The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-14
Death OF Admiral Porter After
Sixty-Two Years Of Con-
tlnuous Service.
The Most Illustrious Son Of the
Gallant Porter Of Essex
Fame.
Conspicuous Services Rendered by the
Dead Commander In Two Wars
A Military Funsrsi.


very sudden. II occurred at his residence
here and was the result OF fatty degsnera-
ton Of the heart, with which he has been
affected since last summer. His death WAS
calm and peaceful. When DR.. Wales left
him at II O'Clock last night his condition
wss about the same 40 it had been for sew
eral weeks past. There were no indics-
tions that medical service would be needed
before the time for the DOCTORS regular
visit this morning. The nature Of his dis
ease made 1t dangerous for him to lie on
his back, 80 that he was accustomed to
rest sitting upon large sofa with his back
and head supported by pillows. The ad
miral was awake at 6:45 o'clock this morn
ing and took his nonrishment az usual. He
afterwards fell into q light sleep and gave
no indication whatever Of the end 10 near
at hsnd.
At eight o'clock Mr.. Porter's son, Rich
ard. who slept by his side, noticed change
in his fathers condition. He was breathing
with difficulty and seemed to be choking.
The household was at once aroused and DR..
Wales sent for. The patients pulse grew
fainter and fainter and at 8:15 O'Clock
ceased to beat. At that hour he gasped
convnlsivsly and expired without q word.
DIR. Wales reached the house almost imme-
diately after being notified and applied all
restoratives known to science, but to no
effect. Word was at once sent to the presi-
dent and the secretary of the navy, and the
flags on the White house and all other pub
lie buildings were placed at half mast
Secretary Tracy promptly visited the
fa mily and conferred with them in regard
to the funeral arrangements. A large num-
Der Of people in official life called at the
house this morning and left messages of
sympathy for the family. kilograms OF
coincidence were received from prominent
people from all over the country. The
president sent a message Of sympathy to
the family. He subsequently sent q
message TO congress notifying that body Of
t he admiraPs death and in the afternoon
issued an executive order, closing the execn-
tive delMr tYnsstts on the day OF the funeral
and direct ing that flags on all public build
ings be placed at half msst ON that occa-
sion.
The following is President Harrison's q
message to congress announcing Admiral
Porters death:
To the Senate and House of Representa-.
Dixon Porter, died at his residence i'll the
city of Washington this morning at S:15
o'clock, in the seventy eighth year of his
age. He entered the naval service as mid
shipman. Feb. 2, 1899, and had been since
continuously in the service, having been
made admiral Ang. 10, 1871. He was a soE
of Commodore David Porter. one of the
greatest of our naval commanders. His
service during the civil war WAS conspicu-
ously brilliant and successful and his
death ends very high and honorable ca
reer. His countrymen will sincerely mourn
his loss while they cherish with grateful
pride the memory of his deeds. To officers
OF the navy his life will continue to yield
inspiration and encouragement.
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
The secretary of the navy has issued an
order announcing the death of Admiral
Porter and reciting his distinguished ser
vices to the country. On the day OF the
funeral the navy department. will be closed,
the flag will be displayed at half mast at all
navy yards and stations and on board all
ships in commission. and seventeen minute
guns will be fired at noon from each navy
yard. The navy department will be drapsd
in black and all officers Of the navy and
marine corps wear badge of mourning
thirty days.
The funeral will take place Tuesday at
two O'Clock p. m. from the late residence,
and he will be buried at Arlington ceme-
terry with the highest military honors.