The Washington times., 1912-08-19
REFORMED CONVICT
PROMISES AID TO
MODERN vALJEAN
Philadelphia Man Who Fled
From Jail History Will
Return as Merchant.

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19.-William
Burke, who, rendered desperate by the
blackmailing of prison mate. resigned
his seat in the city council. confessed
his criminal career, and fed. has re-
ceived the most magnanimous offer yet
made him in the effort to bring him
back to this city.
1t remained for John l.. Fehr, Ameri-
can representative OF the Chinese Mer-
chants Association. to make the first
practical proposition to this modern
Jean Vatican to come home Philadel-
phia and face the music.
Striking because Of the practical
Christianity in the offer, 1t Is made
doubly SO because Fehr himself six
years ago completed a prison term and
has since risen to a position of respect
IN this community and has overcome
his past to such an extent that he is
now well-trusted business man.
There are no strings to Fehrs offer,
for he has promised that, II Burke will
come back, he will provide him with a
set OF stock and fixtures and set him
up In the cigar business on a large scale
and let him take his own time in repay
ing the money.
Fehr described his struggles and told
OF the successful business which he had
built up and how social workers had
ually had risen until now he Is one of
the most trusted men in his community
Fehr then added feelingly;
1T Is not the persons who live
biameless lives themselves that Burke
has TO fear. 1t Is the crooks, the en-
vious, the hypocrites. and those who
will stink away when their own pasts
are barred that man who leaves prison
has TO fear
Encouraging words and offers of help
have led Rlrka m denida m tr
Philadelphia within a week.
After weeks of sleplelessness and
terror I at last feel like a man." said
the former convict at his place of Sc.
fear of exposure and the consequences
to myself and family. will be able to
devote my best energies to gaining ar
honest lievlihood."
Burke''s looks gave strong corrobora.
ton TO his claim that the world has as.
suIned more rosy hue to his eyes, foI
he talked with CHEEKY air and referred
confidently to his ability to start life
anew.
That is the right attitude" declared
Mayor Blankenburg, when told, at Pc.
ccno Pines, of Burke's decision. Nov
that he has made a clean breast of 1t he
should come forward and face the mu,
sic IKE man. There may be some per
thing to do with him, but he will TAXI
the sympathy of the great majority, ant
they will be glad to help him.
mayor Blankenburg's offer to hell
is very kind, and I am grateful to hin
and TO the many others who have sym
pathized with me- said Burke. Il an
now sure that I will win my next figh
Tor an honorable place in Philadelphia
prl politiGss i: however continued Mr.
be content with private employment
1t was the limelight that brought m,
IN the clutches of the man who bleC
me. and shall never forget the lesson
! am glad now. however, that m,
! VIII know that whatever respect or es
| TEEN l gain is sincere and not likel,
to be blotted out by exposure Of al
| unfortunate past.
to Philadelphia" said Burke. II fec
from the city because I could not re
main and stand the humiliation of tn,
confession. I feel much encouraged
however by the kind words OF Mayo
Blankenburg. and also by the sympath,
! expressed by others.
why should I not return? 1t is tn,
| only logical thing for me to do. II I gt
to another city 1t would be a case o.
! the old story over again. People woulC
| prison record at one time, and theI
there would be more explaining to do.
When ! return It will be under the
| name of William Burke. I am going
the nerve to live down the past fol
eight years, and I will have the courage
to do II again In the future. I am go
ing to be honest and to make my liv
ing by hard work. / am through witt
being a crook, and would not return
10 the old life for anything.
"If / had wanted to be crooked while
lived I'm Philadelphia. could have
worn diamonds, the same as I did be-
fore went to prison. but ] wanted tc
be honest. And am going to stay thai
way" 49,. --..---..