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The Leopard’s Spots
He nursed his wits upon cold water
And that its fruits may well be seen,
He’d learnt to count up to 13,
As they would prove that black was white.
– “Siege of Gicacho”, 1889.
Burger & Co. have a widely known reputation of being the most disreputable firm in the ‘Dom. Hereafter we will pay no attention to their cowardly and miserable sheet.
– Gonden’s Gnome, Bert Gonden, Sept. – Nov. 1884.
Charles R. Burger’s star of ascendency over certain New York amateurs has fallen, and his political followers are few and far between. Truly the efforts of this little Tin God, by which he endeavors to set up for himself a monument of political fame and prowess, are indeed praiseworthy. Unfortunately, however, this modern Pecksniff of honesty and frankness has an underlying foundation of hypocrisy which is concealed by a countenance so “childlike and bland” as to deceive even the most practical ringster. The quiet manner in which this Little God sets up his alabastine cross, to which his scant train of lackeys flock with commendable haste, is worthy of the highest eulogies. However, like the Chinaman, Charles R. Burger “must go,” and doubtless the summer tourist, if he travels far enough down the New Jersey coast, will see him at some rustic village, holding forth to the confiding villagers the advantages to be obtained by admitting New Jersey amateurs to the K. A. P. A.
– Wm. W. Carpenter in Sentinel, May-June, 1886.
An account of the useful life of the Pa. & N. J. A. P. A. would be very short. It is a history of progress and advancement from its organization on January 1, 1886, up to the time when Charles R. Burger entered its arena. Its organization would not have been as successful had that personage been at leisure, but at the time of the organization convention Mr. Burger’s attentions were occupied entirely in attempting to rule or ruin the E. S. A. P. A.; as soon as his plans in that political muddle had succeeded – how well the ‘Dom knows – he turned his eyes toward the advancing standards of the Pa. & N. J. A. P. A.
– H. C. Hochstadter in Dixie, September, 1886.
An alliance with C. R. Burger is sure political death. No amateur who respects himself will follow the editor of the Invincible, or even stand beside him. Let the recruit mark well our words.
– Harry W. Robinson in Bric-a-Brac, September, 1886.
Burger did not disappoint us. He did his work well. He could not have done very much better had his sworn object been to ruin the organization. Before the convention he considered himself the sole possessor of the institution known as amateur journalism, and he acted accordingly at Philadelphia. Nor was he disturbed. He ruled with undisputed sway. Success crowned his efforts, but short will be the glory thereof.
– Kansas Zephyr, May, 1887.
C. R. Burger is a fine specimen for a candidate for the treasurership of the N. A. P. A. Not long ago we were supporting this unprincipled fellow. We are now better acquainted with him, and, in our estimation, he is far below the level of Amateur Journalism. He is not worthy of any notice from the Dom.
– Our Sentiments, (La Rue), June, 1887.
“Amateur Journalism is a gigantic farce, and I only keep up an interest in it for the fun I can get out of it.”
So says Charles R. Burger, the man who loves to have people call him “the leading amateur politician of the United States;” who has gained quite a reputation in New York City for inaugurating amateur fights, and who sometimes causes the fights to grow so bitter that he makes enemies of his best friend: who has gained no less of a reputation for his wonderful veracity (?); who, only two months ago, held that one L. Kempner was a “scoundrel and a coward,” which he is not, and yet supports him for the N. A. P. A. presidency today. This man now announces himself as a candidate for treasurer of the N. A. P. A.
– John Moody in Hyperion, March, 1889.
Ye Gods! Is it not enough to make an honest amateur’s blood boil to see this man Burger, who for some time past has found no time to devote to Amateur Journalism, but from one year’s end to another finds time and money in plenty to devote to the filthiest kind of politics, this man who breaks his word as lightly as the autumn wind moves the sere brown leaves from its path, this man whose record as a politician sends a stench to the very heavens, this man has the cool assurance to nominate himself for official editor.
– John J. Ottinger in Nulli Secundus, August, 1889.
Mr. Houtain Explains
Membership Bureau
National Amateur Press Association
George Julian Houtain,
Secretary of Credentials
Brooklyn, New York.
Nov. 22, 1902.
Editor Stars and Stripes, Crowley, La.
Sir – For the benefit of the readers of your journal, permit me to state most emphatically that I never received the report of the treasurer of the National Amateur Press Association until the second day of the 27th annual convention. The books of the said official I have never had the pleasure of seeing in my entire amateur career. Furthermore, I was not directed to turn the treasurer’s report over to the president but was requested to present it to the convention, which I did when I was granted the privilege and first opportunity.
The treasurer’s books were received during my absence from home by my father, Mr. William E. Houtain, who turned them over to some one person or other wearing a convention badge when he came over to attend the banquet.
Trusting that you will grant this explanation space in the columns of your sterling valuable paper, I am,
Yours very truly,
Geo. J. Houtain.
Letter postmarked Dec. 1, 1902.
Stars and Stripes
The return of Mike Boechat was a pleasing surprise. Sunshine is far from an equal to Norm, which Boechat gave Amateurdom, but we have no occasion to find fault on that score. There are few of our amateurs who were active ten years ago, who can afford the time now that they devoted to their amateur work then. Such men as Brodie have learned this, and make no effort at regularity, rather making each issue something of beauty and value. More than one of us is so breathless in endeavoring to keep up with Father Time that his productions are hastily indicted, and hastily printed, repentance for glaring errors being the only thing left for leisure. Stripes has been in this race for some time, but with the opening of the new year refuses to hasten. Hereafter there will be more time spent in preparation.
As Brodie announces, we have reprinted the first issue of Steele’s volume of the National Amateur. There are only three copies of the original known to be in existence. Persons desiring this paper may purchase it at 20 cents per copy. When enough are sold to cover cost of composition and presswork the balance of the 200 copies printed will be sent to Brodie for the clearing house.
A Brooklyn daily “features” Louis Wills in amateur theatricals, and says he is a prominent member of the N. A. P. A. Poor N. A. P. A.! Saint Anthony still plays with his little brother – on the stage – but it is said he won’t speak to him when an amateur journalist is near.
The lack of papers from Gotham lately may be attributable to the fact that Stripes’ convention report is finished. How thankful we should be!
* * * *
Reprint of Vol. 1, No. 1, the National Amateur. Price 10 cents. John T. Nixon, Crowley, Louisiana.
History of the National Amateur Press Association.
Compiled by John T. Nixon.
One hundred copies of this book were bound for distribution, of which less than ten remain. Over 350 pages bound in cloth. Price $2.15, post paid.
John T. Nixon, Publisher, Crowley, Louisiana.
Stars and Stripes. Established 1883.
Founded by Frederic Heath.
Published monthly in the interests of the National Amateur Press Association
and especially of the Alumni membership; 50c per year.
Entered as second class mail matter Dec. 10, 1901.
John T. Nixon, publisher, Crowley, La.