The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-08-18
Uncle Jake" WoIfe's Tribute to Mr..
Berge.
Bsrge.

EUlJOI INDEPENDENT. Aao SeSA - -
the campaign | wish to congratulate
the populists and democrats OF the
state on the outcome of our late state
conventions. With many others
feared that even comparative har-
mony would not prevail. have no
criticism to make. much less any CEN
sure to cast upon those who sought
a different course. as / believe that
all were honestly and earnestly stTiv-
ing for the same end. 1t is impossi-
BILE for us all to see exactly alike.
While all can agree upon the end to-
be accomplished, all seldom agree
upon the best means of obtaining it.
But the battle has been fought, and,
while very respectable minority
went down in honorable defeat, be-
heve that all should. and will now
accept the decision Of the large ma
jority of both conventions, and work
as earnestly for the success Of the
ticket named as they would have done
had their own views been more nearly
expressed.
While not personally acquainted
all the candidates | believe them all
to be high minded. honest and cap
able men, who, If elected, will reflect
credit upon themselves by working
for, and regarding the rights of all the
people. | wish, however, to speak a
special word for mir. Berge, our cam
didate for governor. do SO from the
fact that | know George w. Berge
better than do any of the other can
didates, and, perhaps, better than any
other man in the state knows him,
although he is we'll and favorably
known in all southeast Nebraska.
Mr.. Berge came to the state some
fourteen years ago a poor, fale faced
young man. He had recently gradu-
ated from a law school and with a
diploma in one hand and an empty
purse in the other he located in Lin
coin to begin the practice of his pro-
fession. This of itself took much
courage as Lincoln was then, as now
full of lawyers with good practice,
and in easy circumstances. But Mr..
Berge's confidence in himself was
equal to his courage, and he never,
for a moment, doubted that hard
work and a high standard Of life
would bring their reward. But Office
rent and board had to be considered.
His person, as well as his purse was
quite lean, and the wants of the one
had to be supplied from the contents
ficient retainer for a months board
and Office rent, might not be rendered
him for weeks or months, and he
could see no relief in defending him
self in a suit of ejectment for Office
rent over due.
At that time | was living on my
farm one mile east of the penitentiary,
and held the high and responsible Of
flee of director of my school district.
Mr.. Berge visited me and made APP
plication for the fall and winter term
of our school He brought 40 Gre
dentials except a certificate from the
county superintendent. There were
number of other applicants better
known to me than was Mr.. Berge, and
who bore more flattering testimonials
of character and scholarship from
school officials and interested friends.
Mr.. Berge needed none. His thought
full expression, earnest manner and
candid statements won my favor and
the position He continued to teach
the school as long as he wished and
many a young man from school dis
trict No. so, which now embraces Col
lege View, under Mr.. Berge's influ-
ence and inspiration became students
and graduates of our state university,
and other surrounding colleges. While
money was admitted to be his main
object. yet he was unwilling to ac-
cept penny until he had honestly
earned it by rendering full eQuiva-
lent.
have watched with much interest
and with some pride Mr.. Berge's ca
reer ever since, and while IL may not
be said to be brilliant or metecric, 1t
has been marked success. He is
now one of the foremost lawyers of
the Lancaster county bar, and has
won his spurs and his position by
close study, hard work aud by an hon
est and upright life.
No democrat need doubt George w.
Berge FOR he Is a democrat of the
Jeiiersonlan and w. j. Bryan type.