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Belmont (AUGUST an American banker born) (II)

AUGUST, an American banker, born in New York City, Feb. 18, 1853; son of the preceding. He was graduated at Harvard University in 1875; at once entered his father's banking house, and on the death of his father became head of the firm of August Belmont & Co. In February, 1900, he organized the Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company to back John B. Mc- Donald, who had been awarded the $35,- 000,000 contract for the construction of a rapid transit system in New York City.

He was president of the National Civic Federation (1905-1906); chairman Interborough Consolidated Corporation and Interborough Subway Construction Co. (1911); and a director in numerous other companies. He has taken an active interest in politics on the Democratic side, acting at times as treasurer of the National Committee. He was chairman of the Jockey Club and one of the most active and prominent supporters of horse racing and breeding in the United States. In 1910 he married Eleanor Robson, a well-known Anglo-American actress.