Walsh's Supporters

But throughout the trial Walsh has also maintained a number of supporters in Cambridge and elsewhere.

Former Eliot House Superintendent Margaret Garland, who attended the trial yesterday, characterized herself as a "staunch supporter" of Walsh.

"He's man of great integrity," Garland said. "He's done more for the less fortunate than most people know. He's an honorable man."

Another Walsh supporter in the audience yesterday was Joseph D. Fernandez, former director of Bilingual Programs for Cambridge Schools.

"I don't think he's guilty," Fernandez said before yesterday's proceedings. "He usually only helps people."

"A lot of times he doesn't know what goes on his office. A lot of times people use him," Fernandez added.

One impartial observer who claimed to have observed a "hundreds" of trials said he expects a conviction.

Says Louis A. Morrissey: "The evidence [against Walsh] is just piling up."