The herald., 1896-08-21
The Fifth Ward Politician Ex-
plains Some Matters
RELATIONS WITH "DE PUSH
How He Got Into the National Demo.
cratic Convention
He Made "Loans" to George Arbuckie. Ed
McOiniey and the Strikers. but Never
Purchased q Solitary Vote

One result has been accomplished by
the meeting of the Democratic congress
ional convention in this city, for which
almost universal thanks will go up. Dis
closures have been made which Will have
the effect of eliminating as a factor in
the counsels of the Democracy person
who has long made himself objection
able upon every occasion that arose, and
whose presence and advice have never
been of benefit to the party or the candi-
date he supported.
The individual referred to is William
r. Burke, who has within the past four
years brought disgrace upon three DEM
ocratic conventions he attended by en-
gaging in melees and fist fights, at the
same time laying claim and making pre-
tensions to the title of gentleman.
But yesterday morning the person,
Burke, was afforded the opportunity to
make an ass of himself, and it is needless
to add that he accepted it.
The night before he had engaged in a
fsticuff with Councilman Thomas Saw
age. The statement had been made
that the Burke individual had for $35
purchased the vote of George Arbuckle
to be cast for him for delegate to the
Democratic convention. Burke denied
it, and then struck Savage cowardly
blow.
Then a melee followed. This was after
the convention had adjourned, and the
whole affair had nothing to do with
that gathering. nor were the delegates
interested in knowing whether Burke
paid Arbuckle $35 or $7O0 to vote for MIN
or for anybody else.
But when the convention had assem-
bled yesterday morning Burke arose to
a question of privilege. He said that tn.
statement had gone forth from Sacra-
mento that he had paid George Arbuckle
$35 to vote for him for delegate to Chi
cago. This he wished to deny. He had
engaged George Arbuckle and Ed Nc
Ginley to work for him in the Seventh
ward, which he had understood was very
close. For this work he had paid them.
He needed their support and their influ
ence, and this he thought was all right.
Later he had loaned George Arbuckle
$40 on a note for $1OO that Arbuckle had
put up as security. He had also. he said,
loaned money to others. He had been
asked by the correspondent of The Her
aid for loan at Sacramento There
were some who wanted to go to the
Sacramento convention, and he had "as-
sisted" them from his private purse.
When Burke took his seat the conven-
ton jeered him.
Immediately up rose Albert Scarf, the
correspondent referred to. Mr.. Searl
happened to be on the stage, but Burke
had not seen him.
Mr.. Chairman" said Mr.. Searl IT
would like to ask Burke if he ever gave
ME one penny or one dollar at Sacrament
to or elsewhere?'
NO" said Burke shamefacedly, mo.
But you asked me for loan and 1
told you would give you the money"
This closed the incident as far as the
convention was concerned, and Burke
retired from the hall. He was not again
seen on the floor. At the afternoon ses-
sion he did not show his face
Burke's own admission is that he
loaned" money to George Arbuckle and
others who had it in their power to name
or assist in naming a delegate to Chica-
go. Burke is not a philanthropic per-
son who loans out his coin for the good
Of humanity nor to assist any one unless
he has ample security. In the common
parlance of de push" he is known as
"a tight wa1" 1t is indeed fortunate for
him that about the time he wanted the
votes of Arbuckle and a gang of heelers
he commenced ''loaning" them money,
in the face of his record as a person who
clings closely to all that he has. He
wanted votes, and his relations with peo-
pie of the Arbuckle stripe consequently
became close.
The passing of Major" w. r. Burke
can be announced.