The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-07-25
ABSCONDER WALKER
ADMITS HIS GUILT
New Britain Bank Wrecker
Cheered by Crowd as He
Leaves Train.

HARTFORD, Conn, July Civilian
F. Walker. who fed after embezzling
S555.ocO from the Savings Bank of New
Britain and $4,000 from the Connecticut
Baptist Association, and who was ar
rested months later in the mountains of
Ensenada, Mexico, appeared before
Judge Runway, in the Hartford county
superior court today. 10 plead guilty.
Walker said he would make = complete
and detailed confession later =
Walker was placed in a cell and under
the eyes Of two deputy shcrlns, who
will never leave him, fearing that he
may commit suicide.
To the detectives Walker said that he
alone was responsible for the robbery,
but he refused 70 tell what had become
Of the money and securities
Most of his friends have deserted
him. but his wife remains loyal.
The train upon which he arrived was
met by several thousand persons. who
gathered around the Union station TO
catch d glimpse Of the man who had
stolen more than a half million dollars,
and had led the police a chase for eight
months, and then fought his extradi-
ton from Mexico for as many more.
There were no cat calls or ieers when
Walker stepped from the train. There
were several in the crowd that cheered
and shouted Good boy. Walker. You
gave them a run for their money"
The Walker brought here tonight IS
a different man from the Walker who
left in February, 1907. after having
stolen everything worth stealing from
the New Britain Bank. and appropri-
ating the $4,000 fund OF the State BaP-
lists.
He is no longer the weI-groomed
banker with neatly trimmed whiskers
and a genteel air Of prosperity. On his
head he wore a little brown SLOUGH hat
with a polka dot band. His suit was
one Of rough texture and his shirt 4
white one that had once been clean
His feet were encased in heavy bro
gans bought in the mining camp where
he was caught
Put IN Big Steel Cage.
'Eh. Walker, glad to get back?'
shouted some one. But Walker never
looked up He was bundled into the
patrol wagon with the officers who
had brought him 10 the city. and IN
few minutes was inside the county
building. Here he was placed in the
big steel cage. This cell. built for
mUrderers who have to spend the night
in the courthouse during trial. is so
constructed that every move Of the
prisoner inside can be seen by the
watchers.
Two deputy sheriffs were placed on
guard for the night. because Il is fear
ed that If an opportunity presents itself
Walker viii commit suicide. He has
already made two attempts. one when
he was arrested and one later when
ne endeavOred 10 swallow the contents
Of vial Of poison.
Promises to Tell All.
Walker last night refused to tell what
he had done with the money. saying
that he put It into what he considered
70 be a good investment, his judgment
being based on long experience as a
successful banker He said the men to
whom he gave the money he met in
New York at three different hotels: one
nf these was the Fifth Avenue and one
the Belmont
He said that he has no lawyer. and /
that he expects TO have none, and that !
as a matter Of Justice to himself he /
should iiIst make a full statement 10 |
Jhe prosecuting officer Of the court. /
and this he proposed TO do when ar /
ragned in court.
Walker had but $40 when arrested |
Since absCundiIS. he declares. he heard /
nothing rom any Of his friends or /
relatives. except his wife
After years Of dishonest transactions
and populations. both small and large, |
Walker. the most prominent man of
New Britain. disappeared February s, ,
1907.
Meantime Philip II Corbin. head Of
the American Hardware Company. who
is also president Of the New Britain /
Bank. Instituted an examination of the
banks books and found that the books
showed a shortage Of over $500 600 COW
ering a period Of from ten 70 fifteen
years
When the Connecticut Baptist con-
yenuon got through looking over their |
books they, too. discovered that Walker
had stolen about $65,0O0 of their funds |