Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-08-23
Mayor Burke Hailed as a Political
Boss and Shouted Down by
Democrats.
ONLY 90 VOTES CAST.
Disordcrly Scenes Ncccssitntine the In
reference of POlicc-Ba1lOt BOx
Driven into n Corpcr--GratOn
Beats Enright for city
Representative.

Scenes Of the widest disorder prevailed
Monday night at the democratic caucus for
he nomination of city representative. The
chairman was utterly unable to control
The voters. Mayor Burke was called a die
tator and a boss. was shouted at so that
he had to- give up his speech but in the
end won a victory, his candidate, G. u.
Grafton, being nominated by a vote OF 81 to
&c over j. J. Enright. 1t was the hottest
fight in years. Although there were 800
or 400 men present, less than 100 voted,
owing to the fact that there are but 2l
names on the democratic check list. The
fight against Mayor Hurke candidate
was led by MIR. Enright and Alderman
Meagher and thoy fired hot shot until the
caucus was in an uproar. The mayor tried
to reply but by that time the voters were
in no mood 20 hear further spccchmaking
and demanded a ballot.
CAUCUS CALLED TO ORDER.
The caucus was called to order at about
so o'clock by T. II. Kelley, who read
the call. The distinctive thing about his
appearance was a Proctor campaign but
ton, which he supported upon tho left
lapel Of his coat. NJ. +. Daley was elected
chairman and nominations then followed
for secretary. T. f. Conlon was elected
but as he had been appointed a checking
clerk to he in charge of the checking nsn
he declined to serve. Nomination after
nomination followed but in each instance
the nominee declined to serve and at last
Mr.. Conlon had to take the Office. He
therefore OBLIGATED in two capacities dur
.ng the caucus.
BURKE CALLED DICTATOR.
While this was in progress a crowd
had gathered that taxed the capacity
of tie city court room. f. NJ. sutton
presented the name of Mr.. Enrigh'.
Tho nomination was seconded by AL
dcrman Meaghcr and his remarks
started the reign of disorder. He gave
Mayor Burke the most scathing ar
raignment he has ever received from
2 member OF his own party in a po-
litical meeting. He said that on sun
Gay evening a secret meeting was mel"
ny a few voters and that the meeting
was led by the mayor. lie theh re-
rcrred to the fact that the mayor had
been paradinE all over the State shout
ing against ring rule. He asked the
voters how they could reconcile the
two.
.Ho is n dictator. He has made a
,l,to which we have got to adopt be-
cause he says So" shouted the alder
man. .
Continuing Alderman Mcasher said
that Mr.. Grafton was a nice young man
b,A that he did not want to be a cam
didate. He was forced into IT. the
speaker said.
MAYOR SAYS HE Is NO BOSS,
BEFORE Alderman Meagher had fin
ished the mayor was on his feet de-
handing recognition from the chair
but chairman Daley had his wits with
him and insisted that Alderman
NIeaeher had the floor until such time
as he wished to cease. When the
MAYOR did receive recognition he as
serted that he was in favor of the re-
form movement.
II am no boss" he said.
He said the Democratic party must
have a clean man. It must select a
candidate who would not put the party
IN the defensive. one with a clean rec
ard and one for whom the voters
would not have to blush. He then
oominated Mr.. Grafton. Referring to
MIR. Enright, the mayor said he had
Fought the administration and the
party openly and had stood on the
street corners giving his views.
Il deny that" interrupted Alderman
k1eagher.
ADJOURNED TO Hail. ABOVE.
The crowd Of voters outside the cour'
DOM was so large that not half of then
.., 49, IaAr Tharn uprf
ries for an adjournment to the hall above
nd a motion TO that effect was carried
IS soon as the caucus was organized IL
he new quarters the question of allow
rg Mr.. Frright to continue was brought
~. A vote on the question was takei
nd by a practically unanimous decision
le was allowed to speak.
FACTS FROM ENRIGHT.
As soon as orGer had been restored Mr.
Enright was recognized. lie referred Il
he statement made by Mayor Burke t.
he effect that the fusion party had flee
Iomination papers for MIR Grafton.
II deny It," said Mr.. Enright. 9TH
ccretary told me no later than nv
'clock that the fusion party met tive
weeks ago and agreed to support mo
Burke called a meeting yesterday ano
tx men were present"
Continuing, Mr.. Enright raid the paper
Fcre filed for Mr., Grafton because tn,
1ayor wanted them filed, He referred I,
he fact that the caucus was called 70
saturday night and then spoke of it
d%iournment because the mayor coul,
ot he here that night.
Burke was out talking for tho MAJ
e called the arch CRATER" said Nh
Cnright.
He accused tho ma or of telling
Fty employe yesterday that If he di
ct go 10 the caucus and vote for Grator