Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1858-06-30

brown Price, Reed, f,son Campbell,
1ilrhmaun. Wharton tndwnladpr lngur-
soil, Scott llubbell rorkins, Bayaid, and
several hundred equally distinguished and
Of an political opinions.
On retiring from The Shcrill's office, Mr..
Porter resumed the practice Of the law, in
Philadelphia. and continued II with sue
cess for fifteen or sixteen years, and until
his appointment 10 the bench, Ills sue
ccss which was almost unprecedented,
might have been expected from his ability,
industry, and legal knowledge,
In lSlg the trustees Of the lste Bank OF
the United States selected him as their
counsel Some of hi. opponents, We see,
abuse him as the solicitor of the bank.
/ This was not so. lie was counsel of the
/ trustees, who were hostile to the former
managers Of the bank, and were engaged
i'm suits against many Of them. This ap-
.pointmcnt, which brought him in contact
with lawyers in nearly every county in the
United States and many Of the cities Of
Europe added to his practice. Several hun
drod thousand dollars were thus collected,
and in the end the notes and deposits OF
the Bank were paid in full, principal and
interest Ia result at first wholly uncXpec-
ted, and the remainder of the assets were
distributed among the other claimants.
In 1856. when the finances Of Philadel-
Ipha, had been greatly yreduced, and vigor-
Gus effort to overthrow the dominant party
had been determined on, Mr.. Porter was
selected as the Democratic candidate for
City Solicitor, and the ticket was elected
10y large majority. His skilful, energct-
"a, inl in, hat ~
lis well known. His letter to Councils,
composed Of a majority Of his own party,
in which he refused to interfere at their
request, in n case pending in court, was
generally read and applauded by men of
all parties,
When Judge Knox resigned from the
bench of the Supreme Court, Governor
! Packer, in accordance with the wishes
of the party throughout the State, appoint
ed Mr.. Porter to his present position; and
the convention which assembled at Harris
! burg on the fourth Of March last, confirmed
( this selection by an almost unanimous
vote.
Such has been his political and profess
siOnal course. His life has not, however,
been wholly devoted to professional occu-
|patiOns. At college he exhibited much
J literary taste. His address before our lit
orary societies, in 1913, were highly in
Structiye. We remember also his deliver
ing an address before the Law Academy
/ Of Philadelphia, of which he was one of
the prevosts, but the subject has escaped
us. His most successful publication is his
work on the character Of Judge Gibson,
who il seems from the preface, showed him
] Il, L
was extensively noticed by the reviews
! Throughout the country, and had rapid
sale.
lie has been engaged in other labors
somewhat peculiar for q lawyer He was
several years one Of the managers Of the
American Sunday School Union, and a
member of the committee of publication.
In this capacity he selected, supervised,
or assisted in the publication of some of
the important treatiscs published by that
institution, which have cxcrtcd so much
influence on the minds Of the young
Throughout the country.
In private life the character Of Judge
i Porter is without blot. In his deport-
ment and disposition he is frank and cor
dial. In private charity he is liberal to a
fault. As an advocate he was exceedingly
clear and forcible The books are full OF
his arguments. OF his fidelity to clients,
the citizens Of this county, of whose bust
ness in Philadelphia he had the almost OK
elusive charge, require nothing to be said:
and besides a safe adviser, they have al
ways found him a courteous and hospita-
bic gentleman. Asa judge VIC are told he
leans much toward the common law, and
that his views are very conservative. In
religion he is Presbyterian. In politics
he was, when he was here, and always has
been a Democrat. As a judge, he may,
and probably does, suppose it improper to
take any cart in the political questions
now under discussion, but those who knew
him best are sure that he will be found at
all times on the side of the right.-Easton
| Sentinel