August Belmont Sr. was a German-American financier, diplomat, and politician. He served as Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 1860 to 1872. He was also a thoroughbred racehorse owner and the founder and namesake of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown of American Thoroughbred horse racing.
The Kings of Wall Street, an 1882 print of Belmont standing, second from right. The others, left to right: Cyrus W. Field, Russell Sage, Rufus Hatch, Jay Gould, Sidney Dillon, D. O. Mills, William Henry Vanderbilt, George Wm. Ballou, and James R. Keene.
Belmont entered politics as a leading supporter of James Buchanan for president in 1852 and 1856.
Belmont was an aggressive advocate for the annexation of Cuba, proposing a plan to pressure Spain into giving up the island which included diplomatic pressure, financial leverage, and bribery. His lobbying eventually led to the Ostend Manifesto.
September 1868 Thomas Nast cartoon "This is a White Man's Government!" showing left to right a stereotyped Irishman (perhaps representing the Democratic Party), an ex-Confederate soldier (Nathan B. Forrest), and a capitalist (Belmont) "triumphing" over a prostrate USCT soldier on the ground.
Democratic National Committee
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is the principal committee of the United States Democratic Party. The committee coordinates strategy to support Democratic Party candidates throughout the country for local, state, and national office, as well as works to establish a "party brand". It organizes the Democratic National Convention held every four years to nominate candidates for President and Vice President of the United States and to formulate the party platform. While it provides support for party candidates, it does not have direct authority over elected officials. When a Democrat is president, the White House controls the Committee. According to Boris Heersink, "political scientists have traditionally described the parties’ national committees as inconsequential but impartial service providers."
Chicago delegation to the January 8, 1912 Democratic National Committee
Image: Robert Milligan Mc Lane engraving, 1883
Image: David A. Smalley
Image: Augustus Schell
