions since he sue
cecded his father in the banking bust
ness. Tho youngest. Oliver Hazard
Perry. was graduated from the United
States Naval Academy, and served two
years in the navy. after which he re-
signed and was for time associated
with his brother August in the banking
business. He was IN politics enough to
attend as delegate the National Demo-
cratic Convention of 900 and was elected
as Democrat to the Fifty seventh Con-
gress.
The OLDEST sen. Perry Belmont. Is re-
markably alive to the progressive po-
litlcal thought of the time, and has par
ticipated In enllghtening efforts to solve
current problems of government in q
way that has, made him potential
leader. fs4t
Perry and August Belmont were gradu
ated from Harvard University. August
Immediately went to his fathers bank.
and eventually succeeded him. Perry
chose for a profession the law. and en-
gagged in Its practice after having been
graduated from the Columbia Law.
School.
Family OF Staunch Democrats.
always been, staunch and consistent
Democrats. The Oldest. August Belmont.
came to this country from Alsace, now
part of the cGerman Empire. his native
town being ,-Azey. where his family had
residence for two hundred years. and.
where his father, Simon Belmont, held an
important civic office by appointment OF
the first great Napoleon Bonaparte. The
father of the Belmonts early allied him
self with the Democratic party and was
appointed BY President Pierce Minister
to the Hague. a delegate to the historic
and eventful National Convention OF
1850, he was twelve years thereafter
chairman OF the National Democratic
Committee. He continued an active and
influential factor In the Democratic State
and national councils, as well as In
large business affairs. until his death.
in 1890.
|, Perry Belmont, imbued with Demo-
cratic doctrine from youth soon demon
strated his individual interest and faith
in the great party. He attended with
his father several OF the national con-
ventions, and was afterward himself re-
peatedly delegate to National Demo-
cratic Conventions.
Perry Belrnont's Public Career.
Mr.. Belmont was elected as n Demo-
crat to the Forty-seventh Congress-; was
re- elected to the Forty eighth. Forty
ninth and Fifteth Congresses, repre-
sentng the old First New York District,
known as the Long Island District"
which embraced the island outside OF
Brooklyn. and also took in station Island
Since his retirement from Congress he
has always represented the old district,
and is now representing 1t. as a member;
Of the New York State Democratic COM
mittee. He has never, been member of
Tammany Hail..
1t was while serving as member of
the State Committee that the idea origi-
mated with him of publicity of campaign
committee contributions and cxpend-
lures. His article on the subject pub
lished year ago in the North American
Review attracted the attention OF
thoughtful men Of both political parties
all over the country, and was the START
Ing point of the publicity movement.
The article received the concentration
of many public men. Mr.. William j.
Bryan wrote the author that copy OF
his article should be placed in the hands
"a J liz y