New Britain herald., 1921-09-03


 fidelity to his friends said a prom inent citizen who Was discussing the late John J. Walsh with the Observer those with whom the writer spoke about one of New Britain'a most widely known citizens, who died a few days ago at his summer home in Nep- tune Park, New London. No matter if occasion presented itself to doubt them, Jack Walsh always stuck by his friends. He waS not a man who believed in mincing words. At all times he was frank and everyone who had dealings with him knew whether they enjoyed his friendship, and they did enjoy it if they deserved it. He one of those men who said I'm for yoU' and kept true to his promise. If he pledged his aid in any under taking, he would go to any reasonable length to make that undertaking a success
 The growing generation cannot real ize what a power MT. Walsh wielded in politics in tho days when New Brit ain was young. He and several others were in control of the democratic party and their approval was the equivalent of Q nomination. And when they nominated a candidate they worked for his success body and soul
 One of New Britains leading citi zens was talking on this point yester- day and he said that the influence of MT. Walsh and his associates over the destin'es of democracy was so strong that it was impossible to win nom ination without their support. But he emphasized the point that they chose men who, they believed, would serve faithfully in public office and reflect credit on their sponsors. It was not exactly a purification board, but the members did insist that any man re- ceiving their backing be of a type which would fit him to administer his duties creditably to himself and pro- fitabls to the people.
 At ono time. MT. Walsh'a restaurant on Main street was the assembling spot for prominent members of tho democratic party. Among those who foregarhered to discuss matters politic- al, was the late ex-Congressman Rob- ert J. Vance. editor of the New Bri- tain Herald" and Col. N. G. Os- borne of the New Haven Journal Courier" as well as others. not to forget the renowned Amos Cummings. Here were settled the political destin- ies of men long past: here the coun- cillors decided on policies needful to promote the welfare of the people.
 MT. Walsh was in the confidence of these leaders and played an influential, although silent, part in the execution of their plans. He was a tirelesa work CT and a generous contributor to party funds although he never aspired to hold public office and consented to be- come park commissioner for the single purpose of securing baseball diamonds for Young America" at Walnut Hill park.
 It is said that no person was ever turned away hungry from the door of MT. Walsh's restaurant. He be- lieved in Hive and let live" and tho fact that a person was unfortunate and unable to pay did not mean that he couldn't obtain food. In tho years that he was proprietor of the res taurant, MT. Walsh gave away thohs- ands of meals and never asked any re- turn.
 It has been noticed by restaurant men that many of their patrons are forgetful of their indebtedness to the caravansary immediately upon push ing tho finger bowl one side. In plain words. they often walk out without settling for what they eat. MT. Walsh Q part of the time and he had a way of saying Good day, Sir to any guest who forgot to pay. He pronounced the words with such peculiar inf1ec- ton that tho departing guest was us- ually reminded that he had forgotten something.
 walshs restaurant was a hold-out against increases in prices. When other eat ting places increased the cost of food and continued to increase it, MT. Walsh stayed down to the old levels fs long as possible. He did not regard his customers as customers, but as guests and friends. This can be the more readily understood when it is known that many of New Bri- tain's prominent professional and busi- ness men ate their monday lunch there six days a week for years on