Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-02-14
ESTABLISHED 1850.

tant interests in the city. In 1882 b
was elected TO the General Assembly of
Georgia as Representative from Rich
mond county; reelected in 1874, and
again In 1875. In the Legislature, as
everywhere, Mr.. Walsh took an earnest
interest in everything going on. As he
was one OF the most active workers in
the memorable election of 1870, which
redeemed the State from its political ene-
mics, so he was one of the most wide
awake legislators in reforming the work
OF state government. He served upon
important committees, and distinguished
himself upon the floor by his vigilant,
earnest open manner, and outsp0ken
honest sentiments. He contributed
largely in the House toward submitting
the question of a constitutional conyen-
tlon to the people. He was never a trim
mer. he is either an ardent supporter
or a sturdy opponent. He deals in no
ruse or diplomacy. He has the manliness
10 defend or the nerve to condemn, ac-
cordiDg to his conviction. He supports
strong judgment and positive conviction
with courage and backbone. He cannot
be either bribed or bulldozed. He
realizes as thoroughly as any man that
''To, side with truth is noble, when we share
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and tis
prosperous to be Just"
1mmovable as rock to opposition, he
possesses the warmest of hearts to ap
peal. A request from friend, return
for favor, call for sympathy, cry
for charity, find healt as impulsive as
it is unseltish and susceptible. With "a
hand open as day for melting charity"
his kindness is proverbial in the com.
munlty in which he lives. Not a few
young men in Augusta can testify to his
ready generosity. He is connected with
one or two benevolent associations: is
public spirited in all that affects the vel
fare OF Augusta, the prosperity of Geor-
gla, of Carolina, aud of the South; he is
liberal to all parties and sections; looks
with hope and interest upon the
struggles of his mother country, and
Is only intolerant of-intolerance. In all
matters OF politics and Of religion he is
entirely, constitutionally liberal. His
paper is contributed to by every pastor
In Au., ,usta. In August last Mr.. Walsh
was delegate from his county to the
State Democratic Convention. His
course upon that floor was in some de-
gree typical Of the career of the man.
The first thing which characterized him
on the floor OF this convention, was his
unalterable convictions. He seemed
fully persuaded OF the justice of Gov.
ernor Colquitt's claims, and that be was
the choice of the people. Then
developed his entire devotion to
the cause. Never had any officer
so loyal a champion. He worked night
and day for the denomination of the Gov
ernor, and was faithful and untirinp in
the presentation of his case. He even re-
PEELED all overtures for his own nomina-
ton, and remained true to his choice.
His Judgment was remarkably displayed
in counsel of the Governors friends.
where he took decided issue with the
ablest advisers of the Executive, and
events subsequently vindicated his posi-
ton. Lastly, appeared his courage in
facing the criticisms of some of his
friends, the maledictions of several of
the newspapers, and the invectives of
numberless orators. He was one of
the most abused, yet finally one of the
most completely vindicated men in the
State. He never forfeits a contest or
abdicates In adYance-he always goes in
TO Wln-and has never been beaten be.
fore the people. Mr.. Walsh speaks. as
he writes, with strong emphasis, robust
style and candid sentiment. His voice
is strong, his gesture emphatic, and his
manner earnest and impressive. An in
cident occurred in the convention which
displayed the earnestness of the man.
Said one of the minority delegates, a
friend of his, to him:
why do you look SO grum when you
speak"
MY friend" anewered Mr.. Walsh.
IL am homely, it is because I can't
help it; if look mad, it is because am
in earnest"
Though not handsome man. Mr.
Walsh is striking parsonage. Thick
set, well knit, firm in his bearing he
possesses kind, friendly face, q clear
blue eye, and his countenance is often
lllumined with genial glow. There is
no malice about the man; he is as quick
20 serve an opponent as to reward a
friend. His better nature is the
ruling one in his character. No man in
Georgia has more sterling integrity,
more noble, honest impulse, more
magnetism, stronger native
ability or more positive principles than
Patrick Walsh. Though not rich man,
1is industry and fine business sense have
secured for him an income which his
has taken care of. His pros
0erity has been the gain of his friends.
md his wealth would be the contributor
o municipal improvement and public