The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-02-12

so novel that it cannot but interest the reader
THE DIVORCE BILL.
Mr. l.. S. Chatfed moved that the report o
the Committee IN grievances, on the application
of Doctor Frost for divorce from his wife Ell
vina Wells, be directed to be returned 10 sail
committee, with instructions to them to report
bill. d.
| Mr. G. supported his motion on the grounC
that case similar would, probably never occur
again; and that therefore no danger need be
unprecedented from establishing n precedent.
MIR Z. Il. Clark supported the motion ALSO
He regretted, at the time, that the committee
had reported adversely to the petition. 1t was
strange case-a case which no court could
reach. No criminal accusation could be brought
against the lady, Her suffer repugrance" to her
husband was the only reason which she assign
ed for refusing, from the moment the bans were
pronounced to live with her husband. This re
pugnanee grew out of an attachment entertain
ed for gentleman residing in this city, whom
she still wished to marry. BY passing this law,
she could do so, and the gentleman could also
marry whom he pleased.
MIR Pratt sustained the motion, at some length
on the ground that all parties concurred in the
petition, and that there was no prospect that
either party would ever consent to live with each
other. Indeed, so far as the lady is concerned,
there is no prospect that time will erase the af-
lection entertained for her first love, Mr. Shawl
j. " SHOW tnat dlIeCtlOI1, MT L. Teau from letter
which the lady had written to this Mr. Shawl, in
which she expressed strong affected for that
person, as well in prose as in verse-one couplet
of which was
While friendship has one charm for thee,
Remember mc-remember me.
This Mr. Shawl had invaded the bosom of this
lady and stolen her heart and she saws that if
he would not wed her, she would live single
life and n miserable one Mr. p objected to car.
sui into ,l,r A.
if it came within the rules ofthat Court, because
although Mr. Frost is now in the bloom of youth,
his head would be blosson1ed with the frost of
many winters, before he could obtain relief in
court.
Mr. Hascall opposed the motion. The princi-
pal argument urged in favor Of this motion was
the "repugnanco" of the lady to live with her
husband. Now, if that is 10 be deemed suffic-
lent cause for granting DIVORCE this House
would have cases ofrepugnance after repug-
nance, sent into them, with requests similar to
that now made by their petitioners. lie also
opposed the motion, because the passage of
bill would be establishing n dangerous prece.
dent.
Mr. Lawrence opposed the motion. The mar
rage was deliberately entered into. There was
no unfair means used on the part Of the hus-
band, father, or friends, and the match was
deemed at the time suitable one. 1t was true
that it is ruinered out of doors that there was
fraud practced to bring about this marriage
that David Shawl having obtained the heart of
Miss Wells, and being tired of her, said to her
' now my dear, MIR Frost loves you, and wish
es to marry you-you consent, and stand I'd
with him to he married, and when You do so,
and before the ceremony is concluded, will
step in and marry you myself" 1t is also said
that the minister had his cue, and as soon as the
parties appeared to be ready, that he told them
to join hands, and very hurriedly said, "I pro-
nounce you man and wife"-and that when he
did so, the lady Immediately drew her hand a |
way from that of Mr. Frost. But there was no
evidence of the truth of these rumors. Tfthey
are true, then it 10 fraud, and may be decided
in Chancery.
Mr. l.. thought the House should not be ia n
hurry. The lady may have &c sober second
hought," if time is given her, and she may
yet consent to live with her husband The tale
was pathetic one, and, if well told, it doubt.
ess would bring tears from all but old bach.
,lors.
Mr. L. said this match only took place last
March. They have not been on probation long
enough. She will by and by relent, and evado
he most disastrous evil which young lady can
suffer, to witt single life and If she does, the
prospects Of MIR Frost, which are now certain
y frosty enough, may be materially bettered.
The ssupposition that Mr. Shawl will ever
marry this lady is faacious. He has acted
'asely, aud by surrendering up her sletters, has
made himself unworthy of any woman If this
livosce should be granted he would have moth
ng to do with her. .-. .
He would not deny that she loved this MIR
Shawl. But it was now guilty passion. She
avs in one of her letters, written seven days af-
err marriage-"1 am as free from Frost as ever,
nd as good as ever, except that | am married."
Ind then begs him to still love her.
He hoped the gentlemen would pause. The
eople were opposed to these divorces.
Messrs Bruen and Denniston supported the
notion, and it was opposed by Messrs Hunt and
!. CLARK.
Mr. l.. S. Chaifeld, in answer to Mr. Law
ence, said that the fact ofthe fraud to which no
lluded could he fully established.
The motion was then carried, ayes rs, noes
9--and the committee were instructed to- bring
a bill of divorce. t.
ANECDoTE OF FARMER's DAUGHTER.-A
ew years ago, farmer Ewing few miles from
iason, sent his daughter on herse-bac to that
own, to procure fro I'm the bank smaller notes in
Xchange for one, of one hundred dollars