Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-05-09
A STORY OF REAL LIFE.
The Secret Marriage Of a Million,
aires paughtsrtn New York.


New York Tribune. 5th.l
Mr.. Lopez gave his version of the
matter to a Tribune reporter, yes
terday afternoon, IN the presence of
his lawyer, T. Francis Gibbons, of
No. II West Fourth street Lopez
is man of heavy frame and un-
graceful carriage. He has closely
cut dark hair, covering curiously
shaped head, and projecting over a
low forehead ; his eyes are dark. and
when he is conversing they flash
between his heavy eyebrows and
sunken cheeks; a stiff black mus
tache overShadows large mouth
and massive jaws; his clothes are
of ordinary quality, and not fash
ionably cut. His age appears to be
over thirty-fye. He said that he
had been bounded almost to death
by policemen, detectives and re-
porters. With the advice Of coun-
sci, he had refused to state his side
Of the story, and the reported in.
terviews with him already pub
lished were false. After some fur
ther conversation, however, he con-
seHted to talk freely about the mat
ter. The Morisons, he claimed,
were using every effort to have the
press present only their side of the
affair.
81 was born in France of French
and German parentage," said Mr..
Lopez by way OF introduction. 81
have lived in Cuba, Mexico and al
most every country of the globe
and l speak all the languages. Re
Gently | have been in government
employ in California and the West
My occupation has been that of a
teamster. met my wife,. then
Miss Morrison, about eighteen
months ago. l was temporarily
staying in the city, and saw her fol
the first time on the street. l was
much impressed with her appear.
ance, and as she observed this, we
ended a Irritation in an acquaint-
ance. She-was a bright, winsome,
enthusiastic young lady, and had
the appearance of being closely con.
fined by her family, We enjoyed
the first walk so much that a sec
ond was arranged and was followed
by Others, during which we became
well acquainted and formed an at.
tachment for each other. Her
family, who she told me were often
cruel to her, particularly her sisters,
were entirely ignorant Of my exist
ence and of the attentions which
was paying to the daughter. 1t be-
came necessary for us to inter
change letters, and we obtained the
confidence of Mrs. Lilly, the, cook,
who always saw that Georgiana's
letters never reached any other
member of the family,
Becoming deeply infatuated
with Miss Morrison, | gave up my
intention of leaving the city for my
Western home until could take
her with me as my wife, and we
soon became engaged, | was con-
vinced of the uselessness Of our
communicating this fact to her pa.
rents, SO we determined upon a
secret marriage, After an absence
of some months from the city, dur
ing which l corresponded with my
betrothed, returned and we were
married. ! Immediately sent my
wife to her home, intending as soon
as / could settle my business TO mp
pear before her father, announce
our relations, and then take her to
| California. Ihe admission OF our
marriage by my wife put new
phase on the case, and ] soon
learned that she had been spirited
away. Ny next step was to write
to Mr.. Morrison, stating where !
could be found, but ] received no
reply. / next had my attorney in
form him by letter that / should
sue out writ of habeas corpus
for the recovery of my wife, unless
a compromise looking to her resti-
tuition was effected. Mr.. Morison'E
attorney replied to this, requesting
me to meet him and Mr.. Morrison
at his Office on the following day