Omaha daily bee., 1910-01-19

John perennially during the last decade,
and Mr.. Burns and his friends were econ
siderably frightened this year. Since the
most picturesque fighter in Westminster
was sent to the House Of Commons by
the enthusiastic support OF the working
men and socialtis OF his home district as
their spokesman, and since he held posi-
tions of increased responsibility, he has
gradually outgrown his old radical ideas.
John Burns of today Is a vastly different
politician from the old John Bruins who
exhorted the ~workinguaen in Trafalgar
square to rise against the police. He has
become one of the most conservative OF
liberals. and is even said to be at heart
a good Tory.
John Burns has SO far outlived his
famous dictum that no man could honestly
earn more than $500 yearly that he holds
a $4,000 position and is likely to be pro-
NOTED TO a $4,000 position. although his
style Of living remains as modest as
ever,
"Csar of Battersea."
The Cigar of Battersea,' as some OF the
-worklngmen call him, has not hesitated to
stand against some OF the demands OF his
old-time friends upon the government when
he considered them unreasonable, He has
opposed the unemployed and has spoken
plainly about the workingmen's tendency
toward improvldence and drink, while ne
has gained the respect of all parties In
parliament and is considered one OF the
ablest as well as one Of the most inter-
esting legislators; traitor and rene
gade,' are some Of the mildest terms APP
piled TO him in the labor camp.
! The ttempts to overthrow him have been
louder this year than ever, and his de-
feat was generally expected, but his en-
gaglng personality and his thorough cam
vRss OF the district pulled him through.
A. Shirley Benn made a strong tariff re-
form campaign and received much outside
help. but Honest john" in his familiar
jacket and bower, for he still scorns the
ministerial silk hat and frock coat. has
been seen everywhere, renewing acquaint-
ance with Old followers. Hundreds OF
motors, bedecked with the unionist can
didate's colors. purple and yellow, filled
the Battersea street today. taking voters
to the polls. Long lines of them were
drawn up outside the factories, waiting
for the ~workingmen to come out.
Socialists Fight Burns.
Benn's placaros in the windows out
numbered me Surns ten to one. The
socialist posters reminded the w~orkingmen
that John burns had said that each OF
them silent six shifting a week on drink
One OF them accused MIN OF aking soup
which some outcast should nave had, when
he visited the bread line on the embank,
ment. Another exhorted the voters u
turn the canting hypocrite out" Stil.
another represented ham in court suit. Ia
Deled Tine Guided Popintay"
Bands OF chiluren paraded with Burns
nave TO rob the cat OF ITS meat for ms
emblems on their banners, which SAID
mat under protection that father wound
dinner.
The excitement last night in Battersea
Was greater than Elsewhere in London I'm
menss crowds surrounded the candidates
headquarters until a late hour. awaiting
the news. The enthusiasm at the head
quarters Of the president Of the local gov
eminent board was intense when the re.
suit was received.
The Daily Graphic sees looming the dan
ger Of socialism in the heavy polling O
the working class constituencies. which. 4
says, ought to serve as a lurid warning
to the middle classes,
The liberal papers. on the other hand
are all ~Jubilsnt and predict that the gov
eminent majority. while Il will be smalle
lan 1896. will be larger than Gladstone
n 1856. They are greatly encouraged b.
) tne staunehness OF big cities like Leeds
/ Sheffield. Blackburn, Oldham, Stockton
and Wigan to liberalism and free trade.
1 IA
.".