Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-01-24
Wedding Fees.

II Many years ago New Ork mlnlStc
, was sittingin the office of lawyer VIII
was one Of his MEMBERS. chatting on vari
Gus subjects, and as the pastor happenet
tp.speak Of the hard times, and the dila
toriness of the church in paying his small
salary, the lawyer remarked:
Now hardly agree with you, pastor
in your assertion that ministers are pait
less for their work than any other class o.
professional men. They have great dea
given to them in one way and another, do.
nation parties, Christmas presents, ETC.
Then the item of wedding fees alone,
which you seldom hear them speak about,
but which must amount to quite sum,
several hundred dollars in the course of a
year, brings them in a good revenue"
do YOU think so:" said. the Clergyman.
Now come right down to dots, what do
YOU suppese-is the average fee that l re-
ccive?''
Il should say twenty dollars was low.
estimate, said the lawyer. ''Here in New
York have often known persens-to give
one hundred dollars, end a fifty dollar fee
is quite common; but considering the tact
that you marry good many OF the poor,
or those who are moderately well of, as
well as the rich. should think, as>E said,
that twenty dollars was allow average"
THAT calculation is rather LARGE" said
the minister, but still cannot tell exact
w. as have not reckoned up what have
received this year."
mo, presume not said the lawyer.
IL have noticed that ministers don't gen.
orally know how much they receive, when
the sum is pretty large, but rather think
they would if it was very small one. But
will tell you what will do. will give
you ten dollars for half your next fee, and
1 don't believe shall lose anything by it,
either. Do you accept that:'
The minister hesitated moment and
then said, '.Yes-well. yes; IL! accept that
ten dolllrs for half the next fee.''
He soon babe him good morning and
went home to his dinner. While he was at
the table the bell rang, and the servant
came in saying man 1T the door wished
to see him moment. He found a rough
looking farmer standing there, who ac-
cOsted him thus:
Good morning. Doctor, came in to see
if you could just tie me up. this morning.
Sal and have been talking about it Il good
while. and we have come to the conclusion
that faint no use to wait no longer
"Oh. yes.'' said the doctor, walk in, .
walk in. Where do you want to be mar
riel:''
fright here" cried the farmer. ''ifyou "
re willin'. SAILS in the wagon and Ill bring
hcr i'm
50 he brought in a blooming country
maid. and the minister. who had dotted his
gown and slipped on his best Sunday 60
coat, made them one in most
style. After the ceremony and
he congratulations, the farmer said:
''-About the fee, pastor; we hain't much
money, but thought your children might
'e fond of pets, so told Sal would just II
ring one of our pups" Saying which he IT,
pped up small box and lifted out a little T,
1hte pup upon the piano. ri
The minister could scarce contain his to-
lirth, but thanked the bridegroom and nc
Did him the children would be glad of it, W. W.
nd babe him a pleasant good morning. an
[e finished his dinner, and putting the pup sci
,refi,l,v hack into the box started with II Ph
nder his arm for the lawyers office.
His friend was quite surprised to see him
, soon again. but the pastor relieved his
lriosity by saying: Tn
IL had no idea when accepted your Pr
Ter this morning that should have to Gle
'me SO soon to claim it, and l hardly pa
ink should have accepted it so quickly, y"
I'd known was to marry a couple to-
", and receive such an unusual and I'M
,pected fee. Generally there is not so
uch difference in them, but this was
rfect surprise to me- DC D.
NO backing out now." said the lawyer, ca,
hat bargain was fair and square, and you Ho
llst hold to it. Here's your ten dollars:
md over the fec
The minister demurretl a moment, told
m he should beware how he made such
sh promises again: but finally unfasten-
e the cover of the box. said: '.All right. -
] stand by the bargain and tumbled tio
1t the pup on the lawyers desk. and with orr
e blandest smile upon his face, waving Ger
S hand and bowling politely, he said: mu
Heres the fee-which half will you take:'' OF
The blank look of amaZement which
the countenance of the lawyer.
he looked at the rolling puppy, was J
nusing to see. -
You don't mean it, that you married a
uple and that was your fce:'' G
''lndeed it was" said the minister. land
farmer who presented it thought he
rs doing handsome thing"
Then with hearty laugh the lawyer
nded him the gold piece, and told him
at he thought he had nothing more to =
Y in regard to the enriching Of ministers On
wedding fees.
MQuGsmw tho Ra