The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-02-14
ADMIRAL PORTER DEAD.
Fatty Degeneration of the Heart the
Cause OF His Demise.

Fatty Degeneration of the Eeart the
Cause OF His Demise.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.-Admiral David
Dixon Porter died suddenly at s:15 o'clock
this morning at his residence, No. 1914 H
street. His death resulted from fatty de-
generation of the heart. which relentless
disease asserted its fatal clutch upon him at
Newport r. l., last summer, when, con-
trary TO the persistant advice OF his physi-
clan, he overtsxed his strength
by taking violent exercise, and
was stricken down with a complication
Of diseases, including congestion of the
lungs and dropsy. As soon as he could be
moved with safety he was brought to his
home in Washington, and all the means
known TO science and medicine were re-
sorted to for his benefit. Despite them,
however, there were slight but unmistak-
ably symptoms PMsn,o dsturOsgGss snprOacai%s
added to his other troubles and the patient
failed TO realize the seriousness OF his con-
dition. His family were made aware weeks
ago that his death was only a question OF q
short time and that the efforts Of his ply
sicians were directed solely to postponement
of the inevitable and making his last hours
as comfortable and as free from pain as pos
sible
Admiral David D. Porter was a son Of
Commodore David Porter. and was born In
Philadelphia about 1906. he entered the
navy as mldshipman in 1929 and passed
his examination in 1885. From 1885 to lS41
he was engaged in making a survey of the
coast of the United States In lS4l he was
appoint Ted lieutenant ia the frigate Con-
gress and was employed four years on The
Mediterranean and Brazilian stations. In
1S45 he was transferred TO National Observ-
atory at Warrington, and during the Mexi-
can war to the naval rendezvous at New
Orleans. From 1S49 to 1858 be was engaged
in command of California mail steamers.
At the commencement of the civil war in
1861, he was appointed, with the rank of
commander. to the sloop-of- war Powhattan.
He distinguished himself in the capture OF
New Orleans and commanded the gunboat
and mortar fiotilla which co-operated with
the squadron of Admiral Farragut in the
first attack npon Vicksburg. At the close
of the war he was appointed superintendent
and president ex-ofiicio of the naval aca-
denny at Annapolis. He WAS made vice
admiral in 1865 aud admiral IN 1870.
THE PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION.
The following is President Harrison's
message to congress, announcing the death
of Admiral Porter:
To the Senate and House Of Representatives.:
An admiral OF the navy, David Dixon Porter
died at his residence in the city OF Washington
this morning at 8.15 O'Clock in the 18th year OF
his age. He entered the naval service as a mid
shipman, Feb. 2. 1929, and had been siuce con
tinousy in the service, having been made admi-
raj Aug. 10, 1870 He was son Of Commodore
David Porter one of the greatest of our naval
| commanders His service during the civil war
was conspicuousy brilliant and successful, and
his death ends very high and honorable
| career. His countrymen VIII sincerely mourn
| his loss while they cherish with grateful pride
| the memory of his deeds.
| To the officers of the navy his life will CON
| tinue to yield inspiration and encouragement.
| BENJAMIN HARRISON.
| Executive Mansion, FEB. 10, 1891
| SECRETARY TRAcY's ORDER.
Secretary Tracy issued a general order
announcing Admiral Porter's death anC
ordering that on the day of the funeral the
navy department will be closed, the flag b'
displayed at half-mast at all navy yards anC
stations, and on board Of all ships
| in commission. and seventeen minute
guns will be fred at noon from each navy
| yard. The navy department will be drapec
in black, and all officers of the navy and th'
marine corps will wear badge OF mourn
ing for thirty days.
The funeral of Admiral Porter will take
place Tuesday afternoon at 2 O'Clock, from
his late residence, No l714 II street, and h
| will be buried at Arlington cemetery, with
the highest military hOnOrs.