The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-08-24
A. @. PORTER.

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 be han
died, 10000 Americans visit Rome each
year and bring with them an average Of
100 questions each, which they suppose
it is the minister's business to answer.
They run to him for apartments, ply
sicians, 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, and
many of them urge the necessity Of
diplomatic intercession to get them pre-
sented to Queen Marguerite or her
estimable husband; in fact, Rome is the
best exhibition ground on earth of
American curiosity.
The Italians know well how serious a
transatlantic war would have been.
They know Americans bring here annu-
ally quarter of the EGO, 100000 spent
by tourists, and that these same folks
buy one-third of all their silks and sui
phur and all of their exported fruits,
save fraction too small to be consid-
cred. The people of Sicily would starve
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 millions
each year.
Minister Porter has been living in one
of Rome's ancient palaces Palazzo Mat
tel. His pretentious aUode-pretentious
in that it was once noble pile and held
a branch of the royalty-was originally
collection of buildings occupying an
entire block on Via S. Caterina de Flu
mari. It was erected in 1916 by Carlo
Maderna, and is one of the best of this
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 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
lister does not like to have his home
spoken of as a palace, as he fears his
farmer friends in Indiana might be in
clined to use this fact as political club
at some future time.
Mr.. Porter, who is very approach
able and everyday man, was born at
Lawrenceburg, Ind, sixty-eight years
ago, 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 CROUCH to vote.
At Indianapolis he served as city attor-
ney and once held q partnership with
President Harrison. He was in congress
in 1858, member of the judiciary COM
mittee, was reelected and afterward
accepted an appointment as comptroller
of the currency. The nomination for
governor was offered him in 1880, and
after memorable contest with Gov
ernor Gray he was elected. This ended
his active political life. His term ex-
pired, he devoted his whole time to lit
erary matters.