The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-18
THEIR RAIRBANKSES MIXED,
ALMOST A FEUD IN TEXAS OVER
THE CANDIDATES BUSINESS.
Ii He . Scale Manufacturer or . Soap
Maker or Distiller?-Hempstead
Democrats Sure He's One OF the Three
and Are Making Trouble for Drummers.

anu arc MAKING ITouDie Tor Drummers
HKMPsTEAD, Tex. Sept. 1.-THE excite
ment Of the national campaign does not
usually reach anything like the high tension
In Texas that it does in the close States OF
the North. There are so few white Repub-
leans here that 1t is hard to get up a curb
stone argument on the issues involved in
the national contest between the two dor,
inant parties. There are many negro Re-
publicans, but, of course it is out of the
question for a white Democrat to argue
with them on any subject.
In the absence of men Of opposite rartv
affiliations with whom to arcuo grave
questions OF statecraft, Dem0rati wise
acres in Texas find no little pleasure in
taking opposite sides on questions incident
to the campaign. One of the questions
which have divided the Democratic street
debaters OF a town below here relates to
the business pedigree of Senator Charles W.
Fairbanks, the Republican candidate for
Vice President. 1t isn't settled yet
The dissension was precipitated about
two weeks ago when commercial traveller
appeared in town and tried to sell a supply
Of Fairbanks soap and soap powder to the
two general stores. The drummer had
an interesting experience. The dyed-in the
wool Democrat who runs one of the stores
almost threw him out OF the building when
lie opened up his sample case.
you've got your nerve to come to me
and try to sell this Republican soap here"
declared the storekeeper with warmth.
Il wouldn't have the stuff about my place.
Let old man Fairbanks sell his soap TO the
Republicans: Democrats In Texas don't
want any Of it."
The astonished drummer tried TO ex-
plain that Fairbanks, the Republican candi-
date for Vice. President, and Fairbanks.
the soap manufacturer, were different
persons. But the storekeeper refused to
be convinced. So the salesman went over
good bill Of the Fairbanks goods. The
keeper of this store ridiculed his competitor
for the stand he had taken.
why, everybody knows that Senator
Fairbanks manufactures scales and that
It's another Fairbanks that makes soap"
he said to the crowd in his place.
A few days later another drummer ap-
peared In town, He represented a hard
ware house and handled Fairbanks scales.
The man who refused to buy a stock Of
Fairbanks soap placed an order for Fair
banks scales. The other storekeeper threat
ened to have the drummer run out Of town
u he came around his store trying to sell
them damned Republican scales
The whole community became aroused
over the question OF whether the soap or
ne scales were manufactured by the Re
publican candidate. The two sides are al
most equally divided. Former friends
have become bitter enemies. In the even
ings the two contending factions gather in
front OF the two stores and go over and
over the old arguments.
1t has been suggested that the question
could be settled by writing to Senator
Fairbanks, but that wouldn't help The
bitter nartisans say they wouldn't take the
word Of any Republican.
II consent can be obtained by the leaders
Of both factions, an appeal will be made
direct to Judge Parker for a ecision on the
question, but the discussion has gone so
far and 80 much bitterness has been
aroused that it is doubtful II any kind Of
proof as to Senator Fairbanks's business
will be accepted by the bel
ligerents.
One young man who came to town few
days ago almost started riot when he
thst both OF the storekeepers
and their supporters were wronk, and that
Senator Fairbanks runs big brewery at
Terry Hut Indiana" Any suggestion
hat oil these three business men are Diff
'erent Fairhankscs altogether might lead
10 the lynching Of IT'S author.