“FREAK” BETS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2352, 19 November 1908, Page 3

“FREAK” BETS.

STRANGE WAGERS ARISING OUT OF UNITED STATES ELECTION. ' .

A'•number of “freak” bets that always spring out of the Presidential election campaign were made in Washington. A business man undertook to roll the whole of the principal street—that is, from the Capitol to the White House —- should Mr. Taft he defeated. A leading stockbroker engaged to remain in bed. for six months should Mr Bryan lose the'day, while the proprietor of a well-known public house registered a vow that he would sell his business, give the proceeds to the establishment of -a- home to stray dogs, and remain teetotal for life, should Mr Taft fail to be elected by a majority of 50,000 votes. The most 'remarkable case of political “bundling;” however, is reported from Washington township, Cass County, lml. Whether or notthe liouso of George W. Burkhart, one of tho wealthy farmers of that prosperous township, .was to he painted depended upon the outcome of the election. The iss - ue_ was a momentous one, for the family and neighbors of Burkhart, at least. Tho rea-son-for this is that the realty, fine and valuable house of the farmer is fast going to ruin for lack of paint, a circumstance that disgusts his neigh® hors, to whom the weather-beaten and scaly structure lias become an eyesore. Burkhart is an ardent Democrat, and upon the defeat of some measure 12 years ago registered a vow that lie would not paint liis house until William J. Bryan was elected President of the Canted- States. When the vow wag made the house was in good condition as regards paint, but- the rain and sun of 12 years have wrought sad havoc with it.

So intense was the interest that some of the. neighbors expressed their intention of voting against their fixed political principles, for Bryan, that the home of Burkhart may be saved to his family.