Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-04-17
Mistellantuus 8eading.
FOR BRYAN AND A HAIR CUT.
Robertson Hasn't Been at the BARRIERS
Since 1896.

FOR BRYAN AND A HAIR CUT.
Robertson Hasn't Been at the BARRIERS
Since 1896.
If Bryan or some other Democrat
is elected president Of the United
States this year says a Macon. Mo-,
letter, Uncle Thomas Benton Robert
son Of this city will Immediately hike
to a barber shop for a shave and
hair cut. Then he will draw on
Quincy bank for 500 which has been
lying there to his credit since 1896.
When Mr.. Robertson read Bryan's
"cross of gold" speech that stamped
ed the Democratic convention in Chi
cago in 1895 he threw his hat in the
air and shouted "GIory!" His cousin,
Charles Winfield Of Quincy Ill.,, sug-
gested there might be a slip between
the cup and the Nebraskan's lips.
Don't you believe It," said Robert
son. THAT mans going to be presi-
dent I'm so sure of it that will agree
here and now never again to shave or
cut my hair until he or some other
Democrat is president"
"Pshaw!' said Winfield. you're
only talking, but I'll give you 5000
the day a Democrat is elected and
will deposit 500 to your credit at
Quincy"
Robertson was only Sc then and
was tall and a fine looking man. He
was more than ordinarily careful
about his personal appearance. and
Winfield didn't think he would run
the risk of becoming a freak.
But the Bryan admirer accepted
the challenge, and has faithfully kept
his compact through all the defeats
of the INSPIRED son." He hopes Bry-
an may be elected this fall, but he
looks rather wistful when he discuss
es his chances.
When Bryan was here couple of
years ago he learned about his mar
tyr friend and made an earnest effort
to have a chat with him after the
meeting, but Mr. Robertson had gone
home and that pleasure was denied
the perennial candidate.
Allowing one shave a week at 10
cents and eight hair cuts a year, Mr..
Robertson figures he is $S640 to the
good for the twelve years, but he con-
fesses he would greatly enjoy the lux
ury Of lifting the boycott against the
BARRIERS. He keeps his hair from
making him conspicuous by wearing
it plated on top Of his head.
His widowed daughter, with whom
he lives, earns so cents week for
attending to this feature Of his make
up. The hair has grown out long and
bright, like fine slken threads, and
glistens over the patriots shoulders
like a silver sheen. He's as proud OF
it as a village belle over her golden
tresses, and yet he hopes that he will
soon be able to part with it and keep
his vow.
"I've been a Democrat all my life,
as my father was before me-" said
M Robertson. my first vote was
cast for Stephen A. Douglas for pres
ident, and I don't recollect ever hav-
ing scratched a Democratic ticket,
municipal, county, state or national
except once, when a good neighbor
and friend ran for sheriff on the Re-
publican ticket. I voted for him and
he was elected. With that solitary
exception the record is absolutely
clear.
"Tt was a little funny the way
came to make this pledge. The coun-
try was wild over the money question,
and after that speech of Bryan's l
thought he had a walkover. If 1 had
been a betting man I would have put
up a big sum on him. but / had
enough sporting blood in me to back
my judgment anyhow.
Say. you read the papers pretty
close: What's the chance for our get
ting our man in? About time, don't
you Think"
Mr.. Robertson was born near Quin-
cy, Ill, III lOfU. HIS pdi 'Iil' hi''NN
to Missouri two years later and set
tied in Knox county. Since 1857 he
has been the owner and operator OF
a portable sawmll, and is in that bus
mess now.
He is as strong as any of the stall
wart fellows who work for him..
few years ago he had a wrestling bout
in which he defeated one of the big
gest and most powerful men OF this
town. He is inclined to imagine that
his long locks have something to do
with his strength.
eff you get this story up right, and
don't stretch it too bad" said Mr..
Robertson. I'm going to send Mr..
Bryan a copy of the paper and ask
him if it isn't time 1 cut my hair. I'm
going to put it directly up to him.