Wood County Reporter

NEAR USING FISTS.

Jerry Simpson and A. J. Streeter Have It Hot and Heavy in a Topeka Hotel.

The Illinoisan Trying to Defeat the Sockless Politician's Senatorial Plan.

It Is a Thrust Back For Alleged Past Wrongs—Friends Part Them.

TOPEKA, Kas., Jan. 7.—A sensational interview took place in the lobby of one of the leading hotels this evening between Jerry Simpson, congressman from the seventh district, who wants to be senator, and A. J. Streeter, third party leader from Illinois, who does not want him to be. Streeter arrived this afternoon and at once made his object known. The news reached Jerry Simpson and he immediately set out to see Streeter and a lively interview ensued. Simpson asked Streeter if it was true he came to Topeka to work against his election to the senate. Streeter admitted frankly that such was the object of his visit. Simpson asked why he is taking such action. Streeter explained that it is because Simpson antagonized him for a similar position at Springfield. Simpson said it is untrue that he advised third party men to vote for Palmer and defied Streeter to prove it. Streeter drew from his pocket a telegram signed "Jerry Simpson" stating that in his opinion Palmer would best subserve the interests of the third party. Simpson declared the telegram a forgery, whereupon Streeter exclaimed that the statement was not true and Simpson knew it. Simpson grew white with rage and a personal encounter between the two men seemed imminent when friends intervened. Streeter is not working for any particular candidate, but announced that the election of some middle of the road" populist will best subserve the interests of the third party. Simpson, he says, is a democrat.