Los Angeles herald., 1910-01-20
WALSH IN GARB
OF FELON TRIES
TO BE CHEERFUL
Convict No. 6861' Locked
in Cell, Sleeps Calmly
on Prison Cot
ASKS TO KNOW RULES
Aged Magnate Will Work
in Library--SayS Death
Will Free Him
Associated Press1

H EAVENWORTH, Kas., Jan. IL
On little iron cot in cell or
IA the federal prison here John X.
Walsh, who today began serving
five-year sentence for misapplylng
funds Of the Chicago National bank.
spent his first night in the peniten-
tiary.
If the change from a luxurious room
in his Calumet avenue mansion IN
Chicago to a small barred space
worked a hardship on the prisoner ne
did not show it. He has accepted his
new situation with smiling good grace
He is outspoken in his approval Of
the kind manner in which he has been
treated since his arrival at noon today
But behind his brave front there is
believed to be a secret belief in ms
own mind that he never will live out
his sentence.
Tonight it became known that while
Walsh was talking in private with an
old friend-a man, like himself, with
white hair whom he has known for
half a century-he remarked sadly:
Expects to Die Soon
st don't believe / ever shall live out
my sentence if 1 am not pardoned."
The new surroundings did not make
Walsh, who is known as Convict
6S61," nervous. He sat calmly in his
cell tonight and read until the big
gong sounded 'lights out" at 9 o'clock.
Then he undressed and retired.
When a guard passed the cell few
minutes later the former banker was
sleeping peacefully.
When the convicted banker was
shown his cell he asked several ques-
tions about rules governing his in
generation.
Just tell me what to do and I will
do it," he said. IF I violate any rules
I assure you 1t will be through ig-
norance only"
Little attempt was made today to
teach the new prisoner the rules.
Prison officials thought it best not to
burden his mind with little details Of
prison life until he had become thor
oughly rested from the trip.
Many persons who saw the convicted
financier enter the prison today with
sprightly step and smiling countenance
predicted a relapse would follow when
he was settled inside the walls. 1t
was said that Walsh was straining
every point to make himself appear
cheerful before his friends.
Few Men So Calm
Few men even two-score years
younger than this gray-haired convict
have walked so calmly into prison as
did he.
Warden r. w. McClaughry, an old
personal friend of Walsh, was one
of those who feared the prisoner might
suffer a relapse. But after talking
with him tonight he said!
"Walsh is bearing up well. I am
surprised at the vitality he shows. I
do not predict a relapse. He probably
will be able to take up some regular
employment in a few days"
DR.. L. Blake Baldwin, the prisoners
son-in-law, has decided to remain un-
til tomorrow. He will have a con-
ference with DR.. A. F. Yohe, prison
physician, and tell him the exact
physical condition of the aged ex-
banker.
One thing that has given confidence
to &e friends of the prisoner is his
appetite. He took his first meal in
prison today. 1t consisted of warm
biscuits, fried potatoes, onions and
plain coffee. Walsh ate heartily.
Within twenty minutes after the
warden's office had been reached pre-
liminary arrangements for Walsh's
incarceration had been made. He
shook hands with his son, John w.
Walsh; his son-in-law, DR.. Baldwin;
his attorney, E. C. Ritzher, and United
States Marshals Hoy and Middleton,
who accompanied him.
Says Goodbye
"Goodby," he said firmly, and then
turned to the warden as a signal that
he was ready to begin his sentence.
His photograph was taken. Another
convict acted as photographer.
The picture showed Walsh in the
street clothes in which he arrived. In
a few days, after he has recovered
from the fatigue and excitement at
tending his trip from Chicago, a Sec
ond photograph will be taken.
AS he is in poor health, Walsh was
sent to the hospital for observation.
If he becomes able to work he will be
assigned to duty in the prison Ii
brary
His duties will be those of a special
clerk to the librarian, Chaplain Frank
]. IeaVitt, in the work of overhauling
and recataloguing the books.
AS there are more than 1000 volumes
to be handled the work promises to be
no easy task, but it is believed that it
will prove congenial to the prisoner,
who is a great reader.
Here is the daily routine that Walsh
must now follow, with the exceptions
of Sundays and holidays, after he is
assigned to regular work:
Daily Routine
$50 a. m.-Arise, make UP cot and
prepare for breakfast.
$3.50 a. m.-Breakfast. After break
fast he may return to his cell for a
short rest.
1880 a. m.-March to work.
12 noon-Dinner.
12:30-Return to work.
$3.50 p. m.-Supper in dining hall.
After supper he may return to his cell
and employ his time as he desires until
the retiring hour, p. m.
Prisoners are permitted to smoke
7,ipes in their cells, but Walsh does
not smoke. He may read during the
time allotted other prisoners for smok-
ing if he desires.
Prisoners are not allowed to receive
presents from their friends. Should
money be sent to Walsh it will be kept
in the office to the prisoners credit and
payment made to him on his release.
All he will be permitted to receive
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