The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-08-07
0BITUAR Y.
David r.. Porter.

Ex Governor David r. Porter, OF Pennsyl-
vanta died at his residence at Harrisburg yes
terday afternoon. The later years Of his life
were spent in retirement from political affairs,
and in the management of his extensive busi-
ness interests as an iron manufacturer. He
had the reputation Of being q man OF much
private worth, was Democrat in politics. and
during the last winter, Notwithstanding his age
being then in his seventy ninth year-he was
offered the Collectorship of the Port of
Philadelphia by President johnson, but was
rejected by the Senate In his earlier years
he was prominent in the public affairs
OF this State. he served as member of
both branches of the Pennsylvania Legislature,
and was twice Governor of the State, being the
first executive officer of the COMMONWEALTH
elected under the Constitution of 1888. He was
inaugurated on the llth of January, 1889, being
elected over Joseph Ritner, the Wing candl.
date by a majority of 5496 votes, Charges OF
lrregalarlJy In the election in Philadelphia
county gave occasion for much feeling in the
organization of the Legislature, and disgraoeful
as the "Buckshot war" were the consequences.
These ditheulties were the occasion of a proola-
nation from Governor RiJner, calling out the
appeals for United States troops for the
same same purpose; The documents trans trans,
of Representatives, in answer to a resolution
asking the President to communicate to the
douse Information respecting the call for an
armed force OF United States troops by the
Governor of fPennsylvania, are interesting read
ing at this day. Among these We're communl'
SoNOhs hOln Ju6 laJe 6eneral H. v. ouhnO4t
then captain of dragons at Carlisle Barracks,
and j. Paulding, the author, at that time
secretary OF the Navy, the former refusing 10
senu troops because the disturbances proceeded
from Polltlcal differences, the people, to man,
going In support of their leaders, and both
IL was feared by the friends of Mr..
Forter that his Inauguration would De
prevented by force and IL was alleged
mat Governor Ritner would hold over
lor another term but in the high state OF polltl-
cal excitement, the bitterness of which Is not
even yet forgotten, each party was liable TO mis-
Judge the intentions of the other. Calm ana
ulspassionate counsels could easily have ar"
ranged The dihculttes but the crlmlnaLlonS
ana denominations OF the friends OF the rival
legislatures organized at Harrisburg gave occa-
sion Ior one OF the most remarkable episodes IN
our political history, that is at once satire on
our institutions and a warning against Ghe
hangers OF passion and prejudice. Thaddeus
stevens was member of the Legislature ana
Hhader S9e leader OF the Wings, and, on his motion,
elected Speaker OF the House, but the Demo-
crats, aided by few members OF the wing
LaIly, organized what was called the "aopklns
pTancn OF the Legislature" )" and elected William
hoPhlns speaker. At length an agreement was
aTi MtNea az by which both Speakers resigned;
message ofthe Governor, principally devoted TO
w 5ne late unhappy differences, was received MI
@otefens @ was called by his opponents "the ora
oie any. am conscienee-keeper of Governor kltner'
ILL t1 DoSn ~ NC ana Governor Porter were bhe %,
yeS,uss OF much obloquy from their respective
political enemies, the dominant faction In the
case u nlr' SIeYens even going so far as 10 ue-
PIiVo hlih OF MS seat IN the Legislature anu
oFoeI F a new election. The second Inauguration
ol HOHertnor Porter was not attended by any
wise ana temperate.