St. Landry democrat., 1879-11-22
A Leaaivilne Marriage,
HOW 4 CLERGYMAN OF THE CHURCH
MILITANT INSISTED UPON THE
ORTHODOX CEREMONY AND
WHAT CAME OF IT,
WHAT CAME OF IT.
New York Times.i

proved it beyond contradiction, and at
this moment public sentiment in Lead
willie pronounces him the ahlest and
most powerful clergyman for his weight
in the United States, while committee
of leading citizens is about to present
him with silver mounted revolver az
Il testimony of respect and admiration.
The Rev. Mr.. Withers earned this
enyiable reputation Il few weeks ago
while engaged in marrying the we'll
known Mr. Roaring Bill To one of the
most beautfurand accomplished daugh-
ters of Leadyillr. The bridegroom was
Il man of most excellent reputation,
having killed three men in hand-to-
hand fights and wounded number of
others. He was not accompanied to the
altar by any gGoomsman, and tho birdie
was similarly devoid of bridesmaids,
though their place was to SOME extent
taken by her three brothers. Mr..
Withers, who up to that time had been
known as an extremely peaceahlo man,
and WAS not supposed to have particle
of fighting ability about him, had been
warned that the bridegroom was very
quick tempered and exceedingly jealons.
and that he would do we'll 10 "ladle out
the service pretty considerable mild"
L
attention, being determined to do his
duty, no matter what the consequences
might be.
The service proceeded smoothly until
the clergyman reached the point where
he asked the bridegroom ii no took the
woman" to be his welded wife. To
this Mr.. Roaring Bill replied by re-
marking that he was about to marry
q "lady," and that any man who called
her q woman" must be remarkably
anious to incur the expense of Il per-
sonal funeral. Paying no attention to
this remark, the clergyman proceeded,
and inquired if the bridegroom wouii
promise to lave, cherish and protect
the bride, This was regarded by Mr.
Roaring Bill in the light of an unneces-
sary asking Of foolish questions. ain
course do he replied; what do you
take me for? Do YOU mean to insinua,e
that am playin' it onto herf | want
you to understand that this hyer's Il
square deal, and it you don't Just go
ahead with your marryin' and drop this
askin' Of impertlnent questions, it'll lead
to difficulties. You hear me-" Still the
courageous clergyman, Needless of the
rewIng storm, Ignored the bridegroom :
Interruptions, and read the service with
cool and steady courage. Presently,
he inquired of the bride If she would
promise to love, knnor and obey her
husband. At this point the latter drew
his revolver and informed the clergy
man that he WAS fast ripening for the
grave. ANY more personal questions
Will require me to answer with this hyer
weapon. | don't wish to make a raw il,
ii church. but ii you will have One lust
continue Ms you have hegnn. I'm n
peaceahle, long -suaerIn' man, but the
h0lest feelin's nf this lad, s heart isn't
goin to be pried into 10y no man without
he hears from me-"
Still the clergyman pursued the even
tenor ut his way. One might have inn
agined that be WIS deaf, so utterly
needless WAS he Of the irregular res
ponses made hy the bridegroom. The
spectators who had assembled to wit
ness the ceremony were making bets
freely az to whether Mr. Bill would kin
him AT the first fire or whether he woul!
merely mark him with bullet for future
Identification. Contrary to the gem
pral anticipation, the bridegroom made
no further interruption, either by word
or bullet, and the ceremony came to
al end. All might have ended peacea-
hly had not Mr.. Withers, determined
to do his whole duty, supplemented the
The first bullet missed its mark, and
just his aim. remarked that "this pain
ful immortality on the part of the clergy
must be checked" just as he was about
to fire the second shot-haying got the
clergyman's right ear in line-thp
brother of the bride sprang on him and
took away his pistol. At the same
moment Mr.. Withers tore off his sur
plice, and leaping over the railing struck
out at Mr.. Roaring Bill in most beau
tiful aud scientific way.
A ring was Immediately formed. The
bride climbed on the baptis,nal fontand
alternately encouraged each comhatant
with such inspiring remarks as, "Now,
then, Bill, bust him in the eye" or,
Hooray, Parson, the eyes of the Church
is on you! Back up your religion like a
little mani" The eager spectators
swarmed into the church aud fought
for good positions in the pulpit. The
betting at first was on the bridegroom,
but at the end of ten minutes large odds
were offered on the clergyman. His
courage was undoubted, and his pugil-
istic skill was simply astounding. His
adversary scarcely touched him. while
the clergyman danced around him, now
closing an eye and now shaking the
foundations of his teeth will, smiling
confidence that created the widest en-
thusiasm. In twenty minutes and five
rounds he had reduced his man to per-
feet helplessness. Mr.. Roaring Bill
cried, enough" the spectators cheered,
and the bride, descending from her perch
kissed the Clergyman with hearty frank
ness, and informed him that she sll oull
never allow any husband of hers to
come between her and her religion.
Such was the public enthusiasm in
Leadville over the elergyman's victory
that no less than thirty leading citiztns
came forward and offered to be .cnn-
firmed as an evidence nf their good will,
provided the RECTOR would refrain from
with card d-playing and other
usual Sunday recreations. As has been
said, the admiration of Leadville. is
about to be egpressedi in silver mounted
pistols, and there is no doubt the PROS
perity of St. Georges Church AND the
popularity Of Mr.. Withers are fully
assured.
The WHITE HoUsE.-The White
House WAS first built in 1899. at a cost
of $3.50 900. It was not occupied until
1900. 1t was rebuilt in 1916 and oecu-
pied in 1918. TIA portictles were not
finished until 1899. Altogether, it il !
to have cost for building. re-.
bnilding and furnishing bout 81. 100000. |
r.,