Subscribe..
EDWIN BURKE
[Welland Tribune, 14 August 1903]
Edwin Burke, one of the most filthy and ragged looking specimens that has struck town in a long time, got awfully drunk and profane on the street Wednesday night. When Chief Forde placed him under arrest there was a perfect flood of probably the worst language heard on the streets of Welland in years. The chief was also called by every abusive phrase a thoroughbred bum could call him. Burke was locked up and his rantings could be heard on the street for a long time afterward. When he appeared before the magistrate yesterday morning he was meek as a lamb and his tongue was just as free in dispensing blessings on the magistrate and the chief as it had been in forming oaths the night before. He claimed a great history, was an English army pensioner, served ten years in India, got a sunstroke there, was a poor weak old man with only one leg. He was going from Buffalo to Toronto where he would go to the poor house, but stopped off to see Jailer Coulson and the boys. He spent a winter in jail here five years ago. Many were the prayers he uttered that the magistrate and chief and their children might be blessed in this world and rewarded in the next and three times he knelt to pray. He undoubtedly has a tongue that few men are blessed with. He is evidently a professional beggar, and had money in every pocket. He was made to pay his own way to Toronto and to pay for the breakfast given him.
Add A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.