The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-13
A GOOD MAN GONE.

OF fearful obituary from the Kansas City
Journal. Mr.. Porter, we learn from this eulo-
gistic sketch, was one of the most widely
known and respected sporting men in the
United States. Over thirty years ago he be-
gan his professional career, and in that time,
according to the biographer, achieved ma
tional reputation. During the most of that
period, a part of which, by the way, was
spent in indianapolis, he enjoyed crafty
ing financial prosperity, but recent reverses
led to a temporary alteration of mind, dur
ing which be plunged rashly into the tur-
bid stream that bore him beyond the con-
fines of Immortality"
Seldom, indeed, has the reader of mortu-
airy literature the privilege of contemplating
character composed of so many virtues as
was that of the late Mr.. Porter. With due
allowance for the unconscious exaggeration
to which admirers of a great man naturally
lean when describing his good qualities, the
fact yet remains that the departed gambler
was most esteemed citizen, and his loss
sad loss to the community in which he was
universally liked. This is the only conclu-
sion which can be drawn from the graphic
chronicle of his career. The assurance is re-
peated, once and again. that Mr.. Porter was
scrupulously honorable in all his dealings,
especially those of financial character. He
had one admirable Characteristic which goes
far toward making man popular, and
would undoubtedly account for the high
esteem in which he was held, had he pos
sessed no other virtues. "Mr. Porter" his
friends sobbingly unite in saying, chad no
appreciation of the value OF money, and
when out with party of friends always in
sisted upon paying for everything himself"
No wonder they mourn the decease of such
genial, whole-souled companion. He was
charitable, too If this biography
may be depended upon, Mr.. Porter
was regular charity organization,
and had for years given to the
poor large sums of his hard-earned wealth.
sit might be said" feelingly whispers the
reporter "that he was too good" 1t is true,
of course, that Mr.. Porter was gambler; no
effort was made to conceal this fact; as for
that matter why should there be, as it seems
not to have stood in the way of his populari-
ty? He also evaded or broke the law when
ever short-sighted legislatures made enact
ments calculated to interfere with the gamb
ling Paternity. Indeed it was upon visit
70 fba of
whether it would be safe to set up faro
bank there that the fatal alteration at
tackled Mr.. Porter. However, this law-break
ing habit was part of his business, and was
not it appears treasured up against him.
Mr.. Porter was peaceable, quiet citizen,
never having killed but one man. Barring
these few slight faults no doubt can remain,
after reading the obituary to its close, that
great and good man has gone from Kansas
City to his reward; prince has fallen. He
had the reputation of being square" The
chief of police, who knew him for thirty
years, testifies that he never heard anything
dishonoraple of him. The universal testi-
mony, says the obituary, is that he was the
thoroughly upright gentleman. What more
could be said of any man? The little Kan
sas City boy willrea the eloquent tribute
to Mr. Bob Porter and remembering the
three line send off, which his deceased
Sunday-school teacher got, will resolve that
he can not do better than to become an hon
est gambler when he grows up. 1t is graft
flying to be told, at the conclusion OF the
eulogy, that the thigh standing OF the I'M
fortunate man and his great popularity will
insure funeral on liberal scale" We
trust that this expectation will not be dis
appointed and that Kansas City will d. its
duty in making the obsequiesa success.