The morning news., 1889-03-31

formed, but in few events has been very
conspicuous Gen. Schofeld was bora
on Sept 90, 1881 He graduated
from the United States Military Acad-
emy In 1853, in the same class with Sheri-
dan, Mcpherson and Hood Before the war
he left the service to become a professor of
natu al science in a university, but at the
breaking out of hostilities he entered the
army as volunteer. A majors commits
sion was rendered him at once, and on
Nov. 21, 1861, he had reached the
grade Of brigadier- general. He served all
through the war, notably in the Atlantic
campaign, and for a time was Secretary Of
War in Grants first cabinet
At present his duties are practically NOM
inal, for there are plenty of subordinates to
look after details. He has an office in the
department building which is principally
interesting for the relics it contains Of bis
service. Sheridan filed up his office in a
similar way, ahd it was favorite spot for
sightseers. The remark is frequently heard
here that Sheridan died as the result Of idle
ness. He was accustomed to 8 typical
soldiers life. and sinecure worried him
more than a campaign.
Admiral Porter's salary is S13, 900 also.
He is one of the most interesting men in
Washington, for he does not let his wealth
OF leisure run entirely to waste. He is
well read man and for three years after the
war was superintendent Of the United
States Naval Academy. There and at other
schools, in universities and inipublic halls,
he has lectured on various topics duri9g the
past twenty years. He is known as a writer
OF biography, and at least two novels fro II
his pen have found appreciative readers.
Admiral Porter was born in Chester,
Pa, on June s, 1913. After grad
uating from Colu nbian College in this
city he entered the Mexican navy as a mid
shipman. He saw fighting in plenty there,
and in one battle against the Spaniards the
commander OF his vessel, the 'Guerrero," a
cousin Of the midshipman, was killed. He
became nidshipman in the United States
navy in 1929 and received a lieute ANTS
commission in 1S4l. In this capacity he
served in the Mediterranean and on the
Brazilian coast until IS46, when he was Sc
lected to undertake a secret mission to
Hayti. When the Mexican war came On he
saw more active service, all there was, in
fact, for the navy during the episode. He
was conspicuous figure during the civil
war, and on four separate occasions was
publicly thanked by resolution Of congress.
In 1866 he was promoted to the rank OF vice
admiral. 1t would seem that if anybody
deserves a sinecure he is the man. His Office
is in his own house at 1705 H street. 1t is
one of the most unique places in Washing
ton. Instead of the roomy, luxurious quar-
ters enjoyed by all other functionares of
rank, 1t IS a narrow, condensed apartment,
modelled and furnished exactly as if it were
his office on board ship. If there were any
occasion for transacting public business in
it, the room would be found impracticable,
but under the circumstances it answers
every purpose very well. Admiral Porter
celebrated his golden wedding recently, and
1t is interesting to recall thai he is the only
living floor manager Of the ball that signal
lied the inauguration Of William Henry
Harrison in 1914