The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-07
HOW Mr.. BURK BECAME
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
Selected by Republicans of RandaIPs
Old District After Order From
National Committee.

The death Of the Hon. Henry Burl< is
the first to occur among members of the
House since the session Of Congress be-
gan, and the third since the election
thirteen months ago. All three were
Republicans. and two Of them, Burk and
Foerderer. We're from Philadelphia.
Mr.. Burk was born in Germany. and
came to this country while young. His
entire course at school amounted toiIess
than three years. He was poor a s a BOY,
and was obliged to work TO earn a live
lihoOd. lie learned the trade of tanner.
and built up one OF the largest leather
plants in the country. His speciality was
the manufacture of an exceptionally fine
grade Of kid for gloves and shoes.
When he died his income from his bust
ness for one week was equal TO his sal
airy as a Representative for a year.
Mr.. Burk represented the Philadelphia
district from which the late Speaker
Randall came to Congress for many
terms. Mr.. Burk succeeded the Hon.
William McAleer. who. like Randall
was a protection Democrat, and had for
several terms been accorded an election
through the magnanimfty of the Rep1b-
lican leaders in the City Of Brotherly
Love. Although the district, ike the
remainder of Philadelphia, was Repub-
licsn. McAleer. a Democrat, was allowed
70 represent 1t, his election usually be-
ing unOppOsed by the Republicans. as a
sort Of sop TO the Democrats.
In 1900 the Republican managers fear
ed the Democrats would capture the
House and put forth great efforts to
win IN every possible district The
Philadelphia Republicans were told
that no longer would they be allowed
to permit tkS Third district 70 go TO
the Democrats by default. but that
they must nominate and elect a Repub-
liean in place Of McAleer. The latter
had gained a strong foothold in tE
district, and had the support Of many
Republicans. who believed that the
Democrats should be given one mem
Der from Philadelphia.
SO strong was the Republican senti-
ment for McAleer that it was conceded
the Republicans must name an espe-
cially strong man 10 defeat him. Henry
Burk was finally selected. and won by
majority Of 100. Last year the Dem
. ocrats. realizing that M. Burk's record
had been such that he would be re-
elected, made no nomination against
him. and his only opponent was a Pro-
hibiuOnist, who nolled 800 votes against
coco cast for Burk
Mr.. Burk was one Of the most promi-
nent members of the Tantalus Club an
organization formed IN the Fifty-sev-
enth Congress Of Republicans who
were serving their first terms Burk
took great interest in the club and
upon one occasion entertained it and
its friends al a dinner at the New VIII
lard. which is said 10 have cost him
more than his salary for the entire
session. Mr. Burk was not a public
speaker, neither was he much of a
singer, but there was one song tn
which he excelIed and which he was
forced 10 sing every time the club met,
much TO the delight Of all present Il
was called Johnny Smoker" and there
was just enough OF the Teutonic ac-
cent in Burk's voice 70 give il the cor
rect German Favor. Johnny Smoker
was Burk's one song. but il was
whole evenings entertainment to hear
him sing IL.