The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1892-08-27

A. g. PORTER.
with these last countries is gradually
decreasing. that with Italy is as regu-
larly increasing. This makes the United
States legation here one of the busiest
on this side.
Besides the regular work to he han
died, so, 1000 Americans visit Rome each
year and bring with them al average Of
100 questions each, which they suppose
it is the minister's business TO answer.
They III to him for apartments, ply
s~icians, and every last one of the 10000
begs to be put into line to see the pope.
They suggest all possible and ridiculous
reasons why the closed section of the
Vatican should be opened TO them, AMI
many of them urge the necessity of
diplomatic interccssiou to get them pre-
sented to Queen Margherita or her
estimable husband: in fact, Rome is the
best exhibition ground on earth of
American curiosity.
The Italians know well how serious 3
transatlantic war would have been.
They know Americans bring here annU-
ally II quarter of the $50, 00e, eco spent
by tourists. ard that these same folks
buy one-third of all their silks and sui
phur and all of their exported fruits.
save a fraction too small to be consid-
cred. The people Of Sicily would starye
on their little island but for Uncle
SANS business with them. Everywhere
throughout the kingdom, in all branches
of trade. there is an increase in Ameri-
can business which amounts to million.
each year.
Minister Porter has been living in one
of Rome's ancient palaceS-PalazZo Mat
tel. His p%retentious neutrality-suspicious.
in that it was once IL noble pile and held
a branch of the royalty-was originally
IA collection of buildings occupying an
entire block on Via $. Caterina de Flu
mari. 1t was erected III 1916 by Carlo
| Maderna. and is one of the best of thi,
great sculptor's buildings, who shares
| the reputation of being the author of the
degenerated Renaissance in architecture.
The passages Of the entrance and the
sides of the court contain n vast number
of old statues. including Mars. Apollo
| with the MUSES.. the Caledonian hunt,
the Rape of Proserpine and many others.
some of considerable worth and many of
no especial value. The interior is dec
GRATED with costly tapestries and large
paintings. Here it is that Minister
Porter and his daughter, comprising all
the family, give the legation receptions.
informal and diplomatic. But the min
:ster does not like 10 have his home
spoken of as a palace. as he fears his
farmer friends in Indiana might be IL
clined to use this fact nS a political club
at some future time.
Mr.. Porter, who is II very approach
able and everyday man. was born at
L~awrenceburg, Ind, sixty eight years
ago,a and is consequently the senior mem
Der of the European ministerial force.
He graduated from Asbury university
when but nineteen years old, studied
law and was admitted to the bar the
same year he became old enough to vote.
At indianapolis he served as city attor-
ney and one held n partnership with
President Harrison. He was in congress
in 1853, Il member Of the Judiciary com-
mittee, was reelected and afterwarl
accepted an appointment as comptroller
of the currency. The nomination for
governor was offered him in 1880. and
after a memorable contest with Gov
ernor Gray he was elected. This ended
his active political life. His term ex-
PRED, he devoted his whole time to lit
erary matters,