The morning call., 1893-01-17

ana 1eu nedQt0hg. lie --0du n6afy gOtu-
headed cane in his hand, and hole. three
inches in diameter. in the glass OF the sixth
story window, is evidence that he struck
the balustrade and that the cane made the
perforation. His body landed at the top of
the circular stairway leading from the
second TO the first story. The occupants
Of the story quickly gathered around
the inanmate form, and thinking
that il was still alive sent for
the patrol wagon. They thought that
il was the body Of a wellknOwn attorney
named Van DuzeT, and report that Van
DuZer was dead quickly spread throughout
the city, When the ratrol wagon arrived
the man was dead and the Coroner was
notified. An hour later the body was
identified at the MoTgue as that Of Mr..
Porter. An examination OF the remains re-
vealed that the skull had been crushed and
the right leg and arm broken BY the fall.
The body was removed late Ia the evening
by an undertaken and an inquest VIII be
held to-day.
The sad news Of the death of the husband
and father was given to q member of the
family OF the deceased By CALL reporter.
That member was fair young girl, aud she
not only bore the shock braYely. but did
all in her power to delay the falling Of the
blow upon her aged mother.
David Porter came to California In the
early sos, and engaged IN the wholesale
LIQUOR business in Stockton.
He was born al Cross Michael. Kirkcud-
bright. in Scotland, and was 66 years Of age
In 1862 he removed his business from
Stockton to San Francisco. The firm was
Fox & Porter, for many years. and was
located at Clay and Leidesdorff streets
When Fox sold his interest the busin ess
was continued by Porter alone. and for
many years deceased occupied the premises
at tie corner Of LeidesdoTf and HalIeek
streets
Deceased was one Of the Oldest members
aF ha ~ & Z in This ~ and
was fer e ght wears its president. He held
this office longer than any other member
since the organization of the society.
He was not only our president, but a
hard, faithful and conscientious worker for
the society" said Hugh Fraser, in speaking
Of deceased last night.
''What David Porter said you could rely
upon as the solemn truth. so far as he
knew. He was a man whose word was
vertically as good as his bond, and the
people he came in contact with respected
him accordingly
''He was a quiet, unpretentious man, but
g Jealous, enthusiastic worker in whatever
re undertook. He was widely known by the
Scotch people all over the coast, and his
sudden death cannot fail TO- be generally
mourned."
Mr. Fraser himself was very much sur
pTised when The CALL reporter brought
tie news 10 him, and he at once determined
10 notify the ST. Andrews Society, which
was then in session.
By the time Mr.. Fraser and THE CALL
man reached the Scottish Hail on Larkin
street the meeting had just adjourned.
When the sad Intelligence was impaired a
special meeting was at once called aud a
committee appointed to take suitable action
in the matter.
The committee consisted of John Nc
Laren. the president, James MeNab and
Samuel Irving. Appropriate resolutions
will be engrossed. and the society will
doubtless render some services at the
funeral.
When President NcLaren made the an
nouncement, after calling the meeting to
order. the greatest surprise and sorrow
were manifested.
That's why be was absent tonight"
said the mem ers, who had noted his empty
chair and wondered that so punctual and
regular a man should not be there.
don't think be ever missed meeting
before. said one Of the elder members, 'at
least not in my time"
No one in the room had the slightest
inklng Of the accident till Mr.. Fraser and
LIE CALL man brought the news.
Deceased leaves three grown daughters
and widow. One Of the daughters few
years ago married Enrico Campobelio, the
opera singer. All Of the daughters are
accomplished and we'll educated.
At one time Mr. Porter was a very
wealthy man, and at the time of his death
able fortune. About five years ago he met
with slight business reverses, and, as a re-
suit, sold his late residence at California
and Powell streets to Senator Fair. He
continued, however. to reside there, and his
vile and three daughters were at home
when the news was brought to them.
Aside from his activity in the ST. An
drew's. the Caledonian and the British
benevolent societies, in all of which de-
ceased was an honored member, he was
retired home man" as his friends put IL.
He was a sober, temperate man ia his
habits--a man who brought considerable
thought and Intelligence to all that he
undertook. whether ia his business or his
serial life, and his private beneheencss
among those Of his own nationality in this
country when in need were not ineon-
siderable -
He was a director of the Scottish Hall
trustees. was one OF the active movers in
the projected Victoria Hospital, which was
started few years ago, and a leader in the
local ceremonies attending the Queens
jubilee in this city.
When 1t was proposed TO erect a monu-
ment to the memory of Robert Burns in this
city David Porter subscribed literally and
worked assduously for the success Of the
movement.
Without being IN orator In any sense, he
was ready talker on practical subjects
and an excellent parlamentarian.
Especially among the Scotch and British
people OF this city Mr.. Porters sudden
death Will be deeply regretted.