The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1882-07-25

Erroneous ideas on the subject Of the
capacity otap omnibus. The excur-
sionists began TO pack themselves In
and on top OF the hacks, and they
succeeded so well that the last one
was just comfortably filled by half a
dozen passengers. Among the num-
Der was Rev. v. o. Gee, a Bowling
Green minister, who had been sum-
moned by telegram to marry couple
at the Cave, Wednesday evening. The
party proceeded slowly over the
mountainous road TO the Cave, and it
was with pleasure that they neared
their destination after four hours of
rough riding. The writer had the
honor ofridipg in the coach that was
robbed by the Hon. Jesse James two
years ago. The spot ofthe robbery
was pointed out 10 us,and was viewed
with interest. All along the road we
were continually beset by tow headed
children and barefooted maidens, who
had fruit, flowers and the like to sell.
When in half a mile the stsrs and
stripes became Visible, floating TO the
breeze at al attitude OF sixty feet, and
the boys began to initiate their valises,
by blowing 10 the kcyholes, prepara-
tory to alighting. The task of un.
loading and securing rooms was the
most troublesome one encountered
on the trip, and II was only with the
greatest difficulty that rooms were
secured for the ladies'. AS for the
gentlemen. they were glad enough
10 get cots and mattresses on the
fioor. There were probably four
hundred people at the Cave, aud the
hotel would haYe been crowded with
half the number, SO the reader can
form some idea Of the state Of affairs.
After eating supper, the Hopkinsville
party divided; part OF them decided
to 60 into the Cave and the Others
preferred 10 attend the regular even
Ing dance. II would be impossible
10 give even All imperfect account Of
the way the time was occupied dur
Ing the days two at the Cave, so we
will draw veil oyer the minor In
cidcnts, aud pass ON TO the visit into
Mammoth Cayo the next morning.
After breakfast a party of over one
hundred persons started In 10 stake
in" the short route, the long route
being partially obstructed by the
high waters Of the subterranean
streams. Were we b undertake to
tell all that was seen itwouId make o
large sized book. The route over
which we travelled was -four miles
long. which was less than half the
length ofthe long route. The princi.
pal objects ofinterest on this route
were the Inyalids' Home, the Giants
Coffin, the Gothic Chamber, the Goth
ic Avenue, the Bottomless Pit, the
Salipeter Vats, the Elephants head,
the Antcater, Wsshing.on's Profile,
Pensacola Avenue, the. Methodist
Chapel, the Wooden Bowl, the Arm
Chair, Lovers Leap, Elbow Crevice,
Fat Mans Misery, Lake Purity and
the Star Chamber. This last Is the
most wonderful of all the curiositici
Of the Cave. 1t is probably one hun
dred feet high, half as wide and twice
as long. When the lights we're ex'
tinguishcd, stars could be seen upon
the stone over head, and the lights
were taken around jutting rocks, and
made to initiate the rising and
setting Of the sun, aud tho shadows
to counterfeit flying clouds. Here an
incident occurred that will mover be
forgotten, by at least some who were
present. His Excellency, Gov. Black
burn and party who were also in the
Cave, were encountered in the Star
Chamber. Rev. Mr.. Gee, who had
married Mr.. Miller, Of Californian
Miss Shepler, OF Pennsylvania, III the
hotel the evening before, was alst
in the party. After some songs ant
other exei cises, Gov. Blackburn was
called upon for speech. lie res
pended in a short talk, concluding
his remarks BY saying that the tint
was most propltious one for 70
mantle marriage, that q minister wal
present, and that he had the authori'
| ~ to grant license and that he woult
do SO II any couple In the crowd de-
sired to unite their destinies. Atfhfl
invitation young colder from Bow
ling Green and one of Hopkinsville''
bellies, in for Joke, stepped for
ward and requested to DO married
The Governor turned to the minister
and authorized him TO perform the
ceremony. The SPECTATORS crowded
around. while Rev. Mr.. Gee 4epped
forward and said, Marriage Is holy
and an ordinance instituted by God
have been requested TO unite you in
marriage. Irecognize the fact that
the Governor has power to authorize
mo to proceed, and | now desire tc
know ifsuch Is your desire. admon'
ishmg you that what 10 done must b,
done in Gods name" These wordl
spoken iii a solemn and impressive
manner. began to look Ike business
and sickly smile wrapped its6I
around the young mans features
while the young lady looked like sh,
thought the joke was being "rnn il
the ground" as zeno Young woult
say. The spectators looked at eact
other, not knowing whether itwas