The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-06
officials on Shorl

captain of the port appeared and rendered
submission. They apologized for Platt's
imprisonment, they admitted that it was
wrongful and promised that thereafter
American officers should be respected and
assisted. Then the troops marched back
again, partaking of grog on the shore at
the expense of their late antagonists.
Porter made due report of these pro-
ceedings to the Navy Department, prais-.
ing the conduct of his men and expatiat-
ing on the good which this example would
produce There is no doubt that he be-
lieyed he deserved well OF his country;
there is no doubt that the order which he
received in reply from Southland recalling
him 10 explain 1.-The extraordinary trans
actions at Foxardo' came with crushing
force and shock. Not for one instant did
he regard such treatment otherwise than.
as an outrage. He fastened to Washing
ton, hot with indignation, all ablaze from
the fever of wounded honor, impatient of
each moment that delayed his vindica-
ton.
There we're many such moments, weary
and maddening. The department seemed
content to keep him on waiting orders.
The administration of Monroe was Just
passing out. There were other matters
that could less conveniently await the
administration of John Quincy Adams.
But not for one moment did Porter &C.
quiesce in such leisure. He wrote letters
by the score, entreating. berating. He
bonn barded the press with voluminous
communications. If ever there was an
old sea dog IN righteous rage, he was
that old sea dog.
In April President Adams ordered
court of inquiry. This held its sessions at
Washington and throughout its course
was subject to Porter's acute and minute
criticisms. Before its decision was rem
dered he had published an account of the
proceedings, showing his own infallible
position. The court, however. took an
opposite view, and on its recommendation
Porter was summoned on the 23d of June
as defendant before a court martial of
twelve captains, with James Barron as
president.
Richard S. Coke appeard as Judge advo-
cate. Porter's instant objection to him
resulted in 4 rather whimsical procedure.
One of the judges disclaimed his ability to
decide whether such a challenge should
be permitted without legal opinion. The
judge advocate was thereupon called upon
to furnish such advice, which he naturally
did in favor of his own independent and
immovable position.
The charges were twofold. The first &C
cused Porter of disobedience and conduct
unbecoming an officer in that she did
land on the island of Po1ta Rico in the
domlnions of his Catholic Majesty the
King of Spain, and commit divers acts of
hostility in contravention of the constitu-
ton, the laws OF nations and the Govern
ment's instructions" The second charge
was the direct consequence of Porter's
sincere but iniudicious rage, and dealt
with his behavior since his return. 1t ac-
cused him of sending divers insulting let
tiers to the President and Secretary of the
Navy, of having published an incorrect
account of the proceedings of the court of
inquiry with highly disrespectful COM
ments, and ofhaving made public various
official communications, thus "impairing
the discipline of the service and setting a
most dangerous and pernicious example"
The proof adduced by the prosecution
on the first charge must have been highly
satisfactory to the old hero. Lieutenant