The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-07-30
DEATH OF BURNES


 Q is the common lot of man. But Burnes died in the prime of life, at a time when he should have attained a maximum of usefulness to himself, his family and, his city. He was the son of rugged parents, honest and loyal people, who gave him a good constitution, a sound education and a first class start. Burnes became a contractor and builder. He figured on big work and defeated the best men in his line. He entered politics. He became district leader. He be. came the most powerful member of his organization in the entire West End. On. Sea Breeze Island he built a little cottage, whose chief use was the entertainment of men to promote the interest of the Republican organ izatiopsr sFiss pleasant nome in the West End became virtually Organiza- ton headquarters. The latchstring was always out. and Mir. Burnes al ways in, to extend hospitality to any brother, or possible brother, in the spirit of those things in which he believed.
 Burnes became enthusiastic in the cause which he had undertaken: de- voted an increasing share of his time to 1t; gave more largely of his money; gave enormously of the splendid. vi- tality which he had inherited from his parents.
 Men are not selfish; not in essence. Men prefer to serve public ends At least. men do like Burnes, who are big. and healthy and hearty and brimming over with brotherly feel ing, and the desire to walk shoulder to shoulder with others in a common cause.
 The mistake that Burnes made was the mistake that many another good fellow has made. There is a decep- tive resemblance between parties which are collective movements-and gangs which are selfish, restricted and narrow reflexes of individuals seeking their own advancement.
 Burnes believed in the Republican p4fty. as an instrument of govern n1ent; as a strong factor in promoting the welfare of men. He wanted tc join the Republican party, and he found himself with the Organization. He thought he was associating with Jekyll and his friend. was Hyde, of twin countenance, and aspirations .of another kind s
 Burnes worshipped an idol, and didn't know it soon enough. He gave time:s nohey. health and life itself to promote a.The Organization. But the Organization didn't promote Burnes. Having used him, it cast him aside. M Burnes believed that he was to be director of public works, and office less than nothing compared with the office of being a first class builder and contractor an independent in- dustrial captain.
 BntsdE was a public office, and te Burnes it presented attraction.
 He had worked hard, long and generously, for those whom he con- founded with the Republican party He thought he deserved the reward of this trifling appointment.
 The office had been promised. to nin. But he didn't get it. E Broken in health and pocket he was an instrument that might be dis. rarded without penalty.
 He was discarded.
 There is last straw which makes 6 burden endurable Burnes, who nnwittingly followed false gods, could not endure the crushing disappoint- ment administered to him in the house of his friends
 His last incentive to struggle for kfe disappeared. He died in the prime of life. He worshipped the Organization fought for the Organization and died pecause of the, Organization.
 Did it pay'