Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1866-06-30
FRoTH, OR THE BFFERvEsENCE OF
PORTER.

PORTER.
The columns of the Miltonian last week,
were somewhat illuminated with remarka-
BILE production from the pen of John Porter.
AS the article was intended as reply to
our structures on his actions as President of
the convention of school delegates, to elect
County Superintendent, we feel constrained
to notice it, even at the expense of adding
to the notoriety of one whose opinions are
as harmless for good or evil, as they are un-
important to the public.
Mr. Porter claims exemption from criti-
cism on the ground that he is private citi-
zen. We con assure Mr.. Porter that the
actions or opinions of John Porter per Sc are
not of sufficient Importance to disturb any
one. Had not the Convention conferred
upon him little brief authority, we should
not have deemed his actions or opinions
worthy of notice. 1t was not the action of
John Porter that we commented upon but
the action of the President of the Conven-
tion. But Mr. Porter has an idea that lie
is a somewhat remarkable man, which, in
some respects, is undoubtedly true His
article under consideration shows this. 1t
is, however, only rehash of similar opin-
ions expressed by him in the Office of Judge
Jordan, few days previous. We there in
formed Mr. Porter that his statements did
not tally with the statements of other citizens
present-and we preferred believing them
to him-that his opinion of us or any one
else, was matter of very little consequence,
and could injure no one where he was best
known. Mr.. Porter did not consider this
complimentary, and became ve element on the
subject of liars; and went on to say that if
he hated anything outside of HI, it was
liar. We confess we were somewhat sur
prised, as well as amused, at the cool assu-
rance of MIR. Porter in making such decla-
ration, and we thought, by the twinkle in
the Judges eye, that he also enjoyed the
joke. There is an old adage, IL at it takes
all kinds of people to make world, and
MIR. Porter is unquestionably ont of them.
If his genius is not of that stamp, tnat made
Washington great or JEFF. Davis infamous,
it gave him at least the ascendency in his
own sphere of action. .....
Mr.. Potter is member of the Bar in this
county, as every one who attends Court is
presumed to know. unless he is blind, or
deaf as an adder. In stature and appearance
MIR. Porter has been reminded that he bore
some remote resemblance to Henry CLAY. In
intellect there was supposed to be slight
difference. In manners, had he been cotem-
poraneous with Chesterfield, he might have
figured as character, if not as q model, in
the works of that accomplished nobeman.
In logic he would have astonished, if not
overwhelmed Webster. There are some
things, however, that Mr.. Porter should
never attempt. He should never undertake
to discuss the principles Of moral philoso-
ply. Although Paley was successful it does
not follow that he would succeed in a sub
ject SO uncongenial to his nature. As a
lawyer, MIR. Porter entertains some views,
perhaps, peculiar to himself. His great and
well-known hatred of liars has so shaken
his faith in human testimony that he rarely
believes any one on oath, unless his testi.
mony is on the right side. 1t is for this rea-
son, it is supposed, that he has adopted the
practice of dispensing with witnesses in all
cases where the swearing can be done as
we'll, and perhaps better, by the attorney.
This kind of practice, it is proper to say, does
not meet the appreciation of tie members of
the Bar, generally, and Mr.. Porter enjoys a
monopoly of the business.
We are always ready to correct errors, and
our columns are always open to any one ag-
grieTed by Incorrect statements on our part
for any reply couched in proper and respect
ful language. This is all gentleman of in
telligence can ask of an editor. Mr.. Porter
says he was not at Harrisburg. In this I'M
important fact our informant may have been
mistaken. But in regard to the other facts
stated there is nothing to invalidate their
truth, but the mere assertion of Mr.. Porter.