New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-10-31
MR. WELSH,> APPOINTMENT.

N'A''''|
Mr.. WELSH'o APPOINTMENT.
TIE EXCELLENT CHARACTER AND BUSINESS QUAu-
TIES OF THE MAN-EEPUBLICANs SURPRISED,
DEMOCRATS PLEASED.
IBY TELEGRAP TO TIE TRTBUSr.l
WAsHI> GTON, Oct. 30.-Tbe nomination of Mr..
John Welsh to be United States Minister to England
was genuine surprise to-day. His name had been IN
cidentaly mentioned in official circles several times
since the remarkable recommendation of Mr.. simon
Cameron by the Pennsylvania delegation but very
few persons supposed that the President and Mr..
Evarts were seriously considering the policy OF ap-
pointing him.
The nomination Of Mr.. Welsh cannot be said TO be
especially pleasing to any class of politicians in
Washington. Everybody who knows anything of
his history speaks of HIM as gentleman
of the highest character, business ability,
and social standing not much identified with the
politics # his State and Nation, and good repre-
sentative of the best class of Philadelphia mer-
chants an appointment which recalls that of Abbott
Lawrence of Massachusetts, TO the same position al
most third of a century ago. At the same time
nearly every expresses doubt whether ne has
that familiarity with public affairs. and that practi-
cal knowledge of the official relations of the United
States with foreign countries to qualify him 10 fill
the most important the gift of the Admin
Had it not been for Mr. Welsh having served as
President of the Centennial Board of Finance last
year he would have been entire stranger in official
circles abroad and almost unknown at home III CON
ncction with public affairs.
The followers of the Camerons in Pennsylvania
are of course displeased with Mr.. Welshs appoint
ment. Not that that they even have anything TO
say against his personal character OF social stand
ing; but they feel very keenlv the natural di-ap-
pointment resulting from the failure OF the Admins
tratIon 10 act in accordalcc with their advice. 1t
has been a common remark of prominent politicians
H. Washington this afternoon. that this nomination
means nothing politically; that It does not
strengthen the Administration with either faction
of the Rem blican party in Pennsylvania or else
where and that. in a suictly political point of view,
this. one of the most important appointments which
TIE President has 10 make, has been literally thrown
away. 49,.
Prominent Democrats express great qualification
at MIR. WcslS nOHl ia'lln. lie Is not enough OF 4
partisan to have aroused any anlin0Slty among lhc
opposition and his appointment does not neal any oi
the discussions in the Republican party from which
the Democrats hope To profit in the future.
member of the Pcnnsy lvania delegation has
copy of q letter which il is proposed 10 Use 10 defeat
the confirmation of Mr.. Welsh. The letter Is adj
dressed to the President by MI welsh, III was as
covered file IN the Treasury To-day. III IL ne lt-
cOmmends the appointment OF gentleman from
Philadelphia, who is Il Democrat, to an Important
office, aud saws among other Things that he IS glad
we have an Administration in power elected by tine
Republican party vet N "A position 10 appoint "A
suitable TO office regardless OF politics. Tins
letter has been quietly circulated amOIg the Penn
sylVana members VINO are dlspeascd II the nOhl-
nation of Mr. Welsh, and 1t is proposed TO get the
facts before tie Senate Committee Oh Foreign Al
fairs ii is said that opposition will be made upon
the grounds That Mr.. Welsh Is not fully III accord
with the Republican party.
Mr. John Welsh is a native of Philadelphia,
where he was born 500 lie is OF of
tha late JnI win IN
Newcastle Del, in 1856 and engaged ~ mercantile pur
suits, with The father gradually rclinquIshed
his business bis who in 1884 formed hrn,
under the title OF Samuel & william Welsh at 30 South
Wharves Tney interested i'll the West India trade.
Mr. John Welsh had for many years been
member Of the OF Welsh d Wilcox. who
did a heavy business in dry goods on the
north side of Mlrketst, between Third and Fuurthsts
He did not become member OF the firm OFFS. W. Welsh
until the death Of mis- father, IN 1874. Mr.. Welsh has
becn for many years prominent before the public outside
Of ms business relations. For several years he
member OF the City Councils and for many years past
has been president of the Sinking Fund Commission-a
position hch he retained under all political par
ties He has been also member OF the Com
nilsson of Paramount Park since june 1867
he e'se has ST ever held He has been widely known AZ
president for several years OF the P.liddclp"id
Board of Trade, and Ike his Two brOthrfs, ntS
long been bank director, the institutions win which
he has been connected being the manufacturers
and Mechanics BANK ana l1t InlldlclIHld NdVluhdl
bank lie was president of the NOrh Pennsylvania Rail
road snort time directly after IT. organization III
1854 he TOOK "a prominent part III the grcdl sanitary
far held in his oity Mr.. Welsh unanimously
elected president oi the Centennial Board OF FL
nance Toe first meeting April 1873. and a. unanl-
mOusly each stated needing since. FROM tbdl day
to this has lauOring diligently and althfuy FOR
the financial of thc great TX blton and no man
is entitled greater s1dc OF crel for the lnasnlhcehJ
spectacle presented ny his city last year HIS services
$4,000 testimonial from his f-IlOWcitIcnS; ana
this Testimonial at Nj Welsns suggestion, tOOk tne
I III. tfffl.
the University Of Pennsylvania He il an active mem
Der the Protestant Episcopal Church. ana IL o tue
founders of their hospital in Philadelphia. lie been
twice ed, ana il now widOwcr. His family
slsts OF four aud Iour daughters.
In politics Nj. Welsh has always been thorough going
Republican, supporting all state and National
that party. At the lime, he has never been
identified with the Cameron division the
of State affairs. His brother, william. recently
member Of the Board OF indian Commissioners