The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1880-01-03
A LEAOViLLE MARRIAGE.

has just proved it beyond contradic
ton, and at this moment public SEN
timent in Leadyille pronounces him
the ablest and most powerful clergy
man for his weight in the United
States, while committee of citizens
is about TO present him with silver
mounted revolver as a testimony of
respect and admiration.
The Rev. Mr.. Withers earned this
enyiable reputation few weeks ago
while engaged in marrying the we'll
known Mr.. Roaring Bill to one of the
most beautiful and accomplished
daughters of Leadville. The bride
groom was man of most excellent
reputation, having killed three men
in hand-to- hand fights and wounded
a number of others. He was not ae-
companied to the altar by any
groomsman, and the bride was sim-
larly 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 peaceable man, and
WAS not supposed to have a particle
of fighting ability about him, had
been warned that the bridegroom was
very quick tempered and exceeding
ly jealous, and that he would do well
to "ladle out the service pretty con
sderably mild" To this warning,
however, he paid no 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
if he took the woman" to be his
welded wife. To this Roaring Bill
replied by remarking that he was
about to marry a "lady," and that
any man who called for woman
must he remarkably anxious to incur
the expense of a personal funeral
Paying no attention to this remark,
the clergyman proceeded, and inqulr-
ed if the bridegroom would promise
to love, cherish and protect the bride.
This was regarded by Mr. Roaring
Bill in the light of an unnecessary
asking Of foolish questions. ''ln
course, / do" he replied; "what do
You take me for? Do you mean to
insinuate that | am playin' it unto
her? ! want you to understand that
this hyer's Il square deal, and if you
don't just go ahead with your mar
ryin' and drop this askin' of imperti-
nent questions, it'll lead to difficult
ties. You hear meY' Still the cour
ageous clergyman, Needless of the
brewing storm, ignored the bride
groom's interruption, and read the
service with cool and steady courage.
Presently he inquired of the bride if
she would promise to love, honor and
obey her husband. Atthis point the
latter drew his revolver and informed
the clergyman that he was fast rip
ening for the grave. amy more per
sonal questions will require me to
answer with this hyer weapon. /
don't wish to make a row in church
but If you will have one, just contin-
ne as you have begun. I'm peace
able, long-sufferin' man, but the ho-
Hest feelin's of this lady's heart isn't
goin' to be pried into by no man
without he hears from me-"
Still the clergyman pursued the
even tenor of his way. One might
have imaginad that he WAS deaf, so
utterly needless was he of the irregu-
lar responses made by the bride
groom. The spectators who had as
sembled to witness the ceremony
were making bets freely as to wheth-
er Mr.. Bill would kill him at the
first fire or whether he would merely
mark him with a bullet for future
Identification. Contrary to the gen
eral anticipation, the bridegroom
made no further interruption, either
by word or bullet, and the ceremony
came to an end. All might have
ended peacefully had not Mr. With
ers determined to do his whole duty,
supplemented the ceremony by kiss
ing the bride.
The first bullet missed its mark,
and the bridegroom, while pausing
to adjust his aim, remarked that
this painful immortality on the part
Of the clergy must be checked" Just
as he was about to fire the second
shot-having got the clergyman's
ear in line-the brother of the bride
sprang on him and took away his
pistol. At the same moment, Mr..
Withers tore off his surplice, and,
leaping over the railing, struck out
at Mr. Roaring Bill in most beau
tiful and scientific way.
A ring was Immediately formed.
The bride climbed On the baptismal
font and alternately encouraged each
combatant with such inspiriting re-
marks as, Now, then, Bill, bust him
in the eye" or "Hooray, Parson, the
eyes of the church is on yon. Back
up your religion like little man"
The eager spectators swarmed into
the church and fought for good po
sitions in the pupil. The betting at
6rst was on the bridegroom, but at
the end of ten minutes large odds
were offered on the clergyman. His
courage was undoubted, and his pu-
gilistic skill was simply astounding.
His adversary scarcely touched him,
while the clergyman danced around