The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1877-01-18
THE BBNNErT-MAY DUEL

New Tork's Latest Social Sensation
Fall Particulars Regarding the Un-
fortunate Termination Of lanes Cor
don Bennetcs Matrimonial tuesres
rAent-Three shots Esshansed at ID
Pasess
Prom the New York Sun. Jan. 81
There are all sorts of stories and con-
lectures as to the immediate causs of
the trouble-she last straw that broke
The engagement. One is that Mr.. Ben
nett at a dinner party said all the Mays
wanted him for was his money. An
other is, that when not himself. he went
to the Mays' and behaved in manner
that caused the Doctor to write letter
of demonstrated, to which he maid ne
attention.. Another is that there was
violent scene on New Years night, in
the course of which Mr.. Bennett used
unbecoming language both 70 Df. and
Mrs, May. ard thai it was anger at this
Tho doubt unprecedented and uncon-
scious-rudenes to their mother that
sent the sons out, armed with whips,
in search of the offender. A friend OF
all parties concerned furnishes the fol-
lowing version of the facts:
1t was during the sunmer of 1875
that Mr.. Bennett began to pay marked
attentions to Miss May. She had the
seat of honor on the box of his coach.
She was the henored. guest on board
his yacht The ensuing winter they
were seen much together-out driviag,
at the theater, at reception, at dinner
parties, at the opera, and so IL was rn-
mored they we're engaged 10 be mar
ried. The match was regarded bril-
liant one by the young lady's friends,
especially as the young people seemed
devoted to each ether. The friends of
Mr.. Bennett and his illustrious father
were equally pleased, though some who
were aware that the young gentleman
had an erratic, inipulsiye, unfortunate
temperament, and had been several
times engaged, had their fears. 1t was
promised, however, that Mr.. Bennett
was really most devoted to Miss May,
who is very charming young lady,
and they hoped for the best.
Mr.. Bennett is not a lady's man. He
rather avoids ladies' society, finding
more pleasure in that cf gehtlefhen In
clined. Ike himself, to polo, yachting
and athletic sports. His greatest fault,
now so generally known that it is no
longer secret, was his liability at any
moment to go on spree. Liquor gives
many man dull nature it so affects
Mr.. Bennett. inteasiftiihg Ills impulsive-
ness, obstinacy. and Scotch suspicion,
and deadening the many noble qualities
of head and heart which, characterize
him when he is himself" But it had
been some time since he had been on a
spree; he was too assiduous in his at
tentions to his fiancee; he was too much
interested III his preparations for the
introduction OF polo at Jerome Park;
he was looking and conducting himself
generally so much for the better, that
all his friends began to hope, this time,
there would be a MARI age.
1t was rumored that date in May
had been fixed for the nuptials. Sud-
denly, as these events always occur, and
Just as he had so often done before; the
prospective gloom went off on one of
his unfortunate sprees. The prepara-
tons for the wedding were promptly
suspended. ......
The spree over, the unfortunate man
once more id the full possession of his
really splendid faculties, was the pic
ture of remorse. His fiancee wrote,
offering to release him. He wrote
frankly, acknowledging that he, did not
think himself worthy of her, saying
that, once married, her influence over
him would be all-powerful. Of course
she relented.
After last summers season of polo at
Jerome Park Mr.. Bennett went to New
port and started the game there. His
betrothed, her brother and other mem
bers of the family were his honored
guests throughout the season at New
port. With the return to town in the
autumn came rumors of the arrival
from Paris of the wedding trousseau,
on which the custom officials we're said
to have demanded dut- to the
amount of $1,000. The nuptials
were to be private. One
day there happened in the May
mansion a small but select circle of
relatives and friends, and there was a
fair young bride arrayed in spotless
white, and there was a clergyman to
make the twain one; but there was no
bridegroom. Another letter and an
other forgiveness. The indignant IA
Their would consent only on condition
that the groom should make marriage
settlement. The groom objected; the
laws of the State made sufficient pro-
vision. Parental consent was finally
given to the selection of another date.
A wedding tour on the continent was
decided on. On the evening before the
day the old, unhappy story was repeat
ed, with aggravating circumstances.
When Mr.. Bennett left the house the Ia
dies were in tears. One of the brothers
came in and found them crying, and
asked the cause. What followed is now
history.
THE DUEL.
BALTIMORE, Jan. 9.-Dr. Frank May