Brothers, Twins

North of Milwaukee are two Wisconsin counties, Sheboygan and Manitowoc, and two ambitious German-born brothers, Charles S. Voight and Edward Voight. The two counties fit together nicely into one judicial circuit. The full-grown Brothers Voight cannot, however, be fitted together into the single circuit judgeship. So, since both Brothers Voight are determined to be circuit judge, political fratricide impends. Last fortnight bold Brother Edward Voight was reminding Sheboyganders and Manitowocians how he served five terms (1917-27) in the U. S. House of Representatives, ever faithful to La Follettism. Brother Charles S. Voight, on the other hand, happily reminded people that La Follettism once meant Pacifism, and perhaps worse; that he, Charles S. Voight, helped sell Liberty Bonds, helped the local draft board, and spoke like a patriot "even in the German language."

Said cheerful Charles Voight: "For the life of me, I can't see how any man who served in the War can vote for Ed!"

Said eager Edward Voight: "I will let my record speak for itself and will not make a fight . . . unless forced to do so."

In trying to decide between the Brothers Voight, Wisconsin voters were at least luckier than West Virginians. Wisconsin's Voights are easily distinguishable one from another, Charles's face being longer and plainer than handsome, smiling Edward's. West Virginia has two Sharp brothers in politics and they are identical twins. Summers H. Sharp, circuit judge at Marlinton, W. Va., often visits Charleston, the capital, where George Sharp is Secretary of State. When both are in town at once, people rub their eyes and Negroes get the "jim-jams." George Sharp has been mentioned as a gubernatorial candidate and West Virginians say that, should he choose to run, he could (with Summers Sharp's help) campaign in two parts of the State at once, and, if elected, attend the executive office only half the time.