The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1884-05-28
OBLIGATIONS OF RANK.
AN ARkANsAw OFFICERS OPINION.
" Noblesso Oblige" was the Motto Adopt
cd by Justice of the Peace In tho
Southwest, Upon Receiving His
Commission.
IArkansaw Traveller.l

Caleb Andrews, a well-known citizen Of
Arkansaw tells rather an amusing story
concerning family pride.
~ was devotedly attached to Priscilla
Ridman," said Mr.. Andrews, "and after
being fully assured that my love was re-
turned, approached old man Ridman;
who had ever been friend Of our family
and asked his consent to our union"
"Certainly, Caleb said he. Certain
ly, for to tell you the truth have had my
eye on you for some time, because know
that you will make good husband. Be-
sides that, it is well that our families
should be united.'
"When can the marriage take place?
asked"
"Oh, any time, or rather as soon as ar.
rangements can be made.'
81 was delighted with the old mans
frankness His face seemed a model of
noble expression. My father agreed with
me concerning the old man Ridman, but
my mother, woman-like, would not agree
that he deserved any credit, and dropped
q mild hint that the Rldman family was no
better than hers, that her mother was old
Major Harvey's daughter, and that mono
Of the Harvey stock need feel elated even
II the Governor of the State should grant
the hand of his daughter. This was all
very well, and quite natural, my mother
necessarily being woman, but with me 1t
robbed old man Ridman Of nons Of the no
bility with which had surrounded him.
Extensive preparations for the wedding
were made, and doubt that there was ever
o happier clodhopper than l. The mar.
riage was to take place at noon Thursday.
War had been declared between the States,
and, after the ceremony, I, as Captain OF
q company, was TO march away, regretful
at such an early separation from my young
wife, but happy in the thought that
would be onvied by all the young men in
the neighborhood. Tuesday evening
went over TO Ridman's house. He did not
welcome me in his usual outburst Of:
'Why, my dear boy, how are youp and
thought that ho must be i'll.
"'Mr. Andrews said he, let me see you
moment
"There was chilliness in his voice and
an expression In his eye which could not
quite understand.
"He led the way down to the pen where
the hogs were eating. Placing his right
arm over the fence, he turned TO me with
an air Of Importance and said:
"T believe there has been some little
talk in regard to marriage between you
and my daughterP
~ looked at him in astonishment, and
replied affirmatively.
"'Such union is now impossible
"'WhyP / gasped.
"Whyp he exclaimed. why, indeed.
You certainly can not have heard of the
Governors action concerning me. He has
appointed me Justice OF the Peace. A
Judge, sir, under the Confederate Govern.
ment Tho war, young man, is intended
to define social lines. 1t is to confirm an
aristocracy which for years has been
growing. You are quite respectable
young man, with fair education, but you
can not hope to marry into the nobility.
Before was elevated TO the peerage,
gave my consent to your union with my
daughter, but now, sir, in duty bound to
myself and family, am forced to rescind
my former action
"My blood arose. "Sirp / exclaimed,
you forget that / am Captain in the
Confederate army
al seek not 10 rob you Of any laurels
that you may have won. A Captain can
make his position honorable, but he Is by
no means Squire. Ifyou attain the rank
General, then shall be pleased to recon.
slider this decision, but until then or some
similar elevation, must discountenance
your association with my daughter
"'Doos your daughter share your opin.
ion!'
MY daughter may not share, but she
accepts my opinion. She could not do
otherwise
al went home. The old foolp exclaimed
my father when / had told him. 'Pll &c
over and whale him till he can't stand up,
and 1t was as much as could do 10 dis.
suade him from his violent purpose.
"I went into the war without seeing the
girl again. Just before Lees surrender,
was promoted to tho rank of Brigadier
General. After peace was declared TO
turned home. Miss Ridman had not mar
ried, and / was told that she had never
ceased to grieve for me.
"One evening strolled over to see her
The sitting-room door was open, and, see
ing no one within, entered and sat down
ShufIling footsteps told Of some one's ap
proach. Old man Ridman entered. II,
looked at me a moment and said:
"'Have you come back 10 taunt mep
"'No, old man, having attained the ranl
OF General, have come back TO marry
your daughter
"'How do you know, sir, that will con
sent?
"'You said that all barriers would b,
removed should attain the rank OF Gen
eral.'
"'Yes, but you are only a Brigadior
General. Well, as did not specify wha
rank Of General, suppose II would b,
better TO yield. Remember, sir, that an
soon TO be candidate under tho Unitet
States Government for Justice OF th,
Peace F .I.t
ave have been marie for years. Tn,
old man lives with u,, and is constant,
engaged in copying opinions delivers
under authority OF tho Confederate gov
ernment." aEr
'H.H .I A wild Boy. q"
Monitor Republicano1