BURNS THE SOCIALIST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2240, 30 September 1889, Page 2

BURNS THE SOCIALIST.

A contemporary furnishes the following particulars relating 1 1 the Socialist leader, Mr Burns, whose name has been so prominently associated with the late strike m • ondon : — lt appears that be is of Scotch pare tage, married, and 29 years of age. He is an engineer by trade, and was for some time a prominent member of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers When the split ocoorred m the labor party, Burns left what may be called the more Conservative section, whioh remained content with the old Trade Union methods, and joined the "Social Democratic Federation," of whioh we have heard so muoh m connection with the Trafalgarsqaare riots. He is evidently a natural leader of men, and soon atta'ncd the fore* most rank amoDg tbe ohiofs of th» Federation. He is detcribed aa being gifted with a fine physique and great natural powers of eloquence. He appears, indeed, to be a " powerful speaker" m more Benses than one, Binc3 it is stated as an instance of the strength of his lungs that he la tbe only man who. standing on the balustrade of tbe National Gallery m Trafalgar- ego. are can make his Voice heard m Northumberland-avenue and Parliament street. Thiß, it must be admitted, is by no means an unimportant qualification for a man who has to addreaa large and often unruly assemblages. Burns has figured more than opoe m the Oourta for bis alleged share In disturbances, and has suffered a term of imprisonment fn Hollo way Gaol. He was put on his trial with Hyndman and Champion for taking part In the oelebrated riots m Trafalgar square. He defended h'mself with great ability, and having succeeded m showing that he aoted a conciliatory part, really preventing the mob from committing greater exoerssa after thoy had overpowered the police, he was acquitted. He la a mombor of the London Oounty Oounoil, and stood for Parliament for Bist Nottinghamshire as a Socialist, but was defeated. After the notoriety which he has recently earned, we should be not surprised If he do not oome forward again with more rucoob* this time.