The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-10-12
VAN. As J. B. FORAKER.
Amusing Presentation of the Ohio
Man by Kansas City Star Cores
pOndent.

Amusing PRESERVATION OF the ohio
Man by Kansas City Star Cores
pendent.
Frank farrell, correspondent of the
Kansas City Times thus relates a rath-
er unusual occurrence at Wellington on
Friday night last; When the J. 3.
Foraker party of junketers reached
Wellington last night they learned that
extensive arrangements had been made
for their reception The town band
and 1ambeau club had been engaged
for the occasion, and all the Republican
men. women and children in the vicini-
ty who had not joined the Bryan move
ment were in line Of march to do honor
to the senator from Ohio. The pro-
gramme was for Senator Foraker and
Chairman Jim Simpson to lead the pro
cession through the principal streets Of
the city. AfterWard the entire party
was to witness the fireworks display
from the hotel balcony
Senator Foraker promptly filed
kick He did not see any sense in such
monkey business, and refused TO take
part in the parade. He said he was
tired and proposed to take a nap before
the hour set for the speaking With
this he repaired to his room and locked
the door.
Chairman Simpson was in a great
stew The procession was ready to
move, and a committee had arrived at
the hotel with carriag es for the visitors.
Something had to be done. and there
was no time to lose. THE people of
Wellington have gone to q lot of
trouble for Senator Foraker, Simpson
said, and it won't do to let them know
that he declines to be in the parade.
We can't afford to make q mistake in
Sumner county. It's too close
The crowd was yelling for Foraker,
and the band was making trouble for
the WelIzin with THE Star Spang1ed
Banner and other patriotic tunes The
committee was getting uneasy
we must have Foraker in that pro
cessiOn." shouted Simpson, tearing his
hair
What's the matter with DUN
my2" said FOraker's private secretary.
Just the thing, just the thing, 'Simp-
son fairly yelled, as he jumped &p and
cracked his heels together. Who'll we
have for a dummy"
The fellows sized one another up and
then Simpson grabbed Fred Vandegrift.
a Topeka newspaper man, who was
with the party. and Rugged him
You're the man. said Simpson You
can rescue US from this awkward posi-
ton
If Mr. Vandegrift had a mustache he
would greatly resemble Senator For
aker, although he is several years
younger than the Ohio man He OBJ
Jected on the ground that the people
would detect the trick.
But Simpson would not take no for
an answer Wen try it a whirl," he
said wen see how much truth there
is in the Abe Lincoln maxim about
fooling all of the people some Of the
time"
Vandegrift finally consented and
climbed into a carriage with Simpson.
and they were driven through the
crowd amid wild applause to the head
of the procession Wandegrift held his
handkerchief over his mouth to prevent
the people from noticing the lack OF a
mustache.
There he is" said Charley Elliott
Hip, nip, hurrah for Foraker and
OhiO!" he yelled and the crowd joined
the cheering with a hearty good viii
Nandegrift stood up in the carriage
and bowed, and men threw their hats
into the air.
The procession passed a line of old
soldiers. The veterans removed their
hats. and Wandegrift took his seat Il
didn't have the nerve to deceive the
boys in blue" he said afterward.
After the procession Mr. Nandegrift
was escorted to the hotel where he and
Simpson and the rest viewed the fam
beau display There Vandegrift weak
ened again, and finally retreated. You
will have to get somebody else to play
Foraker Wandegrift said to Simpson
mind having fun with the jays, but
posing to give war veterans an oppor-
tunity to salute me is carrying it a lit
As Vandegrift left the balcony some
old soldiers who were in the FOrtieth
Ohio gathered around him. but he made
his escape through Simpsons interior
ence. A man who was boy in Ohio
when Foraker went to the front man
aged to get handshake with Vande-
grift and a girl whose mother was
schoolmate of Foraker gave him her
picture
Vandegrift reached F'oralzer's room
in safety without a soul having detect
ed the imposition. Several people in
quired why Foraker kept his handker-
chief over his mouth, and Simpson ex-
planned that he had neuralgia.
THAT was a great joke said For
aker sand it gave ne a chance for a
refreshing sleep am now ready to
speak"
When Foraker appeared at the opera
house to tell the people how to be hon
est. they gave him a great ovation, and
after the meeting they talked about
how good he was to come among them,
and mingIe with them and ride in their
professions. and acknowledge their eff
forts to honor him, but little did they
think that most Of these things We're
done by proxy