The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-06
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
AdOIph Il. DOrIe, the Secretary of the
Navy,


was born in this city in the month of November,
1909 His fa'her was Frenchman by birth,
named j. j. Borie who came from Bordeaux to
this city, and was extensively engaged here in
mercantile pursuits, and died about the
year 1885. He received his education
at the University of Pennsylvania. in this city,
which institution he entered at the age o. fifteen.
and at twenty'four be went to Paris, where he
Europe he returned to Philadelphia, entering
into business with his father as member of
the firm OF ]. J. Bore q Son, under which
style the firm was continued until 1888, about
three years after his fathers death. Then he
became associated with the late General
Bohlen, who was killed during the
war, under the style OF Borie Bohlen. ln
lS4l the style of the 6rm was changed to Borie
Trott, and subsequently, to that OF Mexican,
Borie & Co., of No. l53 Dock street, as general
importers, engaged in the Mexican, West and
East Indies, and Canton trade. In l847 he was
elected President of the Bank OF Commerce.
but rehnquished the position in 1860, to take a
trip 10 Europe for the sake of his health. In his
business relations, by display of tact, Judg-
ment. and business capacity, he has succeeded
in amassng large fortune. Politically he was
an oid-line Wing, contenting himself with
determined opposition to the Democratic party
and especially devoled to the principles OF
protection 10 American Industry, a quiet aud
substantial following OF Henry Clay. After the
election OF Gov. Seymour IN 1862, a number of
the citizens of Philadelphia felt that it was
necessary to take some steps 10 organize against
the threatened advance of secession into the
North. From this determination arose the first
Union League OF the country, known as the
great Union League OF this city. Mr.. Bore was
one OF its founders, and Is now Its Vice Presi-
dent. With this exception he has never taken
part in politics, never even attending political
meetings, except those held in the League.
Durng the war he was among the most promi-
nent OF our citizens in support of the war, and
gave largely TO the enlistment of soldiers 10 the
defense of the Union. Since the war he was intro
duced 10 General Grant by General Meade. The
acquaintance soon ripened into friendship. There
is no citizen who has given more effective and
unos'entatious support TO the Union cause; no
man has been more thoroughly identified with
progressive principles than Mr.. Bore; no
citizen in the State stands higher, and his
appointment cannot fail TO give general
sat siactlon, despite the protests OF Mcclure
and he other professional politicians.
Mr.. Bo1ie is a gentleman of thorough educa-
tion and OF most polished manners. HIS
urbanity Is well known to every PhlladelphiaD.
OF his capacity and fitness for the position 20
which he has been confirmed there cannot be
the most remote doubt. His years, however,
though they have not brought with them ,he
weakness and inhrmities OF age, have nurtured
IN him complacent desire for those nome
com oIts against which any official position must
necessarily initiate. This desire his ample
fortune has enabled him to crafty: and blessed
ana con'ented as he now Is in his private
spnere ne ieels very 10th to exchange 1t Tor the
cares and perplexities of "place and power"
Grave doubts are entertained by many OF those
VINO know MIN intimately, in relation TO his
acceptance of the portfolio, He appears TO be still
undecided In his own mind; and while be listens
patiently TO the arguments of his Philadelphia
iliends who admire HIM to accept, he weighs
these same arguments in his own mental bal
ances. He will probably signify his intention
in day or two. II, then, he does take the
proffered position, he will have been actuated
to IL more by personal respect and admiration
for General Grant, who offered it, than from
any wish within himself TO figure in politics o:
Me nalichs cCpI.ai,