Rensselaer Republican, Volume 21, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1889 — A TAR-LOAD OF GUM NEEDED. [ARTICLE]

A TAR-LOAD OF GUM NEEDED.

The gum chewing contest, at the celebration to-day. promises to be oi.e of the most interesting Teatures of this most interesting occasion. Some of the famous chowers of Rensselaer have been in vigorous training for the chjnmpionsbip, ever since the announcement of the eontestj, and if, some one of them does not succeed in carrying away the belt, they will at least make it mighty interesting for the person who does. They will not have a “walk-away,”or perliap it would be better to say a “ehawaway” however, for many. of the most famous gum destroyers of the neighboring towns are coming, determined to carry off the belt or to wear out their- double-action, Gunjun rubber jaws in the attempt. The following letter to the chairman of the committee on sports, from one of the most accomplished gum-chcwers of MjL Ayr, only a sample of many others, explains itself and gives fair warning of the kind of opposition the gum-chewers of Rensselaer must meet and overcome, if they succeed in retaining the championship. The letter is as follows:

Mt. Ayr, June 27, ’B9. L. Hofktkb, Esq., Rensselaer, Ind. Dear Sir: Having read one of your '4th of July posters, regarding a Gum Chewing Contest, J would kindly ask for information at the request of 10 trthergrrfcr Yi r f'Does nie cbmlrhitteefurnish the gum, or have the contestants to furnish their own. I chew “ Yncatan” and can beat any girl in this Congressional district, on that particular gum; but Sallie Ann Dnbois can beat me on “Black Jack” gum. If you furnish the gum, can you furnish “Yucatan”? If you do, I will show you the most marvellous performance on record—cnewing in any position, on two sides at one time, without getting my jaws glued, and talk at the same time. Please address me and if your reply is satisfactory we will bring two wagon loads of gumdestroyers. Yours <fec.,

MINNIE BEEABOUT.