The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-04-09
WALTER THOMAS MARLATT.

The community to which he was devoted IN
his life work and in his interests, and the pro-
fession to which he dedicated long and active
career, unite with his immediate associates, III
deep and lasting appreciation of the life and
work of Walter Thomas Marlatt
In the estimation of his associates, and of
his many friends among editors and publish
ers, he was true type of the ideal American
newspaper man. He was not confined, either
in interest or ability to any one branch of the
work His judgment and initiative in the bust
ness field were important factors in the devel-
opment of the property of which he was the
executive head His sense for and of news was
innate; he knew as though intuitively, the
value of news to the paper, and it's interest for
the public. He guaged relative values accur-
ately. 1t was always his fundamental rule
that the news which concerned Kenosha was
the most important in the whole World-for
Kenosha. A telegraph story was tolerated on
the front page, if of value, and if there was
room for it. But the first page of Kenosha
newspaper, in his judgement, belonged to Ke-
nosha news. All this because he was actuated
by a sense of service to the community, of
which he conceived it to be the duty of news
paper to be the faithful exponent. In the news
of the world outside he was not uninterested,
but again, it was subjected to the procrustean
test of value to his constituency. II it was in
the morning newspaper, its value was gone
His people were entitled to news they had not
already had Though subordinating all news
considerations to local values, he was not con-
tent with less than complete and ample news
service. He not only had the leased wire and
mail service of the Associated Press, he had
the services of the United Press, and other
agencies. No news service that could possibly
give him anything he had not already
thoroughly covered, ever found a deaf ear
turned to it's representative. In order that he
might be sure he had all the news he felt he
should have, his supply each day was several
times the quantity that could be used-but
from it, what his people should have, they had
1t was this news fidelity added to his news
sense, that made his paper conspicuous in the
news field.
He had the prime requisite of a successful
editor. He thought something distinct and
definite on every question that presented it.
self as problem in the political or social life
of the community. His conclusion was always
that which he was convinced was right
Whether his editorial position was popular,
was not with him consideration. Whether
or not it was right, was it's determination.
Keen, and shrewd, and successful in his bust
ness judgments, they were always on business
questions. The question as to whether or not
an editorial policy would pay, was one that
never could by any possibility enter into it's
consideration. In opinion he was fearless,
just, and of limitless moral fiber. In express
sion he was clear, forceful, concise and direct
If he was called upon to combat an evil, there
was no uncertainty in tone or indecison in
conclusion. His blows were from the forearm
and with bludgeon If he enlisted in the sup
port Of a cause, his whole valiant and doni-
nant soul was committed to that cause.
When the tragedy of war came to his ma
ton, he was four-square under her banners.
His tremendous energy and boundless vitality
were placed at the service of the country,
not only with the tireless vigor of his pen, but
with work that taxed his endurance to the ut
most. 1t is not improbable that but for the
exactions of that trying period he would yet
be working at his chosen duties, in the full
strength and vigor to which his years entitled
him. It is not too much to write him as an
other of the many delayed tragedies of that
great calamity.
OF his personality it is difficult to speak with
moderation. To domestic life ideal in its
realization of all that home, marriage, children,
can mean, he added a companionshlp with
those who were given the opportunity of as
ISOLATION with him, that made him a moving
factor in the life of the community and left an
impress that will survive all time. He found
time with all his other activities, to give gen.
erously to the public service of his friends and
neighbors, and in material and substantial de-
velopments in his city, always had an important
and constructive part. He was an all-around
man, personally as well as in his profession
and in his business.
1t is this imperishable heritage which he has
left to his associates. He builded into this in
stitution the bricks and mortar of eternal char
acter, which time can never dislodge, and on
which its future will ever rest The uncon-
scious thought of our working day, will be to
make this paper in all its departments, what it
would have been were he still here to direct and
control. And so that kindly, gentle, firm impress