The New York herald., 1921-05-30
DepelD Cites Memorable
Achievement of Statesman,

Chauncey M. Depew was a close friend
and associate of Gen. Porter for more
than fifty years. Mr.. Depew is four
years the Generals senior, and their
careers in public life span a remarkable
period in world and American history.
Mr.. Depew gave this estimate of his
friend and paid this tribute:
1T was my privilege to know Gen.
Porter for half a century. He was a
fine example of an American. Happily
he started in life with a splendid educa-
fion, both in preparatory schools and
West Point. To this equipment was
added a mind of unusual power a gift
of good sense and humor
Everything the General undertook
he did thoroughly. He was master OF
his profession as a soldier. and his
career was illuminated by rare deeds of
gallantry which at crisis in battle
saved the situation.
Porter was of enormous value to
Grant while President as his executive
secretary. Grant was a great soldier but
came TO the Presidency with little knowl-
edge OF public affairs and public men
Porter's acquaintance was universal. He
knew almost everybody of prominence
and Importance in military and political
life. Besides. he was an excellent Judge
of character and was invaluable in pro-
tecting an Administration In a period of
national reconstruction when so many
unworthy and dangerous people are
thrown by circumstances to the front.
They never got past Porter. He under
stood them at once.
THE General had every equipment for
success in public life and a brilliant
career was before him when with great
ID. 4
of Grants term to enter business and ac-
cumulate competence for his family.
His success in hi new field was instan-
taneous He become railway builder
and a railway executive. While criti-
cised for some of his enterprises when
they were originated and completed. time
has justified his foresight.
1T was delightful to visit Paris when
Gen. Porter was Ambassador. He was
exceedingly popular with French states
men because of his diplomatic skill and
with the French people because he spoke
their language. His hospitality was de-
lightful and an American met at his din
ners just the famous people whom he
wanted to know"
while Gen. Porter was not an orator.
he was fine speaker. His serious adj
dresses were admirable. but he became
one OF the best after dinner spea kers In
this country He had that art down to
perfection. l have spoken on the same
occasions with him, suppose, n hundred
times and he always made success.
His humor was infectious and he invari-
ably produced a story which Illuminated
the whole situation and was entirely
new.
The General was most charming in
conversation and personal intercourse.
Itm lr4t % trta ~r,tta -
nous men Of the world his keen analysis
OF their characteristics and his ever
ready story OF something most interest
ing about them made him a great acqui-
sition to any company where he was n
guest and In the intimacy OF personal
friendship the most delightful OF men.
II remember when Gen. Porter first
conceived Of the Grant Monument IN
Riverside Drive. The plan seemed so
huge and involving such large expendi-
ture that everyone was discouraged ex-
cepting the General That the large sum
needed was raised by private subscrip-
ton was due entirely 10 Porter's talent
FOR organization and for impressing
others to interest them While the monu-
ment IL n noble memorial 10 our great
est General. II also will always bring to
mind the devotion Of Gen. Porter to his
great chief.
an another way. his persistence, his
skill his resourcefulness and his spirit
found and rescued the body OF PAU
Jones and placed II in the Naval
Academy where IL VIII be forever ar
inspiration 70 our future naval heroes.
.rp the death of this distinguished ed
citizen, accomplished soldier. author
diplomat and most gracious. companion